What matters?, Chapter 4
By Arina Ketchum
Author notes: Based on a character created by my friend Electra. You don't really need to read her fanfics in order to enjoy this story, but you do get a different perspective when you do read them. :) This is my interpretation of Ele's fanfics, with no nudging from her at all. This is completely my doing. :) Many thanks to Electra for allowing the use of her wonderful character.
This fanfic is rated 'R' for language and certain topics broached. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
* * * *
Pewter City - the stone gray town.
Well, that's what the sign said at the entrance to the city. I bumped into one young man, and he told me most trainers here like bug Pokemon, except for the Pewter City Gym leader, who used Rock-type Pokemon. Thanking the boy, I resumed my trek to the Pewter City Gym, determined to win a Boulder badge. I knew Thunder's electric attacks would not be very helpful in battle, but she was my leading Pokemon, the strongest out of all my six.
There it was, I thought. The Pewter Gym was two blocks over from where I was standing now. I hurried along, almost running, smiling in anticipation of the battle. I was never fond of seeing my Pokemon getting hurt in battle, but winning a battle, especially a Gym battle, gave me such a good feeling.
Here we are, standing in front of the Gym. The place was made entirely out of rock, save the entrance. A man walked up to me, asking if I was here to buy rocks for souveniers. I told him I was going to challenge the Pewter City Gym leader. He arched his eyebrow and asked me if I wasn't just a *tad* old to be running around looking for badges, shouldn't I be at home raising a family or something? I whipped out my trusty mallet (very few anime females don't carry one). "Chauvanist! I started my training late, ok? Geez." I called forth Thunder, and the Electric Pokemon leapt out of its Pokeball with grace. "Rai-Rai-chu?" (What's up Elé?)
"We're going to battle a Gym leader in a few minutes, one that uses Rock Pokemon -"
"Raichu." (Goodnight.) Thunder leapt into its sleeping bag, and closed its eyes.
I put my hands on my hips. "Thunder! I didn't say you were battling, although your skills will be needed." I put my finger to my lip. I only did this when I was cooking up a plan. "I've got it! Come on, let's go win a Boulder Badge!"
I pushed open the heavy doors, Thunder walking behind me. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
"If you're here to battle for the Boulder Badge, I suggest you leave now. I'm not in a good mood to battle at the moment." a man's voice drifted out of the darkness.
"Oh really?" I said mockingly. "Maybe you're afraid to lose to a woman."
There was silence, then the man who had spoken came out of the darkness. "I do not appreciate people who mock me. I am Brock, Pewter City's Gym Leader."
"I am Electra, a Pokemon trainer. I want to battle you for the Boulder Badge. That is, unless you're *scared*." I smiled.
Brock shrugged. "It's your funeral. I'm not very nice when I'm in a bad mood."
"Poor baby." I muttered.
"We will use two Pokemon each. No time limit."
"Fine by me."
===========Battle scene==============
"Damn, you're good." Brock said as he returned his fainted Geodude to its Pokeball.
"The best, they say." I said a little haughtily. No way was this guy gonna act like he was the bigshot! Not while I was around!
"Not unless you're the Pokemon Master." Brock said sternly, "And the last time I checked, the reigning #1 Master was Ash Ketchum, my *friend*."
"Are you saying I'm no good?" I assumed the fighting stance. "You want to battle again?"
Brock shook his head. "I was in no mood before, and I'm in no mood now. I bid you good day."
"What about my badge? I beat you fair, square."
Brock stopped walking away from me. I knew I'd overstepped my line, then. Playful taunting was one thing, calling a Gym Leader a square was another...
"I'll show you how square I am." he turned his head to look over his shoulder at me.
"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.
"Come to my house at six o'clock for dinner. I'll be waiting."
Gaping, I watched as Brock resumed his trek into the back room of the Gym. Slowly, I turned and walked out of the building to the Pokemon Center.
At six o'clock that night (after asking directions from the locals), I arrived at Brock's front door, dressed in semi-formal skirt and blouse outfit. Nothing fancy.
I knocked on the door once, twice. I raised my hand to knock a third time, and Brock answered, dressed in a tuxedo!
