I walked through the racks of pokeballs that were on offer for today with a thoughtful hum. It was the first day of the week, so none of the pokemon on these racks needed to be avoided. I walked to the section that was now dedicated to the first badge challenge and noted that it was heavily dominated by pokeball bearing Lileep stickers. I glanced at the information that I had for one Greta Evergreen. Sponsored trainer of Samuel Oak thanks to her high test scores and repeated attendance at his various pre-trainer camps.

Interesting. I sent a quick message to Oak about her arrival and subsequent challenge. She’d apparently booked in only a day after Gary, but a day’s difference had resulted in nearly a week and change in how long it took for her to see me. Even with this being a simple, single challenge. With the idea of this being against a trainer that had a starter from the games, I felt a little nostalgic, so I grabbed up a Geodude and an Onix. I might switch it up a little with Onix going first though.

“Brock,” said an intruding voice. I glanced up to find Flint standing next to a sheepish Forrest. Forrest’s keycard was hanging from his neck, and I huffed. Well, that explained how he’d been able to get in here, I’d hoped he wouldn’t be able to reach me.

“Flint,” I said back, straightening with my selection for the first few matches. I set aside Don and a few other pokeballs for the later Ace challenge while Flint stared at me.

“You didn’t let me say hello to the kids this morning,” he said tightly.

I turned to him and locked eyes. “I didn’t let you?” I crossed my arms and continued to stare him down as he let his eyes drop. “Or you didn’t get moving early enough? All of them were there. Yolanda knew to expect you but you didn’t show up.”

Flint shifted. “I thought you were going hold them back from school today. It’s more important after all.”

I snorted heavily and marched past him. “You’ll find that me making them put their lives on pause for you won’t be something I advocate for ever. There was enough of that in the past. I’m not doing it ever again,” I said in passing.

Forrest jogged. “Sorry! Don’t be mad at him! It was my fault I just got so caught up in having him back that I—”

I raised a hand towards Forrest even as I strode towards the stairs that would lead me up into the trainer area overlooking the stands. “Don’t apologise for him Forrest. He’s a grown man, he needs to look after himself.”

“Well, maybe he was right though and we should have had the day off to..” he trailed off as I shook my head.

“We’re not putting our lives on hold for Flint or … Lola,” I said firmly.

“What about us? Would you have put things on hold for us?” he said mulishly

“You and they are very different,” I said firmly. How could he say that? Wasn't it obvious? I jerked my head back at the pokemon storage area. “You’ll need to go let him out before he triggers the alarms by the way. He doesn’t have your keycard. And if he tries to get out without one it will lock down.” I lengthened my stride before Forrest could think to ask if I’d give Flint a Keycard.

As far as I was concerned, he could prove that he deserved one. I wasn’t giving him access to the Gym so soon.

I sent a message to let Rachel know I was ready for the next trainer when I reached the top.

“And now! A new up-and-coming trainer from Pallet Town! We have Greta Evergreen!” said Rachel for the few morning spectators we had, which really wasn’t all that many. Apart from a few diehard fans that sat front and centre. I heard a loud voice standing cheering for Pallet Town that allowed me to zero in on Ash Ketchum and Misty sitting in the front row.

From atop the stands I watched a small girl in a bucket hat with long auburn hair walk out. In her hands, clutched like a lifeline she held a single pokeball. On her belt, another pair of other pokeballs rested. She had a determined look in her eyes and I adopted my pose at the top of the stairs as the lights flashed down with a powerful ‘thoom’. The crowd that had been cheering fell silent.

In the sudden quiet, I spoke. “You dare challenge the Pewter city gym?” My voice booming out over the arena and causing Greta to stop still. I tried to channel my inner heel that people loved to see beaten. It made the victory all the sweeter for the new trainers.

She swallowed when she looked up at me. I liked to think I looked imposing.

When I first started I was told that I looked like I was a ‘young master’ that was annoyed at being challenged by the likes of them. I must have adopted a different stance after that feedback. It hadn’t stopped Celia from poking fun at my ‘posing’ though.

Regardless, I always made sure to be super friendly after a match for the first circuit trainers to leave them with a much better impression. I also gave them a number of pointers for any glaring faults that I might have noticed throughout our match.

Hopefully, that way, they understood that I was being tough but that was by design. I was a hurdle for them to overcome.

Her eyes hardened as she stared up at me. “Yes! I am here to claim your badge G-gym Leader Brock!” she said. If she hadn’t stuttered halfway, she would have given a perfect defiant response. I nodded slowly and leapt over the side to land atop the podium.

