Chapter 138: Press conferences and unasked for prizes

Chapter 138: Press conferences and unasked for prizes

I had a little bit of time before the press conference, so I assembled the Well, I couldnt really call them my A team as Dennis and Rocko were both on leave while Forrest was on his journey.

I tilted my head and considered the room. Id been able to get Rachel, Yolanda, Missy, Bethany the old reception lady, Lawrence, and Stephen. They werent the people who would serve this discussion best, perhaps, but they had their strong points that Im sure theyd bring to the table.

Oh, who am I kidding? This was very slapdash.

I coughed. Alright gang, I called you here because theres going to be a press conference in an hour, and while theres going to be some talking points about the match, I pretty much know what Im going to talk about for the most part. Rachel and Lawrence shared a look; both of them looked nervous for some reason.

So what are we here for? Yolanda asked.

I raised a hand. Bouncing an idea off mostly and also some impromptu research, I waved a hand at the computers we had. Then I raised a hand to forestall any further comments. What I want to do is see how good an idea it would be to advance up the Ace rankings.

That got a few whistles of surprise. Yolanda perked up. Thats a great idea! she said.

I shot her a pleased look while the others looked thoughtful. I coughed. Now, that being said, Id need to start from the basics. My own ranking.

I brought up a computer that projected the image of the screen onto the wall with my trainer ranking. Sixty-second? I said. I tilted my head.

Wasnt it higher the other day? said Yolanda, mirroring my own thoughts.

Missy coughed. While Brock faces lots of challengers, theyre not all Ace challenges that are determined by a points system. Now one of the issues is that the more you fight, the more you gain points. The top tier ace trainers also have their for and against rankings taken into account but every month a negative of a sort is applied that forces trainers to continually be fighting and performing.

Missy walked up and tapped on another icon on the profile page to display a graph. Sure enough, a drop in my ranking did occur when the month ticked over.

Huh, I didn't know about that, I said casually.

Its something that you probably wouldnt encounter much of. Its crazy how high you got from just people challenging you to test themselves against a trainer that beat Lance, she said, pointing at the highest point.

Yolanda chewed her lip. Will he doesnt really need to challenge you again or any of the Gyms, does he?

I grimaced. No, but there is a certain prestige associated with it. While most of us arent ranked on the Ace leaderboard, we are acknowledged as some of the most powerful trainers around.

Yolanda waved a hand. What is the lowest rank he needs to reach to be able to challenge for an Elite Four position?

Missy hummed in thought. Top ten, at least, and then he can attend an invitational midseason tournament where the prize is a lot of money or a shot at the Elite Four. Otherwise, he needs to attain the number one position by the end of the circuit for his next shot. Then an end-of-season tournament will occur between the top twenty trainers with a larger prize pool as well as a right of challenge.

Yolanda frowned. So the winner from the mid-season tournament, the end of season number one, the winner of the end of year circuit, the end of year Ace circuit, and the Gym Leaders Why arent there more challengers against the Elite Four? Yolanda said with a tilt of her head.

Missy hummed. A lot of Ace trainers make good money once they make the top thirty, At Yolandas confused look Missy elaborated. Its enough to retire after a year or two from sponsorship deals good money. For them, it would be worse to take on a position as an Elite Four member financially, and it is a lot more stressful with having to be part of the government.

Missy rubbed her chin. That being said, I have spoken with a number of Ace trainers, and there is a stipulation that if they make it to the Elite Four, they get a lot of money. Usually, there are like two or three attempts a year?

I still would have thought that there would have been more changes in the Elite Four, Yolanda said.

Stephen coughed. I think living with Brock has somewhat skewed your perception of strength.

I shot him a look, and Stephen shrugged. You have a solid pokemon team, and I think your Ace ranking isnt reflective of your strength.

Hmmm, I said, unsure what to say about that. Well weve gotten off-topic; I think it would be worth it to advance up the rankings. I dont want Will to have any choice but to have a rematch with me through social pressure or a tournament. That midseason tournament is perfect. Can I make the top ten in the next two months?

Missy rubbed her chin. I think it's doable. You can start facing some stronger trainers. I think once you reach the top thirty, youll need to be careful.

And what about the top ten?

