Descent into Rancor
Part III- The Scent of Anxiety and Approaching Storm
Come on, Ash, Misty shouted. Visiting hours don't last forever, ya know.
I know, I know, Ash pulled on his last shoe while hopping around aimlessly on one foot. It at least gave the semblance that he was getting ready, in any case.
Ash grabbed a folded piece of construction paper from the dresser in the room that was his and Brock's--now his for the time being--and ran out to greet Misty.
I'm coming! Ash shouted, then ran down the hallway and into the living room.
I thought girls were supposed to take longer to get ready, Misty smirked.
I was finishing something,Ash retorted, holding up the folded piece of construction paper. I started it last night after Gary called, and I had to finish it this morning.
Misty smiled. Let me see that.
Ash shouted, hiding it behind his back.
Why not? Misty asked, her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she walked nearer to Ash. Is it a loooove letter?
Ash blanched quickly. It's a get well card! Duh!
How cuuuute, Misty teased. A homemade get well card!
Ash looked away, well, she was a good friend growing up. I want to give her something special. Gary said she's pretty bad off.
Misty sighed, then put a hand on Ash's shoulder. I'm sorry for teasing. Let's just go, all right?
Ash nodded. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder, sensing that they were going to leave, and the three of them piled into the community bus. It had been waiting for about two minutes, and was part of the reason for Misty's rush, since she had pleaded that the driver stop and wait while Ash got ready. Ash had thought it would be too dangerous to go out, but Misty insisted that they couldn't stay bottled up forever.
It wasn't a terribly long trip from Cerulean City to Pallet Town, but Ash was fidgety on the bus just the same. They had to walk about a quarter mile to the hospital, but Misty also insisted that they could use the walk. Ash was made confident by Misty's steely-nerved disposition, which made the trek through the cheery streets much easier. The skies were just clearing of clouds from the storm which had rolled in the night before, though another was due to arrive within the next few days.
Upon entering the hospital doors Ash immediately ran to the gift shop. Misty sighed as he bought a very expensive floral arrangement and a teddy bear for her, and he ran back out to Misty just as quickly.
What kind of a dork visits someone in the hospital without bringing presents? Ash grinned.
That's really sweet, Ash, Misty commented, mostly because she knew Ash was becoming strapped for cash, and that he probably just spent the remainder of his stash on those two small things.
Ash seemed strangely nervous as they walked up to a desk to ask the number of the room May was staying in. Gary had told them which building and room, but Ash forgot to write the room number down in his fervor to get off the phone. Misty had thought it was out of immaturity and that he didn't want to talk to Gary, but she was begining to think that it was from absent-mindedness induced by concern.
Did Gary say exactly what was wrong with her? Misty asked as they waited for the receptionist to get off the phone.
No, he just said she's been in here for a long while, Ash looked up to the sky.
Something to do with the Cage. You know, Misty, I don't think I blame Brock for trying to do something about it. He's been so depressed anyway, I think anything would be good to put his mind on something else.
Misty's eyes widened at the mention of Brock's name, and she whirled around to Ash.
It's not about whether it's good for him or not, Misty began to wring her hands. Look, I just can't explain it. I have my reasons for being mad at him for leaving!
Ash grinned smugly, but didn't have time to spout his own theory since the receptionist was now on the phone and impatiently waiting for Ash and Misty's attention.
Can I help you? she muttered.
Misty nodded, we're here to visit May Oak--could you tell us where we can find her?
Ash clutched his offerings more tightly as he thought about how the people he loved had been preyed upon. He didn't know what he could do about it. He knew that joining the police was definitely not his thing, but he couldn't stand by while the world around him was hacked to pieces.
Misty received directions while Ash buried himself in his thoughts, and he followed her mindlessly as she led him to their desired destination.
Ash closed his eyes and swallowed as Misty opened the door. He still didn't know what exactly was wrong with his friend. Was she in a coma? Hooked up to a million machines? What could make it so that she'd have to be in a hospital for a long period of time.
