Hard Enough

Chapter 131: Bonds

Glad youre okay, I said to Forrest and the others through my transceiver. He smiled back at me and nodded.

I grinned and said, "I love you, little brother! Causing him to blush.

He mumbled his own, Love you too, before signing off before he could be mocked. I rolled my eyes. Ash and Misty werent the sort to mock him for saying something like that. I settled into the chair and rubbed at the damp cloth that was resting on my arm.

After everything was said and done Lance had swept through the clean up and wed found a number of different pokemon herds that appeared to have been corralled and stolen away at the beginning. While the mountain had burned and people needed to be rescued, Team Rocket had been stealing away with pokemon. This was something that I had only learned after the fact.

I still wasnt sure what to make of Mewtwo fighting Moltres like it had only to vanish. I was surprised to learn it had to pull out like it had, it was a sign of weakness that I hadnt been expecting from a pokemon I knew to be capable of impacting local weather events and hyper-intelligent. Or perhaps that wasnt accurate. Mewtwo had only displayed that prowess after it had escaped Team Rocket.

An event that should still happen but one I could only wait for. The moment it did, I would be advocating that everyone in the League and the Guardians storm every suspected Rocket base. A groan of pain drew me out of my thoughts to watch Nurse Joy work.

I was in the private section of the Pewter Pokecenter alongside my pokemon. Bertha was lying on a bed with Nurse Joy carefully applying a salve to Berthas fist. The rock-hard hide had been burned despite Berthas resistance against fire-type abilities.

On the other beds around her, being tended to by Chansey, were a few others of my team. Hypnotoad, whod taken a hit protecting Bertha, was on her side as her back and front were rubbed gently with the same salve.

Sanchez lay on another bed. Hed barely had a chance to close with that Moltres, but apparently just getting too close had been enough to injure him. Selene had another bed, but thankfully Nurse Joy had merely diagnosed her injuries as exhaustion due to how much fire she had shielded and protected us from.

Don was the final injury on my team, and sadly, he was the worst. Everyone else on my team had taken glancing blows, but not Don.

He growled fiercely as the Chansey from my Gym slapped salve on him before she ratcheted the straps tighter to make sure he couldnt flap around the room. Hed been able to get close to the Moltres only to have it erupt with its Sleep Talk ability.

One hit had been enough to send him careening out of the sky. He would have been much worse off if it hadnt been for Zephyr catching him, and then Sabrinas pokemon helping to lower him to the ground.

Five pokemon that were either exhausted or injured from a battle with two Elite Teams against one pokemon.

One Legendary pokemon.

Hank, Lance, Clair, and a number of other experienced Rangers all told me that was an amazing outcome. Especially considering wed driven the Moltres off and had it on the ropes. Then it showed that it had the endurance to outlast and outfight us. If Lance hadnt come along, perhaps that pokemon might have whittled us down. Then again, it hadnt been an ideal situation.

I had come into that fight tired from all the earlier events that were going on with the Silver Mountains. The fight with Empress, followed by the descent down Empress mountain had been tiring. Rushing to rescue the injured Rangers had been hair-raising. Providing medical care, shelter, and then fighting against a Legendary?

That situation had gotten extremely out of hand.

Sabrina leaned into me. Theyll be alright, she said adjusting the towel over my burn.

I nodded and glanced at her. Are you and your team alright?

Yes, we got out lightly. Fatigue, migraines from the fight, and some heat stroke, but theyre being looked after.

That got crazy huh? I said, feeling rather numb.

Indeed. She merely inclined her head, still leaning into me. I held her as my mind played out how that might have gone if she hadnt been there. It wouldnt have been good, I concluded.

Thanks for being there with me, I said. I love you.

And I love you, she said back. She tilted her head in silent request, and I leaned down and kissed her. We broke off the kiss quickly but stayed close, looking into each other's eyes, feeling the connection, and enjoying the closeness of the moment.

Sadly, a loud smooching noise came from across the room, and I glanced up to find Bertha making smoochy faces at me. Nurse Joy chastised her, but the effect was rather ruined as she tried to stop herself from giggling at Berthas antics. I rolled my eyes at her. You want me to send in Titan to play nursemaid to you?

