Save File Found.
Pokémon Trainer: Janice
Level: 12
Gym Badges:
- Green Badge (Graham City)
Pokémon:
- Pidgey [Normal/Flying] {Keen Eye}
- Chikorita [Grass] {Overgrow}
- Magikarp [Water] {Swift Swim}
- Shellder [Water] {Shell Armor}
- Nidoran-M [Poison] {Poison Point}
- Nidoran-F [Poison] {Rivalry}
Previous Save Location: Graham City Pokémon Center
Loading Save File Data...
Chapter 09 Friends
The sliding doors of the Pokémon Center make way for Janice, Gina and their Starters Chikorita and Mudkip as they step back out onto the late afternoon street. The meeting with Wesley the Pokémon League Official went well for girls, they received Trainer Cards and have come away a little more informed than when they went in. Janice looks around, observing traffic that is mostly made up of people heading home after another busy work day draws to an end. A few months ago, around this same time, she would have been at home doing some homework or playing with the Twins and maybe spend the next hour or two hanging out with her friends at the beach. Today however she has just walked out of the Pokémon Center in a neighbouring city with one of her friends and their Pokémon, on a day when she and her friend have earned their very first Gym Badges, which they almost lost. It has been quite the eventful day indeed.
"How about we try these out? There must be tons stored on them by now," Gina says with bubbling excitement as she holds up her Trainer Card and looking it over and over, eyes sparkling. "I'm sure we could buy more than a few items at GrahaMart. Let's go there." Janice sees Gina admiring the Training Card and remembers what Wesley told them about the cards being a type of digital wallet. She takes hers out of her Bag and looks at it.
"How much do you think is currently stored on them?" Janice asks Gina, trying to picture a figure in her mind. A few hundred maybe? A couple of thousands perhaps??
"There should be a lot surely, with all the battles that we've had so far? We can just find out at GrahaMart or..." Gina remembers a scene from yesterday: Rose taking out her Pokédex and consulting it about her Trainer Card. Ryan and Kelvin did the same thing after watching her. Gina pulls out her Pokédex from her jeans pocket with her left hand while the right one holds the card. The black blank screen of the little red device meets her curious eyes. "...or we can just ask the Pokédex. Rose did it yesterday and she got told how much was on her card. Didn't even take more than a couple of seconds." Janice considers getting hers out but decides to wait a bit and watch first.
"Okay. What did she say to it?"
"She just asked it." Gina clears her throat a little and with the air of someone asking someone else about the weather she says to her Pokédex, "How much is on my Trainer Card?" Less than five seconds later the screen lights up and displays an animated cartoon graphic of the Pokédex shrugging with cartoon arms as the electronic voice responds:
"
The linked Trainer Card currently has zero Pokén."
Gina's left hand twitches once as she stares at the Pokédex screen in silence, absorbing what she has just heard. Janice is quiet too, her eyes on the same screen. A moment passes before Gina speaks.
"....What?"
"
The linked Trainer Card currently has zero Pokén," repeats the Pokédex, with a little less enthusiasm than the first time. But Gina's energy is peaking.
"What do you mean there's ZERO Pokén? How can there be ZERO?? After all the battles that I've had now??" Her raising voice of astonishment startles some of the people walking past, but Gina takes no notice. Mudkip trades looks with Chikorita, both Pokémon unsure about what's going on. On Gina's Pokédex screen the shrugging cartoon graphic gives an embarrassed smile as a sweat drop appears on one side of its screen.
"
The balance remains the same: zero Pokén."
Gina slowly turns to Janice, mouth moving and eyes unbelieving.
"Zero Pokén....there's no money on my card....Zero Pokén...."
Janice isn't sure what to say to her, because she is trying to process what the Pokédex has just revealed. What's anyone supposed to say about that? She quickly gets her Pokédex out and asks it the same question that Gina asked hers.
"
The linked Trainer Card currently has zero Pokén," says Janice's Pokédex, also without much enthusiasm as if aware of what's going on. Hearing this come from the second Pokédex silences Gina, as she realises that she is not the only one now with an empty Trainer Card. Janice isn't as shocked as Gina but she certainly wasn't expecting to receive the same response.
"Nothing is on mine either," she says, sounding rather deflated. All that experience that they earned from the battles they've had. All that experience...
Janice suddenly looks away from her Pokédex screen and faces Gina with wide eyes.
"Gina...," she tells her, "...the experience that we got from the battles, it wasn't stored on the cards. Because we didn't have them yet." A moment passes before Gina responds, with the only noises coming from the city streets around the girls.
"What?"
Janice closes her eyes and shakes her head as it starts to make sense now. "We didn't have Trainer Cards until just a few minutes ago. All the battle experience that we got just went to levelling up." She opens her eyes and gives Gina a small smile. "No wonder the cards have nothing on them." Gina just looks at her friend with an expression that screams "Are you kidding me?!" but the logic in Janice's words falls into place around her and Gina's shoulders slump in dramatic fashion as she sighs just as dramatically.
"For crying out loud...are you serious right now?"
Janice snorts and laughs at her friend for being a little ridiculous. Gina acts like she's not amused but she gives in and laughs too. "And I was getting so hyped about spending some serious money," she says a few moments later, as she pockets both her Pokédex and Trainer Card. "So much for that plan." Seeing their Trainers in jovial spirits again makes the two Starters feel at ease again.
"Save the plan for tomorrow," Janice says after replacing hers. "After we see Harold and get our prizes, we'll go do some serious spending." She grins. "As for today, we'll have to settle for minor spending. I have a bit of pocket money left, maybe we could get something nice to eat somewhere?"
"We had some nice food at the Park yesterday, so we can go back there" says Gina. Her eyes brighten as an image pops up in her mind. "There's the stage area too! There was live music being played there in the evening, it was awesome. Nice food and good music, it's going to be so much fun Jan!" Gina's bubbling excitement catches Janice and she starts to look forward to spending the evening in Ferris Park. A nice way to end their day. A thought comes to her.
"Maybe we can bring Trevor along too," Janice says, "what do you think?" Gina nods in approval.
"Sure, let's go ask him. I think he'd like that," she says before giggling, "and he better not show up wearing that lab coat!" The image of this gets the girls laughing again and they begin walking away from the Pokémon Center entrance.
When they arrive at the Research Society, they find a different group occupying the main room. Older men and women make up this group, busy at work in front of computer screens, behind tables writing or typing up reports while discussions go on around them between those who spent the day out in the field. Professor Pine is checking one of the reports until she sees Janice and Gina walk in.
"Hey girls, welcome back," Prof. Pine greets them as she comes over. "How did your Gym challenge go?" They take out their Green Badges and show her, Prof. Pine beams when she sees them held out. "Wonderful, congratulations! I'm happy it went well, Trevor will be happy for you too. This is great."
