<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

By time they made it to the Pokecenter...

Jessie: I have been thinking that perhaps the random attack was by accident. Not saying as if i am dismissing the apparent pain that this Magneton is feeling. But you have to consider that maybe the ones who did the attacking... were not intending to just come out and leave a wounded pokemon behind.

Arcanine: *Shaking her head* Arca... Arca... Nine. Arca.

Jessie: Why do you shake your head like that, Cinnamon Flame? It's true. It is liable to happen. Some times these bad teams would just up and brush through... Barreling around... and sometimes as they're going on a rampage they don't take into consideration that some pokemon... whichever kind it is... whatever it is... happen to be along the path of the directions where the so called bad teams were possibly heading off to. It's like me. I came from Topeka and then wound up in Metropolis... Then not long ago... In California. In each path i took... i would not take into effect or consideration of the possible pokemon were along the path of where i was heading. I would never have known unless i was... supposedly aiming to find them or come across them. Not defaulting what the people who've hurt this Magneton had done... But the possibility is there. What do you think, James? What would it sound like to you?

For some reason... something about how they managed to come across the Magneton... seemed off. Jessie couldn't help but wonder and suspect that something may have been at play... somewhere. She's dealt with enough hardship to know that when something like a wounded person or creature... was hurt... 9/10 times... it usually meant something...

"Riolu. Rio... Riolu... lu?" Riolu asked, looking at James and Jessica. He was asking if they thought that the injuries Pokèmon was going to be alright.

James knelt down and patted Riolu, trying to ease the Pokèmon's worries.

"Entirely possible. Not putting the fault on Magneton, but I suppose that maybe the Pokèmon ambushed a trainer who was out and about, and that trainer sent their Pokèmon as a self-defense. I've heard stories of things like that happening. Even if Magneton was defending its territory, some of the fault, if not all of it, falls upon the trainer who injured it for being in the Magneton's territory to began with." James replied, standing back up.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"Riolu. Rio... Riolu... lu?" Riolu asked, looking at James and Jessica. He was asking if they thought that the injuries Pokèmon was going to be alright.

James knelt down and patted Riolu, trying to ease the Pokèmon's worries.

"Entirely possible. Not putting the fault on Magneton, but I suppose that maybe the Pokèmon ambushed a trainer who was out and about, and that trainer sent their Pokèmon as a self-defense. I've heard stories of things like that happening. Even if Magneton was defending its territory, some of the fault, if not all of it, falls upon the trainer who injured it for being in the Magneton's territory to began with." James replied, standing back up.

Jessie: That is very likely. *Looking at the pokecenter ahead and nods* Let's get the Magneton healed and fixed up. It's in need of tending to.

Inside the Pokemon Center...

Nurse Joy: *Tending to a group of Corphish's* You poor things. You were all in a very forceful battle... weren't you? Who did this to you?

Corphish: Cor...phish. phish... Cor.

Jessie: Damn... this place sure is hopping with medical activity. I wonder what happened?

Arcanine: *Shrugs* Arcanine... Ar.

Something was starting to develop... It was only the beginning.

Jessie: *Seeing the Corphish* What happened to them?

Nurse Joy: They were overwhelmed by a group of men.

Jessie: A Group of men? *Curious* Men... such as... who?

Nurse Joy: Not sure... but the men were wearing Black and Red uniforms and had a symbol.... of a mountain or a hill. A Volcano perhaps...

Jessie: A symbol of a mountain? Hmm... *Remembering the note she saw back at where her home was* That note had the same insignia. Same branding. I think i know. I think that i know exactly who it was...

Nurse Joy: Who?

Jessie: Team Magma.

Murse Joy: Oh dear.

Jessie had a bone to pick with Team Magma... her demeanor told it all. It told it all loud and very clear.

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie: That is very likely. *Looking at the pokecenter ahead and nods* Let's get the Magneton healed and fixed up. It's in need of tending to.

Inside the Pokemon Center...

Nurse Joy: *Tending to a group of Corphish's* You poor things. You were all in a very forceful battle... weren't you? Who did this to you?

Corphish: Cor...phish. phish... Cor.

Jessie: Damn... this place sure is hopping with medical activity. I wonder what happened?

Arcanine: *Shrugs* Arcanine... Ar.

Something was starting to develop... It was only the beginning.

Jessie: *Seeing the Corphish* What happened to them?

Nurse Joy: They were overwhelmed by a group of men.

Jessie: A Group of men? *Curious* Men... such as... who?

Nurse Joy: Not sure... but the men were wearing Black and Red uniforms and had a symbol.... of a mountain or a hill. A Volcano perhaps...

Jessie: A symbol of a mountain? Hmm... *Remembering the note she saw back at where her home was* That note had the same insignia. Same branding. I think i know. I think that i know exactly who it was...

