Chapter 10: A Harbour
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. The soft murmur of the river accompanied their steps, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze added to the calm. Trixie, ever restless, often glided off Jake’s shoulder, before she looped back around to her favourite perch.
Trixie pointed towards the small town on the horizon, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Emol!" she chirped; anticipation clear in her voice. Don't forget my reward.
Jake grinned, remembering his earlier promise. In a mock-serious tone, he quipped, "But my dear lady, hasn’t the pleasure of my company been reward enough?"
Trixie’s eyes narrowed playfully as she shot back with a mischievous "Emol!" Nice try, but I expect nothing less than the best.
Jake chuckled at her response. Leaning in closer, he whispered conspiratorially, "Ah, but what if I told you there's more? A surprise, perhaps?"
Trixie's eyes widened, her tail flicking with curiosity. She emoled eagerly. A surprise? Do tell!
Jake shook his head, laughing. "Hmm, but it’s a secret. Think you can keep it, Trix?"
Trixie nodded energetically, her small paws covering her mouth as if sealing the promise. "Emol," she assured him. Your secret's safe with me.
Jake’s eyes gleamed with mischief. Suddenly, he lunged forward, fingers wiggling. "Gotcha!" he declared with glee.
Trixie squealed in surprise, trying to wriggle away while laughing. "Emol, emolga!" she protested between giggles. Tricked again! You’re impossible!
In truth, Jake wasn’t entirely sure what kind of reward to offer Trixie. He figured she’d be happy with some sort of sweet treat, but he wasn't certain if Pokémon in this world appreciated accessories like they did in the games. On Earth, animals didn’t exactly rave about fashion, so why would Pokémon be any different? But then again, there were Pokémon contests. How different were they from dog shows back home? Do dogs even enjoy those shows? Jake's thoughts really were as random as this entire 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.
Suddenly, Jake felt a tug on his shirt—a gentle but persistent pinch. "K-kyu?" It was Jekyll, his wide eyes pleading, Don’t forget about me!
Jekyll was more of a mystery, and Jake often found himself wondering what a Mimikyu even ate. He’d never seen Jekyll touch food. Do Mimikyu eat souls? Isn’t that what ghosts do? And if so, where does one even get souls? Are they sold in bulk at the Poké Mart?
Jake turned to Jekyll with a warm smile. "Hey there, buddy. Didn’t mean to leave you out."
Jekyll’s form quivered slightly under his Pikachu costume, and he murmured a soft, "Mimi, kyu!" as if to say, Your attention should be for no one else but me!
Trixie fluttered over with a playful chirp, "Emol, emolga!" which likely meant, I’d notice you more if you weren’t so quiet all the time.
Jekyll stiffened, his voice taking on a slightly indignant tone, "Kyu, kyu!" which probably translated to, Watch your tongue, insolent one! I am not one to be trifled with!
Jake couldn’t help but chuckle, glancing between them. 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 enough.
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, Jake thought, relieved.
Between him and the town lay a wooden picket fence, a simple boundary separating the wild from the civilised. It stretched across the landscape, more of a symbolic demarcation than a 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.
As Jake neared the fence, his eyes were drawn to a simple wooden farm gate along its length. On the other side, lounging on a wooden chair, presumably as a 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 and head tilted to his chest.
As they got closer, Jake started noticing the details. The man’s large belly stretched the fabric of his khaki uniform, and several red and white Pokéballs were clipped securely to his belt. 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 confirmed Jake's suspicion –—this gatekeeper was sound asleep.
Jake hovered just outside the gate, 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?
He cleared his throat loudly, hoping to stir the man from his slumber. No luck—just the steady rhythm of snoring.
Before Jake could think of his next move, Trixie darted over to the man, her eyes fixated on the hat. She circled it, sniffing and inspecting like a jeweller appraising a rare gem. Then, with a flick of her tiny hands, she swiped the hat, revealing a shock of bright orange hair. Chirping "Emol!" in delight, she held the hat out for Jake to see, clearly proud of her latest find.
