The day I was called to the principal's office, I will unlikely forget. I already had an off day: My best friend took the day off from school receive her Pokémon license. Avery Anderson slipped gum into my hair and the teacher had to cut it out. I even forgot my homework for the first time that year.

I was in Stats and Tactics class when the intercom dinged and the principal announced, "Anne Noon, please come to the office. Your mother is picking you up."

Confused and slightly grateful, I stood from my desk and collected my textbooks, "Types and Statuses and You," Battle Tactics for Beginning Trainers: Fourth Edition", and shoved them in my pink and yellow backpack. I slipped out as a friend waved bye and the other students watched curiously.

I pondered over the sudden pick-up as I strode down the hall. Maybe Dad returned home from his latest story overseas. As an ace reporter, Dad often left for the latest scoop, to expose bad guys and help anyone in need. This month, he had to leave for a report overseas about a group of terrorists who were stealing Pokémon. There were rumors circulating that they were conducting inhumane experiments on Pokémon and perhaps trying to create some new Pokémon. If anyone could clear up the rumors, it was Dad.

My pace quickened at the thought of him returning. I slowed as I passed the music hall, where I heard students practicing the Pokéflute. They sounded better than my class.

I trotted by the hall with the higher grades – fifth through sixth. There were fewer students, because those who receive their trainer license often leave home immediately for their journey to become Pokémon Masters. Others stayed to optimize their skills.

A door down the hall burst open with firework-like plumes of fire raining on the tiles. An alarm sounded, but was silenced when a Blastoise stuck its head out and put out the embers with a stream of water from its mouth. There was nothing to fear with the teacher's quick thinking and advanced skills. Rumors around school was that many of our teachers used to be Gym Leaders, like Mrs. Kasumi or Mr. Ghibli. Even our principal was believed to be a champion at some point. Then again, it was rumors, so I didn't really care. I only cared for who they were now.

I continued to the school's front office, where I found a squatty, elderly woman behind the front desk. I asked her as I approached, "Did my Mom come through here? Cynthia Noon?"

"Yes," she answered and turned to the Wigglytuff behind her sorting papers in the filing cabinets. "Ju-Lee, show Ms. Noon to the principal's office? I can finish the filing."

The pink, balloon creature smiled pleasantly and nodded before waddling over to me. It had rabbit ears and a tuft of hair, as well as short arms. It didn't seem to have any legs as it waddled in front of me.

The creature motioned me to the door at the end of the hallway. I thanked her with a small nod and entered.

Mom's face was red and her eyes puffy. I had never seen her so distraught in my nine year old life. My jaw hung open and I couldn't look at the principal, who stood and asked me to sit. I hardly heard him as my body did as told. Before my butt met the seat, I asked, "Mom? What's wrong?"

She gingerly handed me the Pokéball with Dad's initials engraved on the red side and two little golden wings above it. "We have to go home," she stated.

"Take as much time as you need," the principal stated. "We understand how difficult this can be, especially on a child."

"What? What's difficult?" I ordered, my voice coming out of my throat a little louder than I wanted it. I felt my face gain heat as I closed my mouth and looked at Mom for some kind of answer. She already stood and motioned me to come with a wave of her hand.

I watched her hair bounce as I followed her down the hall. Sometimes, she let me brush it or play with it by putting it in funny hairdos. It was lush brown and glinted gold in the sunlight. I envied her, since I only had coarse, black hair.

I traced the engraving several times and felt the embossed wings. This was his special messenger Pokéball, which he sent only to his editor if he was overseas. Only, this one was even more special because of the Pokémon inside. Why did Mom have it?

As we approached the car, an Ursaring exited the passenger side to allow me in. It was Mom's Ursaring and a quiet and steady second arm around the house. She also kept her Togekiss out as a guardian and playmate for me. Ursaring, before I entered the car, gave me a tight hug and mumbled comfortingly in her deep growls. I made a confused look as she climbed into the back seat.

I stared at the Pokéball as Mom drove us home in silence. "Mom, why do you have Dad's Pokéball? Isn't this going to his editor?"

