My head was reeling as I listlessly packed my bags alone in my room. Clothes, tent, Pokemon supplies, food, medicine… I was on autopilot as I folded things and stuffed my bag full of everything I needed. My Pokeballs swung rhythmically from my hip as I worked. I couldn't help but feel like it had been such a long time since I wore a Pokeball belt, with all six of my Pokemon there. It felt like such a long time since I had been a proper Pokemon trainer. After the events of two years ago, my Pokemon training had taken a back seat. In fact, I can count on one hand how many times I battled or trained with them after I came home from Hoenn. They became my friends again, not tools to complete whatever goal I had, and I let them run free and happy in the discarded dojo that was still joined onto the back of my house, or in Professor Oak's lab.

I found myself thinking about that dojo. It had been boarded up once Dad left, but I had taken it upon myself to reopen it when I realised my Pokemon needed space to run around. It had taken a long time and a lot of hard work, but it had been worth it when my Pokemon managed to get a little freedom away from their Pokeballs. It had been strange, entering there for the first time since I was around twelve or thirteen. Every time I set foot in there, memories of my father resurfaced in me… seeing him in the middle of fierce battles with the other men that trained there, teaching young boys and girls the basics of training with Fighting Pokemon, the uncharacteristic smiles on his face as the responded to his teaching… and the blank looks of disappointment whenever he saw me…

Dad…

Thoughts of his summons to Johto came back to me. Thoughts of what I was about to do filled my mind. Half of me was determined to get to Johto and find out exactly why my father all of a sudden wanted to see me so much, but the other half was telling me to stay home, that it wasn't worth it. It had been one and a half years since the showdown with the criminal organization, and I still hadn't totally come to terms with it. It was like the stuff of kids' books, the kind I'd read as a child. I mean, you've got your villain going about trying to take over the world by capturing Legendary Pokemon, your epic final showdown where the real villain was revealed, an Arceus right out of legend appearing to sort everything out, and a happy ending where the bad guys go to jail and the good guys go home.

"Stop thinking about it, Sienna…" I told myself firmly, closing my bag. "What good will thinking about the past do? Snap out of it."

But I couldn't snap out of it. The mysteriousness of why my father wanted to see me circled around my brain, clawing and demanding my attention. Somehow, I found myself doubting that my father was a "reformed character" like they claimed. I didn't buy it. Yes, he may have come to his senses and seen that being in the criminal organization was a bad idea, but I doubted that even that would have changed the man he is innately. Arrogant, violent and abusive… people don't lose those kinds of traits just like that.

"Sienna?" a voice suddenly snapped me into my senses and I turned around to see my mother standing at the door.

"Mum?" I blinked stupidly.

"Are you packed?"

I cast an eye back at my bulging bag. "More or less."

"The girls and Scott are waiting downstairs for you. Elliot said he'll be back in a few minutes. He's just gone to get some things for the trip."

I nodded, turning away to look at my bag again. "Yeah… I'll be down in a few minutes."

I expected her to leave at that point, but she crossed across to my bed and sat down. She picked up the small, tatty, worn, pink Clefairy plush doll I'd had since I was really little and stroked it for a few seconds. She then looked up at me sympathetically. "Are you okay, darling?"

"I'm fine. I think." I said, with a nod of my head. "I just… I want to go and see him… to get answers, you know? I don't think he's a "reformed character" at all… but still… I want to go and see what he has to say for himself. Besides," I said with a little grin. "It does give me a chance to go Pokemon training again. I haven't done that in so long."

My mum grinned at me before hugging me. "My beautiful girl… be careful, all right?"

"I will be, mum." I said, suddenly struggling to keep composed. "Well, look on the bright side… at least I know what I'm chasing after this time around!"

"Cheeky!" Mum batted at me with her hand. "I had to do what I did! It's not my fault you've always been a stubborn, determined little sod and just had to follow me!"

"Well, I wonder where I got that from!" I replied with a grin.

"Hmm…" Mum said, crossing her arms and shaking her head fondly. She then let out a sad sigh. "I'm sorry sweetie. Some birthday that day was, eh? In fact, some birthday this is!"

"I know!" I managed to grin, even though I found the situation incredibly annoying. I mean, two birthdays from the last three years ruined? "I think I must be cursed when it comes to birthdays!"

"You must be," she said bitterly.

It looked like she was about to say something else, but the sound of a door banging and someone shouting "Hello? Just me!" interrupted us. I recognised the voice immediately. That voice, even after two years, still made my heart flutter and made me weak at the knees even in the most unbecoming, bizarre or inappropriate situations. A little grin spread across my face despite myself. "That's Elliot back. We should probably go."