At this, the man’s eyes flew open, his face turning a deep shade of red. "Who dares?!" he bellowed, jolting upright so quickly that Jake half-expected him to topple over.
Jake was momentarily speechless as Trixie, startled by the man’s outburst, zipped back to his shoulder, still clutching the hat. With a careful touch, she placed it on Jake’s head, emoling proudly with a thumbs up as if to say, See what I found! Gotta admit, you're looking pretty sharp!
The man’s green eyes, wide with shock from the hat-snatching, locked onto Jake and Trixie. His surprise quickly turned to concern. "By Arceus! You look like you’ve been through the wringer, lad. A bit rough around the edges, aren’t you?"
Jake glanced down at his battered outfit and smirked, "I think I've just redefined casual."
The man snorted at that, but then gave Jake a more discerning once-over, noting his youthful appearance. "You’re not from around here, are you, boy? I’d remember if you were. We don’t see many newcomers. Did you wander in from the Wild Area? How’d you manage that?"
"Sir, I'm happy to share what I know, but could you 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," the man said, nodding. Then, his tone took on a hint of reproach as he turned to Trixie. "But I can’t say the same for your Emolga. It’s just not right to go around taking a man’s hat, you know."
Trixie tilted her head, eyes wide and innocent. "Emol?"
The man tried to keep his stern expression, but as he looked into Trixie’s big eyes, his resolve started to waver. "Well," he stammered, his voice losing its edge, "I guess... I mean, it’s not that big of a deal."
His stern façade continued to crumble as he stared at Trixie, his protest turning into a weak chuckle. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he conceded, "Alright, alright... I suppose exceptions can be made..." Cute was super effective. "But, uh, boy, would you mind returning my hat?"
“I apologise for Trixie, sir, she just likes to play around. Name’s Jake,” he introduced himself, handing the man his hat. The man re-donned it with relish. “And these are my partners, Trixie and Jekyll,” he added, motioning towards his Pokémon.
“Pleased to meet you, Jake and company, circumstances aside,” the man nodded. “Symington, Roger Symington. I’m the Pokémon Ranger assigned to the town of Applinby.”
“Applinby? That doesn’t ring a bell. Where exactly are we, Mr Symington?”
“Just Symington, lad. Everyone calls me that. Are you sure your head’s on straight? I’d expect you to know where you are, considering where you’ve just come from.”
"Uh, it’s a bit of a complicated tale," Jake replied cautiously. He’d been mulling over how to explain his origins, but the right words seemed to escape him. The truth would probably lead to more questions—questions he couldn’t answer. "To be honest, I’m not entirely sure myself. I think I’m lost, but my memory’s a bit fuzzy on the details." He decided amnesia was the safest explanation for now.
“Well, let’s get you into town, lad. We’ll figure it out from there,” Symington said, his voice softening with understanding. He reached for one of the Pokéballs on his belt and tossed it into the air. In a burst of light that momentarily dazzled Jake, the Pokéball opened, revealing its inhabitant.
Jake’s eyes widened as a Mudsdale materialised before him. The Pokémon was enormous, muscles rippling beneath its mud-streaked hide. Its hooves, large and seemingly made of solid rock, thudded heavily against the ground. The Mudsdale’s thick, dreadlocked mane and tail gave it a rugged, powerful look. Having only seen such creatures in games and shows, Jake was awestruck by the sheer size of the real thing.
Noticing Jake’s amazement, Symington chuckled heartily. “Impressive, isn’t she? This here’s 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, making sure he was settled comfortably. “Don’t worry, Bessie’s as gentle as a Skitty. She’ll get you there safe and sound,” Symington reassured him, still smiling.
As Bess started off at a gentle pace, Symington matched her stride, leading them with an unhurried, 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 with warm 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 many people go out into the wild, Symington?” Jake asked, curiosity piqued.