"We'll talk when we get home, baby," she answered quietly. She only used the 'baby' nickname when she wanted to be tender or comforting.

Inside the Pokéball was a powerful bird Pokémon, Pidgeot. He had raised it since he was a little boy, saving Pidgeys and Weedles from injury inflicted by trainers. One Pidgey he was allowed to keep and it evolved through the years to become a Pidgeot. He once lived in the woods, writing stories and saving Pokémon, while his father was a carpenter and his mother a Pokémon breeder. Whatever happened to Dad, it must have been terrible for him to send his prized Pokémon.

Once home, Mom sat down with me on the couch and gingerly took the Pokéball from me. She inhaled shakily and summoned, "Pidgeot, please…" She paused to swallow and stifle tears. "Please come out and show my daughter the letter."

A blast of light snaked out of the Pokéball and onto the table, where a Pidgeot appeared. I gasped and held my hands to my mouth.

The beautiful Pokémon had one wing bandaged and both legs bandaged. Most of it's face had bandages as well. It's eyes were dull from medication and pain. Under its talons was an envelope, which it slid forward with a small coo.

I picked the paper up as Mom explained, "The Pokémon nurse called me this morning after you went to school. She had worked on him all week and only now opened the letter to find our address."

I opened the envelope and slid the page out. I read it and slowly became numb as I finished.

"Dear Cynthia,

If you are reading this, Team Rocket has discovered and killed me. For years now, they have stolen, experimented on, and killed Pokémon to gain power, both in battle and politically. I have suspicions Giovanni was behind this operation. I know, now, that it is indeed Giovanni.

For months, I have gathered and hunted for evidence as to who the connections are within the operation. I have groveled and stooped to their level to join their ranks – I even let them abuse my beloved Pidgeot. I'm sending to him my handler in case something happens, because I sense they are watching me closer and planning to dispatch me. Take care of Pidgeot for me. Release him or give him to my brother if you cannot.

You and I knew it would come to this. A scoop hasn't gone by without my worry that this will be my last. I wanted to retire after this one, stay home with you and Anne. Tell her I love her. I'm sorry I've left you like this.

Know this: If I am dead, it's because I have released a Pokémon they've been experimenting on for years now. If they discover my true identity, then my final act will be to set that Pokémon free.

After you have read this, give this to my editor. I have written the IP address on the back to the cache site for the evidence. Hopefully, Team Rocket won't discover it. I love you more than words can justify. I'm proud of Anne and of you, Cynthia. You have been patient and kind with me. I don't know how you have done it. Because of our love and the love we have for our daughter, I have wanted to make the world a better place.

Forever Yours, Jase Noon."

I couldn't believe it. Mom burst into tears as I lowered the paper. Pidgeot bowed his head mournfully. I stared at the letter, struggling to process the gravity of what was written there. No way. Not Dad. He was the one who woke me up for the lunar eclipse. He told me the most exciting stories. His smiling face told Mom and me everything was fine, no matter how worried we felt. If I felt bad, he brought me Zero Bars, which I hated and still ate them because he went out of his way to buy them. He couldn't be dead.

We had an empty casket funeral. Mom didn't want me to speak at the wake, which had half the community there, and we kept the funeral as isolated as possible. Only Grandma and Grandpa were there, as they were the only ones nearest to us. Mom was an orphan. Dad's brother couldn't make it, because he had no transportation and the letter probably hadn't made it to him yet.

The editor also came to the funeral, where Mom gave him the letter afterwards. He reassured her, "I'll let you know what we find. I promise."

The week went by as Mom and I were ghosts – not here but still here. I felt like I was floating along, unable to grasp what was going on. Mom, too, couldn't function. We managed to send Dad's Pidgeot to the local Pokémon Clinic for the full care we realized we couldn't give him.

The news exploded. We thought they would use Dad's information to expose Kanto President, Giovanni, but instead, the headlines read, "Reporter Frames Pres. Giovanni."

On the day the news released the scandal, the editor dropped by the house for tea. Instead, he wanted to check on us and explain the situation.

