Jaune woke up early out of habit, his body clock still set to Remnant training schedules. Dawn was already up, bouncing around the kitchen with nervous energy while Johanna made breakfast.
"Morning!" Dawn said brightly. "Ready for the trip? It's about a day's walk to Jubilife, but there are some really pretty spots along the way!"
"Morning," Jaune said, accepting a plate from Johanna. "What's the route like?"
"Route 202 connects Sandgem Town to Jubilife. We'll pass through some grassland areas where wild Pokemon live. Nothing too dangerous though. Mostly Bidoof, Starly, maybe some Shinx if we're lucky."
After breakfast, they packed their supplies. Dawn had a proper traveling bag with Pokemon food, contest materials, and camping gear. Jaune traveled light, just his sword and the small pack Johanna had given him the day before.
Johanna hugged Dawn tightly at the door. "Be careful. Call me when you reach Jubilife."
"I will, Mom. Stop worrying!"
"I'm allowed to worry. You got attacked by terrorists yesterday."
"And Jaune saved me! I'll be fine."
Johanna turned to Jaune. "Thank you again. For everything."
"No problem. I'll make sure she gets there safely."
They set out in the morning light, following the path toward Sandgem Town and then Route 202 beyond. Piplup waddled beside Dawn, occasionally running ahead to investigate interesting things.
The weather was perfect. Clear sky, light breeze, comfortable temperature. Dawn kept up a steady stream of chatter as they walked, pointing out various Pokemon in the tall grass and explaining contest strategies.
"So the Visual Competition is first," she explained. "The judges evaluate how your Pokemon looks. Condition, accessories, overall appeal. Then comes the Dance Competition where you perform with your Pokemon to music. That's my favorite part!"
"Sounds involved."
"It is! But it's worth it. When you and your Pokemon are perfectly in sync, when the audience loves your performance, it's the best feeling." Dawn spun around, her arms spread wide. "That's why I want to be a Top Coordinator. To share that feeling with as many people as possible!"
Jaune smiled at her enthusiasm. She reminded him a bit of Ruby. Same kind of pure, genuine excitement about their chosen path.
They passed through Sandgem Town around mid-morning, stopping briefly to let Dawn check in with Professor Rowan's lab. The Professor wasn't there, but his assistant gave them some supplies for the road.
Route 202 opened up into rolling grasslands. Wild Pokemon rustled in the tall grass, curious but not aggressive. A flock of Starly flew overhead. In the distance, Jaune could see what looked like a small forest.
"That's where trainers usually stop to practice," Dawn said, pointing. "There's a clearing with a stream. Good spot for lunch."
They were about halfway there when Piplup suddenly stopped and squawked loudly. "Pip pip piplup!"
Dawn tensed. "Piplup senses something. He only does that when there's danger nearby."
Jaune's hand went to his sword. His aura sense, basic as it was, picked up movement ahead. Multiple people, trying to be stealthy and failing.
"Team Galactic?" Dawn whispered.
"Maybe. Or just bandits." Jaune moved in front of her. "Stay behind me."
Four figures emerged from the tall grass ahead. Not Team Galactic uniforms. Just rough-looking guys with Pokeballs and mean expressions.
"Well well," one of them said. "Look what we got here. A little coordinator and her friend."
"We don't want trouble," Jaune said calmly.
"Too bad. We do." The leader grinned. "Hand over your money, your Pokeballs, and that nice sword. Make it easy and we won't hurt you."
Bandits then. Probably preying on young trainers traveling the routes.
Dawn grabbed her Pokeball. "We're not giving you anything!"
"Dawn," Jaune said quietly. "Let me handle this."
"But—"
"Trust me."
The bandits laughed. "Oh, the boyfriend wants to play hero. Alright kid, let's see what you got. Go, Machop!"
The fighting-type Pokemon materialized. Muscular, gray, clearly trained for actual combat. The other three bandits released their own Pokemon. A Geodude, a Croagunk, and a Zubat.
Four trained Pokemon, probably used to intimidating young trainers.
Jaune drew Crocea Mors.
"A sword?" The leader laughed harder. "What are you gonna do, kid? This isn't some fantasy game."
"Actually," Jaune said, his aura flaring around him, "I'm pretty good with it."
The bandits' expressions shifted from amused to uncertain.
"What is that glowing thing?"
"Doesn't matter. Machop, Karate Chop!"
The fighting type rushed forward with surprising speed. Fast for a Pokemon, but still slower than his father's strikes. Jaune sidestepped and brought his sword pommel down on the Machop's head. The Pokemon staggered, dazed.
