Ash's eyes broke apart as his eyes were assaulted by fresh sunlight of the day, about half an hour after sunrise. He silently yawned and stretched, popping several joints and wincing in pain. Despite training for about a month a year ago, he forgot that he'd have short term back pain from sleeping on the ground. It was just then that he remembered all of yesterday. Meeting the professor, having his first Pokémon battle, properly meeting Da-
He looked over to his traveling companion, still sleeping soundly. While again he was caught by her beauty, the way her facial features were so relaxed as she slept and her hair sprawling out around her head, it eventually reached a particular area that... stuck out the most. Ash quickly turned the other direction. Now, of course he was told about the birds and bees by his mom, akward as that was. How some parts of the human body grows in places on both genders. But, there weren't any girls his near his age at Twinleaf Town. They were either women in their 20's during his younger adolesence, or daughters who haven't hit their tweens yet several years following. So he had no actual experience looking at and thinking about a girl his age, and to meet one who looked quite flat with a thick coat on, was shocking to find out she was... not. Well, it doesn't matter. Dawn is his friend, and he will control his urges so that he doesn't creep her out. He heard rustling behind him and saw Dawn waking up.
"Good morning Dawn." Ash said. She yawned as she stretched.
"Good morning Ash." Dawn proceeded to push her hands against the back of her ribcage, causing her back to pop as she groaned in pain. "Gah, that hurts."
"Yeah. I practiced for a month, and the pains never go away. The best you can do is get used to the pain if you don't have any items to buffer the pain." Ash explained as he got out of his bag. After putting on their regular clothes and got everything set, Dawn looked around her.
"Well then, let's go. It'll be just a few more hours before we reach Jubilife City. We can have breakfast at the halfway point from here, and then we can get more supplies there now that we have the money." Dawn said.
"Lead the way then." Ash jested as he presented to her the path like a gentleman.
"Why thank you kind sir. That is most kind of you." Dawn spoke in a English accent, pretending to be a noblewoman. The both of them laughed before setting off. After a bit of training from both the wild Pokémon and any early-riser trainers, it took four hours, but they eventually made it to the city. "Wow. Jubilife City. The largest city in Sinnoh."
"Yeah. I saw it's general size on TV, but I never really saw a city before. It's enormous." Ash admitted in amazement. As they entered the city, and passed a few streets, they noticed a very peculiar sight. A man in a trench coat was hiding behind a light post, even though it was too thin to properly conceal him.
"What is he doing?" Dawn asked in confusion.
"You got me." Ash replied. It was then that the man noticed them and gasped.
"What?! How did you know? How did you unmask me as a member of the International Police?
"We didn't. You just blurted that out after you noticed us looking at you like you were crazy." Ash responded bluntly. Dawn elbowed him for that, causing Ash to wince slightly.
"Heh, so that's your defense, do you? But I know better not to believe that. No no no, you recognized right away that I was someone extraordinary. That is why you spoke to me, is it not? Your power of observation is fearsome! Quite admirable, you two are! Now that my cover has been blown, let me introduce myself. I am a globe-trotting elite of the International Police. My name is- no. I shall inform you my code name. My code name is Looker. That's what they call me. Incidentally, is the phrase, 'don't be a thief!' familiar to you?" He questioned after his self-important rant.
"Yes." Dawn answered, rather cautiously due to his behavior.
"Who hasn't?" Ash sarcastically remarked. That last one seemed to have gone over Looker's head.
"Listen, there's some criminals out there stealing Pokémon from others. I have been on the lookout for characters arousing my suspicion. Incidentally, you are trainers, yes?"
"Well, I am. Dawn here is a Pokémon researcher. We're tagging along on bequest of Prof. Rowan." Ash explained. This raised the detective's curiosity.
