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"It's no trouble at all," Miharu replied, wincing at the sight of Jasper's bruised arm. "That looks incredibly painful," she said, shaking her heard. "You're definitely lucky that it was a beginning-level Pokemon, and not a stronger one or you might have lost your entire arm." She closed her PokeDex and slipped it into her pocket as she walked towards the window Jasper had indicated, her eyes glued to the ground. "Well, there are some footprints here from where it landed," she said, pointing to a set of small tracks in the ground which started right outside the window. "They seem to be leading this way," she pointed, "but the ground is harder over here so there is less likely to be any more prints. At least this points us in the right direction," she said.

At the mention of Sam, Miharu shrugged. "She had other things to attend to for right now," she said, wondering if Sam was having any luck fishing herself up a Chinchou. "I decided to let her be, but I'm sure we'll meet up again later." After all, she does have my Good Rod and I will want that back at some point... she added to herself mentally.

Things were looking bleak at this point, with Turtwig's eyes full of sand and Starly slowly pecking down the Tiny leaf Pokémon's health down little by little, with him unable to properly fight back without missing the flying target. Kai stood firm however, looking around to see if anything to help the situation, whilst keeping his companions sprits up via careful commands. "Incoming from the right, withdraw!"
Turtwig hardened his hide once more- he could have been commanded to dodge the attack, but honestly Turtwig was pretty lousy at evading by nature, so his efforts were better placed in bulking up his defences whenever possible, however possible.

"Tall grass.. a pond but Turtwig can't swim in... wait a sec..." Kai spoke to himself, apparently gaining some sort of inspiration. "Turtwig, run over a few feet to your left- toward the ponds edge!" the boy asked urgently, Turtwig bounding over to the position described; "Now, when it comes in to peck, angle your body slightly to the left!"

The Starly, caught in the spur of the battle, didn't think it right to give it's opponent some time to recuperate, diving inward for another vicious peck attack, which hit dead on... just as planned. Though the beak connected this Turtwig's back and the small grass type took a fair bit of damage, the momentum caused by the attack caused the bird to keep going- directly into the pond. With a large splash, water cascaded outward, and onto Turtwig. By using the commotion and splashes of water from Starly going in and getting out of the pond, Turtwig managed to clear away the sand from his eyes, regaining proper accuracy!

"Brilliant, good job Turtwig!" Kai praised, smiling contently as things were looking a lot better. The Starly, soaked to the bone kept trying to fly back up, but with its feathers so water-clogged it wasn't getting far at all. Panicking slightly, it tried to whip up the ground beneath it for another Sand attack. "Not this time- Turtwig, tackle it at full force!" Bursting forward with everything he had, Turtwig slammed into the wild Starly, knocking it far backward... and after a few twitches and a heave, it was clear the miniature flying type was fainted and defeated at last.

"Alright then, great work buddy." Kai praised, walking over to Turtwig who was panting heavily, obviously now realising how close he was to keeling over himself. With a nod of understanding, Kai took out one of the potions he had stocked from the shop from his backpack, and sprayed the contents of it on Turtwig, revitalizing his health points and generally clearing up any scratches or cuts he had gained during the last few battles. Potions cost a fair bit of money, but Kai knew it was all worth it in the end if Turtwig could keep on training- after all, they still had work to do before they could challenge the Gym leader in the reasonably nearby Oreburgh city.

Having become tired of the grunt's now grating shrieks of pain, Mike delivered unto him a swift kick to the side of the head, providing the last bit of physical trauma needed to shut the poor sap up. "Very sorry," he said, kneeling down and running a gentle finger across his cheek. "It's probably not even your fault." Looking at the man's mangled form, he couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship, however slight. "Difference being of course, you will live." he said offhandedly.

Scarring, elongated, but permanent. Milo said in summery. I love it. He'll certainly feel a creak in his bones whenever it rains. Now tell me, and be honest. Wasn't that fun?

"It...was." Mike replied, a slow smile replacing his earlier look of melancholy. "The sounds, the sight. Yes. But no death! Only pain. Pain is the method I will teach these people that their choices are wrong. I'm saving them you see?"

Mmhm, Milo said, leaning on Mike's shoulder and resting his head in his hands. Of course, of course. It's not that you enjoy gifting pain on others so you aren't alone in your wimpy suffering or anything. It can't be. The phantom perked up when he saw three more Magma grunts rush down the hallway. Ooh! More fun! Let's trash some more trash! He whirled around to the boy's other shoulder. Who are you going to use now? Oh wait. No, don't use him. Use anyone else, please.

