"Yea, I'm not exactly from around here." They briefly shook hands, before he continued, "The name's Anthony, by the way."
"Haruki. Nice to meet you."
"So... My hotel's the Sleeping Sunkern. You know where to find it?"
Haruki lifted an eyebrow, smiling. "Yep. I called ahead and placed a reservation there myself, in fact. One of the last places in town with rooms open, I'd bet. Come on, this way."
Haruki did, indeed, know the way just as well as he'd thought. It must've been, what, two or three years since he'd been there? But he still remembered that day, running all over Goldenrod trying to get a room before the thunderstorm started up in earnest. Haruki led the man quickly and surely, hardly glancing around at all, almost completely submerged in memories.
He broke his own reverie by clearing his throat. "So, in town for the tournament, I'm taking it?" He eyed the Arcanine. No other reason for someone to be parading such a handsome beast around, he figured.
Hm. If we go up against one another, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable pitting Manami up against him. Wonder what else he's got, Haruki thought idly, glancing up and down the beast as they walked.
"You know, that sounds pretty good. Lead the way." Harley agreed, grabbing her bike and pushing it along beside her.
And with that they were off, with Remy navigating them through some less traveled paths. He'd spent enough time in Goldenrod that, by now, he was able to navigate it with relative ease. Harley, it seemed, was also a veteran Sneasel Trainer.
"As for you, don't try to steal anything from me. I have enough trouble with my own Sneasel."
Sneasel scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. He wasn't used to getting pegged for a thief so easily. Snesnesne... An awkward chuckle was all he could think of, before retreating to his Trainer's other shoulder.
Remy laughed. "Hahhahaha. Spoken like a true Sneasel owner. Don't worry though, he only steals from those dumb enough to deserve it."
The group came out of an alleyway and onto a busy commercial street. The Goldenrod City Department Store could be seen towering several stories over the other retailers' roofs. They continued North and as they did, less and less people stood in their way.
"So, where are you from, Remy? Not from Johto, I'd guess. And you don't look like you're from Hoenn, like me."
Remy pondered the question for a bit, tilting his head slightly as he came up with a suitable answer.
"Nah, I'm from up North. Veilstone City, Sinnoh, born 'n' raised. I dunno if I'd call it home anymore, though. Not much there waiting for me, other than debt collectors and unhappy memories."
Remy paused a while. He didn't exactly like thinking about home. About Veilstone. He quickly flashed Harley with a smile and continued.
"Me and the boys have been on the road so long, we don't really have a fixed address anymore, I guess."
Ending his exposition on that note, Remy stole a glance at Harley's shirt, specifically the logo emblazoned on it.
"Soooo-oo... What's up with that shirt? Izzat the Team Rocket logo? Any particular reason you're flying a known criminal organization's colors? Ain't those guys all but gone since that Radio Tower incident some 10 years back, anyway?"
As Remy questioned the young woman's lifestyle choices, the four turned their last corner. There it was. Nestled in between two much taller and obviously newer buildings, stood a small, wooden inn with an ornate sign with a wooden carving of a sleeping Sunkern.
"And here we are. The Sleeping Sunkern! The Berlitz Goldenrod International it is not, but Granny Kerns is the sweetest old lady you'll ever see and the rooms are a bargain at twice the price."
Remy lead the way, all but slamming the doors open as he announced his triumphant return.
"Yo, Granny! I'm back! Gotcha a new tenant, too! Get her a room, will ya?"
Out from the dining room and into the lobby, a tiny, frail old woman slowly made her way to the reception desk. She must've been in her 90s already, judging by her appearance. She groaned ever so slightly as she sat down, a Meowth making its way onto her lap for some sleep.
"Mmmh... Hold yer horses, dearie... You know I'm not at the peak of my vitality anymore these days..." Lifting her small glasses with her bony fingers, she opened the huge guestbook in front of her. "Mmmmmh... Let's see here... Room 8 is available. One bed, balcony, private bathroom... $500 for the duration of the Tournament... Sound good, lassie?"
The Rocket's eyes narrowed as the Sneasel seemed to chuckle in embarrassment of being found out so quickly, and so easily, before glancing up at Remy when he laughed.
"Spoken like a true Sneasel owner. Don't worry though, he only steals from those dumb enough to deserve it."
That prompted one of Harley's brows to lift in skepticism, even as they left one of Goldenrod's alleys and stepped onto a Northbound street in the shadow of the city's famed department store. As they did, Fahrenheit kept up next to his trainer, keeping himself between the two red-haired youths, all while keeping an eye on Remy's Sneasel.
"Uh-huh. Right. Well, I'm not sure if all Sneasel's are as big a troublemaker as Celsius is, but I know she tends to cause all kinds of hell. Half the time, I think it's all to impress this one." Harley said, jabbing a thumb at Fahrenheit.
Regarding where he was from, however, caused Remy to pause, and as he thought about what to say, Harley had to grimace a little. Probably not a good subject to talk about, it seemed.
"Nah, I'm from up North. Veilstone City, Sinnoh, born 'n' raised. I dunno if I'd call it home anymore, though. Not much there waiting for me, other than debt collectors and unhappy memories. Me and the boys have been on the road so long, we don't really have a fixed address anymore, I guess."
When he flashed a smile at her, she smiled tentatively back.
"I guess I understand. Still sorry to hear though." she offered.
However, Fahrenheit noticed the moment Remy glanced at Harley's shirt, and realized just what the boy was going to ask. So he silently waved his arms and made negative gestures in an attempt to warn him not to ask. Since he did anyway, the Combusken simply slapped a feathered hand over his face and shook his head.
"Soooo-oo... What's up with that shirt? Izzat the Team Rocket logo? Any particular reason you're flying a known criminal organization's colors? Ain't those guys all but gone since that Radio Tower incident some 10 years back, anyway?"
"The Radio Tower was Neo Team Rocket. I'm a fan of the original. You know, Jessie, James and Meowth? So, I'm going to see about starting up a new Team Rocket of my own, kick some ass, get stronger, shit like that. You'll see what I mean at the Tournament." she said with a wide, wicked grin.