Ash entered the room as if it was a vacuum, allowing Misty to hold the door open for him. She had peered in, then allowed Ash to enter first. She didn't know May, after all.
Ash smiled brightly for May as he looked in, and had to fight letting it fall as he saw her lying on the hospital bed. He blinked a million times as he quickly put the things he brought on the counter most convenient to him, and he then dashed to her side.
Oh no! she sobbed weakly. I don't want you to see me like this!
Ash frowned. My poor May!
Pikachu and Ash both ran over to where May was, but Pikachu hung back after Ash began to hover over her bed. The little mouse must have sensed the tension of Ash's aura from seeing his friend in such a state, because it leaned comfortingly against Ash's leg.
Ash's heart began to pound erratically, almost like a metronome playing the off beats to the heart monitor May was hooked up to, which began to beat faster as well.
She was covered in scars, and she had casts on both legs. Her throat had a long, thick scar across its front as well, and though her face was relatively unscathed, the Cage's emblem, which was naught more than a ball and chain, was carved into her forehead. Ash's breath was short as he grabbed for May's hand, and ran the other through her hair. He had to close his eyes as everything around him seemed to blacken. She must have had more extensive injuries which were not visible since she wasn't allowed to return home, so he was gentle as he pressed himself to her in a hug.
May began to cry softly as Ash pressed his cheek to hers.
Ash flinched. Of course I want to see you! You're beautiful--nothing could take that away.
May shakily put her arms around Ash as well. I've missed you, a lot, since you left. I've been wanting to see you, but I'm a freak now--you'd--you'd--
Ash pressed a finger to May's lips, then softly kissed her cheek. You're not a freak. Don't get all worked up or I'll have to leave.
Did my Grandpa tell you to come and see me? May whispered, both in shock from having been kissed, and trying to calm down.
Ash shook his head. No, your brother.
May's eyes widened. I haven't seen him in so long! If you talk to him again, tell him I miss him.
You mean he hasn't been coming to visit you? Ash raised an eyebrow.
May shook her head. He did at first--but he was so mad because of what the Cage did, he swore he'd get them back and joined a police academy. When he first joined I saw him sometimes, but now he spends all his time in training. He hasn't called me for about three weeks. I know he's doing it for me, but--
Misty walked into their conversation nervously, but she couldn't help herself. He joined a police academy' because of this too? Did that just seem weird to you?
May nodded. It was weird, but I was happy for him, because he'd been so angry all the time I thought it would be good if he had something to focus on, I don't want him to ruin his life just because of me.
Misty looked to the ground, then nodded and sat in a chair.
Don't worry May, Ash shook his head. Between Gary and my friend Brock, I'm sure that the Cage will get their asses kicked. Ash winced again, then had to wipe stray tears from his cheeks. And I'll do anything I can, too.
Misty turned away as Ash leaned over to kiss May on the cheek again. Misty closed her eyes and rubbed her arms for warmth, though she wasn't that cold.
Oh Brock, she thought. Don't get yourself killed.
Misty didn't know what would become of him since she wasn't around to keep him from killing himself, but that wasn't her main concern at the time.
Ash and May talked for quite some time. Misty had never seen Ash act so delicate toward someone, and it would have warmed her heart, but she was stiff as ice from thinking about her last encounter with Brock. Would it be her last ever?
They had to be ushered out as visiting hours ended. Ash promised May that he would visit the next day. Misty smirked at how his inhibitions about traveling away from his mom and the gym fled when his heart was pulled in another direction.
The skies were darkening in the final stages of twilight while Misty and Ash walked back to the bus stop. They checked their surroundings frequently, and that quarter mile between the hospital and their stop stretched into a thousand leagues under the sea as the hair upon their necks were raised by goosebumps, and every breeze which stirred their hair caused chills to ramble down their spines. Even Pikachu had caught wind of the move, and it balled itself closely to Ash's neck as they kept walking.
