Following in between Jenny and Growlithe, all those who saw me could obviously tell that I was amused. The reason? Jenny still hadn’t recovered from the kiss on the cheek I gave her earlier. Every so often I would catch her side eyeing me only for her to look away once I turned in her direction. Growlithe sure seemed to like it from the way her low growls sounded suspiciously like laughs.
Stepping over the threshold of the train, what welcomed me was a beautiful sight. The trains here didn’t go underground like most did for travel in my old world, but on the surface so that you could see everything as it passed by. Eventually when you finally got to your destination it wasn’t tunnels that came into your view, but the general attraction of the destination you were headed for.
Celadon City looked amazing.
It was about mid afternoon now, but the light from the sun did nothing to dim the neon lights that flashed from most store fronts. Tall buildings that looked like apartment complexes, it really gave one the knowledge as to how this was considered one of the most bustling cities in Kanto. As far as the eye could see there were shopping centers, small markets filled with carts from people selling various items, and countless amounts of entertainment businesses that varied for anything you might want to dabble into. Although I would have suspected there not to be any, there were even several places spotted out through Celadon that were full of green grasses and tall trees.
“Probably because of Erika.” Watching all the people move around like a well oiled machine, I thought back to what I remembered from the game. “She should be the Gym Leader for this city if I’m remembering right, but who knows, maybe more than one thing’s different. I still have no idea if this is the actual Pokemon game or the show.”
Letting Jenny lead me to the center of the city, I saw her look at a digital map that detailed where everything was. While she was doing that, I finally managed to get a glimpse of the Gym. It was bigger than I thought…that’s it. It looked exactly like the games and the show from the outside, but now that I was witnessing it in person, I could hardly believe the scale of it. Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I looked over and noticed that Jenny had found what she was looking for. At least her embarrassment has calmed down some.
“It looks like the building we’re looking for is deeper in.” She told me with a grin. “It shouldn’t take us over ten minutes to get there.”
Watching her grin falter at the latter part of her sentence, I could tell that she really didn’t want to part ways. I get, I really didn’t either. I only came into this world yesterday and after having been almost immediately taken into a tent by three women so they could have their way with me only to be saved by her before the hideous looking ones could scar me for life, I felt strongly attached to her. I don’t think anyone would be able to say the opposite, hell, even if it wasn’t Jenny who came by to help me and another random person, I’d probably be just as attached. Actually that might be a lie, Jenny just looks too damn good.
“Already, huh.” Responding with an enthusiastic grin, I let out a sigh. “Well, we better head there now. I really want to spend more time with you but who knows what’ll happen if we show up too late.” Moving my eyes across the city, looking at all the stores, I let out a little laugh. “Even though I really want to check out all these cool looking places with you.”
“Really?” Tilting her head, Jenny gave me an adorably hopeful look.
“Of course!” Throwing my arm around her shoulder I pulled her close. “You’re the closest person to me in the world right now after all, can’t really be close to people I don’t remember. Not to mention you’re my hero!” Throwing that last part in so she doesn't focus on the middle, I smiled bright watching her give me one in return.
“Then…” Looking away from me embarrassed over whatever it was she was about to say, I let go of her shoulder and stared at her curiously. “Then when I come back… how about we go see the entertainment district?” Lowering her voice low enough that it was barely even considered a whisper, she charged through. “Y’know, as a date?”
Stunned, all I could do was stare. Jenny had her eyes shut tight with one of her hands coming up to grip the opposite arm just above the elbow. It damn near seemed she was going to bust a lip with the way she was biting so hard. Quickly snapping out of my stupor, I nodded my head.
“I’d like that.” I answered softly.
Snapping her eyes open, an absolutely radiant smile blossomed onto her face. I’m not one to say this lightly but I’ll say it again. She was gorgeous. That smile alone took my breath away and made my heart skip in my chest like a child playing hopscotch. It wasn’t the usual lust I was feeling when I looked at her, it was still there, but this felt somehow deeper. Not love, just something…diferent. Like I was bearing witness to someone finally getting what they’ve always wanted and had just laid their soul bare on their face to express the emotion that their words couldn’t.
Breath getting caught in my lungs, a blush tinted my cheeks.