Mike smirked. "Let's show them who's boss, Portabello!" With a flick of the wrist the boy let an Ultra Ball fly that held his beloved Breloom. The Pokemon materialized in a quick burst of light and turned to his trainer.

Hello mast- the mushroom Pokemon started, only to be interrupted by Milo lifting his arm and morphing it into the shape of the Breloom's head, and extending his knife-like fingers on his other hand to 'impale' it. -er. And salutations to yourself, monster.

Milo hissed.

"Hey, P.B." Mike said, ignoring the two's exchange. "You know the drill. I need you to stomp some Pokemon for me." The Breloom nodded in reply, leaning to the side to get a look at the grunt on the ground. "He's alive."

Unfortunately. Milo added.

"ANYWAY," Mike cleared his throat, turning to his Pokemon. "What I need now is a quick, decisive, and embarrassing loss for them. If you need backup just tell me. You know I won't think any less of you."

I will not let you down, Master. said the Breloom. He about-faced quickly and assumed a battle ready stance.

"You never do." Mike said with a smile, his voice giving off a hint of nostalgia.

"Um, excuse me," one of the grunts asked, putting his hands on his hips. "Are you done gossiping so we can take you to our boss now?"

Ooh, a girl. Milo said. How niiiice.

"Oh, I fully intend to go see Maxie." Mike said tauntingly. "I very much do. However, I'll do so at my own pace, after I completely demolish this base of yours. And none of you are going to be able to stop me." The boy stepped to the side, revealing the collapsed and mangled grunt on the ground he had become so intimately acquainted with just minutes prior.

"Mark!" the female grunt cried out. "You freak! You're going to pay!" Milo hummed a laugh at the girl's now trembling voice. The three grunts then released their Pokemon: a Camerupt, Loudred and an Electrode. Portabello narrowed his eyes at the sight of the electric sphere. "Well?" the girl asked, irritated. "Are you going to release your Pokemon?"

"What?" Mike said, looking away from his nails. "No. I think this one will be just fine for now."

"Violent and stupid," she said with a confident chuckle. "I'll be doing the world a favor by bringing you down! Camerupt, Focus energy!" she ordered. The Eruption Pokemon grit its teeth and took in a deep breath, blowing smoke out of its nostrils and humps as it geared up for its next attack.

"Loudred, Stomp!"
"Electrode, Sonicboom!"

Mike shrugged at her proclamation. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and tried to think clearly. Portabello, dodge and go after the Loudred first with a Mach Punch.

Yes, master! the Breloom replied, his trainer's voice rang inside his head, but it was much less cluttered by other voices now thanks to their earlier mediation. I hear you loud and clear now.

Great. Now show these clowns how we run it.

Portabello watched as the Electrode spun in place, firing a quick flying blast of energy towards him. However, due to the Breloom's honed reflexes, it only made a small crater in the ground where he was just standing as the mushroom darted off towards the Loudred at top speed. The Loudred raised his large foot, but before he could even start to bring it down, Portabello's arm shot forward and caught the Pokemon square in the stomach. Momentarily stunned from the pain, the Big Voice Pokemon was helpless as Portabello swept his other leg out from under him and delivered a swift spin kick that sent it flying into the wall. It hit the rocks with a tremendous crash and fainted on the spot, unable to even whine out in pain. It's trainer recalled it in horror.

"Camerupt! Take Down!" the girl grunt screamed, her voice even more shaken. The camel let out a deep-chested bellow before charging, lowering its head. Portabello slid his clawed foot to the side and stood his ground, calming his mind and re-centering his focus. His grassy skin began to weave together, strengthening his defensive power as well as adding a bit more pack to his punch. It was a move he had not used in a long time: Bulk Up.

Not nearly as heavy looking as Sir Kilik's Lairon. the Breloom thought. And he was right. The camel continued to charge, suspecting he would topple this puny grass Pokemon with ease. Portabello sunk his claws into the ground and raised his hands, catching the Pokemon mid-sprint. Both the Camperupt and its trainer were completely dumbfounded when the Breloom not only halted the charge, but easily lifted the attacking Pokemon off the ground and threw it aside. The Electrode rolled out of the way just in time to avoid being squashed.

"Uhh," one of the grunts started, realizing he was the only one left with an active Pokemon on the field. "Electrode, use-!"

