Dawson is a character based in Cornova's Pokewars alternate universe.
April 20th
The sun shone down on the three trainers and they made their way along route 202 towards Jubilife city. Dawson was at front followed by Samantha and Simon. They had left the woods earlier and were traveling along on of the more used paths to the city. Currently Simon and Samantha were talking to their chaperone. It was clear to anyone watching them his irritation at the two children.
"Seriously Dawson how can you be this bad?" Samantha asked the trainer as they walked down the road.
"Don't want to hear it." He said.
"I mean all six battles so far." Samantha continued.
"Don't want to hear it." He said.
"Not to mention several being non trainers." Simon added.
"Don't want to hear it." He said.
"Yes thank you Simon, against trainers who aren't even that good." Samantha said.
"Don't want to hear it." He said.
"And despite this you haven't even won a single battle." She finished.
"DID YOU NOT HEAR ME?" Dawson cried out exasperated, "I get it, I suck at this. You don't have to tell me every time I lose a match!"
"Actually the level of incompetence on display here from you almost requires that I remind you every chance I get." Samantha said with a smug grin.
Dawson felt one of the frequent headaches beginning to form in his head, "I'm going to have to watch every damn thing I say to you aren't I?"
"Yes, yes you are." She replied.
"I don't get why he hasn't really gotten better." Simon said, "I mean we've been training for almost two whole days and we've been battling a lot."
"Yes how you managed to convince me to spend an entire day training is beyond me." Dawson replied.
"We found a Pokemon center to stay at and you agreed." Samantha said.
"I mean it's not like Dawson's terrible when we battle." Simon said.
"I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that he doesn't care about battling." Samantha replied, "I mean remember school Simon? You hated sitting still for so long and always wanted to go outside to try and capture a Pokemon. I'm pretty sure you don't remember most of your lessons at all."
"Well... yeah but this is Pokemon training!" Simon countered.
"Yeah I know. How could I ever hate that?" Dawson said sardonically.
"Well I'm sure that we'll get you a win yet." Simon said, "I'll be a Pokemon trainer trainer!"
"Not likely." Dawson countered, "Seeing as how we've arrived at Jubilife city.
The three had just crested the hill they were walking along and viewed the city spread out before them. The city was like many others with the skyline being dwarfed by a single glass building with a massive communication tower on top. It dwarfed the nearby buildings by a half and dominated the Jubilife skyline.
"That must be the Global terminal!" Simon said.
"Global terminal?" Dawson asked.
"Kinda like the Internet for Pokemon trainers, when searching for people in your town or area you often route though the terminal." Samantha said.
"Oh, there's the Pokemon center and... and... I'VE GOT IT!" Simon said happily pointing to one of the many buildings in the city, "I got it! yeah that'll work. Yes I'm a genius!"
"What do you have and are you going to share any time soon?" Dawson asked cocking an eyebrow at him.
"What? Oh, yeah the trainer school!" Simon exclaimed with glee, "We can go there to help you fix your battling! They have day long sessions and classes where people can sit in and learn about Pokemon."
"Fine..." Dawson said with a sigh, "After all quitting my day job, wandering around with two clueless kids, and getting suckered into Pokemon training what's having to go back to school after all that."
"I need to register at the contest hall." Samantha said.
"Yeah, we should find the Pokemon center first." Dawson said, "After that we need to get you singed up for your beauty pageant-"
"Pokemon contest." Samantha corrected.
"Right that thing. Then, like it or not, we're going to get you kids some proper traveling gear." Dawson finished
"You already got us stuff, we've been carrying all this time." Simon said.
"Yeah, but you still need plenty of other things." replied Dawson, "I mean you two do recall that I was the one carrying everyone's food right?"
"Uggghhhhh what a pain!" Simon whined.
An hour later and the three walked out of the Pokemon center in the city. Almost skyscraper in appearance the main trainer housing area was behind the lobby. The rooms they were assigned had an almost hotel feel to them which was a nice change of pace from the more remote Pokemon centers. Registering for Samantha's contest was easier then Dawson expected as it took less then ten minutes total as the contest hall was right next door to the center. A squat circular structure it stood in stark contrast to the Pokemon center's height. The two buildings were located in the same park space and several trainers and coordinators were already outside training and practicing.