Mum visibly deflated. She set down my Clefairy doll on the dresser and stood up sadly. "Okay, darling…" she said with a sigh.

I shouldered my bag, double-checking I had everything. I made sure I had all six Pokeballs present and accounted for, swinging from my hips, before I eventually let myself breathe out. Satisfied, and mostly prepared, I left my room, closing the door behind me. Mum and I descended the stairs and entered the kitchen again. There, we found Elliot, Nikki, Jasmine and Scott, all shouldering bags, patiently waiting. As I jumped down from the last step, everyone broke into reassuring smiles, apart from Scott.

"Hey," Elliot said as I joined the group. "You good?"

"More or less." I smiled back.

"You contacted your school in Viridian?"

"Yeah, I've put in a leave of absence." I explained. "For two weeks. I mean, it shouldn't take us any more than a week or two, I would imagine."

"Mmm…" Elliot nodded in agreement.

As I was about to ask a question, Mum suddenly interjected. "How are you all getting to Johto?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but found that I didn't even know. I didn't even have the faintest clue. I knew Johto was a whole other region, but how to get there was beyond me. I cast blank looks in everyone else's directions, but they returned them, obviously as clueless as me. Well, apart from one person. To my intense surprise, Jasmine stepped forward, grinning.

"We're taking the SS Anne." She announced with a wicked smile. "Called in a favour to my Dad and he got us some tickets. They'll be waiting for us in Vermillion City."

This was all news to us and a collective gasp issued all around the room. The SS Anne was a luxury cruise ship that was normally reserved for travelling aristocracy. Tickets cost at least three or four times a regular ferry ticket would cost. I looked at Jasmine, stunned. How on earth had she done that? And so quickly too? And what the hell kind of contacts did her father have?

"The SS Anne!" Mum cried in shock, making sure she had heard right. "The luxury liner? That does trips to Johto now?"

"Yep!" Jasmine said with a grin. "My dad used to work with the guy that owns the ship! In fact, my dad helped out the guy with financial troubles and now he can get tickets any time he likes, free of charge! So, I called him up and got him to arrange five tickets!"

I was vaguely aware my mouth was hanging open, but I was past caring. "What kind of person is your dad that he can give financial help to the owner of a cruise liner!"

Jasmine shrugged. "He's some kind of banker… I think. I don't know, he doesn't talk about his work much."

"So… your family… is really rich, then?" Scott said in surprise.

Jasmine looked at him oddly. "Well yeah..." she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "You're telling me you guys didn't know this?"

We all shook our heads. "Jasmine, I'm pretty sure if you mentioned you were from a rich family, we would have remembered that!" I said, astounded.

"Come on, guys. Think about it? How could a rookie trainer who never set foot outside Kanto end up with a Marill, a Cyndaquil and a Skitty in their team?

"Ohhh…" I said, finally starting to understand. "Daddy bought them?"

Jasmine nodded. "Dad bought them for me after I got Heather. Rather reluctantly, I have to admit… he didn't want me to be a Pokemon trainer. He and Mum wanted me to be a refined lady who married into money, or a businesswoman."

"I could never picture you as a refined woman. Or a businesswoman." I said truthfully, looking at Jasmine. Yeah, sure, she was a pretty girl and to an unknowing eye you would think she was all shy and delicate, like Nikki. But anyone who knew her knew she was fiery and hot-headed with brute strength that could rival a Machoke.

"I know," Jasmine said. "So, I badgered Dad until he gave in. I mean, in all honesty, I wasn't even that interested in training and Pokemon to begin with. I just wanted to get out of that house."

"Wow…" I found myself saying in awe. I found it horribly strange that I had known Jasmine for almost two years now and I had no idea that she came from such a rich family! It was pretty amazing. I stood there for a few moments in awe, hardly able to contemplate this. I guess it did make sense… I had found it strange the first time I met Jasmine that she had three Pokemon that lived in other regions when she confessed she had never been out of Kanto! It also explained how much clothes she had…

"So… yeah!" Jasmine's voice cut through my thoughts again. "Dad's mailed the tickets to Vermillion Pokemon Centre for us. It leaves Vermillion port in four days and it'll take us straight to Olivine City."

"Awesome," Scott said with a grin. "That's real luxury! Almost makes up for having to travel with you guys…" he added, darkly this time.

While Elliot, Nikki and Scott celebrated at the thought of the free ride on such a luxury liner, I found myself praying to every God in existence that the crossing would be smooth, or at the very least the liner would be so big I wouldn't notice we were even travelling on water. Mum cast me a knowing look, understanding all too well my ever-present fear of water and distaste of boats. I sighed, deciding to keep my mouth shut. It was good of Jasmine's dad to get us tickets. I made a mental note to thank the man if I ever got the pleasure (?) of meeting him.