Nurse Joy: Who?

Jessie: Team Magma.

Murse Joy: Oh dear.

Jessie had a bone to pick with Team Magma... her demeanor told it all. It told it all loud and very clear.

"I remember hearing that name before. My parents were looking into some of the activities that were done by Team Magma. My uncle found his first Lucario injured by one of their Pokèmon. That Lucario was the father to my Riolu, and what got my uncle interested in breeding Pokèmon." James said, placing his index finger and his thumb on his chin as he remembered the story of how he got his Riolu.

"Riolu..." Riolu spoke up, growling a little at the mention of Team Magma. Though Riolu never interacted with or saw a team magma member, Riolu knew enough to know that they weren't good news.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"I remember hearing that name before. My parents were looking into some of the activities that were done by Team Magma. My uncle found his first Lucario injured by one of their Pokèmon. That Lucario was the father to my Riolu, and what got my uncle interested in breeding Pokèmon." James said, placing his index finger and his thumb on his chin as he remembered the story of how he got his Riolu.

"Riolu..." Riolu spoke up, growling a little at the mention of Team Magma. Though Riolu never interacted with or saw a team magma member, Riolu knew enough to know that they weren't good news.

Jessie: So, James... you have a type of history with those asswipes too, huh? I guess there are a whole bunch of people who would just so give nothing better than to have a piece of Team Magma's ass. Rip them apart.

Arcanine: *Growling at the sheer thought of Team Magma* Arrrrrca! Arrrcanine!

Jessie: Cinnamon Flame... Settle down. It's okay. We'll get them. one way or another.

That was when Nurse Joy saw the Injured Magneton...

Nurse Joy: What happened to it?

Jessie: It got smacked up by a possible trainer and lost.

Technically... it wasn't exactly the truth. But it wasn't a lie either. It was a half truth.

Jessie: Can you help this Magneton?

Nurse Joy: I can try. However... this makes the 20th Magneton we had to heal this week.

Jessie: 20th?! Why so many?

Nurse Joy: I don't know... But from how they were being brought in... i would guess it were from the same circumstances as this one was being brought in. If this was the first one... i would count it as a fluke... perhaps an accident that comes from time to time. But... after the 8th one... i had to raise suspicion and figure that something had to be going on. after the 15th one... there was no denying that something or someone was doing this to the Magneton.

Jessie: You have your instinctive deduction that it was Team Magma... don't you?

Nurse Joy: It isn't that far of a stretch. After seeing now the 20th Magneton in less than a week... it's a sure guess... that it would speak their M.O.

The clues and the plot was starting to thicken... however... there was much more to the tale than what was there...

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie: So, James... you have a type of history with those asswipes too, huh? I guess there are a whole bunch of people who would just so give nothing better than to have a piece of Team Magma's ass. Rip them apart.

Arcanine: *Growling at the sheer thought of Team Magma* Arrrrrca! Arrrcanine!

Jessie: Cinnamon Flame... Settle down. It's okay. We'll get them. one way or another.

That was when Nurse Joy saw the Injured Magneton...

Nurse Joy: What happened to it?

Jessie: It got smacked up by a possible trainer and lost.

Technically... it wasn't exactly the truth. But it wasn't a lie either. It was a half truth.

Jessie: Can you help this Magneton?

Nurse Joy: I can try. However... this makes the 20th Magneton we had to heal this week.

Jessie: 20th?! Why so many?

Nurse Joy: I don't know... But from how they were being brought in... i would guess it were from the same circumstances as this one was being brought in. If this was the first one... i would count it as a fluke... perhaps an accident that comes from time to time. But... after the 8th one... i had to raise suspicion and figure that something had to be going on. after the 15th one... there was no denying that something or someone was doing this to the Magneton.

Jessie: You have your instinctive deduction that it was Team Magma... don't you?

Nurse Joy: It isn't that far of a stretch. After seeing now the 20th Magneton in less than a week... it's a sure guess... that it would speak their M.O.

The clues and the plot was starting to thicken... however... there was much more to the tale than what was there...

"What doesn't make all that much sense though, is why. Perhaps it is just me, but I don't see the reason, or reasons, for attacking Pokèmon like that. Unless they are training their Pokèmon for something huge. Still, that doesn't excuse their actions." James said, racking his brain trying to figure out what exactly was Team Magma's plans were.

"Rio?" Riolu said, walking up to Arcanine and trying to settle her down. He didn't like seeing others upset, that was for sure.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"What doesn't make all that much sense though, is why. Perhaps it is just me, but I don't see the reason, or reasons, for attacking Pokèmon like that. Unless they are training their Pokèmon for something huge. Still, that doesn't excuse their actions." James said, racking his brain trying to figure out what exactly was Team Magma's plans were.

"Rio?" Riolu said, walking up to Arcanine and trying to settle her down. He didn't like seeing others upset, that was for sure.

