POV - JAKE
It was another idyllic summer day, the early sun casting a golden hue over the landscape. The light of dawn brushed the open plains, turning the grass into a sea of shimmering green and gold. Trees, once a dense forest, now stood sparsely scattered, branches swaying lightly in the morning breeze.
As Jake gazed across the sight, his eyes followed the winding path of the river, waters catching the morning light and sparkling brightly. It meandered towards the horizon, leading his relieved gaze to a small town in the distance. Even from afar, the town seemed quaint, more of a village really, nestled at the edge of the river.
Beyond the village, where the river kissed the sea, a vast blue expanse stretched outwards, meeting the sky at a distant, hazy line. The sea shimmered under the morning sun. The sight was breathtaking, and for a moment, Jake felt the enormity of the world he was now a part of.
He took a deep breath, the fresh, crisp air filling his lungs. The scent of grass, earth, and a distant salty tang from the sea mingling together.
As they trailed along the riverbank, Jake, flanked on either shoulder by Trixie and Jekyll, enjoyed the tranquil morning. Trixie, ever restless, often glided off Jake's shoulder, only to loop back around to her favourite perch.
"Emol," Trixie pointed towards the small town on the horizon, "You better not forget my reward."
Jake grinned, recalling his earlier promise to Trixie. He teased her in a mock-serious tone, "But my dear lady, has the pleasure of my esteemed company not been reward enough?"
"Emol, emol," Trixie shot back cheekily, as if to say, "Nice try, but I expect the very best."
Jake chuckled at Trixie. He leaned in closer, adopting a conspiratorial whisper. "Ah, but what if I told you there's more? A surprise, perhaps?"
Trixie's eyes widened, her tail flicking rapidly. She chirped, "Emolga, emol!" Seeming to say, "A surprise? Do tell!"
Shaking his head with a laugh, Jake tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, but it's a secret. Can you keep a secret, Trix?"
In response, Trixie nodded vigorously, small paws coming up to cover her mouth. "Emol, emol," she promised.
Jake's eyes glinted. Without warning, he lunged forward, fingers wiggling. "Gotcha!" he declared triumphantly.
Trixie squealed with surprise and delight, trying to wriggle away even as she laughed. "Emol, emolga!" she protested between giggles, which might have meant, "Tricked again! Stop doing that."
In truth, Jake wasn't entirely certain what kind of reward to offer Trixie. He figured she'd be happy with some sort of sweet treat, as he wasn't sure if the Pokémon in this world appreciated accessories like they did in the games. After all, animals on Earth generally seemed indifferent to such things, and he guessed Pokémon might be similar. "But then, there are Pokémon contests in this world, right? How different are they from dog shows on Earth? Do dogs even enjoy those shows?" Jake's thoughts really were as random as this whole journey.
As he walked along the firm riverbank, the fresh scent of hay wafting through the air, another realisation struck him – he had no money. That practicality hadn't crossed his mind, but now it posed a real challenge. How would he manage to get anything? Jake still had his wallet, but he would be greatly surprised if his meagre cash would translate to anything usable here.
Thus far, Trixie hadn't really taxed Jake's resources – not that he had any to offer to begin with. She did, however, occasionally take a playful jab at his ego, of which he admittedly had in ample supply. Trixie seemed quite content feasting on the various berries and fruits that the natural world offered, quite happy to fetch them for herself, and would even occasionally share with Jake. "And what a generous heart she is" Jake mused sourly. The tickle battles had been fierce.
"K-kyu?" Jake felt Jekyll pinch on his shirt, an insistent tug that seemed to say, "Pay attention to me as well!"
Jekyll, on the other hand, was more enigmatic. Jake found himself pondering a Mimikyu's diet. He had never seen Jekyll eat. "Does he consume souls? Isn't that what ghosts are supposed to do? And if so, how would I even go about getting them? Maybe a future as a slasher is on the cards?"
Jake turned to face Jekyll, with a soft smile. "Hey there, buddy. Didn't mean to neglect you," he said gently.
Jekyll's form under the Pikachu costume seemed to quiver slightly. He murmured a soft, "Mimi, kyu," as if to express, "Don't forget me."