"Aha, so you're extraordinary people too! In that case, you may need this." He fished though his trench coat and handed them a thin recording camera. "It's so you can record any mischievous activity. Also, I have a request. If you see me again, do not engage in conversation with me, for I am on duty. Actually, yes speak to me. No, not because I'm lonely! You must inform me of bad guys! You must inform me of any happenings!" He then just abandoned them, leaving them heavily confused.
"Well, I understood one part of that. We're definitely never speaking to him on our accord again. In fact, we may need to take this to a police station. See if they and he are legit." Ash determined.
"Oh yes, absolutely." Dawn whole heartedly agreed.
After taking a trip to the police station and not only finding out that the camera was actually safe, everything that Looker said about himself was true. (Even the alone part based on how he had no family or friends.) They then walked out of the station, having stored the communication devices in Dawn's bag.
"Well, that was interesting." Ash admitted rather plainly.
"At least Officer Jenny was nice. Coming here was definitely a good choice." Dawn agreed with a smile.
"So, is there some place you want to go to first?" Ash asked with more enthusiasm.
"There's my old school, that could be a good place to go to. You could maybe learn things."
"Yeah but, you're a research assistant. You probably have more knowledge now than when you graduated."
"Yeah, good point. It is an elementary/middle school compound. You already know everything they teach."
"Alright, so what else?"
"Oh, we could go to the Pokemart! We need new supplies." She suggested excitedly.
"Now you're talking. Let's go." Ash agreed as they went off for the mart. Just as they were about to enter it, a familiar voice called out to Ash.
"Hey Ash!"
"Oh no." He put up a brave face and turned to his incoming friend, Barry, who thankfully stopped before running into him.
"I was just at the school! I memorized everything! I may have already learned the basics but it never hurts to remind yourself of things!" Ash and Dawn looked at each other silently asking each other, 'really?' "Anyway, I already know where I'm supposed to go! Oreburgh City! It's where the first gym is! It's also East of Jubilife, so we should definitely go over there! It's the perfect opportunity to make my Pokémon stronger! Well, I'm on the road to become the greatest trainer of all time! If I beat the gym leader before you, I'm fining you $10 million dollars! See you around!" And just like that, Barry was gone.
"He wants to be the Pokémon Champion too?" Dawn asked her companion.
"Yes." Ash sighed.
"Why so? He doesn't peg me as someone who had a miserable childhood as you- oh, no offense." Dawn quickly apologized.
"None taken. Nah, he's always been in his own hustling world. He also doesn't have a real reason for becoming champion. He just wants to because I want to. He even acknowledges that if he never beats me, he thinks he'll be considered the trainer who almost managed to beat me multiple times, like it makes him as strong as me." Ash explained.
"Ash, what do you think of Barry? Is he actually a friend to you?" She inquired. Ash lightly smiled.
"Yeah. Despite his overwhelming personality, he was the only person who kept me relatively sane with my monotonous life in Twinleaf, and he's a good friend with a noble heart. While Prof. Rowan was deciding whether or not to give us the chance to meet Pokémon, he was willing to give up his adventure just so I could have mine. As you know, he passed, but I'll always be grateful to him for being in my life, even if he's always grating my nerves." Ash chuckled. Dawn looked impressed.
"Wow. I never would've guessed that from him. He always just seemed like a kid with ADHD." Dawn commented. Ash again chuckled.
"Who knows. His mom could never afford to take him to a doctor. Our town is just poor like that, despite how pretty it looks. At least Barry knows where to put all that energy and heart. Anyway, let's get some more things." Ash suggested. Dawn nodded.
"Sure." After spending around 100 dollars on necessary items, they were approached by a fat, bearded man in a purple jacket.
"Excuse me, I believe I heard from one of my sources that one of you is a Pokémon trainer?"
"Ash here is. I'm a research assistant for Prof. Rowan, accompanying Ash here as part of his request." Dawn responded.
"Very interesting. And yet you have no Poketch?" The man asked.
"A wha?" Ash asked, confused.
