Another Road Repaved - Coordination

An Evolution in Technique

With the majority of a week left before the Wallace Cup commenced, Coordinators all across Cinnabar were left to their devices, and trained for the upcoming event in whatever way they saw fit. Each undoubtedly had their own methods and style to present their Pokémon's true charm!

Just a bit earlier in the day, Dawn had stumbled upon what could definitely be her avenue to preparations, before everything had gone awry. Back in the center of town, a plain booth was set up, with a shelf full of colorful disc cases lined up behind the vendor. A lone man watching the stand, talking to a number of trainers at a time. Some younger trainers turned away, meekly looking down at their wallets.

"You usually see these in Poké Marts," Dawn remarked, while she and Ash waited in line.

"Yeah, but they usually only have a handful, y'know? It's rare you see so many in one place. That's one dedicated guy." He peered around Dawn, and frowned. "I hope we didn't miss all the good ones, taking our sweet time getting here."

"Not with the way everyone's walking off over the prices," Dawn said, blinking at the repeated sight. At least a fraction of the Coordinators here looked like trainers who were only starting age. It was no wonder they weren't carrying around loads of cash. "Any idea of what you'll get, Ash?"

"Who, me?" Ash blinked, looked at Pikachu, who looked equally clueless, and shrugged. "Nothing in particular, I guess. I think I'll just browse for anything that stands out. What about you?"

"I've... got a few ideas," she hummed. "Everything that's come to mind for Pachirisu is already in my reach, and I'd say the same for Prinplup. But Absol had the Celadon Contest not too long ago, and needs a new twist. I'd really like to broaden my horizons with Togekiss, too... I'm not sure what Princess Salvia and the kingdom had in mind with her, but her moves have been stuck in the mud since she joined us... Not that that's her fault-!"

"It's the trainer's job to help," Ash cut in, before Dawn made anymore excuses for her words. I like her moves, too, but if she's going to be in more contest battles, I think she could use something with more... Oomph, y'know?" He explained, throwing his hands outward.

"I was thinking the same thing," Dawn nodded. She smiled, a twinkle appearing in her eye. "In fact, Lance's performance the other day made me think about that. I have to check what she's compatible with for sure, but-"

An intentionally loud clearing of the throat drew the duo's attention. They were next in line, and apparently hadn't noticed. The merchant looked vaguely annoyed, but plastered on a salesman's smile. "It seems you two are here as a group! How can I help you both?"

"Yeah! We were hoping to buy a few TMs," Dawn chimed.

"Yeah," Ash added. "But, uh... I've always wanted to ask. How do you use TMs? I've never actually gone and bothered."

"...Kid, how does a trainer get to your age, and... Er, I mean, astounding! Coming this far in your career without so much as a boost from technical machines. You're bound to be an exceptional trainer! Both of you, in fact. But, y'know what would push you even further?"

Dawn blinked. "...Buying TM-"

"Buying TMs!" He interrupted to echo Dawn, with all the charisma of a snake oil salesman. If he weren't talking to two of the most gullible trainers around, he might have raised a few red flags. "In fact, I'll throw in a complimentary Technical Machine case for each one of you, with your purchase!" The man paused, peering around Ash and Dawn. "But, uh... You're both holding up the line. Here," he leaned over, passing the two trainers a pamphlet each. "Take a minute to read up on how they work, and browse, while I get to the next customer. But, you better act quick, before the good ones go!"