I walked out of the Ecruteak City gym, trying to smile happily as I grasped the Fog Badge in my hand. I’d beaten Morty on my second try- much faster than I’d managed to win Whitney’s Badge. That was because of my newest asset, ironically an Umbreon, Luna’s favorite Pokémon. How I’d managed to catch an Umbreon, and a shiny one at that, I had no clue. It was kind of a blur. I’d found Ring- that was what I named him, I know, it’s so original-  while I was wandering around the forest at night during the first week I was here. Somehow I’d managed to catch him. Nearly three weeks had passed since I’d left Luna, and I knew I’d have to leave Ecruteak City soon. From what I’d heard, she was healing well and I had no doubt that she’d come raging after me as soon as she got out of the cast.

            Considering that Morty was an easier opponent to beat than Whitney, with Ring’s dark type advantage, you’d think I’d have gotten out of here before now. But it had been pretty hard with Luna indirectly stalking me.

            I hadn’t realized how determined she was, because ever since I’d left she’d been sending Gold and Seth into Ecruteak as scouts every couple of days, which effectively cut my training time while I hid from Gold’s prying eyes. I probably should’ve realized that this kind of thing would happen, considering that Goldenrod City was only an hour’s walk from Ecruteak City.

            On days that Seth came with Gold, I’d see him pretending to look for me in the crowds while Gold actually did. But on the days Seth came alone, he pretty much lounged outside a café for a few hours and ate lunch, not even bothering to pretend when no one was around to question. I wanted to thank him for understanding why I wanted to stay away from Luna, but I only talked to him once, at which time he told me why he and Gold kept coming to Ecruteak. I didn’t think that it’d be wise to approach him multiple times in case Gold was hidden nearby or some crazy thing like that. Luna is a scary girl; I wouldn’t underestimate her. And Gold seemed to be doing exactly what she said. Willingly. Hmm…

            I felt a flash of jealousy at the thought of Luna falling for Gold while I was out of the picture, but shook my head to clear my mind. I didn’t want to think about that possibility. So instead, I opened my Badge case and placed the Fog Badge in the fourth spot. Snapping it shut, I glanced down at Ring, who was walking beside me. “You did a great job back there, bud.” I said.

            Ring opened his mouth and yawned, flicking his ears. Gigi sat on his back looking betrayed that she hadn’t been included in the gym battle. She refused to make eye contact with me, and I smiled. “Sorry Gigi, but normal type moves don’t affect ghost type Pokémon.” Ignoring me, she tried to cross her stubby arms, but couldn’t quite reach. I chuckled and plucked her off the Umbreon’s back, placing her on my head. She cried out in indignation, but then gave a resigned huff and slapped my forehead. “Aw, come on. You don’t care about the battle, you just miss Luna.” I glanced up to see her shake her head defiantly, and I laughed. “Okay, whatever you say.”

            I had to joke about it or I’d feel upset. In the span of two days, I’d gone from having four friends to having none, as usual. I shouldn’t really be surprised- it was typical of my luck. But I was determined not to brood too much, or I’d never get anything done. If I wanted food, I had to earn money. Falkner’s back-stabbing pay off was dwindling quickly. Thankfully, I now had a fistful of bills from my success against Morty. So at least that problem was taken care of.

            I headed to my room in the Pokémon Center and packed up, letting Romeo out of his Pokéball. I returned the key to the rented room and headed out. As I left the building, people gave me a few weird looks, with good reason. An Igglybuff was on my head and a Smeargle was clinging to my backpack, and a shiny Umbreon trotted alongside me. I probably looked like the circus walking through town.

            I was a bit nervous about going to Olivine City. Seth and Gold would have to be on the move again pretty soon, and we had the same destination. What if Gold saw me? I would be screwed, and Luna would find me. I hated the fact that she was probably upset by my disappearance, but I was also pretty sure she could figure out why I’d left. Part of me wondered if she would even consider it an excuse, though.

            I decided to have one last look around the Japanese-style town, and headed over to the Kimono Dance Theater, where I’d heard that a performance was taking place within the hour. I didn’t really care for traditional dances, or any dances at all, but it was what normal people around here did, so I might as well.

            I walked into the theater and sat far in the back, away from most of the people. Ring seemed offended by the other Eeveelutions that were mingled on the stage with their trainers, the dancers, so he curled up on my lap and ignored them. I winced as he sat on my hand; he was heavier than he looked, and my hand started to fall asleep. However, I decided not to try and move it when he let out a low growl, closing his eyes. Gigi smirked and sat on top of him, only adding to the pressure on my hand. She smirked at me, clearly feeling that this was revenge. I groaned and leaned back in my chair. What can I say? My Pokémon control me, not the other way around.

            While Romeo used me as a jungle gym to see above the crowd, I watched the performance. It wasn’t bad, but I still had no idea how people could get in front of crowds and dance without being embarrassed. Probably a good thing I’m not a Kimono Girl, then.