“Very well, the match is against two of my pokemon!” I gestured towards Daniel on the sideline.

“Challenger!” Greta jumped at the sudden call from another voice. She looked to see Daniel already atop his podium. “Please step into the marked area! You will be raised up on a podium!”

Usually, people didn’t have to be told that, as it was a standard for trainers to stalk into the trainer box, only to be surprised at the high tech being put to use for their match.

Greta did so and clutched the handrail that served to keep her from falling off. When it was locked in place at two metres above the arena floor, she relaxed. Then she looked over at me to find me waiting.

“S-sorry! I’m not used to fighting from podium position!” she said worriedly.

I nodded, not at all bothered. “If you wish, we can lower this to a normal ‘field’ match with both of us at ground level. I would ask you to remain in the trainer box. However, I would recommend getting used to it now as their use will become the norm in future gym battles and at the Indigo Conference. .”

Greta chewed her lip. “I hadn’t considered that… Alright I’ll stay up here!”

I gave another nod before glancing at Daniel. He coughed.

“Very well! As the gym leader has stated, this is a standard challenge with you facing two of the gym leader’s pokemon. At any point, you may withdraw or return your pokemon during lulls. You may not withdraw your pokemon during an attack to use the withdrawal to dodge a move. Doing so is considered a forfeiture of that pokemon and you will not be allowed to return it to the field. If you have more than one of that pokemon species you will be asked to set that pokeball to the side!”

Greta nodded. “So I just need to beat two of Brock’s pokemon? I thought I needed to demonstrate my training?”

“You do,” I said, cutting in. “You need a level of strength, skill, or understanding of strategy to earn a badge. I make each match appropriate to the badge being challenged for.”

Greta frowned. “What stops people from just saying that they’re on their first challenge?”

I huffed in amusement. Trainers typically had nowhere near this level of curiosity. The girl had an inquisitive mind. Around us the crowd —what few there were for a first badge challenge— shifted, agitated at the delay. I ignored them, but Greta twitched as she realised there were people watching her.

“It used to be pride. Most trainers still challenge at a level that is appropriate for themselves and their pokemon otherwise they get very little from the challenge. The money is considered a pittance unless you are just starting out. However, that is no longer the case.” I said, more than happy to discuss how things had changed even over the course of the three years I’d been Gym Leader.

“When you applied for your match you had to do so with the trainer license that you were assigned. The League has cracked down on keeping trainer records up to date. Gym Challenges, wins or losses against other trainers, the pokemon you own and your conduct during some matches are recorded. This is all public information. Before the match, you presented your trainer license once more and we could see your win and loss history along with if you have ever challenged or beaten a Gym.”

“Oh!” she said, nodding to show her understanding.

I tilted my head. “Any other questions?”

She tapped her chin before blushing as one trainer called out. “Just fight already!”

I directed an unimpressed look at the trainer in question and gave him a stern expresison. “Ignore them, this is yet more exposure to what you might have to face later on. If you have questions before we begin—”

“No! No, I’m fine.” She shook her head and raised up her pokeball.

Daniel raised his flags. “Trainers! When you are ready toss out your pokeball—”

“Go Bulbasaur!” Greta shouted as she tossed her pokeball only for her throw to be rather off. The pokeball tried to return to her with the recall feature but it flubbed and hit the handrail. Greta’s hand also slammed down into the handrail causing her to cry out in pain.

“Asshole!” she swore, the curse carrying clearly throughout the arena.

Her other hand shot up to cradle her injured hand while the pokeball rolled around at her feet. Then she snapped her head up, her pained hand held up with her other. “Sorry!” she shouted as the crowd laughed.

“You alright?” I called back.

“Fine, just fine!” She nodded through teary eyes.

“Alright, but if you need to, we can have our Nurse look over your hand.” As though summoned, Chansey opened the door to the medbay and peered out holding a wire brush she liked to use. It looked a little rusty and ominous in her hands though. She looked around before pouting as if saddened that there weren't any maimed pokemon. She gave Greta a look before sniffing and dismissing her.

“Bulba?” Greta’s Bulbasaur had turned around to give its trainer a concerned look.

Greta shook her head before waving for me to continue. I selected my Onix to get things underway.

“Go Onix!” I shouted.

Even before the pokemon was fully formed I could tell something was wrong. The Onix emerged and did so with a mighty screech. It came out with a presence that I would have expected more of a three-badge challenge pokemon. This pokemon was far too strong for a new trainer to face and I’d have to soften the orders to give Greta a proper chance.