Trixie, ever the playful one, fluttered close "Emol, emolga!" maybe something like, "I'd notice you if you weren't so quiet all the time."
Jekyll seemed to stiffen noticeably, retorted with a harsh, "Kyu, mimi!" which, might have meant something akin to, "Keep your comments to yourself, insolent furball!"
Jake let out a sigh, his gaze shifting between Trixie and Jekyll. Despite his hopes, they still weren't exactly on the best of terms. Trixie, always brimming with energy, was quite the extrovert. Jekyll was more reserved, a quiet presence mixed in with occasional, somewhat eerie outbursts.
'Maybe, just maybe, they'll find some common ground,' he thought, though he wasn't entirely convinced it would happen anytime soon.
'It's a start,' he mused, 'and sometimes, that's all you need.'
Pokémon life was abundant, Jake found himself fascinated with the close-up sight the Bouffalant herds grazing on the expansive plains. Majestic, curved horns peacefully moving as they bent their heads to graze on the verdant grass. Jake knew they had a reputation as aggressive Pokemon, so he was careful to keep his distance.
Closer to the river's edge, the environment took on a more rugged character. Skorupi lay partially buried in the increasingly sandy banks, armoured bodies blending with the terrain. Shelmet, with their unmistakable shell-like exteriors, crawled slowly, methodically along the moist earth.
The small coastal town, that had been a distant sight, now unfolded before Jake's eyes, details increasing in clarity. From his vantage point, Jake could see more of the buildings forming the town's skyline. They were an eclectic mix, some with the weathered charm of age, others more modern but still in harmony with their surroundings.
'Finally, signs of other people,' he thought, relieved.
Between Jake and the town, lay a wooden picket fence, a demarcation separating the wild from the civilised. The fence stretched across the landscape, a simple barrier, a more symbolic boundary than a physical deterrence.
Beyond the wooden fence, a quaint rural life revealed itself. Small patches of farmland bordered the outskirts of the town, crops swaying gently in the breeze. The outlines of farmhands at work in the distance. Small tractors could be seen trundling along, engines a distant, comforting hum that spoke of human activity and industry.
Jake neared the fence, eyes drawn to a simple wooden farm gate along its length. On the other side, lounging on a wooden chair, supposedly to guard, was a man. Even from a distance, his robust build was noticeable. He was stretched out leisurely, legs extended across the ground, leaning back with his arms crossed, head tilted to his chest.
As they got closer, Jake observed more details. The man's large belly was prominent, stretching the fabric of his khaki uniform. Around his belt several red and white Pokeballs were attached. If Jake had held any remaining delusions of this world being earth, the human with the iconic tools of Pokémon thoroughly disabused him of that notion.
The man sported a hat, reminiscent of a cowboy's, adding a touch of ruggedness to his appearance. A cigar, loosely held in his mouth, completed the picture of a man at ease. The gentle rise and fall of his chest and the soft snoring sounds confirmed Jake's suspicion – the man was asleep.
Jake lingered just outside the gate, feeling a bit out of his element. How does one politely wake a sleeping man, especially one supposedly tasked with guarding a gate? Was this what they called a Pokemon Ranger?
Jake cleared his throat, somewhat loudly, hoping the sound would be enough to rouse the man from his peaceful slumber. No response, just the continued rhythm of snoring.
Before Jake had the chance to figure out his next move, Trixie, buzzing with curiosity, flew over to the man. The hat, resting atop the man's head, seemed to have caught her fancy. She circled it, sniffing and inspecting with the attention of a jeweller appraising a gem. Overcome by curiosity, Trixie deftly lifted the hat with her tiny hands, revealing a shock of bright orange hair, chirping "Emol!" in delight as she held it out for Jake to see.
At this, the man's eyes flew open, face reddening. "Who dares?!" he thundered, jolting upright so quickly that Jake half-expected him to topple over.
Jake, momentarily at a loss for words, observed Trixie's startled reaction. She quickly zapped to the safety of his shoulder, still holding the hat. With delicate care, she gently positioned the hat on Jake's head. "Emol, emol," she chirped proudly, "Look what I found?"