Both Simon and Samantha were much happier to leave their packs inside the center at their rooms and even Dawson did feel a little more spry as they walked though the city. All three of them did feel somewhat more at ease now that they were back in the midst of civilization. Dawson's first goal was the shopping district. For the next two hours he helped them stock up on what they would both need on their journey and what food was best to bring along when they couldn't stay at a Pokemon center.
Eventually they stopped with their shopping and started to look for a place for lunch. As they sat at the park surrounding the Pokemon center, their shopping items sitting back in the room, Simon worked at signing up himself and Dawson for some of the classes at the trainer school. Dawson ate his food silently staring at the clouds while the young trainer worked out a schedule for the two of them.
"Right we're all signed up Dawson." Simon said.
"Yay how very lucky for me." The teenager replied, "What are you going to do while we attend classes Samantha?"
"I was hoping to train more with my Pokemon for the contest." She replied, "I don't think we're ready for it yet."
"When is our fist class Simon?" Dawson asked.
"Tomorrow in the morning." The boy said, "Its basic Pokemon battle skills and beginner knowledge."
"Oh joy." Dawson said with little enthusiasm.
The next day both Dawson and Simon sat in on one of the many training lessons during the day. It had started out simple enough, sit though a lecture about Pokemon, their skills, and basic battle techniques. Simon was ecstatic about the lessons while Dawson was having a difficult time simply staying awake. He only just managed to make it though the lecture when the class headed to one of the battle rooms.
A large gym like structure it was divided into several large rooms, most set up for battling with a few classrooms as well. Each battle room had a mat occupying the center where a trainer and student practiced with their Pokemon. The teacher was currently giving advice to the student about type differences while their Pokemon battled each other. Many of the other people in the class were taking notes or listening intently, Simon included.
Dawson was bored out of his mind however. The lecture section that he had sat though before was completely lost on him as the teacher referenced concepts and techniques that he had no way of knowing and the mock battle just expanded upon those concepts. Simon was no help as he was constantly focused on taking notes and listening intently. Eventually Dawson let out a sigh and stood up.
"What's up?" Simon asked barely looking away from the battle.
"Bathroom." The teen replied.
With that he headed to the entrance to the gym, though the double doors, and made his way down the hall. Hands in his pockets and staring down at the floor he passed the bathroom in the hall and kept going, heading straight for the nearest exit sign. He almost made it outside the building when he ran into an obstacle quite literally. As he stepped though the he found himself knocked backwards as he hit something heading into the building.
Falling to the floor, he hit the ground with an audible thud. Dawson felt something hit him after he made contact with the ground but he was focusing more on the pain his his back from hitting the ground. Before he could recover and look at what he walked into he felt a round object laying on his stomach. Looking it over he saw it was a somewhat round white egg with small red and blue triangles over the shell. Putting his hands on it to prevent it from rolling off him Dawson started to stand.
"Oh dear is the egg OK?" A voice came from the other side of the open door.
Standing up Dawson saw the person he had run into getting to her feet opposite him. Offering a hand, the other holding the egg near his chest, he pulled up the long haired blonde from the floor. Her hair drew his attention first. It was long enough to reach her legs curving in several spots as it reached the end. The second thing that drew his attention was her attire which consisted almost entirely of black. Black pants and shirt with a black overcoat with fuzzy cuff links and neck. Even her purse was the same color as her outfit.
"Yeah, I managed to break it's fall." Dawson replied to her question, "Sorry about that, I was ducking out of this place and wasn't watching where I was going."
Taking his hand and lifting herself up she dusted herself off, "Well as long as the egg is safe it's not a big issue." She said, "But why were you were skipping your class?"
"Well honestly it was-" Dawson started before pausing, "You know we should move out of the way before someone else tries to leave and falls over as well."
"Oh yes your right," She said stepping inside and away from the exit, "Aren't you a trainer? Why would you be skipping a trainer class."
"I guess technically I am a trainer... The class was just not really my thing." Dawson replied, "Are you one?"
