Archive of Our Own ^beta

Gripping her wrist, Karen extended Clair’s arm towards her before letting the ink make contact. All Clair could do was stare in shock, in disbelief that someone only slightly more than a stranger was confident enough to attempt such an action. As she felt the cool ink rub against her skin, a part of her wanted to resist, to find her words and ask Karen to stop. But to do that would be to deny what she knew deep down she really wanted. To think things had changed so much in the few hours they had gotten to know each other.

The sun had recently set, the temperature dipped well below freezing in what was to be the standard for what would eventually be reflected on as one of the coldest winters Johto was to experience in recorded history, but all across the city, the streets remained illuminated in the warm glow emanating from the lights stationed in every direction. For the region’s largest and most populous city, the scene was routine. Another Friday evening had arrived in Goldenrod. But it's darkness, it’s cold, it’s ability to isolate often struggled to escape the outdoors. For in addition to the lights that so thoroughly bathed every corner of the cityscape, each building offered a comforting retreat from nature’s worst.

As both hands on the clock drew nearer to the end of her workday, time seemed to slow for Karen. Her first week as gym leader would conclude in a little less than fifteen minutes, but the last forty-five had drawn on as if they were a few hours. There wasn’t a challenger for her to fight, and it’d be unlikely that one would show up at this point. Any interested trainers would have likely already planned to wait until the next Monday instead of trying to squeeze a battle into what little time left the gym would be open. If she were to leave the gym then, she almost certainly wouldn’t miss any challengers. But Karen remained. Not because sitting alone in the worn down office she had inherited with nothing to entertain herself with besides the dated computer system and the dirtied white board was enjoyable, but because she didn’t want to risk being caught a slacker. She had worked hard to acquire this position, but if she didn’t perform it correctly, she knew the League would replace her with ease.

So she sat alone in her office, the pale glow of the computer’s monitor illuminating her with the unchanging image of her email’s inbox. The week had flown by her, but now that it was so close to concluding, it seemed uninterested in finally retiring. Karen tapped her foot to the rhythm of each tick of the clock, hoping to no avail that it would make the time pass more quickly.

Her first week on the job had gone well. Plenty of trainers had shown up each day, all hoping to acquire a badge from the League’s newest gym leader. Much effort was put into studying when exactly was the best time to challenge a gym leader. Some argued at the very end of the day or week, when the leader’s pokémon would be the most worn out. Some put forth the opposite, claiming an early start was more useful since the leader’s team likely wasn’t warmed up yet. Many believed that just as soon as a new leader takes over the position is the best time to challenge them. They were less experienced then they’d ever be, and easier to get a badge from as a result.

Karen wasn’t the type of trainer who’d spent time considering such things; skilled as she was, she had never attempted to battle any gym leaders in her youth, meaning it was wholly unimportant to her before that week. But she thought this strategy had a touch of truth and falsehood to it. A gym leader’s first week on the job was undoubtedly when they had the least experience. However, that didn’t mean they were weaker. Anyone skilled enough to get the job was plenty strong. The difficult part was channeling just the right amount of difficulty into each fight to make for a suitable challenge for each trainer. An inexperienced leader may be too easy, but they could also be too challenging to a trainer with few badges.

Regardless of whether or not this strategy had its merits, many followed it. Some would even deviate course from their planned journey just to challenge an inexperienced leader before they acclimated. And Karen suspected she had faced an onslaught of trainers working under this strategy in her first week. On some days, it felt like the battles were nonstop. But she had put up a good fight despite the opposition. It wasn’t easy to judge how well she had done, but she hadn’t been fired, so it couldn’t have been too bad. Perhaps she was a little more challenging than the average leader, but she found it hard to not give her absolute all during every battle. Restraint had never come easy to her, and was looking to be the most difficult part of being a gym leader.

Karen’s reminiscing was cut short by the sound of her office door opening, its doorknob slamming into the concrete wall behind it. Her eyes instantly darted to the clock. A little less than thirteen minutes until closing time. Just as quickly, she turned her attention to the door, where one of the gym’s employees now stood. Her name was Sarah, a local high school kid who made a little extra money on the side by checking challengers in before their battles. Frozen now in the doorway, she stared at Karen with nervous eyes which were partially concealed by her dark bangs. Karen always felt a little bad for her. She always seemed to be on edge; always afraid something was about to go wrong. Maybe it had just been the unusually busy week the gym had seen that had worked her up into a nervous mess. But Karen had a theory that she was actually somewhat intimidated by her. But then why would she show up at a time like this? She didn’t seem like the type to ask to leave early. Was there actually a challenger who had shown up only a few minutes to closing time?

