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Chapter 24: A parting thumbs up
(Jenny pov)
It’s only been two days since I dropped Koal off at Helpful Hand, but already something within me was telling me to hurry up and figure out what is wrong with that place. At first I was going to go to the academy and graduate normally to become a Jenny. Keep doing what I usually did to not miss a day, aiming to be the top graduate of the class. Make my mother proud. This feeling though…this instinct was telling me that I didn’t have enough time. That if I waited too long the person I finally managed to find, the person who managed to make my heart skip a beat envisioning our life together, would disappear from my hands.
A Jenny never ignores that type of feeling.
“So you’re telling me that you want me to accept a leave of absence? When you only have a month left before you graduate?”
My expression was hard as I stared into my instructor's eyes. I’m sure this sounded crazy. Not once have I ever shown any attempt to use my family name to get any special treatment, not once have I walked around like I was some sort of royalty that was better than the rest of the people around me, but I can’t do it anymore.
I have to make sure the one guy I like is kept safe.
“That’s right.” My voice firm, I made sure to let the instructor know just how serious I was about this.
I’m not taking no for an answer.
Sighing, my instructor leaned back in her chair, took her glasses off and rubbed the bridge of her nose. After a few seconds of doing this she looked back at me and sighed again.
“Jenny.” Placing her glasses on her desk she folded her hands and placed them there. “Usually I would tell you that something like this would be grounds to keep you from graduating, but I’m assuming that someone like you, who’s never caused me trouble, would have a good reason for this.” She raised her eyebrows waiting for an answer.
Deliberating on what I should say, I mulled over the best way to convey my situation without giving too much information.
“I have to make sure someone is safe.” Finding the best words that fit my predicament, I waited for her answer.
“I see.” Closing her eyes, my instructor let out a breath before looking at me with a smile. “I would expect nothing less from the best Jenny I have seen so far in my years of teaching. I’ll give you one week.” Holding up her index finger, she looked at me in seriousness. “One week to settle whatever sort of thing you found yourself in. Once that week is up, I expect you back here to finish the tests for graduation. You’re my top student, and I don’t think anyone else deserves that Pokeball that holds the reward for the top in the class. Don’t let whatever is happening cause you to miss out on something that even your family has a hard time acquiring.”
Nodding my head, I turned on my heels and headed towards the door of the office, but before I could leave, I was stopped by a question.
“Jenny.” My instructor called out right when I grabbed the handle. Not turning around, I waited for her to continue. “Is it a boy?”
Slowly I turned, and whatever expression I wore caused my instructor’s face to show a gobsmacked look. “Something better. I’m going to make sure the shiny I found is in good hands.” With that I left, but not before hearing my instructor mutter.
“I’ve never seen that girl look like that in all my time of knowing her.”
Walking into the hallway, I reached for my Pokeball, raised it in front of me, and released my most trusted ally.
“Grooooowl!” Materializing from the beam of white light, Growlithe instantly let out a cry and walked in step with me at my side.
“We’re headed to the PokeCenter first Growlithe.” I told her. “All the papers that hold where some of the men and women ended up locked up are there.”
“Grooow.” She responded.
Seeing her accept whatever decision I made in life with a simple nod, I couldn’t help but be grateful for having her by my side. Ever since she was a pup Growlithe had always been ready to back me up. Never have I once done anything to lead her astray, so that faith isn’t completely misplaced.
“So I really hope this doesn’t go the way I fear it might.” I thought with a frown.
Walking out of the academy and towards the Pokemon Center with Growlithe by my side, I eventually made it to the building and headed inside. There were a couple trainers there with their Pokemon out. Chansey was doing her usual task of making sure everyone was in a good mood and felt comfortable while Zia handed back a couple Pokeballs to a trainer who had a few scratches on her appearance.
“Next time don’t overwork them.” I heard Zia say in a chastising tone. “I know you want to eventually challenge some Gym Leaders but pushing an even bigger training regime on them could work against their growth.” Switching her tone to soothing, she looked gently at the young trainer. “You’re doing your best and your Pokemon love you, the strength you need will come in time.”
Hearing a heartfelt thank you from the girl, I walked to the front desk after making sure no one else was going to.
“Joy.” Seeing her not at all surprised by my appearance actually set me at ease a little.
“Jenny. Follow me.” Motioning for Chansey and Growlithe to stay, we went to a back room.
Once we made sure the door was closed, Zia headed to a drawer and pulled out a stack of papers. My eyes focused on what could soon lead to the make or break reveal of what Helpful Hand is truly about. Without even holding the papers, I already felt as if the weight of what was to come was starting to settle on my shoulders.
“Jenny.” Zia’s voice made me snap up to her concerned visage. “Are you nervous?” Her eyebrows tilted down in care.
Letting out a slow breath, I forced a bunch of false confidence to appear in my eyes.
“A little, but I’ll do it anyway.” Determination filling me from my own words, I clenched my fists. “I won’t let fear of the unknown dictate my life, not when I’ve finally found someone I want by my side, no matter how short our meeting was.”
Not responding to my declaration, to instead, simply watch me, I held firm. Once a few seconds had passed, I knew I passed some sort of test from the woman I’ve known since I was a child. The satisfied smile on her face and nod proved it. That simple gesture gave me the true confidence I needed.
“No matter what you find…you can’t cause any waves in Celadon Jenny.” Face grim, Zia walked up to me and handed me the papers. “Not when she’s there.”
Receiving the papers, I reciprocated the look.
“I know.” My tone grim but serious, I scanned over the papers before looking back at her. “With no Jenny to watch her when she’s in charge, anything can happen.” Scowl appearing, I looked at my feet. “She’s even allowed gambling to become a main point of income for the city. I know that it isn’t illegal, but it sets such a bad precedent for others of her status to dip their hands in the same morally gray businesses. She even approved Helpful Hand. I don’t want to think that someone of her caliber would do anything shady but…I just can’t keep this feeling from nagging at the back of my mind.”
“As long as you understand.” Taking a step past me heading for the door, Zia stopped to speak again, her voice low. “What I told you…make sure no one finds out, Jenny.”
Instantly figuring out what she was talking about, I nodded my head.
“I know. If anyone finds out and leaks the information, the entire world might be after Koal.” I say with gritted teeth.
The heavy atmosphere disappearing on my agreement and the conversation finished, we went back to the lobby. Zia going behind her counter again with me heading towards the door after I motioned for Growlithe to follow me, I prepared for my journey.
“Jenny…good luck, be safe…and I’m proud of you.” Zia gave those parting words with the most caring smile I haven’t seen since I was just a young girl who had just gotten her first Pokemon egg.
Not being able to keep the rush of warmth that spread through me down, I gave her a bright grin and a thumbs up.
“You’re looking at the future best Officer Jenny in the world!” Bringing up a finger, I wiped under my nose. Not being able to keep the brazen attitude down, I turned around and threw a wave behind me. “That along with the future best Arcanine, there’s no need to worry!”
“GROOOOOWWW!” My partner howled out in agreement.
“Don’t worry Koal!” I thought as we stepped out into the city. “I promise I’ll make sure the place I dropped you off at is safe before anything happens to you!”
I really wish I was able to keep that promise. If I did…maybe things wouldn’t have turned out the way that they did in the future.