"Thank you Professor," says Janice, before observing the room. "Is he still here? We came to see him and ask if he wanted to go to the Park with us." Prof. Pine's happy smile becomes an apologetic one as she shakes her head.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You just missed him," she tells the girls. "The Junior Researchers are only here during the daytime shift. I dismiss them before the rest of the Researchers come in for the night shift." She motions at the lab coated people around the room with a nod of her head. "This is the first batch of the night shift crew." Looks of disappointment appear of the girls' faces. Gina turns to Janice:
"We can come back here tomorrow and see him before we leave," she says, trying not to sound dejected. Janice looks around the room one more time, seeing the busy bodies of people that she doesn't recognise.
"Sure, we'll do that," she replies after confirming again that Trevor is absent. Then she faces Prof. Pine. "We'll see him tomorrow, Professor. Thanks for letting us know about the Junior Researchers--"
"Wait, wait," Prof. Pine interrupts her with a small wave of her hand, which then dives into one of her lab coat pockets and draws out a pen. She places the report that she was reading on one of the tables near her and scans over the other papers scattered on it until she spots the small rectangular shape of a notepad, almost hidden among the sheets of written paper. Prof. Pine picks up the notepad, flips over the thin white cover and a few filled in pages that are yellow and lined in black then stops when she finds a blank one. "You can...," she begins as she writes on the page, "...still see him today, by visiting him." The page is torn off from the notepad's short spiral binding and held out to Janice. "I think it will be a nice surprise for him, much better than seeing him before you leave," concludes Prof. Pine, her happy smile returning. Janice was not expecting this, having resigned to returning here tomorrow, which is why she has a moment where she looks from Prof. Pine to the small rectangular yellow page in front of her. The moment is very brief, she takes the page and sees what is written on it in a swift handwriting:
Number 8 Graham Heights, Graham City East.
"Graham Heights? That's where he lives?" Gina asks curiously after reading the address. "An apartment?" Prof. Pine nods.
"It's among blocks of apartments just on the outskirts of the central hub of the city," she says. "You'll be heading towards the residential area which spreads further eastward, but you won't get too far before reaching Graham Heights. You'll know when you find it."
"Now I want to see this place," Gina says eagerly, her mood turning around. "Let's go, Jan." Janice reads the address again as she considers the idea of going. Trevor isn't here, so they might as well go
there. Why not?
"Alright, let's go see him," she decides, sounding cheerful now and ready to depart. She folds the notepad page and pockets it before thanking Prof. Pine for the address.
"Have a good evening, girls," Prof. Pine says, waving goodbye to the girls as they walk away from the facility's entrance. They are back on the streets, with the evening settling in around them. Lights can be seen now from streetlights, electric signs, the interiors of buildings and moving traffic. With help from the PokeNav, the girls travel out of Graham City's central district and go east. The buildings get smaller in size on either side of the road, there are more privately owned businesses which can be seen before giving way to businesses that are ran from people's homes and townhouses. The noises, smells and atmosphere of the city center fade behind the girls and are replaced by new noises, smells and atmosphere. There are less cars here, allowing for the sounds of people in conversations and nearby Pokémon cries to be heard. The girls pass some places where loud radios blast a variety of music or talk shows; they meet children who are playing outside in frontyards or out on the street near their homes. It's not yet too dark so they are having as much fun outside as they can before being called indoors for homework and supper. In the city center one can smell freshly hung laundry, well-tended trees, shrubs and flowers, food being prepared through open windows and cars of course. But out here, outside the city center, the smell of cut grass and wet lawn is more prominent. For the girls it is something new and different from what they are used to back home, where the scent of the sea and the beach comes to mind first. Even though the scent of the sea and the beach is clean, it just doesn't have the same effect as what surrounds them in Graham City.
"Seems like a nice place to live in," says Gina as she looks around at the passing streets and buildings slowly making way for more townhouses and private properties.
"Hm?" Janice asks, turning to her friend.
"Graham, it doesn't look like a bad place to live in," Gina answers. "Peaceful, lively, vibrant and the air smells amazing wherever you go. Like it's spring all day, everyday." Janice looks around as well, in the growing dusk while the sun sinks behind her. Gina's observation is true, she sees, there is life and peace wherever she looks. Ahead of her and Gina, Chikorita and Mudkip are just as captivated by their surroundings as the girls are, taking in as much as they can. Janice notes that Chikorita would be happy here and not be short of friends because of all the other Grass-types that can be found around the city. Janice's other Pokémon come to mind as well: Pidgey also would be delighted to call this place home, with plenty of space for her to fly in and around. Lots of trees for her to rest in. The Nidoran pair maybe? If not out here in the residential district, perhaps they might choose to live together in Ferris Park. Then Janice thinks of Magikarp and Shellder, her two Water-types who would really stand out. How would they feel about living here?
Where exactly would they live? The nearest body of water that they could inhabit is the lake in Rollins Forest, outside of Graham. Back in Percival they would be very close to the sea and not have to travel too far to be home. Janice thinks of all this while considering Gina's observation.
"It's a lovely place, even some of the Pokémon would like it here," she tells Gina after thinking things over a few moments later. "But I think Magikarp and Shellder would prefer living back in Percival by the sea. So if you're going to live here, I'll come to visit you sometimes. Maybe on weekends?"
"Weekends and on public holidays with Mother tagging along," Gina chuckles, "that way she won't have to worry too much about me not being around. Did I tell you she called me yesterday?" Janice shakes her head, surprised to hear this.
"She did? Why?"
"She was checking up on me, just to make sure I'm still alive and in one piece," Gina says, a little tempted to roll her eyes. "'I'm fine Mother, everything's cool' I said to her and she still wanted to send Hillary and Geffrey to make absolutely sure! Can you believe that? I would've just died." Janice laughs, imagining Hillary the maid and Butler Geffrey arriving by car and making a scene as they fuss over the daughter of their employers. Naturally the car would be loaded with all the essentials Gina's mother Rachel is certain she needs right away - extra clothes, cosmetics, food, money, etc.
"You can't blame her for worrying about you. You're her only child and right now you are away from home, going off to be a Pokémon Trainer," Janice says afterwards, giving Gina a playful nudge with her elbow. "Maybe you should've called her instead, hey?"
"I was going to do that eventually," Gina rolls her eyes and shrugs a little. "I was just busy being, you know, a Pokémon Trainer and all?"
"So she didn't have to worry? At all?"
"Nope. As you can tell, I'm still alive and in one piece," Gina looks at her friend with a smug grin and raised eyebrow. Janice shakes her head, feigning some disbelief. But she is glad to see Gina happy and well, doing fine despite being away from the easy comforts and abundant luxuries of her home. Mother Rachel didn't have much to worry about indeed.