They finally reached the Sleeping Sunkern whenever she finished, and when she spotted it she couldn't help but frown just a little. It looked like a nice, casual hotel, but if Remy was to be believed, it managed to keep some unoccupied rooms during this kind of tourist rush. She'd see it to believe it.
"And here we are. The Sleeping Sunkern! The Berlitz Goldenrod International it is not, but Granny Kerns is the sweetest old lady you'll ever see and the rooms are a bargain at twice the price."
At that, she laughed.
"Now I definitely don't think it'll have rooms open. This place looks prime for tourists, and you're telling me there are rooms available?" she asked as she followed him.
Before stepping inside, she chained her bike alongside several others that were already just outside the inn itself, then followed him in. As Remy called out for Granny Kerns, Harley looked around at the lobby itself. It was warm, cozy. Not a bad place all-in-all, she decided. When a frail old woman, presumably Granny Kern, stepped out from a dining room and sat, Remy spoke again.
"Yo, Granny! I'm back! Gotcha a new tenant, too! Get her a room, will ya?"
"Mmmh... Hold yer horses, dearie... You know I'm not at the peak of my vitality anymore these days... Mmmmmh... Let's see here... Room 8 is available. One bed, balcony, private bathroom... $500 for the duration of the Tournament... Sound good, lassie?"
The Rocket gaped at that. Within an instant, she pulled her wallet from her back pocket and slapped the needed bills onto the desk with a grin.
"$500 for my entire stay? You got it!" she said cheerfully, before turning to Remy with that same grin, saying, "Thanks! I probably wouldn't have found anywhere else with vacancies, much less this cheap! I was almost expecting it to be five times that price."
"I need you to understand, Blitz - Blitz look at me! - Blitz, please, this is very important." Ella spoke anxiously. Falling to her knees, she cupped her hands around her Jolteon's head, inching her face closer as she stared into her obsidian eyes. "Blitz, please, just, focus for like, five minutes, that's all I'm asking."
Ella and Matchstick has stopped in the unoccupied entrance way to a closed store, having no luck finding the Sleeping Sunkern, she had decided to initiate plan Z. Blitz would find it, she could find anything if given the proper motivation, it was what she would do on the way to finding said thing that worried the girl.
Blitz moved her paws on the spot restlessly, she was out! So many people! So many possibilities for mayhem! She stared back at the girl, Ella's eyes almost pleading.
"Blitz please, just, just..." Ella touched her nose to the Jolteon's, her eyes unblinking.
Matchstick had already found his way onto Blitz's head, his front paws wrapped around her long ears. He'd need to go with her, just to keep her focused and interfere with any would be attempts at theft and/or other illegal activities.
"The Sleeping Sunkern, Blitz, find the Sleeping Sunkern, take Matchstick, and find, The Sleeping Sunkern." The girl's hand squished the Jolteon's face together slightly. "The Sleeping Sunkern." Ella whispered.
Mathstick leaned over the front of Blitz's face, reiterating Ella's request, although his squeaks sounded less like pleading, and more like demanding.
What was the big deal? Blitz could do that easily, why were these two making such a fuss? Did they think she was some sort of troublemaker? Why, the very accusation!
A mischievous glint in Blitz's eye set alarm bells ringing in Ella's ears. "No trouble, I mean it, I swear Blitz, I swear to all that is-ARGH!"
Blitz gently shocked the young girl on the nose, her hands releasing Blitz as she fell on her rump. The Jolteon was off like a flash, Matchstick's terrified wails trailed off as they vanished from sight and into the crowd. An exasperated look on her face, Ella let out a low moan as she began to follow after the pair. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" She muttered to herself.
"OW!"
"Wha?!"
"Ouch!"
"Waaaa!"
"The hell?!"
Shocking random strangers as she weaved through the crowd, Blitz covered ground ridiculously quick, the Cyndaquil on her head hanging on for dear life as he begged her to slow down. Slow down? Who did he think she was? A Snorlax? Zooming through the busy streets, she checked every building sign, ignoring Matchstick's squeaks for restraint, and the raised eyebrows of other humans, until she found what she was looking for.
Matchstick was nearly wrapped around Blitz's ear, shuddering gently as he hung on for dear life, it took him a moment before he realised that the wayward Jolteon had stopped moving. Opening an eye, he peered up at the carved wooden sign.
The Sleeping Sunkern.
Leaning over the front of Blitz's face, Matchstick stared at her in disbelief, she had a rather smug look about her now. Hopping off his mighty steed, Matchstick stood on his hind legs as he took in all the glory. They'd found it! Finally! Turning to face Blitz, he looked up at her, his face expressionless before he threw his front paws in the air with glee.
Blitz grinned as she sat, holding out a front paw, she barked happily as she requested the highest of fives.
Ella panted as she quickly followed the inevitable sounds of mischief, hauling her suitcase behind her. After asking several passersby if they'd seen a Jolteon pass through, she finally stumbled upon them outside an old looking building.
"What did I say?!" The girl panted, clutching at her chest. "What did I say about causi..." Her words trailed off as she took in the sign above her.
"You found it." She whispered to herself. "You actually found it!"
Blitz closed her eyes as she raised her head with pride. Of course she found it. She was awesome.
"WOOHOO!" Bending over, Ella wrapped her arms around the Jolteon's neck, Matchstick leaping back onto the girl's head as he added his own squeaks of celebration. "I totally didn't doubt you for a second. Nope!" She laughed as she pushed herself away from the embrace. "Quick, let's get inside, hopefully they still have some rooms left!"
With Jolteon by her side, and Matchstick in her hair, they entered the hotel. A rather elderly looking woman was busy serving two other guests, some guy with red hair, and a girl with a Combusken.
"I hope we're not too late." The girl muttered to herself, looking down at Blitz as she stroked one of her long ears.
"Ruff!" Kero proudly barked at the strange man. Sure he was weird, but there were all sorts of familiar scents on him, the smell of the wild, of other Dog Pokémon... even of a Houndoom? Regardless, he enjoyed the attention. It was a far cry from that condescending pat on the head from Mel; it made Kero swell up with pride.