"It's probably best if you and your daughter leave town. You and I know the truth. Team Rocket will come and they will try to kill you and possibly your daughter for any information you know."

"How long should we leave?" she asked, her face like flint and eyes dull to the world.

"A week, maybe more."

Mom looked at me with consideration. "This week is the Annual Trainer Festival. Do you want to be here while it goes on?"

I shook my head and Mom answered the editor, "You heard my daughter. The Festival isn't worth seeing this year. I believe we'll go to my brother in law's in Viridian Forest. His cabin is too far for cell phones to work."

"Good," he answered, and straightened the doyly under his teacup. "I'll have someone send you a message when this is over."

"What about school?" I asked. "I have finals next week."

"Tomorrow is Friday?" Mom asked. "I'll talk with the Principal and have him set something up for the end of the month. Will that work for you, Mr. Miyagi?"

"Yes," he answered briefly.

"Good." She nodded to Ursaring, who stood up from her chair and motioned the editor to the front door.

Mom rubbed her temples. "We'll start packing tonight." She turned to Ursaring and stated, "Let's clean up the house the rest of the day and prepare for leaving tomorrow." The bear Pokémon nodded and turned to the wall rack of aprons to grab the extra-large, pink one at the end. Mom turned to me and smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, baby. Your school will understand. These are special circumstances."

"I'm not worried about school," I answered as I played with the placemat in front of me. School was only second tier to my family. "I'm really worried about you. Are you okay?"

Mom nodded. "One day at a time. We take this one day at a time, understood?"

I nodded and she scrubbed my hair, messing up the barrettes on the side. I managed a giggle as she teased me about my messed up hair. "My word! What have you done with your hair, Anne Noon?"

"Mom! You messed it up!"

She scratched my head again as she growled, "Why, never in all my days!"

With a few more giggles, I stood to clean my room. Togekiss, the serene bird creature, joined me as I jogged upstairs to my room. The Togekiss was a big sister to me than a playmate, as she sometimes kept me in line and usually watched over me. The creature floated gracefully on the air, hardly beating her wings.

My room was a mess, more so than usual, and I barely had the emotional strength to clean it since receiving the news of my Dad's death. Togekiss landed on my shoulder as I pondered the state of my room. Clothes lined the floor near my bed, my desk in the opposite corner had papers and books largely untouched since earlier that week. I glanced at Togekiss and asked, "Do you understand how I feel?"

I felt raw inside, as if everything was an overwhelming force and I was unable to stand against them. When I turned on the radio, I listened to the hosts describing the trainers, gym leaders, and champions turning in for the Annual Trainer Festival.

Each year, trainers, gym leaders, elite, and champions gather in a designated region, where they hold a tournament to determine the next Pokémon Master – the champion of champions. Each region – Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, Hoenn, Kalos, and Unova – have a turn in hosting the festival.

As I listened, I felt anger well up from my chest and send heat down my back and up the back of my skull. I turned the radio off quickly and set out to work. How dare they enjoy life, while I had to suffer? The world should stop and take notice – my father died! Instead, the world continued on, leaving Mom and I behind. It was sickening and discouraging all at once.

I piled my clothes in the closet, unsure what was clean anymore, and sorted the colors to clean. Throwing the whites in the clothesbasket, I carried them to the laundry room in the basement. I caught a glimpse of Ursaring and Mom cleaning the living room and kitchen. Ursaring stopped what she was doing and took the laundry for me. I frowned and she motioned with her nose for me to leave, nodding to the stairs.

I dashed to my room and started to sort my books and papers, clean my bed, and reorganize my closet. Whatever I thought I might need over the next three weeks, I stashed into my backpack and suitcase. I even pulled out old backpacks to fill with sketchbooks, pencils, comics, and anything I might want to use while there.

Around lunch time, Mom poked her head in and said, "Hey Anne – whoa!" She blinked and remarked, "Are you cleaning or just making it worse?"

I glanced around and realized my how I had piled everything on the floor and desk. I said, "I'm reorganizing."

