Chapter 185: The other shoe

Chapter 185: The other shoe

So I think youll look good in some dark, more close-cropped colours, said Yolanda, emphatically.

Oh, yeah thanks, I said. I nodded along, smiling at Yolandas choice to keep me distracted. Namely, to take me shopping. Shed decided on a darker-tone series of clothes with short black t-shirts with v-cuts and simple collars. With Trixies training, I was fit enough that most clothes like this looked good.

Black, I knew from experience to be a bit of an easy option.

Here, try this as well! Yolanda insisted.

I glanced at the white shirt in my hands and felt like teasing her for how she was branching out with her options here. But I didnt, instead I just nodded and stepped into the change rooms.

When I came back out I gave a little twirl for Yolanda only to notice that Sabrina had joined us. Next to her, Ralts was sitting with some large sunglasses on her horns posing in a manner that she must think was cool.

Hey you, I said to Sabrina.

Hey, she said back playfully. She gave my sister an amused look as Yolanda shrieked in surprise.

s-Sabrina! You startled me! Yolanda said.

Sabrina patted Yolanda on the head, her eyes still on me. Sorry about that, she said.

R-ralts! creed out Ralts as Terra met her with her customary hug. He needs some dress shoes and pants I think. Also? You can afford to take Brock to some of the more expensive shops.

Like Ala Shazams? Yolanda said, lights entering her eyes as her head turned towards the shop in question.

Uhm, I prefer bargain shoppin. I tried to say only for Sabrina to smile wider, obviously noting my discomfort and deciding to push instead of keep me happy.

Oh, yes, I was also thinking of Sollom-Bell. Brock does need a new wallet and belts, Sabrina began listing off several different items and Yolanda only got more and more excited.

I clapped my hands. We will only be looking at the belts and wallet. I dont need a trilby Yolanda. Sabrina is just playing around, I said, putting my foot down. No way I was buying that unless I was matching it with a suit for some fashion show.

Sabrina shot me a sly look. You do remember that you have a contest this weekend? Yes?

Yolanda perked up. Oh yes! You need to wear something snazzy because youre going to be a judge!

I think I can just get away with my hiking gear and a scowl, I said, deciding to play with them a bit. I crossed my arms and frowned. Like this.

Yolanda shot Sabrina a look of worry and gestured at me in a manner that made me think she was asking for help. I snorted and shook my head. Im just playing. We can look at something that is at least robust. Were going with a tough style so it needs to play to that.

Yolanda vibrated with glee as Sabrina and I walked further down the walkway of the frankly huge Celadon department store. Unlike the games, the department store was a mega complex instead of a five-story building with the roof open to the public.

Well, the roof was accessible, but to compare it to the games was doing it a gross disservice. The Celadon Department store was in truth a building that covered at least ten acres of land, with five levels each with set specialities, yes, but there was also a range of stalls, shops, food courtyards, and attractions.

On one side of the store, there was a gigantic playpen for children that was monitored by a clutch of Kangaskhan. On the other were the cinemas and entertainment. I liked to think that the person who designed it was still to this day patting themselves on the back as families had to trudge from one end of the store to the other, resulting in the most exposure to sales and advertising possible.

If you hadnt bought at least three items or services by the time you reached your destination, you possessed an iron will.

Sabrina, Yolanda and I all walked past the speciality pokemon grooming store which occupied two whole levels. It featured the standard hairdressing area along with a sand bath, furnace, aquarium, and blacksmith for any needs your pokemon might have.

To the side, masseuses offer their services to the trainers to allow them to relax while their pokemon are pampered.

You know, I think Terras horn has never looked so shiny, Yolanda said as we walked past the storefront.

Is that so? I said, to make conversation. I could see the slight gleam on her skin and agreed with her, but I didnt think Terra, as a baby pokemon would get the most benefit from it.

Sabrina considered the store and then looked down at Ralts. I must apologise Ralts, I have been doing your hygiene and haircuts myself but perhaps you would enjoy something a little more lavish?

Ralts liked the sound of that as she pointed at the shop only to turn and begin pointing out other things that she wanted as well. I spied a shop selling toys and wandered over to buy some for my younger siblings.

A few minutes later, Sabrina and Yolanda came in with pleased expressions on their faces. Ralts swished and posed on Sabrinas shoulder drawing small coos of delight from the girls.