On the other hand, his Trainer wasn't glad to see the young pup being inspected by a ruffian. She had heard of people who kidnapped Pokémon and had even seen the effects such scum could have on the world. She breathed in, balled her hands into fist and drew upon the meager reserves of courage she had.
"Hey! Um... Stay away, you c-cur!"
"And the bone fringe around here is really- wha?" Danny was suddenly snapped back into the real world. In his excitement it had never occurred to him that the little Houndour might be with someone. "Hey, no problems here I just- whhooaaahhh..."
He turned around to see the source of the voice but was frozen in his tracks once he saw her. Stood there, red eyes and purple hair sparkling in the twilight, all forms of cityscape and background had vanished before her beauty, replaced by the moon lit night over romantic waterfalls. 'Danny-Chan, the cherry blossoms are so beautiful.' She called out to him.
'Not as beautiful as you, my love.' he grasped her hand like a swarthy samurai, making her blush just a little and hide her sweet beauty behind one of the flowing robed of her kimono. (Yes, she was wearing a kimono now).
"HI!" Danny leaped to his feet, snapping back to reality. "I'm Danny. Is this your Houndour? Cus can I just say, you have done a fantastic job with him. You two in town for the tournament? That would be so cool if you were!" He rambled on, reveling in the hearts that were dancing across his vision.
Mel shrank down from her defiant stance, one hand near her mouth, the other at her side. "Oh, I apologise!"
What had she just said to this man? Her paranoid delusions blown away, she realised that here was just an innocent Pokémon aficionado, not any sort of mean kidnapper! Danny, as he had called himself, was being nothing but friendly. Damn the large, looming buildings that towered over the streets of every large city and cast a long, dark shadow over everything! Why hadn't she trusted Kero? He could sniff a bad guy out a mile away?
However, there was little time for regrets. Mel advanced towards the Houndour, got a treat out of her jeans pocket and gave it to him. "I see you've found us a friend."
Kero made short of the treat as Mel stood up to face Danny and extended a hand. Handshakes were the right thing to do when introducing yourself, right?
"Err... yes to both. I'm Mel and this is Kero. Um, you don't happen to know where the Sleeping Sunkern is? By any c-chance?"
Immediately demanding information afterwards probably wasn't...
THE SLEEPING SUNKERN?!
'Tis fate, Danny. Guide as any faithful hound would and win her love like the heroes of old.' A tiny Fennekin cupid whispered in his ear before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"I have no idea!" Danny cheered, shaking Mel's hand in a blur of motion. "I was just trying to find the place myself so hey! Why not be lost with company?"
Mel giggled in an attempt to hide the fact that her hand had been taken captive by the... very friendly man. When the hurricane of a handshake was finally over, she got out the map again. Danny seemed like an outdoorsy kind of guy, maybe he knew a thing or two about map reading or perhaps he had even gone orienteering?
"Um..." She began, "I have this map. I hate to impose on you b-but I'm sure that you're better at this kinda sort than I a-am."
Danny's toothy smile spread from ear to ear. 'Sooooo cuuuute!'
"No imposing at all!" Danny quickly zipped over to Mel's side as he scanned over the map, his eyes darting backwards and forwards, shaking themselves free of the hearts that had overrun them.
"Yep, yeah, mmhmm, okay. Totally!" He said, possibly to the map. "Alright! Think I got my bearings, we just need to goooooo... this way!" He pointed forward with a flourish, earning some funny looks from passers by. "Onwards, Lady Mel!"
Kero tilted his head as Danny tried to make sense of the crumpled map. Then, when the man threw a hand forward and pointed, the Houndour half-expected it to fly off. Regardless, he was the first to follow Danny's directions.
Mel shortly followed, slightly stunned into silence by the funny looks. They're all looking at me. At us.' She quivered. After a few steps, she turned towards Danny, "Just press on in this d-direction?"
"You're right! This crowd is far to dense, looks like we're going to need some good old fashioned teamwork." Danny's eyes glinted with fiery mischief. "Doom! Time to go to the hunt!"
In a flash his hand was at his belt and a pokeball in his hand. The ball went flying through the air as it shot out a flood of light that formed together to form Danny's faithful Houndoom. Doom hit the ground running and skidded to halt with a mighty howl.
"Doom! Time to lead the charge. No fire this time!"
Doom gave a disdainful snort at the order for restraint. That wasn't what he was called in for. His sharp, crimson eyes fell on the little Houndour pup at his side and gave it a little upward tilt of his head. Respect for a fellow of his kind but he wasn't of his pack. And with a cocky grin of his own Doom burst off into a rapid dash, his horns clearing a way through the crowd like a battering ram. Sending people flying left, right and centre.
"Aaaawwhawhawww." Danny only looked on like he was watching a puppy at play.
Mel was still processing Danny's penultimate bit of speech, "F-f-f-f-f-fire?!"
Meanwhile, Kero responded in kind to the Houndoom. Right then and there, the Houndour reflected on his lack of pack. Well, the ragtag group of Casper, Ziggy, Grimm and himself couldn't really be called a pack. More like a...
With a shake of the head, the young pup bounded after the Houndoom.
Mel could only look in horror as the Dark Pokémons made a mess of the crowd, let alone Danny's rather odd reaction to it all.
The two of them strolled along the trail of destruction like it was the garden path. Danny was apparently deaf to the moans and wailes of those left in Doom and Kero's wake.
"So..." Danny scratched at the back of his head, suddenly coming over all bashful. "You come a long way for the tournament?"
'Just one foot after the other, just one foot after the other.' Mel thought to herself as she got herself to walk through the carnage. Though the strange man soon interrupted her words. Mel's reply was almost automatic.
"Got the Magnet Train from Saffron City, so - um - yes?"
"Oh cool! Yeah! In Kanto, right? So... so yeah... that's pretty far." Danny stammered on awkwardly. Calm moments never were his strong suit.