“Umm … miss Karen. There’s a woman here to battle,” she squeaked in the uncertain voice expected of her. Karen took a deep, disappointed breath. With how busy things had been, she supposed something like this happening shouldn't be too surprising.

“Tell them it'll have to wait until Monday. No way I can get a battle in before the day’s over,” she said, trying to mask her frustration behind a smile.

“She said it was important,” Sarah emphasized, keeping the same, intense glare she had upon slamming the door open. It almost seemed to beg her to go more strongly than any words she could say would. As anxious and intense as she could be, this was certainly out of character for her. Karen began to get a sinking feeling that whatever was going on wouldn’t be resolved so easily. Perhaps it was someone from the League looking to make sure things were running smoothly. Trying to make sure she hadn’t closed up before she was supposed to. Reluctantly, she stood up. At least whatever was going on might help pass the time, she thought as she gave the clock one last glimpse. It was almost twelve minutes to closing time.

The gym’s arena was plain when compared to most others. Karen hadn’t had the chance to decorate and inject some of her personality into it, not that she had much of an idea what she wanted to do anyway. The prior gym leader had specialized in electric-type pokémon, and the only indication of that which remained was that the walls were painted a dull, yellow color. Not too fitting for a dark type gym. As she approached the gym’s entrance, Karen could already begin to observe her visitor, and the ridiculous outfit she was wearing. It was some kind of caped costume, done in a light blue color to make it even more garish. The visitor stood tall and confident. Karen had seen trainers like her before. Elaborate costumes always seemed to be in style with those looking to turn their battles into a performance. Whether or not the confidence she displayed was a result of being talented or grossly overestimating her talents remained unclear. It could always go either way with this type of trainer. The visitor shot her a bold smile. Getting closer, Karen could see her guest was rather muscular. Perhaps the type to train right alongside her pokémon. If so, her confidence may not have been for nothing.

The chance to battle a skilled trainer was alluring to Karen under most circumstances. It’s why she chose to become a gym leader in the first place. But less than fifteen minutes before the end of the week was not one of them. There was still much of Goldenrod for her to explore, and she’d prefer not to be out too late after having spent her week working so diligently. And unfortunately, this visitor seemed like the type of person who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Karen, it’s a pleasure to meet you at last!” the visitor announced enthusiastically.

“I’m sorry, but we’re pretty much closed for the week. You’ll have to come back on Monday if you want to battle,” Karen answered with as much friendliness as she could afford.

The other woman released a loud, haughty laugh. “That’s a good one Karen! I knew it’d be late by the time I got here. But I assumed you’d be willing to battle anyway. Is that not true?”

Now Karen was very confused. The other woman knowing her name wasn’t too surprising. But the way she spoke to her, it was as if she knew her. Though Karen was pretty sure she didn’t know the visitor. Had they gone to school together at some point in the past? There had been many people she hadn’t been close to that she certainly didn’t remember. That was the only option Karen could think of. But it still didn’t seem right. If this woman really was a trainer, and a good one like Karen suspected, she would have remembered her. Her expression must have reflected her confusion, as it seemed the other woman was starting to pick up on the disconnect.

“You are familiar with me, correct?” she asked.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I am,” Karen admitted while trying not to sound rude. Even if the other woman was kind of odd, it was her responsibility to be welcoming to all challengers.

“In that case, I suppose I should make a formal introduction! I am Clair, gym leader of Blackthorn City and dragon master! I have come to challenge you!” the visitor exclaimed as she held out a poké ball.

Karen started to piece everything together. She was a gym leader. That explained why she behaved so casually. She had expected Karen to recognize her. Sarah, who had come back out to the front with her, was looking at Karen apologetically, sorry for having let Clair in and causing this mess. The poor kid was probably afraid she’d be sent home and told not to come back. She’d have to work on assuring her that she wasn’t that kind of gym leader.