Symington rubbed his chin thoughtfully before replying, “Well, lad, for most folks around here, venturing too far into the wild can be a bit risky. We’ve got our share of wild Pokémon, and not all of them are what you’d call friendly.”
He chuckled, adding, “But we do get the occasional trainer from the mainland, looking for a challenge or to catch some rare Pokémon.”
Jake listened closely, his interest growing with every word.
Symington’s expression grew 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 exactly the best spot for a casual stroll, if you catch my drift. Luckily, they keep their distance from here.”
Jake winced slightly at the mention of the Scolipede hive but kept quiet, prompting Symington to continue.
“But it’s not all bad,” Symington added, his tone brightening. “We’ve got a trainer school right here in town. The young ones sometimes head out on small excursions into the safer parts of the wild. Good learning experience for them.”
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As they walked, the patches of wheat fields gradually gave way to Wooloo farms—a far cry from the sheep farms back on Earth. The landscape was dotted with small herds of the fluffy, sheep-like Pokémon. “Quite adorable, really,” Jake mused as he watched them merrily rolling about in the fields. The larger, horned Dubwool were more measured, calmly grazing among the Wooloo.
“I must say, lad, is your Pikachu okay? I’ve not seen too many with that colour,” Symington asked, glancing over.
Jekyll stiffened at the comment, then tried wagging his tail and twitching his ears. Yeah, still not a Pikachu, Jekyll, Jake thought wryly.
“Uh, right, well, Jekyll here is a rare type of Pikachu… not found in many places,” Jake said awkwardly, not sure what else to say but not wanting to put Symington’s life in danger.
“Mimi, Kyu,” Jekyll rasped, now attempting a little hop. Uh, not helping, buddy.
“Ah, is that right, lad? Two electric types! Must really amp up the excitement!” Symington said jovially, surprisingly convinced by Jekyll’s act.
Jake cringed slightly at the pun but couldn’t resist adding, “Yeah, my brain often short-circuits trying to juggle these two.”
“Ahaha, you get it, lad!” the big man belly-laughed.
As Jake rode into Applinby on Bessie, with Symington strolling cheerfully beside them, the 'town' came into view—a sprawling fishing village with a laid-back, rustic charm.
"You see, lad," Symington began, "Applinby might be the biggest place on Armor, but that’s not saying much. It’s our little capital, in its own way."
The houses, a mix of stone and wood, bore the marks of time and sea, but there was an undeniable warmth to them. Fishing nets hung outside several homes, while small boats rested nearby, their hulls hinting at countless adventures.
It’s like something out of a postcard, Jake thought, taking in the quaint scenery.
The port, Armor Station, was modest, with a few ships swaying gently in the water. Symington chuckled, breaking Jake’s train of thought. "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."
So, not exactly a metropolis, Jake mused, but it’s got its charm. The gentle sway of Bessie’s stride nearly lulled him into relaxation as they continued through the village.
As they strolled through the village, life unfolded around them. Children played in the narrow streets, their laughter echoing off the walls. Their eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of Jake’s Pokémon, particularly Trixie. "Look, an Emolga!" one child squealed with delight. "It’s so cute!" another chimed in, faces beaming.
Trixie, ever curious, glanced around, her cheeks puffing up slightly as she basked in the attention, her tiny wings fluttering with pride. Jekyll, on the other hand, shot a resentful glare at the child who dared to shower Trixie with praise. Why does she always get the spotlight? he seemed to grumble.
Amidst the human residents, Pokémon mingled freely. Jake noticed Yamper and Wooloo trotting about, their presence as common as the Wingull and Pidove overhead. Occasionally, a Growlithe or Rockruff scampered by alongside their owners.
As they continued, Symington pointed out toward the open fields they had just crossed. "That there’s the Fields of Honor. You took the scenic route, lad."
But what really caught Jake’s eye was a striking building that could only be a dojo. Its traditional architecture, with a mustard-yellow roof, stood out against the village backdrop, like something straight out of Johto. "Ah, that’s our pride and joy," Symington said, catching 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."