Oh no you-

"Explosion!" The electric Pokemon began glowing a bright white, building up energy until it couldn't contain it anymore and burst. It sent out a huge shockwave which kicked up dust, dirt and rocks, flinging them in all directions. When the smoke cleared, Portabello stood tall, completely un-phased and surrounded by a green shield.

-don't. he finished, lowering the shield and letting out a soft exhale.

I seem to be waking up in strange areas again. I look over to my left, yep he's there. Zii is amazing. I lost count of how many times I have been saved by him. Argh! My head hurts!

I begin rising from the soft pillow only to find my body give out. What is going on? My body has never felt so limp. I do not understand. Zii's ears twitch as he wakes up from his sleep. I wonder how long he has been next to me. It would help if I knew what day it was when I became sick.

The nurse comes in with another IV bag. "What is that?" I ask with a dry mouth.

"This is a cleaning solution. We have to clean you out. It seems the poison from your new grimer has lowered your immunity system and allowed hundreds of tiny bacteria into your lungs and blood system. We have to clean your body of the bacterias. You are lucky your Zangoose got you here when he did. Pokemon know when a life is going to wither away and his keen senses came in handy. He must be a strong survivalist to be able to use that ability very well."

"Yeah, Zii is an angel." I say while redirecting my eyes to his tired eyes. I think I worried him way too much.

"Your family had visit you, but you were asleep for too long to see them. They had much work to take care of." The nurse said while injecting more watery stuff into my blood.

"That's nice of them." I get out of my mouth before feeling lightheaded. I can only assume it was the medicine.



I may not be smart right now, but I know a few things. The chairs in the Pokemon Center are not comfortable enough to sit and eat without hunching. I would have had to keep the rice balls on my knees. If anyone has ever tried that they would know it's uncomfortable. Plus, sitting where I am, not many people can see me. It's a win win situation in my favor.

Mach is sitting next to me, recently released from his ball to share some food with me. Chansey has offered Mach some bitter berries and some pokeblocks. He was super happy to have food in his stomach, and so was I. We smiled at each other while swallowing down the yummy food. In all honesty the food could have been bad but a wise man once said, "Hunger is the best spice." That man was a fighter in an anime I once watched while I should have been doing homework at the pokemon academy. I like to say the character has influenced a big part of my life, but that part would be sitting around while watching clouds pass by in the day sky.

I just finished my food, and I remain leaning against the lower left part of Nurse Joy's counter. Mach begins chasing his pokeball around the floor as he freezes up. He is staring at the front door.

I look around the corner and see that cute girl I passed while running from that damn Pidgeot. All I hear is, "Ow ow ow." Coming from the girl and some incoherent blabber from the guy. I notice his eyes are looking at her hips. Her hips are a bit smooth, not formed at all like Nurse Joy's. I then notice his eyes are on her pokeballs. I understand his intentions. This is going to be interesting. My first time being a spectator in a pokemon battle. I should have paid attention to them in gym, but I lacked motivation. I don't have to watch them to understand them. But, this should atleast be entertaining. I'll follow them.

Scarlet listened intently to Jett’s story. He thought his own family was irritating, but boy was he off. The red haired kid could only imagine what kind of feelings of inadequacy his travelling buddy was dealing with. It was like living with three rivals who were near impossible to beat, people who were out consistently getting better, so that progress barely meant anything at all. At least Scarlet’s goals had set points. Gym Leaders tested trainers at certain bench marks of their journey, and as such were restricted to certain strength levels.

Jett’s siblings, however, would be growing in power as he did. So in a way, Jett’s dream of reaching the top of his family’s totem pole would be harder than Scarlet’s goal of completing the League challenge.

“… Yeah, that’s pretty weird, but a goal’s a goal, and I gotta admit, it sounds like a hard one. But the hard dreams are usually the most fun. Let’s grab our Pokedexes. We can discuss a game plan for both of us to get stronger, so you’ll be able to take on your frankly terrifying sounding sister, and I’ll be able to curbstomp Lance. Deal?”

The two trainers and their pokemon, by that time, had made it into the city limits of Cherrygrove, the place Scarlet left just barely a couple of days ago. Needless to say, his home town hadn’t changed much. He absentmindedly considered popping in to see his sister, but he intended to get a Pokegear from Goldenrod later, so obtaining a Pokedex was definitely his priority.

Treading carefully to find his next target, Kai progressed through Route 203 as nimbly as he could, Turtwig plodding along behind. This place was so close to his home, yet he had never had time to explore it fully- after all, he was always so busy tending to the store he never had time to really walk about leisurely. But now he was a trainer? He got that freedom to wander, and was fully intend on using that to its full potential where he could.