"Apparently you two are first timers in Jubilife City. Let me explain. I am the president of a small but rising company creating Pokémon watches, or Poketch or short. I'm heading its promotional campaign. All you have to do is find three clowns throughout the city. If you can find them, I'll give each of you a free Poketch. The clowns will ask you questions. If you answer correctly, you'll get a coupon, and if you get three coupons, uh, each of you that is, you'll both get Poketch's."
"That sounds really fun." Dawn commented, her hands forming fists. "Come on Ash, let's go!" She grabbed his hand and ran really fast.
"Agh, Dawn! Slow down a bit, will ya? You're going to pull my hand off!" Ash cried out. Dawn did oblige to slow down so Ash could more easily keep up, but they were still walking by her lead. "Well, you seem to be in a hurry."
"Well duh. It's a potential piece of tech that could help us on Prof. Rowan's mission. We need to get those watches."
"Well you don't need to drag me around to do it. We're partners, so we should walk side by side." Dawn slowed to standing still, thinking for half a minute before turning towards him, smiling and blushing,
"Yeah, I guess you're right. You've never really dragged me around. It's fair if I don't."
"Yeah." Ash agreed while nodding. So they continued to walk side-by-side, or rather speed walking with how much Dawn was putting out. However, the one thing that was on Ash's mind was the fact they were still holding hands. ("I'm holding her hand, and she seems too excited to tell. It feels so dainty and soft. I wonder how long she'll hold it?") Ash grinned slightly, gripping it just a little bit stronger. Before too much longer, a mostly white clown with black dots going down his costume popped out in front of them, making them jump in surprise and let go of their hands.
"Hey there, you two!"
("Dang clown.") Ash cursed in his head.
"I have a question for each of you. Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes!" Dawn cheered. Ash shrugged.
"Okay, here's your first question!" He turned to Ash. "What different types can a Rotom become?"
"Fire, water, ice, flying and grass." Ash listed off.
"Correct!" He then turned to Dawn. "Which Pokémon can learn the move Draco Meteor?"
"Trick question. Any dragon type Pokémon can learn Draco Meteor." She answered confidently.
"Correct! You both get one ticket!" The clown celebrated as he gave them one ticket. Some time later, they found another clown that had bright green hair, and a stylish purple and green suit.
"Hello children. Want to play a game?"
"Yes!" Dawn repeated like earlier.
"What is the gender differences between Wobbuffets?" Ash was lost on this one. While he can certainly tell the difference of obvious signs like Nidokings and Nidoqueens, and even less subtler signs such as if a Pokémon has big tusks, horns or teeth or not. But Wobbuffets? No clue. He was worried he was going to fail when Dawn replied,
"The difference is that females look like they're wearing lipstick, as funny and ridiculous that is."
"Correct. You're first prize is..." He pulled out a magic wand only to turn it into a bouquet of Ume flowers. "...A bunch of pretty flowers."
"Oh how lovely." She sniffed them until bees came out of the flowers. She shrieked in fear as she ran off, trying to avoid getting stung.
"Now for you. Do you know who the Elite Four is?"
"Of course. Aaron, Bertha, Flint and Lucian. They're the strongest group of people below the Champion herself." Ash responded with pride.
"Good. You get a coupon." The clown said as he placed the item in Ash's hands, holding both sides. Ash jolted from a shock as the clown showed a joy buzzer. He laughed maniacally before dancing away. "Weird clown." Ash commented. He looked around to see Dawn using her Piplup and Starly to get rid of the bees. Ash chuckled before going over to her. Once all the bees were gone or dead, she returned her Pokémon with a thanks and turned to Ash.
"So, did you get it?" She asked panting from her running.
"Yes. He got me with a joy buzzer." Ash said, shaking his still inflicted hand.
"Ugh, I hate that clown! I just hope the next one isn't so bad." It didn't take much longer to find the third clown, whom had red hair, a giant forehead, a yellow costume, and crooked teeth.
"You want a coupon?"
