My Great Big Adventure

I wish I could burn my contract. I seriously want to get my hands on that paper… that sole piece of paper that is controlling my life.

I mean, how ridiculous? I was at Pokestar Studios for almost a month!

And why? Because of my stupid contract with them that I didn't even mean to sign!

I'm contracted for one movie a month, but I was called in early for the February shooting. Apparently my costar, some hot-shot gym leader from Kanto, had to reschedule, so now we had to shoot the movie early. But then, she changes her mind or something, and we have to wait. You would think I could just get that part of January back, right? WRONG. Instead, I get forced into co-hosting a tv show for a week to cover for Nancy. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and all, but her friggin co-host? I can't even write about him right now, he makes me so... I can't even describe it.

So, about what happened with the Team Plasma house...

Hugh and I followed the man inside. The main room was fairly large; several people (ex Plasma?) were mulling about, caring for various different Pokemon. A shelter for homeless Pokemon, run by reformed gang members. How quaint.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the man said, smoothing his robe. "My name is Rood—"

"You're one of Team Plasma's top members," Hugh scowled. He glanced around furiously. "More stolen Pokemon, I see… You filthy criminals!"

"Hugh!" I snapped at him. He was getting ahead of himself again, as he always did when it came to Team Plasma. Even if these people WERE still evil, the last I wanted to do was anger them.

"You are a rude boy, but you are correct… I used to be one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma," Rood replied, studying my rival carefully. "Everyone here is a former member. Because of what happened two years ago… Well, after the rest of the team went 'underground' some of us realized our mistakes. We began caring for Pokemon that had been separated from their trainers. We even try to locate them if we have any information to go on."

Rood sounded sincere, but I could tell from the look on his face that Hugh wasn't buying any of it. I tentatively took his hand in mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He didn't relax in the slightest.

"We are trying to atone for our misdeeds," Rood continued. Then, addressing Hugh specifically, he asked, "And you are…?"

He pushed my hand away and puffed up his chest. "I'm Hugh, from Aspertia City! Five years ago, Team Plasma— I mean YOU— stole my little sister's Pokemon!" He ground his teeth. "What did you say… oh right, that you've been 'caring for Pokemon that had been separated from their owners…'" His eyes were burning. "'Separated?' Bullshit!" he spat loudly, drawing the attention of everyone else in the room. I pressed myself against a wall, embarrassed.

"YOU were the scum who STOLE those Pokemon," Hugh growled, his voice coated with venom. "Don't call it anything else."

Rood was obviously uncomfortable. "Is that so… My sincerest apologies—"

But Hugh shoved him out of the way. "Save the crap for someone who will believe it. Where's my sister's Pokemon, then? Purrloin! Where's Purrloin?!"

He was beginning to scare me. Hugh had never gone this far; he looked as if he might jump the old man any minute. Rood was still uncomfortable, though now I could see it was due more to Hugh's behavior than the conversation topic.

"The Pokemon you speak of is not in this place," he explained, his voice trying to stay strong. "It could be with other Plasma reformers, or possibly it escaped on its own. Although my apologies aren't worth much, one cannot move forward without—"

"Or maybe you're still using it," Hugh interrupted, completely disgusted. "Apologizing won't bring back my sister's Purrloin."

He turned to me suddenly, and I couldn't help flinching. Hugh had never given me such a look. Hatred, repulsion, anger… My knees felt weak and I had to steady myself against a bookshelf.

"I'm going to the gym," he barked at me, stalking off towards the door. "I'll get stronger and crush every single member of Team Plasma!" The door slammed closed behind him with such a force that the walls shook.