No Jer-Andy this chapter they will appear in next one

Jessica Walkmen had wanted to avoid Alex Knight as a mentor. Alex had already corrupted her closest friend Andy into becoming a douchebag. Andy had gone from a quiet, soft spoken kinda geek into a bro. That was because Alex had taken him under his wing. JJ had figured out Alex's shtick as soon as Dexter had dragged him into her hospital room. Alex had come off as arrogant, bossy, and just in love with himself. She hated people like that, she had seen them throughout her time in Galar. Arrogant pricks that only thought about themselves. That was JJ's first impression of Alex and it just continued the more he hung around the freshmen like Andy. Sure, Alex was her type, athletic with a well toned body who was also tall. JJ did like the bad boys afterall. But she had brushed those thoughts aside when it came to Alex. He was peak douchebag who had rigged the pairings. If he tried anything, JJ would have Arthur drill peck him to death. That was the only reason why Alex would pick her as a mentee, right? She hated that douchebag.

Yet for some reason JJ was getting her ass kicked by him. Alex had brought the freshman to one of the training rooms within "The Center", where other trainers were. Alex had brought them into a room that he had changed into an open field complete with a little pond. That was where they were going to battle. JJ had been so confident that she would be able to dominate Alex. Sure he was older, but JJ had thought that she would have the upper hand on him. She had a special bond with her Pokémon, she was certain that Alex had been too obsessed with himself that he would have neglected his Pokémon, right? JJ was also fighting against the fact that she had agreed she would go out on a date with Alex if he beat her in a practice battle. JJ had arrogantly agreed to the terms of a 3 vs 3 Pokémon battle. JJ knew her Pokémon were extremely strong, there was no way Alex would bear her. She would not allow it. Plus, she had her lucky charm with her. The Pokémon her uncle gave her was a cynaquil, a Pokémon she had always wanted.

So how was she losing? Well it had to do with that damn Sawsbuck of his. JJ had sent out Autumn to match up with the grass type, but it turned out this wasn't an ordinary Sawsbuck. It looked like the Winter form of Sawsbuck, but more evil looking. Its body was a mixture of dark blue and black. Its horns were black and it had black eyes."Morrissey is a special Sawsbuck, native to the Avantura region. I have wanted to catch him for a while now. He's an ice and dark type.", Alex had smiled cockily as JJ gulped. 'Shit', were the first thoughts that came to JJ's mind as she watched in horror as Alex made the first move. Morrissey had set up a hail attack and poor Autumn was just a sitting duck. The Leafeon had tried very hard to battle and fight against the Avantura version of the Sawsbuck, but she hadn't really landed a really good blow on Alex's Sawsbuck. Her Cynaquil, who she would name Amber, had climbed into JJ's shirt to hide from the hailstorm over head. "How is that thing so strong?", JJ mumbled under her breath.

Alex, meanwhile, wasn't his normal cocky self. In fact he was a bit disappointed in JJ. He had had Kat assign her to him because JJ was supposed to be a fighter. Have an edge to her and not get down when circumstances like this arose. But right now she had just seemed to give up once Alex had sent out Morrissey. Yes, Morrissey was a strong Pokémon and a very bad type matchup for JJ's Leafeon, but Kat had taught Alex that type matchups could be overcome if the trainer was good enough. Alex had thought JJ was this trainer, but she wasn't showing it. "Are you just going to quit, JJ? Oh no Alex has a type advantage on me, I better quit.", Alex snarled at JJ. The honey colored brunette stared at Alex, he just shrugged at her. "I was told that you were a fighter. Where is it? Where is the Jessica Walkmen that I heard so much about? The fighter and scrappy female that Andy told me about because this isn't her.", Alex looked down at his Avantura RockRuff who was hopping around and nipping at his heels. She seemed to have more spunk than his opponent.

JJ was taken back by Alex. He was actually trying to mentor her? She was shocked. She had thought that he would have taken this lightly. That he wouldn't care about training her. Yet, here he was trying to provoke her. JJ was actually intrigued by this. Brown eyes stared at Alex, "you wanted a fight, Alex?Well here you go." JJ knew that there was a Pokémon in her arsenal that she could use to bring down that Sawsbuck and to shut Alex up. To prove that she was a fighter and tough. "Flare, come on I need you.", JJ tossed out her heavy pokeball. From the ball emerged a terrifying looking Pokémon. It stood on two legs with a scowl on its face. The body was dark grey/charcoal grey. There was coal stacks coming from its back, "Coalossal!" The creature cried at Morrissey. JJ looked across at Alex, "is that better, Alex? " he wanted a fight and he got one.