"Welcome to my humble abode, Miss Electra. If you'll be so kind as to wait in the living room, there are hor d'ouevers being served until dinner." Brock bowed as I stepped in. Handing him the bunch of flowers I was holding, suddenly shy, I said, "These - are for you."
"Thank you. They are beautiful." Brock bowed again as I removed my shoes in the front hall and put on the slippers provided for me.
My mouth felt dry, and immediately I felt a teensy bit sorry for teasing Brock earlier. I followed him through the house and into the livingroom. He ushered me to a seat, and then went into the adjoining kitchen.
As I now had a few minutes to gather my nerves, I looked around the room. Something was out of place here, what was it? I stared as I looked to my left, then to my right. AHA! The toys neatly stacked in a pile in the corner. Unless Brock played with them, which I found highly amusing, although unlikely, there were some children in the house...his, maybe? He wouldn't be...he wouldn't be cheating on his wife with me, would he? What if his wife was coming home this very minute and found me in here eating her food?
Get ahold of yourself, Ele. I forced myself to call down. That's ridiculous! Did you see a ring on his finger? I had to admit I couldn't remember, as I hadn't studied his hands as much as I'd studied his facial features...
ELECTRA! Concentrate on the situation, not the guy's looks!
Of course Brock would come in at that moment, carrying a tray of delicacies, fresh from the oven. I jumped up and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You!" I cried out, "Are absolutely despicable!"
Brock, taken aback, just said, "Huh?"
"Cheating on your poor wife like this! And after she's given you a child to continue the family line!" I don't remember slapping Brock, but I did, because the red mark on his cheek was evident later.
"And you actually expect me to fall for all your wit and charm! Well, I won't be a party to this!" I began to trounce out of the room, headed for the front door, when Brock grabbed my wrist.
"Electra, hold on a second!" he cried. I think he was still astonished that I'd slapped him.
"Let go of me!" I cried angrily. "You'll not have me!"
"What on Earth are you talking about? I'll let you go after you start making sense!"
"The toys in the corner! They're your children's right? And your wife is out for the evening, right, so you're cheating on her!"
Brock just stared at me for a second, before bursting into laughter. Scratch that, he was doubled over in laughter, and still holding firmly to my wrist.
"Just what is so funny?" I demanded to know.
Brock couldn't catch his breath, he was laughing so hard. He fell down onto a seat, and puzzled, I sat down next to him. He finally let go of my hand and wiped away a few tears. "Oh Electra, you've done it."
"Done it? Done what?"
"Just snapped me out of my depression, of course! You honestly think I'm married and have children?"
"Of course I do!"
"Then I have news for you, Miss Assumption, because you're dead wrong."
"I-I am?!" A handsome guy like Brock wasn't married? I was, in a way, relieved.
"The toys belong to my ten brothers and sisters. My father took them to see a movie so I could have a quiet dinner with you."
I felt faint right then. Well, I wanted to feel faint, just to get out of the situation, but I felt more stupid. "Siblings," I managed to utter. Oh my God, what had I done? I'd just insulted my host, accused him of cheating on a non-existant spouse, and among other things, probably ruined dinner.
"I have to go." I muttered. "My deepest apologies, Brock. Keep the badge." I fled to the safety of the front door, desperate for fresh air. How could I have possibly been so STUPID?
"Electra, wait!" Brock chased after me, but I was too quick for him. I'd changed from my slippers to my high heels in seconds and was racing out the door with my handbag, fleeing to the safety of the Pokemon Center.
Brock stopped at the front door as I ran into the night. I didn't stop until I reached the doors of the center, and then collapsed on an enormous flat boulder outside by the shrubbery. *That's* when I began to sob. In one instant I'd brought my respect level down to zero percent. There was no way Brock was going to let this story stay just with him. I'm sure he'd let everyone else in town know about me, then the word would spread to other cities...my career as a trainer was over.
Thunder, without being asked to, came out her Pokeball from my handbag then. "Rai-Raichu?" (What's wrong?)
So through my tears, I told Thunder the entire story from start to finish. Thunder was shocked (no pun intended) by what I had done, and didn't laugh at all.
"Rai-Raichu!" (You blew it!)
"Yes, I know, thank you for the great insight, Thunder." I sighed angrily.
"Raichu-Rai-Rai!" (Don't get angry at me!)
