Chapter 3 - 10/28/2022

I stand here confused.

I didn't count on this to happen.

Instead of a scheduled fight with Whitney's father, I have to face Whitney instead.

Never did the thought cross my mind that I would have to face a gym trainer first before I could qualify for the badge.

Inside the stadium, other examiners are testing people who found themselves in a similar situation. They too must go through the screening process.

This brought some comfort for I have not been singled out.

Unease aside, I am not exactly thrilled to go through with this. If I knew, Clobbopus could've had more time to rest or a quick check up from Joy.

I'm already anxious and it is made worse by being caught off guard.

However, it's too late to complain and change my situation at this point. I will make sure and take note of this. To avoid any training beforehand.

Otherwise, the same situation may occur yet again.

Still it is a small fortune that Clobbopus retains the type advantage. I am thankful for any small blessings when I am able to get them.

Across the field is Whitney and the Miltank. They both stare Clobbopus and I down with vigor. They are not deterred as much as I hoped for. Whitney is excited to have another go at us.

Our battlefield is far removed from the others. White lines act as dividers to mark each field inside the dome, with enough space in between for safety to protect both the examiners and contestants alike.

"Are you ready for our rematch John?!" Whitney shouts. "This time I've come more than prepared to win!"

Miltank releases a thrilling moo as its utter jiggles in excitement. The pink bipedal cow has a sharper aura around it. A step above the one which Whitney currently owns.

This Miltank may become the toughest foe we'll ever face.

"I'm ready!" I said.

Whitney's hand raises to start the countdown. From five she starts to lower a finger one at a time.

There isn't much I can do at this moment. I can wait for the match to start, however, there is another option I still have.

I might have my hands tied, but the same couldn't be said about Clobbopus. He is open to a wide range of choices that I am unable to make.

When fairness is ruled out of the equation, I am left with a single way forward. Since Whitney has cheated first utilizing her dad's Pokemon, then I too will have to play by my own rules.

I lower my voice to a whisper and tell Clobbopus, "Hurry and use Focus Energy."

Clobbopus face twitches for a moment with confusion. He is quick to pick up my intention and follows through on my order.

Three fingers lower and two seconds remain. A yellow sheen covers him in a transparent glow. The effect isn't obvious from such a distance away and Whitney remains oblivious to it.

I praise my quick thinking and thank her for not noticing. Clobbopus finishes raising his critical chance just in time for the countdown to finish.

"Go Miltank!"

Clobbopus narrows his gaze to meet our foe. Miltank stampedes towards him without a second thought.

I feel the ground shake and the adrenaline pumping through me. The veins in my arms throb in excitement as I watch to see how Clobbopus reacts.

The cow appears slow in his sight. As if the world bends to support him as tension builds in his limbs.

Miltank jumps forward and soars through the air. The wind is unable to slow the charge down as its stomach starts to shadow Clobbopus.

Body Slam manifests uninterrupted in the sky. Once a white glow flickers into existence does it signal Mitank's descent.

Clobbopus is unwilling to stand by. Unwilling to become a victim underneath Miltank. To be crushed here is to surely forfeit the match.

His limbs deny the notion of losing. They are unwilling to stand by before the slam collides.

His feet fling themselves to the side like an escape rope. A tight rebound throws him out of the way like a sling.

The earth implodes a second later. Fissures form beneath Miltank's landing. An annoyed moo echoes aloud as it tries to flip to its feet.

Miltank manages to turn over and is met with an unexpected fate. Clobbopus closes the distance instead of it this time.

An arm coils for the strike. Clobbopus' hand takes the form of a boxing glove. He bends backwards before delivering the blow.

A ring sounds as his fist lands on the mark. Miltank's side fluctuates as ripples manifest upon its flesh.

A cry escapes Miltank as it jumps to its feet with a grimace upon its face.

"Stomp!" Whitney remains unfazed.

Miltank's leg moves and shoots forward. The hoof glows an iridescent white that threatens to cave Clobbopus' head in.

The force of the blow is met with stretchy limbs. Clobbopus manages to block in the nik of time.

