Dawson is a character based in Cornova's Pokewars alternate universe.
April 17
Sandgem Town
"Seriously have I explained to you two how much I really don't care about this?" Dawson asked.
The sixteen year old boy walked along side his parents as the three of them made their way though Sandgem town. The clear sky overhead and cool breeze made the warm spring day nearly perfect for anyone. Overhead several Pidgy few high in the sky enjoying the weather after winter. The group made their way through the streets of the quiet little town and towards Rowan's lab located near the edge of the town.
Sandgem was a small quiet place. No more then three dozen houses to the town. All of them spread out over a large space with plenty of room for gardens and fields around them. Anyone approaching was also likely to be greeted with a pristine view from one of the many hills surrounding the town.
Dawson's father was the first to speak up to his son's complaints. Both father and son shared the same brown hair and solid build with the latter being only smaller due to age. A large man his attire was that of someone who climbed mountains. Hiking boots, comfortable shirt and vest, and loose pants made it clear what the man enjoyed doing in his free time. The only things missing was his hat and massive backpack. Laughing he looked over his shoulder at his son.
"Oh yes you made it quite clear Dawson." He said
His mother spoke next. A thin woman she stood in stark contrast to her larger husband standing almost a fully head shorter then Dawson's father. Her black hair was tied behind her in a braid going down to the small of her back. Her blue sundress blew in the wind as she walked along the street a shawl over her shoulders. Looking back at the sulking boy she sighed as they approached the lab.
"Really Dawson we've gone over this already." She said
"No we haven't." The boy said, "So far, from Oreburgh to here, you two have just ignored anything I've said and done nothing but tell me 'its for the best'."
The boy shifted his backpack while he walked behind them. The pack was meant for hikes into the mountains and larger then most. His clothes represented a similar mentality as his T-shirt, jeans, and boots made for comfortable wear while being durable enough to last a long time.
"Well it is." Dawson's father replied smiling. "After what happened in the mines can you blame us for wanting you out of them?"
"I don't care if you want me out, I don't want to do it." Dawson said. "I liked working in the mines, as completely odd it is having someone my age say that, and the accident wasn't even that bad."
"How can you say that?" His mother replied in shock, "You could have died when that tunnel collapsed!"
"Besides you need to learn to work with Pokemon." His father added, "That accident could have easily been avoided if you just had one with you. Roark said it himself, if you don't have a partner you're more likely to get hurt like that."
"I would have been much less worried if you had one with you..." His mother said, "Like that nice Ponyta that follows you around."
"You mean the one that never leaves me alone? The one that is friendly to the point of knocking me over when it nuzzles me, the one who follows me around like some kinda Pokemon stalker, THAT Ponyta? " Dawson said, "No thanks, besides its not like a fire Pokemon would help that much when I'm surrounded by rocks."
At the gates Dawson folded his arms and came to a halt. His parents both turned around to face the young man. His mother sighed and walked over to him. Dawson's father remained where he was, his grin looking like it was frozen into his face as he watched his wife work her guilt magic. Making eye contact she fixed the young boy with a pleading look.
"Dawson..." She began, "Even if you don't want a Pokemon can you do this at least for Miss Walter's two kids? You know she's really worried about them starting their journey alone. Can you at least stomach this until you kids get back to Oreburgh? I know you don't like Pokemon but will you do it for her and to make your own mother happy?"
Dawson tried to get out an excuse or reason why but the pleading, hurt puppy look, she was aiming at him quickly stripped away any desire to fight. He knew how it went as it happened before. First the crushed puppy look, then the self depreciation about how she failed as a parent, and then finally the tears.
With a sour look Dawson broke eye contact with his mother, "Fine." Dawson grumbled.
Going around his now smiling mother and still smiling his father the trainer made his way up the path towards the lab. A fairly large building Dawson took a moment to appreciate that it had an actual wind turbine built right into an adjoining structure. Reaching the doors they slid open with a hiss and the boy walked into the lab. Dawson's parents followed behind him the group began looking over the lab.
"Smaller then I expected." Dawson father said.
The lab was almost uniform in its sky blue coloration. The floor being what stood out the most as it was made from large purple tiles. Several computers and monitors were lined up along the sides of the room with a stairway going up to the second floor along the back wall. Large glass windows let sunlight stream allowing many of the main lights to remain off. In the center of the room was a table containing three Pokeballs and several scientists gathered around them.
"Is that a couch? Why do they have a couch in a lab?" Dawson asked.
"I'm more concerned with the color of the floor." His mother said.
"I though you were here to give your son a Pokemon not critique my decor." Rowan said as he walked up behind them. "Madison, Alex is this Dawson?"
Dawson's parents both jumped slightly and turned to face the professor, "Oh Professor Rowan!" Madison said "Yes it is. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to this."
