POV – JAKE
As Jake followed Mustard into the dojo, he couldn't help but be impressed by the meticulous care evident in its upkeep. The interior was spacious and spotlessly clean, yet every inch bore the unmistakable marks of rigorous training. The wooden floors were scuffed in places, marks of countless footfalls and battles, both human and Pokémon.
The dojo was a blend of traditional and modern. On one side, there were heavy bags and sparring mats, clearly well-used but in good condition. On the opposite side, Jake noticed more specialised equipment: balance beams, agility ladders, and even a small area with sand for footwork training. It was apparent that this space was designed for both Pokémon and humans to train together, though Jake could see that the facilities seemed particularly well-suited for fighting-type Pokémon.
As they walked, Mustard, still clad in his light green tracksuit that seemed to mirror his lively spirit. "This place, my boy, is my passion project," he said, his voice full of warmth and pride. "After years on the Pokémon battles circuit, I wanted to create a space where I could pass on my knowledge and experience to a new generation of trainers."
Mustard's stringy hair bobbed slightly as he walked, but his posture was straight and his steps were firm, exuding an air of understated strength. He gestured broadly at the dojo around them. "Here, we focus on the art of Pokémon battle, the connection between trainer and Pokémon. It's about synergy, understanding, and respect."
"Let's get your Pokémon sorted out, lad," Mustard said, leading the way. "We're training hard every day here, and it's normal to pick up a few bumps and bruises along the way. Running to the PokéCenter for every little scrape just wouldn't do, so I've arranged something more convenient with Nurse Joy." As he spoke, Mustard gestured towards a corner of the room where a Chansey was meticulously tending to a small, well-equipped medical station.
Jake and Mustard handed over their pokeballs to the Chansey, the plump, pink creature with a kind and gentle expression. It wore an apron, giving it a nurse-like appearance. Its round eyes were attentive and caring as it efficiently organised the items on the medical stand.
"Chansey!" the pink blob greeted cheerily as it took Jake's pokéballs. Observing the Chansey work with such independence, Jake was struck by a realisation. 'Incredible,' he thought, 'how some Pokémon, like Chansey, are capable of such complex tasks.' The sight of the Chansey, efficiently managing its station with such skill and care, another example of the remarkable intelligence that many Pokémon possessed, which was not to be underestimated. Knowing that Trixie was in capable hands, Jake finally allowed himself to relax.
Continuing their tour, Mustard led Jake through the well-equipped dojo, pointing out the various training areas. As they walked, Mustard casually mentioned, "I trained a champion here once, Leon. A fiery one, but sadly not the brightest, I'm still not quite sure how he managed to find his way to it in all honesty. He never did complete his training with me. He also never defeated me, so I suppose technically, I'm still the best," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Jake, intrigued, asked, "What types of Pokémon do you usually train here, Master Mustard?"
"Oh, we have a variety, but there's a special place in my heart for fighting types," Mustard replied, gesturing around the dojo. "I used to run a Fighting gym in Stow-on-Side. But I've since travelled the world, seen all sorts of Pokémon, not all. This dojo is the culmination of that experience."
Jake's thoughts turned to his own goals. "Have you been to Sinnoh, by any chance?"
"Ah, Sinnoh. I spent a good deal of time at the Battle Zone and around Veilstone City," he said. "They have a reputable fighting gym there. And the Pokémon! Lucario, for instance, a powerful fighting-type. Always regretted not having the chance to catch one myself."
Mustard paused. "You know lad, for some Pokémon, especially the more powerful or rare ones, you need to earn their respect and trust before you even think about catching them. Trying to catch a Pokémon without this mutual understanding, you can, and some do but... it's disrespectful, and often leads to a bad end for both the Pokémon and the trainer."