The private businesses and townhouses, most of them lit up now for the evening, gradually make way for the apartment complexes. The tall structures are on either side of the road, grey, dark or dull coloured in the advancing gloom. Their names are in stylised capital letters that have been fitted or painted above the main entrances. From open apartment windows and doors beyond low and high balconies the sounds of people, switched on televisions and radios playing music can be heard from the street level as the girls walk past the first couple of buildings. They pass people who are arriving or leaving their home buildings, either alone or accompanied by their partner Pokémon. Coming home from work, from school, or leaving to go out for an evening walk or jog, perhaps to meet up with friends to spend the rest of the night with.
"Eugene Court, no, Courtney Flats, not that one," says Gina, reading off the apartment names from one entrance to the next. "Maybe we should've asked for the specific location, how many apartment buildings we would pass first before reaching the one we're looking for."
"I'm sure it's not too far," Janice replies, checking the names of the buildings across the road, "at least I hope we won't have to walk...too far...there." She suddenly stops, facing two identical apartment blocks that have a wide, black painted electric gate along the ground between them. Above the entrance for each block, lit by floodlights fixed to the wall, is the name Graham Heights in an overcast grey colour. The Starters who are a few paces up the street look back and after seeing Janice and Gina standing, looking across the road, they hurry back to join them.
"Aha, so there you are," Gina says, relieved to have found their destination. "Graham Heights. I wasn't expecting two blocks, wow. And with an electric gate too. Not bad."
"And now we just have to find out which one has Number 8," Janice ponders, looking from one block to the other. "Let's start with the left one." The girls and their Pokémon cross the road, headed for the left block. In front of the entrance is a barred iron door, similar to the door of a cell, with peeling flakes of faded white paint still attached on a couple of the thin bars. The door is has been left slightly open by the last person to enter or leave the building, so the girls are able to walk into the brightly lit ground floor lobby. On the right just after passing through the door, the girls see the reception desk. Behind it are three rows of five square wooden letter boxes. On the lids of each box, which have a small round nob on the right side with a keyhole below it, is a brass number. They are in an ascending order, starting from the right letter box of the bottom row to the left letter box of the top row. Much to the girls' disappointment, the first letter box is labelled with the number 16. They walk out and hurry over to the next apartment block. The lobby is just as brightly as the previous one and just as spaced, however in this building the reception desk is on the left side from the entrance. Even before the girls arrive in the lobby, they can hear some noise coming from there - the noise of a radio that is on.
When they enter the reception area they are surprised to not find anyone by the desk, only a shoebox-sized silver portable radio that sits on the desk top and positioned at an angle that is halfway between facing the entrance and whoever would be seated behind the desk. On the right side of the entrance, across from the desk are the side-by-side doors of the men's and women's rooms. Only the door to the men's room is slightly ajar.
"...And now fans, we are moments away from our second main event match. A match that promises to be another incredible encounter after that fantastic Gym Battle which we just witnessed!" says an excited commentator, whose lively voice is sent out from the radio. Wherever the commentator is broadcasting from, there is the rising and falling roar of a massive crowd as the people make their presence heard and felt even through the radio. "Coming up next, it's a Rankings Battle between two Essentials: defending his position of Rank 9 is the Poison Essential, 'Royal Alchemist' Spencer, taking on the Steel Essential Rank 10, 'Iron Will' Lucretia! I can't wait for this, you better get yourselves ready because it is going to be a show-stealer."
The girls stop in front of the desk and check the letter boxes on the wall behind the desk. The numbers here ascend from the left letter box in the bottom row to the right letter box in the top row. Number 8 is at the center of in the middle row, indicating that the corresponding apartment is on the next floor. The girls exchange pleased smiles and as they start to leave the desk for the staircase a few paces ahead, the flush of toilet in the men's room almost cuts through the sound of the radio. The girls glance at the door then at each other, understanding now why there wasn't someone at the desk and they quietly giggle as they continue towards the steps. By the time the girls are halfway up the steps, a security guard shuffles out of the lavatory - a middle-aged man in a khaki brown short-sleeved uniform shirt and pants - fastening his belt and glad to have made it back out in time to catch the big match on the radio.
The girls and their Pokémon step onto the first floor and find a corridor extending in front of them. Doors to each apartment are on the left and a concrete barricade topped with an iron railing is on the right, running the length of corridor. From the barricade a view of the surrounding neighbourhood can be seen: outdoor and indoor lights from several houses are on now against the darkening sky and emerging stars, a view the girls take a moment to enjoy before proceeding along the corridor and following the numbers on each door. They pass Number 6 and Number 7 then stop in front of Number 8. On the left side of the doorway is a cream coloured circular button. Janice and Gina see it then trade quick looks.
"I'll do it if you won't," Gina tells her friend, grinning. Janice matches Gina's challenging eyes with her own as she presses the button for the doorbell. An electric shrill rings from inside the apartment, lasting as briefly as Janice's finger presses the button, and immediately following the doorbell is a single bark from somewhere inside the apartment. A deep boom of a bark that catches the girls by surprise and they take a step back from the door, Chikorita and Mudkip back away as well, caution rising. There's the thudding of heavy feet and the sound of sniffing under the door. Another bark, now just behind the door. The girls glance at each other, Gina's grin has been replaced by a look of growing worry. Janice matches that look, as she starts to wonder if maybe they got the wrong address? Does Trevor really live at Number 8, with whatever barked just now? As these questions pass between the girls, someone speaks from inside the apartment, trying to discourage the creature behind the door from getting too excited, but that only draws a third bark. The girls start to relax now because they recognise the voice of the speaker, who reaches the door, unlocks it and opens it inward part way and looks out to see his visitors. Trevor's eyes widen in disbelief.
"...?!"
"Ehehe, hi Trevor," Janice says in greeting, not having anticipated the shocked expression on his face. She tries not laugh, giving him a smile instead.
"Surprise~" says Gina, glad to see him and she offers a little shrug as if to say, "Yup, we're here." Even with the door slightly opened, sounds from inside the apartment can be heard: The familiar sound of cooking and the voices of two people in the middle of a conversation - a radio.
"How, how did you two even get here? Who gave you my address?" Trevor asks in a raised whisper, sounding surprised with a hint of confusion and no trace of anger. His wide eyes and high eyebrows look from Gina to Janice hoping for an answer. Janice clears her throat before giving Gina a quick glance then facing Trevor.
"Well, we got your address from Professor Pine," she starts slowly, "and as for how we got here...we, umm, well, we walked...?" The last part ends comes out almost as a question, like she's asking him if it would be so strange that two people Trevor just met earlier today have walked up to the door of his flat. This gets a blink for Trevor as he processes.
