Jessilina sighed as she leaned back against the trunk of a tree.
How did people have the patience for fishing?
She'd sat by the outskirts of Viridian for the past half hour, staring at the pond before her, fishing pole in hand.
"Why does this take so long . . .?" she mumbled, holding the pole haphazardly in her hands. "All I need is a Goldeen . . . Staryu . . . Magi –" she paused, shaking her head.
No, the last thing she wanted was a Magikarp. If she remembered correctly, Magikarp were useless except for using Splash.
And as for the evolved form . . . she never wanted to see a Gyardos again.
"If only Lickitung could learn Surf," Jessilina grumbled, shaking her head, Lickitung curled up in a shade beside her. "Instead I got to spend five hundred on a stupid rod and all this time . . . it's so pointless!"
"Licky?" Lickitung said, opening an eye at Jessilina's exclamation.
Jessilina smiled, patting the pink creature's back. "Don't worry about it Lickitung, I just want to get out of this city as quickly as possible."
She could see the Viridian Gym's roof looming up on the slight hill, visible above all the houses. Once again, she found her eyes roaming the area, looking for the boss or his right-hand aide Domino to walk by and catch sight of her.
"All I need is a little luc – hey! I got a bite!"
Flailing her limbs as a huge grin spread across her face, Jessilina found herself getting to her feet immediately. Digging her heels into the ground, she used all the muscles she could muster to pull back against the force within the water. Lickitung jumped up quickly as it heard its master cry, watching the ongoing tug-of-war going on.
"Lickitung . . . use Supersonic followed by your Wrap Attack!"
Nodding, the pink Pokemon focused its gaze on the water, using its Supersonic attack, following it up moments later with its pink tongue, encircling the Pokemon hooked on the end of the rod.
"One . . . final . . . PULL!" Jessilina shouted, putting all her weight into the final pull, and along with Lickitung's help, pulled the rod free of the water. Pausing to admire her work for a moment – she'd actually done it – she glanced at the creature nestled within the grass, intent on returning to the water.
"It's a . . . Wooper?"
The small blue Pokemon studiously ignored her, continuously inching towards the water.
"Licktung – Lick!"
She narrowed her eyes, watching intently as Lickitung moved with a speed she didn't think it could possess. However, Wooper wasn't having any of that, sending a spray of water from its mouth in the direction of Lickitung.
"Lickitung – dodge it!"
She wasn't going to lose here.
# # #
Dawn sighed, stretching her limbs out as she closed the hotel door behind her. She glanced around the hotel room at the Pokemon Center, the room looking the same as all the others. The room was no bigger than a shoebox, the single bed up against the far wall, a small table sat underneath the window – which looked out at the treetops of Route 212 – and a television set across from the bed.
"How much money does Jim even have?" Dawn mumbled to herself, casting a glance at the far wall; Jim having rented another room as well. "I wonder what he did for a living before I ran into him . . ."
It was then she realized that she didn't know a whole lot about her Contest Coach.
I'll have to look into that, she thought idly, pulling her hat off her head. And I'll need to buy new clothes.
After their walk through the marshes of Route 213 – and her couple falls as well – her clothes were absolutely ruined. "I guess I need to call mom," Dawn said aloud, frowning slightly. If she remembered correctly; she had spent a majority of her money on accessories for her Pokemon . . . "She's going to be so mad."
Then, she caught sight of a fancy bag sitting on the edge of the bed, tissue paper puffing out of the top. Raising an eyebrow, Dawn glanced around the room – this was her room, right? – cautiously walking over to the bags.
Upon closer inspection, she saw a folded note sitting on top of the bright tissue paper. Shrugging her shoulders, Dawn picked up the note, reading it over quickly, a smile appearing on her face.
Upon their arrival in Pastoria City, the two companions had separated for the time being. Dawn had found herself in the downtown core of the City, looking at the expensive shops. And while she was doing that, it seemed that Jim had gone ahead and booked their rooms at the Pokemon Center and picked up some new clothes for her.
