Chapter 12: An Anchor

POV – JAKE

As Jake followed Mustard into the dojo, he couldn't help but be impressed by the meticulous care of 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, signs 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, 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 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 by the mention of Leon, 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,” Mustard said with a fond smile. “I spent a good bit of time at the Battle Zone and around Veilstone City. They’ve got a solid Fighting gym there, and the Pokémon! Lucario, for instance—now that’s a powerful Fighting-type. Always regretted not having the chance to catch one myself.”

He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “You know, lad, for some Pokémon, especially the more powerful or rare ones, you’ve got to earn their respect and trust before you even think about catching them. Sure, you can try to catch a Pokémon without that mutual understanding—some do—but... it’s disrespectful, and it can lead 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 travelling to a place as far as Sinnoh from here?” he asked.

Mustard, leaning against a training dummy, paused to consider the question. “Well, lad, travelling to a place like Sinnoh isn’t as simple as hopping on a bus,” he chuckled. “The world out there, especially in the more far-flung areas, is teeming with wild Pokémon—many of them undocumented and plenty of them tough as nails. That makes long journeys a bit tricky, not to mention pricey if you’re not well-prepared with strong Pokémon by your side.”

So that’s how it is, Jake reflected. The idea of navigating a world where the 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 all the modern technology, the risks and challenges were significant. 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 asked curiously.

Mustard chuckled, a gleam in his eye. “Ah, now that’s a tale for another day, lad. But let’s just say I was looking for a quiet spot to retire, somewhere away from the spotlight. Being a champion does have its perks, you know, and I knew this little place was just the right fit.”

He then clapped his hands together, his smile widening. “Well now, lunch should be ready! I’m sure Honey’s whipped up quite the spread—she really is the most fabulous chef.”

As they walked, Mustard’s words were soon accompanied by a warm, inviting aroma that filled the air. He led Jake into what appeared to be the living quarters of the dojo, where they entered a cozy room dominated by a large dining table. The table was laden with an impressive array of dishes, from hearty stews to fresh salads, all laid out in a mouth-watering display.

Standing near the table was a woman with a welcoming smile, her presence radiating warmth and hospitality. “Ah, here she is. Jake, meet my wife, Honey,” Mustard introduced her with a proud smile.

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 Pokémon trainer, with Pokémon from all over the world in her team.

Honey’s warm smile put Jake at ease as she greeted him, “It’s lovely to have you here at the dojo, Jake. Please, make yourself comfortable.” Her voice was gentle and inviting, making Jake feel welcome in the new surroundings.

Jake and Mustard took their seats at the large table, soon joined by the four young students Jake had noticed training in the courtyard earlier. They all 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 said, nodding toward a girl with vibrant orange hair and soft green eyes. She offered Jake a tentative, yet friendly, smile. There was something about her that tugged at his memory.

"You wouldn’t happen to know Symington, would you?" Jake asked.

Siobhan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, a shy but genuine smile playing on her lips. "Oh, uh, yes," she replied, her voice a little uncertain but warm. "He’s my uncle." She let out a small, self-conscious laugh, lightly touching her bright orange hair. "I guess the hair’s a dead giveaway, huh?" Her smile grew more confident as she spoke. Jake found himself smiling back, sensing a kindness in her.

Before Jake could respond, a boy with bright blue hair and an ever-present grin stepped forward. "Hey there, I'm Jab," he said playfully. "And this is my cousin Bab. We’re the unofficial welcoming committee."

Bab, eager to join in, added with a mischievous grin, "We like to keep things interesting around here. Can’t let all this training suck the fun out of life, right?" His fiery red hair seemed to match his lively energy.

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.

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"Nice to meet you both," Jake replied with a chuckle. The bright, unusual hair colours in this world always caught his attention—so different from Earth. Blue and red hair, just like that, he mused, never ceases to amaze.

"You really shouldn’t listen to these two," the dark-haired girl, Ciara said dismissively. "They’ll just infect you with their bad habits."

"Hey! We’ve got nothing but good intentions. You just take things way too seriously.” Jab jabbed.

Her amber eyes narrowed slightly. "Hard work and dedication are what bring success, not just messing around. When was the last time either of you actually won a battle?" she countered.

Jab and Bab exchanged a quick glance, their usual bravado flickering. "Well, you know," Jab began, trying to recover, "winning isn’t the only way to measure a trainer."

"It’s about the journey, not just the destination," Bab chimed in, nodding sagely.

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, 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," Jake began, pausing to gather his thoughts, "before our impromptu battle earlier, Nurse Joy in town suggested I seek your advice." He hesitated for a moment. "I've been lost in the woods for the past few days, and honestly, my memory of what happened before that is pretty fuzzy."

The table fell into a brief silence, expressions turning to concern. Siobhan's eyes widened slightly, while Honey's face showed a mix of shock and sympathy.

Mustard nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, teleportation events. Rare, but not unheard of. One of the many reasons I’m not too keen on psychic type Pokémon," he remarked with a wry smile.