However, Miltank proves to be too much.

Clobbopus' feet are torn from the floor as he rises and becomes airborne. The blow continues from start to finish and projectiles him to the other side of the field.

Clobbopus flips upright in time. He manages to throw his arms underneath as his suction cups latch onto the surface below before he drags himself to a complete stop.

Miltank doesn't relent and proceeds to tuck itself to prepare for their next clash.

"Clobbopus get ready! You got to Feint it!"

My voice reaches him in time.

Clobbopus braces for the collision by allowing his body to become limber. To the point that it is uncomfortable.

"Rollout now Miltank!"

Whitney shouts and watches on as Miltank rotates in place.

Miltank starts off slow, however, there isn't anything we could do to stop it. It picks up speed and the rotations become faster and faster.

The pokemon becomes a blur in my eyes before long. Its speed is faster than Whitney's own Miltank.

The ground caves into a depression. Chips of earth are thrown into the air with dust covering it.

A breeze sweeps across the field as Rollout nears completion. The next moment, Miltank moves in a straight line towards Clobbopus.

"Feint!" I shout.

All it took was a second. One moment Miltank is here and in the next over there. In half a second, it practically teleports and they're already about to collide.

Is there still enough time to react?

Clobbopus tightens his core. He makes himself as small as possible.

The moment Miltank's hot breath is felt, he is ready.

In less than half of a second, his feet squirm to life. Like tentacles with a mind of their own, they sprung upward to keep their host alive.

Up Clobbopus goes. Out of the way of absolute devastation.

Loose pebbles batter him on the way, but he doesn't dare to blink. His image flickers and a mirage of silhouettes appear behind him.

Where he was once whole, there are now four shadows who have taken his place.

In the open air, he is out of reach and Feint comes to its completion.

His blurry images slingshot into one being again. The energy inside of him spikes for a mere moment. For being an unevolved Pokemon, his strength reaches the threshold to be on par with his evolution.

And in that instant, he delivers judgment.

A punch to pierce the heavens is thrown. It ignores the space between the two. Clobbopus' fist extends further than it should have been possible and delivers a strike.

A collision of forces collide. His glove lands upon Miltank's brow. A blow strikes Miltank, beyond any it has received.

Pain quickly overcomes its senses.

Not knowing what happened, Miltank collapses as its knees buckle onto the floor. The power behind the hit forces Miltank upon the ground.

As quick as Rollout has come, it ended just the same.

"Miltank!" Whitney cries.

Miltank stirs slightly in a daze. Its vision blurs, but it could see Clobbopus landing in front. With only shadows to guide Miltank, it retaliates in desperation

A forehead flies forward from beneath Clobbopus. Miltank bounces upwards with the full support of its frame to strike him in his face.

Headbutt delivers a critical blow which launches Clobbopus into the air.

"Rock Smash before you land!"

Clobbopus orients himself and looks beneath him. He is exhausted from the last move and could barely form any fighting energy.

Fifteen feet up is barely far enough to build up for the attack. He manages to stop his flailing and takes aim while he falls.

Through pain and a blistering headache that threatens to erode his mind and vision, Clobbopus pulls it together in the final moments.

He calls upon the last dregs of his strength. A bright yellow flicker from Focus Energy brought him to clarity of mind as his fists follow his command.

Miltank is still in a divot below. It didn't notice where Clobbopus is or even why Whitney is yelling.

Miltank slowly rose to its feet and froze in an instant with a twitch. Clobbopus has struck and sent the entirety of Rock Smash upon its skull.

Miltank's body refuses to cooperate. No matter how much it tries to turn, move or run away, it stands absolutely still.

The arena turns silent.

Miltank sinks down into the floor again. Its feet submerge into the ground as its ankles are completely covered.

A soft moo sounds before Miltank face-plants. A cracking sound follows and Clobbopus cringes in pain.

Clobbopos manages to flip over the head of Miltank. He manages to land on the floor as he shakes his hand in pain.

"Miltank…" Whitney walks over to the unconscious Pokemon. "That doesn't look good."