"Thunder, return!" I wasn't angry at Thunder of course, but at myself, but I recalled Thunder in such a harsh tone as I drew it back into its Pokeball that it was going to take a lot of making up to the electric Pokemon to make things right again. I went into the Pokemon Center, headed for my room, and fell into an uneasy sleep on my bed.
* * * *
The next morning, I packed up my stuff early, skipping breakfast, hoping to get out of town before word of the disasterous dinner last night spread.
I strode out of the elevator, planning on signing out of the Pokemon Center at the front desk and heading for the airport. I think this would be an opportune time to spend some time back at home.
"Good morning, Electra." Nurse Joy greeted me with a smile. I returned a half-grin, as I penciled my name into the sign-out chart.
"Good morning, Brock." Nurse Joy then said. Oh she was kidding, right?! She had to be! Not Brock! Not now!
"'Morning Joy! Wondered if you'd seen a trainer by the name of Electra around here. I don't know where she's staying..." he paused momentarily. I splayed my long brown hair all over the side of my face he was standing next to, in hopes he didn't see me.
"Electra, is that you?" Brock voice was directed toward me. Lowering my voice to about 15 octaves, I said, "Um, no sir. You must have mistaken for someone completely different."
"Hm. Oh well." Brock sounded like he was giving up, and started walking away. "See ya, Joy."
"Bye, Brock." Joy turned to me. "Electra," she hissed, "why did you do that? That's Brock, Pewter City's Gym Leader! He's not a guy you brush off like that!"
"I know what I'm doing, Joy, thank you!" I whispered angrily. I finished filling out the sheet, and with a curt nod to the nurse and her Chansey, I jogged out the front door of the Pokemon Center.
Unfortunately, I'm faster than I am intelligent. Walk out the back door, get away from Brock. Walk out the front door, run *into* Brock. Brock grabbed my arm as I passed through the glass doors. "Hold it, missy." he said. I yelped, not from pain, or shock, but a cry of defeat. I'd been caught in my own stupidity.
"Let go of me or I'll scream!" I said angrily.
"Scream and I'll tell *everyone* about what happened last night." Brock grinned as he saw my eyes go wide. I was helpless against his blackmail material.
"Would you let go of my arm. You're hurting me!"
"Oh, *sorry*. That's the least of your worries right now."
"Listen, I'm sorry I slapped you last night. I was rather upset."
"No kidding." Brock answered as he dragged me along the road.
"Where are you taking me?" I whimpered.
"Nowhere in particular, just back to my house."
So I let myself be dragged by Brock, back to his one story home. There in the front yard, stood nine children - all of them who looked like Brock!
"Electra, I'd like you to meet my siblings." He then proceeded tap each one on the head, saying their names and ages as he went, from the second oldest to the youngest, who was only three years old. I could only stare at them in shock, my mouth hanging wide open. Oh what a fool I'd been!
"Guys, what do you say to Miss Electra?"
"Hello, Miss 'Lectra!" his sibs chorused.
"Uh, uh..." I stammered.
"She's pretty, Bwock! Are you gonna marry her?" the three year old smiled.
Now it was Brock's turn to be speechless. I turned this to my advantage, and said with an evil grin, "Well?"
"Duh..." was all Brock managed, and I giggled.
"Well, kids, I don't know how to reply to that. Guess we'll have to wait for Brock to get his voice back. I need to get going, I have a long way to go before I get to the Pokemon League. Bye!" I picked up my bag and started to walk off.
And then nine little bodies were suddenly clinging to me, begging me to come play with them for the day. I looked back at Brock. "Did you put them up to this?" I demanded.
Brock shook his head. "I did not."
"Guys, I have to continue my Pokemon journey! Please let go of me."
Those nine little bodies began to howl their heads off in reply. Trapped, I looked at Brock for help.
"ONCE THEY START CRYING, IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO STOP, UNLESS THEY GET WHAT THEY WANT!" he yelled to me.
I looked at the little tykes hanging on to me, and sighed. "ALL RIGHT, I'LL STAY!"
The noise ceased, much to my ears' relief, and 18 tear-filled eyes looked up with me happily. Before I knew it, I was being led into the house by the little crowd.