"Geodude, Rock Throw!"
The rock type hurled a boulder at him. Jaune's aura absorbed the impact easily. He closed the distance and struck Geodude with the flat of his blade. The rock Pokemon went down.
"Croagunk, Poison Jab! Zubat, Wing Attack!"
Both Pokemon attacked simultaneously. Jaune moved through the forms his father had drilled into him. Block, redirect, counter. The Croagunk's poison attack bounced off his aura. The Zubat got swatted out of the air.
Twenty seconds. Four Pokemon disabled.
The bandits stared in shock.
"What the hell are you?!"
"Someone who's had a really long training regimen," Jaune said, advancing on them. "Now. You've got two options. Run away and find a new career. Or I beat you up and then you run away."
They didn't need more encouragement. All four recalled their Pokemon and bolted into the tall grass, disappearing from sight.
Dawn let out a breath she'd been holding. "That was amazing! You took out all four Pokemon so fast!"
"They weren't that strong. Just bullies picking on easy targets." Jaune sheathed his sword. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just a little shaken. I can't believe there are people like that on the routes."
"Unfortunately, bad people exist everywhere."
They continued walking, Piplup staying closer to Dawn now. The encounter had put everyone on edge.
They reached the clearing Dawn had mentioned around noon. A small stream ran through it, with flat rocks perfect for sitting. Several other trainers were there, taking lunch breaks or practicing with their Pokemon.
Dawn found a quiet spot near the water and unpacked her lunch. Jaune sat beside her, scanning the area out of habit. No immediate threats. Just kids training and eating.
"Can I ask you something?" Dawn said after a while.
"Sure."
"Where are you really from? Because that fighting style, that energy shield thing, none of it is normal for this region. Or any region I've heard of."
Jaune considered his answer carefully. "Somewhere far away. Different culture, different training methods."
"But you're not telling me where specifically."
"It's complicated."
Dawn looked at him seriously. "Are you in trouble? Running from something?"
"No. Nothing like that. I'm just... passing through. Helping where I can. Then moving on."
"Like a wandering hero from stories."
"Something like that," Jaune said with a slight smile.
She accepted that answer, or at least stopped pushing. They finished lunch in comfortable silence, watching her Pokemon play in the stream.
"Pip piplup!" Piplup splashed around happily, joined by Buneary and Pachirisu.
"They're having fun," Dawn said with a smile. "This is what I love about traveling. Seeing them happy, discovering new places together."
"It's a good life," Jaune admitted. "Simple in a way."
"What's your life like? When you're not saving people from terrorists?"
"Complicated. Lots of training. Lots of preparation. Not as much fun as this."
"That sounds lonely."
"Sometimes. But it's necessary."
They rested for another hour before continuing. The second half of Route 202 was less eventful. A few wild Pokemon appeared, curious but not aggressive. Some younger trainers asked if Dawn wanted to battle, but she politely declined, explaining she was a coordinator, not a battler.
By evening, Jubilife City came into view. Tall buildings, bright lights, the sprawl of urban development. So different from the quiet routes and small towns.
"There it is!" Dawn pointed excitedly. "Jubilife City! The contest is tomorrow afternoon at the Contest Hall. We should find a Pokemon Center to stay at."
They entered the city as the sun set, streetlights flickering on. The Pokemon Center was easy to find, a distinctive red roof and Pokeball sign marking it clearly.
Inside, Nurse Joy greeted them cheerfully. "Welcome! Would you like rooms for the night?"
"Yes please," Dawn said. "Two rooms. And can you check over my Pokemon? I want them in perfect condition for tomorrow's contest."
"Of course! I'll have them ready in an hour."
While Dawn handled the paperwork, Jaune checked the system.
[Day 2 Complete]
[Mission Status: Dawn remains safe]
[Days Remaining: 1]
[Current Location: Jubilife City]
[No hostile forces detected in immediate area]
One more day. Tomorrow Dawn would do her contest, he'd make sure nothing went wrong, and then the system would pull him home.
"Jaune?" Dawn called. "Nurse Joy got us rooms on the second floor. Come on!"
He followed her upstairs, his mind already planning for tomorrow. Contest Hall would be crowded. Lots of civilians. If Team Galactic tried anything, it would be a hostage situation.
He'd have to stay alert.
But for now, he had a bed, a roof, and time to rest.
'Not bad for a tutorial mission. Clean accommodations, no near-death experiences today, and only minor bandit encounters. I'll take it.'