Dorothy
"I mean, is there anything that you wanna do? I don't really have anything in mind, to be honest." ``James said, trying to think of something as he followed alongside her.`` *[If only Morgan and Marie were here... It'd be so cool!]* ``He told himself in his mind.`` *[Or is it? It does seem a bit better when it's only me and Selene... Wait what?]* ``James said, quickly picking himself back up in his mind. That was a bit weird.``
Wayne
"Hm, no, not really? We have already bought clothes and it's getting somewhat dark, maybe it's just best if we return home?" *Selene would scratch the back of her head. She didn't know what else was there to do. Her mom would have worried sick if Selene was out shopping all night. Who knows what this kid with no sense of money would have done? She's lucky she hadn't gave her her credit card. No one's ready for the day Selene gets one. Hell, she used her prize money from the Rainbow Rocket mission to buy the Luran Outfit.*
Dorothy
"Meh, that's fine with me. We're here for you after all." ``He stretched for a second, lifting his arms in the air before dropping them back down. James began to slowly pace a bit slower, as if something was on his mind.`` *[Man, something's been up with me lately... It's probably nothing to worry about, actually.]* ``He pondered, hopefully this act he was being forced into being lifted from himself eventually..`
Wayne
*Noticing James slowing down got her feeling somewhat concerned. Was something bothering him? She'd go back to him and pat him on the back, look at him in the eyes and smile. She wanted the best for him and if he had a problem, it would be Selene's problem as well. He looked sad, was it something she had done? If she wouldn't have asked, all those thoughts would be on her mind and wouldn't escape. Or what if the Malasadas had gone wrong and he was experiencing a stomach ache?* "Hey James, is there anything wrong?"
Dorothy
"Oh, it's nothing really. I've just been acting somewhat weirdly recently. I dunno why. Heh, it reminds me of when Morgan started acting weirdly when-" ``James' face when form talkative to straight up`` 🗿 ``. It seemed weird for James to just have this sudden shift in tone. It was somewhat suspicious, but he quickly snapped back to normal.`` "Man, I was such a third wheel." ``He said bluntly.``
Wayne
*Selene didn't know what he was talking about. She hoped at the very least there was nothing wrong she did. She'd pat him on the back and smile. She cared about his well being more than anything. Something about a third well or something? What was he even talking about?* "Uhm, if you need anything to talk to, I'm here, alright?"
Dorothy
"Ah it doesn't matter now, I found my answer." ``He said with a slight chuckle, covering his mouth a small bit with his hand.`` "But thanks for telling me I can tell you about anything, it'll be perfectly fine for now though." ``James had started walking at his normal pace now, smiling with a devious grin smacked on his face.`` "Haha! I wonder how awkward Morgan feels having to spend most of his journey with Marie! Haha, it'll be a tough time for him." ``James said to himself, but it was quite... Outloud.``
Wayne
"Thinking about your friends again? You miss them, don't you?" *Selene would smile. She could relate to him, after all, she felt homesick a couple for times before, especially when the going got tough in Alola. Looking up in the sky, she'd try and remember the last time back ... Home. Not Alola but her other one. She got a bit nostalgic thinking about it, wishing that she could go back there one day in the future.*
Dorothy
"Well I miss 'em, but I can manage with it. But basically. Morgan has a bit of a crush on Marie, so... Haha!" ``Laughing a bit, James couldn't help but kinda feel bad for Morgan. Having to sit with your crush for who knows how long, it could be devastating and awkward at times.`` "Ah, he'd do a lot better if I was there with him, but..." ``He stretched once more.`` "He needs to toughen up a bit." ``James said, being quite honest.``
Wayne
"Oh, that'd be so bad, I wonder how he's managed to do so well. How has he not cracked?" *Selene would giggle. It felt funny yet awkward, with Selene feeling second-hand embarrassment. She couldn't have imagined how it felt. If she was there, she'd have pushed him to do so or tell Marie herself.*
Dorothy
"I don't even know myself. I'm sure he'll tell her eventually. I should probably give 'em a video call soon. I wonder if that aron's gotten any bigger. Y'know, the one that I said could fit in her palm. They're usually not supposed to be that small." ``James realized he was going into steel-types again.`` "Gah, sorry. Force of habit." ``He told her, nodding apologetically.``
Wayne
