Deadly alliance (Pokemon fan fiction) [Pokewatty Award 1st runner-up 2013]

Chapter 20 - More training

Chapter 20 – More training

<Route 38; Moomoo milk café>

  It was just another day at the farm. Business was running as usual and waitresses were running around, delivering the premium moomoo milks to all their customers. Isaac was sitting at the corner of the shop, sipping on the best drink he has had all day.

  “Ahhhh! This is the life.” Isaac exclaimed. “Good thing this farm is open today. I almost melted.” He took out his wallet to check the remaining of his money. “However, things these days are really getting really expensive. One bottle of milk for a hundred pokedollars? I don’t care how premium it is, that is daylight robbery!”

  Shuppet was still hovering around him without a care in the world. It occasionally jumped right into Isaac’s face but spending a whole day with it, Isaac had already gotten used to it.

  His Pokégear started vibrating. He quickly fished his Pokégear out of his pocket and answered it. Falkner’s face immediately appeared on screen.

  “Yo, Isaac.” Falkner seemed especially bored.

  “What is it, Falkner?”

  “Lemme ask you, are you sure Team Rocket is making a comeback?” He frowned. “Because nothing strange is happening in Olivine at all.”

  “What? Are you sure?”

  “From what I’ve seen, yeah I’m pretty positive. Olivine boasts one of the lowest crime rates in all of Johto! There hasn’t been even much of a fight that has occurred in the past ten years.” Falkner practically spat at Isaac.

  “Come on, you have been there not even been there for a day. How can you be so sure? Have you met with the gym leader?”

  Falkner shook his head. “Nope. It appears there has been a recent change of leadership that I was not notified of. Jasmine’s daughter has taken over the gym and-“

  “You are not answering my question! Have you-“

  “Quiet and let me finish!” Falkner screamed. “Her daughter has taken over and I don’t even know what she looks like. Hell, I didn’t even know Jasmine even HAD a daughter.”

  Isaac sensed a tinge of jealousy from the leader, but knew well enough to keep his mouth shut. “So..? Can’t you just find her at the gym?”

  Falkner kept silent.

  “Falkner? Don’t tell me you’re avoiding her…” Isaac asked slowly.

  “I know Jasmine personally and I feel more comfortable speaking in her presence.” Falkner said, choosing his words carefully. “No way am I going to trust some newbie kid who had just inherited the gym.”

  “What?” Isaac said. “Falkner! You can’t do this! You of all people should how this is a matter of grave importance. How can-“

  “Isaac! This conversation is over.” Falkner looked away. “I, out of the goodwill of my heart, offered to assist you in a search and rescue mission of a professor of some renown. I expect to get the proper respect I deserve. First and foremost, you are to address me as ‘Leader Falkner’, is that clear?”

  Isaac was stunned. “Uh… Yeah Fal – I mean – Leader Falkner.”

  “Much better.” He growled. “Now, until I see some proper proof that there is indeed the involvement of the criminal organisation known as Rocket, I shall not bother the incumbent gym leader of Olivine with such rumours.”

  Falkner hung up his Pokégear rudely and left Isaac staring at a blank screen. His mouth was wide open.

  “I cannot believe that guy! One moment he was all helpful and gave some useful advice and the next, he is throwing some sort of childish tantrum of Arceus-knows-what!” He murmured to himself, a bit too loudly in fact. Everyone in the shop was staring at Isaac as though he was crazy. Even Shuppet could sense the anger in Isaac’s voice and opted to hide in a corner, shivering slightly.