Misty wouldn't have been so apprehensive except that Ash was more nervous than what could have been humanly normal. She didn't know Ash to be a chicken, so it bit at her nerves sorely. Ash seemed to be preparing himself for the inevitable, and Misty found herself walking closer to him as time strolled by.
The buildings which surrounded them left momentarily for a stretch of forest to pass by along the road. Misty scanned her surroundings as if she was taking a test to get her driver's license, her hands balled into fists, waiting to lash out, as if they would protect her from the weaponry that the Cage possessed.
The silence which flooded the area was more unnerving than even Ash's restiveness. And the dark began to settle upon them even more thickly.
Look out, Misty! Ash shouted, and Misty didn't have a memory to piece together between Ash yelling that and being shoved onto the floor.
Misty looked up wildly, feeling as if she'd botched her job. However, Ash was unscathed, and she was free to jump up from the floor and forcibly keep Ash behind her.
The sight which greeted her was disturbing, to say the least. She shuddered as her eyes graced a steel-gray creature which resembled a mewtwo, except a current of black lightning seemed to travel up and down its body. Something was definitely wrong with it as its arms reached below its legs as it floated, and it didn't have any eyes.
Was the first thought to enter Misty's mind, and the first thing she shouted.
Oh no, Ash closed his eyes. It was a mistake to come out here.
Pikachu shouted, attempting to shock the creature.
The creature dodged the move, and laboriously lifted one of its hideously long arms.
Its voice was robotic, but it indeed did speak. It said, mimicking Misty.
Ash dove to recover Pikachu as energy began to well in the creature's paw, but Misty shoved them both out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack on her leg.
Misty shouted as an electricity-like psychic wave traveled through her body. Get out of here, you guys!
Not without you! Ash shouted, almost in frustration. As if he could leave a friend behind.
The creature powered up again, and Misty tried to rush it, to divert its attention from Ash and Pikachu.
She closed her eyes as she ran, and expected death to come quickly.
However, her efforts were unnecessary. The creature began to shake violently, and a real electrical current began to race through it. Misty fell to the ground not a foot before the thing, and Ash pulled her away from it, dragging her on her rear.
Ash's arms were still around Misty's waist when the creature fell to the ground. The current stopped, and a black whip which had been curled around it was visibly retracted.
Misty pushed Ash's hands away and stood up, ready to face their savior, just in case they incapacitated their current enemy for other than good intentions.
Three tall people dressed in black spandex jumped down from a tree. Ash couldn't tell whether they were male or female, though they were quite slender. In the black of night distinguishing features weren't quite so distinguished.
Pikachu jumped to its feet once again, its ego a little bruised from not being able to handle the strange creature itself.
Get out of here, one of the ninja's hissed, still keeping his or her gender from being decipherable. It is not dead.
Misty nodded, suddenly trusting them. Ash didn't question it, and they did as they were told, never looking back as they ran toward the bus stop.
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Brock woke up groggily, but earlier than Gary. He walked out of their quarters quickly and wandered around in search of the showers. Gary hadn't had the time to show him around, and he didn't know where the bathrooms were. This was becoming a problem. He walked toward the cafeteria first, hoping that the buildings were clustered closely together.
He was right, but had to hobble about seven feet to a building beside the cafeteria to reach his destination. It was a relief, as is easily imagined.
Brock walked over to the sink and turned the water on cold. He cupped his hands under it, then splashed it onto his face. It felt good against the burning inside his jaw, and as he looked up at the mirror, he realized it was because a huge black bruise had formed on his cheek. He gingerly lifted up his hand to touch it, and it felt soft and tender beneath his fingers. A shot of pain raced to his brain, but it felt strangely soothing. He tapped the sore again gently, shuddered, then went back to washing his face.