("What the heck?") They both thought rather annoyed.
"Which Pokémon type combo has no weaknesses?" Ash once again was stumped. Sure, some Pokémon could be rather persistent, most involving steel types, but he couldn't-
"Ghost/dark." Ash looked at Dawn with wide open eyes. "Ghost types are only strong against other ghost and dark types, but if it was also a dark type, moves that would be effective against them would lose the advantage they had. Bug types are strong against dark types, but not ghost types. As far as I know, only Sableye has that type combo."
"Good. And you young boy. Which Pokémon can put you under the spells of nightmares. Make you face your worst fears, your worst memories, your worst thoughts, but can be neutral with it's polar opposite." He asked, getting creepier as the seconds passed.
("Well, that eliminates Hypno and perhaps any psychic types. Is it a ghost or dark- wait. Wait!")
"Darkrai. What your talking about is Darkrai, and it's counterpart Cresselia."
"Congratulations. Here's your ticket." He gave the two teens the last ticket. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going off... to float." He walked very weirdly away.
"We need to talk to that president about reviewing his employees." Ash remarked.
"Agreed." They eventually found the President at his company in the city. Once he noticed them, he approached them.
"So, have you found all three tickets?"
"Yeah. You may need to review your employees. We were creeped out by two of them." Ash admitted.
"Ugh, my promotional assistant must've appointed Mark and the new guy to meet you. I'll talk to them later. But for now, you say you got them?" Ash gave the president the coupons. "Splendid! Here you are." He presented two Poketchs to the teens. One blue and one pink. Once they strapped the watches on the President began explaining.
"Press the button to turn it on." Ash and Dawn did so. "The first thing you'll notice is that the first application is obviously the watch setting. Not much of a watch if it can't tell time. But it can do much more than that. Press the button again. You'll find that the following applications involve a calculator, capable of going up to 99 million, a calendar, a timer, a stopwatch, an alarm clock, a memo app to write down stuff, though it's very limited, a pedometer, a real time list of what your current Pokémon team is and how well they are, a dowsing radar to find hidden items, an app that tells you how your Pokémon is doing in daycare, a history page on what Pokémon you captured, coin toss, a move type tester to see what's effective or not and finally a roulette. It may not have internet like Android or the iPhone, but it's still pretty useful, ain't it?"
"Wow! Absolutely! This is way more than I would've thought it had! Thank you so much, Mr. President!" Dawn exclaimed with the most amount of joy Ash has seen from her.
"Yeah, this is highly impressive. Thanks." He thanked with a big smile on his face. The president mirrored the smile.
"I'm glad you like them, because they're the only free models. All the rest now costs 300 with just the watch and calculator functions. Any further functions will cost 100 dollars more.
"Holy smokes! That means that to get the full package, you need as much as 1600 dollars!" Dawn pointed out.
"That's right. They're going up on the shelves tomorrow, so you two were extremely lucky. Anyway, best you kids skedaddle now. Goodbye." The president went upstairs, leaving the teenagers stunned.
"We just got..."
"Two highly advanced computers on our wrists..."
"For free." The two turned to each other... before high fiving each other.
"Awesome!" They both cheered.
"Wow! Not only do we have this, I even brought a laptop with me so we have both internet and GPS."
"Shut the hell up! Seriously?!" Dawn shrieked with more exuberance. This time she was the one to bear hug Ash and spin him around.
("Oomph! She's quite strong!") The thrilled girl put him down and sprinted in place unlike Barry.
"Come on Ash, we got to go to Oreburgh City! From the sound of it, there's bound to be rock and ground types to find there! Let's go!" She charges ahead, clearly very excited and bursting with energy. Ash just stood there; closing his eyes, crossing his arms and tapping his foot lightly. It took about a full minute before Dawn came back, looking sheepish. "Sorry. Got too excited again. Let's go together."
"Now that's better. Let's go." Ash said with a smile, and both ran off for their next part of adventure.