"I was just kinda in the neighborhood anyway just... y'know never been to Goldenrod before and the whole tournament thing sounded really cool so me an the guys. We decided to go!"
All while Danny was trying his awkward best to play it cool they rounded a corner and the painted sign of a snoozing Sunkern with a bunch of Z's over its head came into sight. Doom was sitting just under it, his forked tail tapping against the pavement impatiently.
Mel forgot her fear and smiled.
Together.
She had to admit, that was pretty sweet.
"W-well." It was her own turn to stammer, "I'm not really one of those p-pro trainers. One of my Pokémon really wanted to go and... I need the money. So... Um..."
At that moment, she grinned sheepishly and ran towards the Houndoom and half-hugged, half-petted him. Kero, as always followed, staring at the Pokémon who had won his Trainer's favor. She spun on her heel and gave Danny a big smile.
"We're here! Thank you!"
"No problem!" Danny smiled back, forcing down his blush and trying not to seethe in jealousy at Doom for the hug he got. His pokemon saw it easily though, the two had been partners long enough to read each other easily. Doom's grin couldn't have gotten any more smug.
'Yeah, yeah, yeah, I saw it.' Danny mind grumbled to Doom.
"Guess we better check in before all the good rooms get snapped up." Danny said, holding the door open for Mel. Momma raised a gentleman after all.
Mel nodded and went through the door, waiting for Danny. Well, she might as well return the politeness. Kero, on the other hand, gently nudged Doom, questioning whether he honestly saw a man blush over a hug from Mel.
Doom sniggered in his growling way, bobbing his head in a self satisfied nod to the little Houndour before his disappeared in a beam of red light and was recalled to his pokeball as Danny entered the hotel.
Suddenly cut off but Dante's slightly exasperated interruption, Grace simply stood there for a moment, letting her brain catch up with the current situation. Here she was, in a new city, prattling nonsensically to a complete stranger. A bit of red started to creep across her cheeks, and she nervously looked down at the ground again. "S-sorry, sir," she finished lamely, bending down to help the now mostly coherent Sasaki back to his feet. "We didn't mean to bother you like this."
Standing back up, the young woman found herself looking into the man's uncomfortably close, frowning face. Eyes widening slightly in panic, she started to back up a bit, her hands clasping onto Sasaki's shoulders like he was some kind of security blanket. However, before she could really get a good panic going, Dante's frown disappeared, and he stuck a large, calloused hand in her face. "Ya kinda look like a wimp. 'Sup? Name's Dante."
Well. That was a greeting she hadn't really heard before. "Th-thank you?" Grace replied, her voice unsure. "I'm, ah, Grace. Grace Heller." With a bit more conviction, she took Dante's proffered hand, trying her best to give a firm shake. As she did, the Rufflet perched on the man's shoulder hopped forward, down his arm and nearly onto hers. "And that's Elo," Dante continued. "He's friendly."
Elo picked then to peck Grace's nose. "Ow," she said, more out of surprise than pain.
"Mostly friendly."
"Ah," the girl replied, releasing Dante's hand and rubbing at her nose. Sasaki, meanwhile, shot a glare up at the Eaglet Pokémon, a slight growl entering his voice. "Grovyle..." he warned, making a grab at the Flying-type, before Grace slapped his hand away. "Sasaki, don't be rude," she admonished. "It's fine, alright?
"Sorry about him," Grace continued, this time addressing Dante. "He can be a little... y'know. Spirited."
Harley turned a few moments after slapping the money for the room onto the front desk, hearing the door behind her and Remy open. It wasn't long before they were joined by a young black girl and her two Pokemon, a Jolteon and a Cyndaquil, and she was shortly joined by another pair of newcomers, a grinning blonde boy and a rather shy looking girl with purple hair, accompanied by a Houndour.
Fahrenheit looked between the three Trainers and the three Pokemon, and it was the glint in the Jolteon's eyes that made him wary. It was altogether too similar to the glint that would often get into Celsius's eyes before she caused trouble. The other two, the Houndour and the Cyndaquil were less of a potential hassle for him, being fellow Fire Types.
Taking the key that Granny Kern held out, Harley grimaced a little as she looked over the new Trainers.
"Hope you have more vacancies, Granny, because you have more customers," she said, before turning to Remy and smiling a little, "Guess I'll see you a little later, Remy. Just gonna check out my room."
With a wave, she stepped up the nearby staircase with Fahrenheit in tow, who kept looking back in suspicion of the other Pokemon. Harley simply stroked his feather crest in reassurance.
"Don't worry, Fahrenheit. I don't think they'll cause too much trouble outside of the Tournament. And if they do, we just have to sic Celsius on them." she added with a grin.
The Combusken let out a soft, squawking chuckle at that. When they came up to Room 8, Harley put in the key and opened the door to a rather cozy little room. It was small, but she didn't need a lot of space, and the fact it had a balcony was certainly appealing. Looking down at her Pokemon, she smiled, taking off her pack.
"Lets get unpacked, take care of a few things, and see about dinner." she told him.
"Yep. I called ahead and placed a reservation there myself, in fact. One of the last places in town with rooms open, I'd bet. Come on, this way."
"Oh, good." Anthony breathed a sigh of relief and stowed the map in his satchel. Goldenrod was a big place and having a guide of any sort was an absolute godsend. He followed Haruki in silence through the twisting streets and alleyways. The city certainly lived up to its cosmopolitan reputation - he saw Pokemon from all over the world gathered here, including more than a few he'd only ever read about!
More important than that, however, was that Goldenrod was an excellent case study for all sorts of relationships between Pokemon and humans. Pets, guardians, workers, family members - he could see an example of just about every single one just walking down a typical street. Before he knew it, he'd taken out a notebook and was writing away without a care in the world.
Kelvin, however, was a bit more attentive, and Haruki's scrutiny hadn't escaped him. A possible rival in the future, perhaps? This suspicion was more or less confirmed when he broke their silent trek. "So, in town for the tournament, I'm taking it?" Anthony only responded with a nod. "I'm not sure how well I'll do, to be honest. It should be a great opportunity to see lots of people and Pokemon in action, though!"