The female trainer looked genuinely surprised at his question, "Yes... you could say that" She said, "Why do you ask?"
Dawson paused for a moment considering what he was about to ask, "Well... since my friends convinced me to try being a trainer I've only been challenged so far." He said, "I figure I might as well try challenging someone before I call it quits with this."
"You don't like being a trainer?" She asked with curiosity.
"Well... I don't know yet." Dawson replied, "I can't say I've really enjoyed losing so far."
Chuckling slightly she looked at Dawson, "Then perhaps you should change your mind about challenging me." The woman suggested, "In some circles of Pokemon trainers I'm known to be pretty good."
"Oh there's a statement that fills me with confidence. But no, my ego can take another loss better then it can take going out and finding someone I'm guaranteed to win against. So what are you a gym leader or something?" He asked heading towards an empty battle class room.
"I'll tell you after the battle." She replied smiling.
"Oh yeah, I'm so full of confidence now." Dawson said sarcastically.
Walking towards the far end of the battle mat Dawson glanced up at one of the doors to see someone peeking in. Before he could say anything the person bolted and the trainer was left wondering what they were looking at. Reaching his spot he turned and faced the woman who took up a spot at the other end of the arena.
"My name's Dawson by the way." He said.
"Cynthia," She replied. "And it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Yeah... I only have two Pokemon with me so will a best of two suffice?" Dawson asked.
"What if you knock out one of my Pokemon?" Cynthia asked.
"Oh I somehow doubt that'll be an issue." Dawson replied as he expanded his first Pokeball.
"If you say so." Cynthia said throwing the first Pokeball, "Riolu, Battle dance!"
With a flash of light her Pokemon emerged from the ball onto the battle arena. It was vaguely humanoid shaped with paws instead of hands and feet. It had long teardrop shaped ears and a small tail behind it. It's fur was a combination of blue and black with the black forming a mask around it's eyes.
Dawson was about to release his own Pokemon when he noticed people entering the gym to watch the battle, "Ok... this isn't unnerving at all now. Let's battle Turtwig!" He called out throwing the Pokeball.
With a flash of light his Pokemon was released from his Pokeball. Letting out a cry Turtwig squared off with Cynthia's Riolu. Taking a breath Dawson got ready to battle.
"Alright let's start off with the one attack that actually does something when we use it... Turtwig use Absorb."
Immediately Riolu's body began glowing red as small orbs of light were drawn from it and started to float towards Dawson's Pokemon. The orbs floated into Turtwig and did nothing as far as Dawson could tell. Riolu however winced as the energy was absorbed from it's body.
"Riolu use quick attack." Cynthia said.
In a burst of speed Riolu dashed forwards at Turtwig. In the time it took Dawson to blink Cynthia's Pokemon had closed the distance and sent his Pokemon flying back with the force of the impact. Before Dawson had time to even fathom the next attack Riolu closed in and readied it's next attack.
"Now use Force Palm." She said.
It's palm glowing white Riolu's next attack connected before Turtwig could even recover from the last blow. Hitting the grass Pokemon's mid section Riolu sent his opponent flying back again and rolling to a stop in front of Dawson. Struggling to get up Turtwig did his best to bare the pain of the attack and Dawson called out his next attack.
"Right... Razor leaf Turtwig!" He shouted.
His Pokemon tried to carry out the order only for his body to seize up in pain. Dawson didn't have time to wonder what was wrong as Riolu was heading towards his Pokemon again. It's paws glowing once again as it readied another force palm to finish the fight. As it swung it's fist's down at Turtwig the grass Pokemon could watch as both arms hit him and smashed Turtwig into the ground.
Dawson, knowing Turtwig was unable to continue, pulled out his Pokeball and recalled his Pokemon. Letting out a sigh he looked up and saw Cynthia recall Riolu as well. What also caught his attention was the rather large crowd that had gathered around them. Apparently several of the teachers had also brought their classes over to watch the battle unfold.
"Well this is worse then I expected." He muttered to himself pulling out his next Pokeball, "All right Shinx its your turn."