He was alone in the room since hardly anyone on the planet would voluntarily wake as early as he had. He dropped off his clothes in the sink, then walked into a shower. There were no curtains, since while in boot camp privacy isn't of the proprietor's greatest concerns, so he was glad he was such a morning person. He fumbled for shampoo and soap in his backpack with leisure, and closed his eyes, letting the warm water stream over his face as he lathered his hair. He'd felt stained and dirty, and he relished in being cleansed for the first time in a long while. Soap traveled over his body as he tried to quickly finish before anyone else would enter, but felt strange as his thoughts were drawn to Misty and Ash. He did miss them, even though he'd only been away for two days. He especially wanted to mend things with Misty, but he couldn't bring himself to talk to her. He was too ashamed.
Brock turned the water off slowly, but toweled himself off quickly. He thought about the pokémon battles he would have to face that day, and how he wasn't sure his pokémon could handle it. He wasn't a seasoned trainer--he wanted to take care of pokémon. The only pokémon of his which fought well were Onix and Geodude. Zubat would fight, but Brock hadn't trained him well. Vulpix was a little antsy around anyone except for him, and Brock didn't want to risk her getting hurt.
Brock didn't even notice he was wrestling with trying to pull his clothes onto his still damp body since his mind was so far away. He should have trained harder. At least he wouldn't need one of those godforsaken shots to do pokémon battle--
Brock hopped around on alternating feet as he put on each shoe. He had put on a new set of clothes, and although he was wearing his vest, he shivered as the morning chill hit his damp skin. The ground had dried out, but it still cracked under his feet as he ran back to his and Gary's room.
Brock entered the room and his ears began to ring in the silence. He didn't have breakfast to make or anything to keep him busy, so he started to unpack his things into the drawers in the room.
Gary muttered, sitting up. It's only 5:45, Shale, we don't have to get up until seven! Get back to sleep.
I always wake up this early, Brock sighed, but decided he was being too noisy and lay back down on the bottom bunk of the bed.
Gary's lip twitched. I just might have to kill you after all.
Brock shrugged.
Gary rolled his eyes, and he looked down at Brock, his head hanging down and the blood rushing to his brain. I was kidding, cut it out with the suicidal stuff.
Brock closed his eyes, then changed the subject. I'm gonna get my ass kicked when we do pokémon battles today.
You were a gym leader! Gary laughed. You're gonna be just fine. Besides, those losers aren't that interested in pokémon battling. I can usually whip them all just with my eevee if I wanted to.
Brock suddenly whirled on Gary. Hey--you said you didn't pay much attention to Ash's friends! How did you know that I'm a gym leader?
Gary grinned sheepishly, blushing slightly. Well, as any good future pokémon master would--I kept track of gyms and their leaders.
Oh yeah? Brock grinned, who is the leader of the Blackthorn City Gym?
Gary stuck out his tongue.
Gary stared in thought for a moment, then sighed. Well, I'm not quite as familiar with Johto, okay? I've put my aspirations aside, for the time being.
Brock nodded sullenly. I know how you feel.
Gary smiled gently, then yawned. Well, I still need sleep, unlike you, you crazy fuck. I don't know how I'm going to survive Hell Week with you.
Brock's eyes widened. Hell Week?
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Jessie shouted, walking in the door with two pizzas in hand. I'm finally home!
James rushed to the door and grabbed the pizzas from Jessie, feverishly throwing them onto the table and began opening the boxes, looking for the flavor that he had ordered.
James yanked a huge slice of pizza with Canadian bacon topping and began shoveling it into his mouth.
he chuckled, strands of cheese flapping around near his chin, but it sounded more like since his mouth was full.
Jessie grumbled, whacking her partner over the head with a fan. You're a dumbass. Do you know what I had to go through to get this? They made me wait forever, and then I got the wrong toppings and had to send it back, and then I put a quarter in the Centipede game and the stupid thing ate it, so I started beating it up and they yelled at me--
James was obviously not listening, so Jessie sighed and called to the other members of the household down the hall.
she shouted, Katie! The pizza is here!
