Melony returned to the lobby five minutes later. Now she wore a beige ribbed sweater that was a little too big, the cuffs going beyond her wrists. She wore an extremely short black pencil skirt. Black thigh highs. Boots. She saw Joe looking over her briefly. It wasn't a lecherous gaze. Just observation. He made sure he didn't look anywhere in particular for too long. She appreciated it. Melony understood her own body was eye-catching, but she still didn't like it when men looked too much. Joe knew how to be a gentleman about it.
Joe had kept himself busy by taking a seat in a corner. He rose when he saw Melony. They met in the middle. Drew a bit of attention from people that lingered in the building.
Joe saw Melony look at his arm. He stuck his elbow out a little. A gesture for her to grab on. "Ma'am, if I may."
Melony gave Joe another one of her patented cute chuckles. Wrapped herself around his arm. Made sure to really lean into him. Joe was a gentleman. She didn't want to turn him down. This made Melony realise there was some form of instant attraction at play. She wasn't against it, but she would fight it. She wasn't going to rush.
Melony assumed Joe had some muscle based on his size, but now she could feel it. He was solid. Built like brick. It was hidden by his baggy shirt and jacket. Attraction was a two-way street. She caught a whiff of his scent. She liked it. Aqua Denims cologne never failed.
Joe took notice of how soft Melony was. Enjoyed her perfume. Walked the streets with a beautiful woman on his arm. She directed him when necessary.
"So, destroy a town, would you?" Joe was hung up on her comment. There had been real menace in how she spoke. Joe had a feeling that Melony had the strength to back up her words.
"I like contests, but it's just a hobby for me. My true profession is a Gym Leader."
That explained it. Gym Leaders didn't obtain their position easily. Joe couldn't remember the exact number, but Jasmine had mentioned it to him once. Something like placing in the Top 16 of a Regional League gave someone the ability to be hired as a Gym Leader. Making it that far in the League was difficult. It meant that Gym Leaders were, by default, strong Trainers. Melony had the power to back up her claim of destroying New Bark.
"I take it your Gym is closed this rotation?"
"Yes. I'm travelling to other countries this year since I'm off work. I want to visit as many contests as I can. I want to go back home satisfied."
"So you're not from Johto?"
"No, no. I'm from Galar. I run the Ice-type Gym there."
"Oh, what a coincidence." Joe saw Melony look up at him, questioning if he was from Galar. "I moved to Olivine years ago, but I'm from Gloriosa." It was why Joe didn't fit in throughout Johto. Galar, and by extension the city of Gloriosa in Johto, had different height averages. The Johtonian people were naturally small in comparison.
"I think I've heard about Gloriosa." Melony said. Thought back to history lessons. "People sailed from Galar and landed in Johto, right?"
That was indeed what happened. People from Galar braved the harsh seas centuries ago. Found themselves in Johto before it was called Johto. Even now, most Galarians in Johto lived in their one city to the West, beyond Olivine. Joe felt like something of an honorary Galarian due to this.
"Yeah. It's why my favourite food is fish and chips." Joe said. Heard Melony giggle. "With salt, vinegar, and ketchup."
"A Galarian delicacy." Melony replied. Couldn't go wrong with a chippy, as they called it.
"I don't think I've ever been to Galar, and Gloriosa took a lot of inspiration for its Johtonian surroundings. What's it like?"
"You've probably heard the stereotype. Cold and damp. It's not wrong. At least Circhester ditches the damp and is just cold. Ah, that's my hometown. It's further North so it snows a lot. Come to think of it, Circhester imported its love of hot springs from Johto." Before Joe could speak, they reached their destination. Melony pointed. "This one."
They sat down opposite each other. Joe briefly worried about how short Melony's skirt was, but it was fine. Her thighs were too thick. No one could see anything. If the situation was bad enough, Joe would've angled himself to cover her.