The flash of light releasing his electric Pokemon was mirrored by Cynthia's Pokeball releasing her own. Dawson could only describe his opponents Pokemon as an egg with wings and feet. It's white body covered in similar red and blue triangles that the egg he saw earlier.
"Alright Togekiss start with Aura sphere." Cynthia said.
The white Pokemon brought it's wings together and began forming a sphere of blue energy in between them. The ball formed Togekiss spun around and launched the ball at Shinx. For Dawson compared to Riolu's speed this attack moved in slow motion.
"Shinx doge it and use charge." He said.
Leaping out of the way the sphere Shinx began to charge electricity within her body. However the energy ball, instead of hitting the ground suddenly shifted and shot straight at Dawson's Pokemon. The trainers eye's widened as the ball impacted Shinx and sent her flying.
"What the heck?" He said watching Shinx slide to a stop near him.
"Aura sphere always hits it's target regardless of if they dodge it fool." One of the spectators shouted.
"Yeah any good trainer would know that." Another added.
Dawson flushed red with embarrassment as he watched Shinx get up from the hit, "Shinx you want to keep going?" He asked.
"Shinx!" She replied, squaring off with Togekiss again.
"Alright Spark then!" He said.
Inwardly he groaned as he was hoping for a way out of the battle before he made a further fool of himself but his Pokemon wanted to keep fighting. He watched as the bolt of electricity arced from Shinx and towards her opponent. Much to Dawson's surprise the bolt of lightning actually hit the target. Togekiss had brought up her wings to protect her but the electricity arced over the Pokemon's body shocking everywhere.
"Alright Togekiss finish it with Psychic." Cynthia said.
Shaking off the attack Togekiss' eyes glowed with a blue light at the command. Dawson could only watch as Shinx glowed with an azure aura and was lifted up and held in the air unable to even struggle. With a flick of it's wing Togekiss sent Dawson's Pokemon flying back and slamming into the the wall opposite. Instead of bouncing off like he expected, Shinx was pinned by the aura for a second before it faded and Dawson's electric Pokemon slid down to the floor.
Letting out a sigh of defeat he walked over to his Pokemon and kneeled down next to it, "Well that was expected." He said returning Shinx to her ball.
"That's what you get for trying to take on the champion." Someone from the crowd called.
"Yeah, trying to take her on like that. What did you think you were some kind of Pokemon prodigy?" Another called out.
"I doubt this guy even has any badges with only two Pokemon." A third added.
Feeling his fist tighten over Shinx's Pokeball Dawson felt his face flush red. Several other people were still criticizing his battle while he held his Pokeball. Standing up and gritting his teeth he looked over at Cynthia. Giving her a small bow he tried his best to tune out the jeers.
"Thank you for the battle Cynthia, if you don't mind I need to head to the Pokemon center to treat my Pokemon." He said
Without waiting for a response he turned and pushed past the crowd that had gathered. Approaching one of the exits he distinctly heard someone call out about 'being rude' but ignored it in favor of getting out of the room as quickly as possible. Passing through the hall and out the main door to the trainer school he headed out into the street.
Making a beeline for the Pokemon center Dawson walked though the double doors of the building and to the counter, "My Pokemon need treatment." He said placing the two Pokeballs on the counter.
"Of course," Joy replied, "How badly hurt are they?"
"Not very, I just had a battle... that's it." Dawson said turning to leave.
Dawson heard a reply from Joy but he didn't listen as he headed back outside. Walking along the side of the building he sat down on one of the benches within the shadow of the building. Flexing his hand he tried to get rid of the dull pain that came with clenching Shinx's Pokeball too tightly. Leaning forwards he rested his arms on his legs and started talking to no one in particular.
"What the hell am I doing... I don't care about training, I don't care about Pokemon, I just want to get back to Oreburgh. SO WHY THE HELL DOES THIS PISS ME OFF SO MUCH!" He yelled out.
"Oh here you are Dawson." Came a voice near the front of the Pokemon center.
Dawson looked over at the voice and sighed, "Hello Samantha." He said.
"So what pisses you off so much?" Samantha asked.
"Nothing, I was just shouting because I felt like it." Dawson said standing up.