Betha considered that and then faked a swoon with her uninjured hand coming up to lay against her head. She lay back and allowed Nurse Joy to continue wrapping a bandage around her injured arm. I popped Titans greatball and pointed at Bertha when he shot me a curious look.

She wants you to pat her hand and feed her tasty treats.

Titan huffed but stalked over to Bertha, his bulk forcing him to get on his belly to crawl past some medical equipment before reaching Berthas side, where he did as requested. Bertha gave me a thumbs up.

Nurse Joy stepped back, amused and shaking her head. She eyed the other pokemon of mine and nodded, satisfied at how things were for the moment. She approached and stripped off her gloves. Well theyre not in any fatal danger, which is good. The bad news is that the burns they have each taken were from an incredibly powerful pokemon. I nodded; this wasnt news to me.

Nurse Joy fidgetted and sighed. Ive read reports on burns like this before, Brock. Blaine was notorious during the bad times for injuring people and pokemon. Burns like this... might not heal as quickly as they should. She trailed off and swallowed before continuing, Or at all with this medicine.

I frowned. How long are you expecting it to take? I said ignoring the last part of what Joy had said.

Nurse Joy inspected my pokemon once more. All of your pokemon have resistance against fire-type moves, so I dont expect them to be permanently injured. But instead of taking days as it should, Id bargain that these injuries might last weeks if not months.

I hissed at that. That was not good news.

Damn, thats not ideal But then again, theyre going to be back up and moving around soon, no?

Nurse Joy nodded. Id keep them to light duties and stretching. No stressing their bodies too much.

You mentioned with this medicine earlier? Sabrina said, quoting Joys earlier words.

Nurse Joy blinked. Oh! Right! One of the medicines that was found to have the greatest effectiveness was herbs from

Mahogany Town, I said, finishing what she was about to say.

Nurse Joy blinked. Youre familiar with the herbs? she said, perking up. Do you She trailed off when I shook my head.

No, I recently spoke with Pryce, and he mentioned that he was still looking for some.

Ah, Pryce. That makes sense. She shrugged. Well, otherwise it will just take time.

I nodded at that while holding in a sigh. Thats good news; thanks for doing what you could, Nurse Joy.

Not a problem! she bowed. While your pokemon might not be back to perfect health, they will be! We hope to see you again! She half turned, and what shed said reminded me of an old joke.

I barked a laugh. Bit mean to suggest my pokemon will need your services, you know? I said jokingly.

Nurse Joy got a sad look on her face. The alternative is worse.

I blinked, my mind catching up with what my mouth had said. Oh Jeez! Sorry that was thoughtless of me!

She shook her head. Its nothing I havent heard before. She leaned in and inspected Sabrina and me. I think you two need to head to bed yourselves. Youve had a long night, and it's now coming into the early morning, you know? I dont doubt there will be jobs to deal with this. Go home and rest. Youll need it.

I nodded at that and offered a bow back. Thank you, Nurse Joy, and again, sorry. I stood and then yawned, chuckling at how my body was right behind Nurse Joy in reminding me of how long the day had been. I shot Sabrina a look, and we vanished in a teleport before reappearing next to my bed.

I didnt bother taking any clothes off. I merely flopped onto the bed with Sabrina in my arms.

We fell asleep almost immediately.

The next morning passed in a blur, with breakfast being a vague memory of food and noise. with my family fawning over Sabrina and me before we were asked to make an appearance at the Pewter Ranger HQ. There, we ran through a proper debrief, and Hank and a few others officially gave us the medal hed mentioned during yesterdays abbreviated press conference.

When the reporters asked specifically about my team again, I barely withheld cursing them out. Now wasnt a good time to shift focus. However, I couldnt help but wonder at the timing of it.

Was I being too paranoid or not paranoid enough?

Regardless, after the reporter annoyed Hank, he delivered a withering statement that had me leaning back. I knew Team Rocket had to be involved with the armoured form of Mewtwo fighting with the Moltres, or at least fight it enough to enrage it before vanishing. Id suggested as much to Hank, and hed grunted, saying that they were the most likely candidates.

Apparently, there was going to be a meeting with the commander-level rangers. Sadly, I wasnt told what it would be about, but I could guess. It seemed like Team Rocket had drawn a lot of ire with this recent stunt. They were also being attributed with causing issues in Porta Vista by some news outlets.

