Chapter 2

What did Brock want to do with his life?

Tuesday, September 19th

Coming from the hustle and bustle of Vermilion City, it took some time for the Slate's to adjust to their new surroundings in Pewter City. The majority of Pewter City was made up of suburbs that were broken off into smaller towns. The biggest change that the family enjoyed was the new size of their property.

In Vermilion City, the houses were practically on top of each other. In Pewter City, there was ample room between each house. Their back and front yards were enormous with room for the kids to play in any way, shape, or form. And their new six-bedroom house was welcomed warmly by their family.

At long last, Brock didn't share a room with his younger brothers! While he adored his siblings, it was often a struggle to have four of them sleeping in the same room. Now, Brock only had a share a room with Forrest who was on the quiet side compared to the rest of them. This newfound peace caused Brock to look back at his cramped bedroom fondly. He missed it in some ways…but there was no way he was going back to it now.

Brock sat alone on the front porch; his chin propped up on one hand as he looked at his neighbor's homes. They lived in a cul-de-sac out in the woodlands near Route 3 and when compared to Vermilion City, there was a lot more Pokemon. Brock often saw Ratatta, Oddish, and even a stray Abra at times in their backyard.

Due to their exposure to Ash's Pikachu, Billy and Tilly often chased after any of the wild Pokemon they spotted. However, most of them would scurry off of their property before the twins could catch them. It was fun to watch them.

The front door opened behind him, and Brock glanced over his shoulder. His father stepped out onto the porch with two glasses of iced tea in his hands. Flint came out and took a seat beside Brock on the front steps before he offered him a drink.

"Thanks," Brock said as he accepted. "What brings you out here?"

"It's a nice day, I thought I might get some fresh air," Flint answered as he tugged at the collar of his jacket. "I wasn't expecting it to get cooler here in the fall."

"Yeah, we were a little spoiled living in Vermilion City," Brock noted with a shrug.

"So how is everything, champ?" Flint asked after he took a sip of his drink.

"I don't know, dad," Brock admitted and he shook his head. "I'm not sure what I should be doing right now."

"There's nothing wrong with feeling that way," Flint remarked. "A lot changed over the last few months; it's going to take some time to adjust."

Brock exhaled. A lot did change…

His family moved to Pewter City midway through the summer, leaving behind everything in Vermilion City. All of his siblings were transferred to the local school district, and getting nine kids accepted at once was no small task. His parents were no longer members of the workforce.

Despite all that…the change that left Brock unsettled was the fact that he was no longer in contact with all of his friends. Their final meeting was a tough pill to swallow, but Brock could only hope that he created the possibility to mend those bridges later on. He would have to bear the loneliness until then.

"I understand that you're feeling down," Flint went on. "That doesn't mean you should stay down."

"I know, I know," Brock muttered. "Everything got so crazy right before we left. It just bothers the heck out of me."

"It's not easy to part ways with your friends," Flint consoled him. "Especially not on good terms. I know they meant a lot to you."

"They meant the world to me."

"If they meant that much to you, then there is always a chance for forgiveness, Brock," Flint said as he placed a hand on Brock's shoulder. "They know you care about them; give them some time and they'll see it."

Brock drank a third of his iced tea before he gave his father a nod.

"In the meantime, why not focus on yourself?" Flint suggested.

"Like I said, I don't really know what I should do," Brock said in return. "I was always so bent on trying to help you and mom. That was my whole mission, to pay back you and mom for everything you've done for us."

"That's very noble of you, and I'm here to tell you that you did it," Flint stated as he gave Brock a grin. "It's not often that things work out for someone to achieve their dream situation, but you pulled it off."

Flint tapped Brock's back a few times before he motioned to their new home.

"You got us into a beautiful neighborhood, a great house…and I don't think we've said this to you yet," Flint paused as he waited for Brock to make eye contact with him. "Thank you, Brock."

Brock bit down on his lower lip and looked away quickly.

"Your family has everything we wanted but…is this what you wanted?" Flint inquired. The silence from Brock was more than enough for Flint to determine an answer. "It's alright, you don't have to answer that question. It's not easy…I haven't found an answer to it myself."

