Jolene

**Whoa there, buckaroo!**This page contains some pretty **heavy spoilers** for the game and might ruin the surprise for some things for you, so continue reading at your own risk!

## Background & Acquaintances

### Relatives

Volta (daughter)

Jolene is one of the region's Elite 8, first encountered in a submarine underwater during the Spring of Preservation sidequest near Evergreen Forest. She has an affinity for Electric types, and is the mother of Volta.

## Appearance

Jolene has grey eyes and blonde hair tied up onto a wild bun of sorts that also falls shortly along the sides of her face.

She wears a collared white coat, the right side of the collar having three folds as opposed to only one on the left. These are accented by black markings along their edges, zig-zagging down in a lightning bolt-esque shape as it layers over the left side, secured by four vertically rectangular grey buttons; the first set of two set right below the third fold below the chest, and the second set of two near to the bottom of the coat. Another of such bolt-esque stripes follows in tandem to the other pattern further at the lower right.

The sleeves of the coat fade into transparency towards their ends, with full transparency halted by grey, and then black, blocky pattern. The left arm has two grey bands around the middle of the upper arm, however the right does not. She also wears black gloves up to her wrist, a grey and sleeveless bodysuit of sorts under the coat, plus black, knee-high boots with white highlight on the soles and a short, vertical zipper stripe near their tops.

## Personality

Jolene is a charming person with polite and friendly mannerisms. During her sidequest, she refers to the protagonist as “Honey” or “Sugar” emphasizing her charming nature. She is very grateful to those who help her out and will thank them effusively. She is also very confident in how she introduces and presents herself. Jolene may have a slightly playful side as she enjoys seeing others' reactions when she tells them she is an honorary Elite 8 member. Jolene can, at times, be critical of herself such as when doubting others or feeling she is talking too much.

## Biography

### Sidequest

Jolene is first encountered when the protagonist approaches her submarine while diving on Route 11 around the Evergreen Island area. She speaks out to the protagonist through the submarine intercom and requests their help with a personal project she is working on. Jolene asks that they activate the towers nearby in the order of tallest to shortest, sensing the protagonist’s skepticism, Jolene promises to make their efforts worthwhile. Upon activation, a passageway opens and the protagonist reports back to Jolene who promptly leaves while encouraging them to tag along with her.

Inside the entryway, Jolene runs up to the protagonist and thanks them for opening the door. Jolene then formally introduces herself and announces that she owns Gearen News and is the mother of the electric-type gym leader, Volta. She follows that up by stating she is an honorary member of the Elite 8, surprising the protagonist.

Jolene informs the protagonist that she was told that the Spring of Preservation was managed and controlled in an underground base that the Garufa once operated. From here, Jolene goes to investigate further and tells the protagonist not to lag behind.

Ahead of the corridor, Jolene cautions the protagonist that she feels they are not alone. Immediately, an alarm triggers with Defense Mechanisms attempting to intercept the duo. Jolene requests that the protagonist deal with the machines as a means of evaluation due to seeing something special in them. Upon destroying the machines, Jolene is impressed and inquires if the protagonist is taking part in the Aevium League Challenge only to be surprised at how many badges they have. She praises the protagonist and offers her support in case anyone tries to give them a hard time.

Toward the end of the hallway, the two encounter a beam of light that powers the Spring of Preservation. Jolene then expresses her disappointment over what seemed to be supernatural is really being powered by a complex system. Jolene also berates herself for doubting other people’s perspectives regarding the spring much to the confusion of the protagonist. Seeing their look, Jolene tells the protagonist not to worry themselves; she also now feels obligated to protect the light not wanting anything to happen to the spring. She further berates herself for going on about what would happen if the beam of light were to be disrupted. After apologizing to the protagonist, Jolene gifts them the Empoleon Crest and tells them to visit her sometime at the Gearen News HQ before departing.

## Relationships

The protagonist - Jolene comes off as very warm and welcoming to the protagonist especially after they help her open up the pathway to the Garufa base. Much like a mother would, Jolene uses pet names like “Sugar” and “Honey” when addressing the protagonist and offers to set others straight if they give the protagonist a hard time. The protagonist does seem to suspect that Jolene is not being completely direct about her intentions with the underground underground base.