"Don't take too long, alright? You still have to sleep tonight." She squeezed through the door blocked by stacks of books, and held a bowl of rice and curry to me. "Here you go." I took it and smiled at the rice ball shaped like a Teddyursa staring at me with huge eyes and cute smile.

"Thanks, Mom. I didn't notice I was getting hungry."

"Of course," she answered and turned to squeezed out of my room. I carefully placed the stack of notebooks on the floor next to my desk to make room for the bowl of curry. I paused to pray before eating. I watched outside as Ladyba and Pidgeys fluttered about outside, which meant summer was well on it's way.

I hadn't been back to school since the funeral. I wondered how my friend was doing, if she returned to school with her license or went on her journey. I knew what Pokémon she picked: Obviously, she picked a Cyndaquil. Her father had a Typhlosion and she wanted one, too, as her starter.

I had no clue what I wanted to pick for a starter. So many Pokémon to choose. Actually, there were few to choose from. There were base types to officially pick from: Fire, Water, Grass, and Normal types. The types had a rock-paper-scissors effect on one another, but only to a degree. As our teachers taught us, it was strategy that truly won the day.

Maybe I could pick a Togepi like Mom, or a Charmander. I considered this like so many times before as I ate the curry. Maybe I could pick an Eevee, which could evolve in to Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Psychic, and Dark types.

That night, I went to bed, reassured that I had everything I needed. My bags waited on the first floor, next to the front door, for the trip. I climbed into bed and snuggled my toy Snorlax. I was excited to meet my Uncle.

That morning, we ate pancakes and eggs before piling everything in the back seat and trunk of the car. Mom withdrew Togekiss into her Pokéball to save on space, while Ursaring rode in the back seat. My stuffed Snorlax rode in my lap for company.

Mom drove to the school first. She, Ursaring, and I walked inside. I stayed in the front office with Ursaring, watching the Wigglytuff and the office woman working. Mostly, the Wigglytuff kept busy by cleaning and dusting while the woman answered calls and answered emails.

Mom stayed inside for about thirty minutes before striding out. Her eyes looked puffy and red as she motioned me to follow her. The principal looked sympathetic as we walked away. Ursaring held the door open for Mom as we exited the building.

"Sweetheart," Mom began, "you'll take your finals at the first week of June."

"Are you okay?" I finally asked as we neared the car.

"Just… Talking about your father's … death was harder than I thought."

I felt sick to my stomach as I climbed into the passenger seat. Was it guilt or dread that made me feel so ill?

I let it slide away as we drove through town. It was jarring, seeing the regional flags waving at us along main street and the blocked off square for the tournaments. The stadium on the other side of the county courthouse was already live with construction and preparations, with banners of color on either side of the entrances welcoming trainers from all over.

I would miss it. For the first time, I would miss the semi-annual Trainer's Festival. Dad was the driving force behind encouraging us to go – Mom and I hated crowds. In fact, Mom would hyperventilate if we didn't sit near the stairs. Dad's brother, the man we went to see now, had been Kanto's Champion, once upon a time. Dad tried, but he lost both times and his loss was what helped him realize he wanted to be a reporter.

Mom must have read my mind, "I can't believe we're missing it."

I pryed myself from the window and looked at her. Tears already wet her face. "I'm sorry, Anne."

"It's okay," I reassured. "I… I don't mind."

She wiped her face on her sleeves and clicked on the turn signal. "I feel like it's not even real – like it's a dream – this Festival. I hate feeling like I'm in a dream."

I hugged toy Snorlax to me and buried my face in his smushy head. "I don't like it, either."

"Giovanni. I can't believe he did this to us," Mom stated. She slapped the wheel and gritted her teeth. "I can't even feel mad!" She caught her breath. "I'm not going to cry right now. We just have to get there. Just go. I can do this. Please, God." She wiped her face again.

I curled up and leaned my head on the window. I watched the mid-morning sky lighten into blue as we drove along fields and forests. Ponytas and Rapidashes ran along fences, while Miltanks lazed around. Taroses stampeded by. In the forests, I saw Ratatatas hide away while Stanlers near the forests edge bounded into the woods. Mom had to miss a Ferrow along the way, too.