"Trevie? Who's that at the door?" A woman's voice asks from inside the apartment, just loud enough to be heard above whatever is being cooked.
"
Trevie?" repeats Gina, like she has just found something worth her immediate interest. The comical look Trevor gives her simply says, "Don't even start." He looks over his shoulder into the apartment and says to the woman, "It's just my friends, Gran."
"Yeah Trevie, it's just your friends," Gina giggles, earning a swift little nudge from Janice who can see how much Gina is starting to enjoy this. Trevor turns back to face the girls and before he can respond, Gran answers:
"Your friends? Are they staying long? Supper is almost ready, they can join us if they are staying."
The girls turn to each other in surprise then to Trevor who mirrors their expressions.
"We won't be long," Janice says to him animatedly, hoping that she and Gina aren't being a bother. "I just thought it would be a nice idea to ask if you wanted to come with us to the Park later. Gina says there are live performances there, so we were going to catch one. You wanna tag--"
"After supper," Gina cuts in, nudging her friend back.
"Gina!" Janice says in a loud whisper, giving her an incredulous look.
"Jan, we came here to see Trevor right? We've seen him and now Gran has invited us to supper if we are staying. So..." Gina gives Janice a reassuring pat on the arm, links it with her own and flashes Trevor a winning smile. "...it looks like we're joining you for supper, Trev. Shall we?"
Janice's incredulous look melts, though her mouth stays open as if she wants to say something but doesn't have the words. She turns to Trevor, who's also at a loss for words as he looks from her to Gina one more time before stepping back and opening the door wider for the girls. With Trevor out of the way, they are met by the Pokémon that barked a few moments ago: purple in colour, standing on its two hind legs and with an expression of curious wonder on its intimidating face as it eyes Janice and Gina, and their Pokémon.
"
Granbull, the Fairy Pokémon," one of the girls' Pokédexes says, "
the evolved form of Snubbull. A Fairy-type Pokémon with the Quick Feet Ability, which raises Granbull's Speed if it has a status condition. Granbull has a particularly well-developed lower jaw. The enormous fangs are heavy, causing the Pokémon to tip its head back for balance. As long as it is not provoked, it rarely bites. Granbull's current level is unreadable."
"You can come on in," Trevor says and when he sees the group showing some hesitation he adds,"It's okay, she won't bite. Granbull's expression becomes friendly, she gives the guests a welcoming bark and makes way for them to enter the apartment. Feeling at ease now, it's Chikorita and Mudkip who surprise their Trainers by going in first and follow after Granbull down the short passageway from the front door into the kitchen where the sounds of cooking and the radio discussion are coming from. A thrilled "Pika!" greets the Starters when Pikachu sees them arrive.
"Well now, who do we have here in my kitchen? Some new friends of yours eh, Granbull?" Trevor's grandmother can be heard saying and there's a confirmation from the Fairy Pokémon. Janice and Gina exchange happy looks as Trevor closes the door behind them and says, "Erm, you can head into the living room. It's through that doorway on the right." The passageway, clean walled on either side and smoothly carpeted, leads to the living room first then the kitchen before turning left and proceeding to the rest of the apartment. The living room that the girls find is carpeted too and neatly furnished with four sofas: two singles that are on the right from the doorway, with a small wooden coffee table between them; one double sofa further to the right facing the left side of the room and another double sofa facing the doorway. In the middle of the room is a polished, rectangular wooden table that is topped by a square table cloth and a stack of magazines. In front of the left side wall stands a sturdy wooden cabinet in which sits a flat-screen television set.
"Yeah, this is it. Welcome," Trevor says to the girls as they check the room out. "Sit anywhere, get comfy and I'll be with you in five minutes. Just gotta--"
"Help me finish preparing supper, of course." The girls and Trevor turn around and find his grandmother standing in the doorway, drying her hands on a sunny orange apron that she's wearing over a flower patterned red dress. A tall woman, rounded by age yet she still stands straight-backed, full of vigour and she eyes the girls with a look not too far away from the same intrigued look a teacher might give to her newest students. "Are these your friends, Trevie?"
"Oh, Gran," Trevor looks from her to the girls then back to his grandmother, a little startled by her sudden presence, "...yes, they are. Let me introduce them. This is Janice and this is Gina." The girls shake hands with grandmother then Trevor says to them, "This is my Gran Lola."
"Pleased to meet you Gran," says Janice, "thank you for inviting us to supper."
"I'm delighted to have you join us, dear," Gran Lola beams.
"Trevor didn't tell us that he lives with you, this is quite the surprise," says Gina, delivering a playful poke to Trevor's arm. Given the chance Trevor would hide his face, but right now he tries to play it cool with a sheepish grin.
"Is that right, Trevie?" Gran Lola asks him, seeing the grin. "Too shy to tell them about your old lady at home?"
"Gran...!" Even if he sank into the floor, that wouldn't save Trevor from blushing even brighter and this just makes the girls snigger.
"Well we'll talk all about it while we eat," Gran Lola says cheerfully as she turns back to return to the kitchen, "so come along and help me get everything ready." Trevor follows after Gran Lola before turning to the girls and gesturing Five Minutes with his hand. As Trevor leaves the living room Granbull arrives with Pikachu, Chikorita and Mudkip. To the girls' surprise, each of the Pokémon has brought a little something from the kitchen. Pikachu greets the girls, happy to see them again.
"Oh look what they've got Gina, Lava Cookies!" Janice laughs, seeing the look of pride on Chikorita's face as she carries the treat on her leaf and makes her way to one of the double sofas. Pikachu takes the Lava Cookie and once the Starters are all comfortable and settled on the sofa, she hands it back to Chikorita and they dig in.
"And none for us, Jan," Gina shakes her head in mock disappointment, "that's what we get for not running straight to the kitchen." She reaches over as if to snatch Mudkip's Lava Cookie, but Mudkip playfully keeps way from Gina. "Maybe Gran will give us some for dessert," Gina sticks her tongue out at him and grins. Seeing their Pokémon looking right at home and enjoying some sweet food warms up the girls, making them glad that they came here. A low meow comes from the doorway and the girls are met by another Pokémon.
"
Delcatty, the Prim Pokémon," states Gina's Pokédex, "
the evolved form of Skitty. A Normal-type Pokémon with the Wonder Skin Hidden Ability, which makes status moves used on Delcatty more likely to miss. Delcatty prefers to live an unfettered existence in which it can do as it pleases at its own pace. It dislikes dirty places, and because this Pokémon eats and sleeps whenever it decides, its daily routines are completely random. Delcatty's current level is unreadable."
"Hey to you too," Janice says, acknowledging the feline Pokémon.
"Aren't you rather cute, huh?" Gina says, admiring Delcatty and its well groomed fur. Delcatty greets the girls back with another mellow meow before scanning the room. After watching the other Pokémon enjoying their treats for a few seconds Delcatty quietly strolls away to the kitchen.
