Hard Enough

Chapter 79: Flint's return home

The more things change, the more they stay the same. I wasnt sure how much I wanted to read into that as I stood at the entrance to the arena.

They said a picture could paint a thousand words, but the picture before me could say at least ten times that. Especially if you know all the parties in said picture

Firstly, I had the least guilty but largest in number who were Forrests friends. They all wore loose clothes. They had caps on backwards and fake tattoos that must have seemed cool to them. Two wore gaudy necklaces with pokeballs on them. They sat slouched, slumped, or in sloppy positions one and all.

They also all sported oh shit expressions plastered across their faces. They had their feet up on the backrests of the chairs in front of them. A few of said feet still had mud on them and now on the backrests. It did not speak well that they didnt wipe their shoes on entering. They gave the impression of young hooligans that had been allowed to roam a little too freely with too little responsibility or consequence.

Honestly, they were the easiest to deal with.

I then had Misty chewing her lips and looking nervous. She was a young woman who still wasnt comfortable with herself but was obviously sticking to what had worked for her. Her demeanour, somewhat stereotypically, reminded me of a young Ponyta. A guilty Ponyta that was hunching into her shoulders. She should have known better than to let this match progress at night and unsupervised. Having experience with a gym I would have expected better from her. But then again, she was still young. She had a tentative smile on her face as though glad that someone responsible was now present.

I had Forrest on one of the podiums, still in shock that hed lost to an electric type with the Onix hed used for this match. He also sported a guilty look, but I could see a glimmer of anger in his eyes as he had himself half-turned towards Flint to make sure he hadnt run off while he lost sight of him. Forrest, like Misty, knew better though and had drawn in on himself. He was obviously expecting me to tell him off.

That was going to be a whole thing that the next person was only going to complicate.

Flint was sitting as if he was made from stone.

Fragile stone.

The sort of stone you could put your fist through.

I felt a great deal of annoyance at him just sitting there, but it was at least better than him running away in front of me. He might have slipped away on me in the past, but he wouldnt do so now. He was too locked in. It was too clear-cut that turning away now would be going too far. His eyes were slightly widened in surprise at my appearance. His face looked scruffy and worn as though he hadnt been looking after himself. Which made sense if hed been camping out for ages. He had huge gray bags under his eyes, and while he was shocked, he was also drinking in the sight of Forrest and me.

Which left the last and theoretically, most simple yet most complicated person to deal with in the room staring up at me in shock.

Ash Ketchum.

He was still on his knees where he was cradling Pikachu. He had small tears in his eyes and looked shocked and overwhelmed. He was obviously so far out of his element and only just realising the depths he had jumped into. There was a lot going on but for now all that seemed important to him was his pokemon. He had Pikachu close to his chest to shield it from anything that might happen. His signature generation one cap was still turned around showing that hed been putting his heart into the fight with Forrest only to be taken out with two pokemon.

I drew in a deep breath, and everyone twitched in preparation for an avalanche that would likely appear from nowhere. I stopped at that reaction. I was many things. Annoyed, tired, mad, certainly

But I wasnt about to start shouting at them. I had always tried to avoid doing that in anger. It didnt serve a purpose, and if you were having to shout at someone to be heard they werent going to be listening.

It was better to speak clearly and definitely. Or just walk away and come back later for an actual discussion.

I sighed and rolled my shoulders to loosen them. Lets first get the pokemon seen to, hmmm? I said, making most of the group relax. Flint continued to watch me with a hopeful expression.

When I gestured towards the medical area Forrest began to move, raising his pokeball to return Onix. Sorry Brock, he said as he ducked his head.

I just shook my head. I were gonna talk about this later but I gave the room another look as the podiums began to lower and people began to move. Notably, Forrests friends all began to slip off to the side.

Boys, I hope youre not thinking of leaving without cleaning up after yourselves, I said pointedly.

They lurched to a stop and looked back. Theyd left wrappers, bottles of drink, and mud where theyd been sitting. I pointed towards a side of the stands. There are cleaning supplies in the closet at the back of the stands. See to that, and I might consider not dropping in to talk with your parents, I said, like I wasnt going to do just that anyway. Theyd been running a little too seriously; it wasnt like theyd done anything truly bad but the bluff worked as the kids turned and darted towards the supplies cupboard. I used my transceiver to unlock the door to the cupboard, continuing down to the arena floor.