It was clear this was a place where everyone knew each other. As they passed by, several locals greeted Symington with good-natured teasing. "Off from your nap, Symington?" one called out with a laugh. Symington shot back with a grin, "Just taking a break to show our new friend around. Can’t wait to get back to it, though!"
When they arrived at the Pokémon Center, Jake took in the small but well-kept building. It was unassuming, but the iconic Pokémon Center sign glowed softly in the coastal light. Symington, with his usual 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 said gratefully.
“Don’t worry, lad! Get yourself back on your feet. I’m sure we’ll cross paths again soon,” Symington replied cheerfully.
Leaving Jake in front of the Center, Symington waved goodbye, his figure soon blending back into the village. Jake stood for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds of Applinby—the salty tang of the sea, the cries of Wingull, and the gentle crash of waves.
With a deep breath, Jake stepped through the automatic doors of the Pokémon Center. The interior was a cozy blend of modern convenience. The walls were painted in soothing pastels, and the floor had a clean, polished look.
To his left, a small shop displayed neatly stocked shelves of 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, with a few comfortable chairs arranged around a low table. The place felt more like a community centre than a sterile hospital.
At the desk, Nurse Joy, with her trademark pink hair and welcoming smile, was busy with paperwork. Behind her, a couple of Chansey moved about with quiet efficiency, tending to their tasks.
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 with an air of trying to be professional.
Jake couldn’t help but smile at the sweet creature. The Happiny gestured with its small hands, indicating he should follow. Understanding, 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 return your Pokémon to their Poké Balls so I can take them to our scanning facility,” Nurse Joy replied, 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, 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 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 blushed slightly under her scrutiny; Nurse Joy was a pretty woman.
Meanwhile, Trixie, ever the explorer, had wandered off, distracted by the cute Happiny. Soon enough, they were chirping and hopping around each other, lost in their own little world.
Jekyll, however, remained perched stoically on Jake’s shoulder, eyeing Nurse Joy with an unmistakably protective intensity.
“Well, physically, you seem okay. But you don’t have Poké Balls for them?” Nurse Joy asked, still examining him.
“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 to the shopkeeper. “Marvin, could we get this young man a couple of Poké Balls and some fresh clothes? He’s had quite the ordeal.”
The shopkeeper, who had been listening in, nodded empathetically. “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 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 the shower facilities. While you freshen up, I’ll take a look at your Pokémon." She gestured toward the shopkeeper. "Marvin will bring you some fresh clothes."
Marvin, the shopkeeper, approached with two Poké Balls and a bundle of clothes. "Here you go, son," he said warmly, handing them over.
Jake accepted them gratefully and turned to Trixie and Jekyll. "Looks like we need to use these Poké Balls, guys," he said gently. Trixie inspected the Poké Ball with wide, curious eyes.
Nurse Joy couldn’t help but coo at Trixie’s adorableness. "Oh, what a sweet Emolga," she said, her smile widening.
Jake gave Trixie a wink and gently tapped her head with the Poké Ball. Surprised, Trixie let out a quick Emol! before being swiftly enclosed within the Poké Ball with a soft click.
“Mimi, kyu…” Jekyll was far less enthusiastic. The Mimikyu bristled at the sight of the Poké Ball, reluctance radiating from him. He glared at Nurse Joy, not happy with the idea of being away from Jake even for 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 naming Jekyll’s true species.
Jekyll’s animosity didn’t wane, his eyes fixed intently on Nurse Joy. That’s when a Chansey, sensing the tension, waddled over. It addressed Jekyll with a series of gentle but firm Chansey sounds, its tone authoritative. The conversation, though a mystery to Jake, seemed effective. Jekyll relaxed slightly.
Relieved, Jake gently encouraged Jekyll into the Poké Ball. “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 Poké Ball with a soft click.