End Chapter 4
By Arina Ketchum
Author notes: Based on a character created by my friend Electra. You don't really need to read her fanfics in order to enjoy this story, but you do get a different perspective when you do read them. :) This is my interpretation of Ele's fanfics, with no nudging from her at all. This is completely my doing. :) Many thanks to Electra for allowing the use of her wonderful character.
This fanfic is rated 'R' for language and certain topics broached. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
* * * *
Pewter City - the stone gray town.
Well, that's what the sign said at the entrance to the city. I bumped into one young man, and he told me most trainers here like bug Pokemon, except for the Pewter City Gym leader, who used Rock-type Pokemon. Thanking the boy, I resumed my trek to the Pewter City Gym, determined to win a Boulder badge. I knew Thunder's electric attacks would not be very helpful in battle, but she was my leading Pokemon, the strongest out of all my six.
There it was, I thought. The Pewter Gym was two blocks over from where I was standing now. I hurried along, almost running, smiling in anticipation of the battle. I was never fond of seeing my Pokemon getting hurt in battle, but winning a battle, especially a Gym battle, gave me such a good feeling.
Here we are, standing in front of the Gym. The place was made entirely out of rock, save the entrance. A man walked up to me, asking if I was here to buy rocks for souveniers. I told him I was going to challenge the Pewter City Gym leader. He arched his eyebrow and asked me if I wasn't just a *tad* old to be running around looking for badges, shouldn't I be at home raising a family or something? I whipped out my trusty mallet (very few anime females don't carry one). "Chauvanist! I started my training late, ok? Geez." I called forth Thunder, and the Electric Pokemon leapt out of its Pokeball with grace. "Rai-Rai-chu?" (What's up Elé?)
"We're going to battle a Gym leader in a few minutes, one that uses Rock Pokemon -"
"Raichu." (Goodnight.) Thunder leapt into its sleeping bag, and closed its eyes.
I put my hands on my hips. "Thunder! I didn't say you were battling, although your skills will be needed." I put my finger to my lip. I only did this when I was cooking up a plan. "I've got it! Come on, let's go win a Boulder Badge!"
I pushed open the heavy doors, Thunder walking behind me. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
"If you're here to battle for the Boulder Badge, I suggest you leave now. I'm not in a good mood to battle at the moment." a man's voice drifted out of the darkness.
"Oh really?" I said mockingly. "Maybe you're afraid to lose to a woman."
There was silence, then the man who had spoken came out of the darkness. "I do not appreciate people who mock me. I am Brock, Pewter City's Gym Leader."
"I am Electra, a Pokemon trainer. I want to battle you for the Boulder Badge. That is, unless you're *scared*." I smiled.
Brock shrugged. "It's your funeral. I'm not very nice when I'm in a bad mood."
"Poor baby." I muttered.
"We will use two Pokemon each. No time limit."
"Fine by me."
===========Battle scene==============
"Damn, you're good." Brock said as he returned his fainted Geodude to its Pokeball.
"The best, they say." I said a little haughtily. No way was this guy gonna act like he was the bigshot! Not while I was around!
"Not unless you're the Pokemon Master." Brock said sternly, "And the last time I checked, the reigning #1 Master was Ash Ketchum, my *friend*."
"Are you saying I'm no good?" I assumed the fighting stance. "You want to battle again?"
Brock shook his head. "I was in no mood before, and I'm in no mood now. I bid you good day."
"What about my badge? I beat you fair, square."
Brock stopped walking away from me. I knew I'd overstepped my line, then. Playful taunting was one thing, calling a Gym Leader a square was another...
"I'll show you how square I am." he turned his head to look over his shoulder at me.
"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.
"Come to my house at six o'clock for dinner. I'll be waiting."
Gaping, I watched as Brock resumed his trek into the back room of the Gym. Slowly, I turned and walked out of the building to the Pokemon Center.
At six o'clock that night (after asking directions from the locals), I arrived at Brock's front door, dressed in semi-formal skirt and blouse outfit. Nothing fancy.
I knocked on the door once, twice. I raised my hand to knock a third time, and Brock answered, dressed in a tuxedo!