Looking very nice there, Ralts. I like the gloves, I said, indicating the small mittens she was wearing that were made of lace.

Ralts paused and a conflicted look warred over her face before she nodded in thanks. She then noticed where we were and started pointing at various toys she wanted, very much acting her age.

Sabrina selected several items and handed them to me, slipping in dolls of her own to the group. I only had to carry the toys as far as the counter where the sales clerk looked like theyd just had all the Christmas come at once as Sabrina, Yolanda, and I each bought a pile of toys.

Sabrina then put her hand to each pile and Teleported them away.

That is so convenient, Yolanda said. Even better than having a storage bag, I should think.

I made a so-so gesture. Theres going to be situations where you want things on hand, and in the storage bag, while its not able to carry as much as Sabrinas warehouse, its much more reliable as its in your hands.

Yolanda nodded along only to pause. Her, what now?

Sabrina smiled. I own a warehouse in Saffron City for organising my various acquisitions. Toys, dresses, jewellery. I have a specialised ghost and psychic security team that looks after the place. It helps to keep the clutter down at home and if I want a certain dress for a certain occasion? I most likely have it.

Yolanda stared. Thats so out there, to such a degree Im not sure how to process that. Its amazing but just the size of it. To own a warehouse for your goods!

I chuckled as Sabrina tossed her hair proudly. I was about to say something when I spotted an outfit that was on a mannequin. Sabrina noticed instantly and turned to see what had caught my eye.

Hmmm you would look good in that, use the white shirts Yolanda has been buying and some jeans and you have a rather stylish outfit, she said, her mind already conjuring up various clothing combinations.

Ah, Im not sure, it seems a little impractical, I said, despite turning and walking towards it.

Yolanda frowned. Is it pokemon leather?

Special fake leather that mimics the belly of a Feraligatr? I read. Hmmm, oh it says its got Altaria down feathers in the lining to help it stay warm enough to use as a flight jacket, and it is tear and abrasion-resistant.

Sabrina nudged me. Try it on, she said, tempting me.

I wandered into the change rooms but while I was trying it on with the white shirt and jeans combination, I spotted something that I thought might work. I grabbed up some clear glasses and popped them on.

Hows this look? I said, turning to the girls.

Yolanda tilted her head, apparently unsure of my addition to the overall look.

I looked at Sabrina and found her to be staring at me, an intense look on her face. Ralts was shooting her head from Sabrina to me in shock.

I chuckled. I think it works?

Sabrina nodded slowly.

I bought the combination, rather pleased with my whimsical inclusion. Yolanda still seemed confused.

Why does that work so well? she said, eyeing the glasses.

The dichotomy of the jacket with the glasses. It softens the impression, and makes him look smarter, commented Sabrina.

I like to think Im pretty smart? I said, offering the two of them a line of banter.

Both of them just nodded, which hadnt been what I was going for. I felt a cold sweat break out on my neck. Oh damn, they thought I was smart.

I suddenly felt the need to read more and live up to their expectations.

I swallowed down my trepidation and waved for them to lead me to the next shop. They walked me past a section of shops that listed pokemon items and I paused. Now there was something that I was drastically underutilizing.

Hey, can we make a pit stop here? I said, as I diverted our shopping trip. Sabrina and Yolanda watched as I went on a buying spree for items and berries.

It had been a while since Id done anything like this. Id had it used against me, with Walker honestly being one of the people that I was most impressed by. Most people hadnt even realised his pokemon was eating a berry with how the fruit on Tropius chin hid what was actually being eaten.

Then again, it wasnt yet a well-understood field despite occasionally popping up with berries.

Berries themselves were well understood, but other battle items were still not guaranteed to help. Silph Co, and Devon Corp were working on them as they knew they could be huge money earners but as yet they didnt have the efficacy.

So they were seen as very hit-and-miss and it wasnt widespread as it one day would be. Id need to redo some serious research on what I would need in future as the people crafting these items improved. It had been a while since Id done any, and as I marched through the aisles stocking up on goods I decided it was time to do some testing myself to see how far theyd come since the last time Id tried this years ago.

Back then Id needed to be frugal

I was very pleased to find that the Charti berry wasnt in stock and wouldnt be for another year.

