The Chasm

JC bounded down the main staircase in his house, jumping the last few steps on his way down. Over in the kitchen Kovos was pouring tea for his parents seated at the little round kitchen table, the two elder Kalmikovs thumbing through the newspaper and enjoying the quiet summer morning.

“Good morning, Mom! Dad!” JC said happily, walking into the large, open room. “Hey, Kovos!”

“Well you’re definitely up early!” his mom replied, “But I guess that’s to be expected on a day like this, right?”

“That’s right!!” JC said with an intense look in his eyes. He held a fist up in front of him, looking at his parents with an unwavering determination, “You’re looking at the next Pokémon League Champion! Kai and I are going to going to be the best in all of Sinnoh!”

“We know you will,” his dad nodded, glancing around the kitchen. “Speaking of Kai, where is he?”

JC shrugged and sighed, “Probably back in bed, he was taking forever to get ready. It’s like he’s just not motivated!”

“Well I’m sure he’ll be along soon enough,” his mom said. “And don’t you look nice!” she added, looking him up and down, “Are you dressing up for someone in particular? Someone like Kira perhaps…?”

JC blushed, hurriedly averting his eyes to the floor.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” he quickly retorted, looking oddly like Kira whenever she talked to him.

“Of course you don’t,” his mother said knowingly. “Well, are you going to eat anything before you leave?”

“Not here. Dawn invited me and Cameron over for breakfast at her house so I’ll eat when I get there.”

“Well all right,” his mom replied, “But you’d better hurry!” she hastened, “It’s almost nine!”

“No need to worry!” JC said back, quoting Dawn’s trademark saying, “Route 201’s not that long of a trip!”

“I suppose it’s not,” she smiled, wrapping him in a loving hug. “We’re definitely going to miss you around the house, Jemkyn. Promise me you’ll be safe, alright? Always keep your guard up and keep away from suspicious people!”

“Come on, Mom!” he laughed, “I’m almost 21! I’ll be fine; besides, I have Kai to protect me. When he’s not sleeping, that is…” he added.

“I know, I know; just indulge me, okay?” she said, straightening his clothes. JC couldn’t really tell, but it looked to him like his mother’s eyes were beginning to tear up as she smoothed out his collar, almost as if this was the last she was going to see of her son.

“Mom, is everything alright?” he asked softly.

“Oh!” she blurted, wiping her eyes, “Yes, everything’s fine! It’s just… oh where is that sister of yours? She said she wanted to see you off as well. Vika…?” she called, her voice echoing through the house. “Kovos would you go and get Vika please?”

“Of course, Madam,” he bowed, moving swiftly up the stairs.

“Now Jemkyn, you’re going to run into a lot of Trainers on your journey, most of them much younger than yourself,” Mr. Kalmikov explained, drawing on his many years as a travelling Trainer for wisdom, “I myself started out on my own when I was ten, so most of those younger Trainers will still have several years’ experience on you. Don’t let that discourage you at all, alright? Just work hard and train hard, and soon you’ll be battling with the best of them. You are a Kalmikov after all,” he nudged affectionately.

JC thought about what his father had just told him. It really hadn’t crossed his mind until now, but as usual his dad was right; he was technically starting ten years late, and it was going to take some time to really get some experience to build on…

JC gave his dad a firm, proper handshake, but hugged him tight immediately after. “Thanks, Dad,” he said, slapping a hand on his back. When they finally separated JC could tell his dad was getting a little emotional too, and he had to glance away to keep from tearing up himself.

“I figured you’d want this,” they heard Vika say as she came down the stairs still in her pajamas, carrying JC’s black backpack overstuffed with things he’d packed the night before. Kai hopped down the stars behind her with Kovos following right behind.

“Thanks,” JC said, taking the pack from his little sister and swinging it onto his back. “Looks like I’m going to beat you to the Pokémon League after all…”

“Yeah right,” she said flatly, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, “I’m just giving you a head start.” Then she did something JC hadn’t expected from her; Vika walked forward and wrapped him in a hug tighter than both his parents’ hugs combined.

“Be safe, okay?” she said, her voice muffled by his shirt she’d buried her face in. “I… I’m gonna miss you.”

“Vika…” he smiled, the tears finally forcing their way to his eyes, “I’m going to miss you, too.” He hugged her back just as tightly and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for when you try and pass me up,” he laughed.

“It won’t be long,” she smiled back at him, finally letting him go and standing by her mother.

“Well, I guess we’re out,” JC shrugged, “You ready, Kai?”

His Pokémon squeaked an affirmative, running over to the rest of the family first to say his own goodbyes.

“Be sure to call every once in a while,” Mrs. Kalmikov reminded them, “Johanna used to tell me all the time how Dawn never called; it was a nightmare!”

“We won’t forget,” JC assured her. “We’re really going to miss you all.”

“And we’ll miss you, you can be sure of that,” Mr. Kalmikov returned, “We love you, son. Now get along! You don’t want to be late!”

“You’re right,” JC nodded, glancing at the large clock on the wall. “And I love you guys, too. Kovos, see you around!”