When I reached it, Misty and Ash were already standing together looking over Pikachu. Forrest stood off to the side. I looked up to Flint. Are you going to join us? I said casually.

He must have realised the weight of the words despite the lack of tone. Or perhaps the blank way I said it spoke louder than any inflection I could have given them.

Forrest shifted back and forth, eyes darting between everyone before settling on me.

When Flint joined us I worked my jaw, then shook myself as I led the group to the medical area. I switched on some lights only for Chansey to be startled in her sleep and roll off the bed she had to the side of the room. Her arms raised in readiness as she checked the room over only to stop on our group with narrowed eyes.

Chansey? she said groggily as she straightened up, a facemask of cucumbers that I had no idea how she got, falling off. She must have gotten it from the gym trainers so I pushed that to the side as she picked the cucumbers off the ground.

Chansey, Ive got some injured pokemon for you to look over, I said. I glanced back at the group. Or should we be going straight to the pokemon centre?

Misty shook her head. None of the pokemon got that badly injured. Just wiped out of energy and roughed up some.

Hmmm, Chansey give them a look over please, I said.

She nodded as she wiped away the rest of the facemask. I gestured to the beds, some of which were huge slabs to allow pokemon like Onix to rest on fully. If you could put your pokemon on these beds please?

Forrest put the pokeballs for Onix and Geodude into small recesses that caused the pokemon in question to appear on beds. Ash copied him after a moment of hesitation, revealing his Butterfree and Pidegotto. He put down Pikachu but remained within touching distance as the electric mouse watched Chansey approach and begin running her hands through his fur carefully. A few touches drew shivers and small cries of pain that had Ash glowering at the Chansey.

Hey! Watch it! Youre hurting him! he said angrily.

Chansey stopped what she was doing and glared at Ash. Chan! she said with a little huff of annoyance.

Misty put a hand on Ashs shoulder. Ash, shes mapping out his injuries and making sure Pikachu didnt break anything. Its not like the healing tables that just flush healing energies into pokemon; she has to check that nothing is out of order.

I nodded and didnt volunteer that Chansey would have preferred to watch people in pain but not actually be hurt in any serious way. The phrase she liked to watch best applied in Chanseys case.

Chansey eventually settled with creating healing energy and feeding it into Pikachu causing the smaller pokemon to perk up. When she checked over the other pokemon she copied the actions before reporting back to Brock with a clipboard.

Chanse! Cha! Cha! Sey! she said as she tapped something out on the clipboard. On the board, small boxes were ticked that indicated the health of the pokemon before and after. I noted that all of them had clean bills of health but that they were still exhausted. She prescribed no fights for any of them for the next two to three days.

She then wrote a note for herself saying she would need a vacation prescribed by herself. I chuckled at her joke before realising she wasnt joking. Oh Uhm I can give you tomorrow off? Maybe see if Yola No, how about I send you with Alexa into town with a spending budget for yourself? It might make tomorrow more interesting than I thought it already would be but eh. We had procedures in place to take pokemon to Nurse Joy if we had to.

Chansey perked up at that, her little arms flipping in happiness. Then she pointedly looked at her bed and then the door before looking at us.

Alright! Alright, well let you get back to bed. I waved at Ash to collect his pokemon. As we walked out of the medical wing and to the front lounge, Forrests friends had cleaned up and, thankfully, already left. Forrest dropped back to Flint. He opened and shut his mouth a few times before marching back up to me with a growl.

If this hadnt been such a tense moment I might have teased him about having emotions as a teenager which would have helped relax him. Instead, we entered the employee lounge at the front of the gym. I gestured for everyone to claim a seat. Misty and Ash took a couch together with Pikachu between them with Flint on a chair next to theirs. Forrest sat to my right with a squirm.

Alright so I have half an idea of whats probably happened in the largest of brush strokes.

I pointed at Ash. Youve come in thinking that you could enter and challenge the Pewter gym straight away but instead of that being the case there was a huge line of other trainers wanting to do the same thing. So you tried to find a way to skip the queue and face me to get the badge early so you can continue to the next challenge?