Jessie: We'll have to find that out as we press further in the journey. The answer is there... we just need to find it and figure out what the hell their endgame really is.

Jessie then paused and recalled something she came across...

A note...

"To all who still reside upon this location... Do not dare interfere as your fate will not be merciful. Groudon will be reawakened and nothing... NOTHING WILL STOP IT!"

Jessie: Groudon. The note said something about Groudon. But... also that they planned to awaken it.

Nurse Joy: Groudon?!

Jessie: Yeah. That's what the note said... Clearly it was telling that they were seeking to reawaken the legendary pokemon... Or whatever it was.

Nurse Joy: Groudon is a legendary pokemon. Ancient. Groudon possesses the ability to expand continents. In ancient times it came in conflict with Kyogre, a Pokémon with the ability to expand the oceans... Groudon is a massive, bipedal, dinosaur-like Pokémon covered in red, segmented plates of thick skin that act as armor. It has a gray underside and large white spikes that run along the sides of its head, body, and tail. Groudon has four claws on each hand, four dozer-like blades on the end of its large tail, and three claws on each foot with gray markings under its feet. It also has blue stripes inside the seams of its armor plating which can only be seen when Groudon is glowing with power. As Primal Groudon, its appearance is similar to Groudon, but larger in size. Its skin color changes from dark red to deep crimson with its underside, spikes, and teeth turning black. The blades on its tail are more separated from one another. The Ω symbol is now shown on its arms. Its eyes, the inside of its mouth, and the now-enlarged openings between its armor plating glow bright yellow, and its irises are now red. The energy that fills Primal Groudon pours forth as magma, and it burns with such an extreme temperature that its body is always shimmering with the haze of its heat. Groudon is an immensely powerful Pokémon, having the ability to summon intense droughts and cause volcanic eruptions. The droughts it can cause allow it to evaporate water, while the volcanic eruptions it can summon enable it to create land. It sleeps underground in large magma chambers. If it encounters its rival, Kyogre, they will engage in a cataclysmic battle.

Jessie: Holy crap. That pokemon... it's a monster in waiting. It's been in slumber and those clowns want to tamper with fate and awaken something that dangerous? Are they insane? What do they plan to do... control it? That thing won't listen to anyone. It won't obey anyone's commands. It's gonna do whatever the hell it wants the moment it comes back to life and gets out into the open. It's gonna do whatever the hell it damn well pleases to do.

Arcanine: *Howling in terror* Arrrrcaniiiine!

Jessie: The details are enough to spook anyone.

From the details... they now knew the endgame of Team Magma and what they were after... but the journey to be fully prepared to awaken the foretold pokemon... was far from over. Because there was one thing that no one saw coming. Using the voice of the Rising Star to call out to it...

Moments later...

After the pokemon were all healed...

Jessie: *Looking at James* Where to now?

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie: We'll have to find that out as we press further in the journey. The answer is there... we just need to find it and figure out what the hell their endgame really is.

Jessie then paused and recalled something she came across...

A note...

"To all who still reside upon this location... Do not dare interfere as your fate will not be merciful. Groudon will be reawakened and nothing... NOTHING WILL STOP IT!"

Jessie: Groudon. The note said something about Groudon. But... also that they planned to awaken it.

Nurse Joy: Groudon?!

Jessie: Yeah. That's what the note said... Clearly it was telling that they were seeking to reawaken the legendary pokemon... Or whatever it was.

Nurse Joy: Groudon is a legendary pokemon. Ancient. Groudon possesses the ability to expand continents. In ancient times it came in conflict with Kyogre, a Pokémon with the ability to expand the oceans... Groudon is a massive, bipedal, dinosaur-like Pokémon covered in red, segmented plates of thick skin that act as armor. It has a gray underside and large white spikes that run along the sides of its head, body, and tail. Groudon has four claws on each hand, four dozer-like blades on the end of its large tail, and three claws on each foot with gray markings under its feet. It also has blue stripes inside the seams of its armor plating which can only be seen when Groudon is glowing with power. As Primal Groudon, its appearance is similar to Groudon, but larger in size. Its skin color changes from dark red to deep crimson with its underside, spikes, and teeth turning black. The blades on its tail are more separated from one another. The Ω symbol is now shown on its arms. Its eyes, the inside of its mouth, and the now-enlarged openings between its armor plating glow bright yellow, and its irises are now red. The energy that fills Primal Groudon pours forth as magma, and it burns with such an extreme temperature that its body is always shimmering with the haze of its heat. Groudon is an immensely powerful Pokémon, having the ability to summon intense droughts and cause volcanic eruptions. The droughts it can cause allow it to evaporate water, while the volcanic eruptions it can summon enable it to create land. It sleeps underground in large magma chambers. If it encounters its rival, Kyogre, they will engage in a cataclysmic battle.