Joe thought about what Melony said. Her home was a snowy place. He'd looked up Snom since Rotom had registered it in the PokeDex. Snom looked like it fit in a cold area. Pure white body. Ice growing on its back.
"I forgot to ask, how is your Snom doing?"
Melony's face lit up. "You should have seen her! I've raised her from an egg and even then I've never seen her so happy. It was a struggle to get her in her Pokeball, but I promised to keep her with me." Melony became bashful. Rubbed her long hair. Wore a smile and looked away. Joe had brought up her favourite topic. "Sorry. I get excited when I talk about my baby."
Joe was just happy to see Melony cared so deeply for her Pokemon. Made him appreciate what he had. He rubbed Absol's head, who was lying down next to Joe's seat. She barked and swatted him away.
"Oh." Melony used a hand to bring up the side of her sweater slightly. Reached a pocket in her skirt. Brought out a Pokeball. "I'm sure she'll want to say thanks."
Melony opened the ball. Snom popped out onto the table. Immediately jumped on Melony's chest. Kissed her face. Melony struggled to calm the bug down. Stroked it. "Okay, okay. Come on. Look, we have company." Melony used both hands to wrestle Snom back, but the Pokemon remained on Melony's chest. Turned around. Saw Joe. Started jumping and squeaking. Melony laughed. "She's saying thank you."
Joe had been treated once again, this time to the sight of a bouncing chest. "No, thank you, Snom."
Snom tilted its head in confusion. Too young to understand the joke. Melony put Snom on the table but kept a hand on the Pokemon. Stroked her.
Joe didn't want to be too serious, but he was curious about one thing. "Why take Snom?"
Melony grew stern. Snom looked around anxiously. "I'm not sure. I suppose in this sort of place it's a rare species. There's got to be a few in the mountains, but they'd be hard to find. The Snom species blends in to avoid prey. I suppose their thread is worth something since it evolves into a moth, but it takes a while for Snom to evolve."
If Rocket Syndicate were going to sell Pokemon on the black market, the rarer the better. But there had also been some standard Pokemon in cages too. Even if they didn't sell for much, some money was better than no money, Joe supposed.
Joe changed the topic to something more light-hearted. He figured Melony would like to talk about it. "How did you end up with a Pokemon's egg?"
Melony lit up again. Was about to speak. A waiter reached them. They gave their orders. Some tea and snacks.
Melony turned back to Joe. Recounted a tale. She was shovelling snow off the path leading to her house. The shovel hit something. Pushed it enough to reveal the top. Melony had bent down and brushed snow off the object. Realised it was an egg. She looked around at leafless trees. Saw no Pokemon or nests. She picked the egg up. Cradled it in her arms. Smiled. In that moment, her maternal instincts were awakened. At first, she told herself she'd look after it until a Pokemon appeared to claim their child. She took it into her home. Cuddled with it under a blanket as she lay across her sofa, the fireplace warming the room. As days and weeks went by, nothing ever came by to take their child. Melony was happy about this. She'd grown attached to seeing the development of the egg and the Pokemon within. Melony remembered the exact time and date. Thirty-four days ago, at 7:58pm, the egg cracked. She watched with sparkling eyes as a little bug wormed its way out of the shell. It looked up at her. She looked down at it. It squeaked. She picked it up. Cradled it in her arms. From the moment it was born, Snom knew a mother's love.
Joe smiled. A lovely tale. He was glad he was able to help Melony.
They continued to converse for a while, enjoying tea and brownies. Eventually the topic was brought back to Galar and, by extension, Gloriosa.
"Now that I think about it, Gloriosa has a Gym, doesn't it? I think I've met the woman that runs it. What was her name… Ariana?" Melony had a finger to her chin, arm squishing her chest again. She saw Joe nod. Seemed like Joe knew about Ariana. "I've heard horror stories about Ariana. She always acted like she didn't want to be at the Gym. Shouting at and berating challengers. Shooing them away so she can go home."