I’d have to make sure Onix didn’t resent me for ‘flubbing’ the match as well. If it had gotten this strong this quickly, it must have been on a bit of a streak with wins and matches. It also must have been used far too often in the last few matches. I needed to stress to my trainers that they should be spreading out the matches so the same pokemon didn’t get too many battles too quickly.

That, or they needed to pay better attention to where they placed the pokeballs. This might be a clerical error with someone putting a pokeball in the wrong area.

It was rare, but it did happen, and with the numbers of trainers we had, it was probably a shock it hadn’t happened earlier.

Then again, it was more likely that one of the new gym trainers adopted a favourite pokemon from among a group. Something they’d learnt from their own journey that had to be unlearned for working as a gym trainer.

Sadly, I wasn’t going to get a chance to ease the Onix in as Greta’s Bulbasaur flinched at its intimidating arrival. Bulbasaur reared back and babbled its name before sprinting off the arena floor. I cursed under my breath as it made a beeline for the door to the first aid clinic that was left open.

“Bulbasaur!” shouted Greta in surprise. She reached for her pokeball that should have been resting on her belt only to remember that she hadn’t caught it and it was at her feet. By the time she had leaned down to grab it, Bulbasaur was out of the room. I started to lower the podiums we were on.

Greta wasn’t willing to wait. Instead, she threw herself off the side and called out once more for her pokemon. “Bulbasaur!” She landed roughly, stumbling but carrying on after her pokemon.

The crowd were stunned for a moment, but just before Greta vanished a few trainers jeered at her poor showing. I glowered up at them and clicked my radio on. “Dennis, give the crowd some coupons for the local shops we have on hand for a meal. I’m going to have to check in with Greta.”

“On it boss,” Dennis said, marching out from the top trainer area and calling out to the crowd to stop any more poor behaviour. I gave Daniel a nod towards Dennis, asking him to back up the older man.

Now I just had to deal with an emotional girl and her highly stressed-out pokemon.

I marched towards the Medbay and grimaced. And not a few weeks ago, I’d been considering having Forrest run the Gym? He’d have struggled to help out a young girl like this. Just as I departed the arena, I spied Forrest and Flint watching me. Flint had a disapproving look that made me want to glower back. Obviously, this wasn’t an ideal showing! It kind of annoyed me to see Forrest hanging around Flint like that. I could only imagine all the terrible habits Flint was teaching him by proxy.

Urgh! I pushed that whole… thing, aside and tried to focus on the more important immediate issue right now.

I found Greta on her knees making soft cooing noises to a Bulbasaur that had opened a corner cupboard and was huddled up in the darkness. I sighed to myself and settled back to wait.

Sadly, this was only the first such incident of the year. I expected at least three more before things were done. I thought I’d set up a system to stop this from happening last year? Urgh, annoying. I had no idea how that number would balloon now. With the Surge? It'd probably be best to expect double.

I paused before announcing myself. Damn, that had been a callous line of thinking. I’d just converted all this into numbers and been ready to shrug it off as ‘it happened’. I’d need to review how things worked. Maybe even set the goal to have less than last year? Or not let this happen again outright?

“Bulbasaur! Come on little guy! It’s alright, you were just caught by surprise! We’ve never seen an Onix before and they’re known to be one of the biggest pokemon around! You got a fright is all!”

“Bulba…” came the depressed-sounding croak.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know what you mean?” said the kneeling girl.

“He’s probably over his shock and is now more ashamed. He got caught in a fight or flight response due to facing a strong pokemon.” Greta turned to find me resting on a table watching her. I very deliberately wasn’t approaching and crowding her, or her pokemon.

“I thought most pokemon would typically fight?” she said, her curiosity once more rearing its head.

I gave her a sad smile. “They don’t really teach this, but pokemon can understand if they have a good chance against another pokemon. Pokemon like Onix are able to push a lot of buttons due to their size. Couple that with coming out of the gates with a move to lower defences and have your pokemon doubting itself? It can result in situations like this.”

“Isn’t that cheap?!” Greta said, standing now and looking angry.

I shook my head. “It’s an intimidation display more than anything else. As you get stronger you’ll encounter various levels of it. When the difference between pokemon is too large it can make it much harder for the intimidated pokemon to make a good showing of its actual skills. You’ll need to train your pokemon to endure it or have strategies set up to make them ignore it.”