“Absolutely, Young Master,” he bowed. “If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call.”

JC laughed as he headed out the kitchen door to their porch, “I’ll remember that! Bye, everybody!”

Everyone followed him out onto the porch, their hands waving high above their heads. “Goodbye!” they all called after him as he and Kai jogged their way towards Twinleaf, blazing ahead into his own exciting future.

◄►

Over in Twinleaf, Dawn carried a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage and toast back to the kitchen table. She sat down and pulled her chair in daintily then immediately began her feast, inhaling bite after bite.

Bewildered, Cameron stared at her from across the table, watching her impale a row of sausages with her fork like a warrior bred for battle.

“I know you said you were hungry,” he ventured, “But that was your fourth plate of food! Shouldn’t you slow down a little?”

“I can’t help it!” Dawn mumbled back between bites, “I haven’t had my mom’s home cooking in years!!”

“I’m just saying you could be a bit more ladylike…” he teased.

Dawn put down her fork and stood up from the table, teasing him right back with a curtsy.

“My apologies, Sir Cameron,” she said regally.

Cameron just smiled; “Now that’s more like it…”

She laughed, carrying her empty plate past him towards the sink, punching him playfully on the arm along the way.

“Where’s JC?” she asked, talking over the sound of the water. “He’s basically missed breakfast!”

“He probably ran into some girl along the way,” Cameron joked, “You know how he is.”

“Yeah yeah…” Dawn sighed, suddenly dropping her plate into the sink as the kitchen door burst open, slamming behind JC and Kai. He stood with his back pressed to the door as if to hold it closed, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat.

“JC! Where have you been?!” Dawn demanded, “And why are you all sweaty?”

“Oh, no reason…” JC panted, wiping the hair from his brow. He nervously eased the curtain aside with his finger, timidly peering out the window in the door behind him. Apparently satisfied, he exhaled a sigh of relief and released his hold on the kitchen door.

“What are you looking for?” Cameron asked him, curious.

“Oh, nothing,” he said, plopping down at the table. “How are you guys?”

“Good…?” Cameron said.

“You look nice,” Dawn commented, setting a plate of food in front of JC. “Minus the sweat, that is.”

“Oh, thanks Dawn!” JC smiled, winking at Cameron. Expecting him to roll his eyes, Cameron instead stood tall, exceptionally confident.

“Nice try, but I’ll have you know that Dawn already complimented me on my outfit.”

Dawn laughed as she headed for the stairs, “Cam, there’s a difference between complimenting someone, and saying you still wear the same clothes you wore in primary school!” she shouted behind her.

“Well I’m taking it as a compliment,” he shrugged, plopping back down at the table. JC chuckled as he ate his breakfast; Cameron was wearing one of his usual blue tie-dye t-shirts and a pair of khaki shorts. But then again, Dawn really didn’t have any room to talk.

“So where’s Serina?” JC asked between bites.

“I am here,” Serina answered, walking into the room just as he finished his question. She seated herself in the chair next to JC and rested her chin on her folded hands, “And I imagine your asking so quickly means I was the first thing on your mind this morning?”

JC grinned, opting to scoop more food into his mouth rather than answer.

“Have you eaten yet?” he asked instead, avoiding her question. Serina frowned at the subject change but answered regardless.

“Yes, I ate earlier, thank you,” she said. “Are you about finished? I am most anxious to meet this Professor Rowan.”

“Done!” he said, scraping the last scraps from his plate. He washed it at the sink, slinging his bag onto his back. “You guys ready?”

“Always,” Cameron nodded, Dawn taking his arm as they headed out the door. JC motioned for Serina to follow them, holding the screen door open for her.

“Oh, a gentleman,” she smiled, winking seductively at him as she passed through the doorway. He blushed slightly, rolling his eyes at the girl behind her back before following her outside.

As they walked further down the road, Cameron, JC and Dawn began to notice that the smooth, trodden path of Route 201 was unnaturally marred with countless scars; deep slashes had been carved into the ground as if the three Trainers had just stepped into a warzone.

“Wow, what happened here?” Cameron asked, taking in the broken landscape, “It looks like there was one crazy battle!”

“Yeah it does…” Dawn added, squinting as something caught her eye further up the route. “Hey, what’s that up there…?”

“It looks like some sort of bug…” Cameron said, noticing the same thing. “Almost like a… Yanmega? On this side of Sinnoh though?”

“Um, guys, I think we might wanna go…” JC suggested, he and Kai growing increasingly uneasy.

The Yanmega flicked its four enormous wings—surprisingly agile in the air despite its six foot length—and hovered above the group. Its clawed legs twitched as it observed the group with large compound eyes, its long abdomen pulsing as it breathed.

“Is this not a common place for this creature?” Serina asked innocently, unmoved by JC’s suggestion.

“No, actually,” Dawn answered her. “They usually live east of Mt. Coronet; it’s really strange to find them here at all…”

Dawn pulled a handheld device from her bag, the gadget automatically flipping open and speaking to her in a female-sounding computer voice.