About two o'clock, Mom slowed the car and turned down a dirt road. The car bumbled along, taking it slowly. The trees towered overhead, seemingly holding the sky at bay. Greenery threatened to consume the tan, dirt road, while trees arched over us. The green was lush and healthy. Kakunas watched us from their hanging spots in the branches while Beedrill beat their wings periodically, as if warning us. A flock of Butterfree floated on the gentle air current over us while Ladiba and Ledan sped under their path.

After about two miles, we came to a wooden cottage sitting at the top of a hill. In front, a man chopped wood with a Raichu next to him with another log of wood for him to split. The rat-Pokémon spotted us as we drove up and tugged his baggy pants. The man looked up and raised his bushy eyebrows before dropping the ax and heading for us. Mom said, "Leave the bags in the car. We'll get them in a minute."

She practically leapt out of the car and raced to the man with arms wide open. The burly man spread his arms to catch her. "Logan!" she cried.

"Cynthia," he answered and hugged her tight. I tiptoed to them, keeping my distance. The man had a thick, peppered beard and long hair. He winked at me and smiled with a small nod just before Mom burst into sobs. His blue eyes darkened and he held her at arm's length. "Cynthia," he said again with more sympathy and concern. "What happened?"

She trembled under his hands. She shook her head and sobbed harder, unable to say it. He glanced between Mom and me and looked at the car. "No," he said. "No, not my… Jase?" Uncle Logan held her close and she sobbed into his chest. Uncle Logan rocked her side to side and tears fell down his eyes.

Mom pulled away after a minute and motioned me near. Uncle Logan handed her a handkerchief and knelt to my level. He had Dad's nose, his forehead, and gentle, yet piercing blue eyes, as if he understood you mind and soul. "Anne, is it? Your father told me much about you. I'm proud to finally meet you. My name is Logan and you can call me Uncle Logan if you want. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."

I put my hands on either side of his thin face and scratchy beard and gave him a kiss on his thick nose. I don't know why, but it seemed like the thing to do. The man laughed, showing his teeth and scrubbed my hair. "You're so wonderful," he said.

He stood upright, knees popping on his way up, and announced, "Let's go inside, where's more comfortable."

Ursaring approached, however, and Mom said, "Oh, this is my Ursaring. She's like a second pair of arms for me. She might remember you."

Ursaring sized the man up, her serious expression becoming scrutinizing. The man waited, crossing his thick, muscled arms. I noticed they were about the same height. The Ursaring finally softened her face and held out a claw for him to shake. He did so with a smirk and said, "I suppose you do remember me."

I made a confused look. The rat-Pokémon, Raichu, approached me and squeaked at me. I smiled to him. The creature came up to my hip, with black-lined ears and a long, thin tail with a lightning bolt on the end. Raichu had orange fur and yellow cheeks where the electricity was held. The ends of his feet and upper paws were dark gray. It smiled as we shook hands.

"That's Raichu," Uncle Logan explained as he held his arm down for Raichu to climb up. "He's my partner and assistant. Sometimes, it's hard for me to make it to patients in time, so I send Raichu ahead to take care of them."

"Huh?" I asked.

Uncle Logan laughed as we followed him to the cabin. "Oh, right. I'm also a doctor. I specialize in humans, but I also take care of Pokémon."

"Dad said you used to be a Pokémon Master," I remarked.

"A long time ago," he answered as we stepped up the wooden porch steps.

Inside, we came to a living room with shelves of books on the left. To the right stood the fireplace and sitting area with glass shelves on either side. The shelves had dozens of pictures of various people and Pokémon. Shadow boxes full of badges displayed on the mantle, all from each region. At the center stood a trophy, with a huge Pokéball at the center and the Legendary Bird Pokémon, Ho-Oh, perched on top with his wings spread and beak open in a triumph cry. The Award of the Pokémon Master.

"Wow," I whispered as I stared at it. "I've never seen one up close."

