Episode 7: Torn Between Two Worlds

As Ash and Misty emerged into the house from one of the Gym's many secret passages, a number of boys and girls with similar features to Brock immediately met Brock in the living room. "Big bro, will you tell us a story?" one of the younger children asked.

"Yeah, tell the one about Haku the Swanna maiden!" another one requested.

Brock just smiled as he picked up a dozing rock Pokemon with long arms. "Go get comfy in the den and I'll be right there."

With that, he gently set down the rock Pokemon on a coffee table. "Ash, this is Rocky--one of the two opponents I use against young trainers."

Piqued, Ash decided to read up on the rock creature with long arms before him as Brock departed to another room:

"Geodude, the rock Pokemon. It climbs mountain paths using only the power of its arms. Because they look just like boulders lining paths, hikers may step on them without noticing."

"I can see why people would trip on them..." Misty mused as she studied the small rock Pokemon.

[Relax, if ya didn't mean ta trip on me, I'll forgive ya.] Rocky assured the boy and the girl staring at him.

"I'm sure Brock spoils you rotten..." Misty smiled.

[I dunno about spoilin' us, but he's a master most Pokemon would dream of havin'] Rocky explained. [In addition to bein' a master of battle, he's also famed as a master performer. Problem is, Pops wants him to follow in his footsteps as Gym Leader, while Brock would rather earn his keep spinnin' yarns for people.]

"That is a hard decision, being torn between family and your true passions..." Ash mused.

[So has Brock told his dad that being a storyteller's what he really wants to do?] Tintri asked.

[Not yet--he's been agonizing about what to say for several nights now.] Rocky replied. [I think he's scared about how Pops will react]

"That's understandable." Misty replied.

[You've likely heard or seen Brock perform--I really think he's got what it takes ta make it as a performer.] Rocky smiled.

Just then, the two visitors and the Geodude heard Brock begin his promised tale for the children. "Once upon a time, in a far away land, a king had an Aspear tree in his royal garden, and every day the Aspear tree bore exactly 24 Aspear Berries--no more, and no less."

Then something occurred to Brock "That is, until one morning, when the king discovered one Aspear Berry was missing. So he told his eldest son--whose name is not important to us--to guard the tree that night. But around midnight, he heard a beautiful song ringing through the sky...

With that, he sang Gatradis favel, secret, edena...
Emusto ronzen fine el balaziis...
Katoradis favel siicletu edena...
Emusto koron zen fine, si...

Ash grinned, "That never gets old..."

"Within minutes of hearing the song, the eldest son fell fast asleep." Brock's voice continued.

"You know...I think I can understand where Brock's coming from." Misty mused. "I wanted my sisters to take responsibility, and step up to be Gym Leaders because of their amazing talent for Water Pokemon. But nope--they were dead set on being pop idols. Then they wanted me to be part of the unit, but I said thanks but no thanks!"

[Maybe singin' happy poppy music's their passion, like singin' and spinnin' yarns is for Brock.] Rocky grinned. [When he's done entertainin' the little ones, I'll tell'im what ya both said...maybe that'll inspire him to tell Pops his true passion.]

"And if Dad gets mad for not succeeding him as Gym Leader, we'll have Brock's back!" Ash vowed, turning his cap back as a sign of his promise.

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"...and so I wanted to tell you that I feel my true calling is a storyteller and songwriter." Brock concluded his calm but still nervous explanation to an older man with similar features to him at the dinner table that night. "Don't get me wrong, I still love my Pokemon, and will fight with them and for them if need be, but I don't see myself as making a career out of battling them."

The older man's stern expression softened after he contemplated what his son had said "Brock...you know I would never force you to do something you did not want to do." he began. "You're a young man now, and the fact you had the courage to tell me you wanted to forge your own path shows me that you are mature enough to handle whatever comes your way. I still wonder...why did you not tell me sooner?"

"I was afraid you'd be angry for not following you as Gym Leader." Brock explained.

"Oh Brock...you know your dad would never kick you out of the house over something like that." a brown haired woman smiled as she passed the mashed potatoes to a child. "He thought that maybe battling Pokemon was your passion, and that was why he was training you to be Gym Leader."

"But we all know that sometimes passions change as we grow older." the man agreed. "Whatever you choose to do, Brock, your mom and I will always be proud of you."

[Aw...] Tintri smiled as Brock got up to embrace his father.

[Mission accomplished.] Rocky agreed.

Just then, the older man noticed Ash. "I will, however, ask you to battle Ash as your symbolic last battle as Gym Leader."

"I can do that." Brock grinned as he settled back at his place at the table.

He looked over at Ash. "When we do battle, let's make it a match for the ages--one I can tell about for years to come!"

"You got it!" Ash replied. "I won't hold anything back, either!"