BingBing! “Yanmega: the Ogre Darner Pokémon, and the evolved form of Yanma. When it flutters its wings, it creates a shockwave that can cause internal damage to its victims. Yanmega’s jaw power is incredible, and it is adept at biting apart prey while flying at high speeds.”

“But why is it here?” Dawn asked.

“Yanmega are very territorial and will often compete with one another for dominance of a particular area. If it loses, a Yanmega and its brood will go off in search of a new territory to call home.”

“Well I guess that explains it,” Cameron laughed, stepping towards it. “It’s a pretty cool looking Pokémon though!”

“Be careful,” Dawn advised, “Yanmega can be unbelievably aggressive…”

As if startled by Cameron’s approach the large insect suddenly flew off and darted across the treetops, it’s insectoid voice pulsing like a synthesizer. After a short minute it returned, this time circling the group with a small entourage.

“They look a little angry…” Dawn whispered.

“Why?” Cameron asked, “What did we do to it?”

“Well…” JC finally spoke up, “I may have crossed a few of them on my way to breakfast this morning…”

They all covered their ears as the sky was suddenly swarmed with the creatures, the air rumbling with the reverberations of their wings.

“A few?!” Dawn exclaimed, shouting over the noise.

“A few hundred…?” he admitted, shrugging nervously.

One of the Yanmega swooped forward, beating its wings hard and sending a shockwave towards them. It crashed directly in front of them, showering the group with dirt and debris.

“Just run!” Cameron ordered, frantically sending them all into the woods.

◄►

“I wonder if we should have waited for them…” JC said aloud, startling his Pokémon in the sudden stillness. The forest had only moments ago fallen silent, the resounding thuds of shockwaves abruptly ceasing. “Probably should have told them about the Yanmega, too…”

Kai squeaked in agreement. As JC knew Route 201 better than the rest of them he had been able to escape the onslaught and make it to Rowan’s Pokémon Research Lab unscathed, and now he and Kai were leaning against the short rock wall encircling the famous professor’s complex. His friends, however, were not so lucky.

“I hope they’re alright,” he sighed, pivoting over the waist-high wall and bumping directly into Professor Rowan.

“So, where’s the rest of your group?” he huffed.

“Well, funny story actually…”

“Oh? Do tell…”

“YOU!” Dawn shouted, bursting from the woods behind JC, “What did you DO to those things?!”

“Now Dawn,” JC said quickly, moving to increase the distance between them, “Calm down!”

“Oh I fear she has lost it now,” Serina smiled from behind Dawn, “I hope for your sake that you have a notable excuse!”

“Well, you see,” he began, “Kai and I saw this Yanma on our way to your house so we thought we’d battle it and maybe catch it… But then some of the Yanmega got involved, and then there was this swarm…”

“Did you at least catch the Yanma?” she asked, trying her hardest to find a bright side.

“No,” JC answered disappointedly.

Dawn let out an exasperated sigh, picking a twig from her hair. “Anyway, how are you doing, Professor?” she asked, moving her attention to Rowan.

“Hm! Very well, thank you,” he replied, grinning amusedly under the white of his moustache, “I must say Jemkyn, your complete failure is rather… unfortunate. But everyone makes their mistakes in the beginning, and with practice comes perfection! Perhaps you could ask Dawn sometime about her early attempts. Would you care to share a few?” he asked her, eyeing her knowingly.

Dawn suddenly blushed, her eyes darting from person to person.

“No, I—that’s alright…”

“I thought as much,” Rowan grinned. “Now, you must be Serina,” he said, shaking the girl’s hand. “I must say it’s truly a pleasure to finally meet you; Dawn has been keeping me up to date about all of your recent travels together.”

“Well, I hope she left at least some things up to the imagination,” Serina smiled, her red eyes piercing into his.

“Ah, a clever one!” the professor laughed, more good-humored than JC and Cameron had ever seen him before. “Isn’t she just charming?” he asked, looking excitedly at the boys.

“Yes…?” they answered as they returned the question, unsure what to make of his surprisingly jovial attitude.

Rowan caught their suspicion and cleared his throat, quickly changing the subject. “Right then,” he huffed, “Shall we all move inside?”

“Yes, sir,” JC and Cameron said together, with even Dawn adding to the traditional Academy response. Rowan opened the small gate to let them in; the girls thanked him as they passed through but the boys merely swung over the short wall, drawing the usual disapproving glance from the professor.

A perfect harmony of Sinnoh’s rustic architecture and cutting edge science, the laboratory stood proudly on the hill devoid of tree cover, its metallic siding gleaming from in-between the beautiful masonry. The front doors to the laboratory slid open of their own accord, granting the group entrance into the main lobby of the building. Leading them past a reception counter, the professor directed them to yet another set of doors constructed of tinted glass to retain a sense of privacy.

“So what exactly do you study here, Professor?” Cameron asked, curiously examining schematics drafted onto a whiteboard.

“Pokémon evolution is our forte here,” Rowan huffed proudly. “My personal research deals with determining if evolution is supposed to be a form of Pokémon reaching maturity, or a way for an incomplete being to become perfected, and if so, the implications that the process has on the particular Pokémon that don’t evolve. Such a mysterious and yet marvelous process is truly fascinating!”