Nurse Joy nodded in approval, her experience 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, Nurse Joy spoke slowly, “That’s a really dangerous Pokémon, kid. I’m not one to judge, but you should be careful. Those Pokémon 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, expression sad, but now with respect. “You’ve got a kind heart, Jake. We’ll take good care of him here. Now, why don’t you go freshen up? Your Pokémon will be ready for you once you’re done.”
As she spoke, Happiny waddled over to Jake, gently tugging at his sleeve to lead him toward the shower.
These people are so kind, Jake thought, feeling a warmth spread through him. He knew this was the ethos of Pokémon Centers, but experiencing it firsthand filled him with hope.
Standing under the shower, Jake let the hot water cascade over him, soothing the aches and pains that had 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 now found himself in—different, unfamiliar, but thankfully equipped with modern amenities. He did not want to think what could have happened if he had been dropped into some war-torn fantasy world, like the ones he’d read about in stories of other protagonists. Ah, there I am, thinking of myself as some kind of main character, he mused. Get real, Jake.
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.
It wasn’t just the feasibility of the idea that made him hesitate. 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 even if he tried to leave, Jekyll wouldn’t let him go easily. He couldn’t bring himself to abandon either of them. It was a dilemma that weighed heavily on him.
Deep down, Jake longed to see his family again or at least send them a message to let them know he was okay. But how could he pursue that desire without abandoning the bonds he had formed here?
Resting his forehead against the cool tiles of the shower wall, Jake's thoughts swirled. "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 filled with uncertainties. And it wasn’t his only option.
"Maybe I could try to find Cosmog in Alola," he mused. If I’m in another dimension, much like the storyline of Pokémon Sun & Moon, that could work. Besides, he had always wanted to go to Hawaii. Now he could, with the added bonus of Pokémon.
Feeling somewhat refreshed, Jake dried himself off and donned fresh clothes—a light grey shirt, dark trousers with a belt, and a white hoodie. With a deep sense of relief, he left the shower and took a seat in the waiting room.
“Happi, Happi?” the Happiny from earlier waddled over to Jake, possibly asking if he needed anything or just being friendly.
Jake grinned, gently petting its small head. “Thanks, Happiny. Could you check with Nurse Joy for an update?”
“Happi!” Happiny chirped happily before trotting off.
“Jake, I’m pleased to say both of your Pokémon are in perfect health,” Nurse Joy said, approaching with a tray holding two Poké Balls.
“That’s great to hear, Nurse Joy. I really can’t thank you enough for all your kindness,” Jake replied gratefully, taking the Poké Balls and clipping them to his belt.
“Oh, and before you go, I’ve taken the liberty of registering you for a temporary Pokémon License,” Nurse Joy added with a warm smile. “Please pose!”
“Wha—?” Jake barely had time to react before Nurse Joy quickly snapped a photo, catching him mid-blink with a surprised expression.
A moment later, she handed him a small card with his name and a rather goofy headshot on it. “Here you go!”
Jake sighed as he examined the card. The details were sparse—just his name and his hometown, which, to his mild confusion, was listed as Applinby. “Uh, Nurse Joy, Applinby isn’t my—”
“This isn’t an official Trainer ID,” Nurse Joy interjected kindly, “so you’ll need to be registered properly at some point. But it will let you use most PokéCenter services in the meantime. Oh, and I’ve registered both of your Pokémon to you, so you won’t have to worry about that.”
Jake couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation, even if his temporary license wasn’t quite what he’d imagined. “Thanks, Nurse Joy. I’ll make sure to get things sorted soon.”
“I’m glad to help. If you’re unsure about your next steps, why not visit Master Mustard? He’s usually at the dojo, and if anyone can offer guidance, it’s him.” That sounded like a wise idea. Given his background as a former league champion and someone who had travelled the Pokémon world extensively, Mustard would be the perfect person to advise Jake on his next move.
As Jake stepped out of the Pokémon Center, he paused 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, a blend of sea breeze and the earthy scent of the town.