Dawn let out a small chuckle. "At least he listens when a girl tells him what she wants."
It was more than she'd ever seen the guys back in Twinleaf Town do.
"I wonder what he picked up," Dawn mumbled, pulling the tissue paper away, revealing the folded up clothes underneath.
Dawn nodded as she pulled each new piece of clothing out, idly wondering how Jim was able to determine what size she wore. Kicking her muddied pink boots off in the direction of the door, and pulling off her wet clothing from the rain that had picked up on her way back to the Center, Dawn grinned at the clothes lying on the bed.
It was perfect.
Half an hour later, after a shower to clean up from the marshes of Route 213 and the rain of Pastoria, Dawn looked at herself in the floor length mirror, twirling around for a better look at herself. The clothes Jim had picked out for her suited her perfectly; a black tank top that hugged her features, with a thin pink vest overtop of the tank top. The black skirt flared out a bit, stopping a little bit above her knees. At the bottom of the bag were a bright red coat, and a new white scarf which she quickly draped around her neck. In the smaller bag sitting beside the clothing bag was another pair of pink boots.
"He's got a good eye . . ." Dawn said, twirling once again. "Hmm . . . maybe he was a fashion designer?"
Pausing at the thought – could it be? – Dawn turned away from the mirror, shoving the new pink boots onto her feet before grabbing her key card and rushing out of the room. As the door clicked shut behind her, Dawn padded down the hall to the next room, knocking on the door, rocking back on her heels.
"Hello? Jim are you in there?" Dawn said after a moment, knocking on the door again. "I wanted to talk to you about something." Frowning, Dawn pressed her ear up against the door, listening for any sound from the other side. "Maybe . . . he's not back yet . . ." Dawn mumbled, hearing nothing but silence.
I guess I'll come back later, Dawn thought slowly, turning on her heel.
She glanced back at her hotel room door, but shook her head. According to her watch it only six o'clock, it was too early for her to call it a night. Instead, she pocketed her room card, heading back out to the lobby of the Center.
Her plan had been to go and see if Nurse Joy had had a moment to heal her Pokemon yet, and maybe head back out into the city and see what was going on. Wouldn't it be fantastic if she could surprise Jim with a newly caught Pokemon?
She needed to win that next ribbon at any cost.
However, upon entering into the lobby, she noticed that Jim was sitting at the one of the video-telephone machines lining the wall, talking intently to someone. "I wonder who . . ." Dawn trailed off, slowly making her way towards the unsuspecting blue-haired male.
# # #
"It's nice to hear from you, it's been a while," Suzy said, the storefront visible in the background. "Have you found what you've been looking for yet?"
Jim smiled, nodding at the woman on the screen. "I think so," he shrugged. "I'm working with a Coordinator right now who seems to be prone to missing the mark –"
"I told you," Suzy interrupted, shaking her head. "All Coordinators are the same . . ."
"That's not what I mean," Jim said, grinning at Suzy. "She's gone relatively simplistic when it comes to putting costumes on her Pokemon, it's just the attacks she uses that could use some work."
"Is she hurting her Pokemon?" Suzy said, a serious look on her face.
Jim shook his head, knowing the conclusion that Suzy was coming too. When she'd heard the news about a Staryu and Starmie washing up on shore during a storm, the jewels in the center of their body blinking, their life almost at it's end – the anger in Suzy's voice as she spoke about it was noticeable. Then, when the local residents tried to capture the two Pokémon, and realizing that they belonged to someone, Suzy's anger was visible, the Stylist holding a couple seminars regarding Pokemon care, Pokemon health, and options available if the trainer can no longer take care of them.
"It's nothing like that," Jim said, waving away the anger emanating from the woman. "No, it's more that her choices aren't doing her Pokemon justice; they're just getting lost in the flash of her attack . . . do you know what I mean?"
Suzy nodded, a frown still etched on her features. "As much as I don't agree with these contests, I do understand where you're coming from."
"I'm just trying to help her get on the right path," Jim shrugged. "Apparently, her mother used to be a Top Coordinator as well, so once she figures out what works for her, she should be fine and well on her way."