*Selene would smile, finding it somewhat ironic how people in Hoenn had the opposite problem of what she had. Totem Pokémon were the talk of town back in Alola and only a few were capable enough to tame those beasts, Selene included.* "Hihihi, my Pokémon are too big." *Selene thought how a small Aron would be. She thought that it would be simply too cute for her. Her heart would have probably melted.*
Dorothy
"Is that like a regional thing?" ``He asked her, tilting his head to the right a bit. He really didn't know much about Alola aside from a small knowledge of regional variants and malasadas after all. James slowly looked towards the sky for a few minutes, it getting a bit darker.`` "Oof, that's not a good sight, that is." ``He said to himself.``
Wayne
*Oh shoot, she forgot she hadn't told James about Totem Pokemon, that was Ethan. She'd facepalm. She had to explain it but it was better if she just demonstrated it.* "Oh, big Pokémon, bigger than usual." *She'd reach into her bag, taking out a Pokeball. Inside of it was a Kommo-O. She'd send it out, with the Pseudo Legendary letting out a massive roar. To calm it down, Selene would feed it a Rainbow Pokebean and pet it.* "Say hi to Scales, he's a Totem Pokémon. They're like Gyms for us, you have to face big Pokémon, bigger than usual. And they usually have an aura surrounding them, one that increases their stats. They're pretty cool." *Scales would smile and lay on the ground, allowing himself to be petted. He wasn't scary but always pretended to be.* "You can pet him if you want. Here!" *Selene would carefully grab James' hand and place it on Kommo-O.*
Dorothy
"Hello!" ``He said as he smiled at the pseudo before his eye slit up and he turned to Selene.`` "Ohhhhh! That's actually pretty cool! I wonder if there's a Steel-Type Totem Pokémon I could catch one day!" ``James' mind wandered off as he thought about owning a big Aegislash or a large Magneton to ride around the skies with. Ah! It would be so cool to him!`` "Man, that sounds so cool!"
Wayne
*Selene would turn to him excited and smile. There was one, one she owned. If he had told her to bring it along, she would have.* "There is, THERE IS! Have you heard of Togedemaru? Totem Togedemaru exists.", *Said Selene smiling, remembering her trial back in the Hokolani Observatory, when Sophocles got saved by the Totem Togedemaru. Normally, a Togedemaru wasn't big but this one was HUGE like a Ballon filled up with too much to air.* "Unfortunately, I don't have it with me, she's probably eating food in the Pokepelago.", *Said Selene, sounding a bit sad. She'd rub the back of her head and look down.*
Dorothy
"Togedamaru... Uhhh... Ah yeah! The little mouse ball! I love that thing! It's so cute. If I went to Alola, I'd definitely go and catch one! How big is the thing!? How BIG is the ball mouse, Selene!??" ``He asked as he straight up just stared at Selene, a look of awe in his eyes for this mouse ball.`` "**I have to know how big that cute thing is.**" ``He told her.``
Wayne
"Oh, I think it's 2 feet tall and weighs 13kg?" *Selene got taken aback a bit. She'd grab her phone and show him a picture of her with Totem Togedemaru in her arms. This kid loved steel types to the death. Not showing him it would be blasphemy.* "Don't you think we're cute?", *Said Selene, looking at him and smiling. Her phone was filled with photos she had transferred over from her Rotom Dex. In that photos, she had about 1000 pictures of her.*
Dorothy
``James felt like weeping. The thing was still so small, even though it was a Totem. This Togedemaru was so cute.`` "Yes, yes." ``It took James a minute to recover.`` "Phew. Man you must really love you and your Pokémon. I only have like 2 picture son my phone and they're both of Tailows. They might even be the same one, actually. Oh and a group photo of me and the gang, plus that one of you. I don't really use the camera on my phone." ``He explained to her.``
Wayne
*Selene would giggle. She had already snapped a picture with him today, the first one she had taken with this phone but hey, it felt like the right time for a picture.* "Then, let's take a picture together. You'll have four." *Selene would smile, wrap her arm around him and get in focus.*
Dorothy
"Heh." ``James felt a bit flustered for a second but shook it off. He took out his phone and went onto the camera.`` "Alright! Say... Cheese!" ``SNAP! He took the photo then and there, he had quite the smile on his face. He seemed happy with himself and this photo, and to be with a good friend too. He then showed Selene the picture, while showing her he looked up tot he sky for a few seconds.`` "Hey Selene. Not to sound mean or anything but we ought to get going soon, it's getting a bit dark."