Huh, perhaps that contributed to it not being a popular method? I thought to myself. The unreliability of sourcing berries? I couldnt get any Rindo berries, but I could get a handful of Pasho berries, so I was in good luck for a water-type match-up at least once.

I paused in the power item section and frowned. I should buy some more of these for the Gym, I said aloud. It had been a while since Id gotten some new ones, and the ones we had were getting rather worn. Id bought a few when I first opened the new Pewter Gym and buying enough for my pokemon roster to use had proven to be almost as expensive as building the house attachment to my Gym.

But now, thanks to Lances bet and my own winnings and the earnings from the surge, I had money to burn.

The cashier seemed very happy when I bought a pack of ten Anklets, Bands, Belts, Bracers, Lens, and Weights for my pokemon. If nothing else, Teddiursa and the others would enjoy new training equipment.

I made a quick trip through the other item sections and collected an eclectic assortment of items as Sabrina purchased her own items of interest.

Yolanda initially was very interested in it, but then I started to push my luck. After an hour she grew bored enough that she was able to convince Sabrina to help her to drag me on to continue shopping for outfits.

By the time we left, my section of Sabrinas fashion warehouse had three more outfits which I was very pleased with. When we reached the entrance A.J. and Missy were poised to pick me up.

Lets go have a fight! Missy said, her fists clenched and her expression was so serious I had to resist the urge to pat her on the head for how cute she was being.

Sure, I said. Rachel had been able to distract me with a technical detail regarding the Pewter pokenet page while Yolanda had gotten her idea cemented out for shopping. Greta had asked for some one on one training which had taken up an hour this morning.

Now it was apparently Missy and A.J.s turn.

They led me to a local battle club where I was able to withdraw Cradily, Cranidos and Teddiursa from a round of matches at various levels. More than a few people were surprised to see me fighting in the junior leagues until they caught sight of Cranidos and Teddiursa.New novel chapters are published on

Sadly, Id forgotten that while a lot of the Gym trainers knew of Cranidos, the public as yet, or more specifically, the media, did not. Leading to another surge in reporters asking me questions about my next pokemon.

So! Another rock type? asked one reporter as they tried, and failed to ignore Cranidos hammering their leg with his head. A pained expression quickly building.

I reached down and dragged Crnaidos into my arms. Yes, Cranidos will be a pokemon appearing in some of my lower tier badge matches until I build him up for the higher tier matches.

But not your Elite team? prompted another reporter.

Whos to say? I think I have more interest in having Teddiursa become one of my elite pokemon, I said casually.

An Ursaring would be a strong pokemon, commented one reporter.

I just smiled and nodded. Yeah, that too, I said, knowing that Teddiursa had so much more potential than just being an Ursaring.

I won the matches Id been set up for in the battle club and departed feeling very good about how everything had gone down.

When I returned to the hotel room my entourage all trooped into my room with me, collectively dragging chairs and tables to run through a run down on Scarlet.

So shes got enough grass and water types to make herself pretty annoying but you have the right pokemon to smack her around, said Missy with a nod.

Id probably lead with either Sanchez or Don this time around, said A.J.

Full assault! Stone Edge! I ordered, and Sanchez began to tumble and roll, as he moved rocks began to fill the air hurtling into the sleeping form of Snorlax.

Each rock caused a ripple of jiggling fat on the huge pokemon, but Snorlax merely groaned and rolled up to its feet deftly.

It knows Sleep Talk! I realised instantly.

Goooooooooo Snorlax! cheered Scarlet.

It took all of a moment for me to put the clues together.

What move could Snorlax learn that would have STAB apply to it? Coupled with the increased Attack power from Belly Drum?

It could only be Giga Impact.

Clever Girl, I said, aloud.

Snorlax lurched into a stumbling run, its body wobbling and bouncing. It was like watching the fattest man alive perform a hundred-metre sprint equal to that of the fastest runners.

Incredible and disturbing all at once.

It was hypnotising watching that belly dance even as it closed on a shocked Sanchez.

Explosion, I said, without missing a beat.

Sanchez laughed and lit up just as Snorlax closed with him. Both pokemon slammed into each other, and for the second time in as many minutes, the battlefield was rocked by a gigantic shockwave only this time the energy was thrown upwards and out instead of just down.