There is a major welt at the dome of Miltnak's skull. It throbs eerily as if it would burst.

"I'll take you to Rebecca to get you treated. So please take a long rest." She returns Miltank and addresses me. "John, I didn't expect I'd be losing again."

"Mh, I'm sorry to hear that." I comment. "So, is Miltank going to be okay?"

That welt is very worrying.

"Yes. As long as we get Miltank a checkup and some time to rest, he should be fine." She responds. "Though your Clobbopus isn't looking so well either."

I turn and notice the extent of his injuries. Both of his arms have major bruising turning his white flesh a deep blue. His right arm is deflated and couldn't make a boxing fist.

The last punch took a lot out of him. I hope nothing is broken and Nurse Joy can fix him up.

"Yeah he took a bad beating." I said and then crouched down to meet his eyes. "However, Clobbopus you did amazing out there. I'm very proud of you."

A rare squeak came from him. The visibly excitement and happiness is practically overwhelming any pain he feels.

I doubt he notices his injuries.

"Great job little man." I fist pump him. "I'll get you a treat for such a great battle."

I continue to praise him and have him show me his arms. I noticed some fractures, but I didn't dampen his mood. I made sure he is given the recognition he deserves after such a fight.

After pampering him, I return him so I can speak with Whitney.

"Well looks like I won two out of two matches so far. I think I'm ready for the Gym Leader." I joke.

"Ugh… don't rub it in my face." She facepalms herself. "I'll go ahead and have Rebecca check what dates we have available."

"That sounds good to me Whitney."

"But! This isn't over yet!" She stares from between her fingers. "Our matches will be the best out of five. So this doesn't mean you've won anything yet!"

"Really now?" I question with a roll of my eyes. "There is no way you can just do that. Don't I also get a vote in any of this?"

"Nope." She responds and walks away before stopping. "Come on. Are you going to follow or not?"

I relent since she is in a bitter mood.

Exiting the inner stadium, down a hall and into the main lobby we went.

At the receptionist desk is Rebecca who waves us over.

"How did it go?" She asks Whitney. "Did you lose again?"

"Shh!" Whitney leans across the counter to cover her mouth. "Not here!"

"Stop being so handsy all the time. So you lost again even after using a reserved third badge pokemon." She pauses and asks. "Am I wrong?"

"N-no. You're right again…. John was just a bit harder than I imagined."

"Oh, that's no excuse for losing again." Rebecca locks eyes with me. "I heard all about you from Whitney. The fool wanted to impress you in today's battle. So how did it go?" She asks me.

"Not bad…. Uh it was good? Not exactly the worst fight I've been in as my Pokemon took a good beating."

"Is that so? Well don't leave out the details. How bad did she suck this time?"

I thought over the first time we battled. Whitney wasn't exactly incompetent, in fact her Zigzagoon underperformed.

The second time went better, but it is clear that her rented Miltank did most of the hard lifting. The last stand with Headbutt was unprompted as Whitney stood back and watched.

However, it would be a horrible thing to put Whitney down like that.

"Not at all. Whitney did well during our fight." I look back and forth between Rebecca and Whitney "Though what is this 'losing all the time' about?"

Whitney chokes on her words. Rebecca gives a sly grin.

"Come on Whitney. Why don't you tell him?" Rebecca states.

I watch as Whitney backs away from the counter with slow steps. She bumps into my chest and looks up at my face.

"I-I don't really win often…" Whitney admits.

"More like never!" Rebecca shouts in amusement causing the others in the room to look over. "Tell him when the last time you've won."

Whitney walks away from us. Her face flusters greatly, but she manages to respond.

"I don't know… what you're talking about."

"Liar. I know you do." Rebecca chuckles. "Why don't I tell him then?"

A pause elapses for Whitney to speak up for herself. However, she remains quiet as the moment passes by.

Rebecca answers her own question. "Two weeks. This girl fought over fifty battles and lost every single one. If that wasn't sad enough, she lost yet again even with a major crutch to lean on." She then addresses Whitney. "Even after all those remedial classes, you haven't even improved in the slightest. What a joke."