"Well its unusual but not the first time." Rowan said looking over at Dawson. "There are occasionally trainers who start their Pokemon journey later then others. Most however don't bother with the fanfare of going to the lab to get their starter Pokemon though."
"Yay fanfare." Dawson said sardonically.
"Yes well we talked with Miss Walter about this and we agree that Dawson would get his trainer license and keep an eye on her two kids until they got back to Oreburgh." Madison said fixing her son with a stern look.
"Where are those kids anyways?" Alex said looking around.
Professor Rowan turned at the sound of the door behind him opening. "ahh there they are." He said.
Of the three new people it was clear who was the parent of the group. A clear height difference distinguished Miss Walter from her two children. She was wearing a business suit and carrying a briefcase with her. Her somewhat frazzled short red hair and the rings around her eyes clearly showed her fatigue.
Her children stood behind her. The boy was looking around excitedly for his Pokemon. While his mother introduced herself he leaned to the side to get a better view of the lab. His sister was quietly standing behind her mother. Her attitude was more subdued but her fidgeting betrayer her excitement. Both children's attire looked more suited to some Sunday church outing then the start of a journey. Each one had their backpack resting on the floor while their mother caught up with Dawson's parents. Both had the same short red hair of the mother combed down likely by the aforementioned parent.
"Alex, Madison its so good to see you again." Their mother said addressing Dawson's parents.
"Yes its been far too long Christine, This is Samantha and Simon right?" Dawson's Mother asked.
"Yes they grow up so fast." Christine said. "I would have liked to have them wait before going off on their journey but they insisted. Thank you so much for sending Dawson with them to keep an eye on them. I know they're probably going to be fine but..."
"You worry." Madison said finishing her sentence. "Don't fret about it, I know the feeling."
While the parents caught up Rowan lead the children over to the table behind them. Simon almost bolted towards the Pokeballs. Coming to a stop and trying to stand as still as a board despite his eagerness. His sister was next walking next to him looking at the Pokeballs with interest. Dawson was the last to make his way across the room, leaning on a wall near the couch where his backpack came to rest on.
"Well now that everyone is here let us begin." Rowan said. "At times like these I truly wonder how you will shape your Pokemon and how they will shape you..."
Dawson could tell a speech when he heard one. As he leaned against the wall his mind began to wander while Rowan spoke to Simon and Samantha. He mostly wished he could be back home in Oreburgh instead of here and how much of a pain it would be to watch the children. His attention was drawn back as Rowan opened the first Pokeball.
A flash of light and the ball released it's contents. Standing in front of the children was small blue and white Pokemon. It's features were vaguely avian as it had a beak and wings. It looked up at the children silently and expectantly.
"This is Piplup the penguin Pokemon." Rowan said. "Its a water type and a very stalwart companion."
The second Pokeball opened and in a similar flash of light another Pokemon appeared before the children. An Orange and vaguely humanoid Pokemon stood before them. From it's tail a small wisp of flame burned steadily. Hopping up and down it let out a cry at seeing the children.
"The one here is a Chimchar." Rowan said, dittoing his previous statement. "Its a fire type and a feisty little Pokemon."
As the last Pokeball opened Dawson was greeted to the sight of a small four legged Pokemon. Its green body was covered with a small shell along its back and from it's head sprouted a small sapling. As it looked around at its surroundings it made eye contact with Dawson. Cocking an eyebrow as he returned it's stare Dawson waited for Rowan to finish describing the Pokemon.
"And finally we have Turtwig." He said. "A grass Pokemon and a more reliable companion you couldn't find. So now that we have introductions out of the way why don't we-"
Rowan never got a chance to finish as Turtwig leaped off the table and ran over to Dawson. Reaching the trainer it hopped onto the couch, opened it's mouth, and chomped down on the trainers nearby hand. Tilting his head to the side the young man looked up at Rowan as he and the children watched the Pokemon gnawed on him.
Dawson looked at Rowan, "Professor?" He asked. "It's got my hand."
"Well it looks like the first choice goes to you." The professor said. "When a Turtwig bites down on someone like that its a sign they like the person."
"That's nice," Dawson replied. "Is there any chance its going to stop soon?"
Rowan handed him the Pokemon's Pokeball. "The recall button is in the center, just point it at Turtwig and press it."
With a flash of red light Turtwig was summoned into the ball. "Well I suppose that's easier then having to choose." Dawson said
Turning back to the children Rowan addressed them. "Now it's time for you two to pick your own companions. Choose carefully as these will be your friends and allies throughout your journey."
The young boy Simon took a tentative step forward. He looked over both Pokemon carefully wracking his mind for which one he wanted. Each one in turn returned his look with their own of expectation. Several long minutes passed as the boy looked back and forth from one to the other. Eventually the stalemate was resolved as his sister stepped forwards and pointed at Chimchar.
"Can I have that one?" She asked in a sweet voice.