The man's green eyes, wide with shock from the unexpected hat theft, focused on Jake and Jekyll, widening even further in surprise. "By Arceus! You've been through the wringer, haven't you? You're looking a bit rough there, lad."
Jake glanced down at his worn attire, responding with a dry tone, "Yeah, you could say the last few days haven't been kind to me."
The man gave Jake a more discerning look, noting his youth. "You're not from around here, are you, boy? I would've recognised you. We rarely get newcomers. Did you wander in from the Wild Area? How'd you manage that?"
"Sir, I'm willing to share what I know, but could you please direct me to the nearest Pokémon Center first?" Jake asked, hoping to address their more immediate needs.
"You've got manners, boy, I'll give you that," he said to Jake. Then, turning his attention to Trixie, his tone carried a hint of reproach. "But I can't say the same for your Emolga. It's just not right to take a man's hat, you know."
Trixie responded by tilting her head, eyes wide and innocent. "Emol?"
The man tried to maintain his stern demeanour, but as he gazed into Trixie's eyes, his resolve began to waver. "Well," he started, his voice less certain, "I guess... I mean, it's not that big of a deal."
His stern façade continued to crumble as he looked longer at Trixie, his protestations growing weaker. Finally, with a resigned, yet amused sigh, he conceded, "Well, I suppose exceptions can be made..." Charm was super effective. "But, uh, boy, would you mind returning my hat?"
"I apologise for Trixie, sir, she just likes to play around. Name is Jake." he introduced himself, handing the man his hat, who re-donned it with relish. "And these are my partners, Trixie and Jekyll" motioning towards his Pokemon.
"Pleased to meet you Jake and co, circumstances aside." the man nodded. 'Symington, Roger Symington. I am the Pokemon Ranger assigned to the town of Applinby."
"Applinby? That doesn't sound familiar. Can I ask where we are exactly, Mr Symington?"
"Just call me Symington, lad. Everybody does. Is your head on alright? I would hope you would know given where you've just come from."
"Uh, it's a bit of a complicated tale," Jake replied cautiously. He had considered how to explain his origins, yet the right words seemed elusive. The truth would likely lead to more questions, ones he couldn't answer himself. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure myself. I believe I'm lost, but my memory isn't exactly clear on the details." He settled on the idea of amnesia as his safest explanation for now.
"Well, let me take you into town, lad. I'm sure we can find you the help you need," Symington said, his voice tinged with a sympathetic understanding. He reached for one of the Pokeballs on his belt and tossed it into the air. In a burst of light that momentarily dazzled Jake, the Pokeball opened, releasing its inhabitant.
Jake's eyes widened as a Mudsdale materialised before him. The Pokémon was massive, muscles rippling under its mud-streaked hide. Its hooves, large and seemingly made of solid rock, thudded heavily against the ground. The Mudsdale's mane and tail were thick and dreadlocked, giving it a rugged appearance. Jake, having only seen such a creature in games and shows, was impressed by the sheer size of the real thing.
Symington, noticing Jake's amazement, chuckled heartily. "Impressive, isn't she? This here is Ol' Bess. She'll carry you to town. I'd join you, but I reckon I'm a bit too heavy for her these days," he joked, patting his belly with a good-natured grin.
He helped Jake mount the Mudsdale, ensuring he was seated comfortably. "Don't worry, Bessie's as gentle as a Skitty. She'll get you there safe and sound," Symington reassured, still smiling.
As Bess started her gentle pace, Symington matched her stride, leading them with an unhurried, yet assured step towards the heart of Applinby. "Jake, lad, I know this all might be a bit much to take in, but welcome to Applinby, right here on Armor," he said, his voice carrying a warm note of hospitality.
Jake tried to absorb this new reality. The Isle of Armor, he recalled, was an additional area introduced in the Sword and Shield games, a relatively small island off Galar's east coast. As they moved closer to the town, he pondered the differences of the game's portrayal. "It seems the games must have really downsized the scale," he thought. "And Applinby? There was no mention of such a town in the games."