Mustard shook his head. "You see, I've always been bothered by trainers who rush into catching Pokémon without building a bond first. It's something I emphasise a lot here in the dojo - the importance of respect for Pokémon. Sure, battling is a thrill, and I love it, but the real joy comes from the bond and partnership it fosters between a Pokémon and its trainer. That's the heart of true training, that is how you become strong."
Jake nodded thoughtfully. 'Mustard's perspective... it has some similarities to Ash's in a way,' he mused internally, 'though with a stronger emphasis on the training and battling aspects.' Jake certainly respected that viewpoint.
"And how would one go about traveling to a place as far as Sinnoh from here?" he asked.
Mustard, leaning against a training dummy, seemed to ponder the question for a moment. "Well, lad, traveling such long distances isn't a simple task," he began. "Much of the world, particularly in the more remote areas, are teeming with wild Pokémon. Many are not documented, and can be quite formidable, making such journeys very expensive to those without strong Pokemon."
'So that's how it is,' he reflected. The idea of navigating a world where seas and skies were home to dragons and other formidable Pokémon suddenly put things into perspective. It made sense now why such journeys weren't commonplace. Even with modern technology, the risks and challenges were substantial. And the cost of such an expedition, he realised, would be beyond the reach of most people.
"And how did you become the Mayor of Applinby?" Jake queried, curious.
Mustard chuckled. "That's a story for another time, but let's just say I wanted to retire, be away from the spotlight. A champion is given a lot of leeway, and I knew that this was the perfect place to do just that."
"Well lad, lunch should be ready now, I am sure Honey has prepared quite the spread, she really is the most fabulous chef."
Mustard's words were followed by a warm, inviting aroma as he led Jake towards what appeared to be the living quarters of the dojo. They entered a cozy room dominated by a large dining table laden with an array of dishes. The variety of food was impressive, ranging from hearty stews to fresh salads, all laid out in an inviting display.
Standing near the table was a woman with a welcoming smile, her presence exuding a sense of warmth and hospitality. "Ah, here she is. Jake, meet my wife, Honey," Mustard introduced her.
Honey, with her brown hair tied back neatly and a light apron adorning her attire, extended a hand towards Jake. Her demeanour was both elegant and approachable, a contrast to her reputed background that Jake recalled from the games. 'Wasn't she a CEO of a trading firm?' he thought, quite the move from high-powered career to a dojo matron. Jake recalled she was also a powerful Pokemon trainer, with Pokemon from all over the world in her team.
Honey's warm smile welcomed Jake as she greeted him, "It's lovely to have you here at the dojo, Jake. Please, make yourself comfortable." Her voice was inviting, making Jake feel at ease in the new environment.
Jake and Mustard took their seats at the large table. Shortly after, they were followed by the four young students, Jake had spied training in the courtyard. They each appeared to be around Jake's age.
"Jake, let me introduce you to our students. First, we have Ciara," Mustard began, indicating the sporty girl he had noted earlier. Ciara certainly caught the attention. Dark brown hair pulled back into a high ponytail, emphasised an athletic build and a deep tan. Ciara's eyes, a startling shade of amber, not an eye colour found on Earth, held a piercing gaze that seemed almost as if they were trying to burn a hole right through Jake. She nodded slowly at him, but coldly.
"This is Siobhan," he continued, indicating a girl with vibrant orange hair and soft green eyes. She gave Jake a tentative, yet friendly, smile. There was something about her that felt familiar to him.
"You wouldn't happen to know Symington, by any chance?" Jake asked.
Siobhan's eyes widened in mild surprise, a shy but genuine smile forming on her lips. "Oh, uh, yes," she stammered softly, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. "He's my uncle." She gave a small, self-conscious laugh, touching her bright orange hair. "I guess my hair kind of gives it away, doesn't it?" As she spoke, her smile became a bit more assured. Jake returned her smile, finding a sense of kindness in the nice girl's demeanour.
Seemingly needing no introduction, bright blue hair shining. Jab stepped closer to Jake. "Hey there, I'm Jab," he said with a grin that seemed permanently etched on his face. "And this is my cousin Bab. We're the unofficial welcoming committee."