Once outside, Jake freed Trixie from her Poké Ball 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 was your first time in a Poké Ball?” Jake asked, glancing at Trixie with a curious smile.
Trixie let out a chirpy “Emol, mol!” while playfully hugging herself and shutting her eyes.
“A cozy nap, huh? Guess you won’t be needing me as your pillow anymore,” Jake teased.
Trixie’s eyes flew open, and she protested with a rapid-fire “Emol, emol!”
“Just kidding,” Jake said, laughing at her reaction.
As they walked through the narrow village streets, the charm of Applinby became more apparent. Wooden and stone buildings lined the way, the sound of the ocean providing a constant, soothing backdrop. The path to the Master Dojo led them along the coast, with steps winding up a gentle hill, offering a picturesque view of the sea.
As they made their way, Trixie’s charm didn’t go unnoticed by Applinby’s younger locals. “Look at that Emolga, it’s adorable!” they often exclaimed, their faces lighting up with joy.
Jake couldn’t resist a playful jab. “If only they knew your real personality, eh Trix?” he teased.
Trixie just stuck her tongue out at Jake, basking in the attention.
The path to the Master Dojo was lined with flowering bushes and small trees swaying in the sea breeze, leading Jake to a low, traditional wall that separated the outside world from the focused environment within.
As Jake approached, the dojo’s architecture came into sharper focus. The roof, a striking shade of yellow, was supported by sturdy wooden pillars framing the entrance. Atop the roof, a prominent Kubfu symbolized the dojo’s spirit and purpose.
Drawing closer, Jake began to hear the sounds of exertion—a rhythm of serious training. Stepping down the path and through the entrance, he found himself in a small courtyard buzzing with activity. A handful of students, each with their Pokémon, were engaged in various training exercises.
His attention was immediately drawn to a sporty girl with dark hair in a ponytail, who stood out among the others. Beside her was a real Kubfu, mirroring her movements with disciplined grace. Jake noticed she was the only one with a Kubfu; the other students trained with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and a Mienfoo, all moving in sync with their trainers.
At the head of the group stood an old man, hands casually in the pockets of a green tracksuit. His white, stringy hair and laid-back appearance didn’t immediately scream “dojo master,” but Jake recognised him from the games—Mustard, known for his casual demeanour yet formidable skill.
"Now remember, it’s not just about raw power; it’s about strategy and truly understanding your Pokémon," Mustard called out. "You don’t just want to win—you want to win with style and heart!"
Jake stood off to the side, waiting for the right moment to introduce himself. His attention was divided between Mustard’s teachings and Trixie, who, ever curious, fluttered closer to the students for a better look.
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 tried to imitate Mustard’s movements, synchronised in their training.
Mustard continued, his voice resonating. “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 vibrating with curiosity. Unable to hold back any longer, she took off, flitting playfully between the focused trainers.
Mustard watched Trixie with a faint, knowing smirk. At first, the trainers managed to maintain their focus, undeterred by the playful Emolga’s antics. But Trixie, ever determined and utterly adorable, zipped closer, tilting her head and letting out a sweet, curious “Emol?”as if to ask What are you doing?"
Jake sighed, amused and mild exasperated by his attention-seeking Emolga. Trixie’s charm was impossible to resist, and soon enough, one of the trainers—a girl with a Bulbasaur—finally broke her focus, unable to resist Trixie’s cute inquisition.
One by one, the other trainers also succumbed, their disciplined stances giving way to smiles and laughter. All except the girl with the dark ponytail and her Kubfu, who remained stoic, 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 took a deep breath and addressed Jake directly. “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.
But Mustard seemed to be studying Jake with a thoughtful gaze, almost as if he were looking right through him. A small smile played on his lips, giving the impression that he was lost in his own thoughts rather than fully listening.
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 cheap, lad. It’s only through battle that we truly understand each other!"
Jake looked around, sighing resignedly as the inescapable situation sunk in. Of course, my first trainer battle would be with a former league champion. What else was I expecting?