            Towards the end of the performance, I noticed a boy two rows in front of me that seemed familiar somehow. I blinked blankly at the back of his head, wishing I could see his face. Something about that dark brown-colored hair…

            I tried to ignore the odd sensation of familiarity and instead focused on the fact that make hand had stopped tingling and completely lost all feeling. If Ring and Gigi made me amputate my arm, I was going to kill them.

            At the end of the dance, everyone stood up and clapped except me, since I couldn’t stand up or use my right hand. After a few minutes, everyone started filing out of the building, so I sighed and nudged Ring. “Get up, Ring, we’ve got to go.” And also my hand has completely lost circulation, I thought dryly. I picked Gigi up with my free hand, and Ring grunted, leaping off my lap. I shook my hand violently, feeling relieved when it tingled painfully. “Never again,” I said, sending Ring a glare. He looked back at me with a bored expression, reminding of Luna’s Umbreon, Darky. I avoided his gaze and placed Gigi and my head, standing up and looking around for Romeo. “Where did that crazy Pokémon disappear off to?” I muttered, searching for him. He’d been right there only minutes before!

            Looking at the dwindling crowd, I spotted him darting around people’s feet and tripping them. With a groan of frustration, I grabbed my bag from the floor and jogged towards the Smeargle, who was now slipping out the door with a group of people. “C’mon, Ring.” I muttered, making sure that Gigi was securely on my head. I hurried into the line of people waiting to exit the building and impatiently pushed past a man, mumbling an apology. Outside, I whirled around, looking for the runaway devil. I saw a flash of beige and whipped in that direction. I saw Romeo, alright, but I also saw a boy charging straight for me. The dark brown haired one from earlier. Romeo ducked out of the way as the boy ran towards me. “Jared-Sparehead!” He shrieked.

            With a start, I realized that only one person on the planet called me Jared-Sparehead, and he was probably also going to reveal who I am if he didn’t stop screaming in the middle of the street. But as I thought that, he tackled me into a hug. “Dude, I haven’t seen you in ages!”

            “Reid,” I said in a hoarse voice. “You’re choking me.”

            “Sorry!” He squeaked, letting me go. He backed and studied me. “So I saw you on the news. Word on the street is that you’re dead.”

            “Really? I haven’t noticed.” I snorted. “How did you know it was me?”

            “Hair bleach isn’t going to make me forget what my best friend looks like.” He said, grinning.

            It was true. This was Reid Lathrop, my best friend that had left for his Pokémon journey when I was thirteen. He’d chosen to wait a long time because he wanted to, and I kind of envied him the chance of making that choice. I knew that he’d chosen to travel Kanto instead of Johto, and the Wartortle that stood by his side was proof that he was at least somewhat successful. I nearly laughed aloud when I noticed the Jigglypuff next to the Wartortle.

            “Right, well, it’s fooled my family pretty well.” I snorted. “Pretty sad that you can figure it out but not them.”

            “Even Sammy?”

            “Yup.”

            “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised about Falkner. He always was a jerk.”

            I stiffened at Reid’s comment. “Yeah, he was…” I muttered. He had no idea how true that statement was.

            Reid frowned, and said, “Why didn’t you let everyone know you were alive?”

            I hesitated. “Um…well, I kind of liked the fact that no one bugged me about Falkner anymore, and I finally had a chance to be my own person.” I’d just ditched Luna to protect her; I wasn’t going to endanger someone else by telling them about Falkner, too.

          “I guess I can understand that. You should’ve at least told me, though. When I heard that you were dead, I thought it was impossible. You aren’t dumb enough to wander through the woods at night and get attacked.” I had to choke back a laugh, remembering the multiple times I’d done so since leaving home. “But everyone said you were a goner, except this one chick I met the other day. She said there was no way you had died. She probably will kill you though, man.”

            For a heart-stopping second, I thought that Reid had met Luna. “What? I didn’t do anything! Wh-who is this girl?” I asked as Romeo came back from wherever he’d disappeared to. The Pokémon started talking to Reid’s Wartortle.

            “Her name is Kimi, and that she saw you running through the woods the night you 'died.' She said that you made her lose her job, and that she’s going to keep her promise, or something like that. You’d better run, dude, she’s at the gym battling Morty as we speak.

            Kimi…the name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. “Kimi, you say? Can I ask where you met- oh, shit.” The realization hit me as I remembered the time I fractured my ankle. “It’s that girl from the Pokémon Center in Violet City!”

            Reid raised an eyebrow. “Is there something I should know about your love life?”

            “What? No! You’re such a pervert.” I said, resisting the urge to face-palm.

            “Speaking of which, did you see the Kimono Girls? They’re cute.” He grinned.

            I rolled my eyes. “I should’ve figured you didn’t come here for your appreciation of the fine arts.” One thing about Reid: he was a flirt. “Nice to know you haven’t changed much.”

            “Oh, come on, Jared. You’re just jealous because you want me for yourself.”