“It sure is,” JC agreed, entranced by the many large machines all whirring and beeping in a scientific orchestra.

Serina suddenly latched onto his arm, “Surely not as fascinating as me though, correct?” she asked, looking up at him with her fiery eyes.

Dawn interrupted before he could answer, “So is Kira here already, Professor?”

“No,” he huffed, “She hasn’t arrived yet, but she should be here soon. I can honestly say I wasn’t surprised when I heard she was coming along as well; that girl would follow this young man anywhere,” he said, glancing at JC.

“And how could she not?” Serina said, tightening on his arm, “He is such a gentleman. And so handsome!” she added as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Rather flirtatious, isn’t she?” Rowan laughed, again catching the boys off guard with that same cheerful attitude that was so out of character for him. “And speaking of Kira,” he said as the outer lab doors whisked open, “Here she is now…”

They watched as a very confused Kira walked into the building, her head moving back and forth as she tried to take in everything at once. She held her Pokémon, Twiggy, tightly in her arms as she walked up to the reception counter, the attendant directing her to the tinted doors of the main laboratory. She nodded a thank you to the attendant and headed for the doors; as they slid open she jumped, startled as she was met with everyone’s staring eyes.

“Oh, hello…” she said softly, “Am I late?”

“Not at all!” Rowan huffed, “We were just talking about you, actually. Please, come in.”

As Kira stepped inside, Dawn rushed up to her and gave her a quick hug, smiling brightly.

“Hi, Kira! It’s been a long time!”

“Dawn…?” Kira asked stunned, “You look… different!”

“She sure does…” Cameron said blissfully, putting a hand to Kira’s shoulder, “That’s one of the first things I said to her, too.” He and Dawn laughed and Kira giggled along with them, filling the lab with her sweet voice.

“Well, JC,” Dawn asked, turning to her friend, curious as to his silence, “Don’t you have anything to say to Kira?”

The group turned to face the boy who stood rooted in place, not saying a word. He hadn’t moved since his eyes had fallen on Kira in the doorway; partly because Serina remained anchored to his arm, and partly because of Kira herself. Of all the times he had seen her out of her school uniform not once had she dressed like this. Her slender frame was perfectly outlined in a very short, black, sleeveless dress that frilled out around her hips, giving way to red and black striped tights and matching arm warmers which he could only guess were hand- picked for her by Kara. A sort of black shawl was draped over her bare shoulders as well, clasped around her neck with a Poké Ball brooch.

Kira, however, had a different reason for not moving; her eyes had landed on the strange girl attached to JC’s side.

“And who is this?” she asked bluntly, pulling JC from his stupor.

“I am Serina,” she said, releasing JC, “And you must be Kira! It is truly nice to meet you!”

“Likewise,” Kira replied flatly, watching the girl with apprehensive eyes.

“JC…” Dawn nudged again, urging him to speak.

“Oh, um…” he stuttered, “Yeah, well um… wow, Kira, you look… I mean, wow…”

Kira blushed, hiding her face behind the leaves atop Twiggy’s head.

“You, um, look good, too…” she said softly as if whispering it to her Pokémon.

“Oh, well, thanks…” he replied coolly, staring off at some random piece of equipment in the lab.

With the pleasantries aside Professor Rowan cleared his throat, calling them to attention.

“Now then,” he said, addressing Cameron, JC and Kira, “I asked you to come by here today because you three are all amazing students at the Academy. In fact, you’ve all been top students since the day you enrolled all those years ago. And now that you have decided to leave us, I feel that it is only fitting to present each of you with one of these…” he said, motioning to the table next to him where three shiny handhelds sat.

“Hey, I’ve seen one of these before,” JC said as he took one from the table, recognizing it as the same device Dawn used on the Yanmega earlier. It looked a lot like his Pokégear—it was almost even the same light blue color—only slightly larger and with some sort of scanner along the back edge. “What is it though?” he asked as he flipped it open, the contraption suddenly pinging to life in his hands.

BingBing! “I’m Dextette,” it said in the same voice as earlier, “A Pokédex programmed by Professor Rowan for Pokémon Trainer Jemkyn Csevelod Kalmikov of the town of Sandgem. My function is to provide him with information and advice regarding the various species and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced.”

“That, my boy, is a Pokédex,” Rowan explained, “A highly advanced piece of equipment.”

“A Pokédex, huh?” JC asked, examining it. “I don’t see a brand; who makes them?”

Rowan chuckled, poking at the boy’s technical knowledge. “They don’t belong to any particular company, Mr. Kalmikov. Each Pokédex is handmade by only a few of the world’s most elite researchers such as Professor Oak or myself, and they’re given only to Trainers in which we see the most ability. Obviously you picked yours easily Jemkyn, and now the red for Cameron, and the orange one for Ms. Fuego.”

“And Dawn has one that is pink,” Serina added, finishing the list.

