Estimated Reading Time: 18 Minutes

The Clone

Ness and Nate were playing League together.

[- Nate

On call

Nate: "Hey, let's go get Shelly."

Ness: "Not a good idea."

Nate: "Why not? The jungler is bot."

Ness: "You fed the top laner. What if he comes and kills both of us?"

Nate: "Nah, it'll be fiiine."

Ness: "Dude, no."

Nate: "It's ok, we got this!"

Ness: *Sighs* "Fine."

The two made their way to Rift Herald and started attacking her. The enemy top laner came down to interrupt. The top laner Urgot was standing his ground. He almost beat both of them, but their mid laner Ryze came to the rescue and killed the enemy Urgot.

[- Nate

On call

Nate: "Fuck yeah!"

Ness: "Did not expect my team to help us."

Nate: "Trust."

Ness: "No, the Ryze has been an idiot all game."

Nate: "Hey, but he saved our asses just now."

Ness: "Yeah, I'm shocked."

Nate: "Hahaha! Don't be pissy, bro. We got this."

Ness: "I'm not pissy."

Nate: "You kind of are."

Ness: *Sighs* "Sorry, we lost twice in a row. I'm a bit agitated."

Nate: "We can always take a break if you want."

Ness: "No!"

Nate: "Gee, ok."

The game went on for fourty minutes and they almost won, but in the end, they couldn't assert their dominance.

[- Nate

On call

Nate: "Damn. Oh well. Wanna take a break?"

Ness: "No…"

Nate: "Let's take a break."

Ness: "I'm good to keep going."

Nate: (Nah, he's definitely upset. I gotta end this.) "I'm not. I wanna chat instead."

Ness: "But-

Nate: "Nah let's just chill for a minute and then we can keep going. Take a breather ya know. I need it."

Ness: "Since it's for you, fine."

Nate: "So, when's smash's next big tournament?"

Ness: "No tournaments this year."

Nate: "Why?"

Ness: "Lots of deaths. We lost Palutena and a bunch of Pokemon."

Nate: "Riiight…"

Ness: "I know, it's sad. I wish things ended differently."

Nate: "Shit, I'm sorry."

Ness: "There's graves of them. It's a sad sight, so I don't want to go there."

Nate: "I don't blame you."

Ness: "I think Sakurai is trying to code new characters in the game."

Nate: "Who's Sakurai?"

Ness: "The guy that created Smash."

Nate: "Oh shit!"

Ness: "Yeaaaah, the smash tournaments in the material world has been canceled. People don't know what's going on. I don't think Sakurai knows either. Suddenly certain video game characters disappeared from the roster."

Nate: "Is there a way they can come back?"

Ness: "No. They'll program a new character with their memories and say it's the same, but it's not."

Nate: "Is it like being factory reset?"

Ness: "It's more like a clone."

Nate: "So like me?"

Ness: "Yeah. A clone with the original's old memories."

Nate: "That's weird."

Ness: "At least that's what I've read in a book. I'm not actually sure."

Nate: "Well at least it's an answer for something."

Ness: "All I know is, this year's tournament is canceled."

Nate: "So then what're you planning to do this year?"

Ness: "Get a job."

Nate: "No luck yet, huh?"

Ness: "No."

Nate: "Hasn't it been a week?"

Ness: "It has! Argh! I should go there today."

Nate: "Good idea. I'm going to work soon anyway."

Ness: "It's so late."

Nate: "I'm a closer."

Ness: "That's so you."

Nate: "I wish you were here. We could be closing together almost every night."

Ness: "I'd rather work during the day."

Nate: "Nah, you're a night owl like me."

Ness was about to say something, but he heard water running. He turned around and saw Lucky pissing on his bed.

[- Nate

On call

Ness: "Lucky, no!"

Nate: "Uh oh. What'd he do?"

Ness: "He… Ugh! He pissed on my bed."

Nate: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Luckyyy..."

Nate: "Alright, while you deal with that, I'm gonna get ready for work. See you later, loser."

Ness: "See ya…"

Ness stood over Lucky.

Lucky: "Es." (Hi.)