"Welcome to my humble abode, Miss Electra. If you'll be so kind as to wait in the living room, there are hor d'ouevers being served until dinner." Brock bowed as I stepped in. Handing him the bunch of flowers I was holding, suddenly shy, I said, "These - are for you."
"Thank you. They are beautiful." Brock bowed again as I removed my shoes in the front hall and put on the slippers provided for me.
My mouth felt dry, and immediately I felt a teensy bit sorry for teasing Brock earlier. I followed him through the house and into the livingroom. He ushered me to a seat, and then went into the adjoining kitchen.
As I now had a few minutes to gather my nerves, I looked around the room. Something was out of place here, what was it? I stared as I looked to my left, then to my right. AHA! The toys neatly stacked in a pile in the corner. Unless Brock played with them, which I found highly amusing, although unlikely, there were some children in the house...his, maybe? He wouldn't be...he wouldn't be cheating on his wife with me, would he? What if his wife was coming home this very minute and found me in here eating her food?
Get ahold of yourself, Ele. I forced myself to call down. That's ridiculous! Did you see a ring on his finger? I had to admit I couldn't remember, as I hadn't studied his hands as much as I'd studied his facial features...
ELECTRA! Concentrate on the situation, not the guy's looks!
Of course Brock would come in at that moment, carrying a tray of delicacies, fresh from the oven. I jumped up and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You!" I cried out, "Are absolutely despicable!"
Brock, taken aback, just said, "Huh?"
"Cheating on your poor wife like this! And after she's given you a child to continue the family line!" I don't remember slapping Brock, but I did, because the red mark on his cheek was evident later.
"And you actually expect me to fall for all your wit and charm! Well, I won't be a party to this!" I began to trounce out of the room, headed for the front door, when Brock grabbed my wrist.
"Electra, hold on a second!" he cried. I think he was still astonished that I'd slapped him.
"Let go of me!" I cried angrily. "You'll not have me!"
"What on Earth are you talking about? I'll let you go after you start making sense!"
"The toys in the corner! They're your children's right? And your wife is out for the evening, right, so you're cheating on her!"
Brock just stared at me for a second, before bursting into laughter. Scratch that, he was doubled over in laughter, and still holding firmly to my wrist.
"Just what is so funny?" I demanded to know.
Brock couldn't catch his breath, he was laughing so hard. He fell down onto a seat, and puzzled, I sat down next to him. He finally let go of my hand and wiped away a few tears. "Oh Electra, you've done it."
"Done it? Done what?"
"Just snapped me out of my depression, of course! You honestly think I'm married and have children?"
"Of course I do!"
"Then I have news for you, Miss Assumption, because you're dead wrong."
"I-I am?!" A handsome guy like Brock wasn't married? I was, in a way, relieved.
"The toys belong to my ten brothers and sisters. My father took them to see a movie so I could have a quiet dinner with you."
I felt faint right then. Well, I wanted to feel faint, just to get out of the situation, but I felt more stupid. "Siblings," I managed to utter. Oh my God, what had I done? I'd just insulted my host, accused him of cheating on a non-existant spouse, and among other things, probably ruined dinner.
"I have to go." I muttered. "My deepest apologies, Brock. Keep the badge." I fled to the safety of the front door, desperate for fresh air. How could I have possibly been so STUPID?
"Electra, wait!" Brock chased after me, but I was too quick for him. I'd changed from my slippers to my high heels in seconds and was racing out the door with my handbag, fleeing to the safety of the Pokemon Center.
Brock stopped at the front door as I ran into the night. I didn't stop until I reached the doors of the center, and then collapsed on an enormous flat boulder outside by the shrubbery. *That's* when I began to sob. In one instant I'd brought my respect level down to zero percent. There was no way Brock was going to let this story stay just with him. I'm sure he'd let everyone else in town know about me, then the word would spread to other cities...my career as a trainer was over.
Thunder, without being asked to, came out her Pokeball from my handbag then. "Rai-Raichu?" (What's wrong?)
So through my tears, I told Thunder the entire story from start to finish. Thunder was shocked (no pun intended) by what I had done, and didn't laugh at all.
"Rai-Raichu!" (You blew it!)
"Yes, I know, thank you for the great insight, Thunder." I sighed angrily.
"Raichu-Rai-Rai!" (Don't get angry at me!)
