Chapter 2: An Unexpected Situation!


Pidgeot flew high above clear blue oceans, islands dotting the horizon. Jack recognized the largest island, Melemele Island. They had been flying since the Kanto Region, and rather than taking a plane there, Pidgeot assured him they could make it there flying. Well, by now it was clear Pidgeot regretted its decision, clearly letting Jack know by the occasional swear and drop in altitude. Jack had been reassuring the bird that they would make it, and a huge reward would await Pidgeot.

{Son of a Pidgey…} Jack chuckled.

"Do not worry, Pidgeot. We are almost there. A few more minutes and you can rest. You've done me proud." Pidgeot cooed and set her sights on the islands ahead. "Watch out, world…" Jack whispered, "I'm back."


Pidgeot landed on the open beach, people around them, but the Pokemon didn't care. It just wanted to stop flying and rest wherever. Pidgeot wouldn't even care if Groudon itself was rampaging… Pidgeot would not move at all. Jack got off of the bird's back, landing on the near white sand.

"Thank you, Pidgeot. You deserve a long, long rest." Jack reached for the bird's Pokeball and returned her inside. He turned towards a street and stopped a passing Officer Jenny. She turned around and smiled.

"Alola! How may I help you?"

"Hello. Could you please point me to the Pokemon Center?" Officer Jenny smiled.

"Of course." She turned around and pointed to the city in the distance. "Go to that city. It's called Hau'oli City. Walk down the main street, past the shopping mall. Near the edge of the city, you'll find the Pokémon Center." She faced Jack again. "Are you by any chance competing in the upcoming Tournament?"

"Actually, I am. I just arrived on my Pidgeot, and this is my first time in the Alola Region. Any helpful tips for someone new here?" Officer Jenny smiled.

"First if all don't wear black. As you've probably noticed the heat here is already unbearable at some points even with light clothing. Second of all go and meet with Professor Kukui. He's in charge of the Tournament's registration, not Nurse Joy, in case you're wondering. Lastly, watch out for Team Skull and Team Rocket. They've been a nuisance as of late." Jack had a concerned face.

"Of course. Thank you, Officer Jenny."

"Anytime, sir." As Officer Jenny walked away, Jack released Gardevoir to walk with him.

{So… this is the Alola Region. I didn't know that it was so sunny.} Gardevoir was looking everywhere; the beach, the woods, the cheery people and local Pokemon. Gardevoir walked close to the woods' edge and stared at a Pokemon that was looking back at her. {Hello, little friend,} she said, waving at it.

{Charja!} it squeaked before running away. Gardevoir looked disappointed.

"Don't worry, Gardevoir. It's probably just a little shy." She nodded and walked back over to my side.

{It's definitely more… tropical than I first thought. I wonder how many new Pokémon are here.}

"Probably a few, I can't wait to maybe catch one or two. Maybe a Rock Type, I don't have one yet. Or a Grass Type… so many choices…" Gardevoir giggled at her Master's hyper antics.

Two hours had passed since Gardevoir and Jack started walking, and the Pokémon Center was in view. They'd have made it there earlier, but Gardevoir insisted on trying a Malasada… which she devoured in mere seconds, much to the vendor's and Jack's surprise. She had a whole bag of them for later and for the others. Jack took the time to order a Tapu Cocoa, a form of hot chocolate with a distinct taste of Oran Berries. As he sipped his drink, Gardevoir pointed ahead.

{Master… isn't that the girl you watch on that TV of yours? The performer from Kalos?} Jack spit his drink out.

"What? What are you talking about?" Gardevoir kept pointing forwards.

{Over there. One of the performers you always see on that TV, walking towards that large building. The blonde one; near the Pokémon Center.} Jack looked ahead, and indeed saw a familiar tuft of blonde hair just before it disappeared behind the building. Jack was wide-eyed at the moment.

{Master… are you alright?} He had a glassy eye and turned to face Gardevoir.

"Yeah… I just never thought I'd see her again."


"Welcome to Hano Grand Resort. My name is George. How may I help you today?" A rather tall man with light green hair walked to a young woman in her early twenties. She put her bag down and smiled at him.