Jake puzzled over this new conundrum as they made their way down the narrow path towards the town. The path, lined with apple trees, gradually showed signs of being more frequently travelled as they neared the town. True to its name, Applinby was a haven for Applin, the literally apple-shaped Pokémon. He noticed Flapple, known for their acidic nature and peculiar shape, darting across the sky. The more leisurely Appletun, with a sweet demeanour and unhurried movements, lounged contentedly near the trees. It was not at all clear what they were doing. Quite the odd Pokemon really.
"Do not many go out into the wild, Symington?" Jake asked, his curiously.
Symington rubbed his chin thoughtfully before replying, "Well, you see, lad, for regular folk around here, venturing too far into the wild can be a bit dicey. We've got our share of the wild Pokémon out there, and not all of them are friendly."
He chuckled lightly, then continued, "Of course, we do get the occasional trainer from the mainland, to explore a bit deeper inland. They're usually looking for a challenge, or to catch rare Pokemon you know."
Jake listened intently, his interest growing with each word.
Symington's expression turned a bit more serious. "There's a path that leads further in, but it's home to some dangerous Pokémon. Got a large Scolipede hive along that trail. Not the best place for a leisurely stroll, if you catch my drift. Thankfully, they stay well clear of here."
Jake winced slightly at the mention of the Scolipede hive but remained silent, prompting Symington to carry on.
"But it's not all bad," Symington added, his tone lightening. "We've got a trainer school right here in town. The young ones, they sometimes head out on small excursions into the safer parts of the wild. It's a good learning experience for them."
The patches of wheat fields gradually gave way to Wooloo farms, quite the change from the sheep farms that could be found on earth. The landscape was dotted with small herds of the fluffy sheep-like Pokemon. "Quite adorable, really" Jake mused as he watched them merrily roll about in the fields. Large and horned Dubwool, were more measured, more rarely interspersed with the herd.
"I must say, lad, is your Pikachu, ok? I've not seen too many with that colourisation." Symington asked, glancing over.
Jekyll went rigid at the comment, before wagging his tail and trying to twitch his ears. "Yeah, that's still not a Pikachu, Jekyll" Jake thought to himself wryly.
"Uh, right, well Jekyll here is a rare type of Pikachu... not found in many places." Jake said awkwardly, not too sure what to say, but not wanting to put Symington's life in danger.
"Mimi, Kyu" Jekyll said, rasping a bit, this time trying to hop a bit. "Uhh, he's not helping here"
"Ah, is that right, lad? I must say two electric types! That must really amp the excitement!' Symington said jovially, remarkably believing Jekyll's act.
Jake cringed a little inside at the terrible pun, smiling weakly. "Uh, yeah, my brain often short-circuits trying to juggle these two." Not being able to help himself.
"Ahaha, you get it, lad" the large man actually belly laughed.
As Jake rode into Applinby on Bessie with Symington walking cheerily beside them, the so-called 'town' revealed itself more as a large fishing village. The settlement sprawled lazily along the coast; a certain rustic charm to it.
"You see, lad," Symington began, "Applinby here might be the biggest place, here on Armor, but that's not saying much. It's our little capital, in its own charming way."
The houses, a blend of stone and wood, bore the marks of time and the sea's breath, yet there was an undeniable warmth to them. Fishing nets hung intricately outside several homes, while small boats rested alongside, hulls telling stories of many voyages.
The port, Armor Station, was a modest affair. A few ships swayed gently in the water, masts standing silently. Symington's chuckle broke through Jake's observations. "Don't expect a bustling harbour here," he said. "Mostly supply ships and the occasional Corviknight drop. But they keep us connected to the mainland."
As they strolled, village life unfolded around them. Children played in the narrow streets, laughter echoing off the walls. Their eyes lit up with joy and excitement at the sight of Jake's Pokémon, particularly Trixie. "Look, an Emolga!" one child exclaimed, pointing with delight. "It's so cute!" another chimed in, their faces beaming.
Trixie, always curious, glanced around, basking in the adoration she received, while Jekyll looked on with a resentful gaze at the child who had showered Trixie with praise.
Amidst the human residents, many Pokémon mingled. Jake noticed Yamper and Wooloo trotting about, their presence almost as common as the Wingull and Pidove overhead. The occasional Growlithe or Rockruff scampered by in the company of their owners.
As they continued, Symington pointed out towards the open fields they had just traversed. "That there's the Fields of Honor. You came through the scenic route, lad."