Ness: "Lucky, c'mon, are you serious? Why would you do that on the bed?"

Lucky ignored him and licked his paw.

Ness pointed his finger at Lucky's face.

Ness: "Bad!"

Lucky flinched and gave Ness a sad look.

Ness: "Stop. I know what you're doing."

Lucky: "Espii…"

Ness struggled to stand his ground. He gave in and started petting his Pokemon.

Ness: "I can't stay mad at you…"

Lucky: "Espi!"

Ness grabbed his blankets and sheets and made his way over to the smash laundry room. Luckily for him since he's a smasher, so it was free. He set a timer and headed straight for the PokeDayCare Center.

He entered the place. It looked like a nice hotel lobby. He went up to the receptionist.

Receptionist: "Hi, how can I help you?"

Ness: "Oh yes, I applied to work here a week ago."

Receptionist: "What's your name?"

Ness: "Ness Loch."

The receptionist tapped away at her computer.

Receptionist: "Ah Ness Loch. Sorry that we didn't contact you. Let me call my manager."

Ness: "No problem~"

The receptionist made a call and told her manager to come here for an interview.

Receptionist: "He's coming."

Ness: "Thank you~"

Ness sat on a nice couch and waited. He saw an old man approach him. They shook hands and he introduced himself.

Event: Interview Start!

Manager: "Hi, I'm Professor Oak."

Ness: "Hello, I'm Ness. Nice to meet you."

Prof. Oak: "Sorry that I haven't contacted you. I've been busy." *Scratches the back of his head*

Ness: "It's ok. I understand."

Prof. Oak: "Ok, let's start this interview, shall we?"

Ness: "Ok!"

Prof. Oak: "So, what made you want to work here?"

Ness: "Well… I really love Pokemon and I believe working here will teach me a lot about them."

Prof. Oak: O-ho-ho~ Yes, here at the PokeDayCare Center you will be learning lots about different types of Pokemon."

Ness: "Yes! I want to get to know each individual Pokemon and spend time with them everyday. It sounds exciting and fun."

Prof. Oak: "Spending time with Pokemon is incredibly fun. However, they do have dangerous powers and each is unique. You will have to approach each of them differently. Some are easier than others. Do you think you can handle it?"

Ness: "Yes! Don't worry, I'm good at adapting. I will make sure to keep notes and create an organized routine as I learn more about the job."

Prof. Oak: "I can tell by looking at you that you're a planner."

Ness: "First thing I do in the morning is check my calendar to make sure I haven't missed anything."

Prof. Oak: "I love that!"

Ness: "Thanks~"

Prof. Oak: "I see that you are an organized fellow, but here at the PokeDayCare Center, patience is our number one priority when it comes to skill. Dealing with a bunch of Pokemon at the same time can be frustrating. How do you deal with stress?"

Ness: "When frustrated, I like to take a break and meditate."

Prof. Oak: "Ah yes, meditation is a good source of stress relief. I also recommend stretching."

Ness: "That's good advice. I will definitely do that."

Lucky got out of his ball and love bombed Professor Oak.

Lucky: "Espiii!"

Prof. Oak: "Oh my! Hello, little one."

Ness: "Lucky!"

Lucky licked the professor's face like crazy. Ness returned Lucky back into his ball.

Prof. Oak: "My what a cute Espeon you have."

Ness: "I'm so sorry."

Prof. Oak: "You don't have to apologize. I see that Pokemon are your passion. You are definitely hired."

Ness: "R-really!"

Prof. Oak: "You made a good impression. Not to mention you own a Pokemon. That shows dedication."

Ness: "You're not upset that my Espeon was misbehaving?"

Prof. Oak: "Of course not! If you're having trouble taming your Espeon, then this job is perfect. You will learn lots of tips once you start working here."

Ness: "Thank you!"

Prof. Oak: "Of course. What's your availability?"

Ness: "Any time except..."

He hesitated. He agreed to meet up with the boys every Thursday. However, now that he has a job he doesn't have to go. Wait, but what about Lucas? He'll be upset. In fact, everyone would be upset. No, he shouldn't.