            “Keep dreaming.” I rolled my eyes. Romeo seemed to be getting bored, so I put him in his Pokéball before he wandered off again. “So exactly how did you find me?”

            “What, you didn’t want me to?” Reid feigned a hurt look. “And actually, it wasn’t intentional. I was just traveling Johto when I met Kimi in Goldenrod last week.”

            “Sounds like she’s been moving faster than I have,” I grumbled. Of course, Kimi didn’t have a criminal organization following her every move like I did.

            “I guess so.” He paused, then grinned. “Oh yeah, and I won Falkner’s Badge. I take it you did, too, since you’re here...he must be really pissed that you beat him!” Reid said, grinning

            I laughed nervously. “Yeah, well, he is. Hey, did you see anything…off about Falkner when you battled him?”

            “Other than the fact that he hates me and acted like a jerk? No.” Reid chuckled. “Why?”

            “Oh, nothing…” I mumbled. Curse his acting skills.

            Reid frowned. “Are you upset that he doesn’t seem to care about your ‘death.’?”

            “Ugh, no. I’m glad he doesn’t care, now I don’t have to feel guilty.” That was an understatement.

            Reid opened his mouth to respond, but a voice interrupted him. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you for months, and hair bleach isn’t going to protect your head from being smashed into a brick wall!” I turned to see Kimi storming towards me, the Fog Badge gleaming menacingly in her hand.

            “Nice knowing ya, bud.” Reid said, shaking my hand and stepping out of the way. I gulped, and started running.

            “Get back here, coward!” I heard her shout from behind me. “I warned you, and now you’re going to pay!” I dodged people on the streets and ran into a store, hoping to lose the crazy girl coming after me. No such luck. She burst into the building and spotted me, narrowing her eyes. “You!” She hissed, grabbing my ear painfully. “Get over here!”

            I caught a few amused glances from people as she dragged me from the store, probably thinking that she was my girlfriend or something. And let me tell you, I’d rather have been caught cheating on a girl than this. Because Kimi was going to murder me.

            “Help! Abduction!” I cried as Kimi dragged me down the street by my ear, making a beeline for the city exit. “She’s going to murder me in the woods!”

            “If you don’t shut your mouth, I just might!” She snapped. I fell silent, glaring at Reid, who was trailing behind us and laughing. Kimi led me to the trail towards Olivine, and crossed her arms over her chest. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

            “That you’re a maniac and this happened months ago, and also I have people looking for me who will call the police if I’m found bleeding on the ground and- wait, no, I don’t want to die!” I shrieked, holding my arms in front of my face to shield myself as she raised her hand to smack me.

            She narrowed her eyes. “Then you probably shouldn’t be an idiot.”

            I’m not sure how it happened, but the next thing I knew, I was sprawled on the ground with a red mark on my face. Gigi whined in annoyance, having tumbled off my head. “Jeez…what was that for?” I groaned, trying to sit up.

            “Your stupidity,” she responded matter-of-factly, slapping me upside the head. “And that was for getting me fired!”

            “I’m sorry about that, but can you not hit me please? I have a lot on my mind at the moment.” I grunted, standing up and rubbing my head.

            “Too bad. I have a lot of my mind too, like the fact that I have no money. You’re a little rich boy who probably left home with a thousand bucks.” She snapped, slapping me again.

            “Yeah, but only because- never mind.” I replied, flinching as she kicked me. “Okay this isn’t fair; I’m not going to hit a girl!”

            “So you think girls are too weak to handle a slap. Sexist pig!” Kimi growled, punching me in the stomach. I swore I heard Gigi laughing at my pain.

            I doubled over in pain. “What? No, I just-” I was cut off by another kick to ankle. “Hey, watch it, that’s still sore!”

            “Sorry to hear,” she huffed angrily, but stopped kicking me. “Fine, I’m not going to beat you up. Yet.” She paused. “But, you do owe me for making me broke.”

            “What? That’s not fair! I don’t have any money!”

            “You faked your death; I’m pretty sure that stops the income from mommy and daddy. And no, I don’t even want to know why you did something stupid like that, although I’m going to guess it’s because you stole a Pokémon. Which was also really stupid.”

            “So what’s you’re point?” I asked, brushing the dirt off myself and sending a look at Reid, who was preoccupied by petting Ring. “I don’t have much money, so I can’t pay you off.”

            “I wouldn’t want to take your money, stupid. I’m broke, not a thief.”

            “Well, then how do you expect me to help?” I asked, exasperated.

            A smirk tilted her lips. “You’re going to travel with me.”

*******************************************************************************

Going from one crazy chick to the next, eh, Jared?

So I have a question to ask all y'allz! I think all the major characters are introduced now, unless I decide to add another person later on. So who's your favorite character? I know you haven't seen much of Reid or Kimi, but I still would like to know! :)

CHARACTERS: Jared, Luna, Bugsy, Gold, Seth, Kimi, Reid, Falkner (Arceus forbid).