The Theory of Play

She hadn't had much choice in the matter.

Originally, Dawn had been curious about what lay to the east – the resort area. Some part of her had hoped to see a greater variety of pokémon and to fight harder, tougher trainers (though none, she felt, could match up to the capabilities of the Elite Four and Champion), and another part of her had just… just wanted to see the place of relaxation for what it was. A well-deserved break after encountering all pokémon native to Sinnoh.

She didn't want to think too much about Professor Oak's gift… yet. That could wait. It really could.

Dawn hadn't expected for that to come into her hands. A rich guy from Hoenn who would give away his villa so easily? But the earnest pleading look from the reluctant owner was something she could not ignore. She understood the urge to travel, as much as she wanted so badly to take a break; his request was something she could not find it in herself to deny.

The villa was beautiful too – a large house, a garden and a pool. Her berries would flourish here, and the pool would be a place to swim without fear of wild water pokémon.

Was she really getting this for free? Did the previous, previous owner really not want it?

Precious stones of the region, a rich collector. Some name, a faint image, tugged at the back of her head but Dawn could not remember. Perhaps later, she thought, half-wary.

And so that was why she ended up standing in a empty and bare house, with only a grand table to keep her company, in the villa she now owned. I should really decorate this place, Dawn thought to herself as she moved towards the brochure that the furniture company had left behind. She was just a step away from the table when Pearl suddenly burst in. She jumped at his entrance, clutching her chest in shock. "Pearl!"

He grinned at her, and then looked all about her newly acquired villa with wide eyes. "Wow," he said, whistling appreciatively, "this place is awesome. I can't believe you actually got it for free."

Dawn cocked her head. "You heard that conversation?"

"I can't believe I was a few steps too late," he said, sighing dejectedly. "This villa? Gorgeous. I wouldn't mind having my own."

She nodded and quietly picked up the brochure, wincing when she saw the price list of the listed furniture. Dawn was not strapped for cash, not after all those victories – but to have most of the furniture cost beyond a hundred thousand dollars... The table had been provided to her free of charge. This villa, as well. How much had it cost the original owner to buy – or even build – this place?

Carefully, she let the brochure fall back onto the tabletop, just as Pearl made his mind up. "Alright, I'm going to tell everyone about your new villa!" He left her no chance to react, choosing to run as soon as he had finished his sentence.

Dawn stared after him, at the closed door.

Wait.

Tell everyone?

Did that mean… she would have visitors?

Once more, she surveyed the wide, empty space that was her new villa and glanced back down to the brochure.

Let's start, she thought, with a nice and warm bed…