Uncle Logan hoisted his pants by the belt and sighed, "It's just a trophy. It's nice on the resume, too. It didn't compare to being a husband."

I glanced at him as he turned to the shelf to the left of the fireplace. "Come here." He motioned me to him. I tiptoed to him and he pointed to a picture at the center. "There's my wife. Amanda Noon."

The picture showed a woman in an outfit from the sixties next to him in a white coat. They smiled in front of a building with a sign above, "Noon Clinic."

"We were happy. She was a doctor for Pokémon and I was a doctor for humans. On the side, Amanda taught nursing to Pokémon Breeders at the local college." He rubbed his coarse hair and added, "We were happy."

I examined the rest of the photos, some of Amanda and a Rhydon in front of the clinic, or her and the Rhyhorn with teenagers. There was a picture of Uncle Logan and Aunt Amanda on a picnic with their Raichu and Rhydon off to the sides. They all laughed at something. Sprinkled throughout were pictures of my Uncle and my father as kids and as trainers. I saw Uncle Logan and Dad together with a Pikachu and a Pidgeotto.

"Your Dad was a great brother. A little mischevious, but it suited his job, I think. He didn't think being a doctor suited me. I was too adventurous, he thought."

"Where's Aunt Amanda?" I asked.

His mouth narrowed, his mustache straightening, and he said, "She died in Goldenrod City after a seminar. She was a guest speaker. It was raining."

I closed my mouth and saw a Rhydon step out of the kitchen to the left with a plateful of cookies. The rock-ground type Pokémon wore a pink apron with ruffles, rivaling Ursaring's apron. The 6 foot Pokémon smiled to me and lowered the plate to my level with a light, cooing sound.

"Rodi likes visitors," Uncle Logan stated. "Eh, Rodi?"

The Pokémon nodded and I took a cookie with a swift hand. It was still warm to the touch and the chocolate chips were melted just enough to mush in my mouth. I unintentionally moaned from the ooey-gooey goodness and asked, "Are these homemade?"

"From scratch," answered Uncle Logan. "My wife's secret recipe."

Ursaring and Mom came in with the luggage and Rodi put the cookies on the coffee table. Mom sighed, "Oh, Rodi. Good to see you."

The tall Pokémon actually towered over Ursaring, which seemed to unsettle the bear-Pokémon. She leered at Rodi uncomfortably as Rodi took the luggage from her. Ursaring snatched the suitcases from her claws and huffed as she lumbered to the guest room down the hall on my right.

Uncle Logan took the luggage from Mom and reassured her, "The Pokémon will get along fine. They always do this, remember?"

"I hope so," Mom answered.

"Sit down and make yourself comfortable. I have an outlet if anything needs charging."

"My tablet." Then to me, "Anne, make yourself comfortable, okay? We'll unpack everything tomorrow morning. We're going to have lunch with Uncle Logan." I sat down on the couch and crossed my legs.

"Good," Uncle Logan said, "I almost forgot about lunch. Rodi, do you mind starting on some sandwiches for us?"

Rodi smiled pleasantly and nodded before turning to leave. Mom reached on her Pokéball belt and unhooked the Pidgeot's ball. Uncle Logan turned to her and his shoulders slumped a little. He slowly reached for the ball and picked it up as if it were a precious artifact.

His thick, calloused fingers felt the engraving and he choked, "He died doing what he loved. Didn't he?"

Mom nodded solemnly before informing, "Pidgeot isn't in great shape, but if anyone can help him, it'll be you."

"Bad injuries, huh?" he sniffled. "I can help him." He wiped his face and informed, "You can let out any of your other Pokémon. I'm sure they'd love to run around." He rolled his shoulders before striding to the hallway. "I'll be in the shop. If either of you need me, let me know. Rodi will be done soon."

"Thank you, Logan," answered Mom. He nodded and disappeared down the hall.

"Come on, Anne," Mom urged and motioned me with her out the front door.