"I see, well, you're usually a good judge of character –"
"Usually?" Jim laughed, shaking his head. "Thanks for the vote of confidence there."
"You know what I mean," Suzy grinned, a small laugh escaping her lips. "By the way, are you planning to return anytime soon?"
"Does that mean you miss me?"
"Your clients certainly do," Suzy replied. "Miss. Campbell was in last week with her Wigglytuff asking about you."
Jim smiled, remembering the green-haired woman who came in every week. Suzy used to always joke with him saying that Seina Campbell was, in a round-about way, asking if Jim was single.
"I see, well it seems you'll be out a client soon," Jim said, earning a raised eyebrow from Suzy. "I remember you telling me you would only hold my job for so long after I left."
Suzy rolled her eyes, waving the comment aside. "I'm used to being unchallenged on Scissor Street. I might just have to keep you around for that reason."
"Ah, so I see how it is," Jim smirked, narrowing his eyes. "You're just afraid of all the new skills I'm learning over here."
Suzy grinned, letting out a laugh at Jim's comment. "The place isn't the same without your unique brand of humor, I'll tell you that much. Now, go and finish up with your contest girl and get back here to Kanto – I'll let Seina know when I see her next."
"Ha ha, you're hilarious," Jim shook his head, leaning back on the bench. "Don't even think about that."
"No promises," Suzy shrugged. "I had better let you go though; the shop's set to open in half an hour. Next time don't wait so long to call, Jim!"
"Right, will do," Jim agreed, leaning forward to disconnect the call. "I'll see you in a while."
Suzy nodded, her picture disappearing moments later as Jim disconnected from her, the screen going black. Letting out a sigh, Jim leaned back on the bench, closing his eyes. In a way, he was looking forward to returning to Kanto; the country a bit slower-paced than Sinnoh was.
"So . . . was that your girlfriend?"
Jim jumped, not having heard Dawn approach. "No," he replied, shaking his head. "In a sense, I suppose you could call us business partners. She owns a well-renowned Beauty Salon back home in Kanto."
"I see," Dawn said, clasping her hands behind her back. "I'm pretty sure she misses you though . . ."
"Uh huh," Jim said slowly, shaking his head. "I highly doubt that –"
"Its women's intuition," Dawn interrupted, winking at him. "We just know these kinds of things."
"Well, you just keep thinking that," Jim said, pushing himself up from the bench, ruffling Dawn's hair as he past her by. "Hmm, wearing your new clothes already?"
"Oh yes!" Dawn exclaimed, smiling, giving a small twirl. "I've got to admit it . . . you've got a really good eye. Everything fits perfectly and now I know why; with your background with working in a Beauty Salon . . ."
"You think you'll make it to the big league's now, right?" Jim smirked, catching the gleam in Dawn's eye. "You just better remember everything I tell you then."
"Right," Dawn grinned with a nod, her expression soon freezing in place. "Wait – you're not leaving me are you?"
Jim let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Not quite yet, there's still some things I need to teach you – we need to propel your star to the Grand Festival, I intend to see this through until the end."
Dawn blinked, staring at the blue-haired man before her, a grin slowly breaking through her features. "You're the best!" she finally settled on, launching herself at Jim. "Who knew I'd wind up getting noticed by someone like you."
Jim laughed, unwinding Dawn's hands from around his waist. "Good, I like that attitude. We're starting first thing in the morning – I expect to see you here in the lobby at seven am."
"Will do, I'll see you then!" Dawn said, moving into the cubicle Jim had just vacated. Turning her attention to the video screen before her, Dawn leaned forward, punching in her home phone number.
Leaning back on the bench, Dawn hummed lightly to herself, waiting for her mother to answer. After what felt like forever to the ten-year old, the screen came to life; her blue-haired mother came into view, their living room apparent in the background. "Hello, can I – Dawn! How's your adventure going, honey?"
"It's going good mom; did you see me on television at Lake Valor?" It felt like ages since she'd last spoken to her mom – it felt like a lot had happened to the young girl since then.