Now Karen had to make a choice. A part of her wanted to reiterate what she had told Clair earlier and make her come back the following week. It was the end of her work day, and she wasn’t obligated to battle any of the other gym leaders just because they asked. But the trainer in her wanted to take on Clair right then and there. After all, if she was another gym leader, her theory that she was a good trainer was undoubtedly true. And she’d be sure to get a hell of a battle out of her. What did the rest of her Friday have in store anyway? She planned to stop by a new restaurant for dinner, something she’d still have time to do. After that, Karen hadn’t even decided on anything. She could watch a movie, or go to bed early. But none of those things would compare to the thrill of a great pokémon battle. Even if she’d spent the last week doing little but battle, Karen couldn’t help but find the prospect of facing off against Clair enticing.

“Ok Clair. I normally wouldn’t stay this late. But since I’m sure you wouldn’t have come all this way to show me a weak performance, I’ll stick around for a battle.” She could see Sarah give her another nervous look. She probably had to go home to study for a test, or do homework. “Sarah, feel free to head home. Clair and I should be able to handle the match on our own.”

Sarah gave her a nod and scurried out of the gym, making sure to flip the “We’re Open!” sign over to read “We’re Closed!” so the two gym leaders could battle uninterrupted.

“So how many pokémon would you like to use? Six? Three? I’m fine with any number, though if you want to keep things short, I don’t mind a smaller number. Just more than one would be nice!” Clair asked.

“How considerate of you. Well, since it is getting late, let’s just use three each.” Clair accepted and made her way to the other end of the battlefield.

Karen pulled out one of her poké balls, a rush of adrenaline coming over her. Excitement like this was something she hadn’t felt in some time. Not since she had to battle the gym’s last leader as part of the job application process. And this still felt even more exciting. For a trainer as skilled as Karen was, there were few that could still excite her on the battlefield. But another gym leader was almost certain to.

“I hope you and your pokémon aren’t too worn out Karen! I’d hate to win because you all weren’t performing at your best!” Clair shouted.

“My pokémon will be fine. They’re plenty tough,” Karen assured.

Clair chuckled. “Good! I’d hate to have come all this way to be disappointed! I know the host gym leader traditionally sends out their pokémon first, but I’d like to do it this time, if it’s ok with you. It’s the least I can do, coming unannounced and all.”

“Be my guest.”

Clair released her first pokémon, a rather large Dragonite. Any trainer who could wield a Dragonite was no joke. Karen couldn’t help but smile as she considered which of her pokémon she would use. She knew nothing about Clair’s battle tactics. She’d have to trust her intuition. How exciting. She settled on her Tyranitar, not often a pokémon she’d lead with, but one that felt appropriate given the opposition.

“I see you know your type advantages and disadvantages!” Clair exclaimed.

“They wouldn’t give me the position if I didn’t,” Karen said. She couldn’t tell if Clair was talking down to her or if she thought this was just fun banter. She’d take advantage of the type advantage regardless.

The first round of fighting was all about offense. Both pokémon volleyed attack after attack at one another. Karen focused on rock-type attacks, making the air as inhospitable as possible for Clair. But as Karen anticipated, Clair couldn’t be defeated solely with such a simple tactic. Her Dragonite repeatedly slammed into the ground with its earthquake attack, shaking the entire gym.

“I know my type advantages too Karen! I won’t be that easy to best!” Clair taunted.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself now. We’ve still got three pokémon each.”

“Not for much longer! Dragonite, earthquake! Use as much force as you can!” Her pokémon fired itself towards the ground. The force of the impact nearly sent Karen off of her feet, but Clair remained unphased. Tyranitar wasn’t as fortunate, and couldn’t persevere through the impact.

“Come on Karen, stop going easy on me!” Clair said as Karen returned her pokémon. Clair may have been up to a good start, but the battle was far from over. She sent out her Umbreon. The rest of the battle proceeded closely. Umbreon took out the weakened Dragonite with little effort, who was replaced by a Druddigon. Shiny, how … fitting for Clair. It bested her Umbreon after a good fight, but couldn’t beat the Vileplume that replaced it. For her last pokémon, Clair unveiled her Kingdra.

“This is it Karen! Kingdra is the pokémon who’s been with me the longest, my toughest fighter you might say. Don’t think I’ll go easy on you at the last minute! I intend to win this! Just a word of advice, since I want to be nice, grass-type attacks won’t be of much use against Kingdra despite her appearance. She’s still very much a dragon type!”