Wayne
*Selene would smile, pointing at James. Since he wasn't used to taking pictures, Selene wanted to compliment him and encourage him.* "You look so cute, don't you? Why don't you take more pictures of yourself?" *Selene didn't really care about it getting dark, this was a private Island closed off, what's the worst that could happen to them? Besides, she was a Champion, a strong enough trainer to fend for herself.*
Dorothy
"I- uh... Thanks." ``He said, being a bit flustered again.`` "But we should probably focus on getting back, your mom might be worried, right?" ``He asked her, wondering a small bit. He turned back to his photo though. Yeah, maybe he should take pictures more often. Maybe less Tailow this time.``
Wayne
*Maybe he was right, Selene's mom would have gotten worried. She'd just smile and start walking, picking up the pace.* "Okay then James, let's go home then. Oh, and once again you arrive, send me the photo, please?" *Selene wanted to have as many photos of her as possible, they felt like they were a way to capture scenes.*
Dorothy
"Yeah course I will, what makes you think I wouldn't send it you either way?" ``He asked her, now keeping up with her pace of walking.`` "Sorry if it seems like I'm ruining the thing. But we've kinda gotta keep ourselves safe, y'know?" ``He asked her, despite it being rhetorical.``
Wayne
*Selene didn't really mind, in fact they should have left quite some time ago. After all, they weren't doing anything just messing around, taking pictures and talking about Totem Pokemon, friends and ... Other stuff.* "It's totally fine James, stop worrying. It's time we should leave and I was just dragging you around because I like your company."
Dorothy
"O-oh, that's nice you like my company, but dragging around isn't really the word, I'd say... I was more... Accompanying you. This was uhhh... Co-ordinated? Planned? Planned. It's not really you dragging me about I'd say." ``James said, trying to think of the right words quite a few times, maybe something was blocking his thoughts. Meh, probably nothing to worry bout.``
Wayne
"Oh, that's a nice thing to say, thanks." *Selene would smile, she was lucky enough to consider him as a friend. She hoped he thought the same and would consider her as a friend as well. She didn't want to be a burden to him, in fact, she didn't want to be a burden to anyone. James was nice and appreciated his company, growing to admire his love of Steel Types.*
Dorothy
"Heh, yeah anytime, Selene. You're nice, you know that, right?" ``He asked her as he kept alongside her, slowly turning around and walking backwards.`` "So uh, you never told me why you came to this island, uhhh... Is it something embarrassing? Or something like you feel like you're bragging? You don't have to answer, I'd just wanna know." ``He asked her, continuing backwards.``
Wayne
*Selene didn't know what to say. She'd just smile and rub the back of her head. It would feel like she was bragging, considering she was even stronger than James in the pecking order. Being Champion was a title anyone would be proud to carry around.* "Oh, uhm, well, you see I'm ... Alola's Champion. I know, crazy right?"
Dorothy
"Oh! That's neat, it's not really crazy. I'm sure there's a load of champions here, plus you should wear that title with pride. It's not every day you become good friends with a champion as well." ``He added, in reference to him being friends with her.``
Wayne
"R-really?" *Selene hadn't thought of it like that. She was the first Champion, meaning she didn't actually have to beat a champion to get that spot. And the fact that a lot of people here were already champions made her title feel more insignificant, like it didn't matter. It wasn't a Selene exclusive title. She really wondered how she'd fare against an actual Champion.*
Dorothy
"Not to make you feel bad, it's still a high title, but you shouldn't feel like it'll make people feel bad. It'll probably put some sorta hope in them. Like to defeat a champion, not become one. Like me. I wanna do that against Steven Stone." ``He told her, remembering his goal in life, or well for now, he might find a new goal somewhat and have that be the next on his life bucket list.``
Wayne
"So, do you want to become Champion of Hoenn?" *She was confused as to what James was saying. Did he want to become a Champion or defeat a Champion? These two are pretty different from each other. Selene always wanted to become a Champion and jumped on the first opportunity when Professor Kukui told her about it. Having seen so many Champions on TV battle it out made her want to be just like them.*
Dorothy
"Nah, I just wanna beat him. Just defeat a Champion. Don't wanna be one, wold require a lot more work, in all honesty. And I don't wanna give up my post as Gym Leader yet." ``He told her. The goal seemed mildly reasonable. Just beat a champion, nothing else, no effect after. Just a good ol' battle.`` "You get that now, right? Just wanna beat him. I could never abandon my post as Gym Leader."