# # #
After obtaining the Knuckle Badge from Brawly, luck had been on their side. While Mr. Briney and his Peeko had left the Island, a cruise ship had docked; a majority of the passengers wanting to take in the sights and sounds of the Island.
"Come on, let's go have a look – maybe they still have available rooms." May had suggested, grinning at the ship.
And much to Cole's dismay, the ship was going to be docked at Dewford Town for a couple days, but, the crew had something to deliver to Slateport, so a couple of the crew members were taking a smaller vessel to the mainland. And somehow May was able to convince the crew to take the three trainers with them.
"It's a women's charm," May said, when Cole asked her about it. "Who could say no to this face?" Max could only roll his eyes at May's reasoning.
Within four hours, the smaller, faster boat traversed through Route's 107, 108, and 109, winding up on the docks of Slateport City, the beach stretching out before them. Waving at the small crew – who had deliveries for Stern's Shipyard – May twirled around on her heel, Cole and Max waiting up ahead, their first stop being the Pokemon Center to rest up, decide on their next move, and call home.
Leaning back on the bench as the video screen before her shut off, May let out a sigh. "I knew they'd be unimpressed," May mumbled, closing her eyes momentarily.
She had just hung up with her parents – she'd put off contacting them until she was far enough away – to let them know how she was doing so far.
"May – Max is missing." Her mother, Caroline, had blurted out as soon as she recognized May on the screen. "He went missing soon after you –"
"It's okay," May laughed awkwardly, holding up her hands to ward off her mother's sharp look. "Max is with me . . . Cole and I ran into him on our way to Rustboro City."
Caroline frowned, her mouth in a hard line. "May Emma Maple, did I just hear you right? Max has been with you this entire time, and you didn't even consider coming this way as you left Rustboro City? No, don't you interrupt me young lady – you're lucky the Rusturf Tunnel is closed for construction or else your father would . . ."
"Let her speak for a moment, Caroline." came Norman's voice, the towering man appearing in the background.
"Max said it was alright with you two, and really, why would you think I'd want to travel around with my eight year old brother? We fight enough at home," May rolled her eyes. "I couldn't get him to go home, and he wouldn't loan me his PokeNav either." she grumbled, unimpressed.
"I knew giving him that PokeNav early would do this," Caroline said, shaking her head. "We should have waited till he was older."
"He's fine," Norman said, his dark eyes piercing May through the screen, who nodded at Norman's words. "It doesn't hurt him to see some of Hoenn – eventually they'll have to return to Petalburg."
May nodded, inwardly wincing. If she hadn't been travelling with Cole, she wouldn't be returning to Petalburg for a while – she had no interest in collecting badges – regardless of what her parent's wished for.
"True enough," May said after a moment. "I should probably get going though, the last thing I need is Cole and Max to leave me behind . . ."
Thankfully, Mauville City and Lavaridge City were no where near each other. The first thought that crossed her mind was to intentionally drag this adventure out until the end of the summer . . . if Cole had to leave before he got the Balance Badge; she could avoid her parents.
She'd have to remember to apologize to Cole in a month or so . . .
"Be nice to your brother," Norman said, nodding at the screen. "Take care."
"Tell Max he needs to call us," Caroline said, always fretting over her children. "I want to make sure he's eating properly."
"Mom," May rolled her eyes. "We're fine, honestly. I'll call you later, bye." She said, leaning forward to disconnect from her parents.
Pushing herself from the bench, her thoughts a mile away, she paused as she caught sight of Max and Cole, the two talking to Nurse Joy at her desk. "Max," May called as she approached the duo. "Mom's not too impressed that you ran away."
Max curled up his nose, shaking his head. "I didn't run away, May – besides, I'm pretty sure dad knew what I was planning; nothing gets past him."
"Thanks for healing my team," Cole said, nodding at Nurse Joy as he attached his pokeballs to his belt. "You guys ready to head out for Mauville City?" Cole added, hearing May's voice.