“That’s correct,” Rowan smiled to her, “A very unique color for a Pokédex, but one that I felt suited her best. These three, along with Dawn’s, were actually constructed at the same time; I intended to present them to you all after you graduated and began your journeys together nine years ago, but… well, it didn’t quite work out that way. So these have simply been sitting at my lab, waiting for the day when they’d be needed by you.”

“Thank you so much, Professor,” Kira said, graciously accepting her Pokédex, “I never knew you thought so highly of us.”

“Ah, but I do!” he assured, “You three—well, five—are very unique individuals. I just know you are all going to accomplish great things in your time.”

Cameron, JC and Kira stood a little taller after that comment. Their faces beamed confidence; if the great Professor Rowan said something, it was definitely true.

“So what all do they do exactly?” Cameron asked, “The Pokédexes, I mean.”

“I think the question is ‘what don’t they do?’” he began. “Its primary function is to be an electronic and portable copy of the Codex Creaturis, an index of all the known biological species on our planet. However, it also acts as a means to instantly transfer your Pokémon to and from the Global Storage System without the need to visit a Pokémon Center, as well as a way to monitor your Pokémon’s stamina during a battle and give you a listing of all the myriad abilities they are capable of using.”

“That’s awesome…” JC said, staring at the Pokédex in awe. “This little thing can do all that?”

“Indeed it can,” he huffed proudly, “And Dawn will be able to walk you through the many different functions while on your journey together.”

“Slow down there, Professor,” Cameron said nervously, “This is starting to sound like an encyclopedia; that’s a lot of reading…”

“It’s not as daunting as it sounds,” Rowan assured, “Jemkyn, would you mind pointing your Pokédex towards Kai?”

“I guess not,” JC nodded, doing as the professor asked. Not surprisingly the device activated on its own once again, its display showing a photograph of the Cyndaquil species followed by lines of data on their habitats, physiology, eating habits, and cautions.

BingBing! “Cyndaquil: the fire mouse Pokémon. Normally mild and even tempered, Cyndaquil will shoot a scorching flame out of its back when upset.”

“Oh that’s awesome!” Cameron said excitedly, digging into his pocket, “Do Piplup next!” He released his Pokémon from its ball and grabbed his own Pokédex, the small creature standing proudly by his Trainer’s feet while he scanned him.

BingBing! “Piplup: the penguin Pokémon. Its thick down protects it from the cold. Although not the most sure-footed, it is proud nonetheless, getting right back up after a fall with head held high.”

“Wow! They nailed you buddy!” Cameron said, doubling over in laughter.

Piplup on the other hand wasn’t as amused. Embarrassed, he jumped at his Trainer, pecking at him hard.

“Ouch!!” Cameron shouted, “Piplup! Knock it off!!”

Rowan laughed, “You two look just like Dawn did when she first set out on her journey all those years ago… Do you remember, Dawn?”

“I do,” she smiled, winking at Cameron whose ears started to redden.

Cameron’s Pokédex suddenly started scanning again, but only relayed one syllable before Rowan snatched it up and hurriedly closed its display.

“That reminds me,” he muttered to himself as he turned to a computer nearby, “We can’t have that going off every other minute.” He clicked away at the keyboard before turning back to them, their Pokédexes pinging as they vibrated in their hands.

BingBing! “Software patch 9.1.3 applied. Pokémon data has been remotely updated: 491 species entries available.”

“491?” Cameron asked, “Aren’t there more than that?”

“Right you are,” Rowan nodded, “This lab is currently working with the Juniper-Fennel Research Institute in Unova to complete their entries, but your Pokédexes contain every other species known to us, covering both Johto and Kanto, Hoenn, Fioré, Sinnoh, you name it. But don’t worry; we’ll have that data up and running for you all in no time! That institute is made up of some of the best minds in all of Unova! And trust me, there aren’t many…” he added aside.

“But I digress. Now I’m sure Oak has gotten to you both already, but I’d like to add my two cents as well. I’d like you all to remember back to when you were ten; back when you chose your first Pokémon. Can you picture it? Do you remember the feelings you experienced while choosing, the joy of holding your very own Poké Ball?”

They all nodded; Trainer-Pokémon pairing was something you didn’t easily forget.

“Well, you may not know this but there’s a reason we pair these powerful creatures with mere children of ten. Children are pure, and their intentions for choosing a Pokémon are largely subconscious. For those of us who present them with these creatures, it’s a chance for us to see the sort of person that child will grow to be. Are you following?”

“Um, no… Not really,” they admitted.

“Let me explain. Cameron: do you remember why you chose Piplup?”

“Yes; because Dawn did!” Cameron answered happily. Dawn put her palm to her face and shook her head as she laughed to herself.

“That may have been what you thought at the time but let’s go a little deeper. Water-types like Piplup are known for being very easy-going and smooth, a character trait you both practice with much enthusiasm…”

“Yeah, I guess I can see that,” Cameron nodded.

“Kira: your protective and nurturing nature has manifested itself in your passion for healing people and Pokémon; an area that grass-types like your Turtwig tend to excel in.”

“Oh…” she understood, “That’s interesting!”