The most striking feature of Applinby, however, was what could only be a dojo. Jake couldn't help but notice its traditional architecture, reminiscent of a Japanese or perhaps Johto-style building, which made it stand out against the village backdrop. "Ah, that's our pride and joy," Symington said, following Jake's gaze. "The Master Dojo, under Mustard's watch. He's the founder and mayor of our little Applinby. A legend in his own right, he is."
It was clear that this was a place where everyone knew each other. As they passed, several locals greeted Symington with good-natured teasing. "Off from your nap, Symington?" one called out with a laugh. Symington responded with a jovial retort, "Just taking a break to show our new friend here around. Can't wait to get back to it, though!"
As they arrived at the Pokémon Center, Jake took in the small but well-kept building. It was unassuming, yet the iconic Pokémon Center sign glowed softly in the coastal light. Symington, with his customary chuckle, said, "Here we are, lad. The Pokémon Center, right by the port. You'll find everything you need here. Best of luck to you and your companions, Jake."
"It was nice meeting you, Symington" Jake gratefully thanked the large.
"Not to worry lad! You just get yourself back to your feet. I'm sure we will see each other again soon" Symington said cheerfully.
Leaving Jake in front of the Center, Symington waved goodbye, his figure blending back into the village. Jake stood for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds of Applinby, the air was filled with the salty tang of the sea, the cries of Wingull, and the small crash of waves.
Jake took a deep breath and stepped through the automatic doors of the Pokémon Center. The interior was a blend of modern convenience and coziness. The walls were painted a soothing shade of pastel, and the floor had a clean, polished look.
To his left, there was a small shop, shelves neatly stocked with various Pokémon essentials – potions, Poké Balls, and even a selection of berries. The shopkeeper, busy arranging items, offered Jake a friendly nod.
The waiting area was modest, a few comfortable chairs arranged neatly around a low table. The Center felt homely, an atmosphere more akin to a community centre than a sterile hospital environment.
At the desk, a Nurse Joy, trademark pink hair and welcoming smile, was busy with paperwork. Behind her, a couple of Chansey bustled about, attending to their tasks with a quiet efficiency.
Before Jake could approach the desk, a tiny Happiny waddled over to him. The little Pokémon was adorable, with its pink, egg-shaped body and a curious gleam in its eyes. "Happi-happi!" it chirped, voice high-pitched and cheerful, but obviously trying to be professional.
Jake couldn't help but smile at the lovely creature. The Happiny gestured with its small hands, indicating that he should follow. Understanding the gist, Jake nodded and followed the Happiny to the front desk.
"Happi," it said again, pointing to Nurse Joy, who looked up and noticed Jake.
"Hello there! Welcome to the Applinby Pokémon Center," Nurse Joy greeted him with a warm smile. "How can I assist you today?"
Jake thanked the Happiny, and turned to Nurse Joy. "Hi, I'm Jake. I'm new here, and well, I think I could use some help with my Pokémon and maybe some advice about the town."
"Absolutely, please may you return your Pokémon to their Pokéballs so I may take them to our scanning facility?" Nurse Joy asked, her tone both professional and kind.
Jake hesitated, searching for the right words. He glanced at Nurse Joy, her smile radiating warmth and understanding, and decided honesty was the best approach. "Uh, well, you might find this hard to believe, but I actually woke up a few days ago, lost in the wild area. I've been trying to find my way here ever since, and... well, I met these two along the way," he explained, gesturing to Trixie and Jekyll.
Nurse Joy's expression shifted to one of concern. "You were lost? Out there? By yourself? That's quite alarming." She quickly stepped around the desk, her professional demeanour blending with genuine worry. Gently, she held Jake's face, examining him closely for any signs of distress or injury. Jake couldn't help but blush slightly under her scrutiny; Nurse Joy was quite attractive.
Trixie, ever the explorer, had drifted away, distracted by the cute Happiny. They were soon engaged in their own little world, chirping and hopping around each other.
Jekyll, remained perched stoically on Jake's shoulder, eyeing Nurse Joy with an intensity that was unmistakably protective.