Bab, not to be outdone. "We try to keep things lively around here. Can't let all this training take the fun out of everything, you know?" His red hair fiery.
Jake smirked a little, they reminded him of some of his friends back on Earth - always ready with a joke, not too concerned with the serious side of life.
"Nice to meet you both," Jake replied with a chuckle. The bright, unusual hair colours were something he had noticed about this world - so different from Earth. 'Blue and red hair, just naturally like that,' he mused, 'never ceases to amaze.'
"You really shouldn't listen to these two." the dark-haired girl, Ciara said dismissively. "They will just infect you with their bad habits."
"Hey! We only have good intentions. You just take things way too seriously." Jab jabbed at Ciara.
Her amber eyes narrowed slightly. "Hard work and dedication are what bring success, not just fooling around. When was the last time either of you actually won a battle?" she countered.
Jab and Bab exchanged a quick glance, usual confidence wavering. "Well, you know," Jab started, "winning isn't the only measure of a trainer."
"It's all about the journey, not just the destination," Bab added,
Ciara crossed her arms, gaze piercing. "This dojo is about discipline and progress, not fun and games."
Jab, unfazed, gestured animatedly. "Who says you can't train hard and play hard?"
Bab nodded solemnly, "It is the way."
"As long as your 'philosophy' includes some actual training." Ciara said seriously. Jake had the sense that Ciara tended to be serious, often.
Siobhan stepped in with a gentle voice, cutting through the growing tension. "Let's not argue, guys. The food is getting cold."
'Ah, and here is the peacemaker,' Jake thought, a small smile to himself.
As they all settled around the table, the lively atmosphere of the dojo seemed to converge into a warm, communal feeling. Jab and Bab took seats next to each other, banter continuing with each other, jokes and playful nudges, seemingly in their own world. Siobhan, still shy, sat quietly opposite Jake, with occasional glances at him. Ciara, on the other hand, maintained her intense gaze on Jake, her expression still carrying a hint of cold scrutiny. Jake thought about the Kubfu he had seen by her side earlier. He supposed that Mimikyu were likely the antithesis of most fighting type Pokemon, which did not help her mood.
As they began to eat, Mustard turned to him. "So, Jake, what brings you to our little corner of the world?" he asked
"Well, before our impromptu battle earlier, Nurse Joy in town suggested I seek your advice." Jake paused, gathering his thoughts. "I've been lost in the woods for the past few days, and to be honest, my memory of events before that is pretty hazy."
The table fell into a brief silence, the others' expressions turning to concern. Siobhan's eyes widened slightly, while Honey's face showed a mix of shock and sympathy.
Mustard nodded. "Ah, teleportation events. They're rare, but not unheard of. It's one of the reasons I'm not too fond of psychic type Pokémon," he said.
Jake listened intently nodding as he processed Mustard's words. The notion of teleportation events in this world, albeit infrequent, offered a plausible, albeit partially true, explanation for his sudden and unexplained arrival. It was a convenient theory that aligned somewhat with the reality of his situation, even if it didn't capture the full extent of the extraordinary circumstances that brought him to this world.
"Yeah, that's probably it, though it's kinda hard to put my finger on. The whole thing just feels random, you know?" Jake said hesitantly.
Jake's story unfolded as he shared his experiences since arriving in this unfamiliar world. He recounted how after finding himself alone in the woods, with no clear memory of how he got there. The only thing he could do was follow a nearby creek, hoping it would lead him to civilisation
Jake talked about the encounters with Trixie and Jekyll, who had each become crucial companions on his unexpected journey. "It's been quite an adventure, to say the least," Jake said. "I probably would not have survived without them."
Honey, who had been listening attentively throughout Jake's account, chimed in with a warm and understanding smile. "You've certainly been through a lot, but you've shown remarkable resilience to make it this far," she said.