Missy sucked on her teeth. In reality, the top five is the position you want. The positions of sixth through ten change hands a lot as they are constantly challenged or challenging above them. You could return to fighting one or two matches a week and then ramp up to two or three in the month leading up to it,and I think youd make it.

Top five, hmmm? Who are they currently?

Missy tapped on the computer and brought up a list of names.

Missy brought up a profile and I blinked when a masked visage stared out from the screen. The mask was that of an angry Noctowl.

Missy coughed. The fifth position is a trainer that has always been a masked Missy trailed off as the section next to the name was clearly visible.

Walker? I tilted my head to the side. Why was that name familiar?

Missy opened up her own transceiver and loaded up the profile. Huh, she said eloquently.

I raised an eyebrow. Whats up?

She turned her transceiver around to show that her account didnt list the fifth positions name. They were merely listed as Masked Owl. I blinked and looked at my computer. My computer was linked to my Gym and potentially my Guardian information network. I was pretty sure I had disconnected that but no this must have been a Gym level information setting that was allowing me to see Masked Owls name.

Oh, I said, realising that without meaning to, Id accidentally unmasked an apparent celebrity and high-ranking Ace trainer to the room. I flicked a glance over the room. No one seemed to have made the connection just yet as to why a man named Walker might be interested in rising up the ranks of the Ace standings.

Bethany adjusted her glasses and stared at the projected image. Isnt that Shafners boy?

With that, the pokepenny dropped. Lawrence hissed in surprise. Thats the former leader of the Violet City gym!

Yolanda gasped. Thats Falkners dad?! she said.

I grimaced. Whoops! So I guess I can expect a lot of Flying types from him then? I said, deciding to ignore the accidental reveal. It honestly wasnt too crazy when you thought about it.

A disgruntled and shamed former Gym Leader, son of the former Elite Four, dons a mask and rises through the ranks. Eventually, he earns the right to challenge the Elite Four, which he takes. Then with his victory, he reveals himself.

Much drama, very wow.

I didnt care.

Id check later if it was my Gym Leader account or my Guardians intelligence that granted me the reveal. One of them implied that Falkner, and indeed most of the higher-ranked League officials, might know what Walker was doing, while the other might mean something else.

Regardless, it wasnt what I was here for.

I might smack him around if I encountered him.

For Falkners sake, of course. I wasnt going to project because of how Flint and Walkers situations were similar. Yup, for Falkners sake!

So! Moving on! I said, causing the rest of the room to gape at me.

Stephen shot to his feet. You cant just drop knowledge like that on us and not expect us to talk about it!

I can and I will! This is a dictatorship! I said, loading up the Ace in the Fourth position.

A picture clicked into place, and I blinked as a ridiculously young trainer was revealed. I frowned as I read the kids biography.

Carr, He was runner-up for his circuit run three years ago. He went pro and has been clawing his way up the ranks as the youngest in the top ten in years. I tilted my head. This kid is sixteen? He looks like hes ten! I said, indicating the picture that was smirking in a manner that only a child could manage.

Stephen shrugged. Might just be a late bloomer or not look his age?

I huffed and inspected the kid the young mans pokemon team. Steelix, Skarmory, Forretress, Scizor, Aggron, Magneton, Blastoise, Golem, Sudowoodo, Arbok, Weezing, and Raticate. Interesting. I looked for anything else note-worthy about him, but apart from his age and childish appearance, he otherwise seemed to be a strong trainer.

Corey, third-ranked on the Ace circuit currently, I said, deciding to keep moving. I clicked on his profile, and his image and information popped up.

Something about this young man gave me pause. His face looked familiar to me for some reason. I looked at his pokemon team and found that he had a Pidgeot, Scyther, Hitmonlee, Venusaur, Sandslash, Tauros, Raichu, Fearow, Poliwrath, and a Rhyhorn as some of the pokemon he had used so far. Something about this kid I couldnt put my finger on why I thought I knew this guy.

I shook it off and looked at the next trainer.

Number two was a young woman by the name of Valerie from Ecruteak City. Her pokemon team was listed as a Mr Mime, Mawhile, Clefable, Azumarill, Wigglytuff, Granbull, Persian, Lickitung, Furret, Smeargle, Farfetchd, Dodrio, and Pidgeot.