Flint raised his hand to ruffle Brock's hair, then he rose to his feet and approached the front door.

"You know, your mom and I were only nineteen when we had you," Flint noted as he stood in the doorway. "I was scared out of my mind. Nineteen-year-old father," He stopped to chuckle. "Even though I doubted myself, my father never did. There was one night where he told me that he truly believed that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. It was in that moment that I decided I would do everything in my power to be a good father."

Brock glanced over his shoulder to look back at Flint.

"Brock, I want you to know that I feel the same way about you," Flint stated as he gave Brock a wink. "Whatever you want to be, go after it. I'll back you up one hundred percent. That's a promise."

Brock always wanted to pursue a life revolving around Pokemon.

Saturday, September 30th

Rays of sunlight pierced through the canopy above and Brock raised a hand to shield his eyes. His shoes sunk into the wet dirt as he ventured through the woodlands beyond the border of his property. The air was crisp and damp from rainfall earlier in the day, so Brock wore a light jacket and kept his hands in his pockets.

Brock was mindful of each step he took, avoiding tree roots and stray flowers as he trekked through the woods. On most of his trips, he would often see Ratatta, Weedle, Caterpie, and Nidoran scurrying around the forest floor. They would take a break from the foraging and other activities to observe him and Brock would wave back to them in return. During the past several days, he spent a great deal of time in the woods to study these Pokemon in their natural habitat.

It was truly fascinating. Brock read all sorts of research papers that were published on the PokeHub concerning various Pokemon. However, reading about them and seeing them for himself were two completely different things. With a small journal in hand, Brock got to watch the humble Nidoran build their small dens within the base of a tree trunk as a home for their young in preparation for the cool winter that was approaching. He witnessed Bellsprout and Oddish tend to the plant life, spreading a glittering dust onto flowers and shrubs that rejuvenated their roots and leaves. But a slight change in the weather caused all of these Pokemon to take shelter, and a new variety was out and about.

Numerous Poliwag ventured around the forest floor. Ordinarily, they would stay in a nearby lake, but with the additional moisture in the air, Brock could assume that they were more willing to leave the comforts of the water. Unlike the other woodland Pokemon, these Poliwag darted off as soon as they noticed his presence, though Brock couldn't help but laugh as most of them fell flat on their face. They were far more proficient moving in the water than on land.

However, his greatest discovery was caused by another person that he encountered in the woods. A pink-haired beauty who Brock recognized immediately, a member of the Joy family. Keira Joy.

The Joy family was an enormous extended family that lived throughout Kanto. Their lineage dated back to the earlier eras of Kanto as they became renowned for producing many highly skilled doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners. Despite its long history, members of the Joy family maintained the same appearance. Their genes were truly dominant, so there was no end in sight for their signature look and medical dynasty. In fact, considering that their family was always growing, it made Brock wonder if, in a million years or so, everyone would look like a member of the Joy family?

Brock couldn't help but grin at the thought of being surrounded by a million Joy's. That sounded delightful…but for now, he had another life in mind.

The day he met Keira; he learned a lot about her.

"I mean, it's no secret that everyone in my family is a doctor of some sort," Kiera explained. "We're always looking for ways to improve the medical field. Apparently, some of our ancestors used to work alongside Pokemon, so I started to do the same.

Kiera brought him to the linchpin of the Pokemon community.

In the heart of the forest of Route 3, a tremendous tree, at least twelve feet wide stood proudly. The base was hollowed out and used by a Pokemon that Brock had never seen before.

"This is a Chansey," Kiera stated.

Brock watched in awe as Pokemon from all over the forest came to Chansey to be treated, whether it was minor injuries from battle or a stomach ache from too many Sitrus berries. Not only did Chansey prepare medic using different berries and herbs that she gathered in the forest, but she possessed a unique ability to heal other Pokemon.

Keira spent countless days alongside Chansey, watching her perform her duties for the forest Pokemon. There were so many stories she shared about Chansey.