"I'm not sure how well I'll do, to be honest. It should be a great opportunity to see lots of people and Pokemon in action, though!" Anthony replied, half-buried in a notebook as they walked.
"Researcher, then? Interesting. Though with a mighty brute like that," Haruki gestured at Kelvin, "on your side, I don't think you'll do too bad. I sure hope I don't get matched up against you."
Then, they were there, out of the crowds onto the narrower side street. The small, wooden inn was just as cozy and unimposing as he remembered. "I do believe this is our stop, Anthony." Haruki pulled open the door and ushered Pokémon and trainer inside before following himself.
There was an odd handful inside, a trio of trainers by the looks of it. Haruki looked them up and down- lifting an eyebrow quietly at one girl's hair- and stepped up behind them, padding softly on bare feet. He'd forgotten his shoes in Olivine some months ago and had yet to get around to replacing them. His feet were tough enough it didn't bother him much.
"Excuse us, Miss Kerns? I believe we're all here looking for rooms for the tournament," Haruki said politely to the frail form seated at the reception desk.
"Sorry about him," Grace continued, this time addressing Dante. "He can be a little... y'know. Spirited."
"Not very controlling, are ya..." Dante whispered under his breath, so quiet that the girl he referred to couldn't quite make out what he said. In a more spirited tone he got off on a roll, wholly oblivious to the hostility of her Grovyle: "Alrighty then, Grace Heller. Ya say yer not one of the local stock, right? Truth is, I'm a little bit lost myself!" The bizarre fellow's face did a 180, from serious and judgmental to a downright goofy smile. "So, how'sabout you and I stick together until we get out of these crowds?" He fiddled around with his belt and retrieved a Pokeball, holding it up to show her a Johto model: a Heavy Ball. "Not t'sound creepy or anything. I'd just be remiss if I went and left a poor girl defenseless in a city full'a schmucks like those." He pointed over her shoulder at the thugs he'd roughhoused, and their Machoke, still huddled up together on the ground. A vicelike grip struck around her hand, leaving her nowhere to go but along Dante's chosen path as he dragged Grace along into the street. Before her Grovyle could put a stop to any such notion, he felt a sharp pain on his head as Elo's claws dug in for support. The Rufflet had deposited himself right atop him, and had bent over to look at his face, upside-down.
"Rufflet-ruff?" cooed the curious bird, trying its best to cordially greet its fellow Pokemon.
Meanwhile, with the trainers, Dante took his Heavy Ball and let it drop to the sidewalk. It cracked open, spitting out a tremendous white shape that scattered passerby in a mad scramble. As the blinding light dispersed, a rocky grey beast was left in its place, pawing at the ground and snorting in pleasure. "Rhyyyyy!" Eclair stretched out its muscles, soaking up the sun and a few friendly pats from its trainer. "Mornin', Eclair! Glad to stretch yer legs, eh?"
"Rhy Rhy!" his Pokemon agreed. Dante grabbed the right shoulder blade and hefted himself onto the back of the mighty beast. He patted a space beside him for Grace to take.
"Come on!" he insisted. "It's not every day ya get a chance to ride alongside a champion Rhyhorn racer!"
"The Radio Tower was Neo Team Rocket. I'm a fan of the original. You know, Jessie, James and Meowth? So, I'm going to see about starting up a new Team Rocket of my own, kick some ass, get stronger, shit like that. You'll see what I mean at the Tournament."
By the time Remy noticed the wildly gesticulating Combusken, it was too late. As for Harley's explanation, he just nodded along. As a Sinnohan, his knowledge of Team Rocket was spotty at best, thus most of Harley's enthusiastic exposition sailed clear over his head. The girl seemed very confident in her abilities as a Trainer, as well. The strong look in her eyes confirmed that she was a whole lot more than just hot air.
Remy himself was never the greatest battler. A shame, considering what an awesome offensive force he had riding around in his pockets...
At the inn, Harley incredulously paid the ridiculously low fee for her stay and quickly retired to her quarters.
"$500 for my entire stay? You got it! Thanks! I probably wouldn't have found anywhere else with vacancies, much less this cheap! I was almost expecting it to be five times that price."
"Hah! No problem. This place is a very closely guarded secret between Trainers and travellers. It's been pretty quiet up until now, but I'm sure the lack of vacancies and the cheap price are bound to fill the place up by tomorrow."
As if on cue, the door opened up again, this time a very young girl and her two Pokémon coming through. At a glance, Remy pegged her as a foreigner. Not many people with that skin tone around here. The clothes suggested Kalos to be her home.
"Hope you have more vacancies, Granny, because you have more customers. Guess I'll see you a little later, Remy. Just gonna check out my room."
"Yeah, I'll be in the dining room with the boys. See ya later. Looks like you've got your work cut out for ya, Granny. Gonna grab some grub now."
Remy gave a curt nod to Ella before retreating to his booth in the dining room.
Granny Kerns eyed the Kalosian youth for a while before speaking up.
"Room for one, then, sweetie?"
It didn't take long before the door opened again, this time revealing a young couple. Soon there after a young martial artist and a scientist of some sort came in.
"Ah, one couples suite and two more rooms, is it?"
[hr]
A small booth in the corner of the dining room seemed to have been reserved for Remy and his entourage for at least a few months now, as indicated by four food bowls, some more worn than the others, that were left lying on the floor next to the table.
Remy dug at his pockets, producing a Premier, Great and Ultra Ball. He called the rest of the team out before taking a seat himself.
"Right, Zangoose, Primeape, Darumaka. Come on out guys, it's chow time!"
Zaaaaaaaaaaannnnngh! Goose, zannn. ZANG! Zangoose stretched. He'd been in that Premier Ball for a while now. A bit too long, as he made sure to let his Trainer know. Sneasel ain't the only one who needs to stretch his legs, ya know?
"Heh, sorry 'bout that, buddy. It was REALLY crowded out there today."
Prrrrhhiime! Ape! Aaaapppeeeh!