"Just how many more Pokémon are here anyway?" Gina says, amused as she watching Delcatty leave.
"Maybe a lot more," Janice replies, also amused. "I guess Granbull and Delcatty are Gran's Pokémon, so she could have others."
"As if this isn't a full house already," Gina says when she settles down near the sofa and teases the Pokémon while they eat their Lava Cookies. Janice approaches the wooden cabinet that houses the television set and has a closer look at what's on top of it: the remote control for the television - a long oval shaped device dotted with multicoloured buttons on its front side - and three framed photos.
"Gina, come see this." Gina turns at the sound of her friend's voice, gets up and joins Janice by the cabinet. Before she asks what Janice wants her to see, Gina's eyes fall on the middle photo. It shows Trevor and four other people standing just outside the Pokémon Research Society building: a bespectacled man in a brown business suit stands on Trevor's left and a woman in a grey business suit, whose dark hair has been styled up into a high bun, stands on Trevor's right. Next to the man is Professor Pine and next to the woman is Gran Lola, who looks like an older version of her. In front of the five people are Pikachu, Porygon, Granbull and Delcatty. The photo was taken on a sunny day, and everyone in the photo gives the camera their best smile, with Trevor having the brightest one as he holds up a brand new lab coat.
"Wow," says Gina in almost a whisper. "Is that...?"
"Yeah, I think it is," replies Janice, "Trevor with his parents, Gran Lola and Professor Pine. This must have been the day he got into the Pokémon Research Society. He looks so happy."
"He does, doesn't he? His big first day." Gina glances at the other photos. One is a wedding photo showing bride and groom happily gazing into each other's eyes, and the other photo is of Gran Lola watching over a sleeping baby cradled in her arms.
"Baby Trevie," Gina cooes when she holds it for a closer look. A moment later Trevor walks into living room and finds the girls looking at the photos.
"Erm," he clears his throat, catching their attention. "Supper's ready. We'll have it in the kitchen, let's go." Seeing the girls still carrying their Trainer Bags, he points to one of the sofas and says, "You can leave your Bags there, don't worry about them." The girls drop their Bags on the sofa and together with the Pokémon they follow Trevor out of the living room.
"You were a lot cuter as a baby," Gina teases, giving the photo one more look on the way out. "What happened to that guy?" Janice chortles and even Trevor can't help himself from joining in because the comment caught him unaware.
"What do you mean 'what happened'? I'm still that guy," he tells her with a hint of pride.
"Nah, I don't see it. Baby Trevie was adorable. Current Trevie? Okay at best." The three friends laugh together and when they enter the kitchen, Janice and Gina's appetites are aroused by the variety of food that has been set on the table in the middle of the room: cooked vegetables in one dish, salads in a bowl next to it, followed by dishes containing soup, rice, potatoes and meat. Encircled by the food are a short stack of plates, a collection of stainless utensils, four empty tumblers and two glass jugs. One jug holds water and the other contains fruit juice. The tiled kitchen is brightly lit by a long fluorescent tube on the ceiling, bathing the room in a soft white-blueish light. In front of the left side of the kitchen stands a refrigerator with a few magnets on the door. Next to it is a sink, already filled with soapy water and used cooking utensils waiting to be cleaned after supper. Above the sink is a wide window, now hidden by drawn kitchen curtains. To the right from the sink area is the kitchen counter, on it sits the radio as it sounds out an ongoing discussion between Professor Oak and Professor Elm about the newly discovered phenomenon known as
Terastallisation. Four plates full of food are also on the counter, with a fifth one on the floor and already being eaten from by Delcatty. Past the counter is a closed door that leads out to a balcony. Lining the right side and part of the south side of the kitchen are top cupboards, drawers and bottom cupboards. The rest of the south side has a sturdy stove in front of it. A clean and well cared for kitchen that the girls take a moment to gaze at.
"Come on in, it's all ready," Gran Lola says as she takes the plates off the counter and lays them on the floor next to Delcatty. The other Pokémon make their way over there and get started on their supper. The old woman then turns to the teenagers and draws their attention to the table set for them. "Take anything you like, as much as you like. There's enough for everyone." She hands out plates and gestures for the teenagers to begin dishing.
"This looks amazing Gran, you went all out making this," says Janice, picking up a fork and looking around the table, figuring out what she'll get first.
"With plenty of help from Trevie. I can't take all the credit," Gran Lola replies as she pours herself a glass of fruit juice. "He's learning fast, maybe one of these days he'll prepare us something."
"Really?" asks Gina, a little impressed. "You'd do that for us? Make us something?"
"I'm not that good yet," Trevor says, giving his grandmother a look of mock annoyance as he gets his food, "but if you don't mind some sandwiches, I'll make you those next time."
"He's just being modest," Gran Lola chuckles and shaking her head at him, "too shy to show off for his friends." Trevor rolls his eyes and laughs with the girls. Once everyone has dished their food, they get seated around the table and after the teenagers thank Gran Lola for preparing the food, the eating begins. It is a delicious meal, homecooked and made with care, reminding Janice of home. Complimenting the food is the lively conversation that the four of them have, starting with the girls telling Gran Lola about their journey so far and how they met Trevor.
"You're both from Percival City?" Gran Lola is pleased to learn this and rather surprised because she had been under the impression that Janice and Gina were locals, perhaps even former classmates of her grandson's. "That's a lovely place by the sea." She lets out a small sigh as her memories of the city come swimming back to her. "I can still smell the air and hear the sounds around there, unforgettable. It's been a while since I last went there, I would stop by to visit an old friend of mine at least a couple of times a week when I had free time."
"An old friend?" asks Janice.
"Yes, my dear friend Maggie," the old woman says with a smile. The girls' eyes brighten when they both recognise the name of their former Gym Leader.
"Gran Margaret," Gina confirms, "that's so cool. How long have you known each other?"
"Years and years, we are of a similar age. I met her when I was just starting out as a Move Tutor and she had begun leading your Gym." Gran Lola shakes her head swirling with flashing moments from long gone days and that makes her laugh a little. "Two young women with big ideas and so much zeal for their jobs, what a crazy time that was. In many other regions if you needed the services of a Move Tutor or Move Deleter or Move Relearner or any other specialist, you'd have to visit them in their hometown. Over here we did the travelling and that's what made our jobs fun." She takes a sip of her fruit juice and gives the teenagers a little shrug. "But you eventually grow too old to do all that moving about and trekking across Petra, my time certainly came and I retired. By then my daughter Nina, Trevie's mother, was already married and expecting. I wanted to be there for her and my grandchild." She glances at Trevor and sees him smile. "Besides," she says, turning back to the girls, "there are Officials from the League now and each of them is trained to do the same jobs that we did during our time, and I think that is some wonderful progress. Every now and again, some of them stop by for a visit and we share stories from the road. It's amazing to hear how things have changed and yet the thrill of going to different places and meeting different people is still very much alive and well, I see it when I hear from those Officials. I'm proud of each and every one of them, they are going out there and doing good work."