Jessie: Holy crap. That pokemon... it's a monster in waiting. It's been in slumber and those clowns want to tamper with fate and awaken something that dangerous? Are they insane? What do they plan to do... control it? That thing won't listen to anyone. It won't obey anyone's commands. It's gonna do whatever the hell it wants the moment it comes back to life and gets out into the open. It's gonna do whatever the hell it damn well pleases to do.

Arcanine: *Howling in terror* Arrrrcaniiiine!

Jessie: The details are enough to spook anyone.

From the details... they now knew the endgame of Team Magma and what they were after... but the journey to be fully prepared to awaken the foretold pokemon... was far from over. Because there was one thing that no one saw coming. Using the voice of the Rising Star to call out to it...

Moments later...

After the pokemon were all healed...

Jessie: *Looking at James* Where to now?

"Well, I have no idea. I originally was visiting the area, to see what more... populated states are like. Vermont isn't really populated with human life compared to some states, unless you count the Milktank and Tauros as humans. There are some Ponyta and Rapidash farms there though." James said, explaining what his homestate was like.

"But the whole thing with Team Magma... it's making me wonder if something can be done to stop them from awakening that Pokèmon. Looks like heading back to Vermont is going to have to wait." James continued.

Within seconds the violent rage that was showing in Camerupt began to dissipate and fade... it was not long before Camerupt was calm again and at peace...

Reporter: *With relief* Wow. That was a close one. But it's incredible to know that one can be calmed down by just singing to it.

Sandy: Blows the mind... doesn't it?

Reporter: Sure does...

The interview pressed on... however with more questions to answer... what would come next?

Donald stood back and listened in on the interview. "They do say that music doth hath charm to soothe the savage beast," he said to his disguised Zorua. "Zack" agreed with a nod, thinking back to his battle with Brionne—back then a Popplio—and how she used her Sing to lull him to sleep. He wondered if it would work against two rampaging legendary Pokémon in lieu of the third member of that trio.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"Well, I have no idea. I originally was visiting the area, to see what more... populated states are like. Vermont isn't really populated with human life compared to some states, unless you count the Milktank and Tauros as humans. There are some Ponyta and Rapidash farms there though." James said, explaining what his homestate was like.

"But the whole thing with Team Magma... it's making me wonder if something can be done to stop them from awakening that Pokèmon. Looks like heading back to Vermont is going to have to wait." James continued.

Jessie: *Thinking* We could make way to Big Bear. It's said to be like some sort of mountain like town... high up in the San Bernadino mountains. It's supposed to be with snow during the winter season and hardly gets considerably hot. Just a bit warm... that's about all. we could try there and see what we can find.

Suddenly...

Pidgeotto: *Soaring up and then down looking to journey onwards* Pidgeotto! Pidgeott! Pidgeott.. Pidgeotto!

Jessie: *Chuckles* Looks like my Pidgeotto is willing and able with heading off to journey further.

Timburr: *Popping out from his pokeball* Timburr!

Jessie: Looks like all my pokemon want to head off again.

She then thought about it a minute and as she started thinking on about the issue revolving Team Magma...

Jessie: We should be able to stop them from awakening the pokemon. Problem is... What if they already have a ace in the hole? That's what we have to think about. Like what if they happened to attain the thing that they didn't have last time? Something that they didn't happen to count on?

There were questions to think about and ask in their minds. What to consider... What to figure out. There were details which they hadn't counted on. But sooner or later... they'd have to come to terms. Jessie knew that she'd have to come to terms with the whole thing... it was only a matter of time.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>
Donald stood back and listened in on the interview. "They do say that music doth hath charm to soothe the savage beast," he said to his disguised Zorua. "Zack" agreed with a nod, thinking back to his battle with Brionne—back then a Popplio—and how she used her Sing to lull him to sleep. He wondered if it would work against two rampaging legendary Pokémon in lieu of the third member of that trio.

It was after the interview was over that they were inside the Pokemon center and started to get them checked out and healed. Jeremy and Sandy knew that with all things considered... they'd have to come to terms with the idea that something would have to be done about the danger which was gonna be awakened and brought back to life... out from a slumber. Lisa and Nicole were captive of Team Aqua. Their mother Macie was captive and held prisoner by Team Magma. Two teams had members of their family and it was only leaving the stakes to appear rather much higher.

The interview did manage to find out who Donald was and with the cover story given... it provided a veil of secrecy so nobody could come to realize he was part of the Rising Star family.

Jeremy: Next stop is St.Louis. But on our way there... The halfway point... Mt. Sterling.

Darlene: It's a long way away from here... isn't it?

Sandy: Not too far. It's only halfway before St. Louis. From there... it's like a heading straight for Cleveland. After passing through Mt. Vernon.