Greta chewed her lip. “During the match with Lance, your pokemon and Lance’s stood opposite and roared at each other. That was intimidation at the highest level, wasn’t it?”

“An almost textbook example,” I replied.

“Well …” she scuffed her foot on the ground, “No one else has tried that on us before, so we were just not ready for it.”

“It’s good that you encountered it here and not out in the wilds first. If this situation had played out in the wilds you might be endangered if your pokemon fle—” my words were cut off when Bulbasaur launched itself out of the cupboard to stand in front of Greta.

“BULBA! BULBA SAUR!” it snarled. I hummed. I had no firm idea of what it was saying but if I read its body language and tone…

“You think you wouldn’t have ever fled if you’d been in the wild? You wouldn’t abandon Greta? Not ever again?”

“Bul!” it snapped.

Greta dropped to her knees and scooped her pokemon up. “Oh! Bulbasaur! Thank you but I never doubted you’d leave me in the wilds! This just caught you off guard is all!”

I held the defiant gaze of the Bulbasaur. I could tell it was young as it’s bulb was still a dark colouration. Its size made it easily holdable compared to some of the other older versions I’d seen around that were much larger. I nodded slowly to show that I understood its ‘vow’. This seemed to make the pokemon relax a little.

“I think you’ve learned a lot from today despite the… setback,” I said. I stood and then bowed my head. “I need to apologise for this as well. The Onix that you faced was stronger than most first badge challengers face.”

“Oh! Uhm!” She shifted from foot to foot while Bulbasaur made a small growling question. “What does that mean? Do I automatically get—” I stood up and held a hand out to stop her.

“No,” I said firmly but not unkindly.

“You must demonstrate a certain level of skill depending on the badge challenge that you contend at.” I rubbed my face and exhaled a large sigh. “The mix-up while an issue isn’t something that was insurmountable.”

I gestured back out to the arena. “Would you like to try again?”

Greta shrunk into herself and blushed red. “Oh, I don’t think I could! All those people were out there and laughed and… Can I just reschedule?”

I nodded. “If that’s what you want. I will be reimbursing you for your fee to challenge us and I won’t record a loss on your file against us. If an opening presents itself I’ll do what I can but with the amount of demand we currently have, there is also going to be a wait.” I shifted uneasily, not happy to force her back due to an error on my part. She didn’t sound comfortable fighting again today, I might be able to make an extra slot just for her on another day this week. It wouldn’t be right to put her out after all.

I shot a quick message to Alexa before looking up to find Greta looking around the medical room.

I tapped my chin in thought. “You had a lot of questions…”

She blushed, her head ducking down. “Sorry about those!”

“No, no. It’s not an issue. Honestly, I would prefer more trainers to think to ask those questions; it might become tiring, but if people don’t know something like that it highlights a gap in a lot of people’s knowledge bases. I won’t have time to reschedule a battle today…” I said, lying through my teeth so she had an excuse to grasp a hold of beyond ‘I didn’t want to after being embarrassed’.

“So instead, how about you stick around till the close of business and accompany me as I finish up for the day? Any questions you have, I’ll try and either answer them or point you in the right direction to help answer them.”

I offered her a hand, “Sound fair?”

Greta’s broad smile was answer enough but she still grasped my hand quickly. “Deal!”

I smiled at her. “Well to start with let’s get you a visitor pass so you can hang out in the Gym trainer area.” I checked my watch. “I have another four matches this morning to see to, so you’ll get to watch how we do things until I’m free at lunch. We can chat then.”

I smirked as I recalled the other event happening. “Before lunch we have the Ace challenge for the day. I imagine that will be enough time for you to build up a ton of questions.”

“An Ace challenge?!” she said excitedly. “Oh sweet! Bulbasaur we’ll get to see some of Brock’s strongest pokemon fight!” Greta bounced after me as I led her into the office space; her Bulbasaur continued to shoot me little glares from his spot in her arms. He wasn’t so quick to forgive or forget as his trainer.

I merely shook my head. If only every trainer that had a bad experience could be placated so easily. She hadn’t even demanded I award her the badge or threatened to call a League official on me.

Or were my expectations of some trainers too low?

I remembered the trainer I’d faced almost two weeks ago, and that Forrest had stomped a bit later.

Nah. Some trainers were that bad.

Still, Greta would serve as a wonderful positive from what had started out quite badly. I found myself looking forward to teaching her about pokemon and pokemon battles.

It wasn’t a big positive. But sometimes the little things in life mattered the most