"We met one in the afternoon," Gina tells her, "Mr. Wesley. He was really helpful and we learned a lot from him." Gran Lola nods, pleased.
Supper continues with more stories from the girls about the Gym Battle and meeting the Looter, which shocks Gran Lola and Trevor until they hear that the girls got their Badges back thanks to Harold.
"I was worried for him at first," Janice says as she thinks back to that scene, "he was still at Level 12 when he showed up and that Trainer was at Level 18. How was Harold going to battle him like that?"
"Then he brought out his team," Gina continues, still amazed by what she witnessed, "and his Trainer Level just started going up and up until...until we couldn't see it anymore. I didn't know that could happen."
"Even the Pokédexes didn't know what levels his Pokémon were," Janice says. "They knew that the Trainer and his Pokémon were Level 18, but for some reason they said..."
"Unreadable," Gina adds while Janice nods. She looks over at Granbull and Delcatty, seeing them interacting with the Starters. "That's what the Pokédexes said for Granbull and Delcatty too, unreadable. I didn't get it until Mr. Wesley explained everything."
"Did he tell you about Gym Leaders having other teams?" Gran Lola asks the girls. They exchange looks then both shake their heads.
"I didn't know about that either," Trevor says, "why do they have other teams?"
"Those are their strongest Pokémon," Gran Lola tells him and his friends. "They've been there from the time before that person became a Gym Leader, in some cases even their Starters are part of those teams. The Pokémon that you see in Gym battles are just the ones currently being trained by the Gym Leader, that's why they are low levelled. There are always Trainers who return to previous Gyms that they've challenged before in search for rematches, usually much later on in their journeys when they have become much more experienced. This is the time when Gym Leaders will face those Trainers with their best teams." The three teens take this information in. Even though he is on the path to becoming a Pokémon researcher in the future, Trevor has known that he still has to challenge the Gyms. He can't receive a Trainer Card without having the first Badge, and without a Trainer Card he won't be able to travel very far since it serves as identification. His work will demand that he travel a lot and in some cases travel quite far. However, the idea of battling the Gym Leaders again at some point had not crossed his mind until Gran Lola brought it up just now. As for Janice, she immediately thinks of Janet and remembers how she wasn't keen on bringing her siblings along to the Gym because Janet thought they would disturb her while she was working. As a result of this, Janice did not get to see what Pokémon big sis has and find out how strong they are. If Janet has more Pokémon, Janice wonders, would she accept a rematch challenge from her?
"The rematches are not to be taken lightly," Gran Lola adds with caution, "Gym Leaders and their Pokémon won't have to hold anything back in those battles and this has been a harsh lesson for many overconfident Trainers who decide to attempt fighting Gym Leaders again after convincing themselves that they are strong enough." She shakes her head with a regretful smile. "It happened during my day and it still happens now, some things will never change."
"We don't have to do them, right? These rematches?" Gina asks, trying to imagine herself being strong enough to face Harold once more. The image isn't clear but she can still make out the shadowy figures of Venusaur and the long-necked Exeggutor.
"You don't," Gran Lola assures her, "they are just another mountain in the distance waiting for the truly prepared to scale it. You can simply enjoy the view of that mountain, there's no shame in that. I certainly did."
"Really, Gran?" Trevor is surprised. He has always believed that his grandmother was a skilled Trainer even several years after she retired from her Move Tutor job, with Granbull and Delcatty as the living testaments of how good Lola is. After hearing about rematches Trevor could've entertained the possibility of Lola having gone back to the Gyms at some point in the past.
"Yes Trevie, really," Gran Lola replies happily, "I just didn't have the motivation to battle Gym Leaders again." She laughs. "Travelling around took up most of my time and it was way more interesting. No, my dear young Trainers, you don't have to compete in the rematches...but as for travelling, you most certainly have to do that."
During dessert, which was as served as strawberry ice cream, Gran Lola tells the teenagers a few stories from her Move Tutor days. It was a time when one didn't have a lot of technology to rely on like now, meaning that one had to rely on themselves, their Pokémon and the skills that both Trainer and Pokémon had. There were plenty of paths and routes which had not been discovered and explored yet which made trips both exciting and rather dangerous. Of course, Gran Lola doesn't go into too much detail in some of those stories - no matter how much the teenagers urged her - because she hopes the teenagers to travel along the paths and routes that she did and find things out for themselves. Those stories which the old woman is particular about are mostly from her trips across the eastern half of the Petra region.
After supper and dessert, with Gran Lola, Granbull and Delcatty in the livingroom watching TV, Janice and Gina are still in the kitchen helping Trevor with the dishes. Trevor washes them, Gina dries them and Janice puts them away in the cupboards. By now another program is being aired on the radio, a show co-hosted by two women who are chatting with a guest that claims to have met a certain legendary Trainer from Pallet Town.
"Thanks for supper Trevor," says Janice as she receives a collection of utensils from Gina who nods in agreement.
"Next time we're definitely eating something that you whip up, okay Trev?" Gina says playfully, leaning against the counter next to the sink and waiting for a set of plates on a rack to finish dripping before she wipes them dry with a dish towel. Trevor glances at her with a raised eyebrow and shakes his head.
"How about next time we eat something that you help me whip up, okay?" he suggests, smirking. "That way we'll find out if your cooking skills are as good as your table manners." Janice bursts out laughing while Gina smacks Trevor on the arm with the dish towel, her eyes and mouth wide open in mock indignation. The look is enough to make Trevor join Janice.
"Cheeky," she replies as she starts laughing too.
"Her cooking's pretty good if she's in the mood," Janice says a few moments later when they've settled back into the dish work. "You'll end up out of the kitchen if you let her get super into it, so you better show us what you can do."
"Is that a challenge?" Trevor asks her, before placing the last remaining utensils in a holder that's next to the rack.
"Impress us," Gina challenges him, her nose in the air like a high class lady expecting above-spectacular service. "That way we'll find out if your cooking is as good as mine." Trevor pauses scrubbing one pot and looks from Gina to Janice then back to Gina as he goes over what she has just said. He turns back to the pot and continues scrubbing.
"Fine. I'll make something for you next time," he says to the girls and by the tone of his voice, they can tell that he is looking forward to the task. Gina turns to Janice with a grin and winks, showing Janice that she is more than satisfied with this. Janice grins right back.