Outside, Mom unleashed her entire team: Togekiss, Arbok, Sableye, Gardivior, and Charizard. Togekiss sang as she soared to my shoulder. The Charizard stretched his wings and let out a deep yawn while Sableye jumped excitedly in place, giggling and chattering in a haunting child's voice. Gardivior glided over to Mom and waved to me. The Arbok slithered and stretched out his body to bathe in the sun.

Mom said to them, "Guys, we're taking a break. I want you all to have fun here, but don't get too far from the cabin. This is Logan Noon's house." At that, the Charizard gave a harsh huff, smoke and sparks spilling from it's nose. "I thought you would recognize Logan," she laughed.

"What did you and Logan do?" I asked. "Your Pokémon are acting strange around him."

Mom patted my shoulder and reassured, "I'll tell you over lunch."

Still confused, I shrugged and asked, "Can I go play, too?"

"Sure, but don't go anywhere without Togekiss." Mom answered. I smiled and said to Togekiss, "I'll race you to the forest!"

I galloped while the white Pokémon soared in the air. I heard Mom call after me, "Be careful out there!" I waved to her to let her know I heard.

The field seemed to last forever. I pumped my legs, huffing and running at full speed. Let it all go, I told myself. Run off this crappy feeling.

When I turned nine, it became harder to play pretend as I had a year ago as an eight year old. Togekiss loved it, but we mostly ran around or dug up rocks. Sometimes I read to her. I tried to play pretend sometimes, to keep my imagination alive.

We came to the edge where the field met the forest. I stumbled to a stop and panted while Togekiss stood regally, having beat me to the spot. I smiled through the panting and huffed, "You win this round." I looked over my shoulder and saw the Sableye scampering to me, the jewels sticking out of his body glinting in the sunlight. He grinned at me when he came close and leapt up and down. "Do you want to play with us?" I asked and it nodded.

Overhead, Mom's Charizard soared, roaring and puffing smoke. Gardivior stood at the edge of the field, watching us play pretend. Today, I wanted to pretend like I was a ghost hunter and Sableye eagerly played the ghost, since it was a Dark-Ghost type. Togekiss was my partner and we explored the haunted field. Sableye would give me a wedgie every now and then.

Mom called us in for lunch, so the Pokémon and I turned in. Mom kept her Pokémon outside, but Uncle Logan urged her to let them in – the kitchen was large enough for them to eat.

The three of us sat at the table, while the Pokémon sat off to the right of us, between the kitchen and the table with tall chairs. It felt weird eating at such a small table without my feet immediately touching the floor if I stretched my legs.

"So, what's with you and Uncle Logan?" I asked Mom and they exchanged glances before laughing.

"Okay," Mom said. "Your father and uncle and I became friends on our Pokémon journeys. We even traveled together from time to time. We trained together, ate together, and pooled our money together to sleep in the same hotels. They even saved me from bullies who were sore losers."

"To top our friendship off," Uncle Logan continued, "we ended up fighting each other in the Trainer Festival. My brother had already beaten most of the gym leaders, but didn't have what it took to beat the Kanto Elite Four, so he started in the lower tiers. Cynthia and I started in the same tiers, since we both beat the Elite Four already, but not any Champions."

Mom's face brightened for the first time in weeks. "We ended up facing off against one another. It was a grueling battle – and it lasted for about two hours."

"Yes, and it was a very close one. I beat Cynthia."

"Since then," Mom added, "most of my Pokémon have had a since of rivalry toward him. I don't, really. I married his brother, after all." She stirred her green tea before sipping it.

We continued to eat our ham sandwiches with fresh tomatoes, onions, and baby spinach leaves. Uncle Logan asked about my schooling and any hobbies. "I like to draw and write stories," I answered.

"Any ideas what you want to be when you grow up?"

"I don't know," I answered. "I'll figure it out, I guess."

"Good thinking. You have plenty of life to figure things out, right?" He smiled pleasantly. Then to Mom, "And you, Cynthia? What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Mom rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "You know, you were always like a brother to me. You're the first person I wanted to run to when … when Jase died."