I wasnt sure if that was going to cause issues with Jessie or James. Personally, I felt theyd been lucky to come into my Gym when they had.

If theyd come today, I would have cuffed them and dragged them to the League for intensive interrogation. I could only conclude that it was good that so many people were cracking down on Team Rocket. The more, the better.

After the talks at Ranger HQ, I returned to the gym. With my morning blocked out I spent the time checking over the rest of my pokemon and making sure they were healthy. Thankfully, they were healthy. Tired, certainly, but overall healthy. Some of them even had a glint of determination coupled with thoughtfulness in their eyes from what theyd gone through. Theyd seen what a powerful pokemon could do, and instead of being downcast, they were motivated.

Titan, when he wasnt sitting next to Bertha, meditated and spoke with the others, making them think about everything that had happened. Gawain, Knight, and the others that I had left behind sat and listened in awe to Sanchez recount a tale a most likely highly exaggerated tale to them.

A few of the other pokemon had energy build up sessions where they were working on their reserves. Others started to move towards doing physical workouts, but I waved them off that. Instead, I had them only do light workouts. Stretching, walking, and gently tossing around some balls I had for them. Nothing too strenuous. I didnt have any more Ace challenges until my match against Will which had been deliberate on my part.

I wanted to put my best foot forward this weekend.

With that in mind, I had to consider what Id be fighting. I expected Will to have Exeggutor, Alakazam, Slowbro, Jynx, Grumpig, Medicham, or a Xatu. I doubted hed have a Bronzong or a Metagross, but it was possible.

I expected him to make good use of Disable, Teleport, Rest, Hypnosis, Amnesia, Baton Pass, Calm Mind, Barrier, Light Screen, and Dream Eater, just to name a few moves. Sabrina had trained against me and shown me how these could be used against me along with different ways to apply them, so I was in a good position to fight Will and anticipate his tricks.

I just had to be vigilant.

A strong Psychic trainer was never an easy task.

From there I checked in with the Gyms pokemon and was about to check in with the Gym trainers when I heard a sad croon coming from behind some boulders. I wandered around and stopped dead upon finding Empress sitting with her back against the wall of the plateua, looking down at Terra and Yolanda.

I felt my heart clench. I had warned Yolanda to stay away from her, but apparently, I hadnt been clear enough. I hadnt even known shed come out of the pokeball shed accepted going into! Another sad croon escaped the Tyranitar and stopped my furious self castigation.

Oh, she was crying.

Terra trilled worriedly and reached up to pat her little hands on the tears coming down Empress scaly face. She needed Yolanda to hold her up to the larger pokemon, but she reached and tried, in the way of a child to wipe away the sadness from her mother. She wiggled and nuzzled, and this seemed to draw Empress out of her mourning.

She stared down and sniffed at Terra, only to smile and nuzzle the little Larvitar back. She even went so far as to cuddle Terra.

Terra wiggled happily at this, and Yolanda stepped back to allow them a little space. She then spotted me and trotted up. So what are you going to do with her? Yolanda fidgetted and flicked her eyes at me before they darted back. Is she joining your Elite team? she asked.

No, thats not the plan. I considered what to tell her; Id been brief this morning with her. I sighed. Yolanda could handle the truth of the world containing a bit of darkness. She was attacked and her nest destroyed, which caused her to be enraged. We had to fight her to calm her down.

Yolanda stared at me. You fought her to calm her down?

I chuckled. Bertha actually got through to her. When everything was said and done, she just sort of looked lost. I offered for her to come stay with Titan.

I swallowed. She was in her pokeball last I knew; I wouldnt have let you wander out here if I thought

Yolanda shook her head. She wasnt going to hurt me.

I glanced at Yolanda. The certainty in her tone made me frown.

You cant know that, Yolanda. I knew I was being extremely hypocritical, but I couldnt help but say it.

Yolanda shook her head and tapped her chest. No, I knew she wouldnt. Shes hurting, but shes not going to lash out now. She stared at the large pokemon before nodding. I think you made the right call bringing her here. Shell do well with Terra around Yolanda glanced to the side and giggled. And Titan too.