Joe laughed. Leaned back. Smiled wistfully at the sky as he recalled his mother racing home, bursting through the door, and hugging him with all her might every evening after work. "Yeah, I heard the rumours too. Mum didn't have time for anyone but family."
Melony opened her mouth to speak. Didn't know what to say. She hadn't expected to hear Ariana was Joe's mother. She'd badmouthed his mother to his face. Not the best move when trying to befriend someone.
Joe noticed. Gave Melony a nod. "Don't worry about it. She doesn't care about other people's opinions." Joe grinned. "I remember hearing a challenger calling her out on the way she acted once. Apparently her response was, 'Yes, and?' before she threw him out."
Joe was a momma's boy. He took offence to certain things people said. But factual observations weren't one of them. Ariana had been a nightmare for challengers at the Gym. And of course, Melony was uninformed. Joe wasn't going to blame her for any preconceived ideas of his mother. Melony didn't have the full picture. Joe couldn't expect Melony to know Ariana was a good mother.
Melony laughed. What Joe said lined up with the rumours. Ariana had no patience for anyone. She'd randomly skipped weeks to go on holiday, which Melony now rightfully suspected was Ariana taking her son on vacation as a treat. It sounded like Ariana was good to family, which was enough.
They continued to talk. Ordered a second round of drinks. From what Melony could tell, Joe genuinely didn't mind what she had said. They'd been talking for an hour, enjoying each other's company, but it was time. Melony had to venture to a larger town. New Bark didn't have an airport. She had to wrap the conversation up.
"What brought you here to New Bark?" Melony asked.
Joe thought about it. There were several answers to that question. He went with the current truth. "To start my Pokemon Journey."
Melony chuckled. "And to fight crime."
"And that." Joe grinned. "You did the Pokemon Journey thing, right? What was it like for you?"
"The same as many other people, I suppose. I discovered my love for contests, but I also quite enjoy battling still. The Gym isn't just a job for me. Honestly, I don't miss it. I like having my own home and staying in one place." The cross-country adventure wasn't for Melony anymore. She'd much rather cuddle with her Pokemon in front of the fireplace. "My Pokemon Journey is over, but do keep in touch. I think I'd like to hear more about your journey." She giggled. "I wonder what trouble you'll get mixed up in next."
Joe took the hint. Not very subtle. He, too, wanted to befriend Melony further. So they exchanged numbers. "Keep me updated. I'm heading to Kanto. If we end up in the same place, we'll have to hang out for a bit."
Melony smiled. "It's a date." Until this moment, Melony had no plans to enter contests in Kanto. She wouldn't admit it, but that changed this very second. She'd look up contests in the country and be sure to go to a few so she could try to see Joe again. They hardly knew each other, but that was what created an interest. She wanted to see what was in store next between her and her new friend.
They rose. Hugged. Neither had expected the other to gesture with open arms, but they both offered at the same time. One last treat for Joe. Joe's body was engulfed by warmth and softness. They looked forward to seeing their new friend again.
Absol stood up. The wolf wasn't visible from Snom's point of view on the table, so the little bug was startled. Hopped up to Melony. She caught the bug. Melony held her close.
"I'll see you later, Joe."
Joe nodded. "Look after yourself."
They separated. Joe wandered around town, deep in thought. Melony had made Joe remember that Ariana had been a mighty fine mother. She spoiled him, but not too much. Always took him on holiday to other countries. Imparted wisdom onto him. Joe felt like his righteous nature was thanks to his mother. And when Joe found himself in trouble, who else would save him but his mother. Naturally. She was the toughest mama bear around.
Joe had convinced himself there was a good reason for the brainwashing. Joe still remembered his mother's eyes when she refused to help him a couple of years ago. She was sad. Hurt. Confused. She knew and kept up the ruse, but she wasn't happy about it.