Both Chimchar and Simon looked to Samantha as she pointed at the fire monkey. The Pokemon then let out a cheerful cry and jumped off the table running over to the young girl. Deftly climbing up her, he stood on her shoulders and nuzzled the new trainer. Samantha let out a cheerful laugh and started petting her new Chimchar. After a few strokes she looked over at the Rowan and gave a small bow, as much as she could with a happy fire Pokemon on her shoulder.
"Thank you professor!" She said.
Looking over at Piplup Simon smiled, "I guess that means we're partners now Piplup!" He said.
Both children happily listened to Rowan as he explained the use of Pokeballs and gave them their starter Pokedex. By now their mother had walked over and was watching them listen to the Pokemon Professor with a somewhat worried look on her face. After the speech both ran over to her and started introducing their new Pokemon to her.
Walking over to Dawson Rowan handed him his Pokeballs and Pokedex, "Here you are young man. You'll need these in the Journey ahead."
"Somehow I doub-" Dawson began but was cut off by an anguished whine from Simon.
"Buuuttt mmmoooommm! You said we could do this on our own!" He said. "Why do we have to go with this guy?"
"I know I said you could do this by yourselves but Dawson is on his journey too." Christine said trying to placate him, "He's done a lot of traveling and I just want you to stick with him until Oreburgh city. Just long enough for him to show you the ropes."
"We don't even know him though!" Simon responded.
Rolling his eyes at the kid Dawson quietly took his Pokeballs and Pokedex from the Professor with a quiet 'thank you'. Putting them in a side pocket in his backpack he slung his gear over his shoulder and headed towards the door. Not looking back once as the boy continued to argue with his mother.
"I'll wait outside." He said to his parents.
Leaning against the fence outside the lab Dawson let out a long sigh. His pack now resting alongside the same fence. In his hands he idly held the Pokeball with his new Turtwig. Several minutes passed as the new trainer contemplated the contents of the ball. Pressing the release button the Pokeball opened and it's light shot out and Dawson's new Pokemon stood before him.
"Turtwig" The Pokemon called out happily.
"It really is cute." A voice said from behind Dawson, "I'm kinda jealous."
Turning Dawson saw that the young girl Samantha had come out side and was looking at his Turtwig. She walked passed and knelt down next to the Pokemon. Reaching out she petted the Dawson's Pokemon who smiled in response.
"yeah lucky me." He said somewhat dejectedly.
Samantha looked up at him, "Don't you like Turtwig?" She asked.
Dawson put his hands up defensively "I got nothing against him." Dawson stated. "I just don't really care to interact with Pokemon that much. The only reason I'm here instead of back at Oreburgh is because both our parents worry about stuff like that. What about you? You don't look like the trainer type."
"That's because I'm going to be a coordinator!" She said with pride.
Her statement was met with a raised eyebrow and a tilted head from Dawson, "A what?" He asked.
"A Pokemon coordinator..." She said, "You know someone who goes around entering in contests to show how beautiful and skilled our Pokemon are."
"You what?" Dawson asked again incredulously.
"You battle and show off your Pokemon's beauty and skill." She said nervously, "The first round is a showcase for how beautiful and talented your Pokemon are. The second round you're battling and you get points based on how nice your attacks look and lose them if they look bad or fail."
Dawson just stared for several moment before responding, "So... this is a Pokemon beauty contest?" He said.
"Well... yeah." Samantha replied.
"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of..." Dawson said.
"W-what?" She asked shocked.
"It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of." Dawson repeated. "Seriously making Pokemon and their attacks beautiful? That sounds really stupid on a mind numbing number of levels."
"NO IT ISN'T!" Samantha yelled at him.
Dawson watched as Turtwig jumped slightly at the young girls outburst, "Jeeze no need to shout at me about it." He said.
The trainer shrugged at the fuming girl. Before he could say anything else she stormed off towards the lab. Watching her go his attention was drawn to the main entrance. Both Simon and his mother walked out along with Dawson's own parents. Samantha walked up to the group and next to her brother who gave her a curious look at her irritable state.
His parents made their way over to him, "Well we still have business in Sandgem." His mother said, "Try to get along with them dear."
With that she wrapped him in a hug and kissed him on the cheek. As irritated as Dawson was he returned the hug. His father simply ruffled his hair and gave him a pat on the back, no words needed to be said between the two.
Pulling away from the hug Dawson held his mom at arms length, "I'll be back home before you know it." He said to his mother.
With that he watched as they headed down the street. Sighing again Dawson watched them go until they turned a corner and vanished from his sight. Picking up his pack he slid it's straps around his shoulders. With his pack on he turned back to the lab and looked for the two kids hoping they were ready to go. What he saw was Simon excitedly staring at him.
"Hey!" He said eagerly, "Since we're both going to be trainers let's have a battle!"
"No." Dawson replied flatly.
With that the trainer shifted his pack one last time and began walking towards Route 202 and road to Jubilife city.