After all the cookware has been washed, dried and put away, Trevor leads the girls back to the livingroom where they left their Bags. Supper has been eaten, dessert has been had and now it is time for Janice and Gina to be on their way. They thank Gran Lola for inviting them to stay and join her and Trevor.
"I'm really glad you stopped by to visit Trevie," Gran Lola says to them, "it was a pleasure to meet you. The evening is still young, where are you off to now?" The girls turn to each other, exchange sheepish smiles and turn back to Gran Lola.
"We're going to Ferris Park to attend the concerts," Janice says, before facing Trevor and saying to him, "but we came by here first because we wanted to ask you to come along."
"So what do you say?" Gina asks Trevor. He is speechless, remembering that he didn't give the girls a response when they met him outside.
"Oh the concerts at the Park, that should be fun!" exclaims Gran Lola happily. She turns to her grandson and says, "I think you'll have a great time there Trevie. Go on." Trevor looks from the girls to his grandmother. Gran Lola smiles and gives him a nod of approval. To the girls she then asks, "Do you need to freshen up before you leave?"
"Absolutely!" says Gina, beaming.
"First door on your right along the passage," replies Gran Lola and she watches the girls walk out of the livingroom, leaving her, Trevor and the Pokémon.
"You'll be okay, Gran?" Trevor asks, "you sure I can go?"
"Of course you can go. I'll be fine. Granbull and Delcatty are with me and there's the television to keep us company," says Gran Lola, shaking the remote control at Trevor. "Go have a good time with Janice and Gina." Trevor smiles and gives Gran Lola a quick hug before hurrying to his room to get ready.
Minutes later Janice, Gina, Trevor and their Pokémon are walking out of the apartment building, chatting away and eating Lava Cookies that Gran Lola gave them as they were leaving. Gina has been to Ferris Park's northeast section before and she cannot wait to show her friends what that area is like. The vibe, the atmosphere and the live musical performances which feature a variety of artists, bands and genres. Gina's excitement easily rubs off on Janice and Trevor, they are looking forward to finding out what will be played tonight.
As the teens and their Pokémon head off for a night of fun in Graham City, a woman knocks once before opening the door to an office at the headquarters of Petra Pokémon League.
"Sir?" the woman says after looking into the office and finding its occupant: a man seated behind a broad and polished desk, reading through a small collection of typed reports. He looks up and sees the woman at the door.
"Come in Ms. Goldspenn," he says. "What is it?"
"I've brought the Essentials' updated rankings list," Ms. Goldspenn tells the man as she closes the door behind her and walks over to the desk. She holds out a tablet computer to the man. He takes the tablet and looks at the screen which displays a detailed text document that lists eighteen names in the order of first rank at the top to last rank at the bottom. Included with each name is information about the length of time the person has held that rank for, whom they defeated to take up that rank as well as the date and location of that battle.
"Have they been notified?" the man asks as he reads the list.
"They were notified as soon as the list was updated."
In a school library somewhere in the region, an old man is seated in a circle of childen who are listening attentively as he reads to them from a book of fantastic myths and legends. Floating above the old man's head is a sleeping Jigglypuff, bobbing up and down slowly like a tethered balloon.
Rank #1, the Fairy Essential: "
Fabled Druid" Quinceworth IV.
Through a heavy rainstorm far out at sea, miles off of the eastern coast of the region, a man flies on the back of a large Pokémon. Together they lead a small group of men and women who are also flying on the backs of Pokémon that share the same type.
Rank #2, the Dragon Essential: "
Devourer" Octavian.
High above the western coast of the region, where the weather is much more pleasant and calm, an airship cruises along at a steady pace. A big rave party is going on in the airship's banquet hall and watching over this event from the comfort of a massive couch on a raised stage at one end of the hall is a man in the company of four beautiful women.
Rank #3, the Flying Essential: "空の王
Sora no Oh/Sky King" Chono.
A young couple are seated at a table in an antiques shop, curious to know if the woman seated across from them at the same table has answers to their questions about their love life and future. Floating above the woman's right side is a Solrock and floating above the woman's left side is a Lunatone.
Rank #4, the Psychic Essential: "
Star-Eyed Wonder" Monica.
Out on the balcony of a lavish mansion that stands on a hill overlooking a snow-blanketed, lively city is a warmly dressed man sharing a glass of chilled wine with his lovely date. A Froslass races across the snow on a slope below the balcony, chased around by a companion Pokémon.
Rank #5, the Ice Essential: "
The Northman" Byron.
A group of students and their teacher exchange bows of respect with a woman and her Hitmonlee after a healthy but friendly sparring session at a dojo.
Rank #6, the Fighting Essential: "
Queen of the Ring" Idah Rosa (ring name).
For the third time in a row, the cards which make up a winning hand are laid out on a table in dramatic fashion by a richly dressed woman who laughs at her stunned opponents. A Sableye stands next to her, observing the card game with mild curiosity.
Rank #7, the Dark Essential: "
Lady Luck" Elizabeth.
Much singing and merrymaking can be heard from a lodge located near the center of the region. Leading the singing is a man in high spirits, celebrating yet another successful hiking expedition.
Rank #8, the Ground Essential: "
Son of the Earth" Moses.
Classical music plays throughout a laboratory while a man works, handling a number of what would be considered very hazardous chemicals. Any dangerous vapours emitted by these materials are easily neutralised by a Galarian Weezing that quietly floats around the lab, enjoying the timeless sounds.
Rank #9, the Poison Essential: "
Royal Alchemist" Spencer.
Although the evening hasn't completely gone her way, the woman sharing a glass of chilled wine with Byron is in a much better mood now than she was an hour before. The good wine and the good company are to be thanked for that. Chasing after Froslass in the snow is a Steelix.
Rank #10, the Steel Essential: "
Iron Will" Lucretia.
A nun kneels with head bowed and hands clasped in silent prayer before a raised altar in a church. The large colourful stained glass window high up behind the altar depicts the mythical Original One in mid-gallop. Every now and again the nun's shadow stirs.
Rank #11, the Ghost Essential: "
Spirit Manacle" Marian.
A middle-aged man in the signature hat and trenchcoat of a hardboiled investigator strides through the rain swept streets of a night time metropolis, whistling a melancholic tune as he remembers some old cases. Hopping along beside him is a Politoed, thinking of croaking up a tune of its own to summon weather that fits the mood.
Rank #12, the Water Essential: "
Endless Rain" Templeman.
On the rooftop of one office building within the forest of skyscrapers in that same metropolis, an older man and his Electivire meditate without any disturbance from the sounds of the busy traffic below them.
Rank #13, the Electric Essential: "
Thunder Cloud" Jethroh.
A younger man mounted on a swift moving Rapidash races up a mountain trail, following after a procession of singers that is being led by a dancing maiden.