Joe was ready to recall the countless times his mother took him on holiday, but he snapped back to reality. Found himself in front of an outdoors shop thanks to Rotom showing him a clear line on a map. He bought everything he needed. Massive rucksack for more goods because he had multiple Pokemon to feed now. Compact tent and sleeping bag. Multi-tool, lantern, flashlight, flare, satellite phone, fire starter, purification tablets, med-kit. Appliances like pots, pans, and plates. A map and compass because there was something about physically holding them that Joe enjoyed.
Pokemon and technology could fulfil these duties, but Joe didn't want to rely on them for petty chores. If he could do something himself, he would.
Joe quickly thought over the plan as he walked to another shop. He was going to stick to the great outdoors. It was a good way to meet new allies or battle rowdy animals for training. Along the way, he'd complete jobs and combat crime. On top of that, he decided to enter the Gym Challenge.
He saw the Gym Challenge as a necessity. It didn't matter if he won or lost. He wasn't out to collect eight Badges. He just wanted as much battle experience as possible. What he learned in the sport could be transferred to genuine conflict.
Joe visited another store. Bought plenty of bland clothes. Went to a Mart. Bought Pokemon food. A Potion spray bottle. Considered getting more Pokeballs, but he still had a couple of spaces on his team of six. He didn't need fifty spare balls to catch everything in sight. Went to a supermarket. Bought proper ingredients for proper meals. He could've bought food in Kanto, but he wanted to double check everything would fit in his new bag.
One last stop. A bookstore. He always had a book on hand for quiet nights in the wild. Joe couldn't find the novel he'd lost on Mt. Silver. He'd come back to it. He roughly remembered his bookmark. He bought a new book. Fiction. A group of soldiers betrayed by their country and stranded in the wilderness, fighting for survival as they were hunted by former colleagues.
Joe took his goods to the hotel. Packed everything. He attached the lantern to the side of the rucksack and had the tent and sleeping bag combo dangle from the bottom. He still had space in the bag. That was useful to know.
He looked outside. Saw daylight. Joe felt like a fool. Work hard first, then relax. Although such a significant change would've led to Joe not meeting Melony. He'd regret not meeting her, so he justified the wrong order as being okay.
Joe brought Ralts out. She sat on the edge of his bed. Looked up at Joe with a smile on her face. Swung her legs back and forth.
"I didn't ask before, but are you going to be a combatant on the team? Don't feel like you have to say yes. I'm fine with having pets around that don't battle."
"I will fight."
Joe nodded. Sprigatito was the only pet from the four then. That was fine. He liked the idea of having a pet to dote on every now and then. He also finally took notice of how all of Ralts sentences were simple. Maybe if she grew and evolved, she'd start speaking like an adult.
One way for a Trainer to prove themselves to a potential ally Pokemon was via a show of strength. Joe had four Pokemon and had yet to earn their favour through battle. He wanted to show that he was capable in that regard.
Joe brought out Cyndaquil. He looked up at Joe curiously. "Okay, come on you two. We're going to have a friendly match."
Cyndaquil seemed to enjoy battle quite a lot. He jumped for joy. Joe snagged Cyndaquil midair. Held him in one arm. Held a hand out to Ralts. She crawled carefully onto Joe's hand. Joe moved Ralts to his shoulder. She crawled onto him, grabbing his jacket. She stood and placed her arms around Joe's head. The group left. Easily found an empty field. Cyndaquil was eager. Rushed to jump out of Joe's grip.
Ralts hopped down, too. Floated some meters away. She had good control of her psychic powers, but could only apply them to herself or inanimate objects. The energies of living beings clashed with her own powers. Especially for humans. Joe's strong Aura would interfere massively with any attempts to pick him up. Maybe with enough effort, Ralts could pick up Cyndaquil, but she needed more training first.
"All right, let me show you what we can do. And let me see what you're capable of, Ralts."
Ralts nodded. Stepped so her side was facing her foe. Put on her best serious face.
Fire burst from Cyndaquil's back. It was show time.