knock knock knock

A Charizard answers the door of her mountain den to see a Sneasel with a satchel over his shoulder. She greets her visitor with a questioning "Hello?"

"Yo, you Chloe's mom, Catherine?", he asks of her while looking about in his bag.

"Yeah, that's me. Can I help you with-", she stops mid-sentence as her eyes well up when she sees what he pulls out of his bag.

"Yeah, I think she wanted you to get this," he says while handing her a worn, dirty journal.

Her tears turn to a grin as she grabs the journal; the one her husband had made for their youngest daughter. Catherine knows she'll finally learn what her daughter was forced to endure on her journey.

"I'm not sure how I can repay you for this."

"No need, I figured it's the least I could do after all that Chloe did."

"Well why don't you join me for a snack."

"Nah, I need to get back to my search. I was just passing through," he says as he closes up his bag.

"Do I at least learn your name, so I can properly 'thank you'?"

"Logan", he replies with a smirk.

"Thank you, Logan," she says with a relieved tone. "I gotta say, you remind me of an old friend."

"Uh…," he stutters as he's not quite sure how to respond to that last comment. He finally replies with a "you're welcome" as he turns to walk away.

Catherine gets a chuckle out of his awkwardness. "Good luck with your search!", she shouts as he walks away.

"Thanks." He gives a light wave and a "later" as he heads down the rocky trail leading to the quiet village on the mountain. She closes the door and walks to the biggest space in her cave where she has a fire blazing. Her own tail flame is burning intensely with excitement; burning brighter than it has in four months, ever since Chloe left. She hangs a kettle of water above the fire before she sits down to read the entries her daughter left. The Charizard eagerly, but delicately, opens the journal to the first page.

Day 1: I had to take a rest in the trails on the far side of town for tonight; I didn't even make it into the forest yet. Found a cozy cove to stay in for the night. I hope I'm not crashing anyone's home! I couldn't make it any further because everyone in town felt the need to distract me on my way out. Only kidding, everyone was too kind! They said I looked just like dad when he left to find the cure for Cassie, only even more prepared. Not sure how that could be possible. I remember thinking he was taking far too much with him. I guess it wasn't quite enough, or else he would have returned by now. But everyone kept giving me even more supplies! Mrs. Dunsparce gave me an assortment of valuable berries from her garden. And Mr. Marowak gave me tips on how to search for more resources. "Anything a good traveler will ever need can be obtained on their journey… as long as you know what you're lookin' for." I made sure to mark those down, in case I ever forget. Mr. and Mrs. Murkrow felt bad they couldn't offer more help. They said since all the exploring items in their shop quit working when the asteroid hit, it would just be a waste of space in my bag. "All these are good for now is collecting dust," she said. "I'm sure a hoarder-er, I mean 'collector' will stroll through here some day," retorted Mr. Murkrow. They did offer me some key advice about sizing up your enemy though. "Keep your ego in check. Always be aware of your personal limits." Even dad's old friend, Maddox, the town grump wished me luck! He was on his way home from the mines. He handed me a Reviver Seed and an old, blue bandana as I was exiting town. He said I had more use for these now than he ever would again, and that they were both relics from your old adventures together. That's gonna have to be one of the first stories you tell me when I return! I suppose this is enough rambling for one night. I'm just so excited to be on my way to Xatu! Not sure if I'll even be able to sleep a wink tonight, but I guess it's best if I try.

Day 2: I made it into the edge of the forest at the base of the mountain today. It's such a beautiful night out. Found a nice cavity in the base of a giant tree to snuggle into. I had my first fight with a feral! Well, actually more than one fight and feral. It caught me off-guard to see ferals work in a pack. I assumed they ran solo, and just didn't have a family to keep them in check. Luckily they were just some Bug and Grass types. Like the ones dad trained us against: Oddish, Ledyba, Hoppip, and Pineco. My Ember was more than enough to win. A few hits knocked them back to their senses, and they scurried off on their way. I hope they didn't get injured too badly. You and dad taught me to keep my flame under control, but I had no other choice… they just wouldn't let me pass. I didn't even have to eat any berries for their effects yet! (I may have nibbled on one as a snack, but I didn't spoil my supper).

Day 3: I think I may have gotten lost today. Feels like I made nothing but circles all day! It's hard to see the sun through this denser part of the forest. At least I'm bunking under a different tree tonight… I hope. I came across some Scyther markings today. That was a good sign, since they don't venture near the edge of the woods. Bad part is they're the strongest residents around and I'm trespassing. I assume it's thanks to them I didn't have to fight any other ferals today. Mr. Murkrow said these are the toughest ferals to face on Mt. Brightstone. Even in their crazed state, what feral would want to face that powerful of opponent? Not sure if I'm prepared to fight one yet, and hopefully I won't have to find out soon.

Day 4: Still in this forest. No wonder you guys never took us farther to train. We never would have made it home in time for dinner! It doesn't seem this expansive from our house. I guess the perception is skewed from up that high. I still didn't fight anyone today, but I did lay eyes on some Scyther though. Those blades look wicked! I heard a buzzing approaching and ducked into some bushes, trying to hide myself as best I could. I guess it must have worked, because they never paused. I surely don't want to have to fight those anytime soon. I nabbed some more berries while I was in there. Not a huge variety here, but Mr. Marowak told me to always get what you can whenever you get the chance. "If possible, always take with you more than you think you'll need."

Day 5: Is this place expanding while I'm in here? I can't even tell if I made any progress today! Well no, that's not true. I did fight a few more Pineco and Oddish. I just hope that means I'm on the far side now, and not near town. Got to see the sun again, too. At least briefly before some clouds covered it up. They just appeared so suddenly! Thought for sure I'd have to sprint for cover when the rain started, but then they dissapeared just as quickly. It was so strange! After that scare, I roasted up a nice stew as I settled in for the night. It can't compare to yours, but I was tired of just roasted berries and apples. I think Cassie would be proud of it… in a pinch. Pretty sure I hear a stream flowing in the distance. I think I'll try to hit that tomorrow. That should lead me out of here (fingers crossed).

Day 6: I made a new friend today! I'm actually staying in her room for tonight. It feels so good being indoors again. I went searching for that stream I thought I heard yesterday, and guess what? It finally took me out of this forest! It was nice to see a horizon again, but the good mood didn't last long. I ran into some trouble at the pond it flows into. A family of Poliwag and Poliwhirl weren't very happy to see me there. I wish you guys had had the time to train me against types I'm weak to. I was having a rough go until Jules stepped in and rescued me…