"Not yet," May said, whirling around to face him. "We're stopping over at the Contest Hall first – I need to pick up a pass to be able to compete."
Max rolled his eyes. "You don't really expect us to watch that stuff, do you?"
"I watch Cole's battles and . . . seriously, Max? You're not even a trainer yet, so your opinion on our plans is . . ." May shrugged, trailing off.
"It's on our way," Cole said, glancing from one sibling to the other. "It shouldn't take us that long." He decided, glancing from one to the other. "Now, come on."
"See, I told you he wouldn't care," May said with a frown, shrugging her arm out of Cole's grasp. "You looked really chummy with Nurse Joy too," May grinned, winking at Cole, the Center's automatic doors opening for them. "You ask her out on a date or something?"
"Ha ha," Cole said dryly, rolling his eyes. "She seems a bit . . ." he paused momentarily. "Old for me, you know?"
May nodded, her sharp eyes catching the change in his voice, a far-away look briefly appearing on his face. "Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Cole said, distracted. "I was just thinking about . . . no, it's alright."
Why had May's words struck a cord with him, as if there was some truth to her words? And why did that memory surface – he'd seen those people in his dream, red hair pulled up in a ponytail and a teen with tanned skin – but why did his thoughts jump to the tanned teen?
"As long as you're sure," May said, raising an eyebrow, the sun peeking out from over the clouds. "Now, let's go guys! I don't want to waste any more time; I can only imagine how many contests I've already missed out on!"
Max rolled his eyes, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I doubt it, remember what Brawly said? He said they just brought it over from Sinnoh, so you're fine," he shrugged. "Did you tell mom about the contests?"
Knew I forgot something, May thought to herself. "No, she immediately started talking about you being missing. You're lucky Rusturf Tunnel's closed for construction – mom was going to send dad for you."
Cole let out a laugh at May's explanation, grinning at the two. "Your mom sounds like she misses you."
"More like suffocating," Max replied, shaking his head.
"She's pretty family-orientated," May said, spying the Contest Hall up ahead. "What about your mom?"
May watched from the corner of her eye as Cole frowned slightly at her words, his pace slowing momentarily. Cole hadn't known she'd spoken to Ericka in Dewford Town; the blue-haired woman confirming that Cole and her weren't related and that Cole's history was a mystery. Add in the odd look on his face when she teased him about hitting on Nurse Joy and how Cole seemed so anxious to get off the boat she'd managed to talk their way onto . . . there was something hiding under the surface.
"My mom . . ." Cole glanced up at the sky overhead, thoughtful. "She was okay with my decision to become a Pokemon Trainer, she always wanted the best for me," he said slowly, his mind recalling a red-haired woman, her features still blurred. "She wished me luck and sent me on my way –"
"Lucky you," Max interrupted. "I wish mom would be that okay with our travelling –"
"She's fine with my decision to travel," May interrupted, glaring at Max. "It's only because you're underage and you left behind mom's back."
Why did Max have to interrupt Cole? she thought to herself. I really wanted to hear what he thought . . .
"Anyway, enough talk about our parents," Cole said with a shrug. "Are you going in the Contest Hall or not?"
May blinked, raising an eyebrow as she realized the three had come to a stop, a shadow looming over them. Bringing a hand up to her forehead, May grinned as she noticed the pink-bricked building, a large sign overhead stating it was Slateport Contest Hall.
"Awesome!" May grinned, pumping the air with her fist. "I finally made it – you two are looking at the next great Top Co-Ordinator!"
# # #
A/N
I decided to spend a chapter focusing some of the other characters beside Misty, Brock, and Melody; and I realized I'd been neglecting the adventures of Dawn and Jim. That, and I found the correct path that I want to take those characters down in regards to the events I have in mind.
I find writing for Dawn hard, having missed a majority of Diamond/Pearl. Also, Jessie's hard to write at the moment as she doesn't have anyone to talk to besides Lickitung. Hoping that I'll have more time this year to upload chapters, 2016 was rather hectic and a majority of my current stories were tossed to the side. Now, it's just to re-find where I wanted this story to end up.