I looked and found Titan leaning around a boulder, sticking out like a sore thumb as he observed his mother and Terra cuddling. Yolanda snorted. Boys!

She cupped her hands and shouted, TITAN! GIVE YOUR MOTHER A HUG!

Titan stiffened at being caught out, and Empress and Terra paused in their hug to spot him out. Titan coughed and inched forward, giving the older Tyranitar a nuzzle before leaning in to offer his support. Empress snorted disdainfully but didnt pull away. I thought she might have even leaned into him a bit. Terra trilled happily, and the bigger pokemon relaxed, with the smallest making happy noises.

Yolanda nodded, much happier with this arrangement. I wrapped an arm around her. Nicely done, little sister, I said. If Id said that to Titan, he would have been more awkward, but with Yolanda saying it? That made it much easier.

Rachel jogged up at that moment. She glanced at me, then at the hugging Tyranitar, and raised a camera to take pictures. I coughed at her, and she shot me a thumbs-up. Its great content! She then cleared her throat. But also, I came to talk to you about the young trainer you left with us before that whole incident yesterday?

Ah A.J.? Hows he been? I asked.

He recovered well, but instead of sticking around and waiting for you, he took over the weights room and is working with his pokemon. Dennis isnt sure what to make of him. She chewed her lip. Hes kind of being a bit rough as well? A lot of his pokemon have been lifting rather heavy weights, and he uses a whip.

I frowned. I should have expected this from A.J. He was the first person to be shown working on a pokemons resistances with what had to be a power band or was it a power suit? But he was also extreme in how he trained his pokemon.

Ill talk with him. The weights room yeah? I asked. Rachel nodded, and I tapped Yolanda on the shoulders. Can you handle Empress?

Her name is Empress? Cool name, she said with an impressed look.

That's what she was dubbed by the Rangers, I said over my shoulder as I marched into the Gym. Rachel stayed behind to get a few more pictures of Titan being a dutiful son, and I chuckled. On a whim, I marched into the stacks of pokeballs and grabbed a specific pokeball with a capital I on it.

I hoped I wouldnt have to use her, but she was a good example of one of the Gyms success stories. Maybe even one of the best success stories.

I walked into the Gym still toying with the pokeball and hummed at what I found. A.J.s Beedrill and Butterfree were playing tag through the air. On the ground, Rattata dragged some sleds on the open floor section of the room while a Sandshrew curled some weights. A.J. walked among the group, cracking his whip and barking orders.

Rattata number three, you are faltering behind! Push harder! Butterfree! Stay close! Tighten your dodge! Sandshrew! Another set before we go into Roll Out training!

Id seen enough. I clapped my hands together. And thats where Ill call a halt right now! My clap resonated through the room like two boulders had clashed together.

The Rattata twitched to a stop. The Butterfree almost dodged into Beedrills stingers while Beedrill broke off with the noise. Sandshrew continued to train, its eyes watching me but not stopping.

A.J. turned around only to slump. Oh, Gym Leader, were you looking to do some training?

More than that, I needed to talk with you first. Everything got crazy yesterday. I made a show of looking around. If this is how you act, I cant say Im impressed.

A.J stiffened. What!? My training is specia

Whose Gym is this? I said, cutting over anything he was about to say.

Yours, Gym Leader Brock. He bowed at the hips instantly. I apologise! I was overzealous in my desire to get stronger!

I considered him. I can see that your goal is important to you, but you are rushing after it and potentially causing yourself more problems. I then pointedly looked at his whips. Your methods also leave something to be desired. I held up a hand to forestall his protests.

Before that, we need to work out what is happening here and now. You have a recommendation from Agatha. I sighed. Agatha is Oh, what words to use when describing her?

Mercurial. It comes with her nature as a Ghost specialist. She can play games. I considered saying more, but that was enough.

A.J grimaced. She trounced me last year with just a Gastly.

I raised an eyebrow. You looked down on a pokemon trained by one of the Elite Four? I was so going to make him spar against Izumi and record his reactions.

A.J. slumped, It was a single pokemon... and with my normal types, I thought I would have a serious advantage.

I nodded. Not a terrible line of thought, but strength can come in less obvious forms than just power. Your pokemon are strong, but how flexible are they? Can they counter weaknesses or counter counters to themselves? Adaptability can be tough to train.