Jessie shook her head at James, then grabbed a pizza for herself. She was almost through with it by the time Meowth and Katie entered the room.
It's about time, James gurgled through a full mouth, this is gonna get cold.
Meowth looked up at Katie, but Katie just stared at the floor.
Come on, Meowth smiled up at her, cocking his head slightly and grabbing her hand. Ya gotta eat. You'll feet betta, I swear.
Katie shrugged.
James stopped eating to look at the floor, and Jessie turned to look out the window.
You haven't eaten in two days, Jessie's eyes turned to the tiny girl she was speaking to. I know you're grieving, but you can't kill yourself like this.
Katie turned away from her, crossing her arms.
Jessie's first reaction was to become angered, but she squelched the notion and put a piece of pizza on a plate.
Ya gotta be hungry, Meowth tugged on her sleeve. Come on, just a bite for da Meowth here.
Katie closed her eyes tightly, pulling her sleeve away from Meowth.
Jessie looked to James, who simply gave her a sympathetic glance.
I'll tell you what, Jessie began in an almost sly manner, if you're a good girl and eat your pizza and you try and make it through the rest of the month, I'll see if I can get the boss to let you see your brother. He should have enough training to take care of you in a month anyway.
Katie brightened at this and turned around to face Jessie.
All right, she said softly. Just one piece.
Both Jessie and James grinned widely, and Katie walked over to the table with a happy Meowth at her feet.
It wasn't really a lie, Jessie told herself. There's no reason she can't see him at the end of the month. Training only lasts that long anyway.
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Brock began to sweat as the man tossed a ball confidently into the air, catching it over and over and over again, waiting for Brock to choose his first pokémon.
Don't fail me now, he whispered to the ball he finally chose. He figured that he should probably try and level some of his pokémon other than Onix and Geodude, but he was wondering if it was a bad choice.
Go Zubat! Brock shouted, releasing the flying pokémon into the air.
Go Machop! his opponent winced, regretting the choice.
Zubat, confuse ray, now!
Machop, karate chop, now!
Zubat's move hit first, and Machop ended up punching himself in the jaw.
Finish it off with wing attack! Brock smiled, knowing that this was super effective against fighting types.
Zubat shouted, slapping the little fighting pokémon around with its wings.
Machop fainted promptly.
Good job, Zubat! Brock praised.
Zubat cooed, flapping around in a little victory dance.
All right, the defeated opponent grumbled, let's see that stupid bat handle this! Go, Spinarak!
Brock raised an eyebrow at this choice. Gary was right--they didn't know anything about battling pokémon. Flying versus bug would be a breeze.
Wing attack again, Zubat! Brock pointed toward the spinarak.
Scary face, Spinarak! the other guy ordered.
Spinarak barred its fangs and bugged its eyes out at Zubat, and Zubat stuck its tongue out and bugged its eyes out back, then beat the spider into submission with its wings.
Brock was practically on the ground laughing. He never knew his zubat was so funny.
Great job, Zubat! Brock praised inbetween laughing. That was too funny!
His opponent didn't think it was very funny, though.
All right, he grumbled, I'll get you this time! Go, magnemite!
Not to worry, Brock grinned. Zubat, return!
Zubat returned to its pokéball, and Brock grabbed another.
Go, Vulpix! Brock shouted, though some of the surety in his voice subsided.
his opponent said smugly. Fire isn't good against electricity!
It's good against steel, Brock retorted. He wanted to add dumbass' to the statement, but refrained from doing so.
The man's face fell, but Brock was uneasy yet.
Lock-on, magnemite! the man ordered.
Brock almost laughed.
Use ember, Vulpix! Brock ordered.
Vulpix began to power up for ember, but as she released fire at her adversary, it evaded the attack.
