So, I guess this is why I never encountered any other Pokemon whilst aimlessly wandering around Jubilife.
I glance up at the policewoman on my right, her own eyes presently fixed on the road. I actually got the idea of asking Pokemon native to this city for directions a while ago, once I finally realized that it would probably be significantly easier than trying to get said directions from people, who can neither speak nor comprehend Mawile-ese. That idea ended up falling through however, owing to my somehow never finding any local Pokemon to ask — beyond a small group of Rattata living an alley that ran away before I could even get a word out, and a couple of vague, bird-shaped outlines I've occasionally spotted hanging around on distant rooftops, there's been nothing.
...which, apparently, is because Pokemon Control in Jubilife runs a fairly tight ship.
I lean back in my seat, enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing against my face. Regardless, getting arrested might actually be the most convenient thing that's happened to me since I got here. While it turns out that I can in fact still get in trouble with the police, in spite of human laws no longer applying to me, being forcibly chauffeured to one of the exact locations I've been trying to find all day is the opposite of a bad thing. I even get to sight-see on the way!
I pan my gaze around, taking in the tall, silver and bronze buildings surrounding the street we're driving down.
...okay, granted, it's not the best view. As I'd already pretty much guessed from what I've been seeing, or rather not seeing all day, much of Jubilife's inner-city architecture seems to trend towards "Office Building Chic", with few obvious landmarks to be found against the backdrop of huge, rectangular boxes. I did spot a decently-sized park not long after we got on the road, and just a minute ago we passed by a strikingly colorful building with a lot of Pokeball imagery scattered around it, which I think may have been a Pokemart? Beyond that though, there's sadly just not a lot to see on the way to the Pokemon Center.
All of half a minute later, when we actually reach the Pokemon Center, on the other hand...
The first thing I notice as we pull onto the adjoining road is how incredibly large the building is. While the Poketch Company building did fool me at first, I was still expecting the Pokemon Center to be maybe two or three stories tall at most. Apparently however, I was very wrong — the Pokemon Center is in fact massive, standing at least seven or eight stories tall, with a trio of bizarre, almost cylindrical protrusions sticking out the sides of its L-shaped frame, and a top half that looks like it was split in two by some wandering giant's ax. I have to wonder, if I'd come across this place on my own, if I'd have even looked high enough up to see the expected giant "P" logo printed upon the structure's left tower.
The second thing I notice is just how much greenery the area has. The Pokemon Center is contained within a large, fenced-off rectangle of land, the majority of which is covered in verdant grass, numerous bushes, and various conical shrubbery. Not only that, but the area behind the towering building is a veritable miniature forest, or at least the tree cover is thick enough to appear as such upon casual inspection from the street. Even if it's just for looks, it's still the most flora I've seen in this city since entering it this morning.
The third thing I notice is the similarly large, and considerably wider domed structure sitting off to the Pokemon Center's right. I can't quite tell what it is from the street, but given the massive Pokeball insignia emblazoned over the building's entrance, combined with its sheer size and non-standard design, I can only assume that it's the Jubilife City gym. Holy crap, are both my destinations seriously right next to each other? This is perfect!
"Here we are." the Jenny says as she parks next to one of the open gates leading into the fenced-off area, the well-trodden dirt path beyond it leading directly to the Center's front door.
Smiling, I unfasten my seat belt — why does this sidecar have a seat belt anyways? — and clamber over the door.
"Hey!" my seat partner barks at me in a high, rough tone. "You aren't supposed to exit the vehicle until Jenny tells you to!"
"Well, maybe you should have told me that before I unhooked myself." I retort, already dropping the remaining foot or so to the ground. "Besides, I'd have thought you'd want to be rid of me as soon as possible."
The Growlithe bares her teeth at me from over the lip of the sidecar. I glare back at her, re-activating Intimidate for a scant moment, and snicker under my breath as she flinches backwards so badly that she nearly falls over.
I'm fully aware that deliberately antagonizing a police dog is probably- no, definitely a bad idea, but I also kind of feel it's only fair, given that she's been treating me like a criminal since she first laid eyes on me. Even though she couldn't tell me what I'd actually done to deserve that, mind. I swear, if she wasn't a Fire-type...
I glance up at the Jenny again as she dismounts from the motorbike proper. At least my "captor" has been surprisingly nice thus far. So long as I ignore how she essentially muzzled me before actually trying to talk things out, at least. Seriously, what was with that order of doing things...?
I shake my head. Well, whatever, she still got me where I wanted to go.
"Someone's certainly eager." the Jenny muses, noticing that I've already gotten out. "Come on then. You too, Growlithe."