A.J. still had his gaze locked on the ground. I realised as much, and I was hoping to approach you. I need to fix my mistakes. Im not he shifted from foot to foot, progressing on my own.

Is that what you want? I probed. I knew this had to be a bitter moment with how he was swallowing his pride, but perhaps the results of facing multiple strong trainers had forced him to re-evaluate his methods.

Yes! I want to be the best! he said, his eyes snapping up with a burning intensity within them. I nodded back.

Good. I raised a finger. I have requirements if you accept a trainer berth with my Gym, much of this will depend on what you want going forward. He tilted his head but didnt speak, so I continued.

First of all, no whips. It does not look good, and it is antiquated. Were not some low budget circus pretending to work with dangerous pokemon.

A.J. blushed and looked away. Had I hit a sore spot there accidentally? He coughed, Its not just a circus trick! It works to motiva I raised a hand.

If I was to take that whip and crack it over your head while you worked out, how would you feel about me?

He frowned and looked down at it. ... I He worked his jaw. My pokemon dont seem to mind though?

Your Sandshrew mostly doesnt mind and his typing I doubt he even registers the whip as a threat. Your other pokemon? I shook my head as A.J. took the whip off his side to look it over as if just seeing it for the first time.

Its not a good method to train. As their trainer, you are more than a drill sergeant barking orders. Youre also their caregiver. Their friend. The bond you form with them is important in more ways than one. There are methods of improving pokemon that can only be reached by having a close bond. Specifically, friendship evolutions, and Mega-evolution as it currently stood.

My bond? A.J. looked like I was speaking a different language.

Indeed, I noted that hed tossed the whip straight into a bin. It was an impressive toss, but he didnt even notice; his gaze was still locked on me. An impressive display, and it was interesting that it wasnt acknowledged by him. Was he that focused on me, or was it commonplace for him and a sign of physical skill on his part?

How can a bond be so important? he asked.

I raised a finger. Some pokemon wont evolve without a certain level of friendship or more with you as their trainer. Its been researched, and there is a lot of support for the idea that pokemon that have stronger bonds with their trainers follow orders faster.

I raised another finger. Also, they can anticipate you more as there is an understanding, and this can free you up to watch for other aspects of a fight. At some of the highest levels, you need this, as if youre watching if your pokemon is following the move or giving overly precise calls, you will fail. Bonds become the foundations of greatness.

H-how do I grow my bonds? he said as though mystified by this new aspect of pokemon.

I stared at him. Have you never had friends before?

He blushed and looked to the side. I did! They just moved to another town is all!

I shot him an incredulous look. Damn, this kid was rough well, all over, not just the edges, but I couldnt say I didnt think he had potential.

... Well work on that. Now, how did you want to work on this? Did you want to be a roaming trainer that keeps in contact, or did you want to settle down for a while and train here?

Could I continue to complete the circuit while staying here? he asked.

I hummed. Wed need to roster things in. If you stuck around here, Id be able to coach you more. I have a contingent of trainers currently out and about that I call weekly to check-in. I have time set aside to work with them. I grinned. Humphrey and Mia were the standouts, but the other kids were making the most of the opportunities theyd been given. Theyd just gotten past their third badge match in most of their cases, while Mia was up to her fifth.

Humphrey had six and was devoting a lot more time to his team with only two more badges to go.

A.J. bowed his head. Id like to train with you here and complete the circuit. I wish to continue challenging myself and my team!

I nodded. Alright then, Ill accept you tentatively. I waved my hand around. You will also be working with a number of other senior trainers. Dennis is the current second in command, and when he gets back, Rocko will also be above you. In fact, if anyone asks you to do something, I want you to do your best to help out. They will oversee some of your training, as I will be running the Gym. They will be sparring partners as well if you need it.

I waved a hand around the room. No more just claiming the weights room or a space. Well assign you time for that.

I hummed. I was considering testing you out again but

My pokemon can fight! A.J. said firmly.

I considered him and his pokemon. They all looked forward with determined glances. Hmmm alright then. Time to put you through your paces. I checked my watch. I had another few hours; this should only take thirty minutes.