"Hello. I'm here to check into my room for the Tournament."

"Excellent. Please, follow me." He grabbed her bags and walked over to the front desk. "Name, please."

"Serena Yvonne." George looked up her name in the system, eventually finding it.

"Here you are. It seems like you have a suite on our top floor. There seems to be a note here, let me see…" As George looked through the note, he hummed a tune the woman did not recognize. "Ah, yes. It seems that due to room shortage, you'll be sharing the suite with three other contestants unless you know a few, we would be glad to arrange them there. Do not worry, the suite is large enough to accommodate you all with separate dormitories. And, according to this, the room is co-ed, so you don't have to worry about some friends being left out." Serena smiled, a slight look of uncertainty on her face.

"I'm glad. There are some people I would love to stay with."

"How wonderful! May I please have their names?"

"Um… one is Dawn Berlitz, a Coordinator, and May Maple, another Coordinator."

"Formidable! And the last occupant?"

"I don't know anyone else attending this Tournament. I think for now it can remain empty, or you can send someone else."

"Excellent! I shall see to it that your friends join you in this room. Now, please, follow me, I shall lead you to your room."


{Master?} Gardevoir looked worriedly at Jack as he walked in circles, muttering to himself. {Master?} He paid no attention to her.

"I don't know what to do…" Jack muttered. "Should I go… no, I haven't seen her in years… I have to make amends though… it's best if I leave her alone… but what if she's worried about me? No, she's probably forgotten about me. But what if she didn't?"

{MASTER!} Jack looked at Gardevoir, surprised that she had screamed in his mind. {Just what are you thinking about? Do you really not believe in yourself? You believe in me… in all of us. We believe in you. I know you harbor feelings for that girl. Just go and talk to her. I know it'll work out. It did for me and Lucario.}

"It's easier for you cause you're both girls! It's different for me. A guy just can't walk up to a girl and say 'Hey, I like you. Let's mate.' It may be easy for you cause you're a Pokémon, but us humans are really difficult when it comes to a relationship."

{Hmm… I never knew humans were so complex, yet you all seem to be so simple-minded.} Jack started turning a little red.

"Who are you calling simple-minded?"

{You. Who else? No one else here can understand me,} she said with a grin.

"Why you little…" Jack quickly lunged at her, attempting to catch her off guard, but failed miserably. Gardevoir simply used her Psychic to hold him mid-air. She laughed at the sight of her Master struggling to get free.

"Put me down! Just because you have Psychic powers doesn't mean you have to use them on me!"

{Well, I can if you intended to lay a finger on me.} Jack grumbled some more, thinking of how to escape. {Don't even bother. I've already come up with ways to stop you if you do manage to escape. I can read your thoughts, remember?}

"I remember. But you forgot about my Aura!" A flash of brilliant blue light emanated from Jack for a split second before he freed himself from the Psychic hold, and he was now running towards the Pokemon Center.

{You won't get away from me that easy, Master.} She quickly teleported a few feet ahead of Jack, using her feet to trip him as he passed by in a blur of speed.

"Haha! Can't trip me!" As he ran to the Center at inhuman speeds, Gardevoir just smiled and sighed.

{Oh, Master… what am I going to do with you?}


"Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How may I help you?" Jack walked over to the front desk, in front of the nurse who had welcomed him.

"Hi. I'd like to check in for the Centennial Tournament." Nurse Joy slightly frowned.

"I'm sorry, but registrations aren't taking place here, unfortunately. You'll have to go to Hano Grand Resort for that. Trainers check in and stay there as the Tournament progresses."

"Really? That's new. I figured it'd be a Pokémon Center since it's always been like that for every tournament."

"It usually is, but since the Hano Grand Resort made its grand opening a few weeks ago, they requested to be the number one attraction for trainers that are participating. Granting their request, the Pokémon League not only made them the choice hotel for trainers to stay but also made them the registration center and a tourist attraction for its modern look with a slight medieval theme."

"I see."

"Anyways, I'll still be available to heal all Pokémon Trainers use in battle."

"I hope so. I have a feeling I'll be here often."