“Thanks for the hint.” Karen wanted little more than to wipe the smug grin from Clair’s face. Though she had to admit, the dragon tamer was showing her a good time.

Clair started with commanding Kingdra to use dragon pulse. Without need for command, Vileplume leaped out of the way, just barely landing outside the attack’s range before promptly retaliating at Karen’s demand. The two pokémon went back and forth from a distance, seemingly locked in a stalemate for several turns. But Karen had devised a plan Clair likely couldn’t foresee. Because while each blast of dragon pulse slowly wore its user down, Karen kept her attacks light, putting little stress on her pokémon. And with each command, she shifted Vileplume closer to the Kingdra ever so slightly, making sure not to make her pokémon’s movements seem deliberate.

Vileplume was just a few meters away now. Clair demanded another dragon pulse, which almost landed a successful hit. It was getting harder to avoid the attacks at such a close range. But her pokémon wouldn’t have to worry about that for much longer. As the missed attack collided with the battlefield, Clair’s Kingdra appeared more worn than it had any turn prior. Now was her chance.

“Vileplume, use stun spore!” Karen commanded. The top of her pokémon's head erupted, spewing forth a blast of yellow, paralyzing powder. Kingdra stood no chance of evading the attack.

“Kingdra, no!” Clair called out, whatever confidence (and arrogance) she had before now completely drained from her voice. “Dragon pulse again! While she’s close!”

Kingdra turned its head to face Vileplume. Even with how far she had gotten, there was no guarantee Karen’s tactic would work. The last play depended entirely on luck, and if she was unlucky, there was no chance Clair would let her pull the same trick off again. But Kingdra didn’t fire. It remained glaring at Vileplume, clearly intending, but not able to follow through with the command it had been given.

“Vileplume, moonblast!” A beam of white energy fired from the peak of Vileplume’s head again, sending Clair’s Kingdra flying back to the ground.

“Kingdra, get up! We need to land a hit!” The pokémon was able to comply, the effects of the stun spore lessening just enough for it to straighten itself out again. But before the Kingdra could turn to face Vileplume, it froze again. Not the lethargic delay of exhaustion, no, it was clearly the stun spore at work again.

“Vileplume, moonblast, again!” Her pokémon managed to fire off multiple blasts this time, all of which struck Clair’s pokémon, causing it to slide back towards the far wall of the building. With the last blast, it slammed into it with a force that rattled the whole arena. The pokémon collapsed and didn’t get back up.

Karen grinned. The rush of familiar excitement she felt upon winning an intense battle was welcome, but she held back from outwardly celebrating. Clair was still mostly a stranger to her and she knew not the slightest about how she’d take losing, especially after such a close match. If her one week working as a gym leader had taught her anything, it was that the most arrogant trainers were often also the sorest losers. She returned her Vileplume and approached her challenger.

“That was a great match,” she said as she went to shake Clair’s hand.

“Yes! You put up quite a fight! Don’t take this the wrong way, but I wasn’t expecting you to be such a talented trainer. I’ve managed to beat every other gym leader in Johto. But you managed to beat me,” Clair said, reciprocating with a firm grip.

“Oh, thanks,” Karen said. For as much as Clair had annoyed her earlier, she appreciated the compliment.

“By the way, I am sorry for stopping by so late. I had a lot going on at my gym earlier and had some family stuff to deal with. I was betting on a trainer like you still wanting to battle when I got here. Good thing I was right,” Clair explained.

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t really have anything planned for tonight anyway,” Karen admitted. In hindsight, there wasn’t anything she could’ve planned for this evening that would’ve been better than the battle she just had. Her earlier frustrations were perhaps uncalled for. Clair clearly hadn’t meant any harm. She was certainly a bit odd, and clearly a pretty busy individual. But neither of those things were necessarily bad. If anything, Clair was probably more like her than most. And she was undoubtedly entertaining.

“So, did you have any plans for the rest of the night? Or is battling other gym leaders just how you spend your Fridays?” Karen inquired.

“Oh … not usually. I mostly just train back at my gym,” Clair said.

“Well if you’re interested, do you maybe wanna go get something to eat? I haven’t gotten dinner yet myself. And after a battle like the one we just had, I’m pretty hungry.”