Uncle Logan glanced at the Pokémon still eating and said, "I'm always here for you both. Don't forget that. If you need anything – money, company, or whatever – I'll do anything in my power to help you."

"Just be here for us," Mom answered.

"Well, you two will be here for a while, if I understand correctly."

"Yes, for about three weeks. That won't be a problem?"

"No, I just have work most days. I make house calls, now. Retirement sucks, so I decided to help people around Viridian Forest. Sometimes, the retirement home asks me to help them out. Sometimes, I get trainers on their journeys. It's better than sitting around all day."

"Do cell phones work out here?"

"No," he answered. "I have a landline. Most of my calls are from patients. Sometimes, journalists call and want an interview with me, especially around the Festival." He stood from his seat to put his plate in the kitchen sink. "If you don't mind," he added, "I like to listen to gym and elite battles in the evening on the radio station. Keeps me up-to-date, you know? They should play the battles from the Festival tournament."

"That's fine."

I finished my sandwich and put the plate in the sink with Uncle Logan. He smiled to me and asked, "Would you like to see my shop? It mostly has wood stuff and my medical supplies. But I need some fresh eyes on this project I'm working on."

"Sure," I answered and glanced at Mom for confirmation. She nodded to me and Togekiss abandoned her bowl to join me on my shoulder. Raichu, too, joined his master.

For the first time, I noticed Uncle Logan had a limp as he led me down the hallway to a creaky door. Down the concrete steps, onto the matching floor, I found myself tiptoeing through wood shavings. Togekiss wrinkled her nose at the hot scent of cut wood – like smelling sand and earth sandwiched between wooden boards. Raichu leapt onto the cutting table in the center of the room while Uncle Logan motioned me to his side.

I gasped at the sight of what waited for us: The three Legendary Dogs – Entei, Suicune, and Raiku – carved as regal guardians. Uncle Logan asked, "Do you like them?"

"I do," I answered and asked, "Can I touch them?"

"Go for it." He meandered to the end of the worktable.

I picked up Suicune, the more sleek of the three. He was called the North Wind and it was said his touch could purify any body of water. The shape of the carving was simple, almost box-like, but sanded down to give it more smooth features and carved exactly as the old paintings depicted him. Raiku, the Storm Bringer, looked sharper and wilder, and his eyes intent. Entei, however, had the air of a strong, intimidating guardian. His eyes focused, his stance strong, and his body hardy. I smiled at him and remarked, "Dad used to tell me stories about Entei."

"Hmm," he answered as he lifted his other project: A Mew figure, possibly life-size. I raised my eyebrows and dropped my jaw. The Pokemon was said to have been the origin of all the creatures that inhabited the world. Some scientists believed the Pokemon resembled a human embryo, which led them to a theory that Pokemon were somehow interconnected with human ancestry. It's huge eyes seemed so innocent, as it stared at me with it's body curved upward in a looping motion. It's long tail with an oval at the end curled underneath it, so it formed a sideways 'C'.

The wooden figure was beautiful. Uncle Logan explained, "There's a researcher who asked me to carve it. He wants to hang it in his study. I hear his passion is Mew and the connections to the origins of Pokemon."

"Wow," I whispered, not really comprehending what he said. "He must be really smart."

Uncle Logan chuckled out of the corner of his mouth as he put the figure away in the shelf under the cutting table. "Its what you do with those smarts that really make you smart."

I cocked my head to one side and wrinkled my nose. "What?"

"You can be the smartest person in the world and not do anything with it. You don't benefit anyone that way. If you're smart and put those smarts toward doing bad things, you hurt people. You have to put your smarts to good use." He paused. "I'm sorry. I'm lecturing. You'll have to excuse me." I shrugged and petted Togakiss.

"I wonder if his research will help people, is all," added my Uncle.

"I hope so," I reassured.

He chuckled and said, "Let's get out of here. It's stuffy in here. And you and your mother need to unpack still." He motioned me to the door and followed me out, but not before turning off the light. "The tournament should be starting around five o'clock. Do you want to listen to it with me?"

"Sure," I squeaked.