Misty looked to the side while biting her lips. She radiated amusement, letting me know that I had pretty much hit the nail on the head. Ash rubbed the back of his head. Well, when you say it like that it sounds kind of bad

Ash right? I said after a moment, for once recalling that I wasnt supposed to know his name and would be unfamiliar with the iconic pokemon character.

He nodded, glancing back at me as I sighed. Its something that is fairly common for young trainers to do. So Im not surprised, but by doing it that way youre basically ignoring the rules. Its very disrespectful. Im not going anywhere, and Im not putting off the fight but there are a lot of people looking to gain the Boulder badge.

I turned my attention to Misty. Youre Misty from Cerulean right? Daisy, Violet, and Lily are your sisters?

Misty opened her mouth before tilting it. Shed obviously seen the way Id termed the relationship but couldnt put a finger on why it pleased her. She also noticed I didnt state who her sisters were, just their names. Yeeeeahh? she said carefully.

When two knucklehead boys start to get too rowdy, you either make them walk away from each other, knock their heads together or let it play out. Forrest, whod perked up when Id mentioned where Misty was from slumped when he was described as a knucklehead. He slumped further when Misty nodded.

I thought the last option was best? she said timidly.

Initially? I would have disagreed with you, but upon reflection and how things would have been rather tense at the time I can see that now.

I looked at Forrest. Im guessing you got kind of worked up with your friends and decided to accept Ashs idea. You thought it was going to be a bit cathartic. Forrest nodded. And you know its not a good idea to go into pokemon battles looking to fight cause youre hurting right? All that leads to is I trailed off leadingly.

You just hurting others Forrest finished. Without prompting he bowed his head to Ash. Im sorry Ash, I shouldnt have accepted your challenge.

Ash scratched his cheek in embarrassment. Ah! Well! I shouldnt have done what I did either! That it was wrong. He bowed his head to Forrest and me. Misty sighed in relief.

I nodded. Good, I hope that we can call this settled then. Ash, Misty, wait until your schedule matches. From what I did see of Ashs match, it wasnt bad and I think you have a good shot at winning your first badge if you keep working hard.

I held up a hand to restrain Ash as he shot to his feet in glee. Im not going to advance your match. My pokemon have been fighting all week and then some. I flicked my eyes at Forrest who coughed at the silent reprimand. And it will not be happening. Wait until its your time, and until then train up your team.

I offered a shrug. Or continue on and get your next badge and then come back. The number of trainers will otherwise continue to precede you unless you get ahead of it or ahead in badges.

Ash scowled at that offer. Im not going anywhere without my first badge!

I nodded. Hmmm well alright. I stood and showed an open hand towards the door. Can I show you both out? I need to talk with Flint.

Ash whod been about to walk out stopped and turned around. Uhm! Whatre you going to talk about?

Im afraid thats private and between Flint and myself I shot a glance at Forrest. And well the rest of our family.

Oh, Ash said. He hesitated, obviously knowing that he was crossing a line but not willing to leave things as they were. He really helped us out by showing us around, so please dont be mad?

Misty stood and bowed her head as well. He was very kind to us! So please dont be mad that he let us stay at your old gym!

I paused at that. Youre staying at the old gym? I said thinking of how run down that place was the last time Id been there. It would only be worse. Yeah no. I have some rooms that I keep free. There should be a bunk room left, fortunately. I gestured to Forrest. Can you take them there and Ill talk to them in the morning

Forrest didnt move. What are you and dad going to do?

I sighed, long and low. Letting out how tiring this coming conversation was going to be. Weve got some history to get through I think it would be best if you gave us a bit of time. When he stood slowly I shot him a smile.

Flint spoke up, his voice tight with emotion. Were just going to talk Forrest. Neither of us are going anywhere.

That had him relax. Alright. Cool, cool. Uhm Ash and Misty? How about we go get your tents first and then well set you up in a bunk room, he said, giving Flint and I a rough estimate of how long he would be away.

I smiled at him as he led them out.

Then I turned to Flint. I took another breath and let it out. So I could say a lot of things here.