'There's the fighter I wanted to see', he looked at the Coalossol. He had heard from people in Galar that this was a very strong Pokémon. Sure this would be a tough match up for Morrissey, but Alex had two Pokémon in the chamber to take this thing down. The hail was not really that effective except to annoy the giant Pokémon. Morrissey and Flare engaged in a tough battle. Yes, the ice type was at a disadvantage, but being a dark type too had it's advantages. Morrissey pelted Flare with shadow balls to wear her down for the next Pokémon. Flare would deliver a powerful Heat Crash attack that would knock Morrissey out. JJ had finally defeated the strong Sawsbuck. "See Alex, I told you that I am a fighter. Looks like I won't be going on that date with you afterall.", she stuck her tongue out at him. "What's it like to be taunted?", yes the cocky JJ was back.

All Alex could do was clap. He had to admit that Pokémon was strong. He hadn't expected Morrissey to go down so quickly. But it was what it was. JJ had finally shown that she could be a fighter. "Well there she is. There's the JJ I heard about. Thank you for finally showing up.", JJ just rolled her eyes. Even when complimenting her, he was a douchebag. "But JJ, I wouldn't get too cocky because we will be going on a date. In fact I will take you to my favorite seafood restaurant on campus. You'll have a blast.", JJ gagged at the thought of that. Of course Alex really wasn't going to take her on a date in the traditional sense, it was all part of his mentoring of JJ. Kat had done the same to him and he wanted to keep the tradition alive. Alex selected a pokeball from his belt, "well JJ, I think it's time you meet Poe." He tossed the pokeball out towards the pond as the ball sunk into the body of water. A seaweed/dragon like head popped out of the pond, "Dragalge." Poe was Alex's strongest Pokémon. He wasn't playing around.

JJ was confused, the poison type would be a bad matchup for the fire and rock of Flare. "Stupid, Alex. What a terrible matchup.", she called. She was certain that Flare would smash the seaweed dragon. Alex just watched and shook his head. She was way too obsessed with the type matchups. JJ would soon find out the hard way why the Dragalge was a nightmare for her. Poe knew dive. So whenever Flare would would get close to attack, she would be met with a water attack. This happened over and over again until Flare was knocked unconscious. JJ was slack jawed at what had happened. She just rubbed her hair in utter confusion. Flare should have wiped the floor with the poison type. She didn't understand how she didn't. It also didn't help that Alex had begun to smirk and laugh at JJ. "Shut up Alex. I still have one Pokémon left.", she was of course nervous that if she lost she would have to go on a date with him. The thought made her sick.

Alex had diagnosed JJ's issues in battle right away. It was a simple fix, but he was going to discuss it with her on their date. But now he was going to tease JJ a bit, "I thought your uncle would have told you. Type advantage doesn't matter if the trainer is smart enough to overcome it." Alex couldn't help, but laugh as JJ got red with anger. The veins in her neck started to pop out. She was so pissed she thought her nose stud would pop out. The pain from her injuries though was starting to pop up again and JJ grabbed her stomach as a Alex looked on concerned, but she waved him off. "Go fuck yourself Alex. Damn douchebag.", this caused Alex to laugh more. She reached into her belt and pulled out the pokeball of her most beloved mon. "Arthur, please shit Alex up.", the Skarmory took off into the sky. JJ figured that the distance would keep the Dragalge at bay.

Then the hail started again. "You can thank Kat for giving me this idea.", Alex said as he watched the Skarmory get pounded by the hail. Alex had gotten his ass kicked by Kat's Swellow, Gale, last year so he had decided to have Poe learn Hail to counter flying types. JJ felt different as she watched Arthur get pelted with hail. It was like the ice was ripping into her skin like it was for Arthur. "Ow!", she cried. Even her baby cynaquil rubbed against her to keep her warm, but it didn't help. To top it off JJ's head started to ache. She had been getting head ache's on and off again when she was around Arthur, but this was bad. She grimaced in pain. Alex watched his mentee and started to turn pale, "oh shit."

Alex quickly looked up at Arthur who was being battered. Alex saw the slight flash of blue eyes, but they did not stay blue like Bunny and Ava's eyes had. Clearly this was a new development. "So even she has battle bond. But JJ doesn't know it yet.", he looked down at his RockRuff who just tilted her head in confusion. Alex looked at JJ who was shaking her head as if she was trying to clear the cobwebs. Alex knew what he had to do, "Poe, end it quickly. Draco Meteor!" Poe popped out of the water and looked up at the sky, "DRAGALGE,"Poe said as on top of the hail, meteors battered the steel flying type. Arthur was unconscious as soon as he hit the ground. JJ watched in horror and collapsed. She didn't know if it was from her previous injuries or what, but she didn't feel good. Especially knowing that she would have to go on a date with Alex.