The spite coming off of Rebecca is nasty. At first I thought they were friends, at least they knew each other to give each other salt. Now, I'm getting a bit mad for such uncouth behavior.

And to think she's making fun of Whitney for having a losing streak…

Well I'll admit it is rather large. How could someone be so bad at battling? But I wouldn't just shame someone in public like this and to a stranger no less.

I look at Whitney with genuine concern.

It's starting to make sense why she's been so focused on me in general. If everyone she works with is like this, I can start to understand her a little.

"John… don't look at me like that. I know for sure I've been improving!" Whitney flinches under my gaze and becomes genuinely angry. "And Rebecca, don't go telling people those things!"

A glare is sent Rebeccas' way. "What are you looking at, loser? Still too afraid to admit it?"

"Don't listen to her, John." Whitney addresses me. "That skank's mouth is as toxic as her personality. She's always talking nonsense like this."

"But h-" I get interrupted.

"You! Ha, that is rich coming from you bimbo. I didn't think you could work up the courage to say that." Rebecca inserts herself. "And to think after the first hot guy to give you attention, you're already acting like a stuck up bitch in heat."

"Shut up!" Whitney glares. "You're angry because you're a loveless sack of shit. Dried up and way past your prime."

"Really?" Rebecca stands to show off her body. "Look at me? I don't have cow utters like you. I'm lithe, not even past thirty. And on top of that I actually do my job unlike you who ran off cause you're desperate for attention."

"No, I-"

"Whitney, just be quiet." Rebecca diminishes her. "I've had enough of your excuses. If you weren't your dad's little girl, you would've been fired by now. There comes a point when you should give up."

Whitney tries to defend herself, but no words come from her mouth.

She believes Rebecca is close to the truth. And the effort she has been putting hasn't been showing results just as Rebacca has said.

I stand patiently in wait. Seeing neither of them willing to speak again, I had my turn to talk.

"Okay. I don't want to be part of this, but both of you need to chill." Rebecca is about to retort. "No. You had your chance to talk. I don't care if you are a banshee, you still need to learn to shut up."

I release some of my pressure and it descends upon the room. I'm very annoyed at Rebecca for bickering and interrupting me earlier.

"I came here to fight the Gym Leader. You're going to sit down and schedule me for that appointment. So, I don't want to hear a single peep out of you."

"B-"

An invisible blast knocks Rebecca into her chair. Cold sweat drips on her face as I focus my intent upon her.

"Don't start now. This is a fight you are never going to win."

I crack my neck to make a point.

I may not care about the relationship between the two, but I had enough. I won't stand by as Whitney gets stepped on.

I wait until Rebcca nods in compliance. Satisfied with her behavior, I remove my presence. She quickly gets to work while struggling to type on the computer.

Silence ensures as the room remains still. Only the sound of the keyboard is made as the other trainers sit uncomfortably in their chair.

Whitney calms down and acts meek. She wants to embrace the silence in peace.

After a few minutes, Rebecca works up the courage to speak.

"Tomorrow afternoon, at eight." She catches her breath. "There's an opening then. Would that be fine s-sir?"

"Yes it would. Is there anything else I'll need to know?"

"This will be for the first badge, correct?" I nod and she responds. "Just scan your trainer ID please. Then I'll have you booked for eight in the afternoon."

I soften my expression and scan my ID. "Done. And Rebecca, please know that there are some things better left unsaid in public. I don't want to hear you two fighting again."

"Y-yes." She hurries to respond.

"Good."

A flash of killing intent made my point clear. I don't think I'll need to remind her anytime soon.

Whitney comes up and adds. "Here is Miltank, Rebecca. Get him checked by Nurse Joy."

Rebecca grabs the pokeball and nods quickly. She refuses to look me in the eyes and stares into the floor in wait for us to leave.

I took this as a cue.

I brought Whitney out of the building. The atmosphere inside relaxes as everyone gives out a breath of relief.

I move my gaze from the window to turn towards Whitney.

"Is everything going to be alright?" I ask in concern. "You don't hate her, do you?"