Lots of Fairy and Normal-typed pokemon, I said aloud as reviewed her pokemon. Shed have a lot of pokemon with good versatility, however. Yolanda agreed with a nod while Stephen shifted in his seat.

That typing is still up for debate, Brock, he said, like someone pointing out a technicality.

I rolled my eyes only to find a note on Valeries file. Shes sponsored by Samurai Furret, the television show? I said.

Oh! She is too! It says that the Furret they use for inspiration is her pokemon! Yolanda said with a laugh.

I then chuckled. Heh, sorry about that, got a bit intense there for a moment didnt it? I said rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. I glanced down only to sigh.

PTN? I said with some dread.

A man stood up, and damn, that was yet another punchable face. He smirked down at me as if Id already fallen for his trick question. Two parter, he said before running a hand back through his greasy hair.

I huffed and waved for him to continue. I noted he expected to get away with it rather than asking for permission.

Do you think that youll do better in a rematch? Will has already faced you and now knows some of your tricks, like with your Gawain, he said with air quotes.

I stared at him. Yes, obviously I do, I said, deciding to give that a quick response.

The man snorted at my comment, only to make a show of flicking over the page of his notepad.

Are you going to be suing? he said. His eyes drifted to the side. I can only assume thats why you brought your lawyer along today?

Instantly, cameras swung to the side and locked onto Lawrence, who was standing next to Rachel. Lawrence merely inclined his head towards the crowd while Rachel waved merrily.

I coughed. Lawrence is my lawyer, yes, but he is also a good friend. He gives more than great legal advice; he also gives me advice on certain topics. I will be leaving the official investigation to the League, as Wills match did highlight a number of shortcomings that have previously not garnered public attention. Now they are in the public eye, and they are an eyesore, you could say.

I started to look down for another person, only for the man to not sit. Rather, he huffed in annoyance. Thats not what I meant. What about Silph Co? I assume you purchased their pokeball and used them during your match? Their failures led to your pokemon not being able to be withdrawn, effectively costing you the match.

I blinked. I hadnt expected that. I glanced down at my transceiver. Was that why Silph Co was trying to call me?

I tilted my head in thought. I think thats something I hadnt considered to any degree. I will have to say no comment for now.

The man opened his mouth, only for his neighbour to grab him and drag him down. I nodded at the man, happy and yet slightly disappointed that theyd done so. I would have kicked out the PTN reporter if theyd kept pushing.

I rattled through a number of other reporters and made good progress before wrapping things up. I knew Id tossed a Meowth into the Pidgey as I marched away because of how happily a number of the reporters were buzzing as they helped pack up.

As I departed, Silph Co. once again called me.

I waved Lawrence over and indicated the transceiver. He hummed in thought, running a hand through his mohawk. Hmmmm, do you want to talk with them or do anything serious like made some noise over your pokeballs failing you?

I shook my head. I dont want to make any noise over it but I would like their insight into it.

Lawrence nodded. Them, or an Apricorn pokeball creator would be your best bet for understanding what was going on with Jynx, he said. Lets see what they have to say?

I nodded and led him to my office while answering the call. This is Gym Leader Brock, I said neutrally.

On the screen, the clean-shaven face of a middle-aged man appeared. He was wearing a suit and appeared to be sitting in a high-rise office. Ah! Gym Leader! Ive been trying to get hold of you for a while. I understand you needed some time to look at your pokemon after yesterdays fiasco.

I raised an eyebrow. I wouldnt call it that, I said pointedly. Thing is As Sabrina would tell me, while not ideal, it could have been much worse.

Well for you, certainly not but for us well He trailed off and gestured expansively with his hands.

Lawrence coughed pointedly and mouthed Who is this?

I coughed, realising I hadnt gotten a name. Im sorry, I didnt catch your name. Lawrence nodded at me, and I didnt meet his gaze. This was the Timothy situation all over again.

Oh! My apologies! Im so used to moving in the business world where everyone knows everyone! He said like that explained anything.

Ah, I see, I said, pretending I had any idea what that meant.

He coughed into a fist. I am Howard Bronze, Vice President of Marketing! he said officiously.