“Y-yeah, so don’t be getting any ideas about moving on in that month.” Looking away from her, I crossed my arms. “And make sure you get rid of any sex friends or anything close to that. If you’re saying you want to take me on a date don’t be playing the field.”
I couldn’t help but let some insecurities show. Having just finished high school and seeing numerous people have people they're dating, people they’re talking to, back ups pretending to be friends, and down right exes that they still sleep with, I couldn’t trust immediately. Knowing that these actions came from both genders as well just heightened that worry. Not even a reversed world could keep those types of people from existing.
“Sex friends?” Making a face in distaste before noticing my awkward stance and blush, she gave an amused smirk. “Please, I haven’t even gotten close to a boy. Too many of them just aren’t my type.” Turning around to walk in the direction of our destination, she continued. “I guess you could say I’m inexperienced, you don’t hate girls like that right?” Looking back at me while I followed behind her, I noticed the hint of worry she tried to bury behind her playfulness.
“I bet she’s betting on me being truthful with what I said to Violet. Not a bad tactic.” I thought with a chuckle. Smiling at her, I stepped up so I was walking directly beside her. “That’s right. I think that means you're focused on finding the right one, and with women always being sex fiends, well, you gotta be a shiny or something if you’re saving yourself for something serious instead of throwing yourself at the first opportunity." Throwing in the word I heard three women use, I waited for her response.
Seeing her nod her head and whisper a small “yes!”, I walked with Jenny and Growlithe to the place where my life would start. Passing by several civilians, of which the older ones would wave at Jenny as if they knew her and thank her for her service, to which she would respond by telling them she isn’t an officer yet, I randomly noticed a form in an alley. Stopping my stride, I looked close and saw that a person was laying on the floor with rags as clothes and random trash as a blanket. Confused on why no one was going to help, especially since this was the first time I’ve seen a homeless person in both Viridian and ,until now, Celadon, I walked into the alley to see what was wrong.
“Isn’t there a help center here?” A frown coming onto my face, once I reached the person I tilted my head. “Do I…know her?”
Dark pink, almost reddish hair that covered her face and most of her body, I was shocked at how it was that someone could grow it to that length. Tannish skin that showed she spent most of her time under the sun, likely due to her being homeless, she wore tattered brown rags that barely covered her upper body. The state of her appearance below the waist I wouldn’t know, it being covered with the trash formed into a makeshift blanket. I did see a hint of green poking out of her hair where I suspected her ear to be, but other than that, her features were a mystery.
Not being able to help myself, I spoke up.
“Hey.” I whispered with worry, only to receive a groan and a swat of a hand. “You shouldn’t be sleeping like this…it’s not good for your health.”
Watching the woman move around until her hair covered head was pointed in my direction, I felt that she could see me even though I didn’t catch even a glimpse of her eyes.
“What?” Was her raspy response.
“There’s a help center here I heard, why don’t you come with me? I'm going there right now.” I informed her, speaking softly.
“That place?” Letting out another grunt, she turned away. “I wouldn’t go there if I were you. Especially since you’re pretty handsome.”
Tilting my head, I grew even more curious.
“What do you mea-”
“Koal! What are you doing over there!? Don’t go disappearing like that, I almost had a heart attack. Weren’t you the one who said we shouldn’t get there too late?” Standing outside of the alley with Growlithe by her side, Jenny's gaze went from worriedly looking at me, to suspiciously looking at the homeless woman.
“Alright, on the way!” I called back. Beginning to walk towards Jenny, I stopped. “What if I was in the same position as her?” I thought with a grim frown. Turning back around, I got close to the woman who flinched once I knelt down by her side. “I really hope life goes your way soon.”
Saying that, I dug into my pocket and pulled out $1000. Placing it right next to the woman, who let out a shocked gasp, I ran back to Jenny. Still staring at the homeless woman, Jenny finally put me in her field of view and spoke up.
“Did you just give that girl money?” Seeing me nod, she shook her head with a smile. “Really…you’re way too kind for your own good. Let’s hurry. I don’t know how long they’re going to be expecting us.”
Walking along beside her, I never turned around, never saw the homeless woman sitting up and clutching the money as if it was a gift she had never expected to be given, never seen the tears that poured down her face. I never knew how much that moment could mean.