I led A.J. back out to the arena. This time I didnt raise the podiums. I merely raised a single pokeball and smiled. Lets go Izumi!

A.J blinked. A geodude? Why not one of your stronger pokemon? Izumi shot me a look, and when I smirked, she mirrored me.

Oh, this kid was rough, alright. I had a lot to work on with him.

When I was done smacking him around, he looked gobsmacked and more than a little defeated.

I clapped him on the shoulder. Hey! Dont be disheartened. Izumi is one of the strongest Geodude around, bar none! She has specialised technique training that allows her to hit way above of her weight category.

I reached down and lifted the now much more dirty Izumi up to let her sit on my shoulder. Id use her for the Ace challenges if it wasnt for how perfect she is at testing trainers and pokemon.

Dude! shouted Izumi.

I handed her a treat and chuckled. But with this and yesterdays showing, I have a pretty good idea where youre at right now. We can work on your speed of commands and setting up for combinations or trick plays. Controlling the battlefield and also gauging the best pokemon positioning at the start and during your matches will be something we need to work on. This can be taught through experience, and youll get that here.

I considered him for a moment, he did have problems with bonds... I have someone that I think would be useful for you to meet.

On the way, we passed Dennis, Missy, Alexa, and a few other trainers going about their duties. A.J. perked up each time I introduced them, obviously expecting the next person to be the one that I felt he needed to meet.

I led him out to the reserve, where all of the Gym and some of my pokemon were roaming about. Bertha spotted me and waved a bandaged arm at me before grimacing. I sighed at her, waved back, and kept walking.

I found Yolanda standing next to Empress, Titan, and Terra alongside what was a small creek Id dug into the reserve. Lileep lined the banks of each side, and when Yolanda pointed them out to Empress, she leaned down to inspect the rock flowers, causing the Lileep to either shy away or feel her back with their fronds. Terra happily raced into them and greeted them while Titan watched on.

Now see that Tyranitar there? I pointed to Empress. A.J. nodded seriously. Good, dont ever get near her without myself or the girl next to her right now. Thats my sister Yolanda by the way.

Alright, said A.J., his eyes sliding back and forth with a frown on his face. Is that Tyranitar poorly trained?

Shes not trained at all. I took her in to give her time to heal from yesterdays event. Shell rip you apart without a shred of guilt. I raised a finger. Now, Empress is impressive for her power, yes but shes not who I wanted you to meet.

Your sister is? A.J. said with a tilt of his head. At his side, Sandshrew copied him.

Yup, consider that Yolanda had no interactions with that pokemon before today. She is however able to walk along next to Empress without fear. She did this by understanding bonds and forming them very quickly.

I tapped my chest. Shes got her heart in the right place and pokemon can feel intentions more than we understand. This will allow her to get closer to powerful pokemon and have a chance of having them join her team when she starts her journey. It will also allow her to train powerful pokemon without them disregarding her. Theyll be able to know she cares for them through the bond theyve formed. She also has more friends to help her out in tight situations.

Huh, A.J. said How will I train with her? Is her Larivatar like your Geodude?

I coughed. No, it's a baby pokemon. In fact, dont fight with her at all. Just talk with her and be friends. Thats where she can teach you best.

Oh, A.J. said with a slump.

I rolled my eyes. If you want, you can ask her for a spar with some of the Gyms pokemon. Just dont annoy her or shell ask I trailed off. If I told this kid that Yolanda could call orders for some of my elite, he might annoy her just to get a shot at them. That wasnt what I wanted from their interactions.

Forget I said anything, I said.

I scratched at the side of my neck in thought. This would be a challenge. I flicked a glance over his clothes and noted that they were highly careworn and patched in places. A lot of his gear was beaten up and looked second-hand. It spoke of a rough childhood.

No friends either or at least none that he considered friends. Agatha had sent an interesting trainer my way. In some aspects, I think I could make him a great trainer. But I could also see that Id limit him.

Id need to help him out with some of the other stuff. I wasnt sure how to approach that. Maybe I could tap Erika for some insight?

I rolled my shoulders. Alright, grab your pokemon some food and let them rest for today. Ill have Dennis show you how to give special blends of food to your

A.J. raised a beaten notebook. These are the recipes I use for my pokemon.

