Hello people – Thank you for taking the time to look this way! The first chapter is a bit short (well very) but hopefully more, longer chapters soon! All comments are much appreciated, as this is my first work – but most of all I hope you like it enough to continue.
Chapter 1 – Team dissent
James wriggled out of his sleeping bag as the dawn chorus had aroused him. The smouldering embers of the fire beside him still gave off quite a lot of heat but that was not nearly enough to cook breakfast. Sighing he headed into the forest to get more wood, and to get changed in private. When he returned Jessie had already gotten up and as she was nowhere to be found he presumed that she was also getting ready for the day. Their cat companion who did not share the inconvenience of changing clothes was still asleep in the exact same position as he was before. He kicked him affectionately.
"Wake up you lazy Meowth and help make the fire."
Meowth stretched and got the matches out from a pouch in his tiny sleeping bag. It was still to early for him to think of a retort or bother scratching him, besides throwing insults at each other was an essential part of the team dynamic, almost like a form of affection combined with a way of blowing off steam, and their job certainly generated a lot of steam to blow off.
"What are you cooking?"
Jessie's voice made James turn around as she entered the clearing. He sighed under his breath. She was wearing the pirate outfit again, the one with the blue jacket and black trousers. Lately she'd been actively looking for excuses not to wear her uniform, and James was getting the impression she was ashamed to be part of the team. A glance at Meowth confirmed that he also felt the same.
"Pirate again Jess?" He asked in a disappointed tone.
"Yeah, you guys don't have to be pirates too if you don't want…" she trailed off. She knew James didn't approve, but that wasn't going to stop her.
As she drew closer James looked at her face… she hadn't put any make up on at all, and her hair was tied back into a ponytail, which was totally out of character. He didn't say anything but she knew what he was thinking,
"Pirates aren't supposed to look pretty, plus I'm a male pirate."
"Whatever." He replied nonchalantly, acting as though he didn't care. "But you look pretty anyway" he added under his breath despite the fact he was annoyed with her.
"Kippers are ready!" Meowth's voice broke the tension. "Get the plates lazy human." Meowth kicked James returning the sentiment shared earlier. James obliged and the trio sat down to a rarely luxurious breakfast of stolen kippers and tomatoes, and discussed the plans for the day.
So that's all for now. Is Jessie ashamed to be part of the team or is something deeper going on? When will James find out? Will they get that Pikacha? Will they live to see another day?