"Well, physically, you seem ok. You don't have Pokéballs for them?" Nurse Joy inquired, still examining Jake.
"No, I... I don't have anything, really," Jake admitted, feeling a bit self-conscious about his dishevelled state.
Nurse Joy nodded understandingly, then turned her attention to the shopkeeper. "Could we provide this young man with a couple of Pokéballs and some fresh clothes? He's had quite the ordeal."
The shopkeeper, who had been listening in, nodded empathetically and quickly agreed. "Of course, Nurse Joy. Anything to help."
Jake was overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. "Thank you, both of you. I can't tell you how much this means to me," he said, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.
"Nonsense!" Nurse Joy quickly interjected, her voice firm yet kind. "It's our duty to help those in need, and it's clear you need assistance. Happiny, here will guide you to our shower facilities. While you freshen up, I'll take a look at your Pokémon." She then gestured towards the shopkeeper. "Marvin here will bring you some fresh clothes."
Marvin, the shopkeeper, approached Jake with two Pokéballs and a bundle of fresh clothes. "Here you go, son," he said warmly, handing them over.
Jake accepted them gratefully, turning to Trixie and Jekyll. "Looks like we need to use these Pokéballs, guys," he explained gently. Trixie inspected the Pokéball with interest, eyes wide.
Nurse Joy couldn't help but coo at Trixie's adorableness. "Oh, what a sweet Emolga," she exclaimed softly, her smile widening.
Jake gave Trixie a wink, gently tapping her head with the Pokéball. Taken by surprise, Trixie let out an "Emol!" and was swiftly enclosed within the Pokéball with a soft click.
"Mimi, kyu..." Jekyll was far less enthusiastic. The Mimikyu bristled at the sight of the Pokéball, a sense of reluctance emanating from him. He glared at Nurse Joy; body language not happy to the idea of being away from Jake for even a second.
The tension in the air grew as Nurse Joy, carefully chose her words. "We'll also take care of your Pikachu," she said slowly, avoiding directly naming Jekyll's true species.
Jekyll's animosity didn't wane, both of his gaze's fixed intently on Nurse Joy. It was then that a Chansey, sensing the growing tension, waddled over. It addressed Jekyll in a series of gentle but firm "Chansey" sounds, its tone authoritative. The conversation, though incomprehensible to Jake, was effective. Jekyll, seemed to relent, posture softening.
Jake, relieved, gently encouraged Jekyll into the Pokéball. "It's okay, Jekyll. I'm not going anywhere. You'll be right back with me soon." With a slight nod, Jekyll finally allowed himself to be caught, disappearing into the Pokéball with another soft click.
Nurse Joy nodded in approval, experience and understanding shining through. "Thank you, Jekyll. We'll take good care of you," she reassured, her voice soothing. The moment of tension had passed.
After a moment, "That's a really dangerous Pokemon, kid." Joy said slowly. "I'm not one to judge, but you should be careful. Those Pokemon never let go, you understand?"
Jake nodded reluctantly, "I figured that might be the case. But I couldn't just leave him, you know?"
Joy nodded; her expression tinged with sadness yet respect. "You have a kind heart, Jake. We'll take good care of him here. Now, why don't you go freshen up? Your Pokémon will be all ready for you once you're done."
As she spoke, Happiny waddled over to Jake, gently tugging at his sleeve to lead him towards the shower.
These people were so kind, going out of their way to look after him. He knew this was kind of the ethos of Pokemon Center's but to see it in person really filled him with warmth and hope.
Standing under the shower, Jake let the hot water cascade over him, soothing the aches and pains accumulated over the past few days. This moment of relaxation allowed him to collect his thoughts and regain some composure. He reflected on the world he found himself in; it was different, unfamiliar, but thankfully, it had modern amenities. Jake did not want to think what could have happened if he had been dropped into some war-torn fantasy world, as he read of some other protagonists. Ah, and there he was thinking himself as a main character of some sort of story, he really needed to get a grip of himself.
The more Jake thought about it, the less it all made sense to him. Here he was, on the Isle of Armor in the Galar region, but what did that really mean for him? What was he supposed to do now? Initially, he had toyed with the idea of seeking out Legendary Pokémon like Arceus, Palkia, or Dialga, thinking they might be his ticket home. But now, he was beginning to question that plan.
