The Saffron City Gym buzzed with the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of chatter. Its vast hall was transformed into a glittering stage for celebration. And a party was going on in there.
Kanto's elite mingled with each other. It was a party to mark a historic transition: Sabrina's ascension to Gym Leader in the upcoming league season, and her father Marcus's retirement after years of service to the gym, Saffron City and Kanto.
For the remainder of the current season, Marcus would hold the reins, but the spotlight was firmly on his daughter, the psychic prodigy who would take over the gym starting next league season.
Gladion stood near the center of the room, a wine glass in hand, its contents untouched as he navigated the throng of league officials circling him like vultures.
He was a Gym Leader, a rising star, and a business titan whose influence stretched beyond the battlefield. The officials tried to flatter him and earn his favor.
'They think they can charm their way into my good graces,' he thought. 'They're not wrong to try—I'm a power they can't ignore.'
He swirled the wine in his glass. 'Teens here can drink thanks to Aura maturing us faster. On Earth, they'd be throwing ragers and getting someone dirty pregnant by now.' He stifled a chuckle, imagining the chaos if Earth's teens got wind of Pokemon world's lax laws.
His gaze swept the room, catching a familiar figure entering the party—Giovanni, the Viridian City Gym Leader.
'Oh, he decided to show up,' Gladion thought, curiosity sparking. 'How curious. Normally, he deems himself too superior for parties, always playing the philanthropist at charity events to keep up appearances.'
Giovanni's presence was no coincidence. Gladion's recent moves—quietly exposing and arresting league officials under Team Rocket's payroll—had clipped the crime lord's influence.
'Hmm, he is probably here to rebuild connections or get new ones, shore up his crumbling empire.'
His attention shifted to a lone figure by the wall—Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, standing awkwardly with a glass in hand, his eyes darting nervously.
No one approached him, the newly appointed major gym leader was isolated. Probably because he became a gym leader after his father ran out on both his family and his duties as a gym leader.
Gladion's instincts kicked in; Brock was a kindred spirit, someone who carried burdens heavier than most realized.
Excusing himself from the officials with a polite, "Gentlemen, I'll catch up later," he wove through the crowd.
"Sup, Brock?" Gladion said, clapping the older teen on the back with a grin.
Brock started, nearly spilling his drink. "Gym Leader Gladion! It's nice to see you, sir," he said, his voice tinged with surprise.
Gladion waved off the formality, his hand landing on Brock's shoulder. "None of that, Brock. You're a Gym Leader yourself, no need for the 'sir' nonsense. Loosen up, enjoy yourself!" His eyes twinkled with mischief. "So, spotted any interesting ladies yet? You can tell me—I promise I won't spill to the tabloids."
Brock's face flushed, his usual stoicism crumbling. "W-Well…" he stammered, glancing around as if the walls might betray him. "That one with the blonde hair… she's got a, uh, very nice… ass."
Gladion's grin widened, leaning in conspiratorially. "Oh, bold choice! But what about the one with the orange hair? She's got a rack that could stop a rapidash in its tracks."
Brock's blush deepened, but a laugh escaped him. "You… you're right," he admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I mean, it's like Arceus sculpted her himself!"
Gladion chuckled, nudging him. "That's the spirit! You're at a party, man, not a funeral. Pick your jaw up off the floor and go talk to one of 'em. You're a Gym Leader, not some grunt—chicks dig the badge."
Brock scratched the back of his neck, his nerves still evident. "Easier said than done. Last time I tried, I ended up talking about Geodude's rock-polishing routine for ten minutes. She looked ready to evolve into a Gengar and vanish."
Gladion snorted, nearly choking on his wine. "Buddy, you gotta lead with something sexier than Geodude's shine. Try, 'Hey, ever seen a Steelix flex?' Gets 'em every time."
He winked, enjoying Brock's flustered laugh. "Or, you know, just flash that Gym Leader charm. You're basically a celebrity—use it!"
Brock's shoulders shook with laughter, loosening up. "You're trouble, Gladion. I'd end up with a restraining order before I got a date."
"Nah, you'd just end up with a fan club," Gladion shot back, grinning. "Imagine it: 'Brock's Boulder Babes.' They'd be lining up to polish your Onix."
Brock groaned, covering his face, but his laughter betrayed him. "You're gonna get me banned from this party!"
"Worth it," Gladion said, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Just don't name your kid 'Pebble' if you score tonight."
The banter lightened the air, but Gladion's expression softened, his tone turning genuine. "You symbolize a Rock Gym pretty well, Brock. Staying strong against all of what life has thrown at you. With your mother and father leaving you and your siblings alone, you're doing the duty as a big brother and a Gym Leader better than most could."
Brock's eyes widened, the sincerity catching him off guard. He nodded, his shoulders relaxing further. "Thank you, Gladion. That… means a lot."
Gladion clapped his shoulder again. "Take this party as a chance to step out of your father's shadow. Become your own person, your own legend. You've got the strength for it."
Brock's nod was firmer this time, a spark of resolve in his eyes. "I'll try. Thanks, man."
"Well then, I'll take my leave," Gladion said, stepping back with a wink. "Enjoy the party, and maybe you… might go home with a lady tonight." He paused, then added with a mischievous grin, "Oh, and don't forget to use protection. You don't want another kid in the family to deal with, do you?"
Brock's face turned beet red, a strangled laugh escaping as a few nearby guests glanced over, eyebrows raised. "Gladion!" he hissed, but his grin betrayed his amusement.
Gladion chuckled, turning away as Brock tried to recover his composure. His gaze swept the room, searching for the evening's star. 'Now where's the girl of the moment? Jeez, if not for Brock, I would be talking with all these old geezers.'
-----Author Notes------
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