I had to brace and lean into the explosion gritting my teeth as dust swept my form.

A moment later it dissipated and I bore witness to Sanchez and the Snorlax both down on their fronts, their eyes locked with their opponent only for them to slide shut.

Both of them looked oddly pleased with themselves.

Both pokemon are unable to battle! Both pokemon must be withdrawn! The match is now two to one!

I whistled, impressed. I was not expecting that from you, I said to Scarlet. Alright, shed come to throw down, I could respect that. She had good strategies and pokemon, so if I let her, shed turn this into a slug fest.

Scarlet grinned. No one was expecting Snorlax! she crowed happily.

I felt my lips twitch. No one expects the Snorlax inquisition, I said, unable to help myself as my brain-to-mouth filter apparently went on vacation.

I must have been a bit shaken by that exchange, otherwise, I would never be quoting old memes.

Scarlet seemed to enjoy it though as she tilted her head and smiled. I like it! she said. I hope you like this next one I have as well! she said. Youre not the only one with surprises up your sleeve!

I chuckled and selected my next pokemon.

I raised up Jormungandrs pokeball and held it aloft for a moment. This ones for you Guybro, I said, and for a moment I wondered if he heard me but then the idle thought vanished. I had no doubt a few people would be confused by the statement when they reviewed the video feed later.

Then I sent out Jormungandr and my giant Steelix took to the stage just as Scarlet revealed her next pokemon to be a Poliwrath.

I drew up my sleeve and pushed energy into the bond. A cry of surprise swept through the crowd as they caught sight of the bracer that I used to carry my keystone.

On a small gem underneath Jormungandrs neck another gem gleamed with energy.

Scarlet had just long enough to realise what this meant before I acted.

JORM! MEGA EVOLVE! I shouted, playing into the moment as I copied Sabrinas pose from her match against Will, my fist punching into the air.

Shit! Scarlet cried, not doubting for a second I could do what I claimed. Hydro Her order, just like Poliwraths attack, was swept away as the energy Id fed into Jorm ignited and his form rippled. Energy exploded off him with rainbow arcs and a few moments later a much larger Jorm towered above Poliwrath.

Damn it! No fair! I thought Snorlax was going to be the only reveal of this match! shouted Scarlet, despite grinning.

I smiled back. Blame yourself. I felt you were worthy, I said, before punching my fist forward. Bulldoze! I called.

Jorm leapt forward, using his explosive attacking power to push himself.

Stop them dead with Dynamic Punch! cried Scarlet, deciding to change her hand.

Her pokemon jumped, its fist cocked back and ready to punish Jorm.

Roll, I said firmly.

Jorm surprised everyone but me by tilting his body so that his head struck the ground. Instead of slamming a fist into Jorms head, the attack whiffed only for the follow-up strike of Jorms, much longer, much heavier tail to descend straight onto the falling Poliwrath.

Jorm practically volleyball spiked Poliwrath into the ground with Iron Tail.

When Jorm rose up I could only grin with pride as Poliwrath was revealed to be out cold from the powerful hit.

Damn! Should have known youd be wise to a Poliwraths attacks, said Scarlet, with a click of her tongue.

She reached for another ball only to pause and eyeball Jormungandr. She wet her lips and held her pose and I realised she was trying to see if she could time out Jorms Mega-evolution.

I smirked and focussed extra energy into the bond, making sure to keep it as stable as possible.

It felt a lot easier now compared to the first time. By the time the countdown for Scarlet began to end Jorm wasnt even wavering and I knew I could get a few more hits from him despite the delay.

Scarlet shot me a chagrined look as she hurled out her next pokemon but I wasnt too bothered by the tactic. I had to admit it was a valid move, if annoying.

Lets go Hitmonlee! she said, sending out one of the other pokemon I'd guessed. Get in for Close Combat! she roared, and Hitmonlee didnt waste anytime sprinting towards Jorm.

I was feeling a little vindictive so I pointed straight at her pokemonand grinned. Go, I said firmly, and once again Jormungandr leapt into the attack, only this time when he landed he drove Hitmonlee back

Jorm surged across the field, Hitmonlee caught on his face stunned for a moment before he snapped off two kicks that made Jorm groan even as he accelerated.