"Didn't sound like something so simple." Samantha said.
"You need to learn when to leave things be." Dawson replied giving the coordinator a cold look.
"Well sorry, someone's in a bad mood now." Samantha quipped back.
"It's because he lost to Cynthia!" Simon said running around the corner, "Man it wasn't even a battle Dawson barely got two attacks off."
"Yes, thank you for that recap Simon." Dawson said with a hint of bitterness.
From the front of the building where Simon just came from a voice called out to Dawson, "Don't be like that." Cynthia said, "They're your friends and they're just worried about you."
"Y- Your Cynthia! Your the current Sinnoh league champion." Samantha said in shock, "Oh Oh Oh can I have your autograph?"
"I already got two sis!" Simon said handing her a piece of paper, "She gave them to me when I told her I could help find Dawson."
"I wanted to talk with Dawson after our battle but he left so quickly." Cynthia told the young girl.
"Hey kids, go double check the supplies or something." Dawson said.
"Why would we want to do that?" Samantha asked.
"I was being polite for once. I want you two to leave." He replied.
"You lose another battle and you get all angry at us?" She shot back.
"Now." He said glaring at her.
Several moments passed as Dawson and Samantha stared at each other, "Fine. Let's go find some trainers Simon." She said leading her protesting brother away in a huff.
Cynthia watched as the two kids headed off into the park to find a challenger to fight, "That seemed unnecessary and a bit harsh." She said looking at Dawson.
"You said you wanted to talk, I didn't want them fawning over you while you did that." Dawson said, "So what did you want to talk about?"
"About you actually." She said. "Well more about you being a trainer than you yourself."
"What about it?" Dawson said dismissively, "You going to say I'm some sort of Pokemon prodigy and that I just need to work a little bit to become a master?"
"No." Cynthia replied, "You're too hesitant, you lack a bond with your Pokemon, You have no aptitude for battling, your knowledge of Pokemon attacks is non existent, and you have no strategy what so ever... if anything you really shouldn't be a trainer."
"Wow you got that all from one battle?" He asked sardonically.
"No your friend told me about the others," She replied, "That's not what I wanted to ask you though... If you don't like Pokemon training, if you're so terrible at battling, and if you have such a bad attitude in battles why did you even fight me? It couldn't be because you just wanted to challenge someone before you gave up."
"Why?" Dawson asked, "I don't know why. You're right that it wasn't just because I wanted to challenge someone. It could be that I might have just wanted another battle and another chance at victory. The only time I've had fun doing this crap was when I caught my Shinx. Maybe I just wanted another chance at winning. HA! just my luck that I challenged the Sinnoh league champion."
Cynthia's face grew dark and she glared at Dawson. "All you want is a win?" She said, "If that's what you really want then you really shouldn't be a Pokemon trainer. Going about it in halves and never putting forth real effort to earn your victory will get you no where. Even if Pokemon training was simply about winning and losing you still wouldn't have what it takes to be one."
Dawson glared back and bristled under her words, "Hey-" He started.
"Its not just about winning or losing." Cynthia said cutting him off, "Its about you and your Pokemon growing as individuals and friends. To bring about the best qualities of each other and to learn to depend on each other in all things. If all you're concerned with is winning then you have no right to be a trainer."
"So what am I supposed to do? I never wanted this." Dawson said to the champion, "You talk about companionship with Pokemon and being their friend like its the most natural thing in the world. Well you're wrong, it's not. You don't know a thing about me and yet you pass judgement like you've seen it all. If all you wanted to do is lecture me about something I never wanted to do then we're done here."
Cynthia's glare was slowly replaced by a frown as Dawson lashed out at her, "You're right, I don't know you but when we battled I saw an intensity in your eyes I don't see often. The same intensity I see now. That will power hidden behind your eyes could let become a great trainer and I feel it would be a shame to let it waste away underground in Oreburgh. Its true I came here to ask you why you battled... but I also wanted to find you because I wanted you to have this." She said pulling out the same white egg Dawson held earlier, "I was going to give this to one of the students at the school but then I saw that intensity in your eyes. I thought it might change your mind about giving up on training. I see I was wrong about that."