I could do a lot more. Instead of punching him though I worked my jaw. I felt a dark urge to ignore my desire to keep things civil. It was harder than the time Id been rubbed the wrong way by the Guardians and wanted to flip the table.

Now, as then, I kept my composure. You came back. There, that was better than you left. It went unsaid of course, but still, it was a slightly more positive start to the conversation.

I Im sorry Brock, He immediately threw himself to the ground. I hadnt expected him to drop to his knees and lower his head.

I didnt like it. It was too easy. Too laced with the meaning of great regret. I didnt want a single action to be enough. I wanted more!

Get up! Off your knees and sit up! Face me damn you! Dont just beg for forgiveness! I said with a hiss.

I drew in a breath. Then I reached into my pocket and selected a single stone to roll around my palm. I pressed down on the dark urges to lash out. With him suddenly moving I had half a thought of kicking him away from my feet, but that wouldnt help things.

Flint sat back in his chair but instead of looking in my eyes, he glanced down at my hand, a flicker of a smile formed on his lips before he let it fade.

Sorry, he said but that only made me grimace.

I grunted at him, I dont want you sorry, I want you I grappled with what I wanted to say to him. I want you to be there for the others. Forrest and Yolanda saw you around, and Salvadore isnt dumb. I waved a hand at the gym.

Youve been coming to the gym since the end of the last circuit and when I sought you out you vanished! Do you know how that looked to them? It was like you left all over again!

Flint flinched. I left because you well, I thought I wasnt welcome when I saw you with Billy and Tilly.

I scowled at him. Wasnt welcome? I was having to rely on a Machop to help get them back and forth! What in Kantos mountains made you think that?

You did, he said, causing me to pull up short.

What? I said dumbfounded.

Brock, He glanced down at my hand which now had a small handful of rocks rolling around to keep myself calm. I can use aura as well I felt how you were projecting your emotions at me. I wasnt welcome.

I blinked. That I hadnt Had that been true? I remember being angry and tired and that was months ago. What could I even say to that? I I had scared him off cause I was angry?

Guess I owe you an apology then. I worked my jaw. Sorry I scared you off. The words had more than a little venom in them. Flint grimaced but didnt flinch from them which just annoyed me a bit more. I wanted him to flinch and be hurt by them. My own words of going into a fight angry came back and I breathed and tamped down on my dark energy.

Flint took in a slow, shuddery breath and relaxed from where hed been grabbing at the couch. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. I shouldnt have left.

No, I said. The single word carried with it a lot of emotional weight. You shouldnt have. You shouldnt have left either time.

No! You dont understand! I just! He held out his hands. I needed to find your mother and either help or just have her back!

Shes not my mother, I said.

He gave me a confused look before shaking his head. Brock, you dont understand, your mother needs my help. I keep an account open for her to draw funds from and occasionally she will draw from it. His hands flapped about uselessly. She had drawn from it just after you got back from your journey and I thought I might be able to bring her back, he said hurriedly.

Stop. I held up a hand. I dont care about her. What I care about is our family

She is family Brock! I was trying to keep us together! He said leaning forward with a desperate air.

I snorted. You broke things up worse though. He flinched and slumped but I continued to speak slowly, You did that by leaving. You should have stayed.

Flint swallowed and made to say something only to slump back into his chair. I shouldnt have left, and Im sorry I left everything on your shoulders like I did.

He looked up and made a show of looking about the room. But look at what you've done without me

I held up a hand. Dont. I pointed around us. Me succeeding without you here does not negate you leaving.

He opened and shut his mouth a few times before nodding his eyes haunted. I- I, I guess youre right Im sorry!

Stop saying that! It doesnt help, I said, straightening up. I swallowed and clenched my fist. The pebbles in my hand crunched and I exhaled before loosening my hand to let the dust fall.

Heres whats going to happen. Youre going to come home. I leaned forward and laced my fingers together. Youre going to help out around the house and the family. I want you to spend time with them. Tilly and Billy have no idea who you are.

They dont remember me? he said before getting a chagrined look. Oh, they were very young when I left, werent they? I nodded tightly. Flint gave me a hurt look. You didnt tell them about me?