His hesitation wasn't just about the feasibility of the idea. The truth was, he couldn't imagine leaving Trixie or Jekyll behind. Trixie had chosen to leave her family to accompany him, and Jekyll... well, Jake had a feeling that Jekyll wouldn't let him go easily, even if he tried, but he just couldn't leave him alone. It was a dilemma that weighed heavily on him.
Deep down, Jake longed to see his own family again, or at the very least, to send them a message letting them know he was okay. But how could he pursue that desire without abandoning the bonds he had formed here?
Jake rested his forehead against the cool tiles of the shower wall, thoughts swirling. "Let's just focus on one step at a time," he murmured to himself. The idea of encountering Arceus seemed distant, a far-off goal with many uncertainties. And it wasn't his only option.
"Maybe I could try to find Cosmog in Alola," he mused. It seemed possible that he was in another dimension, after all, much like the storyline of Pokémon Sun & Moon. Besides, he had always wanted to go to Hawaii. Now he could, with the added bonus of Pokemon.
Jake dried himself, donning the fresh clothes, a light grey shirt, dark trousers with a belt, and a white hoodie. Feeling much refreshed. Jake left the shower, to take a seat in the waiting room, feeling a deep sense of relief.
"Happi, Happi?" the Happiny from earlier waddled over to him, perhaps asking if he needed anything or just being nice.
Jake grinned at the Pokemon, gently petting its small head. "Thanks, Happiny. Would you mind checking with Nurse Joy for an update?"
"Happi!" the Happiny, happily, trotting off.
"Jake, I am pleased to say that both of your Pokemon are in perfect health." Nurse Joy said as she approached Jake, carrying a tray with two Pokeballs on it.
"That's great to hear, Nurse Joy, I really can't thank you enough for all your kindness." Jake said gratefully. Taking the Pokeballs, clipping them to his belt.
"I'm glad to help. If you're uncertain about your next steps, why not go see Master Mustard? He's usually at the dojo, and if there's anyone who can offer guidance, it's him." That sounded like a wise idea. Given his background as a former league champion and someone who had traversed the Pokémon world extensively, Mustard would be the perfect individual to advise Jake on his future actions.
Jake stepped out of the Pokémon Center, pausing briefly to offer a grateful nod to Marvin and a cheerful wave to Happiny, who chirped a happy farewell in response. The fresh air of Applinby greeted him as he exited, a blend of sea breeze and the earthy scent of the town.
Once outside, Jake freed Trixie from her Pokéball but decided to keep Jekyll contained a bit longer. He was unsure about how well he could manage the ghost Pokémon's behaviour in the presence of others, the Joy incident not inspiring him with confidence.
Trixie emerged with a burst of energy, hovering around Jake before settling comfortably on his shoulder.
"So, how did you find your first time in a Pokéball?" Jake asked, looking over at Trixie with a curious smile.
Trixie let out a chirpy "Emol, mol!" while playfully hugging herself and shutting her eyes.
"Ah, a cozy nap? Guess you won't be needing me as your pillow anymore," Jake teased.
Trixie's eyes flew open, protesting with a rapid-fire "Emol, emol!" as if to argue the point
"Just kidding," Jake said, laughing at her reaction.
As they walked through the narrow village streets, the character of Applinby became more apparent. Wooden and stone buildings lined the streets, the sound of the ocean providing a constant, soothing background. The path to the Master Dojo led them along the coast, with steps that wound up a gentle hill, offering a picturesque view of the sea.
As they made their way, the charm of Trixie didn't go unnoticed by Applinby's younger locals. "Look at that Emolga, it's adorable!" they often remarked, their faces lighting up with joy.
Jake couldn't resist a playful jab. "If only they knew your real personality, eh Trix?" he said.
Trixie just stuck her tongue out at Jake, enjoying the attention.
The path to the Master Dojo was bordered by flowering bushes and small trees fluttering in the sea breeze leading Jake to a low, traditional wall, providing a boundary between the outside world and the focused environment within.