“Uh … sure,” Clair answered. Karen couldn’t be completely certain, but Clair seemed changed by her question. She had acted so confident before and during their battle. Even when congratulating her on her win, she seemed sure of herself despite the loss. Now, she appeared caught off guard, a little timid too. It wasn’t the loss that changed Clair. Maybe she just hadn’t expected Karen to offer anything beyond a battle.

“Great. Let me just grab my stuff from my office. Then we can go,” Karen said.

The streets of Goldenrod on a Friday evening were some of the busiest one could find in the entire region. Even the bitter cold couldn’t stop an eclectic mix of people from filling the roadways and sidewalks: business people on their way home from work, teenagers out enjoying the first hours of their weekend, trainers looking for potential battles. Not a corner of the city was left unoccupied. The restaurant Karen planned for them to visit was only a few blocks away from the gym, but they were a scenic few blocks. Various restaurants, shops, and other businesses littered each side of the road they walked beside - each one a small universe with its own ecosystem. Each one could make for a whole evening's worth of entertainment all on its own. And this system extended through the whole city. Each block packed with a multitude of miniature universes just waiting to be explored. Knowing she would certainly not have the time to explore all of it saddened Karen. But she’d at least get to see more of it tonight.

Why had she asked Clair to join her? In truth, she felt a tad guilty for having been needlessly judgmental before, and wanted to make amends. And then there was Clair herself. Something about her just screamed out to her, begging with a pathetic confidence Karen was only now starting to break her way through. She was clearly a little awkward and probably didn’t have a great social life if she spent her Friday nights training. But she was unique. What kind of person burst into her gym minutes before closing, so confident that she’d be recognized and get a battle? Did that confidence not extend to her social life? So many mysteries. Based on their battle, it was obvious she was a very talented trainer - the kind one only came across on rare occasions. Her fashion, her confidence, her strong bond with her pokémon, it was all so intriguing. And while many might find Clair’s traits undesirable, perhaps even annoying or rude, for Karen, those oddities were weirdly alluring.

And it wasn’t as if she had much going on anyway. Having only moved to the heart of the city a few weeks prior for her new job, she hadn’t had time to make any new friends. But there were so many things to explore and experience in Goldenrod. If only she had a friend - she had mused to herself every evening during the past week. And now, the universe had presented her with the perfect opportunity to befriend someone. Even if she wasn’t from Goldenrod, it was better than no one.

Clair shivered. Despite the cold, all she wore was the silly outfit she had shown up to the gym in. Karen, bundled in a thick, black coat she’d owned for years, deterred the cold well enough. But with her new companion struggling against it, the frigid air seemed more equipped to penetrate her layers than it normally was.

“You normally wear that out in the cold?” Karen asked.

Clair turned and provided a pointed look. “This outfit is traditionally worn by dragon tamers where I’m from. It’s important to us.” She sounded proud, maybe a little offended that Karen would question her decision to wear it.

“Is wearing a coat over it wrong? I’d imagine it’d be pretty annoying to walk around in the cold with only that during the winter.”

“No. But I wanted to make a good, striking impression when you’d first meet me in person. I thought a coat might interfere with that.”

“I didn’t know you cared so much about impressing me,” Karen teased.

“It’s not like that! When are we getting there anyway. Where are we even going?” Clair asked.

“Funny you should ask. We’re here now,” Karen said as they stopped in front of a restaurant inhabiting the middle of one of the city’s busiest streets. A sign in the window read “The Greasy Burger.” It was a casual eatery Karen had discovered when browsing for restaurants when she first moved into the city. She hadn’t had the chance to try it out yet, but if the food wasn’t good, she could at least suffer through it with the company of someone else. They were seated at a table near the front of the restaurant with a good view of the sidewalk and its many occupants.

“So, tell me about yourself Clair. I’m guessing someone like you lives a pretty interesting life,” Karen asked before taking the first sip of her drink, a plain glass of water that was unfortunately a little too close to the temperature outside for her to appreciate it yet.

“I think I covered everything already. I’m a gym leader and dragon master.”

“Yea, but what do you do besides that? No way you spend all your time doing stuff revolving around those two things.”

Clair paused for a moment to think. “Not much really. Those things truthfully take up most of my time.”