"I look forward to it." Jack turned around to leave and look for this Hano Resort. Gardevoir stood just outside the sliding glass doors, munching away on another malasada. As the door opened, Jack used his Aura and snatched the bag away. Gardevoir immediately put up a defensive stance.

{Those are fighting words, Master.}

"Oh please. I'm doing this for your sake. I don't think you'd do well in battle if you got a little fat because of these."

{Are you calling me fat?}

"...No?" Her eyes glowed blue. "Shit…"


"Welcome to the Hano Grand Resort. My name is Francine. How may I help you?" A scratched and tired Jack had walked in through the glass doors of the Resort, greeted first by a blonde woman identified as Francine.

"Um… I'm here to check in for the Tournament?"

"Ah, yes. You must be Mr. Jack Harper. You are in fact the last contestant to check in. If you can show me your ticket, I'll continue the registration process."

"Uh… ticket?"

"Yes. There was a gold leaf ticket inside the envelope with the invitation. You were invited, correct?"

"Of course, of course. I've probably got it somewhere here… lemme just look for it." Jack walked off to a corner of the lobby, Gardevoir close behind him.

'Shit, I don't remember if I brought the letter.'

{Dear God, how did you ever become an Aura Guardian?}

'Through hard work, not organization, obviously.' Jack ruffled through his bags, throwing everything everywhere, leaving Gardevoir to catch it all with Psychic.

'The damned bags are empty and the letter isn't here! I think I left it in the cave!' As Jack panicked, Gardevoir sat next to him, placing an arm around him as he rocked back and forth.

{You seriously need a girlfriend or something to keep you on track.} As she spoke, she moved a leather folder towards them with the Aura Guardian insignia etched into it. It opened and poets flew out of it, finally revealing a familiar envelope behind it all. {Lucario placed it here shortly before we left. She even told you, remember?}

'No,' Jack bluntly stated as he stared at the envelope. He snatched it out of the air and ran towards the Resort employee he talked to earlier. Gardevoir faced the ceiling.

{Arceus, give me the strength to put up with this one…}

"Wonderful!" Francine had already dragged Jack to a computer terminal, inserting his information. "Now, it seems you'll be in a shared room with three others… don't worry, there's plenty of space in the room for all four of you. A little reminder: there's an opening ceremony day after tomorrow, and you are required to be accompanied by a guest, be it another Trainer in the Tournament, or someone that came to watch. The opening ceremony will take place at Hano Beach, and it is a formal occasion and dance." Jack moaned. He was never one for formal apparel. "If you and your Gardevoir would follow me, I'll lead you to your room." They walked around a few corners before reaching an elevator. The door was already open for them. When they entered, Francine pushed the button for the top floor.

{Didn't you once tell me that the top floor in hotels and resorts are usually where the rich and important stay?}

'Yeah. Goodshow must really want to make a good impression on Trainers worldwide.' The elevator took under twenty seconds to reach the top floor. As the door opened, Jack first noticed all the delicate, gold intricate designs on a white background all over the wall and roof. The floor was covered with a white carpet with a gold border. Oak handrails ran along the hallways.

{White theming. It heavily clashes with your outfit.}

"Don't remind me."

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

"Sorry, I was talking with my Gardevoir. I mistakenly spoke out loud." She smiled

"You two seem really close to being able to talk telepathically. She looks really strong, too. It shows how well of a Trainer you really are."

"Thanks." They walked around a corner before coming to a stop in front of a mahogany door.

"This here is your room. And this is the ID card for the room," she said as she handed a gold plated card.

"Thank you, ma'am." Jack slid the card as Francine turned and left. The door clicked and opened. Jack opened it and waited for Gardevoir to walk through before closing it. The whole suite was extremely luxurious, made for the very rich. To one side of the suite was a rather large kitchen area complete with marble countertops, a center table, and fluffy chairs. The other side had a large leather sofa… which was occupied by a certain honey blonde, a brunette, and a bluenette.

"Oh no…" Jack muttered.

{This looks… interesting.} There on the sofa staring at him were the only three people he didn't want to come across. Jack stared at the three women seated barely ten feet from him. Gardevoir also starred, analyzing each one of them.