Magnemite, thunderbolt! his opponent grinned.
Brock wondered the purpose of lock-on since thunderbolt wasn't a move which often missed anyway, but he already questioned the intelligence of his adversary.
But, Vulpix was down and out after the thunderbolt attack. The guy was too happy for words after this, which irked Brock.
Brock scratched his head. Go onix! he shouted.
Onix left his pokéball, and Brock's opponent's face fell immediately.
Not fair! he whined. Isn't there a size limit?
Brock frowned. Onix, use dig, now!
Onix began to burrow underground.
Use double team, magnemite! the man shouted in panic.
Good move, Brock blinked, wondering if the added evasion would spare its life.
Onix leapt from the ground at Magnemite. The little thing tried to dodge the blow, but was unable to. Onix practically made it blast off like Jessie and James into the air, and needless to say, it was done for--at least for that match.
Brock wiped his head. I'd better get my pokémon to the center. He then walked over to his opponent and held out his hand. Good battle there.
His opponent wouldn't shake hands, however.
You cheated! That onix is too big!
Brock rolled his eyes and sighed. Whatever. I have a pokémon center to get to.
Brock turned around to walk away, but apparently the dumbass wasn't through with him yet.
The guy grabbed Brock's shoulder and spun him around, causing Brock to fall on his tailbone.
Brock grumbled, don't be such a sore loser.
I'm not a sore loser, bitch! the guy insisted, you're a fucking cheater!
The guy then kicked Brock in the stomach, and Brock grabbed his stomach in pain. The guy kicked him again, but Brock tried to handle the pain and get up. This got him a kick in the thigh, knocking him over again.
Cut it out, asswad! Brock shouted through clenched teeth while the guy tried to kick him in the stomach again. What are you trying to do, kill me?
At this point a crowd had gathered around the two, most of them cheering for the guy doing the kicking. Brock kept trying to grab his leg, but it just left his stomach exposed to kicking again.
the guy shouted, and suddenly staggered to the side, clutching the back of his head.
Come on Lennox, Gary grinned, let's see you kick someone's ass whose back isn't turned, asswipe!
Lennox fumed and took a swing for Gary's face, but Gary was too quick for him, and Lennox was too angry to be level headed. Gary boxed the guy in the jaw about three times, which angered him even further.
Brock was coming to his senses and his feet at this point. He was ignoring the pain in his torso, and he limped a little because of the kick to his thigh.
He'd been given his shot drugs in pill form that morning, just in case. He thought there'd be no way in hell he'd take them, but watching Gary start to lose the upper hand was begining to change his mind. This Lennox guy needed to be taught a lesson.
Brock had a hard time swallowing the pills without water, but he managed. He stood still and watched Gary take a nasty blow to the chest and fall down, the wind knocked out of him. Lennox had his leg pulled back, about to aim for Gary's nads, when he felt a tap on the shoulder.
I'd suggest you stop that, Brock narrowed his eyes. He wasn't feeling strange yet, but he was counting on feeling that way soon. If he could feel the same way he did when he pounded Bucket, this guy would be a snap.
Lennox laughed, and turned around again to punch Brock in the face. He still didn't feel any different, but somehow he just tilted his head enough to avoid the blow. Lennox tried punching him again and again, and each time the blow was avoided.
Brock felt as if the pills improved his evasion as if he was a pokémon. He wasn't even thinking or moving on his own volition--it seemed as if every punch and kick which hit Lennox squarely was being controlled by someone outside of his being. Lennox was hacking up blood by the time Brock compelled himself to stop. The man was on the ground shaking, his eyes opened wide in shock.
What the fuck happened? Lennox groaned, right before passing out.
You can fuck with me, Brock kicked him again, but when you fuck with my friends, I get mad. Got it?