"Hey guys," Elliot cut in, passing a glance over the afternoon sun glowing weakly in the powder blue sky. "We should probably get going if we want to be in Pewter City by tonight. If does get dark pretty early now…"

At Elliot's words, I suddenly realised it would probably be a good idea to get a move on. Even though it was Spring and the days were beginning to stretch, the end of the day still had a nasty habit of creeping up on you unexpectedly like a thief in the night. And those nights were often bitterly cold and merciless... I wasn't entirely keen on having to camp out in those freezing temperatures. It made me wonder how I had dealt with it two years ago…

I pushed those thoughts from my mind. What was the point of thinking about the past now? I had to look to the future, no matter how strange and bizarre it may feel. A sense of anticipation clawed at me as I looked around my travelling companions.

"Come on guys. Elliot's right. We should go."

Everyone voice their agreement, and as we moved towards the door, my mother's voice cut in, making me hang back.

"Be careful, all of you." Mum warned, casting her experienced eyes over each one of us in turn. "Call me when you're in Vermillion. And again when you reach Johto. And when you see—"

"I know, I know," I cut in with a grin. "I will, Mum, I promise."

"Good," she said, giving me a hug. "Good luck everyone."

"Thanks Ms. Volbeda!" Elliot, Nikki and Jasmine chorused whilst Scott just muttered to himself.

"Look after each other and keep each other safe," Mum said firmly. She then looked straight at Elliot. "And don't you let anything happen to my baby girl, Elliot!"

"I won't, Ms. Volbeda, I promise." Elliot said with a good-natured grin whilst I cringed.

"Good. Cos if you do, I'll never let you marry her!"

"MUM!" I hissed, mortified, blushing bright red while Elliot spluttered, completely unsure of how to take that. Next to us, Jasmine, Nikki and Scott roared with laughter. "It's… it's a bit early to be thinking about that!" I insisted, feeling my face turn an attractive shade of beetroot…

Mum grinned with a cheeky sparkle in her eye. "If you say so. All right, go on. Be safe!"

"We will!" I promised, as we began to walk away. "See you soon!"

"Bye, darling!"

Elliot's hand took mine as we walked, and I grinned up to him. He was still blushing cutely from the marriage jibe my mother had come out with. Next to me, Nikki and Jasmine swooped in, and joining us right at the end came Scott. I felt strangely calm as we walked through Pallet Town. The watery April sun was shining down on us, a rare good day in the beginning of spring. My friends and I walked step in step as we crossed the green grassy knolls dotted with houses, of Pallet Town, the cool air tickled my face and long hair, and the giggles of my friends as they saw cute Pokemon rang in my ears. I felt strangely calm and serene, like the five of us were just going for a relaxing walk. It was like I hadn't quite realised what I was doing just yet…

"Dad…" I found myself thinking as we walked. My mind raced ahead to what was waiting for me in Johto. Dad was in Goldenrod City in a dojo he had just set up and had requested to see me. When I thought about it, it confused me greatly. I couldn't help but wonder why. Why he wanted to see me. "What do you want of me…?" I thought, staring up at the sky, as if it held the answer to all my questions.

"Sienna?" A voice cut through my thoughts. "Are you okay?"

I looked up at Elliot and smiled. "Yeah… yeah, I'm good. Honestly. I'm just thinking."

"Don't hurt yourself," Elliot grinned with a cheeky wink, planting a kiss on my forehead, making Scott murmur in disgust.

I batted him away, but grinning all the same. For a few moments, our party continued in silence. We walked the path out of Pallet Town, passing clusters of houses as we went. Little kids darted in and out of our feet, waving toy Pokeballs and carting around Pokemon plushies. I smiled at them. They looked so carefree and happy, their childish and innocent view of Pokemon still intact. I prayed they'd never see Pokemon used in the way I'd seen them… nothing more as tools for evil men to do their bidding…

My thoughts turned back to my father. He had done that. He had used Pokemon as nothing more than tools to do his bidding. He was a horrible man… so why was I doing this? Why was I going to Goldenrod to see him? And even more pressing, why did he want to see me?

"I can't believe this…" I found myself saying, to no-one in particular. "Going to Johto like this… I can't think what my Dad wants me for."