As Jake approached, the dojo's architecture became more pronounced. The roof, a striking shade of yellow, was supported by sturdy wooden pillars that framed the building's entrance. Atop the roof, a prominent Kubfu signified the dojo's spirit and purpose.
Drawing closer, Jake began to hear the sounds of exertion and effort – a rhythm of serious training. Stepping down the path and passing through the entrance, he found himself in a small courtyard. The area was alive with activity; a handful of students, each with their Pokémon, were engaged in various training exercises.
His gaze was drawn to a sporty girl, dark hair in a ponytail, who stood out amongst the others. Beside her was a real Kubfu, mirroring her movements with a disciplined grace. Jake noted that she was the only one with a Kubfu; the other students had Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and a Mienfoo, all moving in a regimented manner alongside their trainers.
At the head of the group stood an old man, hands in the pockets of a green tracksuit. His hair was white and stringy, and his appearance didn't immediately suggest the expected from someone leading a dojo. Yet, Jake knew the man from the games, and of his casual demeanour, Mustard.
"Remember, it's not just about power; it's about strategy and understanding your Pokémon," he called out. "You don't just want to win; you want to win with style and effort!"
Jake stood off to the side, waiting for an opportunity to introduce himself. His attention was divided between Mustard's teachings and Trixie, who, unable to contain her curiosity, fluttered closer to the students for a better view.
As Mustard demonstrated a battle stance, Jake watched, impressed. Despite Mustard's bedraggled appearance, it was clear he possessed a profound understanding of Pokémon and battle strategy. "Think of a battle as a dance," Mustard elaborated. "You're the leader, and your Pokémon is your partner. Together, you craft a rhythm that's hard for any opponent to break."
The students imitated Mustard's movements, their actions mirroring his in a display of synchronized training.
Mustard continued, his voice resonating with wisdom. "Relying solely on Pokémon moves is a rookie's game," he said. "True mastery lies in comprehending your Pokémon – beyond the moves."
With a brief glance at Jake, Mustard carried on. "To excel, you need to see the world as your Pokémon does. Feel what they feel, move how they move, see what they see. That's the essence of a true partnership in battle."
Trixie, perched on Jake's shoulder, was practically bouncing with curiosity. Unable to contain herself any longer, she took off, flitting playfully between the focused trainers.
Mustard watched Trixie with a faint, knowing smirk. For a moment, the trainers managed to maintain their focus, undeterred by the playful Emolga's presence. But Trixie, determined and curious, zipped closer to them, tilting her head and letting out a curious and adorable "Emol?"
Jake let out a sigh, a mix of amusement and mild exasperation at his attention-seeking Emolga. Trixie's charm was undeniable, and it wasn't long before one of the trainers, a girl with a Bulbasaur, finally broke her focus, unable to resist Trixie's cuteness.
One by one, the other trainers also succumbed, their disciplined stances giving way to smiles and laughter, all except for the girl with the dark ponytail and her Kubfu. She continued her battle stances, refusing to be distracted.
Mustard watched Trixie's disruption with an amused twinkle in his eye. He let the moment last a little longer before finally calling a halt. "Alright, let's take a break," he declared, bringing the session to a pause. His attention then shifted to Jake. "Remember, strength isn't the only trait a Pokémon possesses. The most successful trainers consider all aspects of their Pokémon's nature, including their appearance," he advised.
The old man breathed deeply and addressed him. "So, a stranger enters our dojo," he said, his tone welcoming yet curious.
The other students, that were not distracted by Trixie, started paying attention to Jake now, including the ponytailed girl, curious at the new arrival.
"Err, Master Mustard, I was recommended by Nurse Joy to meet with you," Jake began.
Mustard, however, seemed to be examining Jake with a thoughtful gaze, almost as if he were looking through him. He nodded to himself, a small smile playing on his lips, giving the impression of being lost in his own thoughts rather than fully listening to Jake.
Mustard cut Jake off abruptly. "We're having a Pokémon battle," he announced, his eyes fierce with determination.
The students around them paused, their expressions unfazed. This was obviously typical Mustard.
"Talk is easy. It's only through battle that we truly understand each other,"
Jake looked around, sighing resignedly as another inescapable situation sunk in. "Of course, my first trainer battle would be with a former league champion, what else was I expecting?".