"I'll be okay. Though, I'm mostly annoyed with how petty Rebecca can be at times." She responds with a weary smile. "It'll be awkward for a while."

"Hm I can see that." I give a reply. As we continue to walk away I add. "Tomorrow morning I should be free again if you're still up for our date."

I broke away from the heavy topic to lighten things up.

Whitney notices and feels thankful. She is glad to avoid the awkwardness too

"Yes. I haven't forgotten. What time were you thinking?"

"Ten o'clock? It'll give us a few hours to browse through the mall."

"That sounds perfect."

After we agree on the time, we continue to talk in order to forget.

Time passes and we walk aimlessly in the city.

Whitney acts like a tourist guide during our time. She points out the shops and businesses along the way. There were pawn shops, gambling dens and fancy restaurants on the main street. On the side roads, I saw opera houses, arcades and a few clubs that dotted the area.

We walk further on. Eventually the infamous Radio Tower made itself known. The structure peaks from above the high rise buildings amongst the sky scrappers.

I made the decision to head towards it in order to scout. To have a general idea of the layout and see if I can find hints of Team Rocket.

"This building is almost a hundred years old," comments Whitney. "It has been here since the city was a small town."

"I'm surprised it's still standing." I said. "You'd think they'd close it down by now."

"I doubt they'd do that. It's a famous tourist spot after all and hasn't stopped functioning yet."

We stand at the front of the structure to admire it.

Numerous cables dangle off of the skeletal structure as they branch off of the center building. The metal arms are long enough to have a large building free zone around it. With a huge parking lot taking up the space around the tower.

For all intents and purposes, it looks like a concrete jungle in all senses of the word. And a bit dangerous as soft creaks of metal sound above us.

I take a deep breath and decide to go in. There are a few questions I need answers for.

We step through the sliding doors and the smell of metal hits me.

The inside is similar to a time capsule, a museum of sorts with pictures and record discs clinging to the wall. To the point they cover the majority of the room.

Inside I met a handful of people while browsing through the collection. A few of the guys and girls are like the typical rock stars: wearing heavy makeup, piercings and covered in tattoos.

They were friendly and happy to answer some questions for us. Eventually Whitney and I came across a group led by a guide.

Silently we insert ourselves into the crowd and listen. Whitney grasps my arm as we continue to follow them.

I focus on the surroundings. I look closely for minute details. The furniture, panels and workers were no exception under my gaze.

However, time passes with nothing to show as the tour is led up the stairs.

The second floor is filled with empty cubicles and recording rooms. Desks are barren except for the manager's room.

"Whitney, let's look over there." I point to the sole office with a closed door. "I think there's something cool on display."

She follows my eyes to the office window. Inside the manager's room there are trophies and records within a display case. However, the documents on the table are the subject of my interest.

"I don't think we should go." She shakes her head. "The room might be closed for a reason."

"Come on, just a little peak. I'm curious."

I wiggle my eyebrows in hopes she'll come along.

"Fine. Let's go."

We broke from the group without issue. The guide didn't notice nor would care enough if we took a break from them.

Closer to the window, we stare inside.

"Huh, I still can't see it clearly." I murmur.

"How?" Whitney absently asks. "The trophies are right there. They're not hard to see from here."

"Hm, is that so? I'll probably need a closer look. You mind keeping watch?"

"Wait. Are you seriously going to go in?"

I gave her a cheeky grin. With thorough surveillance, I notice no cameras nearby. The coast is clear for me to start.

I try to assure her. "Just a little peek. Nothing is going to happen."

I left before she could convince me otherwise. I went to the door and found it locked. However, I give a 'slight' push and I silently tear the doorframe.

A look back and Whitney didn't notice my entry. Although she is skittish, she made up her mind to help out.

Inside the office I head straight to my objective.

A red R is stamped onto the folder at the corner of the desk. It confirms my memory of what I saw when walking by.

The folder opens and I flip through to read. There is no damning evidence that I thought I'd see.

Instead the paper documents the local artists with a personal summary covering their performances and projections for the future.