“Really? You ever go hang out with friends or anything? Know anywhere interesting to visit here in Goldenrod?”

“Sometimes …” Clair said, inducing a whirlpool in her drink with her straw.

“I rarely have the opportunity to hang out with friends,” Karen added. “I never had the most growing up. Not that I had trouble making them, I’m just selective when it comes to who I share my time with. And ever since we’ve started getting older, it’s been harder to get together. People move all over the world following their dreams. It’s really hard to keep a group together.”

“Do you miss them?”

“I suppose. But I think it’s important we follow our own paths. I’m sure they all have goals of their own to accomplish wherever they go. And I have my own goals with what I’m doing here.”

“That’s a good way of looking at things,” Clair said as she continued to stir her drink.

“Speaking of goals, I’ve got an idea I want to run by you. I’ve been considering a position in the Elite Four. I know it’s a bit ambitious considering I just started working as a gym leader this week. But I think it might be something worth shooting for. What do you think? Doable? Or am I biting off more than I can chew?”

“It’s certainly ambitious. But that’s what makes it worth pursuing!” Clair answered with renewed vigor. “I’ve considered a position in the Elite Four myself. Though personally, I’d prefer to be Champion!”

“I’m not quite sure if I’d want that. Seems like a lot of responsibility.”

“Oh, it’s not much more than what the Elites have to deal with. But you certainly have a lot more eyes on you, for better or worse.”

“You sure know a lot about the position. I see you’ve done your research.”

Clair let out a dry laugh. “I guess you could say I have. Honestly, I just know a lot because my cousin Lance is in the Elite Four.”

“Interesting. I didn’t know you came from a family of skilled trainers. Though I suppose that may explain why you’re so talented at such a relatively young age.”

“We’re an … interesting bunch. But yes, I guess you could say we’re pretty talented too. We proudly specialize in dragon types.”

“But wait up a moment, if your cousin is in the Elite Four and specializes in dragon types too, that means you can’t also be in the Elite Four or Champion,” Karen pointed out. It was true. The League had a strict rule preventing members of the Elite Four and Champion from specializing in the same type.

“You are unfortunately right,” Clair said, her excitement receding. “But hey, it’s not like he’s going to be there forever. Right? I mean, maybe he’ll decide to explore the world one day. Us dragon trainers tend to do that sometimes since dragons aren’t super common in most places. There’s only two lines of true dragon types native to Johto for example. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d want to see more of the world at some point.”

She sounded like she was trying to convince herself just as much as she was trying to convince her new acquaintance. Clair’s cousin was still enough of a mystery to her to keep her from knowing if Clair’s hopes had any chance of coming true. But even if she suspected there was no chance of it happening, she wouldn’t say anything. No reason to inject some negativity into their otherwise pleasant conversation.

“So your family likes dragon type pokémon. I’m guessing that’s why you like them too?” Karen asked.

“That’s where the love started, but it’s hardly the sole reason why. There’s just something special about them. They’re so powerful. Not easy to tame, or even find usually. But worth the effort if you’re willing to commit to them.”

“I’ve always heard dragon specialists were pretty intense. You’re not doing a good job at disproving that stereotype, no offense.”

“Oh, none taken! In fact, I accept fitting that notion with pride! Dragon types are intense. It makes sense their trainers would be the same way. At least the good ones.”

“Your whole family’s the same way?”

“Most of us. We’ve been stationed in Blackthorn for generations now, and have built a reputation as one of the world’s most respected dragon clans. The gym has been in our family for generations too. Before me, it was Lance. And before him, his mother. I’ll spare you the details, but we’ve made it our duty to run the region’s finest gym. But if our battle was any indication, you might give us a good challenge!”

Clair’s face flushed crimson with the compliment, but Karen knew she could make things even more exciting. “How kind of you. I really didn’t know how good of a gym leader I’d be, but such a compliment from someone like you is very reassuring.”

Clair reddened more. “Well, it’s just the truth is all! I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t.”

“I hate to admit it, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of your family before. Though to be honest, I’ve never been too into learning about those sorts of things. But I guess that means you just have more to share with me.”

“I guess so, yea! Gosh, where should I start? It really is a lot.”

“You don’t have to share it all now if you don’t want to. Instead, maybe I can answer any questions you have for me.”