Gesturing for us to follow, she starts down the perfectly-straight dirt path. I hurry after her, as does Growlithe, who hops out of the sidecar and falls in step with me a moment later.
"I'm watching you..." she growls, teeth still bared.
She's not lying — as we walk up to the Pokemon Center, Growlithe's narrowed eyes remain unflinchingly focused on the side of my head, as though she expects me to make a break for it at any moment. I quite deliberately ignore her, my own eyes going essentially everywhere else in the vicinity as I drink in the welcome sight of something other than the same five building templates seemingly copy-pasted ad infinitum... which is when I notice that the sky is already starting to turn red, evening readying itself to pass the torch on to night.
...wow. So, I literally wandered around Jubilife all day long trying to find this place? No wonder my feet are sore again. And considering how long it took us to get here even on a motorcycle, I probably wouldn't have managed to do so before it got dark, if at all...
I pull a face. Once again, so glad I managed to catch a ride.
The glass front doors of the Pokemon Center automatically open as we approach, allowing the three of us entrance into a long, red-and-white lobby with pale yellow floor tiling. The room is quite large, and is full of comfortable-looking couches, chairs, and tables, many of them occupied by trainers — I can tell, because some of them actually have Pokemon out, practically the first I've laid eyes on since this morning. I spot an Azurill, an Espeon, and an Altaria before I'm guided to the back of the room, where a Nurse Joy stands behind a wide, rounded counter.
"Jenny!" the Joy exclaims, smiling softly as we approach. "What a pleasant surprise."
"It's nice to see you too, Joy," the Jenny replies, cocking an eyebrow, "but unless you somehow missed the sound of my bike arriving outside, I doubt it's that much of a surprise."
The Joy laughs musically. "I suppose you're right, though it is always nice to see you... even if I take it this isn't just a social visit?"
The Jenny shakes her head.
"Sorry, not this time." she says, motioning to me with one hand. "I don't suppose anyone has come to or called the Pokemon Center looking for a lost Mawile?"
I have to restrain myself from laughing aloud at the idea. I can only think of one person who'd have any reason to do so, and I highly doubt that Paul would bother, even if he somehow had access to a phone right now. Somehow, he just doesn't strike me as the kind of guy to ask others for help.
"I don't believe so," the Joy answers, "but I'll check."
As she turns to the computer on her right and begins typing something into it — or so I assume, given that I can't actually see the top of the counter — I subtly cast my gaze around the rest of the lobby, ignoring the Growlithe still trying to glare a hole in the side of my head. Even beyond the copious seating, there's a ton of amenities in here, including several vending machines, numerous bookshelves, several fairly large TVs, and even one of those phone corners from the show with the built-in video screens. It feels very cozy; more like a hotel lobby than a hospital's.
...though, neither of those usually entails quite so many onlookers.
I squint, trying to ignore how several of the trainers on the other end of the lobby appear to be eyeing up our group for some reason. I guess seeing an Officer Jenny show up in a Pokemon Center is a somewhat unusual sight...
Or, maybe it's me they're staring at? It's not like I haven't been attracting odd looks from people all day, and even if I'm now in a place you might actually expect to encounter a strange Pokemon rather than just out wandering the sidewalks, that doesn't change the fact that Mawile are strange, at least for Sinnoh. It makes sense for people, especially trainers, to be curious about me if they don't know what I am... though come to think of it, Bewilder Forest had multiple generations worth of Pokemon in it that I wouldn't have expected to see there in the games, and the show always played pretty fast and loose with regional Pokemon distribution anyways, so hell if I know what's truly considered "normal" around here. Maybe Mawile are common as dirt, and they're just wondering if Growlithe is about to snap and Ember my face off.
"It doesn't appear as though anyone has inquired about a missing Mawile recently, no." the Joy says, prompting me to turn my gaze forward again. "Going by that rather fetching bow, I assume it's trained, correct?"
"So far as I can tell." the Jenny replies. "Accessory aside, it's got an awfully impressive grasp of language if not."
"Oh?" The Joy briefly glances down at me, though she looks back up before I can nod a confirmation to her. "Any identifying information on the bow or otherwise?"
"Not so far as I can tell."
The Joy briefly frowns, but her smile returns a moment later. "Well, even so, I'm certain its trainer will contact us soon. Rest assured, Mawile will be in good hands here until then."
"Well, of course it will be." the Jenny says, her lips curling up into a tiny smirk. "They're your hands, after all."
The Joy laughs again. "Oh, you..."
I squint up at the pair of women questioningly, shifting my gaze from one to the other. Am I misreading this atmosphere, or are these two-?
The hand radio on the Jenny's hip suddenly starts beeping. She hesitates, but pulls it out after a moment, walking a few yards away from everyone before holding the device up to her face and pressing a button on the side.