I nodded. Right, I said slowly as Lawrence quickly looked up the man on his own transciever. He found a profile on the Silph Co website that highlighted the man. I nodded, realising that Lawrence was doing this to vet the man as an imposter, something I hadnt considered. I gave him a nod and directed my attention towards Howard. So, what are you reaching out to me for?

Howard smiled. Well, we were hoping to trade out your damaged pokeballs for some rather nicer models. We were thinking of giving you six Luxury balls for the hassle.

I blinked. That seemed Well, it was nice, but at the same time, I felt odd about this. I glanced at Lawrence and he pointed frantically at the mute button. Im just going to mute you for a moment, somethings come up on my end.

I did so and looked at Lawrence.

Straight away, he shot his arms into an X. Do not, and I repeat! Do not accept that deal! That is a pittance they are offering you, and it is frankly insulting.

I tilted my head. I thought something was weird, but walk me through it?

Lawrence chuckled. They dont want to trade you out of two broken pokeballs for six Luxury balls. Thats how theyre presenting the deal, he said, making gestures with his hands. What they want is the ability to say that they handled an issue of publicity with their product breaking down. They will have it handled. For the average trainer, six luxury balls are a status symbol, and while nice to have, they are not what Silph Co should be paying.

I rubbed my chin. They will also be looking into the pokeballs to see how they broke, so this is a research opportunity for them, I said.

Lawrence snapped his fingers. That! Yes! That right there! he said.

I nodded. So what should I say?

Lawrence rolled his hand about. Oh make a ridiculous demand and make Howard go back to the drawing board. Let them know you understand that what you have is valuable to them. We can ask for something else. Lawrence scratched his head. Just need to work out what that will be really.

I nodded and pursed my lips. Something Silph Co could provide for me. Something ridiculous Well, only one thing came to mind.

I unmuted Howard, and his blurred-out image returned. Howard, are you still there? I said.

Howard perked up and nodded. Hed gained a cup of tea in the span of time wed been talking. He had the air of a man who was about to conclude a bit of business in a satisfactory manner.

Yes, so how about it? Six Luxury ball

I was actually interested in another product youve been working on.

Oh? Howard said, lowering his teacup.

I nodded and gave him my most innocent smile. Yeah! I think Id like to trade them for a Masterball, I said.

Howard froze, and I watched as sweat broke out over his forehead. If Id waited long enough, he might have taken a sip of tea, and then Id have gotten a spittake. Oh well, missed opportunities.

You want the Masterball? he said, the words rasping as they emerged from his mouth.

I nodded. Yup! I think thats a fair deal, I said. Lawrence shot me a thumbs up while grinning wolfishly.

Howard drew out a handkerchief and dabbed at his head. Well, that is Im not sure that is entirely fair.

I smiled. I disagree, after all, your product failed me in a crucial period. I shook my head. Ill need to ask around for what that actually means. It certainly makes me less confident in your product, though, I said reasonably. I made sure to add an inflection to certain words.

Howard swallowed and finished wiping the sweat off his forehead. I see, I will need to talk to the CEO. Ill get back to you soon! he said.

I nodded amicably and signed off.

Lawrence gave me a thumbs up. Perfect! I had heard something about a supposed Masterball but I thought those were just rumours.

I hummed. You dont think I was being too mean?

Lawrence snorted. Oh please he just tried to treat you like an idiot. You just made him stand up and treat you seriously. Youll get a proper offer next time they talk to you.

I nodded and rubbed my chin. Toss me some ideas? I asked.

He nodded before stretching out. Oh, for sure, we shouldnt hear from them for a few more days, so Ill email you my thoughts. Otherwise, I think thatll about do it for me today! Unless you need something else?

When I shook my head, he clapped me on the shoulder. Later Brock! he said.

I watched him go while tossing around the idea of Silph Co. in my mind. According to the games, theyd be a target for Team Rocket. If I could steal their prize Hmmmm Will might have cheated me out of a win, but he was definitely giving me options I wouldnt have considered or had before.

A ping on my transceiver had me glancing down to see a message from Old Jenny.

Coming in hot! It read. It took a moment for me to realise that meant I needed to move quickly to meet her. I jogged to the front.

Today was certainly a lot more eventful than Id thought it would be when I woke up.