December 25 2021.
Chapter one:
The Javitz Center is bursting with energy. The line in the morning went up and down 34th street. It's the last of this year's New York City Comic Con. People dressed as their favorite characters from every conceivable fandom parade around to get artist/writer's panels, compare costumes, purchase merchandise and collectibles, as well as hang out and connect with fellow fan's of the same work. It's a magical time.
However, this New York City Comic Con is different than usual. People dressed as Ash Ketchum, Serena, and Professor Oak, and many other beloved Pokemon characters can be seen with mixed emotions on their faces, excited, yet also despondent. Looking at them you'd think that someone just told them that their favorite grandmother was about to die but was also leaving them with her entire fortune after she passed away. If you asked about it many would agree with that sentiment, especially those who live in this city that never sleeps.
The reason for this occured two days ago. It was announced online that this would be a beloved icon's last convention in his birth city of New York City. The man who has given all Pokemon fan's so much of his time and energy as well as being a co-creator of so many of the well known characters in the Pokemon universe. Satoshi Tajiri is having his last panel at this location today, this afternoon, in fact. Right now though, the man every pokemon fan adores can be seen chatting and signing autographs from behind a white plastic table with the upcoming Pokemon studios movie poster Arceus and the jewel of life blown up behind him.
One New Yorker can be seen in line to get the man's signature, shuffling in place nervously but gingerly, holding a limited edition copy of the Pokemon 72#. Her deep gray eyes looking over the others ahead of her in order to see how long it'll be until it's her turn. A cough from behind startles her.
Hey tall girl, what's got you so impatient? It's not like you can make the line move any faster. Said James.
Embarrassed, the woman scratches the back of her long blonde hair as she looks down to acknowledge the older gentleman. He must be around five ten? Five nine? Maybe 70 or 80 year's old. And dressed as Jesse, the member from Team Rocket, of all people, completed with a replica of the talking Meowth and purple hair. It's kind of a odd choice of character for an elderly person to dress as. While keeping up with the rest of the line, the blonde haired woman responds.
Sorry, it's just, I've always wanted to meet him again since the first New York City Comic Con I went to and I don't want to miss him. I mean, it's his last one, y'know? The blonde haired woman said.
James shows a knowing smile.
I get it, believe me, but doin what your doin ain't gonna help at all. By the way, been meaning to ask you... what are you cosplaying as? James asked, gesturing to the woman's attire. You can't be dressed as Serena, you're too bulky for it... Nurse Joy? That'd fit, but you don't have her nurse custom on. Replied James.
Huh? The woman looks down at her pink jacket, and black jeans. Oh! No, sorry, I actually couldn't really afford to make a custom this year. I'm just me, unfortunately. Said the blonde haired woman.
Ah, James nods. No worries young lady we've all been there. By the way, name's Junichi. And you are? Junichi extends his hand out for a handshake.
Taking Junichi's hand with the one not holding her most prized pokemon book, the woman replies. Kelsey Taylor, but you can just call me Kelsey. And nice Jesse custom, by the way. Kelsey said.
Junichi grin's. Thanks made it myself. Took a while to get it right, though people keep telling me I'm too old for this stuff. If I had a build like you and maybe twenty or so years younger I'd probably be able to pull it off better. Replied Junichi.
Now it was Kelsey's turn to smile. Nonsense, just say you're a James where Ash Ketchum used the jewel of life to accelerate your age and you're good to go! Kelsey said.
Junichi showed a bemused expression and chuckled as the both of them kept walking forward to the front of the line. Yeah that'd work, if I didn't have the jewel of life already that is. Replied Junichi.
Ah, I guess you're right. Then how about a Jesse that's an extra few thousand years old? Kelsey asked him.
Again, jewel of life. James wouldn't need to age like he normally would. Plus his races longevity doesn't work like most others, he'd look the same clear up until the day he died. Replied Junichi.
Hmm, then say you're a legendary pokemon who is a fan of James? Said Kelsey.
Nope, if there were a legendary pokemon that was a fan of James they'd have their title revoked. Though they're supposed to be neutral they favor good over evil. The only outlier in the legendary pokemon is that simpleton that watches Jessie exclusively. And the other legendary pokemon tolerate Girantina because Jessie is usually doing bad things. Replied Junichi.
Kelsey and Junichi continued chatting about pokemon, how to resolve Junichi's cosplay identity, and their favorite characters for a while. All of a sudden a trio of cosplayers dressed as Cilan, Trip, and Cress walk by, distracting Kelsey for a few seconds while Junichi gives the young woman a smirk. Though, after a bit it becomes more annoying than funny. So Junichi snaps her back to reality.
Hey now, they're cute alright, but there's no need to stare that much? What would your boyfriend think? Junichi asked her.
Startled, Kelsey hastily waves her hand in front of his face. Eh!? No, no, no. I don't have a boyfriend. At least, not anymore. Kelsey said.
Junichi's eyes widen slightly in surprise. Really? Big girl like you don't have a boyfriend? Well, I'm sorry to hear that, what happened? Replied Junichi.
Ah, well after I got out after my last tour I found out he left me, so I moved back home to Queens for a while. He said he couldn't stand me being away all the time and that I wasn't able to give him what he needs. He's married now with kids on the way... Said Kelsey.
Ah jeez, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. Wait a minute. Got out? Last tour? You're a veteran. Replied Junichi.
Hmm, I wouldn't really classify myself as a veteran. It's not like I was in the full 20. But I did a few tours with Kilo Company. 3rd Battalion in Afghanistan. Some of my friends that served with me would say that anyone who deployed and saw the desert is a real veteran, but personally, I think the guys who stayed in and continued their service after being in that hell are the real veteran's. But anyway, after that, well, like I said I got out and came back home. Kelsey said.
So, what are you doing now? Junichi asked her.
Not a whole lot. Living by myself and going to school again to get a medical degree in nursing. The bill's won't pay themselves you know? But mostly I'm reading pokemon books and watching TV and movies. Kelsey said.
Hey, theirs no shame in that. And thank you for your service. Replied Junichi.