"I'm here, what is it?"
I can't quite hear the other end of the conversation, but from the slightly frustrated frown that appears on the Jenny's face as she listens, I'm guessing she's not terribly happy about it.
"Copy that. Be back soon." she says with a small sigh.
Reholstering the radio, the policewoman turns and strides back up to the front desk.
"I have to get back to the station." she tells the Joy. "Can you handle the Mawile from here?"
The Joy nods beatifically. "Of course. Stay safe!"
The Jenny nods back, then looks down at me.
"Be good for her, alright?" she says sternly. "I don't want to have to come back here."
...what am I now, your kid?
"Yeah, yeah," I reply, giving her a cursory nod, "I'll behave. Thanks for the ride."
Apparently satisfied with that, the Jenny starts walking back towards the entrance, her partner almost reluctantly tearing herself from my side to follow after. As the automatic doors open to allow the policewoman to leave, Growlithe turns and shoots me a final dirty look, then scampers out after her trainer, just in time to make it through the already-closing doors.
Ahhh, finally. My time in police custody was short and unexpectedly welcome, but freedom tastes sweet nonetheless.
I turn back to the counter to find the Joy typing away on the computer again. Noticing the direction of my gaze, she glances down at me and smiles softly.
"Don't worry little one. We'll get you back to your trainer soon."
"Uh, yeah, about that," I reflexively reply, "I don't actually have a trainer-"
"I wonder how you ended up getting lost?" the Joy muses as she turns away again, seemingly talking to herself more than me. "You seem too well behaved to intentionally run away."
...oh, right, that whole "language barrier" issue. Damn, I spent so long just trying to get here that I forgot to figure out how I was going to handle this part of the process. How am I going to tell her what I'm actually here for?
"Well, until we've figured out where you came from, let's get you set up for a hopefully brief stay here." the Joy continues, leaning over to press something on the counter that I again can't quite see, but which I assume to be an intercom button as she subsequently speaks into it. "Chansey?"
In response to the apparent summons, a door directly to the left of the counter opens, and one of the large, egg-shaped Pokemon in question steps out, a tiny white-and-pink nurse's cap perched atop its head... as well as a wooden clipboard clasped in one hand, with pen and paper already attached to it.
Relief flows through me at the sight, the dread that was building in me at the thought of attempting to poorly pantomime my way through an explanation again dispersing like dust on the wind. Oh, finally.
"Would you escort this Mawile to the nursery?" the Joy requests.
The Chansey smiles and bobs her body forward a bit, as though to nod. "Of course, Head Nurse."
I take that as my cue to speak up.
"Hey, Miss Chansey!"
The Pokemon assistant turns towards me, blinking.
"Yes?" she replies in a soft, almost motherly tone, seeming slightly surprised I addressed her. "Is something the matter?"
"Could I borrow those for a minute?" I ask, pointing at the clipboard and its attached writing implements.
The Chansey frowns. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I need these for my job."
"Could you maybe lend me a spare set then?" I persist. "Please?"
She shakes her head. "I don't believe these would be of any interest to you. We use them for-"
"I know what they're used for. That's why I'm asking for them."
"Chansey?" the Joy cuts in, a lightly-concerned expression on her face as she looks back and forth between the two of us. "Is something the matter?"
...ugh, screw it.
Giving up on being polite, I walk up to the Chansey and, before she can react, jump upwards, grabbing hold of the edge of the clipboard as I do. She's almost twice my height, but her hands are much lower, and whether due to surprise at my audacity, the unexpectedness of my weight, or her nub-like appendages simply not having the best grip in the first place, the wooden board slips from her grasp, causing her to cry out in surprise and stumble several feet back.
"Ah-!"
"Chansey!" the Joy yelps, flinching backwards in surprise herself.
I disregard them both, my attention fully on the clipboard I just forcibly borrowed. The paper currently attached to it is some sort of medical form, as of yet unwritten on besides a few clumsily-drawn check marks in some boxes on the right. Needing space, I quickly detach it from the board and flip it over, revealing the page's blank white back.
"Please return that!" the Chansey implores as she regains her bearings. "It isn't for-!"
The moment I put the stolen pen to page and start forming letters with it, the Chansey falters, and the Joy's mouth falls open in surprise. This thankfully stalls them both for several long moments, which turn out to be somewhat crucial, as I immediately encounter a rather substantial problem — turns out, Mawiles are not terribly great scribes.
"I hate only having three fingers per hand." I grumble to myself as I struggle to get the pen to cooperate with me. "Stupid claws weren't built for this..."