Primeape wasn't one to concern himself with such trifle matters. What HE wanted to know was: where the hell his Payapa Berries were.
Daruuuuu!
Darumaka seemed to be the most excited about the prospect of dinner, making a small dance around his bowl.
"Now that that's settled... SUSAAAAANNNE!!! CAN A GUY GET A MEAL AROUND HERE!?!?!"
*CRASH*
Out of the kitchen, a young, beautiful woman stormed out, knife in hand, which she unceremoniously threw at Remy's head, missing him by less than an inch.
"You good for nothing, thieving, lazy-ass, mooch of a bum! You come into MY grandmother's inn, into MY dining room and boss ME around!?!? You've been freeloading here for how long now? 3 months??"
Remy, seemingly unfazed by the assault (it was a fairly common occurrence, after all) motioned for a truce.
"Heeeeeey... That's not fair, my chére. I just got you a bunch of customers. Can you pleeeeeeeeeeze give us 5 of the usual??"
Susanne sighed in defeat. As annoying a prick as he was, there was no denying those puppy dog eyes of his.
"Psh... Fine... One Ika-somen and a beer coming up. As well as food for the boys."
Ella waited patiently, her hands behind her head as the two people in front of her discussed rooms with the elderly woman behind the counter.
"Yeah, I'll be in the dining room with the boys. See ya later. Looks like you've got your work cut out for ya, Granny. Gonna grab some grub now."
As the boy turned and nodded at her, Ella smiled, nodding back silently as he left the reception area, followed shortly by the girl. Glancing behind her, Ella noted the growing queue of people behind her. "Heh, we really got here in time, huh?" Ella whispered to Blitz, who panted slightly as Ella patted her on the head.
"Room for one, then, sweetie?"
'Oh! That's me!"
Stepping forward to the counter quickly, Ella nodded her head eagerly. "Oui madam, please!" Reaching into the inside of her jacket, she pulled out her small money purse.
'I hope I have enough to cover all this.'
"That'll be $500 for the duration of the tournament, that comes with a balcony and your own private bathroom too. Can I have your name sweetie?"
Ella paused for a second. 500?! Was this for real? Wait, maybe the woman was incredibly senile and was just giving the rooms away. With no intention to question the woman, Ella grinned liked a moron as she handed over her money.
"Ella, Ella Renoir." Matchstick squeaked his introduction, Blitz adding her own little yap also. "She doesn't need your names, you clowns." Ella chuckled.
The woman smiled sweetly. "You're in room 10 sweetie, enjoy your stay!"
"Merci! Thank you!"
Pleased at such a bargain, Ella quickly glanced at the several people and Pokemon that had been waiting behind her. Were they all here for the tournament? She hoped so, the more people she got to battle, the better.
"Let's go guys." She muttered, as she dragged her suitcase behind her and to her room.
The moment she made sure everything her her bag that she didn't absolutely need for Pokemon battles was unpacked and put away, she sighed softly and sat back on the single bed the room had. Really, 'cozy' seemed to be the operative word for the Sleeping Sunkern. It wasn't a high-budget hotel, someplace meant for a high class home-away-from-home, but it was comfortable. Homey. The fact that it had the basic amenities that a Trainer could want, including a PC, was certainly a plus.
But before she could put that PC to use, however, she had one last thing to take care of. Reaching to one side, she grabbed the three still-occupied Pokeballs that clung to her hip. Unlike normal Pokeballs, however, each was colored differently according to their occupant, but were functionally ordinary. With a trio of flashing lights, she was joined by a Sneasel, Murkrow, and Scizor.
"Sci... Zor." was Cutter's strained murmur as he stretched his metallic limbs.
Celsius meanwhile, had taken it upon herself to explore the room itself, and once Godmother had stretched out her wings, she quickly took to preening her feathers. Smiling at all four of them, she moved over to the bedside PC and put in a video call. The screen blanked for a minute as the call was put through, before the pleasant, paint-smeared face of a woman popped on. The moment she saw who was on the other end, the woman's eyes widened and she smiled.
"Harley! It's been awhile since your last call, how are you baby?" Renee asked before looking back and calling out cheerfully, "Harlon! Harley's calling, get your ass over here."
It was a few moment's before Harlon Edward's face appeared in the screen next to her mothers, his strong face framed by the same flaming red hair as his daughters. He was joined in short order by one his own Pokemon, a Marowak.
"There she is! Hey there, kiddo. You kickin ass out there?" he asked with a wide grin.
"Hey to you guy's too--" she started, only to be interrupted by the Marowak's own greeting.
"Maro!" he called out, waving his bone club happily.
"No, I didn't forget you, Grim. It's good to see you all. I just got into Goldenrod and since I managed to get a room at a hotel, I thought I'd give you guys a call, check in." she said.
"Goldenrod? Oh, that's for the All Region Tournament, huh?" her mother asked.
Harley leaned back and smiled as she filled in her parents on all that had happened since her last call, including letting her various Pokemon have a quick turn to talk themselves. When the call ended, she sighed softly and stood.
"Alright. Who else is hungry?" she asked, turning to the four Pokemon beside her.
What she got in reply was a chorus of enthusiastic caws, yips, and growls.
With confirmation from the elder Houndoom, Kero couldn't help but return the snigger. However, the Dark Pokémon also couldn't help but think of the consequences of the two Trainers getting together. He might even get to be part of the pack!
It clear, the young pup had his mission now.
His own secret personal one.
"Ah, one couples suite and two more rooms, is it?"
At that moment, regardless of what was happening, ignorant of Pokémon schemes, Mel felt like the spotlight was pointed on her - glaring, sizzling, directing all attention onto her. She shrank under the harsh light. Mel's cheeks felt like they were on fire and her mind was spinning. Just what was this person thinking?
"I..." She quibbled, "H-how... What... Um."
Meanwhile, unnoticed, Kero was trying to push Mel forward towards the counter. If the Houndour could control like a puppet, he would force the doll marionette to nod and draw out the required money for the room. A shame he wasn't born a Psychic type - could Psychic types even do that? Well, they were a shifty lot either way.