“And you, Jemkyn,” Rowan finished, turning to JC. “Your fire-type Cyndaquil perfectly highlights your warm and caring personality, as well as your burning spirit to strive hard in all that you do. Not to mention your intense desire for a certain young woman…”

JC immediately blushed hotly and looked away from the professor, glancing at Kira who was copying his reaction.

“I—I don’t know what you mean…”

“Of course you don’t,” he chuckled again. “But again, I digress. The point is that the bond between humans and their Pokémon is much deeper than you may think; I’m sure Dawn can attest to that by now. You are your Pokémon, and your Pokémon is you. The three of you actually have a sort of advantage over most beginning Trainers as you’ve been able to bond significantly more with your Pokémon over the years!”

“Yeah, I guess that is a plus side to it,” JC smiled, remembering what his dad had told him just this morning. He picked Kai up off the ground, “You hear that? We’re going to win battles with our bond!”

Rowan shook his head and sighed, looking at the small group gathered in front of him.

“This day has been a long time coming. I can definitely say I’ll hate losing my best students, but all good things must come to an end, right? Anyway, farewell to you all! May Arceus keep you safe!”

JC smiled and shook Rowan’s hand, “Don’t worry, Professor; we’ll be fine.”

The professor smiled back under his white mustache. “I certainly hope so.” He escorted them to the door, watching as they talked and laughed their way to the edge of Sandgem Town. When they were finally out of sight he returned to his lab, settling down at a large computer.

“I thought you said you were going to speak to them yourself,” he said aloud, keeping his eyes on the monitor. Silently, a woman stepped into the lab from an adjacent room and seated herself on a couch near the wall, brushing a bit of hair from her eyes.

“I decided it would be best not to,” she said calmly, crossing her legs. “Sometimes it’s best to allow things to simmer a bit before stirring them up.”

Rowan huffed and turned his chair to face her. She was a very captivating woman, but significantly younger than himself. When standing, she easily mirrored the professor’s imposing height and stern eyes, but right now her composure was much more relaxed as she sat on the couch, resting her arms on its back. Her beautiful, intelligent face was framed by flowing golden hair, dotted with two pair of black and yellow striped teardrop accessories to match her all-black ensemble.

“What are you thinking?” she asked softly as her eyes locked with his.

Rowan didn’t move. “I’ve done the best I could to prepare them for what lies ahead. Now it’s up to the rest of the players to get our pieces safely to the finish.”

She laughed daintily, her melodious voice echoing off of the metal walls. “An interesting way to put it,” she smiled. “But they’ll be fine. Everything has been planned down to the letter; nothing can go wrong.”

The professor shook his head, “It’s always when we’re the most confident that misfortune finds its way in. And putting her right under their noses… Are you sure the two of them can keep it all a secret?”

“Dawn and Serina are more than capable. You worry too much, Rowan.”

“What about others?” Rowan continued, “Do you honestly think they’ll get far before they’re noticed by someone?”

“By who? We don’t have any enemies!”

“Not that we know of,” Rowan added quickly, spawning a long silence. “I still say we should’ve told them. They need to know who they are…”

“And they will,” she agreed, “But in due time.”

“I just want to know why. None of us were able to say anything; you’ve even sworn their parents to secrecy! Why?”

“The position that I’m in presents me with a lot of decisions to make, Edward. Just have faith that I make the right ones.” She stood, smoothing out her flowing, black coat. “Be happy! You’ve done your part, just like Professor Elm and Professor Birch both did, albeit years before you. But then again, who would’ve thought that those three would stay here for so long?”

“I just wish there was more I could do.”

“There will be,” she said, moving towards the door. “I’m sure they’ll contact you and when they do, encourage them. Keep them moving down this path. But in the meantime, I’m going to ask that you don’t interfere. I’ll stop by soon to see how you’re doing.”

The lab doors sealed closed behind her as the woman left Rowan to ponder his thoughts alone. Stepping out into the sunlight, she made her way down the path towards Route 201, her black heels digging into the dirt road as she gazed up at the deep, blue sky.

“The time has finally come,” she said, brushing her long hair behind an ear. “Let’s just hope they’re ready for it.”

◄►

“So where do you guys want to go first?” Dawn asked as they all headed north through Sandgem Town, “What kind of plans do you have for this journey?”

“Plans…?” Cameron asked, “I’m not really big on plans…”

“Yeah, no kidding,” JC added, “Well, I was hoping to get the whole Trainer experience; you know, travel the world, catch and train a bunch of Pokémon and compete in leagues. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

“Oh yeah, put me down for that, too!” Cameron amended.

“Alright then,” Dawn announced, “Two whole Trainer experiences coming right up; if it’s Pokémon and battling you two want, then it’s to the Gyms we go! Let’s see…” she thought aloud, “If we’re in Sandgem then the closest city with a Gym would be… Canalave City to the north!”

“That port city?” Cameron asked.

“Yeah! Good memory Cam!”

“Oh, you know, I try…”

“Now,” she continued, “You guys know that every Gym has a specialty, a certain type that they pride themselves in using better than anyone else.”

“And the Canalave Gym is… the steel type, right?” JC asked.