The crowd backed away as Brock limped slightly over to Gary. Gary smiled up at Brock weakly, and Brock hoisted Gary over his shoulders. Somehow Gary's injuries were worse even though he hadn't been fighting as long as Brock had been. Brock figured it was since Gary was a lot skinnier, and perhaps weaker. It didn't matter, though. Brock doubted that anyone would be messing with Gary for a while.
I still gotta get to the pokémon center, Brock sighed, then began to walk towards it. A huge gap in the crowd formed when Brock tried to walk by, and it dispersed as he and Gary left, leaving a bleeding Lennox alone on the floor.
I owe you one, Brock whispered to Gary, who seemed to be fading in and out of consciousness.
Are you kidding? Gary coughed, seeing that meat head get his ass kicked is worth any number of broken ribs.
Brock sighed, then walked into the pokémon center. It was a small building, much smaller than the pokémon centers of various cities. They only had one chansey and a wigglytuff working as nurses, and the of this center was a fairly unattractive guy named Maine. It didn't matter, though. They had a healing machine, and that's all Brock was interested in.
Brock dropped Gary off in a seat, then dropped off his pokémon, then sat and began to rub his temples. He was glad that he was feeling normal. He assumed that it was because the pills weren't as strong as a shot. They still did something, that much was clear, but it wasn't something detrimental.
Gary turned to Brock, we can go, there's a place for your pokémon to play and everything until it's time to battle them again. Most people leave their pokémon here anyway. It's better for them, they're not cooped up all day.
Brock blinked, wondering if that was such a good idea. Did he trust anyone with--
Brock looked at Gary, who was obviously anxious to leave. He was clutching his stomach, and trying to hide the fact that he was shivering lightly. Brock took a deep breath, then stood from where he sat.
You're right, he said blandly, standing up. Let's go back to camp. You need some rest, anyway.
Gary nodded, standing as well. He felt dizzy standing upright, but somehow managed not to faint. He just collapsed in bed. He didn't make it up the top bunk, but Brock was okay with the trade.
Brock lye with his hands behind his head.
he began, hopeful that his partner hadn't just passed out all of the sudden, I didn't ask you this earlier, but what is hell week?
Rookie torture, he sighed. First three days they send us into the desert with nothing, not even our pokémon, and we have to survive. Who knows what we do the rest of the time. Probably a lot of getting our asses kicked, although you'll probably be doing a lot of the kicking.
You're not going to get your ass kicked, Brock muttered sternly. But there's no water in the desert. What the hell are we gonna do about that?
Gary closed his eyes. Maybe we'll be lucky and it'll rain again. I hear that the rest of the island has practically flooded. A little bit has to come this way. Even deserts get rain.
Brock frowned, wondering exactly how far his journey to training camp had taken him. He didn't even remember there being a desert anywhere nearby, but he didn't know if he had been in that car for fifteen minutes or fifteen hours.
How far from Pewter are we? Brock asked, almost in a whisper.
Gary chuckled, you're not going to walk back there any time soon, that's for damn sure.
Brock sighed, and the sky darkened. Both he and Gary startled as lightning fiercely struck the ground outside.
Maybe a sign of things to come, Brock swallowed hard.
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Brock woke before the sun had a chance to rise once again. He felt slothful as the darkened skies brought an artificial chill to his indoor flesh. He could see all he needed to through a bend in the curtain, and his feet met cold as he quietly climbed down the metal steps of the top bunk. He turned his head and looked at the contents of the lower bunk, envious of Gary's ability to sleep. He would have given up a lot to be able to achieve that kind of serenity, a childish innocence which sleep bestows even upon the most malicious of people. That look--of flaccid eyelashes which swept gently across sleep-puffed cheeks, of a mouth slightly open to breathe in the flavors of rest--this was a look Brock never had past about five thirty in the morning.
He could be described as envious, at that moment.
He climbed back up the bunk, feeling slightly restless. He probably should shower, seeing as he wouldn't have the opportunity for several days, as Gary had previously disclosed to him. But then again, he didn't want to wander alone out in the cold.