I take a closer look.

This time I scan phrases or names til something clicks. I notice quickly that the sidenotes are written in pen onto the side of the pages.

"Ariana… Proton."

The writer addresses these two multiple times in his writings. Even though it is written as an off-handed remark, they are names I knew.

"*Sigh* Well this confirms it."

Team Rocket has influence here and it wouldn't be surprising if I ran into either of these executives.

I put the folder back in place and leave. Whitney looks at me with a brow raised.

"What were you looking at?" she asks.

"It was just a list of musicians."

We didn't talk much more over my intrusion and I didn't feel comfortable enough to continue snooping in hostile territory.

I'm satisfied with my findings and see no reason to risk it more. With one of my questions solved, I'm comfortable knowing my foreknowledge has some reliability.

I'll continue to bide my time until something forces my hand. Otherwise, I'll be content with only sneaking around.

We return to the group again and head to the third floor where live broadcasts are in session.

There are guards here, but they didn't have any incriminating marks on them. Instead their presence gave a dangerous vibe compared to the trainers I've met at the Gym.

By the time the tour ended I didn't find much more of note. Or at least until we came to the gift shop back on the first floor.

The shop owner stuck out as a very sketchy guy. So, I mentally put him as a middleman or a possible contact for Team Rocket.

Aside from this, I now have a good overlay of the building. As long as there aren't any mishaps, sneaking in shouldn't be an issue.

The next thing on my list is to scout the underground mall and find Team Rocket's entrance there. However, that will have to wait until later.

Whitney's mood improves by the end of this. By the time we left the building, the fight from earlier is out of mind as she tightens her grip on me.

"Today has been great." She says. "I didn't think it would turn out this way."

"Me too."

Her eyes trail from my chest to my face. She closes in and pushes her chest against mine and entraps my other hand.

I'm practically at her mercy at this point. Her bear hug is too overwhelming. It's as if she's trying to fuse with me.

Whitney continues to squish our bodies as I look down and see a smile on her.

The wind picks up and blows her pink hair astray. Her blue eyes show how enraptured she is with me. And the deep v in her shirt hints towards something amazing hidden underneath.

For a moment I am dazed. The day has been good, a relaxing way to spend my time.

Memories of the past come, of conflict and pain, but it does little to deter the serene feeling of this moment.

Whitney gives a soft kiss upon my chest. She pulls away slowly and leaves behind pink lipstick.

"This might not last." I couldn't stop my words. "I'll have to leave eventually, you know."

A hug embraces my form. "I know."

"There might be others." I said. "Would you still be fine then?"

"Other..." She looks up at me. "Girls?"

I slowly nod.

"It's fine." Whitney states. "After all, we've only known each other for a day."

I return her hug and whisper. "Are you sure you're fine with that? There are girls out there who would cry."

She moves my head closer until her breath brushes upon my cheek.

"You know…" Her voice lowers as a blush forms. "Rebecca was right about me."

A pinch travels up my spine as she gropes me. A tongue invades my mouth as she kisses me.

A minute straight we embrace.

Whitney breaks away as both of her arms go behind her. She leans forward to say. "That is a little taste of my appreciation. I hope that answers your question."

I touch my lips and look at her. Like really look hard at Whitney.

And I now notice how lonely she has been all this time.

"Wow." I dumbly said. "I think I'm beginning to understand."

A chuckle escapes her and she captures my arm again.

"Good. You can expect more of where that came from."

I bring her in close. I feel her heart pounding against me as her temperature rises.

The notion of separation is still at the forethought of my mind.

I can't trust her to not shed any tears when I go. The past is cruel, for those who've been left behind. And for such a fragile girl like her…

I push my thoughts aside.

This moment shouldn't be spoiled.

As long as I am here, there is a chance of this working out in the end. A long distance relationship can be possible. Though I hope and wish the affection she has will remain true.

No matter how fleeting the feelings may be, I am willing to accept it.

"I look forward to what you have in mind." I respond to Whitney. "Just understand as long as I'm nearby, you can't go and see other guys."