Saphiroth: That's gonna take us a while.

Anistar: Possible.

Alice: *Calling out her Onix* Come on out, Onix... Time to grab some good ole' exercise...

"Onix"

The Onix was a hulking height of 11 feet.

Anistar: *in shock* WHOA! That Onix is Gigantic. Look at the size of that thing.



Jeremy: That Onix is known to be king sized.

Doralee: And how... Gee Whiz! Where did you find that fella?

Alice: Actually... i didn't. it was more like he... found me.

Ross: A fated encounter. Lucky one too. *Grins*

Within moments... they were off and on their way...

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie: *Thinking* We could make way to Big Bear. It's said to be like some sort of mountain like town... high up in the San Bernadino mountains. It's supposed to be with snow during the winter season and hardly gets considerably hot. Just a bit warm... that's about all. we could try there and see what we can find.

Suddenly...

Pidgeotto: *Soaring up and then down looking to journey onwards* Pidgeotto! Pidgeott! Pidgeott.. Pidgeotto!

Jessie: *Chuckles* Looks like my Pidgeotto is willing and able with heading off to journey further.

Timburr: *Popping out from his pokeball* Timburr!

Jessie: Looks like all my pokemon want to head off again.

She then thought about it a minute and as she started thinking on about the issue revolving Team Magma...

Jessie: We should be able to stop them from awakening the pokemon. Problem is... What if they already have a ace in the hole? That's what we have to think about. Like what if they happened to attain the thing that they didn't have last time? Something that they didn't happen to count on?

There were questions to think about and ask in their minds. What to consider... What to figure out. There were details which they hadn't counted on. But sooner or later... they'd have to come to terms. Jessie knew that she'd have to come to terms with the whole thing... it was only a matter of time.

"Riolu! Rio...Riolu!" Riolu exclaimed as he voiced his approval to continue onwards.

"Poochyena!" Poochyena called from the Pokèball, agreeing with the plan to continue onwards.

James chuckled.

"Well, I think that heading to Big Bear might be interesting. As a person from Vermont, the cold shouldn't bother me, nor should the mountains. Have you ever been to Vermont, just out of curiosity?" James said, though he imagined that was most likely a no from Jessica.

James had literally people asked him questions like "is Vermont part of Canada?" Or "what country is Vermont in?" James was both surprised and annoyed that some of his fellow Americans clearly didn't know that Vermont was indeed a state.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"Riolu! Rio...Riolu!" Riolu exclaimed as he voiced his approval to continue onwards.

"Poochyena!" Poochyena called from the Pokèball, agreeing with the plan to continue onwards.

James chuckled.

"Well, I think that heading to Big Bear might be interesting. As a person from Vermont, the cold shouldn't bother me, nor should the mountains. Have you ever been to Vermont, just out of curiosity?" James said, though he imagined that was most likely a no from Jessica.

James had literally people asked him questions like "is Vermont part of Canada?" Or "what country is Vermont in?" James was both surprised and annoyed that some of his fellow Americans clearly didn't know that Vermont was indeed a state.

Jessie: So... Big bear it is. And on the part of having been to Vermont. No. I haven't. But to be honest... i wouldn't mind checking it out. Of course that now since we're on this pokemon Journey and everything... it'd be a fine opportunity to stroll along over there while we're eventually gonna be on the east coast. *Thinking* I was thinking that we also could opt in for checking out Arrowhead while on the way up to Big Bear. We might come across some Flying types and bug types. Maybe even some water types that are Water/Grass types. It's a perfect chance to get a look at some of that stuff. Big bear... we might see some Ice-types. Steel Types and perhaps Rock/Steel types. It'll be a wonderful experience.

Arcanine: *Pouncing around and panting excitedly*

Jessie: Looks like my Arcanine is happy. She's just busting with eagerness. Wanting to go for the trip.

While on the Road...