Wayne
*Selene understood him. James aspired to be a strong trainer but didn't want the burden and increased expectations and demands that came with the title. It was totally reasonable, after all a Champion had to do more than a Gym Leader.* "Oh, yeah, that's c-" *Suddenly, rain would start to fall on their heads. Selene would extend her hand out, letting the raindrops fall on it.* "Oh, it's starting to rain? Weird."
Dorothy
"Ah! We're probably gonna get soaked and our new stuff'll get wet! ``James panicked for a second.`` "We oughta get moving then, and it's gonna be pretty dark soon, I bet!" ``James slowly turned around form walking backwards and began jogging, waiting on Selene to start properly running.`` "You don't wanna get wet do you?" ``He asked her before chuckling.``
Wayne
*Selene didn't want to jog so she'd just walk. Why was James panicking? It wasn't that big of a problem, it was just a little bit of rain.* "Come on James, you're making a big deal out of anything." *Selene would walk under a doorstep and wait for the rain to go away. It wasn't like it was going to last forever. In a couple minutes, she'd be good to go back home. And besides, James was by her so they could deal with waiting a couple more minutes.*
Dorothy
"Yeah, I guess you're right about that, it's a force of habit really. There was this place in Hoenn that rained a lot and we'd visit there sometimes so we'd always race through and back to the house after we'd finish up there. My bad." ``He said. Old habits weren't easy to break out of really. He walked over to the doorstep and waited with her. The rain seemed a lot calmer than it did in Hoenn, at least.``
Wayne
"Don't worry, it's fine. I'm sorry for yelling at you, I shouldn't have done it." *Selene would sit down at the stairs and wait for the rain to go away. Yelling at him and mocking him for getting scared was wrong and she shouldn't have done it. She wouldn't like it if people had done the same to her. She'd signal him to come and sit down.*
Dorothy
"Shout? It didn't really feel like shouting. Something a lot less actually. Can't put my finger on the word though." ``He sat down next to her and yawned a bit. They were supposed to probably be back by now, but this was nice at least. They should definitely stop getting distracted and head back after this rain cleared up. Selene's mother was probably worried at his point, but James had never really met her. So he probably didn't know.``
Wayne
*Selene was getting cold. She'd get closer to him and rub her hands together, hoping to warm up.* "I-it's cold, isn't it?" *Living in Alola, rains were rare, meaning she wasn't used to the cold. She just wished for the rain to go away, go back to the mansion and take a hot shower. Maybe add a cup of Tapu Cocoa to warm up. Or a cup of hot Moomoo Milk.*
Dorothy
``James rubbed his too.`` "Yeah... Rain does that. That place I mentioned earlier was always cold, so we always brought like a lot of stuff that'd keep us warm. Most of the time, we brought too much stuff, so we always ended up being warmer than what we expected to be. Man, if I knew it would've rained I would've brought some stuff." ``Seems like the rain was getting less and less than before but it still hadn't fully cleared up.``
Wayne
"Uh, I'm sorry for not listening to you earlier, all this could have been avoided if I hadn't forced you to stay with me longer. Please forgive me." *Selene felt like she was to blame. Had she just gone with him in the first place and not taken multiple pictures and ramble about Totem Pokemon, they would have reached the mansion and she'd probably be enjoying a cup of Tapu Cocoa and trying on her new clothes in front of the mirror. She'd continue rubbing her hands together, not knowing what else to do at that situation.*
Dorothy
"Gah, it's fine. It really is. But if you want me to forgive you, I will. I think it's clearing up now anyway. So we should be able to continue on any minute now." ``He told her as he kept rubbing his hands together until they felt like they were on fire. He breathed into them to just to keep them a bit warmer. As he watched forward, he noticed the raindrops on a puddle disappearing.`` "Oooo! Selene, it's cleared up! We can go now!" ``He told her, practically leaping into action.``