Dawson stared at her for several moments before looking away from her, "You're right... There're hundreds of other better trainers to entrust that Pokemon too." He said his voice bitter and sad.
Before he could say anything else he felt something pushed into his hands. Looking up he found himself staring directly into Cynthia's eyes causing him to blush slightly. She had closed the distance between them and placed the egg in his arms. Smiling at him as he grasped the egg in his arms.
"Even if I'm wrong, I still want you to have this egg." She said, "I have a feeling it might help you get over whatever it is that bothers you about Pokemon training."
Dawson stood flabbergasted as she turned and walked away. His attention was torn between looking at her and down at the egg not sure what just happened. As she passed out of the shadow of the building she turned and smiled at Samantha and Simon who were trying their best not to be noticed. Turning back to Dawson she spoke to the stunned teen.
"During the Pokemon league championships people who earn enough victories in the tournament can enter into a side league with the winner challenging the Pokemon champion. The level of competition is higher then that of the championships with even the elite four allowed to enter. Perhaps I'll see you there." She turned and looked at Simon and Samantha, "I hope to see you and your sister do great things."
With that she walked off leaving Dawson, Simon, and Samantha standing there completely speechless. The siblings were the first to recover as they ran over to Dawson and inched close to the egg he held in his arms. They looked over the egg with a mix of awe and jealousy. Dawson's recovery from the shock of what just happened was seconds later as he was the first to speak.
"Wait... did she just dump this egg on me and then walk away?" He asked, "how the hell did she manage that?"
After Simon and Samantha had finished gawking at the egg the three trainers went into the Pokemon center to sit down. Dawson had placed the egg on a pile of napkins so it wouldn't roll and was currently examining the white orb. Samantha was staring in awe at her new autograph and Simon was currently trying to find which species the egg belonged to. No one at the table noticed as Nurse Joy walked up to them with a tray holding Dawson's Pokeballs.
"Oh what a darling Togepi egg." She said placing the tray on the counter.
"Huh? is that what it is?" Dawson asked.
"Why yes, you can tell by the color and small triangles on it." Joy replied, "But don't you have an egg case?"
"I don't even have a clue about Pokemon eggs much less an egg case." Dawson replied honestly.
"Oh then hold on a second and I'll get one for you." Joy said smiling at the trainer and heading off towards one of the backrooms.
Dawson reached over and put a hand on the egg while Joy went and got an egg case. The shell was smooth to the touch and he could feel a bit of warmth from it. Simon looked at the teen with a mixture of curiosity.
"So are you going to hatch it then?" He asked eagerly, "Cuz if you don't want to I'll do it, I'd be the best trainer I could be for it."
"Don't see yourself for something that isn't for sale kid." Dawson replied, "As much as I don't agree with training Cynthia gave this egg to me. I'd be downright insulting her if I didn't raise it myself."
"Aww." Simon whined crossing his arms. "Why do you have to be the lucky one."
"Tell you what Simon, next time I'll let you get your butt kicked by the Pokemon league champion and you can get the amazing technicolor egg." Dawson replied.
Any further conversation was cut off as Joy returned, "Here you are." She said handing the teen an egg incubator and a book.
The incubator was a large glass cylinder with a bottom and hinged lid. The inside, Dawson presumed where the egg went, contained a small nest like pillow at the bottom. On top attached to the hinged lid was a small Pokeball for the egg when it hatched.
"What's the book?" Dawson asked flipping though the pages.
"Its a guide to how to raise an egg properly." Joy said as she picked up the egg and placed it within the incubator, "It'll will tell you all you need to know."
"So will this book and jar cost me anything?" Dawson asked.
"Oh no, just return the two to a Pokemon center and they'll send it back to me." Joy replied smiling, "Good luck with raising your Pokemon."
With that Joy left the three trainers to their own devices, "well I guess I'll go look for more trainers to battle." Simon said
"I need to work on my performance." Samantha added as the two of them got up from the table, "are you coming Dawson?"
"Nah you go ahead I want to read a bit of this." He replied opening up the book.
"OK suit yourself." She said following her brother as he headed out the door leaving the trainer to read though his new book.