What did you want me to tell them about you? That you ran away? I said with a dark feeling of amusement.

That got him squirming, I shrugged. I think Ive done a decent enough job of telling them of you in an abstract kind of way, but I think the others might have said something. I shrugged. They once came back from day care and asked why they dont call me dad.

He grimaced. I thought Clare at the daycare would have known better.

Our situation is not typical. Most people have at least one parent. Not just an older brother. I laced and unlaced my fingers, now wishing I hadnt crushed my rocks if only for the lack of something to do with my hands that didnt involve forming fists. So are you coming back?

Flint blinked. Of course! Then he grimaced. That is if youll have me.

I held my peace for a moment. It would be best for everyone I drew out my suggestion and saw the way that he tensed up as if expecting a blow. I exhaled. If you came back and stayed. The others want and need you in their lives. He blinked.

You? You want me back? he said incredulously.

I think it would be best for them, I said diplomatically. He caught on my words and blinked, nodding slowly.

Right right. That makes sense, he said, swallowing and watching me closely.

I worked my jaw and considered what I should say next. I found myself drawing a blank. What was I supposed to say? What have you been up to while avoiding us? Part of me wanted to know but it was so linked with his avoidance that I couldnt find a reason to be interested in it. It was time wasted. No, worse than wasted. He had practi I inhaled and shook myself again.

Where were you staying tonight? I said carefully.

Oh I cleared out some space in the old gym Had my Golem sure up some walls with some rocks placed in the right spots and then I have myself set up.

I rubbed my head. I I sighed loudly. We have a room for you here.

You made a room for me? he said, voice laced with emotion.

I nodded, not trusting myself in saying that I knew he would come back. Perhaps that was what made it both easier and harder. The double-edged sword of knowing how things should play out to some degree. With that understanding, I had found myself somewhat counting down the days until Flints return. Which was wrong on so many levels but still, I had done it.

A knock on the door sounded like angel horns to me as Forrest returned and stuck his head in. His red cheeks showed that he had probably hurried Ash and Misty along to get back here as fast as he could. I stood up. Want to talk with him?

Flint sat up as Forrest nodded and marched in. I clapped Forrest on the shoulder heading out. Hes going to stay with us alright so dont hold back and say anything you need to alright? Ill give you some space.

Forrest shot me a confused look, and I just shook my head. I dont think itd be good for me to hang around. When youre done, Im going to be in the office.

I left Forrest to talk with his father. When I reached the office I stared at my computer. If I wanted to I could listen and watch through the cameras. Part of me wanted to while the other was again demanding that I give Forrest and Flint their moment to reconnect.

Before I could agonise over the choice any further, or stalk into the gym facilities to pound on the boxing bag, Yolanda walked in with a smile on her lips and the incubator in her arms. Hey Brock! What are you doing?

I chuckled. I couldnt tell her I was agonising over moral decisions or contemplating murder, so instead I shrugged. Adult stuff. When she frowned at me and huffed I laughed and waved her to take a seat. Got some good news for you.

She perked up. Whats that?

Forrest ran into Flint and got him to come back. She blinked in surprise. I waved a hand towards the front of the gym. Theyre talking now. I had some time to talk with him earlier after I sorted out Forrests yeah. I waved my hand. Thats a whole thing in itself but yeah.

Yolanda watched me. Are you going to be alright?

Yeah Im going to be fine, I said, giving her a small smile. Just going to be some changes.

Are you sure youre alright? she said dubiously.

Yolanda. I. Am. Fine. She continued to stare at me. Who taught her to be so doubtful?

Do we need to get your girl

Sabrina and I are not Oh forget it! I said with a groan. She continued to stare. I could feel the doubt radiating off her.

She hummed before putting the incubator down to the side where it wiggled once before settling down. Then she walked around the table and wrapped me in a hug. Thanks for bringing Dad home Brock. I love you,

Love you too, I said back to her. She held the hug for a long while before settling back down in her seat. I tilted my head. Youre not going to go talk to him?

She gave me a smirk. He can come to me.

I chuckled and waited. In the end, Forrest ended up leading Flint right into the room and Yolandas waiting ambush. Once more I gave them space. This time it only took five minutes before they both emerged with slightly redder eyes than theyd entered. Flint stared at the incubator and shot me a look.