"Chansey isn't just a healer, she's like a special kind of enforcer too," Kiera announced proudly. "Pokemon get into fights like we do, but things can get out of hand really fast. There was a time I got to see Chansey break up a fight between a Scyther and a Nidorino and she handled it like a champ!"

The standoff between Nidorino and Scyther took place on the crowded forest floor with about a dozen bystanders on the smaller spectrum of Pokemon sizes. Incapable of stopping the fight themselves, they could only give cries to protest, at least until Chansey arrived. She displayed a variety of abilities to end their quarrel without brute strength. It started with a move called Charm that she used to captivate both of them, and then she followed up with Sweet Kiss to disarm them.

With both of them bewitched, Chansey was free to use her recovery techniques to heal their wounds. Once she was finished with them, she broke her spell through the use of her Pound attack which was followed by a lecture about proper battle etiquette. As a parting gift, she gave each of them an Oran berry from her pouch and sent them on their way.

"The most amazing thing about Chansey is how she treats different problems," Kiera marveled as she went on. "Chansey doesn't rely on her powers to solve everything. She's savvy…she understands how to make medicine with what's available to her from the environment. She's like an actual doctor, and then her powers make up for anything that human technology has discovered."

Chansey reminded Brock of his mother, and all Pokemon were her children.

It brought one thought to Brock's mind.

"Pokemon and people…aren't all that different."

Ash always said this and now…now Brock could see it himself.

However, N's speculations turned out to be true. And in the blink of an eye, everything changed once more.

The pursuit of his passion became more difficult than ever.

Wednesday, October 18th

"Good afternoon Kanto, this is your regional news station and I'm your host, Kinsey Miles," A dark-haired woman sat behind the desk on set with her back straight and neck tense. "We're coming to you live from Vermilion City with breaking news. We have our reporter, Rita, on the scene right now."

Kinsey turned in her seat to look at the screen where a young woman was displayed. Smoke was in the air and the flashing lights signature to a fire truck could be seen on her clothing.

"Rita, I see there's quite a bit of activity. Can you tell us what happened?" Kinsey inquired. There was a delay before Rita began to speak.

"I'm here in an area of Vermilion City that's referred to as the west end. This is a part of the city that's been neglected for several years now, which has resulted in Pokemon trainers using it as a place for their dangerous battles," Rita explained with a gesture to what was behind her. The camera panned out to show the worn-out buildings and damaged lampposts. "According to reports from the west precinct of the Vermilion City police department, they got a call of several trainers involved in…"

Rita was forced to stop as the horn of a fire truck blared. They quickly relocated themselves to the other side of the block and spent a few moments filming the newest fire truck that arrived. It joined the lineup as the men inside jumped out to join the fight against the flames.

"As I was saying, several trainers were involved in a battle that escalated to the point where the majority of the precinct was called in to break it up. Captain Jenny explained that it went to a standoff between the trainers and the officers which took a turn for the worse," Rita went on as the camera went back to her. "There were casualties on both sides. There are paramedics here doing what they can. So far they've estimated eleven injured officers and twenty-one casualties."

Friday, October 20th

"Good morning Kanto, I'm Kinsey Miles and this is your regional news. We're going straight to Vermilion City this morning where the city council is about to make an announcement in regards to the incident that took place two days ago." Kinsey made a gesture to the display behind her. On it was the entrance to city hall where a podium was set up for the mayor to speak.

He cleared his throat once he received his cue to begin speaking.

"Citizens of Vermilion City, a tragedy took place within our city and an issue that we can no longer take lightly has been set before us," He began. "On Wednesday, the west police precinct received a report that a large group of trainers was having one of their 'battles' in the industrial district. Needless to say, their battle escalated to a point where our officers had no choice but to get involved. However, these trainers and their Pokemon exhibited total disregard for human life as they attacked our officers. Nineteen of our officers were injured, six of which are still in intensive care, and sadly…twenty-seven officers lost their lives."

The mayor allowed a moment of silence to pass.

"Pokemon trainers running rampant in Vermilion City has been an issue for some time now. They have threatened the security of our homes, the very infrastructure of our city and they have been left unchecked. However, after recent events, the city council has decided to take a more proactive approach," The mayor nodded to someone off-camera. "I'd like to introduce a man who will take charge in eliminating the threat of Pokemon trainers."