A chuckle escapes her. "Well of course. Though I doubt others would try since I'm the daughter of the Gym Leader. They most likely will have to be from out of town, for fear of my dad's retaliation. And Rebecca and her goons would shut down any would be suitors too."

The hurdles will be hard to cross. I doubt anyone can brush past the public pressure and outrage. Even her personality at the start made me uneasy.

But now, I think I can see why she seems to be so stricken with me.

For she only wanted love and attention.

And I'm the only one who was willing to provide it.

Whitney waits as I come back from my thoughts.

With my attention on her she continues. "You are the one for me. So please don't be scared with how direct I've been. It is just that I've never had a boyfriend before and you've been so nice and, and though I might be going too fast into this. Know that these feelings that I have, have been suppressed for so long…. That I-"

"Shh." I rest my finger on her lips. "Everything is fine. Just enjoy the moment and leave your worries aside."

Whitney murmurs quietly and stops. The tips of her ears turn to a light pink. The heat in her chest rises as she relaxes in my grip.

Was it a mistake to accept her rushed feelings? Maybe. However, as long as she accepts my selfishness I will not turn her away.

Time continues to pass on.

We leave the area and continue our way through the city. Until the outing found us at the docks.

Overhead the sun gradually sets below the rolling waves. A cool ocean breeze sweeps by and untangles Whitney's hair.

"You should keep your hair like that." I said.

Without the twintails and with her hair free, she looks stunning. The untamed look is like the Medium Layers HairStyle and brought a ferocious look to her face.

"Think so?" She pinches a lock of hair. "Do you like it?"

"I do. It gives you a mature look." I lean against the pier railing. "You look ten years older."

Her lips pucker. "Ew. That's like being twenty nine already. I don't want to look that old."

"Psh, even if I say I like older women?" I joked. "Though you don't have to keep it that way. Both looks suit you."

"Hm, well maybe I'll keep it like this." She flings her hair out of her face. "As long as you like it I wouldn't mind."

I nod my head to express my appreciation.

Silently we wait for dusk to settle into the night.

"So how old are you?" She questions. "I don't know if you mentioned it before."

"Seventeen. How about you?"

"Nineteen."

"Ha. You're older? I couldn't even tell."

Whitney flinches as it's a sore spot, however, she retorts back in vigor.

Our discussion continues on as we mindlessly bicker into the night. People were already out and about underneath the dark sky.

The walk back through the city is met with a growing crowd. Buildings glow with neon lights, restaurants are filled to their capacity and the dark alleyways are radiant.

A few nocturnal pokemon awake and pass us by.

Noctowls roost at the top of the buildings, a few Spinaraks took refuge in trees and a flock of other Pokemon followed alongside their trainers.

The city felt alive. The morning couldn't compare to the night.

The anxiety I have eases away thanks to Whitney. Without her, I would have rushed out of the group that's been brushing shoulders with us.

We return to the park at the front of the Pokemon Center.

"Well, I guess we'll meet here around ten then." I said.

"Yeah, and thank you for spending time with me today." We hug and she breaks it to ask. "Before you go, can I have your number?"

Subconsciously I reach for my pocket and realize I no longer have my phone. The loss of progress in Pokemon Go still stung even now, but now the embarrassment of being a broke bum took precedence.

"I… I don't really have a phone or such." I shamefully admit. "I can always run in real quick and write it down for reference."

"No need. It's fine." She had a contemplative look. "Tomorrow at ten right?"

"Yeah."

We said our farewells shortly after. I walk inside and notice Joy with a smirk on her face. After being teased, I manage to convince Joy to care for Clobbopus.

I leave and return to my room in thought.

Tomorrow is a big day. A fight for my first badge and officially meeting Whitney's father.

I can only imagine his reaction once he finds out I'll be banging his daughter in the coming days.


With that I've wroten 20k words. I'll add another chapter once I hit 100 followers with in the next week. If not, I'll be focusing on a different story. The current plan I have for the fic, is to wrap up Whitney's arc in the next chapter and focus on the MC with his mons.

Let me know what you think of this chapter.