Ness: "Thursday."

Prof. Oak: "Perfect! Here."

Professor Oak handed Ness his card. It had his phone number and his email.

Prof. Oak: "I have your phone number and email already when you filled out the application. I'll text you."

Ness: "Ok! Thank you!"

Prof. Oak: "Well Mr. Loch, this was an amazing interview. Thank you for your time."

Ness: "Yes to you as well."

He watched Professor Oak leave. A rush of adrenaline hit and he jumped for joy.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Oh! That's his timer going off. His laundry is done. He walked back to the laundry room. He grabbed the door and opened it. The first thing he saw was none other than Leaf.

.

.

.

Ness: "H-hi, Leaf. Um, how's it going?"

Leaf: "..."

She gave him a mean look and continued to shove her clothes into the washer. He thought they were ok now because she commented on his post giving him advice.

He walked up to her and smiled.

Ness: "Hey!"

Leaf: "..."

She continued to ignore him and threw her clothes in faster. When she was done, she slammed the lid and rushed out of there.

He stood there for a minute confused. He thought things were better, but turns out, she still hates him.

He let out a sigh. He threw his sheets and blanket into the dryer and started another timer. He and Lucky went back to his room. He started reading while Lucky started playing with a toy. The Espeon got really into it and demanded Ness to play.

Ness: "Not right now, Lucky. I'm reading."

Lucky: "Espiii!" (No! Me!)

Ness: "You pissed on my bed. I need me time. Not everything has to be about you."

Lucky gave him a pouty look. Ness continued to read his book. The Espeon sadly laid next to his toy and put his head down. Ness saw him from the corner of his eye.

Ness: "Ok fiiine."

He went over to Lucky and grabbed the toy. Lucky perked up. The two were playing keep away. Lucky grabbed the toy using his telekinesis.

Ness: "That's cheating."

Lucky: "Espeon~"

Ness: "You're not the only one with psychic powers~" *Smirks*

Ness grabbed the toy using his telekinetic power. The two started playing psychic tug-of-war. It was cute seeing Lucky try so hard.

Lucky was tugging harder and harder. Oooh! He has some strength in him. This sparked Ness's competitive nature. He ripped the toy out of his grip and started laughing.

Lucky: "Es!"

Ness: "Hahaha! You're weak~"

Lucky pounced on him and started biting his arm.

Ness: "Ow! Ok, ok I'm sorry!"

Lucky continued to attack him.

Ness: "Lucky! Ow! Fine, here!"

He gave the toy back to Lucky. The Pokemon happily grabbed it with his teeth and trotted away.

Knock! Knock!

He flinched. Why is knocking so scary? He got up and checked his peephole. It was Lucas. He smiled and happily opened the door.

Ness: "Hey! What's up?"

Lucas: "Hi! Can I come in?"

Ness: "Of course."

Shy Blonde

He moved aside and Lucas sat on his bed. The two started playing Stardew Valley together.

Ness: "So, how's your day been?"

Lucas: "Boring. I played Street Fighter all day."

Ness: "Boring? But you love Street Fighter."

Lucas: "I dunno. Kind of been feeling depressed."

Ness: "I feel that."

Lucas: "What about you? Also boring?"

Ness: "It started alright until LUCKY decided to pee on my bed."

Lucas and Lucky made eye contact.

Lucas: "Good boy."

Lucky: "Espeon~"

Ness: "What! Hey! You're supposed to be on my side."

Lucas: "Hahahaha!"

Ness: "I hate both of you."

Lucas: "No you don't~"

Ness: "Ya got me."

Lucas: "Anything else?"

Ness: "Oh, so I put my sheets and stuff in the washer. Next I went to PokeDayCare Center and got hired!"

Lucas: "What!"

Ness: "I got the job!"

Lucas: "That's amazing! When do you start?"

Ness: "Uh, I'm not sure. The Professor said he's going to text me. I'm a little nervous because what if he forgets and he schedules me, but I don't know, so I don't show up and I get fired."

Lucas: "You're over thinking it."

Ness: "You think?"

Lucas: "You always do."