"So… are you going to introduce yourself?" The brunette in the center asked. Jack looked towards her, wanting to scream out 'It's me! You know me!'... but he couldn't.

"Um… hello. My name is Jack Harper. I'm from Rota in Northern Kanto."

"Kanto? We've been there." This time it was the bluenette that had spoken up. "We, um, went there to visit our friend's mother after he disappeared a few years back." All of their expressions saddened a little, all slowly looking down as if they were thinking of the one thing that saddened their whole lives. Jack stood there in an uncomfortable silence, waiting for one of the girls to speak up.

"Anyways, my name is Dawn," she pointed to the brunette, "this is May," and finally, she pointed to the blonde, "and this is Serena. We are Coordinators, except Serena, she's a Performer." The other two women looked up, lightly blushed and waved at him. Their 'Hi's' was barely above a whisper. "I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you're the final roommate here?"

"Uh… I suppose so. Is there a specific room for me, or…"

"Oh… yeah, I guess I should take you to your room. We kinda already claimed the other rooms as ours, so you can take the last one. There's no difference between the rooms at all, just so you know." Dawn stood up from the sofa, leaving May and Serena behind. She walked through the room and kitchen area, Jack and Gardevoir closely behind her. As they walked, Jack thought back to when he last saw her in person. It was in the Unova Region, the day he left for Kanto by cruise ship. She had stayed behind with Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion.

'No… I mustn't think too much of the past. The past me is dead. I'm Jack now.'

{Honestly, Master, you can be whoever you want. If you want to stay as Jack for the rest of your life, do so. We have no problem with it. But remember your past, okay? Because you left family and friends behind. And I've gone through these women's minds. They think of you… they think of Ash Ketchum on an hourly basis.}

'I know… I sensed it as well when I saw them. I mean, I knew of Serena, but I never suspected the other two as well.'

"Hey, are you listening to me?" Jack looked up, startled, for he hadn't noticed that they had stopped walking a while ago.

"Uh… I am now." Dawn looked at him suspiciously.

"Tell me you're not one of those 'creepy guy' types. I've been followed everywhere by creepy guys since I won the Grand Festival a few years back. Please tell me you're not a pervert." Jack was taken aback by this comment.

{Creepy guys have been following her? I won't let that happen any longer. With your permission, Master, I'll set up a link to her that will alert us if she is in any danger.}

'Do it,' Jack quickly said in his mind to Gardevoir.

"No, Dawn. I can promise you I'm not a pervert. I can guarantee that I'll be the most fun guy you've ever met." Dawn snorted.

"Like I haven't heard that before. Anyways, this is your room. You can either stay there or talk to us, it's up to you. The girls and I also agreed that if you k is how to cook, you can join in on making our meals throughout the day, if you don't mind, that is."

"I don't mind. I'll help as much as I can."

"Great! If you don't mind, I'll head back to the family room." Dawn quickly turned around, her shining waist length hair flying everywhere. She had a sort of skip in her walk, her hips swaying side to side with every step, her ass slightly jiggling up and down. A black skirt that barely reached her thighs flapped with every motion, teasing any viewer by showing off more of her slender legs. A brown and gold belt held the skirt in place. A tight black shirt which exposed her midriff hugged her figure, showing off every curve of her body, especially her breasts, which had grown a fair amount since he last saw her. Her chest had swelled to a D-cup, perhaps even an E-Cup. In reality, the tight shirt already made her chest look larger, but the thin pink sweater vest she wore topped it all off. The knee high boots she wore made a clack clack clack every time they came in contact with the white marble floor. She turned the corner and Jack was released from his trance.

{Is Master having a good time staring at Dawn?} Gardevoir teased. Jack turned to her, his face a bright red.

"Shut up. Or should I mention to Lucario how you sometimes sneak looks at her at the hot spring?" The Pokémon's face suddenly grew dark.

{You wouldn't dare.}

"Try me." With that, he quickly drew out her Pokeball before she had time to react to his invitation, and returned her inside the pink ball. "She's gonna kill me when I bring her out next time."