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," Jake replied, though hesitantly. "But it’s hard to pin down. The whole thing just feels so random, you know?"

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

He spoke of his encounters with Trixie and Jekyll, who had become essential companions on this unexpected journey. "It’s been quite an adventure, to say the least," Jake admitted. "I probably wouldn’t have made it without them."

Honey, who had been listening closely, offered Jake a warm smile. “You’ve been through a lot, but you’ve shown remarkable resilience to get this far,” she said kindly.

Mustard nodded in agreement. “Aye, indeed. It’s a stroke of luck that 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, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. “But we barely know him, Master Mustard. And he has a ghost Pokémon…” Her voice trailed off, but the unease was clear.

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. “And that is exactly what we cultivate here.”

Jake leaned back, mulling over Mustard’s proposition. The chance to learn from a former champion was a rare privilege, something most trainers could only dream of. The realities of travel in this world—the challenges and the costs—seemed to point him towards a clear path. A mix of emotions stirred within him. On one hand, excitement bubbled at the thought of living out a dream. But on the other, a tinge of sadness lingered as he thought of his family back home, missing him, unreachable across the chasm of worlds. He took a deep breath. One step at a time, he reminded himself.

"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 replied. "Take your time."

Jake thanked Mustard and Honey before heading 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 welcoming him with its refreshing touch.

Jake walked towards the edge of the courtyard, where a low wall bordered 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.

Leaning against the wall, Jake let his gaze sweep across the landscape. Below, the quaint town of Applinby sprawled out. The Fields of Honor, where he had first entered the town, stretched like a patchwork quilt of greens and browns, with the occasional Pokémon moving in the distance.

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 there, on what felt like the edge of the world, Jake gazed out at the endless ocean stretching before him. The vastness of the sea represented the true enormity of the Pokémon world.

"I suppose Kalos is somewhere in that direction," he mused, the Pokémon world's counterpart to France. What does the rest of this world’s Europe look like? he wondered. Are there regions and Pokémon I’ve never even heard of?

Jake’s eyes drifted skyward, to the clear blue expanse above. Somewhere up there, Rayquaza was soaring through the stratosphere. He chuckled to himself; in this world, he was probably one of the few humans who knew it even existed.

He released Trixie from her Pokéball, and she appeared on the ground, her usual vivacious spirit dimmed. Her small body seemed to sag, disappointment weighing heavily on her. Her eyes, usually full of life and curiosity, were downcast.

Jake approached her cautiously, kneeling down to her level. "Hey, Trixie," he began 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 that 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 tried to take in Jake’s words. She let out a quiet “Emol, emol...” as if struggling with her own feelings of inadequacy.

Jake reached out, gently stroking her head. "You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, Trixie. Battles are about learning as much 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, her emotions palpable. She leaned into Jake’s touch, a soft “Emol...” murmuring from her.

Jake gently embraced her, feeling her small body tremble. "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 looked up at him, a glimmer of her usual spark returning. “Emol, emol!” she chirped.

"And think about how far you’ve already come," Jake said with a smile. "You were scared of heights, couldn’t even get off the ground, but now look at you—soaring like it’s nothing."

"And we made it here, to Applinby, together," he continued. "That’s a huge achievement, Trixie."

To lighten the mood, 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 kept smiling. Guess I’m getting used to that, he thought with a grin.

Trixie, returning to her mischievous, playful self, nuzzled Jake affectionately, eyes twinkling with joy. “Emol, emol!” she chirped happily.

Jake’s heart swelled with affection for his little partner. "That’s the Trixie I know," he said warmly. "Ready to take on the world again?"

Trixie responded with a cheery "Emol!" and a playful waggle of her wings.

Jake stood up, brushing the dirt off his knees. "Alright, Trixie, we’ve got a decision to make," he said as Trixie fluttered up from his hands, circling once before settling comfortably on his shoulder. With a quick touch, he released Jekyll from his Pokéball.

Jekyll materialised, its gaze immediately turning to Jake. “Mimi, Kyu!” it greeted, with a bit of resentment and confusion. Jake noticed Jekyll's lingering look at Trixie, an unreadable expression, the Pokémon's feelings towards the Emolga no doubt still complex.

"Listen, you two," Jake began, his voice firm yet gentle. "Trixie, I want you to thank Jekyll. He stood up for you in that battle."

Trixie turned to Jekyll, a soft “Emol?” escaping her, uncertain but genuinely grateful.

"Kyu?" Jekyll seemed taken aback, usual hostility hesitating as he tried to process Trixie actually thanking him.

Jake brought both Trixie and Jekyll closer. "So, here’s the deal," he said. "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 and grow—both as a team and individually."

Trixie’s ears perked up at the mention of training. “Emol!” she chirped excited at the idea.

Jekyll’s response was more subdued but just as loyal. “Mimi, Kyu,” he agreed, a quiet resolve to follow Jake’s lead.

"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 pulled both Pokémon into a gentle hug. Trixie nuzzled into his neck, her tiny hands patting him affectionately, 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."