Jessie: So... James. You came from Vermont. Your home is there. But did you ever feel like you could have perhaps lived somewhere other than Vermont? Maybe like another place to consider home? Wichita, Kansas then Metropolis was my one known home. But then when i dealt with a heavy loss... a Deep and personal one over the last 2 years close to 3... My new home became California. Been there since. However now... i'm on the journey to get my chance in competing in the Pokemon League then getting my chance at nailing the bastards who done away with my Landlord/Benefactor Andre Possleson. He took me in and gave me a home. An allowance and it was like 50-100 dollars a month. But i'd do some errands for him and earn my keep. All he asked was that i went to school and got an education for myself and that i stayed out of trouble for as much as i could. Because i'll tell you. He could frickin' tell that i was troubled and from the shit that i went through... It shook me and numbed me so much... I took to smoking. *Pulling out her pack of smokes* Cigarettes. I was that screwed up and it got to where... i could just shut down and say... the hell with everyone. But while i was going through the pains of what i lost. I dug deep and remembered that i still had a talent of singing. I did some Karaoke and there would be contests. One of them... no. two of them... were with prizes that came with Pokemon. Which are some of the ones i got with me. Charmander... Andre gave to me. Pidgeotto... i caught on my own. but the rest... Won from a contest. I came across a troubled person who also smoked. She's the daughter of a family that didn't give two shits about her. So... she did whatever the heck she wanted. This whole thing makes me think about the hell i went through... The things about it though... It's that... I am learning to flip it and put a positive spin to it. I focus on how to make better with myself. Because i know that i can get past it and make things better. Do i miss my father and Mother... And Brother. You better believe i do. I miss them alot. But i also know that in spite of it all... their passing was a blessing because it reminded me that we're only here for a short time. A very short time. And while alive... we have to make best of what sort of life we happen to lead. Just keep looking forward and keep going. Living. Because when it's your time to die... that's it. It's over. There's no redo's... no takebacks... nothing. You're done.

Jessie was getting some things out that she normally wouldn't let off right away. But with them being on the road again... heading towards Big Bear... It was a perfect time as any to just say what came. Just to lay down the confiding line...

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie: So... Big bear it is. And on the part of having been to Vermont. No. I haven't. But to be honest... i wouldn't mind checking it out. Of course that now since we're on this pokemon Journey and everything... it'd be a fine opportunity to stroll along over there while we're eventually gonna be on the east coast. *Thinking* I was thinking that we also could opt in for checking out Arrowhead while on the way up to Big Bear. We might come across some Flying types and bug types. Maybe even some water types that are Water/Grass types. It's a perfect chance to get a look at some of that stuff. Big bear... we might see some Ice-types. Steel Types and perhaps Rock/Steel types. It'll be a wonderful experience.

Arcanine: *Pouncing around and panting excitedly*

Jessie: Looks like my Arcanine is happy. She's just busting with eagerness. Wanting to go for the trip.

While on the Road...

Jessie: So... James. You came from Vermont. Your home is there. But did you ever feel like you could have perhaps lived somewhere other than Vermont? Maybe like another place to consider home? Wichita, Kansas then Metropolis was my one known home. But then when i dealt with a heavy loss... a Deep and personal one over the last 2 years close to 3... My new home became California. Been there since. However now... i'm on the journey to get my chance in competing in the Pokemon League then getting my chance at nailing the bastards who done away with my Landlord/Benefactor Andre Possleson. He took me in and gave me a home. An allowance and it was like 50-100 dollars a month. But i'd do some errands for him and earn my keep. All he asked was that i went to school and got an education for myself and that i stayed out of trouble for as much as i could. Because i'll tell you. He could frickin' tell that i was troubled and from the shit that i went through... It shook me and numbed me so much... I took to smoking. *Pulling out her pack of smokes* Cigarettes. I was that screwed up and it got to where... i could just shut down and say... the hell with everyone. But while i was going through the pains of what i lost. I dug deep and remembered that i still had a talent of singing. I did some Karaoke and there would be contests. One of them... no. two of them... were with prizes that came with Pokemon. Which are some of the ones i got with me. Charmander... Andre gave to me. Pidgeotto... i caught on my own. but the rest... Won from a contest. I came across a troubled person who also smoked. She's the daughter of a family that didn't give two shits about her. So... she did whatever the heck she wanted. This whole thing makes me think about the hell i went through... The things about it though... It's that... I am learning to flip it and put a positive spin to it. I focus on how to make better with myself. Because i know that i can get past it and make things better. Do i miss my father and Mother... And Brother. You better believe i do. I miss them alot. But i also know that in spite of it all... their passing was a blessing because it reminded me that we're only here for a short time. A very short time. And while alive... we have to make best of what sort of life we happen to lead. Just keep looking forward and keep going. Living. Because when it's your time to die... that's it. It's over. There's no redo's... no takebacks... nothing. You're done.

Jessie was getting some things out that she normally wouldn't let off right away. But with them being on the road again... heading towards Big Bear... It was a perfect time as any to just say what came. Just to lay down the confiding line...

"I haven't really given it too much thought. The part about feeling that my home should've been elsewhere. What I know, is that Vermont does not really have to worry about too many natural causes destroying everything that you own every few years. Tornados, wildfires, things like that. Most of wildfires in Vermont are usually caused by drunks messing with fire-type Pokèmon. Most of the wild Pokèmon in the more remote areas are grass-types in the warmer seasons, and ice-types in the colder seasons. In Lake Champlain, and other water bodies, there is water-types, and I've seen ghost and poison types handing around cemeteries and graveyards. Steel and Rock types help the Granite workers in the quarries in Barre. I guess that is why I never really left Vermont until recently. I felt too much at home." James replied.