Rank #14, the Fire Essential: "
Eye of the Sun" Enzo.
A woman sits by the fountain in the middle of Ferris Park, admiring the shrubs and bushes that have been shaped to resemble various Pokémon - the work of her dear husband - while a Jumpluff uses one of its moves to make flowers bloom from them.
Rank #15, the Grass Essential: "
Bountiful Blessing" Vivian.
Praying next to the nun is her older sister, dressed in more casual clothing and accompanied by a Kecleon that's keeping one open eye on the nun's unsteady shadow.
Rank #16, the Normal Essential: "
Most Favoured Balance" Miriam.
A popular media influencer and her Ledian livestream their latest video to the millions of screens of her followers.
Rank #17, the Bug Essential: "
Hive Queen" Jessica.
Rather than join her father on his latest hiking expedition, this woman and her Golem have chosen instead to continue exploring the underground tunnels and chambers of the massive cave known as Grand Granite.
Rank #18, the Rock Essential: "
Stonestorm" April.
End of Chapter 09 Friends.
Saving File Data........
File Data Saved.
**Chapter Notes**
Themes
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Pewter City/Viridian City/Saffron City [FR/LG] (Graham City theme)
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Jubilife City (Night) [D/P/P] (Graham Heights theme)
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Lake Crater [D/P/P] (A meeting at Petra Pokémon League HQ theme)
A Pocket full of Yen
Officially, the currency which is used in the games is called Pokémon Dollar. Seems simple enough, but I wanted something much more clever that doesn't need one to think very hard about because it's right there in the name of the franchise...and so the Petra region's currency was born, the almight Pokén :) I don't know if there are any other Pokémon fanfics that have it as their in-universe money, but if you know of such stories feel free to show me. I like the name, it's cool, it's easy to remember and it even sounds like something small enough to fit in one's pocket, whether it's money or a popular collectable item.
Graham East
This area of Graham City is based on my old neighbourhood, where I spent the first 8 years of my life. We lived in a flat that was along the highway which led to the airport, so every now and again the former President's motorcade would speed past and we would be out there watching it go, hoping to see him wave back. Across the road from the apartment buildings there was a major rugby field, that's where New Year's fireworks would be held. Fun times.
The Fresh Princess of Percival
In case there are any readers who have forgotten, Gina is an ojou - the daughter of a wealthy family. I came up with the scene where she tells Janice about the phone call as a way to remind those readers while also revealing the name of Gina's mother and throwing in a little pop reference to a classic sitcom,
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Bonus points to those of you who might have wondered if Gina is actually the short for her formal name Regina, you were spot on. Just don't call her Reggie though, she blows a gasket every time Ryan does :D (and usually it's when she's been on her high horse for way too long...somebody has to bring her down to earth somehow).
Move Tutor Lola
She is a character that appeared in the previous versions of the story as an active Move Tutor that Janice and Gina met after they earned their Green Badges. Unlike traditional Move Tutors who demand payment in the form of Mushrooms, Shards or Heart Scales for their services, Lola offered her services to Trainers if they have Badges. This time round I decided to change her up and have her as a retired Move Tutor who also happens to be Trevor's grandmother. A much more interesting take on the character that I thought would help to give you a brief peek into the world of JoJ. If anyone would like to write up a spin-off based on Lola's time as a travelling Move Tutor you can give it a try, even if it's a limited series of a few chapters. Let's see what you can come up with :)
Ra-Di-Oak! King of Airwaves
Because the world of JoJ is set in the current generation of the franchise, I like showing that time has passed and changes have happened elsewhere. We might not get mainline games which revisit previous regions and show us what they look like in the current generation but I can try to do that through this story, so in this chapter we got Professor Oak's radio program
Pokémon Talk as an example. You might still remember the original show, it was hosted by Oak and DJ Mary (and if one NPC is to be believed, it was not a live broadcast). In JoJ, Oak now hosts the show with Prof. Elm and it is a live broadcast (released in podcast form a short while later, with show notes and everything). DJ Mary and DJ Ben at some point in the past moved up to take over as co-directors of the Johto Radio Tower after the previous Director retired.
Totally Red!
The other radio program that was in this chapter,
Totally Red!, is my idea. It is a local production that is hosted by two long time friends who grew up in Kanto then moved to Petra. Earlier episodes of the show were about them sharing stories about Red from their time back home, both personal stories and stories from people who had either seen him or had the chance to talk to him. As the show grew popular and reached other regions, the hosts began interviewing guests who had stories to tell about Red in places as far away as Galar. No sightings of him in Paldea or Petra (yet). I thought it would be an interesting radio show, one episode could feature former Silph Co. employees who were there when Team Rocket was still very active and another episode might have someone who witnessed Red capture the Red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage. Stories like that can help to maintain the aura, the mystique and the legend of Red, a character that I imagine to be always on the move to discover new places, encounter new Pokémon, learn new things and meet interesting people. The thought of having canon characters make appearances in JoJ has crossed my mind many times for this version of JoJ, so there's a good chance of some appearances. In the walkthrough version I had Eusine, Morty and one of the Kimono Girls as part of the story, you can check out that version to find out what their roles were.
2 B An Essential
This is one of those ideas that you get sometimes which doesn't disappear. It sticks around long enough for you to write it down and you can work on it until you are ready to share it with your audience. The Essential Eighteen are the strongest Type Specialist Trainers in the region. Gym Leaders, the Elite Four and the Type Masters from
Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee are examples of such Trainers and their reasons for training their signature types are usually based on personal preference. With the Essential Eighteen it goes beyond personal preference because each of these Trainers developed a natural affinity to the type that they train. There will be a character a few chapters ahead who will go into more detail about the Essentials, for now I just wanted to showcase them. Nice idea but it's the execution of it that's more important, so I will handle this with care and hope you'll give it a chance because things could get a lot more interesting thanks to the Essentials. I drew inspiration for these characters from groups such as the Shichibukai/Seven Warlords of the Sea from
One Piece, a colourful cast of individuals with varying personalities, goals, motivations and ambitions. I enjoyed creating the Essentials and was really looking forward to debuting them. Yes indeed, JoJ has shifted into Gear Second now :)
I had originally planned on writing Chapters 9 and 10 then releasing both on the same day, but while I was still writing Chapter 9 my previous computer was damaged by a power cut and I lost track for a while afterwards. The one positive thing which came out of that time away was I got the chance to organise my notes for the story. There had just been notes for 9 and 10 but now I've got material going up to what is currently labelled as Chapter 16. I even went back and read some chapters of "version 1" (version 0 being the walkthrough version) and it was exactly what I needed to get creative and motivated again. I'm sorry for the delay and for not delivering two chapters as planned, I hope Chapter 9 has made up for this. Thank you for your patience and for reading this chapter. Bye for now.