"Thunder, return!" I wasn't angry at Thunder of course, but at myself, but I recalled Thunder in such a harsh tone as I drew it back into its Pokeball that it was going to take a lot of making up to the electric Pokemon to make things right again. I went into the Pokemon Center, headed for my room, and fell into an uneasy sleep on my bed.
* * * *
The next morning, I packed up my stuff early, skipping breakfast, hoping to get out of town before word of the disasterous dinner last night spread.
I strode out of the elevator, planning on signing out of the Pokemon Center at the front desk and heading for the airport. I think this would be an opportune time to spend some time back at home.
"Good morning, Electra." Nurse Joy greeted me with a smile. I returned a half-grin, as I penciled my name into the sign-out chart.
"Good morning, Brock." Nurse Joy then said. Oh she was kidding, right?! She had to be! Not Brock! Not now!
"'Morning Joy! Wondered if you'd seen a trainer by the name of Electra around here. I don't know where she's staying..." he paused momentarily. I splayed my long brown hair all over the side of my face he was standing next to, in hopes he didn't see me.
"Electra, is that you?" Brock voice was directed toward me. Lowering my voice to about 15 octaves, I said, "Um, no sir. You must have mistaken for someone completely different."
"Hm. Oh well." Brock sounded like he was giving up, and started walking away. "See ya, Joy."
"Bye, Brock." Joy turned to me. "Electra," she hissed, "why did you do that? That's Brock, Pewter City's Gym Leader! He's not a guy you brush off like that!"
"I know what I'm doing, Joy, thank you!" I whispered angrily. I finished filling out the sheet, and with a curt nod to the nurse and her Chansey, I jogged out the front door of the Pokemon Center.
Unfortunately, I'm faster than I am intelligent. Walk out the back door, get away from Brock. Walk out the front door, run *into* Brock. Brock grabbed my arm as I passed through the glass doors. "Hold it, missy." he said. I yelped, not from pain, or shock, but a cry of defeat. I'd been caught in my own stupidity.
"Let go of me or I'll scream!" I said angrily.
"Scream and I'll tell *everyone* about what happened last night." Brock grinned as he saw my eyes go wide. I was helpless against his blackmail material.
"Would you let go of my arm. You're hurting me!"
"Oh, *sorry*. That's the least of your worries right now."
"Listen, I'm sorry I slapped you last night. I was rather upset."
"No kidding." Brock answered as he dragged me along the road.
"Where are you taking me?" I whimpered.
"Nowhere in particular, just back to my house."
So I let myself be dragged by Brock, back to his one story home. There in the front yard, stood nine children - all of them who looked like Brock!
"Electra, I'd like you to meet my siblings." He then proceeded tap each one on the head, saying their names and ages as he went, from the second oldest to the youngest, who was only three years old. I could only stare at them in shock, my mouth hanging wide open. Oh what a fool I'd been!
"Guys, what do you say to Miss Electra?"
"Hello, Miss 'Lectra!" his sibs chorused.
"Uh, uh..." I stammered.
"She's pretty, Bwock! Are you gonna marry her?" the three year old smiled.
Now it was Brock's turn to be speechless. I turned this to my advantage, and said with an evil grin, "Well?"
"Duh..." was all Brock managed, and I giggled.
"Well, kids, I don't know how to reply to that. Guess we'll have to wait for Brock to get his voice back. I need to get going, I have a long way to go before I get to the Pokemon League. Bye!" I picked up my bag and started to walk off.
And then nine little bodies were suddenly clinging to me, begging me to come play with them for the day. I looked back at Brock. "Did you put them up to this?" I demanded.
Brock shook his head. "I did not."
"Guys, I have to continue my Pokemon journey! Please let go of me."
Those nine little bodies began to howl their heads off in reply. Trapped, I looked at Brock for help.
"ONCE THEY START CRYING, IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO STOP, UNLESS THEY GET WHAT THEY WANT!" he yelled to me.
I looked at the little tykes hanging on to me, and sighed. "ALL RIGHT, I'LL STAY!"
The noise ceased, much to my ears' relief, and 18 tear-filled eyes looked up with me happily. Before I knew it, I was being led into the house by the little crowd.
End Chapter 4