The mayor stepped aside and allowed a well-dressed man to step up to the podium. He had sharply cut blue hair and the golden V pinned to his shirt collar produced a glare on the camera.

"Good morning, you may refer to me as Archer. I am one of the executives of Kalos' Vanguard," He stated with a nod to the audience. "My condolences to the families who have lost a loved one. Things like this shouldn't happen and it shows a total disregard for life. This is why the Vanguard has become involved."

Archer invited a group of four people onto the stage to stand behind him. They all wore a dark uniform that featured a flak jacket with the golden V of the Vanguard. However, the most notable detail of their clothing was the strap around their waist that held Pokeballs.

"The Vanguard is a special division of the Kalos police force that uses Pokemon to function as peacekeepers. Their purpose to ensure that there is no unruly behavior among trainers throughout Kalos," Archer continued as he made a gesture to them. "I've brought some of our finest to create something similar in Vermilion City. We will find every trainer in this city and reform them and if they resist…they will face justice."

Brock's parents sat down with him to talk minutes after that newscast. They sat around the table, or at least Brock and his father were sitting. Lola was pacing back and forth.

"There is no way you're going back to Vermilion City," His mother protested. "I won't allow it!"

"Mom, I have to do this," Brock spoke in a low voice.

"You're doing fine studying Pokemon here, aren't you?" Lola asked him in return. "Why do you need to go to Vermilion City?"

"Mr. Goodshow lives in Vermilion City, and I want him to be my mentor," Brock explained as he watched his mother.

"Can't you have lessons with him over the phone or on your computer? Why put yourself at risk going back to Vermilion City? It's not safe there!" Lola proclaimed and Brock sighed.

"We've been over this already. Mr. Goodshow knows Pokemon researchers all over the world. He can open doors for me, and that means I'll be traveling. So, I'm going to leave at some point whether you like it or not."

"I won't let you," She said pointedly. "You're forbidden to go Vermilion City, and that's final."

Brock opened his mouth to speak twice but ultimately swallowed his rebuttal. Rather, he chose to rise from his seat at the table and leave the room. He went straight for the front porch of the house and grabbed a jacket before he stepped out the door. Brock gave a sigh once he was alone and took a seat down on the front steps.

The news report he watched earlier gave him chills. It was almost exactly what N predicted would happen. Brock had no doubt in his mind that those 'trainers' who attacked those officers were actually members of the Vanguard. These people were monsters…and Brock couldn't sit by idly. He wanted to speak with Charles Goodshow. He wanted to know what he could do!

The front door opened and Brock glanced over his shoulder. Flint stepped out and joined him on the steps.

"Dad, I know you guys don't really get it, but this is something I have to do," Brock began. Flint raised his hand to stop Brock from speaking.

"No need to explain to me, I know what you're feeling," Flint interjected with a smirk. "There are times in life when your instincts tell you that you've just got to do something. Missing out on things like that…well, you spend the rest of your life regretting it. So, I won't hold you back. But for my sake and your mother's, you have to promise us that you'll be safe."

"But in the kitchen, mom said,"

"Don't worry about your mother, I'll talk with her," Flint interrupted him with a chuckle. "She won't admit it Brock," Flint smiled at Brock. "She doesn't want to let go of you just yet. She'll warm up to it. So, make sure you call us and tell us all about everything you're learning."

And his chase began.

A/N

Before you slam me, please understand that I don't support any sort of violence toward authorities. I'm really hoping that wasn't anyone's main takeaway from this chapter. Truthfully, I didn't want to take this route, but I couldn't think of a substitute that could really establish the tension that I needed. I did not intend to offend anyone and you have my apologies if I did.

The story continues! Sorry for the wait on this chapter. As I said above, I was trying to think of an alternative to how this chapter ended, but I decided to stick with the original plan. Hopefully, that pays off down the road. Thank you all for reading. There will likely be a delay on the next update for Fallout and AS because I've been in a groove writing My Wings. But I'll do my best to get something else uploaded sooner rather than later.

Thank you for reading, see you all next time!