“That’s right!” Dawn smiled, “You guys are good; I didn’t know any of this when I started out!” she admitted.

“Well you were a cute little girl of ten,” Cameron said, “You couldn’t expect to know everything.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true,” she nodded, clicking away on her Pokétch. “So Canalave City… That’s going to be about five days away on foot…”

“Five days?!” Cameron exclaimed, “Canalave can’t be that far from here!”

“It’s not,” Dawn agreed, “But it’s too difficult to go straight north; the woods are too dense and thick, and it’d also be pretty dark the whole way because of it. Not to mention the dangerous Pokémon that live out there…” she added with a shudder. “So we have to follow Route 202 north to Jubilife City, then 218 west to Canalave.”

“It’s not really that long when you think about it,” Kira spoke up as she looked over Dawn’s shoulder, trying to help.

“Dawn…” Serina whined, hanging on her arm, “I would very much prefer not to walk for five days straight…”

“I knew you’d be against that,” Dawn shrugged, “You’re so spoiled.” Finally on the edge of town, she pulled a Poké Ball from her duffel bag and stepped back, releasing an enormous, brown-furred Pokémon from its confinement. It towered over them all standing at least ten feet tall, and its mammoth tusks sparkled like ice in the morning sunshine. Dawn helped Serina up onto his back before climbing up herself, sitting right behind the creature’s head as the others all watched on in amazement.

Dawn saw their startled looks and laughed; despite their age they’d probably only ever seen a fraction of the world’s Pokémon in person.

“Don’t worry,” she assured, “He’s friendly. Well, most of the time, that is,” she winked.

“Dawn,” Cameron asked nervously, “What is that?”

“This is my Mamoswine!” she replied, rubbing the side of her Pokémon’s head through his thick fur. Mamoswine closed his eyes in pleasure and let out a snort from his short, pink snout. “I caught him back when he was just an itty-bitty little Swinub and now he’s all grown up! Aren’t you, boy?”

“Mamoo!” he trumpeted happily. Curious, JC pulled out his Pokédex to scan Dawn’s Pokémon, the device opening at his touch.

BingBing! “Mamoswine: the Twin Tusk Pokémon and the evolved form of Piloswine. Distinguished by its large tusks, its weight is more than five times that of Piloswine, and it is less commonly found since the end of the Ice Age.”

“That’s a big Pokémon,” Kira added.

“Yeah, he’s my biggest,” Dawn agreed, nudging her mount forward. “Now come on! We’ll never get to Jubilife if we just stand around talking!”

Mamoswine took off, his heavy feet leaving a trail of deep footprints in the dirt road behind him as they travelled up Route 202 while Cameron, JC, and Kira walked cautiously alongside, making sure to avoid Mamoswine’s large tusks that swayed dangerously wide as he walked.

◄►

The hours of walking passed quickly as they talked the day away, catching up on the past nine years they’d spent apart. Dawn was eager to hear all that they had learned in their extra years at the Academy, but she only listened with half an ear as Cameron started explaining his advanced math courses, spouting off technical math terms here and there. She simply smiled and nodded as he talked, watching his eyes and facial expressions with much interest.

Serina was fascinated with JC’s knowledge of Pokémon biology, even going as far as to ask him to continue explaining to her while Cameron expounded the secrets of mathematics to Dawn.

Kira walked next to JC, listening to what he had to say while glaring at the other redhead. She hadn’t known her for long, but Kira could already tell that she didn’t like this Serina girl one bit.

But as the sun started to lower over the mountains to the west, a large building came into view nestled quaintly in a robe of trees off to the side of the route. Its cobblestone foundation and stucco walls gave it the impression that it grew straight out of the ground, but the red roof and large white “P” on the front assured them that they had in fact arrived at a Pokémon Center: a sort of rest stop for the travelling Trainer.

The inside of the Center was very spacious, yet as warm and welcoming as home. Across from the entrance was a half-circle counter sitting flush with the wall and above it, a large monitor flashed the latest ads and Pokémon products. A lone nurse stood behind the counter, lazily typing away at the computer in front of her. Two staircases flanked the front desk, leading to an upper balcony that continued farther back into the building. Cameron and JC couldn’t quite make out what was up there, but Kira informed them that Pokémon Centers also acted as free hotels for Trainers and that the buildings were usually designed to accommodate over 20 Trainers at a time. That being said, some of the larger city-based Centers were built like resorts, easily able to host nearly two hundred visiting Trainers.

“Hello and welcome to the Milepost 55 Pokémon Center!” the nurse said as she noticed the group, “We can restore your tired Pokémon to full health; would you like to heal your Pokémon with us tonight?”

“Yes please, Nurse Joy,” Dawn nodded, handing her Poké Balls to her. “Their Pokémon are fine though,” she added, motioning to her friends.

JC and Cameron both stared at the nurse; she looked identical to the one back at Sandgem Academy.

“Nurse Joy?” Cameron asked, “Why aren’t you at the Academy?”

“The Academy…?” she answered, confused. “Oh, you must have me mistaken for my sister! She took the position as the on call nurse for Sandgem Academy.”

“Your sister…?” JC asked, “But you look identical!”