Night had come, and Jack had found himself in the kitchen, a Delibird already in the oven. An assortment of fruits and vegetables lay on the table, drinks already served. The girls had gone out hours ago to do some shopping for the opening ceremony and hadn't returned. Sylveon, Lucario and Gardevoir were helping him out with the cooking. Gardevoir was doing most of it, showing off how quickly and easily her Psychic powers could chop, dice and slice. Sylveon followed in second, using her feelers to grab a hold of the two knives she was using. Last came Lucario, who could only use one. She scowled at how irresponsible Gardevoir could sometimes be. As they were laying out the dishes on the table, the door opened, revealing the three girls and tons of shopping bags between them all. They had been laughing but went quiet when they saw Jack setting the table.

"Ah, good. Didn't know when you three would come back. I made dinner if you're hungry. I've got a Beedrill-honey glazed Delibird in the oven that's just about done." The girls stared in awe at the food covered table. They could already smell the Delibird that was roasting in the oven. Their mouths immediately watered and they made a beeline for the table, dropping their bags on the doorway in the process. Jack chuckled. "Well, I've never seen my cooking do that before. First time for everything, I suppose." May turned to face him.

"Jack, that smells great! Where did you learn to cook?" Jack's expression softened.

"I, um… I learned from my teacher. He taught me how to use my A… abilities, and he taught me to cook as well. After we went out ways, I lived alone with my Pokémon on a mountain for about six years. I made my own recipes there, as well as perfecting what I've been taught." The girls stared at one another. There was obviously something he was hiding from them.

"So… you lived alone? Did you travel anywhere before that?" Jack nodded.

"I first traveled through Kanto, then the Orange Islands, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. When I ended my Kalos journey, I met my teacher who took me to Rota and taught me how to use my abilities." May looked at him, eyes full of… hope?

"Rota? I was once there with my little brother and two friends. They specialize in Aura, don't they? Does that mean you can use Aura?" Jack looked nervous.

"Not really. I was mostly trained in martial arts; Kung Fu, Pencak Silat, Karate, and Taekwondo. I left shortly after my teacher declared me a Master in these forms of fighting. After that, I received my Lucario straight from the Queen and I left to live on my own." The three women all looked at him, his eyes clouded with mystery and wonder. Serena was about to speak up when the oven's timer went off.

"Oh! Delibird's done! I can't wait until you all try it." As he walked to the kitchen, the three girls faced each other and started whispering.

"He's been everywhere where Ash a has been," Serena harshly whispered as she was fiddling with a blue ribbon tied to her wrist.

"I know! Maybe he has seen Ash throughout his journey! It's been almost twelve years since Ash went missing. The possibility is there," May spoke.

"I can ask later. I know you two aren't very trusting of him at the moment, but he doesn't seem to be a bad guy. I mean, he did make dinner with all of us in mind. And he hasn't been too pushy about what we do."

"I guess Dawn is right," Serena said. "But… he reminds me so much of Ash. His voice is similar to his, and his eyes… so alike it's creepy."

"Serena is right. He does resemble Ash a bit. If only we could see under that mask, then maybe…"

"What are you talking about, May? Can't you see that scar on his face? Maybe he's hiding something worse."

"You're right, Dawn. I wonder how he got it, though." The three went silent as Jack made his way back. The Delibird was in a white pot, cooked golden brown, glazed with the Beedrill honey, a red sauce, berry cubes, and Pinap slices.

"Here it is. My own creation. I hope you like it."

"Like it?" Dawn asked. "Jack, I'm sure we'll love it!" Jack nodded in appreciation and grabbed a carving knife, slicing the Delibird legs first, followed by the breast and tenders. May requested both drumsticks, Dawn took the breast meat and Serena took the tenders. That left Jack with the wings and stuffing. As Jack paced the meat on the plates, Gardevoir and Lucario had come from the kitchen with dishes of salads, chocolate mousse, and Pokepuffs. The Pokémon set the plates stacked high with desserts and goodies around the carved Delibird and went back to the kitchen to talk with each other and with Sylveon.

"Well, I hope this is all to your liking. Dig in!" The four of them dig into the meal like it was their last. Never had they had food so moist, tender and flavorful! The honey gave the meat a sweet flavor, the sauce had a mild spiciness to it, and the Pinap slices topped it off with a tangy citrus taste to the juices!