JJ felt a hand help her up. Alex stood with his Avantura rockruff and JJ's cynaquil as they looked in concerned. "You did well Jessica. But you stick with me kid and you'll go far.", JJ had to admit that Alex was stronger. Much stronger than she had expected him to be. She was surprised at how well his Pokémon were controlled especially his Dragalge. Maybe he wouldn't be so bad of a mentor. "So JJ, now that you feel better, time for our date. I know the perfect place.", JJ wished she were back in a coma.

Mydia was a little hole in the wall in between the Institute and Zlato. The hidden gem that only locals and a few students knew about. They were renowned for their fish and chips and other seafood. The only way one could tell where Mydia was when the shiny Octillery known as Rufus would greet guests outside. Kat had introduced Alex to this place after their first practice battle last year. He had fallen in love, not with Kat of course, but with the restaurant. Alex wanted to take JJ here. Not just because she was physically attractive, but because he wanted to peel back the layers of a Jessica Walkmen. He wanted to see what made her tick. And to see if she would be willing to go with him to the woods to unlock a secret that The Righteous had been rumored to be hiding. If she wasn't then Alex would go it alone, but he wanted her to come along? He needed her too in order for his plan to be successful.

JJ slumped in the booth as she looked around. This was not her ideal date. The restaurant was small and looked more like a diner than eloquent restaurant. She hadn't even changed, Alex had just dragged her to the place rather than letting her change her clothes. Plus, Alex was not her ideal companion. JJ had been with douchebags before and Alex seemed to be the worst of the worst. Pompous and arrogant, he just gave off the vibe of being sketchy. Yet, JJ had just witnessed how strong of a trainer he was. She had considered herself to be strong, but Alex had just humiliated her with two Pokémon. He hadn't even used his Dragonite, who Bunny had told her about, so JJ had wondered what exactly else Alex had on his team. She had to get better as a trainer if she was to beat him. Maybe training with Alex wouldn't be so bad afterall just as long as he didn't make a move.

The waiter would bring over some waters as Alex ordered a beer and JJ did the same. She needed one after the fight with Alex. Alex sat back and sipped his beer. He could tell that JJ didn't want to be here, but that had been him when Kat first brought him here. But Alex had been so glad that she did and he hoped JJ would feel the same. Mydia was a place where there was no pressure and no worry about classes or the righteous popping up. Just food and good times. "So JJ, what brought you here? Why did you really come to the Institute and I don't mean the bullshit you put on your application. I mean the real reason. Everyone comes here to get stronger, but why did you Jessica Walkmen come to this place.", Alex sipped his beer. It was a soul searching question. It would show what JJ really thought. What she really wanted from this place. This would help determine if she was ready to join him when they went on break.

JJ's brown eyes widened. Alex was actually interested in her and not himself. She was shocked, she fumbled with her drink. It was a good question and JJ paused. There was a secret that she had been keeping hidden from everyone except for Andy. JJ took a big sigh, "You know Andy, right?" Alex nodded, of course he did. Andy and Royce had come under his wing. He enjoyed the freshmen. Royce was a big admirer of Drago and Poe. Andy seemed to be interested in all of Alex, Jer, and James pokemon. "Well, I met him through my uncle when I was in Unova. He had a brother named Danny. We all worked together and I watched them take on the Pokémon league there. Then one day Danny disappeared. No one knows where he went or what happened, we just know he was gone. It devastated Andy. He has been looking for Danny ever since. That's why he came here. I followed along in order to protect him and help him find Danny.", JJ didn't know why she was telling Alex this, but there was something that made her open up.

Alex was shocked. But this explained so much. Why Andy had been so quiet at first, why JJ hovered over him. And why JJ sacrificed herself for Nikki. Alex looked at the beautiful girl, "so that's why you you jumped in front of that debris? Because you were protecting someone?" JJ nodded. Yes, ever since Danny disappeared, JJ had been very protective of her friends. "Yes, once I saw that debris going to hit a Nikki, I leapt into action. I couldn't see another friend get hurt. I had to protect Nikki like I couldn't protect a Danny. This is why I am so protective of Andy. I couldn't protect a Danny and I want to protect my friends.", JJ didn't know why she was opening up to Alex. He was a douchebag, but here he seemed normal. She felt comfortable telling him. "Just, please don't tell anyone, please.", she begged. Alex was good at keeping secrets.