Mustard nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's a good thing you ended up here in Applinby. We'll do what we can to help you find your way. Honey and I have quite a few contacts; we'll reach out and see if there's been any report of a missing person." He paused, then added, "You do seem to be Galarian, which is promising."
A sense of guilt washed over him. He knew any search for a missing person in this world would be fruitless – the report they'd be looking for didn't exist here. Yet he couldn't find the words to reveal this truth. "Thank you, both of you," he said, a bit conflicted. "I really appreciate your help," he added knowing their well-intentioned efforts would inevitably lead to a dead end.
Mustard's expression then shifted. "I saw the bond you have with your Pokémon during our battle. It's clear you have potential, Jake." He leaned back slightly. "Why not stay at the dojo for a while? Get your bearings, train a bit. There's nothing to lose in learning more about Pokémon and honing your skills."
Ciara, had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up, her tone laced with a hint of objection. "But we barely know him, Master Mustard. And he has a ghost Pokémon..." Her voice trailed off, but her concern was evident.
Mustard nodded, acknowledging her point. "True, bonding with a ghost Pokémon like Jekyll is no simple feat. It requires strength of character and a deep understanding," he said. "That is exactly what we cultivate here."
Jake leaned back, mulling over Mustard's proposition. The opportunity to learn from a former champion was a rare privilege, one that few could boast of. The realities of travel in this world – the challenges and the costs involved seemed to point him towards a clear path, stirring a mix of emotions within him. On one hand, he felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of living out what had once been only a dream. On the other hand, a tinge of sadness lingered at the thought of his family back home, missing him and unreachable across the chasm of worlds. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the present. "One step at a time," he reminded himself silently.
"Master Mustard, I'd like to discuss your offer with my Pokémon, if that's alright?" Jake asked respectfully. "Your offer is very generous, and I'm grateful, but I feel my Pokémon should have a say in this decision too."
Mustard nodded approvingly. "That's a wise approach, lad," he responded. "Take your time."
Jake thanked Mustard, and Honey, making his way back to where Chansey was stationed. The pink Pokémon handed him his Pokéballs with a cheerful "Chansey!" and he nodded his thanks, clipping them back onto his belt. Stepping out of the dojo, Jake found himself in the expansive courtyard, the sea breeze greeting him with its refreshing touch.
He walked towards the edge of the courtyard, where a low wall encircled the area, a safety measure against the steep drop to the sea below. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a brilliant shimmer across the ocean's surface. The salty tang of the sea air mingled with the fresh scents of the surrounding nature.
As he leaned against the wall, Jake's gaze swept across the landscape. Below, the quaint town of Applinby lay spread out. The Fields of Honor, where he had first entered the town, stretched out, a patchwork of greens and browns interspersed with the occasional distant Pokémon moving about.
His eyes followed the winding path of the river as it made its way to the sea, its waters merging with the vast blue expanse. For a moment, Jake allowed himself to simply breathe in the beauty of it all, feeling a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind of his recent experiences.
Standing at the edge of the world, or so it felt to Jake, he gazed out at the endless expanse of ocean stretching before him. The vastness of the sea represented the true enormity of the Pokémon world.
"I suppose Kalos should approximately be in that direction," he mused, the Pokémon world's counterpart to France. How did the rest of this world's Europe look? Were there regions and Pokémon he had never even heard of?
Jake's eyes drifted skyward, to the clear blue expanse above. Somewhere up there, Rayquaza soared through the stratosphere. He chuckled to himself; in this world, he was probably the one of the only humans who knew about its existence.
Jake released Trixie from her Pokéball, she appeared on the ground, usual vivacious spirit dimmed. Her small body seemed to sag, a disappointment weighing heavily on her. Her eyes, usually full of life and curiosity, were downcast.
Approaching her cautiously, Jake knelt down, bringing himself to her level. "Hey, Trixie," he started gently, trying to catch her gaze. "It's okay, you know. That battle wasn't your fault. It was on me—I called the wrong moves."