“Alright then, I guess this is an obvious one, but why dark types?”

“They’re cool.”

“I see. But what about the Vileplume then? You didn’t even ask it to use any dark type moves!”

“Nice catch. Truthfully, I just like Vileplume. I may have a soft spot for dark types, but I do like some other pokémon. Why not use them? I mean, the League is cool with it. Even if the process of getting it approved was a pain and a half in the ass.”

“Interesting. Most trainers usually stick to one type. But I know some dragon trainers do similar things, since dragon types are usually so rare.”

“Rareness has nothing to do with it for me. I just like what I like, and I’m not going to let anyone interfere with that.”

“With an attitude like that, you just might be in the Elite Four one day. Maybe someday, the two of us will even be there together.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Their waiter stopped by and dropped off their meals. Invested so thoroughly in the conversation, Karen had nearly forgotten her hunger until the sight of her dish caused it to flare up once more.

“Y’know, I was thinking, since you never seem to have much going on in your off time, maybe we should hang out together again next weekend,” Karen suggested. As peculiar as Clair was, Karen had made up her mind: she wanted more of the other trainer. And she felt certain Clair wanted more of her as well.

“Really? You want to hang out again?” Clair asked as if the concept was alien to her.

“Yea. This has been fun. We can battle again if you want. Or we can go do something else. You still do have to tell me more about your family too.”

“Oh … ok then. Sure! I don’t know how busy I’ll be next weekend though. Contrary to what you seem to think, I can actually be quite a busy person.”

“Just message me later this week when you know for sure how your schedule looks.”

“Alright. I don’t have your phone number though … but now that I think about it, I should have the number for your gym. I can call that number when I know how my weekend will look.” But it was already too late. Clair’s delay was just long enough for Karen to concoct a plan sure to thrill her. It arrived fully formed and ripe for execution just as Clair explained her boring solution to the problem. Most wouldn’t dare follow through with something so risky, but Karen knew such risks were essential for the sweetest rewards.

That’s when she reached into her pocket and pulled out the marker which had originated from the white board in her office. It had made the journey to her pocket earlier that afternoon when Sarah had barged in on her doodling to inform her of a challenger. Haphazardly, she had thrown it in there instead of letting it rest at the board again, and had forgotten to return it in the time since. But as she sat talking to Clair, its plastic shape pressed noticeably against her thigh, seeming little more than a mild annoyance at first, but soon proving itself crucial to her split-second plan.

After uncapping the marker, she reached across the table with her free hand and gripped Clair’s wrist, pulled it out close to her, and exposed the forearm. Wielding the ink, she provided her cell phone’s number on the skin. The entire time, Clair did not resist, just stared at her mouth agape with an unreadable emotion.

“There, all done,” Karen said as she released the wrist and capped the marker again. Clair refused to retract her forearm, choosing instead to continue staring at it and the fresh number written on it for several seconds.

“I could have just written it down in my phone,” she eventually said, eyes still locked on the number Karen had written.

“I suppose you could have. I could have also written yours down in my phone. Or we could’ve just done what you said and have you call me on my work phone sometime during the week. But none of those options would’ve been nearly as fun. Don’t you agree?” Karen asked. She had made a bold decision, the number she wrote not just a piece of information Clair desired, but also a signature, a commitment to her word. Either Clair would be weirded out and make an effort to never interact with her again, or the two were now bound together in life for something stronger than casual acquaintanceship. What exactly that bond would be, if Clair would choose to accept it, Karen couldn’t determine yet. There was a chance it could end disastrously, but there was also the opportunity for greatness. Regardless, Clair was important. And if she so desired, she could change Karen’s life.

“I … I guess. Is that a permanent marker? Geez, this is gonna be on me all week,” Clair muttered. Karen laughed.

“I don’t think so. It’ll probably come off with some soap and water. But wouldn’t it be funny if it was hard to remove? You’d have to walk around all week with my number on your arm! You’d be thinking about me all the time!”

“Yea, ha ha, very funny.”

“Hey, I’m just teasing. In all seriousness, I’ve been having a really good time with you tonight. I hope you do call. I’ll be looking forward to it,” Karen said. Clair remained flushed, but her frustration seemed to dissipate.

“I will, I promise,” she answered confidently. Karen could tell she was serious. And that couldn’t make her happier.