Now he shifted back to the important topic. He had heard enough from JJ to understand that yes she was the perfect person to accompany him on this part of the plan. "Now JJ, I have a idea. When we go on our October break, I want you to accompany me to the tamne šume aka dark woods. There's a reason for that.", JJ narrowed her eyes and titled her head. She was confused, yes she knew they were going to team up to complete Alex's plan, but she didn't know where they were going until now. Alex seemed very serious which was a different side to him. "Inside these woods, there's supposed to be a clue to unlocking 3 legendary Pokémon. We cannot let the Righteous get ahold of them. If they do then there's no stopping them. When I went to those woods last year, I stumbled upon someone looking for the clue. That's why I got attacked last year. So I need a partner. That's why I rigged it to have you as a partner.", JJ gasped as her eyes widened at what Alex was saying. This seemed stupid, but she was intrigued. "Everyone else is looking for other clues, but those woods are the most dangerous. Strong Pokémon, the righteous grunts, it's a lot. But I can tell you are extremely strong JJ. You can be stronger, if you agree to this I will put you through harsh training, but you'll get there." That was Alex's plan.

JJ shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her gut hurt from sitting in the booth as she still wasn't over her injuries. Now Alex had dropped this bombshell on her. 'Looking for clues to a legendary? Is he insane?', even if they found the clues those terrorists would go after them. And what about their friends? This was a huge risk. And to do it with Alex? This was a absolutely crazy plan from the sophomore. She had just gotten out of the hospital a couple of weeks ago and he was asking her to put herself in harm's way again. What would her uncle do? Did her uncle know about the legendary Pokémon clues? It would make sense as to why he was acting so weird after JJ took on The Righteous. This was dangerous, yet there was something in JJ that told her to do this. It would be worth it t keep those loons away from any potential Pokémon. "I'm in, Alex.", she smiled and nodded.

The next hour was spent with the two just talking. JJ talked about her love of Pokémon eggs and raising baby Pokémon. She talked about her parents nursery and her adventures with her uncle. The waiter would bring over the famous fish and chips. JJ had never tasted anything like it, they were tremendous.not even the best restaurants in Galar could compete with the food. Alex was acting quite normal and not like a douche like he usually did. Alex recalled many stories about his first year at the Institute. How he was trained by Kat, how she made him a better trainer, how he had been cheated in the competition by Ava. How Kat and Bunny were upset with him after he spread the rumors about Ava. He described why he liked Pokémon with two typings, "gives them plenty of coverage." JJ had to admit that she was quite impressed. This wasn't the Alex she thought she knew. This was a better version of Alex. Still she had noticed something when he spoke.

"Alex, you talk about Kat a lot. Even in our battle, I know you two are very close, but do you have feelings for her? Cause it seems like it.", he almost choked on his beer. It wasn't often that Alex Knight was speechless. Here he was stunned by a question. Kat was gorgeous, funny, sweet, and easy to talk to. They had spent so much time together, he even visited her when he was coming from from Kanto in the summer. But next to Bunny, Kat was his mentor and best friend. He admired her and looked up to her. But that was it. There were no romantic feelings for Kat at all. "I love Kat, but I'm not in love with her. I have no feelings for her whatsoever.", JJ played innocent. Alex shook his head at her. 'So he doesn't like her.', a tiny part of JJ seemed to get giddy by the confession though she tried to suppress it. JJ's Pokédex rang from a text message, she would open it and smiled. "Well speaking of a Kat, she and Ava are having a party, sorry no guys allowed.", JJ stuck her tongue out as Alex plotted how to crash it with the other guys.

Alex and JJ would hug as a good bye. Alex would pay for the meal like the gentlemen he was. JJ had left to go get ready. Two booths away, Dr. Davis Walkmen sat depressed. He had been following his niece to make sure that she was being treated correctly. His worst fears had been confirmed, Alex had taken JJ on a date. Sure there was no kissing, but they appeared to have a good time and there was a hug. The professor would chug his drink, "this is why I wanted to send her away. Kat is in so much trouble." Davis felt terrible

Ooc: So I changed the Andy and Jer section. But they will appear in the next chapter as part of Alex's idea to crash the party. This was a fun chapter as I wanted to get into building the JJ and Alex friendship. That's why I wanted to get through the battle quickly. Perhaps a budding romance? Next chapter will be the party and it will be important and fun.