Despite my irritating lack of dexterity, I manage to finish scribbling down my intended message, albeit with considerably messier penmanship than I'd have preferred. Turning the clipboard around, I move back in front of the desk and hold it over my head for the Joy to see.
[Hi, sorry, I'm not actually lost?]
Nurse Joy simply stares at me for a moment, her eyes wide.
"Oh... oh my..."
She doesn't immediately follow that statement up with anything else, as though too stunned to speak. With no apparent further response forthcoming, I shrug, then start writing out another message, trying to ignore the piercing gazes of both nurse and nurse Pokemon continually boring into me as I do.
...unfortunately, theirs aren't the only ones whose attention I seem to have caught. In my peripheral vision, I can't help but notice that even more of the lobby's current inhabitants than before are staring at this end of the room now. They might have initially just looked over when I startled the Joy, but given that they're still watching, and even starting to audibly murmur to each other, I somehow doubt she's still the subject of interest. Maybe I should have waited to do this until the Chansey led me to that "nursery", or at least out of sight of all these random people...
Unnerved by the attention, I do my best to brush it aside and simply concentrate on writing — which, come to think of it, I should probably be grateful is even recognized as such. I didn't think about it back when I was using Paul's Pokedex, but I don't recall written English ever actually being used in the show... at least, not outside of single-letter logos, and the Unown, sort of. Wait, are they why English is recognized here? Or-
No, stop. Questions later, write now.
Eventually, despite the unsettling sense of over a dozen different pairs of eyes resting squarely on my back, as well as several whispered back-and-forth conversations starting up on the periphery of my hearing, I finish my next message and hold it aloft again.
[So, I have a captured Pokemon with me who's been separated from his trainer. Can I leave him here for later pick up?]
The Joy blinks at the words, breaking from her minor trance.
"I... how did you learn to do that?" she asks.
A little annoyed that she all but ignored the content of what I actually wrote, I scratch out an answer, slightly faster this time as I begin to adjust for my missing fingers.
[Taught myself. My question?]
I point and circle my previous message with a claw to draw attention back to it.
"You taught yourself...?" the Joy incredulously repeats. "But-"
I cough, emphasizing my message again, and she refocuses.
"Wh- where exactly is this... captured Pokemon?" she asks, not a little disbelievingly.
I reach into my not-pants and pull out Chimchar's Pokeball, which only causes the Joy's eyes to widen even further. Before she can speak up however, the Chansey does so instead.
"How did you learn to do that?"
I squint at the larger Pokemon, nesting the Pokeball back in my fur before gesturing at the words on the clipboard.
"I literally just answered that exact question?"
The Chansey shakes her head, though due to her shape it's more like she shakes her entire body.
"I'm sorry, but I can't read human language. That's why I'm asking how you can."
...wait, what? In that case, how was she even using this clipboard? I mean, yeah, the paper only had check marks on it thus far, so that technically tracks, but... why...?
While I'm busy pondering this, the Joy looks away and lightly pats her face, seeming to regain some of her typical composure as she straightens up and faces forward again.
"You are... a very smart little Mawile." she says, drawing my attention back to her. "May I ask who this trainer is?"
Deciding to question the wisdom of giving clipboards to apparently illiterate Pokemon another time, I write.
[Guy named Paul with purple hair and a bad attitude. Trust me, you'll know him when you see him.]
Below the words, I also scribble a rough, cartoonish little drawing of Paul's glaring face for reference. So what if it's childish? That's what he looks like!
The Joy reads my message, her expression seeming to thin slightly, but nods all the same. "And you're certain he'll be coming to this Pokemon Center?"
That's... a good question, actually. Paul may be a jerk, but surely he'll at least bring Elekid and Murkrow here when he arrives, right? He wouldn't able to keep putting his Pokemon through that type of training if he didn't at least let them rest up fairly regularly, so... yeah, surely.
[Pretty sure? He was heading to Jubilife last I saw him, at least.]
The Joy frowns.
"Last you saw him? Is he your trainer as well?"
I mentally facepalm. Gah, I shouldn't written that... no getting around it now.
[Not anymore.]
The frown deepens. "Did you run away?"
[You're NOT taking me back to him.] I hurriedly scrawl, faster than anything else I've written thus far.
"I assure you, you needn't worry about that." the Joy replies, shaking her head. "When a Pokemon runs away from its trainer of its own free will, there is nearly always a good reason for it, be it that they simply weren't a good fit with that trainer, or..."
She looks up for a moment and trails off. "Perhaps we should take this to another room."
I sweep my gaze backwards to find that the entirety of the lobby is now watching our conversation. Several people have also gotten up and started walking towards the counter, curiosity all but literally burning in their eyes.
[...yes please.]