Mel turned to Danny for support, immediately regretting it and turning her back. 'Idiot! They'll just think the whole couple thing is true if you at him like that. He'll probably even think things if you keep the damsel in distress act up.'
She sighed, Danny and the others were probably already thinking things. It was useless.
'Nuh uh, do you want separate rooms or not? Sure, he's...'
Mel gritted her teeth and quickly stopped that train of though before it had even started. The screech of the proverbial train's breaks was deafening. She bundled her hands into fists as she set out to correct the senile old woman, gathering up anger. How dare she assume something like that? Goddamn receptionists and their gossiping ways!
"E-excuse me!" Mel thundered, "Correction: four more rooms... no couple suites!"
Quickly realising what she had said, she looked at Danny with eyes the size of saucers, "N-no offence, of course! You've... you've been nothing but kind and friendly!"
"Come on! It's not every day ya get a chance to ride alongside a champion Rhyhorn racer!"
Grace barely managed a muffled "Eep," as she was pulled aboard Eclair's broad back by her new... companion? Dante seemed friendly enough, she supposed, if a little abrupt, but this might be going a little bit too far. And besides, it wasn't like he even knew where she was going. "U-um, actually," the girl began, struggling to speak up, "I think that-"
But then, Eclair took off, moving at a surprisingly speedy pace despite his bulk, causing Grace's words to fly right back down her throat. And naturally, the crowded streets were hardly an issue anymore, what with people and Pokémon alike all but diving out of the Rhyhorn's way. More than a few angry shouts were lobbed their way by the nearly-flattened pedestrians, but they were making fantastic time, all things considered.
Grace still wished she knew where Dante was taking her, but if she was lucky, it hopefully wouldn't be too far off from her destination. She and her Pokémon had been walking for the most of the morning and afternoon to get to Goldenrod, and she was sure that Sasaki...
Crap.
"Sasaki!" she cried, turning around to frantically look for her Grovyle. She didn't have to look far, thankfully. The Grass-type in question, though apparently caught off guard by Eclair's speedy departure, was managing to keep pace with the Rhyhorn. In fact, he would have doubtlessly climbed aboard the Rock-type, if it wasn't for the fact that a good chunk of his attention was focused on dislodging the Rufflet painfully attached to his forehead. "Grogro, vyle!" he grunted, swiping at Elo with one arm, but the little Flying-type simply bobbed out of the way, apparently enjoying the game if the smile on its beak was anything to go by.
Stifling a laugh, Grace stuck out her hand to the two tag-alongs. Sasaki, finally taking his focus off of his owm passenger, took the proffered limb and hauled himself and Elo up onto Eclair's back, taking a position behind his trainer. Finally still, the Grovyle took the opportunity to swipe at his head with both claws, driving the Rufflet off and back to Dante's shoulder. "Grovyle," he muttered darkly, rubbing at the tiny holes Elo's talons had left in his forehead. Noticing his trainer's poorly hidden amusement, Sasaki sniffed and turned away, directing his view behind them.
[hr]
After about fifteen minutes of Rhyhorn riding, Eclair finally came to a halt in a slightly less crowded side street. Gratefully sliding off the Rock-type's uncomfortable back, Grace took a second to stretch and look around. When she noted what building they were in front of, however, her eyes widened in surprise, and she turned back to face Dante. "Wait, I didn't mention I was staying here, did I?" she asked, confused, as she gestured towards the Sleeping Sunkern. "H-how did you know to come here?"
It was kind of hard to look dignified with a rolled up tissue up your one bloody nasal cavity, but by golly Dave did his best, striding down Goldenrod's streets with his back straight and his chest proud, utilizing all 5'5'' feet he had been blessed with to their fullest.
The encounter with Dante Pace had left him a little worse for wear, but he didn't mind. Actually he kinda wished he had someone to talk to. He wondered if he could convince someone that he got this bloody nose from fighting off some assailants, maybe some pokémon gangsters. Oh, this? Pah! It's nothing, really. Just got jumped by six... Six toughs? Nah, he had to make it believable. ... by five huge toughs all armed with Primeapes and Machokes! One of each! But I managed to hold them off, just long enough for Misty to get away... Oh yeah, you didn't know Cerulean City's Misty was in town? She is, but she didn't have any of her pokémon with her. Luckily I was there to save her from...
Utterly lost in his own self indulgent thoughts Dave nearly walked straight past the very sign he was supposed to look out for; it was only by the grace of that one small capable part of his brain locked away in his subconscious, that an odd feeling of having missed something squeezed its way through to his egocentric mind. Taking a few steps back and looking around himself he finally saw it: the Sleeping Sunkern! His inn! He found it! Sweet!
What was not-so-sweet was seeing the inn foyer packed. Were these people here for the tournament? Spectators, no doubt.
"Ah, one couples suite and two more rooms, is it?"
Wait, were they asking for rooms? Now? With the tournament coming up so soon? What kind of irresponsible airheads were these people? What if all the rooms had already been taken by, say, someone like Dave who had reserved a place in advance? Dave chuckled. He saw an opportunity here. He was just about to walk straight past the line up to the counter, looking forward to the feeling of superiority as he pulled out his reservation in front of these schmucks, when he noticed the muscular veiny arms of the man in front of him. Haruki wasn't a tall man, but he was still bigger than Dave. Looked kinda intimidating. And that Arcanine; boy oh boy, that was one fearsome beast. Wouldn't wanna tangle with the owner of that one...
Dave decided that cutting in line might not be in his best interest, and patiently waited his turn.
When Grace slid off the back of her new acquaintance's Rhyhorn, she'd never expected to be staring at the very inn she'd be staying at for the duration of her stay in Goldenrod. She turned back to face Dante, still straddling his Pokemon, and gestured towards the Sleeping Sunkern. "H-how did you know to come here?"