"But, I have seen or heard enough to know that you're not wrong with the part about death. My parents were a Pokèmon ranger and a sheriff, and sometimes, my parents would be called out because of a bad car accident or something like that. Of course, it was just bad luck that my mother, who is a sheriff, had to be called in for the more... bloody car accidents." James continued, wondering how his mother could still be a sheriff after seeing all that blood and gore.

"I am mentioning the whole car accident thing because each day is a gift. Not a given right. Anyone could die any day, and when your time is up, there's nothing you can do." James finished.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"I haven't really given it too much thought. The part about feeling that my home should've been elsewhere. What I know, is that Vermont does not really have to worry about too many natural causes destroying everything that you own every few years. Tornados, wildfires, things like that. Most of wildfires in Vermont are usually caused by drunks messing with fire-type Pokèmon. Most of the wild Pokèmon in the more remote areas are grass-types in the warmer seasons, and ice-types in the colder seasons. In Lake Champlain, and other water bodies, there is water-types, and I've seen ghost and poison types handing around cemeteries and graveyards. Steel and Rock types help the Granite workers in the quarries in Barre. I guess that is why I never really left Vermont until recently. I felt too much at home." James replied.

"But, I have seen or heard enough to know that you're not wrong with the part about death. My parents were a Pokèmon ranger and a sheriff, and sometimes, my parents would be called out because of a bad car accident or something like that. Of course, it was just bad luck that my mother, who is a sheriff, had to be called in for the more... bloody car accidents." James continued, wondering how his mother could still be a sheriff after seeing all that blood and gore.

"I am mentioning the whole car accident thing because each day is a gift. Not a given right. Anyone could die any day, and when your time is up, there's nothing you can do." James finished.

Jessie: That is true. There is little to nothing you can do. All you can do is make the best out of what time you do have. But my habit... it's because i came to california... troubled. I dealt with my brother getting shanked and left dead like Cesar's ghost. Which was after my mother died of Scleroderma. End stage. It took her like a prized billy goat. Then my father soon after left and went for a drive... never came back. a little later... i learned that he died in a car accident. Then after that... later down the road... My brother gets mugged and beat up... Shanked and left dead. I am the only remaining member of the Levinson family left. I'm it. When i'm gone... it's done. The family line is defunct. Dead on arrival.

Jessie was indeed bonding and telling on what her past was like and how she was lead to her habit and everything. She just didn't know why she was telling James the stuff as she didn't know all that much about him and even though she was placing trust in him... she didn't know if she was supposed to trust him. Not that she didn't want to. She was just with so much emotional and mental hurt inside that anyone coming to her would make her defensive as she didn't know if they'd pose a threat or whether they were in fact friendly or neutral. But she came to trust James as she saw that from what you saw... it was practically what all you'd get. There was no mystery. No tall tales of fantasy... just being as he was. That was it.

Jessie: Have you had any hardships that left you troubled?

She was truly bonding and it was a good sign as it was working to pull her from the livelihood of being always defensive and on guard. She wanted to be more open with people and if this was how one did it... she wanted to keep going with it. Being more opened and more active...

"Damn. I am sorry to hear that. No one deserves that kind of thing. I've experienced hardships, though, after hearing your story, I can't really say that it compares with yours. I was considered a stereotypical nerd in school. Other kids would pick on me, for years, the bullying got to me. I wasn't a cutter or did anything like that, but there were times I could barely focus on my school assignments. During my second year of high school, which was the hardest year for me, my uncle, my father's brother, gave me my first Pokèmon. I wasn't sure what he was trying to tell me by doing that, and for the first couple of months, I was a little mean to my Riolu, but Riolu managed to convince me that life wasn't exactly what I thought it was, a joke, and turned me around. I wasn't the most social kid in school either, and I felt awkward talking to other students." James replied, feeling bad that he really couldn't compare with Jessica.

Riolu was awfully quiet as his trainer and the woman talked. Riolu could feel that they were bonding, but didn't say a word.

"Damn. I am sorry to hear that. No one deserves that kind of thing. I've experienced hardships, though, after hearing your story, I can't really say that it compares with yours. I was considered a stereotypical nerd in school. Other kids would pick on me, for years, the bullying got to me. I wasn't a cutter or did anything like that, but there were times I could barely focus on my school assignments. During my second year of high school, which was the hardest year for me, my uncle, my father's brother, gave me my first Pokèmon. I wasn't sure what he was trying to tell me by doing that, and for the first couple of months, I was a little mean to my Riolu, but Riolu managed to convince me that life wasn't exactly what I thought it was, a joke, and turned me around. I wasn't the most social kid in school either, and I felt awkward talking to other students." James replied, feeling bad that he really couldn't compare with Jessica.

Riolu was awfully quiet as his trainer and the woman talked. Riolu could feel that they were bonding, but didn't say a word.

