#074 Geodude

Geodude, the rock Pokémon. Geodude can be most often found on mountain trails and fields. It will sit still in these areas, which is why it is often mistaken for a rock. It is occasionally stepped on, and will lash out in anger when this occurs. When Geodude sleeps deeply, it buries itself halfway into the ground. Once buried, it will not awaken even if someone steps on it. In the morning, Geodude rolls downhill in search of food – Nurse Evergreen.

Having left the beach and summer clothing behind, Nurse Isabelle, back in her normal attire, was now headed for the mountains and Pewter city, somewhere within those mountains. She had an appointment with the Gym leader, Brock. The night before she would arrive: known for flirting, with only a few of his Pokémon currently in town. Some Zubat and several Geodude. The rest were not in the Gym at the moment, so she'd have to come back another time. She'd called to postpone the meeting, but Brock had insisted that he needed her to look at his Geodude, for a second opinion. So here she was, nearly at Pewter city.

Despite the eternal layer of dust and dirt in the town, the air always felt crisp and clean. The mountains surrounding it never lost their icy peaks, which created a lovely view. It was rather cold though, this high in the mountains. Izzy zipped her already closed coat up just a fraction more.

As she walked through town, she cast a wry look at the Pokémon centre. She could see the balcony on which she had spent a lot of time after Beedrill had died on her. She still regretted being unable to save it.

At the entrance of the Pewter Gym, Isabelle was received by a Joy, who wasn't wearing her nurse outfit. With jeans and a pink jumper, she looked rather casual. But one thing struck Isabelle as odd: instead of a slim figure that came with their lifestyle and young age, this Joy's tummy showed a bump. Not quite like fat, but it was too hasty to assume any other possibility.

"My husband, Brock, is inside," Joy told her as they entered the shabby-looking Gym, which was made mostly of rocks and wood.

"You married him?" Isabelle asked surprised as they made their way through the place which was littered with rocks.

"Hmhm," Joy hummed affirmatively. "I could not resist him. One who courts with a passion burning brighter than Charizard's fire is simply irresistible." She said with a slight swoon. Isabelle looked a little sceptic.

"And had he declared this love to any other women?"

Joy shook her head. "Not since we married. He only has eyes for me. Well, us." She said as she stroked her bulging stomach.

"Congratulations," Isabelle said, sincerely. She remembered this Joy to be a caring woman, who helped her through after a particularly bad experience as a young nurse.

"Thank you. Do you want any kids?"

"Not sure… Yes and no, if that makes sense? It doesn't match well with this lifestyle."

The pregnant nurse nodded. "It's a good thing I've settled. Wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise."

Brock was found in the main hall, where most battles were held. He sat on the floor, among the rocks, talking to yet another rock. Upon closer inspection, it was a Geodude who had burrowed himself into the ground, seemingly upset.

Isabelle approached and knelt down in the dust to look at the Geodude while Brock behind her kissed Joy's stomach and then her full on the mouth. Ignoring the wet sounds, she gently stroked the Geodude to attract his attention. And indeed, his eyes opened to look at the nurse. Isabelle smiled gently.

Geodude looked rather the worse for wear. It was obvious he had been in a lot of battles because he was all chipped and worn away, making him smaller than he should be. Brock had mentioned this one on the phone. He said he needed advice on when to retire his starter.

"You're a tough one, aren't you? Look at you. All these battle scars. Surely, Brock is very proud with a Pokémon like you." Upon Izzy's piercing look, Brock nodded eagerly. "See? I bet you're the toughest Geodude in this entire Gym, maybe even of all Pewter or all of these mountains!"

With his ego puffed up, Geodude came out of the hole, showing the full extent of his injuries.

"Those little pebbles that call themselves Pewter Gym Geodude could learn a lot from you. And as the Senior Geodude, it's your task to guide them to be the best they can be!"

"Geo!"

When Geodude had hovered off to join the other Geodude training a bit further away, Isabelle turned to Brock.

"He'll need to retire soon. He's too chipped away and all that's gone won't grow back. Not for Geodude at least. Do you know what a broken Geodude looks like? Let's say they're named after geodes for a reason. Don't break him, please."

With a despairing look, he nodded. "I'll tell him soon, okay? Let him live a bit longer in this glory you've reminded him of. Would helping him evolve help?"

"At this age? Not likely. I worry he'll be brittle after the transformation. Your choice, of course."

Brock nodded thoughtfully, scratching the whiskers on his chin. The man had matured a lot since marrying the sweet nurse. Joy gently pulled Izzy away from Brock and his Geodude, offering her a cup of tea.