You really have done well Brock. I merely nodded and waved for him to follow.

There werent any more reveals to my siblings, as they were all asleep. Even Salvadore, with his hands still holding a thick book on science while another on math rested nearby. I moved through each room and adjusted things as they needed to be done while Flint watched on from the door.

When I was done, I led him to the final room that housed a large room for a bed with an attached ensuite. On the way, we passed by a cabinet that held trophies I or my siblings had accumulated. I had the badges from my Kanto journey all on display alongside a certificate of my making it to group stages for the Indigo League. Then there was a picture of me with my team after defeating Lindsay, who was Yujis predecessor for the Orange Islands challenge. Titan looked so happy in the picture. Hed come in clutch and that had been one of his first matches as a Tyranitar. Next to it rested a case with the three badges Id earnt from the Hoenn League. The five empty spaces were glaringly obvious to me. I had a trophy for best little league coach that sat amongst the others proudly.

There were other trophies and family pictures on display. Forrest had a picture of himself with a few kids with a baseball bat over his shoulder and a best and fairest trophy. He also had a good report card and Yolanda had a picture of her at her guitar performance. Cindy had a picture at a flute session and a scattering of child art was in the cabinet for the others.

I really have missed a lot, havent I? said Flint.

Yeah, you have, I said simply. I opened the door at the end of the hall. This is yours. Theres sheets in the cupboard. I swallowed and shifted back and forth.

Flint nodded then opened his arms as if to hug me. I nodded at him and stayed where I was. Breakfast is usually at seven. Give me some time to lead in that youre here to the others and you can meet them then, alright?

Flint lowered his hands. That that would be wonderful thank you son.

Good night Flint, I said back before turning and marching to my bed. When I lay down I ended up staring at the ceiling for long into the night.

I had Flint back but what would that mean?

I wasnt sure. I only knew that things were going to change, and I could only hope that it was more for the better than the worse.

Flint sat on the edge of the made bed and stared around at his room. That that hadnt been how hed planned things to go but then again hed never really had a plan on how to approach Brock or the others in his family had he?

He sat back and looked up at the ceiling. He should probably be happy they didnt just punch him but instead theyd said what had to be said. Forrest had cried and hugged him which made things seem more hopeful.

Brock Brock had been so cold and closed off. Flint swallowed; he wasn't sure what to think of that.

Brock had been very plain in drawing a line in the sand with how hed called him Flint. Flint sighed and sat up. There wasnt anything he could do about the past now. He couldnt force things if Brock didnt want to talk. Hed just have to be there and present. Help out and be a father.

Flint nodded; he could do that!

A flash of light made him flinch back as old instincts warned him to throw himself behind cover. Part of his mind worried about the sudden teleport into his familys home and how that meant theyd overpowered the barriers that were meant to stop unwelcom

Good evening Flint, said Sabrina.

Flint blinked and adjusted himself from behind the bed. Youre Sabrina from Saffron right? Youre Brocks little girlfriend.

Sabrina inclined her head. Indeed, we are dating. Until you returned we were officially on a break. From behind Sabrina a shovel appeared with a flash of light and floated ominously.

W-whats that for? Flint said.

I understand that it is necessary for the talk we are about to have, she said seriously, her gaze never wavering from him. You will not be leaving Brock or his family again, Flint. Or I will make sure you cant.

Flint felt chills run down his spine at the casual threat of violence from the clearly powerful psychic. I guess its nice to see you care so much about my family?

Sabrina inclined her head. Indeed. We have become close. Brock once spoke to my own family this same way when he knew they were Not looking after me well enough. She tilted her head and assessed him carefully. I think returning the favour to you helps to make my intentions for Brock clear, yes?

Crystal, Flint said, swallowing.

Sabrina nodded her head once. Good, welcome home Flint. Then she vanished.

Flint sank back onto the bed, suddenly weak. Well, that made it clear that he wouldnt be leaving if he could help it. Flint licked his lips as he stared at the shovel that Sabrina had left leaning innocently against the wall.

Did Brock know how terrifying his girlfriend was?