Walking away from the pond, Kai found himself at a tall tree- facing two wild Pokémon, both small and mostly orangey-red in colour, apparently conversing to each other. Kai knew this species only through books mainly- Kricketot. They were bug type, but still recommended for beginning trainers. So with a quiet point to the duo, Turtwig was sent out for a surprise tackle attack to get things started as efficiently as possible.

Busting from the brush like a bat out of hell, the little grass type charged straight into the left Kricketot who had a slightly smaller collar, Kai remembering that that meant it was male, since the species had gender differences like many others. The second Kricketot just stood there, slightly stunned at this sudden assault as its friend got back up onto two feet, almost glaring at Turtwig.
"Maybe this isn't the nicest way to start things.., but we've got to train hard as much as possible, right Turtwig?" Kai asked his companion, tone showing some doubts about the situation. "Wig."

"Alright then... tackle again whilst it's trying to regain balance!" Kai commanded, Turtwig charging directly into its target again, knocking it back further. The male Kricketot chirped a little, its companion not really acting against Turtwig at all, instead moving back a bit. Getting back onto its feet, the male Kricketot stood tall, bracing itself for another hit, apparently. Kai was a bit confused as to its lack of action- but all the more reason to keep up the pressure right? "Maybe this is one of those passive Pokémon that doesn't really fight back..? I guess that means this is easy experience- keep it up, Turtwig! Don't stop tackling!"

With a nod, the Tiny leaf Pokémon kept up it's offense, constantly charging into Kricketot, again and again- and time after time, the Kricketot didn't respond. Or so Kai thought. Slowly, the Kricketot seemed to glow red slightly- until eventually it became obvious that something was happening. However, by the time Kai had finally remembered that little warning notice on Kricketot's notes... it was too late.

"Turtwig, watch out!" he cried out, Turtwig turning to face him curiously before Kricketot unleashed its stored energy from its "Bide" ability, blasting Turtwig with vicious red energy, launching him far backwards, as well as launching Kricketot back into the tree, ultimately fainting it. Kai ran over to Turtwig's side to inspect the damage- and it was quite something. All the damage they had done to Kricketot had been returned to them... and if they hadn't healed up fully before this battle with a potion, Turtwig would definitely have fainted. Panting a little before regaining composure, the Tiny Leaf Pokémon gestured toward the other Kricketot- this battle wasn't over yet- they had beaten one, but there was still one to go.

"Alright, if you feel up to it... but lets be careful this time, alright?" Kai said calmly, trying to quickly find a way around a tricky ability like Bide- no way Turtwig could take another hit like that, after all...

Jett had slightly expected the lack of planning, considering his partner had collected a (presumably) starter Pokemon yet no Pokedex, but he half-expected the other male to have something planned out. Scarlet seemed so enthused about the Pokemon world; surely, he would have at least one or two favored Pokemon to catch? But he realized he hadn't thought about any particular Pokemon either; the feeling of finding an interesting new friend in the midst of the wild trumped the planning and hunting out for a specific breed. If anything, it made a trainer narrow-minded and unable to experience the true spontaneity of being a trainer.

Jett's eyes seemed to darken when he remembered the real reason he had come to Johto: he had experienced one too many losses. Which begged the question, if he lost too much in Johto, would he flee in the middle of the night and abandon perhaps his one real friend so far? He thought of Leon, his other potential traveling partner, and wondered how the older boy was faring in his match against Roxanne. He even wondered if the purple-haired youth would be expecting Jett waiting for him.

Sorry, he thought, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He belatedly realized how much of a pause he had taken, and licked his lips. What he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?

"Yeah," Jett said dryly, looking back to Scarlet, "that's why I came here."

Jett's hesitation had not gone unnoticed; it seemed Scarlet was more observant than the boy had given him credit for. He forced a smile, which seemed natural enough save for the tightness at the corners of his lips, and nodded lightly.

"I'm just sort of descending from the rush of that gym battle, y'know?" he replied, hoping his battle-hungry companion would easily understand and take his word for it. Jett tried to be an honest person, but everyone had secrets, right?

His pace began to quicken as an exit from the city came in sight; if he remembered the map correctly, that would mean there was only one short route with plentiful short-cuts separating the two from New Bark Town. Even though he knew it would take quite a bit to get to where the next gym leader was, Jett was already eager to prove himself again and gain something to prove that he wasn't a complete failure.

And there was always the prospect of finding a new Pokemon, too...