"Eh, wha?" There was no way. There was no way the man looking back at her was smart enough to have done this on purpose. As a finger trawled around inside of his nostril, Dante Pace gave an indignant expression. "Come where? Eclair's feet were getting tired. Oh, hey, looky there. An inn. Wonder if they've got any spare rooms." Dante popped a grin as he leaped off his Rhyhorn, calling him back into his Pokeball. Elo, finally bored with the Grovyle, hopped off and returned his trainer's outstretched arm. "C'mon, Grace!" he called, apparently oblivious to everything she just said. "Let's go see if they've got some rooms."
Dante opened the door as gently as he usually did, which is to say the frame shook from the impact as he strode into the lobby with a wave and a grin, and the lack of realization that on the way in he'd managed to bowl over a certain David for the second time today. "Yo, strangers! Any chance a tourney entrant can get a bed around here?"
"E-excuse me!" Mel thundered, "Correction: four more rooms... no couple suites!"
Mel's subdued outburst made Granny Kerns pause for a while, as she scanned the young woman for a bit. She quickly resumed he duties, however.
"Righty then... Room 11 for you missy. And for the scruffy youth... Room 13." She said, giving out keys to both Mel and Danny.
"Excuse us, Miss Kerns? I believe we're all here looking for rooms for the tournament,"
The old woman looked up at Haruki, raising an eyebrow as if to say "Ya don't say."
"For the young martial artist with an eye for details... Room 3. Room 7 for the good doctor." She said as Haruki and Anthony recieved their keys.
Dave would've been next but was swiftly bowled over for a second time by Dante Pace and his new acquaintance, Grace Heller and their Pokémon.
*SMASH!!*
"Yo, strangers! Any chance a tourney entrant can get a bed around here?"
Ol' Kerns was again, unfettered by this startling new development. Truly, this was a woman who had seen everything, and then some, in her respectable old age. She addressed Dante as she threw a key at him.
"Room 15 for you, laddy. Do try to refrain from breaking my inn. I'm too old to fix the messes left behind by whipper-snappers like you who don't know how to act their age... As for the young girl accompanying you... Room 2..."
Granny lifted herself up a bit to look at the young man sprawled over the floor like a scrunched handkerchief.
"Got one last key here... Room 20. Last tenant had a Garbodor... Might still smell a bit... off..."
With that, the no vacancies sign lit up outside and Granny Kerns started making her way to the kitchen.
"That'd be $500 a head. Put the money on the desk there. Training room downstairs, dinner service ends at 10pm..."
With that, the gang of tenants was now free to go to their rooms, unpack, maybe get some last minute training in, get some dinner and get aquainted with the rest of the inn's guests.
[hr]
In the dining room, Remy and his boys were halfway through their meal, while the Sinnohan youth stole peeks at the guests pouring into the inn's lobby.
"*Schomph* Sure is *gulp* noisy in there *munch* eh, boys? Wonder what sort of people *gromph* we're gonna meet tonight *slurrrp*?"
Remy wondered out loud over the sounds of his and his partners' sloppy eating and drinking.
Hard as it was to look dignified with the aforementioned rolled up tissue up your bleeding nostril, it only stood to reason that it was doubly difficult with two reddish tissues blocking the flow from your bloody nasal cavity, and Dave did indeed look pretty pitiable as he sat slumped over on the bead in his room. This was not his day. What were the odds of being trodden upon by two completely unrelated men in the span of just a few hours? He hoped there was no permanent damage. Other than that to his pride that is.
Still, it could be worse. With his nose so thoroughly blocked Dave was at least incapable of smelling that stink the previous occupant's Garbador left...
No, this was no time to mope around! Dave sprang off the bed, new vigor filling his body and fire burning behind his bespectacled eyes. He was here to win a major tournament and nothing was going to stop him! What would his idols say if they saw him falter here? Did Blaine toss in the towel at the '08 Kanto Championship when faced with Misty's all-Water team? No, he pulled out his patented Wild Charge grapple and piledrived those Starmies into submission! That's how you won respect in this world; overcoming all hardships! That's what Dave was gonna do! What was he even down about? Why, in not too much time at all he would be standing tall on Goldenrod Stadium's winner's podium, receiving his medal. Dave could see it now... all those cheering fans... (Dave-O-Vision)
That's the good thing about being an airhead. You never dwell on things too long.
Right, that was settled then! Now this champ-in-the-making was going downstairs to find himself a meal fit for champions!
"Nuk nout, Goldenrob! Heb I comn!"
... But maybe it was an idea to unclog his nose first.
Haruki bowed to the old woman as he took his key, and quickly placed the money on the desk. He quickly made his way to his room, grateful to set down his pack. He tossed it on the floor by the bed, and stretched. He quickly dropped his four Pokéballs, releasing his friends. They, in turn, stretched, and began to look around the room.
There wasn't much, to be honest, but it was more than enough for Haruki. A bed, a PC, a roof. Actually, you could probably remove all of that and it'd be enough for Haruki. He sat on the bed for a moment, and sighed. One more day. The tournament was looming bigger and bigger every passing minute. He stood abruptly, motioned for his Pokémon to follow, and began dictating as he headed for the training room.
"Training room's downstairs. Let's head down and see what this place has. Akio, focus on hitting fast and getting out- you know the drill. Dan, on blending your Grass-type moves with your punches. Miyako, blade work, you know the drill. Manami, work with Miyako once she's done for the round. Work on avoidance and quick aim. No Lock-On. Miyako, don't hold back."
Akio picked up the Octillery and lugged her after their master, with Dan and Miyako trailing behind. Haruki was in training mode- no arguments, no dissension, no complaints. Miyako and Akio lived for it, the discipline and direction, while Manami was mostly apathetic. Dan was always surly about it at the start, though- he wasn't one for all the discipline and demands. But once the punches started flying, and he and Akio began to spar, he was happy enough.
Haruki passed the dining hall, nodded at those inside, and climbed down the stairs to the training room, trailed by the four Pokémon. He had a flash of apprehension at showing everyone his lineup, but figured it'd be okay. Even if they knew what he was packing, they couldn't very well rearrange their teams just to account for him. He opened the door, ushering his Pokémon in, then stepping in after them.
"Dinner after everyone's done their round." Haruki said to the four, then turned to inspect the training room.
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