Ness: "B-but-

Lucas: "Shhhh. It's ok. You can always text him back, right?"

Ness took out the card Professor Oak gave him.

Ness: "Yeah."

Lucas: "Then there's nothing to worry about."

Ness: *Sighs* "You're right. Sorry."

Lucas: *Chuckles* "Oh you~"

Ness: "I know. I'm working on it."

Lucas: "Alright, that was the last day of fall. Ready for winter?"

Ness: "Is winter rough?"

Lucas: "A little. The winter crops don't give us a lot of money."

Ness: "That sucks…"

Lucas: "I know. Winter is my least favorite."

Ness: "In general or only in the game?"

Lucas: "In general. I'm more of an autumn guy."

Ness: "What! Winter is awesome!"

Lucas: "Too cold."

Ness: "That's why you bundle up inside."

Lucas: "You would like winter. You hate going outside."

Ness: "True!"

Lucas: "I like autumn walks."

Ness: "What about spring walks?"

Lucas: "It's nice too, but I think I like looking at the pretty autumn leaves more. I dunno, just better aesthetic."

Ness: "You know, I actually agree."

Lucas: "See? Autumn is the best season."

Ness: "Yeah? Nah, winter is still the best."

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Lucas: "What's that for?"

Ness: "Oh, it's my timer to get the clothes out of the dryer."

Lucas: "Are you going right now?"

Ness: "Yeah, I'll be quick."

Lucas: "Ok, I'm gonna keep fishing."

Ness: "If it gets late, can you take my character back home?"

Lucas: "No, I'm gonna watch him pass out."

Ness: "You bitch."

Lucas: "Better hurry~"

Ness smiled and rolled his eyes pretending to be annoyed. He grabbed his laundry basket and went to the laundry room. He saw Leaf grabbing her dry clothes and shoving them in her basket. They locked eyes and she started going faster. Ness didn't bother with small talk. He went over to his dryer and did the same.

She was done first. She quickly walked out of there and slammed the door behind her. This is so painfully awkward. How many times is he going to bump into her?

He was able to get his stuff in his basket. He was about to take a step, but he noticed she forgot one of her skirts. He was afraid to pick it up. He took out his phone and texted her. However, his message didn't go through because she blocked him. Go figure.

He scanned the area and didn't see a lost and found box anywhere. It's just a skirt. He's sure she has more. He walked past it and was about to open the door, but then he felt guilty. It's a cute skirt, what if someone takes it?

He grabbed her skirt and put it on one of the tables. He saw a sticky note pad and a marker. He wrote a note saying: This is Leaf's don't touch. People might still steal it, but at least hopefully this note will make them feel hesitant. With that, he left the laundry mat and went back to his room.

Lucas: "Your character passed out."

Ness: "Asshole."

Lucas: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Pause it. Help me fix my bed."

Lucas: "Fine."

Lucas helped Ness put the sheets back. When they were done they plopped on his bed. The new sheets felt clean and it was still warm.

Ness: "This feels great."

Lucas: "Guess it's a good thing that Lucky wet the bed, huh?"

Ness: "Yes and no. It's bittersweet, but as of right now, it feels nice."

Lucky hopped on the bed with them. The two started petting the spoiled Pokemon.

Lucas: "Never thought you'd own a Pokemon."

Ness: "I know, It's weird."

Lucas: "It's crazy that you got an Espeon of all eeveelutions."

Ness: "Hm? Why?"

Lucas: "It's a psychic type like you. What're the odds?"

Ness: "Wow! That is crazy. I never thought about it."

Lucas: "Are you gonna battle with him or is he just a pet?"

Ness: "I don't know."

Lucas: "It'd be cool to see you as a Pokemon Trainer. You already got the style."

Ness: "The newcomers would always ask if I was the legendary Pokemon Trainer Red."

Lucas: "I know. It was funny."

Ness: "I do look like one."

Lucas: "It's the hat."

Ness: "I think it's more than just my hat. It's my entire wardrobe."

Lucas: "True."

Ness: "Speaking of Pokemon Trainers, I have a question."

Lucas: "What's that?"

Ness: "It's about Leaf."