He began to doze slightly, but was startled by Gary.
I woke up before you? Gary grinned.
Brock blinked, his mood suddenly almost competitive. That's not it at all. I mean, I woke up really early but no one else was awake, so I--
Don't sweat it Shale, Gary smirked, yawning. Oh, I'm so tired, but if we don't hit the showers now we'll never get the chance. I mean, no one is going to skip it today. They're gonna be begging for one in a couple of days. Hell--they'll be begging for water period.
Brock looked to the ground. Somehow I don't think I'm going to like this.
You're not supposta, Gary sighed, waiting for Brock to climb down the bunk. That's why it's not called heaven week.'
Brock rolled his eyes and fumbled around in a drawer for a change of clothes and a towel. Someone put fresh towels in their dresser during training, as if they were in a hotel.
Gary remained in the pajama bottoms he slept in as well, and they both dashed over to the showers, then ate breakfast, then packed up to leave. Brock's nerves were edgy, but no one harassed him after what had happened the day before.
Brock tried to drag his feet to the training area, but Gary pulled him along. Brock relaxed seeing as Gary wasn't scared, but he was begining to wish that he could go home, and three days without the option of returning home was not sounding too great.
The trek back to the training area seemed far too short that day, as if everything was guiding them toward their moment of false Zen. Brock lowered his eyes as everyone circled away from him and Gary, making a statement of distrust because of the preceding day's incident.
Air slowly escaped Brock's lips as he stood. Their captain began rambling about what they'd have to do, but Brock assumed that Gary would listen. Brock didn't feel like listening. He just felt like staring into space, letting an image of Misty begin to crowd his mind--
Gary tugged on Brock's sleeve. Come on. We're hiking now. You're just standing here staring--
Brock turned to Gary, his eyebrows narrowed.
Have you ever been in love? Brock asked, his voice trailing away on a sigh.
Gary licked his lips and looked to the ground. I really don't want to talk about it. Why? What's on your mind?
Brock shrugged. I just miss someone--right now.
You won't have time to miss someone while we're out, Gary patted Brock on the shoulder. There's just gonna be you, me, and a whole lot of starvation.
Brock shrugged again, and the two boys caught up to the rest.
Brock was glad that his backpack was light. Some people were carrying so much weight they could hardly walk.
Gary turned to Brock, his hand shielding his mouth as if it would make his voice only audible to Brock. They're stupid, Gary rolled his eyes, they're just getting worn out for nothing. All of our stuff except for our clothes are going to be taken away anyway.
Brock nodded wordlessly, and he could almost hear the pills that jangled in his pocket. They'd said that it was in case they found themselves in a life threatening situation, but he had a feeling that that just might occur.
-------------------------------------------
Agent Espiritu, she narrowed her eyes, I don't want you getting involved in business that dangerous! Do you understand what could come of meeting one of those freaks face to face without anyone to bail your ass out?
I understand it very well,Espiritu snorted, pulling a black mask over her face. I have never been one to fear a risk.
I've never been afraid to throw you into a risk, in case you haven't noticed, her boss continued to fume, so that ought to tell you something! Lay low and let things smooth out themselves!
You know I can't do that, Espiritu frowned, though it was invisible beneath the mask she wore. She began to pick up weapons and place them on her belt. Ketchum was attacked for a reason, I'm sure. I also have word that Shale is going to be attacked tonight. They think he can handle it. I'm just going to show up to make sure that he can.
No, you're not, her boss began to shout as Espiritu slipped outside the door.
I'm sorry, Espiritu whispered, closing her eyes softly. There's just nothing else I can do.
Authors Notes: No, Brock hasn't forgotten about his family. As seen by the chapter title, the next chapter will be much more angsty and all that rot. Seriously. I'm sorry this one was so short, but I've had writer's brain freeze for a long time. Later