Trixie looked up, her large eyes meeting Jake's, a soft "Emol..." escaping her.
"That Mienfoo we faced was experienced, much more than either of us," Jake continued, his voice soothing. "Remember how well you did against the Scolipede? You were amazing there. We're both young, we're learning. We'll get better together."
Trixie's ears drooped, her tiny paws fidgeting as she absorbed Jake's words. She let out a quiet "Emol, mol..." as if she was struggling with her own sense of inadequacy.
Jake reached out, gently stroking her head. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Trixie. Battles are as much about learning as they are about winning. We're a team, and we'll support each other, no matter what."
Trixie's eyes shimmered with unshed tears; emotions palpable. She leaned into Jake's touch, a soft "Emol..." murmuring from her.
Jake embraced Trixie gently, feeling her small body trembling with emotion. "We've learned a lot from that battle, haven't we?" he said softly. "The only way to get better is to keep practicing. And that's exactly what we'll do."
Trixie gazed up at him, her eyes showing a hint of her usual spark. "Emol, emol!" she chirped.
"And remember how far you've come already," Jake said, "You were afraid of heights, couldn't even get off the ground but look at you now, soaring like it's nothing."
"And we made it here, to Applinby, together," he continued. "That's a huge achievement, Trixie."
Deciding to lighten the mood further, he playfully tickled her under her wings. Her cheeks sparked in response, sending a small jolt of electricity through Jake's fingers. He winced slightly, but his smile remained. "Guess I'm getting used to that," he thought bemusedly.
Trixie, now fully back to her mischievous, playful self, nuzzled Jake affectionately, her eyes twinkling with joy. "Emol, emol!" she chirped.
Jake's heart swelled with affection for his little partner. "That's the Trixie I know," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Ready to take on the world again?"
Trixie responded with a cheery "Emol!" and a playful flap of her wings.
Jake stood up, brushing the dirt off his knees. "Alright, Trixie, we've got a decision to make," he said, watching as Trixie fluttered up from his hands, circling once before settling comfortably on his shoulder. With a touch, he released Jekyll from his Pokéball.
Jekyll materialised, its gazes turning to Jake. "Mimi, Kyu!" it greeted, resentment and confusion evident in its tone. Jake noticed Jekyll's gaze lingering on Trixie, an unreadable expression, the Pokémon's feelings towards the Emolga no doubt still complex.
"Listen, you two," Jake started, voice firm yet gentle. "Trixie, I want you to thank Jekyll. He stood up for you in that battle."
Trixie turned her head towards Jekyll, a soft "Emol?" escaping her lips, tone uncertain yet grateful.
Jekyll, for his part, seemed taken aback. His usual hostility towards Trixie waning as he tried to process the Emolga's gesture. "Kyu?" it responded, the sound betraying a hint of surprise.
Jake gathered both Trixie and Jekyll closer. "So, I've been thinking," he began, "Master Mustard has offered us a place at the Master Dojo to train. It's a big opportunity, and I think it's the best place for us to learn how to be better trainers and Pokémon."
Trixie's ears perked up at the mention of training. "Emol!" she chirped enthusiastically, clearly excited by the prospect.
Jekyll's response was more subdued but no less affirmative. "Mimi, Kyu," it agreed in a tone that suggested loyalty to Jake's decision. There was a sense of resolve in its posture, a willingness to follow wherever Jake led.
"Good," Jake nodded, pleased with the small progress. "We stick together, we train together, and we grow stronger together. That's how we'll make our way in this world."
Jake's pulled both Pokémon into a gentle hug. Trixie nuzzled into Jake's neck, her tiny hands patting him gently, while Jekyll, though initially stiff, slowly relaxed into the embrace.
As they broke apart, Jake's eyes were resolute. "Alright then, let's do this. Together, we'll become the best we can be."