After all the food was gone and the dishes were put away, the four were on the sofa, drinking from a bottle of soda and chatting about past achievements. Jack listened in silence, not making any comments or remarks. Suddenly, the topic changed.

"Hey, Dawn," May asked, "who are you going to this dance with?"

"Brock," she said so nonchalantly.

"Brock? I didn't know he was competing."

"He's not. The league asked him to work at the Pokémon Center in case of emergencies. Apparently, he's become the best Pokémon doctor around. What about you, May?" May slightly blushed.

"Um… a guy named Daniel asked me. He seems like a nice enough guy." Both faced Serena. "What about you?"

"I have no one to go with."

"Really? What about Clemont? I heard a rumor that he was doing some kind of light show at the start of the Tournament. If you find him, you can ask." Serena looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Well, you see, I see Clemont as a brother. I'd feel awkward asking him to come to a dance with me."

"I know what you mean, Serena. I had a brother once. I'd have felt awkward asking him to dance with me." May shuddered at the idea.

"I never had a brother, or someone close like a brother myself. What about you, Jack?" Dawn asked sweetly. The other two remembered that they were not alone. Jack sat on an edge of the sofa, a straw going under his mask to be able to drink.

"I never had siblings myself. But I had a Pokémon that I considered my brother in all but blood." May looked over at Jack.

"Um… I think Dawn meant about the dance." The bluenette was rapidly nodding her head up and down.

"Oh. Well, I didn't know about that dance until I checked in. I haven't asked anybody yet." Dawn giggled.

"Well, I'm pretty sure a handsome man like you will find a partner in no time. You have until the ceremony in two days."

"I suppose. But I don't know anyone that's competing."

"Whoever you take doesn't have to compete. May and I are here to give in a show halfway through the Tournament. Serena here is actually competing. She may have been Kalos Queen, but she had also been going around collecting quite a few badges and managed to qualify." Jack looked surprised.

"You've collected Gym Badges?" Jack asked Serena. She nodded.

"Yeah. After I left Kalos to continue training for my performances, I decided to challenge a few Gyms along the way in order to get stronger and use those strategies in my performances. During that time I came across May and Dawn, and they taught me more about battling and strategizing." Jack nodded.

"I always said strength was the key to anything. Well, that and a good strategy." Dawn giggled more while Serena looked into Jack's eyes. They had a familiar warmth to them, yet she knew it couldn't be familiar since they've never met before. "Well, ladies, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna head back to my room. I've gotta train for the battles later on… and maybe find someone to come to that dance with me." He got up from the couch, bid them a good night and walked towards his room. As soon as the door had closed, Dawn lightly squealed, scaring the other two.

"Dawn!" May scolded. "What'd you do that for?" Dawn gave her a mischievous smile.

"Oh, please. Don't act like you don't know. Jack! He's such a gentleman! And he's got a mysterious vibe to him that just attracts you to him."

"I have to agree with Dawn, May. He treats us nicely. Better already than anyone else. And you have to admit that he is already way better than that Drew guy you used to hang out with." May pouted.

"He tried to better himself, really. Things just went downhill because I told him I liked someone else."

"I guess that could drive any man to do reckless things." The three sat in silence for a while, thinking of nothing and no one. Serena was the first to stand.

"I think I'll also go to bed. I'm kinda tired and I also want to get up early and train. Goodnight, girls." Serena walked out, leaving May and Dawn behind.

"Hey, May?"

"Hmm?"

"We should totally make Serena go to the dance with Jack." May's eyes widened.

"No! Serena would kill us!"

"We should totally do it! Serena has been slightly gloomy since… you know."

"I know, but we can't just do that. What if she doesn't like it?"

"Unlikely. Didn't you see how Serena would sometimes steal a glance at him? Obviously, that means she's slightly interested. Maybe this could work out! And who knows? Maybe this is Serena's happily ever after!" May stared at her friend.

"You watch way too many romance movies."

"What? Can't a girl know about romance?" May sighed in disbelief while Dawn giggled evilly.