A moment later both pokemon slammed into the barrier on the side of the field sending another wave of dust into the air.

As the dust cleared around the pulsing yellow barrier, Jormungandr rose up swaying and dizzy.

Hitmonlee didnt.

The match is four to one! announced the referee as Scarlet groaned.

Scarlet perked up as a glow formed around Jorm, his Mega evolution beginning to dissolve.

I could probably get another move in if she was quick to send her next pokemon out but I doubted that was going to happen. I glanced around and noticed all the cameras locked on Jorm. I decided to not reveal all of the tricks to Mega evolution here instead returning him so that people couldnt get too clear an idea of how many moves or how long it would take to run down the clock for Jorms Mega evolution.

Scarlet looked at me with a frown as we both reached for our next pokemon. I had a good idea of who she was going to bring out, just as I had my own choice.

Go Vileplume!

Bertha! I shouted.

Bertha appeared with a heavy thump and gave the field a quick look over only to glower at the Grass type that looked very pleased with this match up. Scarlet perked up for all of a moment.

Then I crushed her hopes by waving a hand. Surf combination, I said. Bertha grinned and stepped back, calling up a wave to lift her heavy form.

Scarlet frowned only to quickly catch what was coming next. Petal Dance! said Scarlet, sending her best move out. Pink petals formed around Vileplume and then shot towards Bertha who merely grinned and leapt behind the onrushing wave, allowing the attack to be weakened before it hit her.

Bertha groaned but didnt go down, making Scarlet desperately call for another Petal Dance before the wave reached her pokemon.

It was too late, and yet again, Scarlet had committed herself instead of shoring up her defences.

I pointed, not needing to give a command as Bertha disgorged a powerful Ice Beam, freezing the wave above Vileplume and making the grass-type pokemon take its own super effective damage.

It shivered and pushed its way up only to face another Ice Beam from Bertha as she ended the match.

Scarlet sighed and palmed her final pokemon.

I held up a hand and returned Bertha much to Scarlets confusion. A moment later she blinked as I reached for Titans Greatball.

Youre a heck of a trainer, I said, before sending out my strongest pokemon to face her strongest.

Titan greeted Ampharos with a roar that shook the stadium and Ampharos, instead of quaking in the face of such a strong pokemon, she met it head-on with a growl and a spark lighting up its form.

Scarlet punched her fist forward and Ampharos shot straight at Titan, its fist cocked back for what would no doubt be a powerful Focus Punch.

Titan swept his tail and a wave of rock stopped Ampharos advance in its tracks.

With the field broken up like this, it was all too easy for Titan to claim it and abuse his foe, hammering hit after hit of Stone Edges into Scarlets starter.

Keep on the pressure! I shouted. Not relenting with the barrage, if the field hadnt been so broken I might have tried for Earthquake, but with it this way I instead played to my strengths and one of Titans strongest moves to end the match.

Ampharos dove and dodged, but it was unable to evade all the rocks that came its way.

I continued to push through, becoming an uncompromising wave of rock. Through my bond Titan could feel my anticipation and he matched me, leaning into his attacks just a little more forcing Ampharos to move quicker.

With this amount of pressure I knew it was just a matter of time until I closed it out. I was so close I could taste victory on my tongue.

Ampharos took a bad stumble and I felt my excitement peak as Titan fired off a huge Stone Edge that hammered into the off-kilter pokemon.

Ampharos collapsed with a pained wail only to land heavily and not stand up.

Scarlet returned her pokemon with a sigh.

The referee shot their flag up and I blinked as a sudden realisation of what the match being over meant.

Ampharos is unable to battle, and that means the winner is, therefore, Brock From Pewter City!

I grinned and unleashed all of my pokemon behind me.

From their pokeballs, Tide, Bertha, Jormungandr and Zephyr appeared. They looked around in shock only to catch sight of the scoreboard.

Titan stomped his foot signalling he wanted our attention. He punched upwards once and then raised his head and roared in triumph.

I joined in with the rest of the pokemon as the tension that had been lingering in my stomach released itself.

Nothing was going to happen, no incident was going to demand my attention.

My paranoia, justified as it had been in the past, was just that this time, merely paranoia.

It had been far too long since Id felt this way.

I let myself bask in the moment.

We had won.