I hummed and took it, wondering why this was triggering a memory of A.J. I blinked when I started to read his notes on his specialised diet for just one of his pokemon.

I noted all of it was natural even. This is impressive, I said as I continued to flick through it. Youve got the calories all accounted for when training and fighting for nutritional allotments. You need some for rest days as well, though, and I think we can source some easier nutrients, but there are some good points here about your pokemon. I handed it back. This is very well done A.J.

He straightened up and smiled widely. I chuckled; this confident, slightly proud look seemed more natural to him.

Alright, go talk to Dennis and get your pokemon food. Rest today and check in with Dennis tomorrow for Gym duties. Youll start on half days to work things in. Also, talk to Alexa to set up your banking details.

... What for? he said.

For your pay? I said, shooting him a confused look. Why else would I want those?

Youre going to pay me to train here?

Mostly for the work you do, but some training exercises will be paid, such as the fitness groups we do once a week. I shot him a smile. Youll love Trixies method of motivating people.

Oh wow, I should have come here earlier! Next youll tell me I get stabling rights!

I nodded slowly. Yes? I said. That should have been obvious.

A.J. stared at me before slumping. I should have taken that old witchs advice earlier. He walked away looking off-kilter.

I turned towards my office to get some jobs out of the way, only for an icy feeling to cause me to stop in the hallway.

I turned to find Rachel escorting Pryce of all people up to me. He glowered at me but his eyes locked onto my forearm as he approached.

Brock, I heard about your adventure last night. If Id been there, I would have handled the beast, he said icily.

I hummed. I couldnt doubt that Pryce probably would have been a great addition to fighting Moltres, but I wasnt that certain. Pryce sniffed at my response only to glare at the wall like it had offended him. He then worked his jaw for a moment. You were right, he bit out.

Im sorry? What about? I said. I was rather lost about this conversation.

Piloswine and Ancient Power and the herb. Every point he made caused a twitch, as though it pained him to admit Id been right.

He reached into his jacket pocket and handed me a large tub. This is the salve to help speed up you and your pokemons healing. Nurse Joy of Pewter reached out to me, he said. It wont heal them overnight, but within a week theyll be in fighting fitness instead of months.

I blinked in surprise. Id forgotten about that.

Oh thank

Pryce shook his head. He finally turned to look at me, and something in his demeanour shifted.

No, thank you. His chin wobbled, and for a moment, I was certain he was about to cry. It is a wonderful thing to know your lifetime companion didnt abandon you, he said hoarsely as his eyes glimmered.

He reached out and grabbed my shoulder, his eyes boring into mine without a hint of fighting spirit in them, only thankfulness. Thank you; if you need anything from me, ask, and I will help you. He then turned and marched out. I suspected he didnt want to cry in front of me.

Rachel, whod retreated when Pryce reached me, approached cautiously as I smiled at the tub of salve. What was that about? It looked intense. Was was Gym Leader Pryce alright?

I think hes better than hes been in a long time. I played with the salve before breaking out into chuckles. Oh man, Agatha was going to be pissed when she woke up and learned Id helped Pryce get stronger.

I marched back out and immediately applied the salve to my injured pokemon. They all instantly sighed in relief. I felt a surge of gratitude at Pryces gift. I hadnt known they were putting on such brave faces for me. Even if it didnt speed up their recovery rate, offering them pain relief like this was worth a lot to me.

I undid my own bandages and wiped some salve on my arm, and felt an instant coolness spread through my arm. My shoulder unclenched, and I blinked.

I hadnt noticed Id been that tense. Huh, this salve was good stuff. I chuckled and checked over my pokemon again.

When I was done, I made sure to wrap Yolanda in a hug and kiss her forehead. She giggled and smiled at me, and I smiled back.

Bonds. They were important and so often invisible to us until they were as clear as day.

Gym Leader! A.J. shouted. Its getting close to your first match!

I nodded to him and gave Yolanda another squeeze. It's time to be a Gym Leader and help trainers glimpse at the importance of bonds by challenging me. I felt more motivated than ever.

Wed gone through the wringer but were going to be alright.

Today Id focus on being the best Gym Leader and big brother I could be.

And in two days' time? Id show the strength of my bonds to the world with my match against Will.

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