Nikki and Jasmine just gave me blank looks. They didn't know any more than I did. But they flashed me comforting smiles and I felt a little better. Scott, as I expected, said nothing. Then I felt a reassuring squeeze to my hand courtesy of Elliot. He pulled me closer and wrapped his arm around me, so I was nestled safely underneath his shoulder. "It'll be okay." He told me gently

I found his words made me feel instantly calmer and more at ease. That boy always knew what to say and do to make me feel better. I felt secure being with him, like nothing bad could ever happen to me. I squeezed his hand back. "I'll trust you," I said with a grin.

I looked forward into the horizon as we left the tiny town of Pallet behind. We were no longer strolling amongst people and houses, but walking across lush green plains. Tall grasses concealing all manner of Pokemon were springing up all over the place, telling us we were no longer protected by the safety of that little town. I could hear the familiar cries of Pidgey, Spearow and Rattata all around me. Typical Pokemon that rookies caught. Even as I thought that, I saw two young boys suddenly appeared from nowhere, brandishing Pokeballs. I watched in fascination as we walked past as one of the boys sent out a Squirtle to do battle with a Pidgey. The Pidgey fell victim to a surprisingly strong Tackle attack, and then the boy chucked a Pokeball at the dazed bird. The Pokeball closed around the Pidgey, and then quickly became motionless. A capture! The boy cheered with happiness at his success! He had caught his first Pokemon! I smiled at his cheerful, childish, enthusiastic happiness. It was so raw and innocent… I felt like I could watch it for hours.

I forced myself to keep moving. As I walked, a thought struck me. I found it bizarre to think that two years ago, I had left Pallet Town exactly like those boys. A total rookie, completely naïve to what a Pokemon journey would bring to me.

As I stared ahead I could already see the tips of Viridian Forest far off in the distance. I wondered what else lay ahead of me. I felt like a rookie trainer again, with no idea what would happen to me on my journey with Pokemon. I could only hope it wouldn't be as dramatic or as complicated as the last one. But I got the feeling that was only wishful thinking. A strange feeling washed over me as we continued. This was it. This was the start of something big. I knew it. Don't ask me how I knew it, I just did.

I struggled to compose myself, my head swimming with these bizarre thoughts. I pushed them away forcefully. I couldn't let myself jump to conclusions or get too ahead of myself. I had to focus on getting to Johto safely before I started to think about what awaited me there… I let out a sigh, releasing my pent up agitation.

"Johto… here I come."

Author's Note

It's the 10th July! That means that one year ago today, I published the first chapter of Spirited! A year later, I never expected to have such a dedicated number of fans and I especially didn't expect to be publishing a sequel! Thank you all so, so much.

I couldn't believe the number of reviews I got for the Prologue. Thirteen! Amazing! Thank you all!

A couple of things first!

Looks like Sienna is winning on the popularity poll! Anyone who still hasn't voted, please put in a vote!

Also, I was thinking of publishing Spirited to my DeviantART. What do you guys think? I mean, look at the success publishing to DeviantART brought Digital Skitty... Should I expand into further territories?

I also have a chapter of an original fiction called "Artist's Hands" I'm thinking of publishing to Fictionpress. Thoughts?

Is there any requests for chapter ideas for A Spirited Extension? I'm gonna do Meloi's backstory, then Monty's. Any other ideas?

ArchXDeath: Haha! Here is the next chapter, submitted AFTER the prologue, as requested!

Something dictonairy related: Unfortunately not the first review, but thank you very much all the same! I'm glad you liked the intro!

eeveelutionluvr: Heh heh. I'm afraid you're gonna have to wait and find out to see what happens to Cal. :( Let's hope this one gets even a fraction of the success as Spirited!

StarlaMay: I was trying to go for more dark and twisted, so I'm happy you picked up on that!

Hikaru-Pichu: No, the world is definitely not all happy endings as we'd like to think. That's kind of what I'm going for in the sequel.

WildCroconaw: I hope I can do my best to deliever a good story for you!

Sniper Mudkip: Ahh, that's fair enough if you preferred the first one. Sienna's voice and attitudes have changed since Spirited, especially as she's older. It's also different cos she's using the Prologue to kind of sum up the whole story, so she's got the benefit of hindsight. Weird how my prologues are like endings and my epilogues are like beginnings...

Splashstorm: Hee hee! Thank you! I love your reviews, please keep them coming!

Chaison: Hee hee! Thank you!

Manser77: Thank you! :)

Annabelle the raikou: Thank you! I hope I can do a good job! Also I'm happy you liked the introduction!

TwewyReaperGirl: Thank you! I'll do my best!

May and Dawn are the best: Johto is one of my favourite reasons too! :) Thank you very much!

Wow... long author's note.

Please R&R! :)