The nurse smiled, “Yes, we’re identical siblings; all of the Joys are!”

“All of you?” Cameron continued, stunned. “How many are there?”

“Quite a few,” she smiled, nodding towards a picture hanging behind the counter of at least 15 identical siblings. “At least one Joy works at every Pokémon Center in Sinnoh and even around the world. It’s a family business, so you’ll be seeing a lot of us in the future!”

“Right…” JC said, still stunned. Nurse Joy took Dawn’s Poké Balls, the two loops of her pink hair bobbing behind her head as she carried them to one of her machines.

“It will only take a few minutes to heal your Pokémon,” she called back to them, “So feel free to walk around or browse the shop; we’ll page you when they’re ready.”

“Thanks again, Nurse Joy!” Dawn said, leaving the counter with her friends in tow. “Alright you guys, I’m going to assume you newcomers don’t have any sort of sleeping bags with you, correct?”

They each shook their heads in agreement.

“Then let’s buy some!” she said excitedly, leading them to a small shop along one wall of the Center. They each picked out a colorful sleeping bag and carried it to the automated check-out, the three of them paying cash for their small purchases. JC, Cameron and Kira also bought a handful of new Poké Balls each, the essential Trainer tools costing a dime a dozen. And as the register cashed out its last sale the intercom sounded, calling out Dawn’s name.

“That sure was quick!” JC commented.

“It’s probably because Dawn’s Pokémon weren’t injured at all,” Kira explained, “But it’s always a good idea to visit a Center anyway, even if they’re not hurt; the Pokémon enjoy it and it saves you money on medicines.”

“You sure know a lot about these Centers, Kira” JC said, “I’m glad we have you with us…”

Kira blushed, “It—it’s only because I’ve spent so much time with Nurse Joy back at the Academy; she taught me all about Pokémon Centers!”

“She sounds like a walking brochure if you ask me,” Cameron added sarcastically.

“Be nice!” Dawn ordered, hitting him on the back of the head with one of her Poké Balls.

Serina giggled, “Dawn certainly knows how to put you in your place!”

“Shut up!” he shot back, only to get a second beating from Dawn.

“So, what are the sleeping bags for?” JC asked as Cameron nursed his wounds, “I thought Kira said Centers offered rooms…”

“They do,” Dawn said, “But our group is sleeping out under the stars tonight!”

“Can’t argue with that!” Cameron added, back in the conversation. “Sounds like my kind of night!”

“Sounds good to me, too!” JC nodded as they made their way back outside into the warm night air, “I haven’t been camping in forever!”

Dawn led them away from the Center, the small sliver of a moon casting light onto their path. They all followed her close as they pressed into the woods, finding a small clearing just big enough for the five of them. With Dawn calling directions they quickly went about making camp: she and Serina organized a fire pit while Kira and JC set out the sleeping bags. Cameron was sent off in search of wood for a fire and when he returned, Kai quickly set the pit ablaze.

“Oh that reminds me!” Dawn said excitedly as she reached for her bag, “Kai! I wanted to show you something!” She dug through it as Kai watched her curiously, finally locating one of her Poké Balls and releasing the Pokémon inside. 

Kai jumped back in surprise; the new Pokémon looked just like him but longer and with a shorter nose. Its pointed ears perked up as it noticed Kai, the Pokémon looking him over with its bright red eyes as it crept closer.

“It’s my Quilava!” Dawn explained to him, “Your evolved form! I won this egg at the Johto Festival a couple years back and it hatched into a Cyndaquil! I instantly thought of you,” she smiled.

“Wow Kai, that’s what you’ll look like when you grow up,” JC said, sitting close to the two Pokémon and admiring Dawn’s Quilava. Even after battling together for ten years Kai hadn’t once tried to evolve. When he asked about it Rowan told him that trained Pokémon kept in the same place year after year don’t usually evolve, even if they battle on a regular basis. It’s not until they get out into the world that their natural instincts kick in and their bodies experience the desire to evolve. JC smiled; now that he’d finally left home he couldn’t wait to get some battling in. Maybe then Kai would evolve just like Dawn’s Cyndaquil did…

Somehow during their set up, Serina had slipped her sleeping bag next to JC, and as they all settled in for the night he found himself between both her and Kira. They all sat awake on their bags, talking and laughing around the fire late into the night until the fatigue of walking all day finally caught up to them. Crawling into their sleeping bags JC watched Kira out of the corner of his eye as she quickly slipped off to sleep, the light from the fire dancing softly on her pale and freckled skin. His thoughts were interrupted as Kai curled up against him, and JC rolled over to make his Pokémon more comfortable, now finding himself staring into Serina’s deep red eyes. She smiled enticingly at him from under a sheet, forcing him to roll back onto his back and look up at the stars to hide his warming face. JC looked up through the circle of trees into the swirling blues and blacks of the night sky, watching as the shadows of clouds passed in front of the moon.

He yawned, suddenly realizing how tired the day had made him. Folding his hands behind his head he drifted off to sleep, listening to the sounds of the crackling fire mixing with the ambiance of the night.