Arcanine lowered her head and wanted to cry. She felt so bad for her trainer.

Arcanine: *Saddened* I'm so sorry that you had to embrace that, Jessie. That wasn't fair.

Jessie: No... It wasn't fair. How exactly would you consider it to be fair? My parents are dead... I don't have any biological family anymore. l'm all there is. But i know that you feel bad, girl. I know. There's just nothing that anyone can really do about it. it's just the way that it is. That's all.

Pidgeotto: So... that's why this journey's something rather personal for you. isn't it?

Jessie: Yeah. It's what this all is. Personal. Because it was bad enough to lose my family. But to lose my benefactor... or Landlord as well? Yeah. That's where i threw down the gloves and said enough was enough. James, the stuff you went through don't compare to mine... but i will say that i feel very sorry for you and the fact that you were facing hazing in school. Dealing with the crap of others bullying you like they thought it to be rather funny and enjoyable. I guess that in a way... we're alike. We both had moments where we were spatted on and just given that Bum's rush.

It was coming to be clear as their bonding was opening up to one another and just letting the other know... that they weren't the only ones dealing with hard times. That they weren't alone. It made things seem as though they were at a mutual standing. Getting to talk about things. to help pass the time a little. It helped get their minds off of what Team Magma was planning to do... what tricks they'd had to pull.

"Anyways, not to change the subject, but I have been thinking about nicknames for my Pokèmon. Riolu asked me about naming him and my other Pokèmon, but I haven't exactly found a good name for the others. Riolu, I was thinking about naming after Sir Aaron, the legendary knight who saved his kingdom. The thing is, his Pokèmon partner was a Lucario, and I think it's fitting, as Riolu will evolve into Lucario one of these days." James said.

"I don't know. While I would like to have a name other than the name of my species, I feel like you're cursing me by naming me after somebody who sacrificed themselves, even if it was for good reason." Riolu replied, having been told the story by his trainer before.

"Fair point. Do you have any suggestions? Riolu or Jessica?" James asked.

"Anyways, not to change the subject, but I have been thinking about nicknames for my Pokèmon. Riolu asked me about naming him and my other Pokèmon, but I haven't exactly found a good name for the others. Riolu, I was thinking about naming after Sir Aaron, the legendary knight who saved his kingdom. The thing is, his Pokèmon partner was a Lucario, and I think it's fitting, as Riolu will evolve into Lucario one of these days." James said.

"I don't know. While I would like to have a name other than the name of my species, I feel like you're cursing me by naming me after somebody who sacrificed themselves, even if it was for good reason." Riolu replied, having been told the story by his trainer before.

"Fair point. Do you have any suggestions? Riolu or Jessica?" James asked.

Jessie thought about it and had it come to her as giving their pokemon nicknames was like a means of being very tight. She thought about it and came up with something.

Jessie: How about Rocky? He seems like a fighter with that Aura. So I'd call him Rocking fist. I'd call my Zebstrika... Lightning Mare. My Timburr... Demolition Man.

It sounded rather funny... but it was like they were bonding and coming together on sharing ideas and feelings on things...

By time they made it to the point below Arrowhead...

Dogwood Family Campground...

Jessie: It's starting to get dark out. Would you like to pitch camp here for the night. It's rather cozy... Moreless.

<Snipped quote by Smarty Jones>

Jessie thought about it and had it come to her as giving their pokemon nicknames was like a means of being very tight. She thought about it and came up with something.

Jessie: How about Rocky? He seems like a fighter with that Aura. So I'd call him Rocking fist. I'd call my Zebstrika... Lightning Mare. My Timburr... Demolition Man.

It sounded rather funny... but it was like they were bonding and coming together on sharing ideas and feelings on things...

By time they made it to the point below Arrowhead...

Dogwood Family Campground...

Jessie: It's starting to get dark out. Would you like to pitch camp here for the night. It's rather cozy... Moreless.

"Sure. I rather not stay out too late, so that sounds like a plan to me." James said, pulling out his wallet and started going through it, trying to figure out how much camping here would be for the night.

"Does it cost anything?" James asked, putting his wallet away.

"If it does, I can probably cover it, depending on the price." James continued.

<Snipped quote by MacieLightfoot>

"Sure. I rather not stay out too late, so that sounds like a plan to me." James said, pulling out his wallet and started going through it, trying to figure out how much camping here would be for the night.

"Does it cost anything?" James asked, putting his wallet away.

"If it does, I can probably cover it, depending on the price." James continued.

Jessie: It shouldn't cost much. Maybe about 20 bucks flat rate. I think.

Pidgeotto: There should be a cashier nearby to give the money to... to pay for the spot we're wanting.

Jessie: James, Let Pidgeotto do the paying. He can get there within just a few seconds or so.

It was gonna be a campout... just one step at a time...