Absolute darkness.
Where there was once sunlight and the crashing of waves with the promise of collecting powerful, interesting, and even cute monsters to assist with world domination, nothingness. Open eyes revealed suffocating water in the place of anything else, no promise of up or down. Where was Meowth? Where was Jessie? James sputtered, thoughts of his struggles to please others and succeed at various tasks coming up in the current panic. He was drowning - figuratively in his thoughts, but also literally this time.
He didn't want to accept that, and didn't have to as a pair of arms wrapped around him. Was it an angel? No, it was something much more concrete - the figure that had reappeared several times and now been by his side for quite a while at this point. Memories of both the fun and continued struggles experienced together passed through his mind. Her presence was not only wanted, but irreplaceable. Everything was so much less heavy with her. Feeling almost weightless as he was dragged along, James also found a sense of safety and even warmth. He was going to be alright this time too, wasn't he?
His partner pulled him to the surface yet again. After taking a much needed breath, they went underneath the waves, repeating the trip up and down before their feet hit the surface at the same time as their head was above water. Though there was some additional difficulty, they eventually found themselves closer to the actual shore. James only noticed Jessie had been holding onto him the whole time when she let go. Heavy steps took her through the receding waves to the shore.
James followed, sitting by her on the sand as they took labored, careful breaths. "Jessie, you saved me from certain doom!" James declared with more than a little emotion.
"Yeah, yeah, sure." Jessie began to wring her hair out. She glanced toward the cliff in the distance. "I just had to remind you of the basics, like which way was up. You don't think you would have remembered it on your own without me?"
"No. I truly thought I'd die!" James continued. He crawled over, bringing himself within Jessie's gaze once she turned back. He grabbed her hand with his own, squeezing it. "My life flashed before my eyes. I saw everything from before. It came into focus all at once."
Sitting with mere inches between their faces, Jessie met his gaze, the crease around her eyes giving away hints of concern that her dismissive words had previously covered up. "What did you see?" Jessie asked with a sigh.
"I saw you," James said.
Jessie chortled. "I was actually there, James."
"No. I mean I saw you in a different light." As Jessie's eyes flittered back and met his, James smiled, squeezing her hand again. His heart started to beat faster given her attention. An overwhelming sense of warmness was felt toward his partner in the current moment. He let go of one hand, reaching forward and running his hand through her wet hair. He picked out a piece of the seaweed that had embedded in it, then briefly laughed, unable to hold back his joy. Her disheveled state was contrary to her typical manicured appearance, but didn't at all detract from her natural beauty, nor everything he meant to her. How could he express how he felt?
James decided to try his best to share. "In my life, I've often just felt the need to run... From so many things," he began. Taking a slow breath, he decided there was no need to dwell too much on any unpleasant details and detract from the passion felt in the current moment. He continued, "But when it comes to you, it's the opposite. I find myself attracted to you. You're the one I'd run to - I see you as an irreplaceable part of my life."
James reached forward and hugged Jessie, finding her returning the gesture as she often had before. Tears formed in his eyes at the emotion of realizing what he had with her. Having someone accept and enjoy this physical closeness was something he wanted, but that was just the icing. "Being with you is the realest I've ever felt. I can be myself around you. Even if our escapades haven't been perfect, I also enjoy how you've naturally cared for me. I want to do the same for you. I want to give you everything I can," James continued with his outpouring of affection.
"James." Jessie sat with her eyebrows raised, staring straight at him as they both sat, legs folded, facing each other. She eventually glanced away.
The sounds of waves crashing filled the lull. Some curious wiglett may have stretched their long, white bodies out from the beach sand to peek at the strange creatures that had washed ashore, but James's attention remained steadfast - completely focused on his partner. He took her hands and leaned forward as he continued, "I just adore you and treasure the time we've had together, Jessie." James reached forward, raising one hand and running it down the side of her face before nudging her chin up. He smiled at her. "I don't just want us to be partners in Team Rocket. I want our partnership to transcend even that."
Jessie peered back when given his prodding. "I had no idea you felt this way, James," she said. "Do you mean it?"
"There's nothing I've ever meant more!" James declared, gripping Jessie's hand even tighter.
"I have noticed that you are quite handsome," Jessie admitted.
James swept his semi-damp hair away from his eyes with a smile. "As I'd have to be. I should hope my appearance is immaculate enough to stand beside someone as gorgeous as you when we introduce ourselves with our motto."
Jessie smirked at his compliment, her eyes briefly looking down before back at him with confidence. "I've liked having you around as well," she said. As James gasped at her words and inched closer, she beamed at his reaction. "I honestly never thought you'd be saying these kind of things to me, but I'm glad to hear them. I might say I like you as well." Jessie closed her eyes with satisfaction as she admitted this.
James let out a cry expressing both his relief and elation at hearing Jessie's positive regard. "Jessie!" He grabbed her other hand again, lifting both to his face.
"James." Hearing his partner say his name, James opened his eyes and sat up, staring back at her. Despite that they'd just been washed up on shore like random debris and were currently in a series of seemingly endless failures, he couldn't imagine a time he'd felt better. Things just seemed absolutely perfect-
-until Jessie put her hands on the sand nearby and leaned forward, eyes closed, obviously initiating a kiss.
Startled, James leaned back. Jessie faltered as he did so. He blinked several times as she opened her eyes and met his gaze, but didn't say anything. Jessie instead furrowed her brow. "James?" she said.
His name wasn't a complete question, so James wasn't sure what to say. Kissing was something he hadn't thought of, and honestly seemed so strange. Sure, they'd hugged and otherwise gotten close, but wouldn't kissing mouth to mouth be out of place at this point? But thinking back, most people may find such an action to be the obvious next step.
"You're feeling sick or something." Now Jessie wasn't even asking as she scowled. She pursed her lips before looking back at him, seemingly trying to be patient.
"That was... I mean, there's no need to rush into that," James said.
Jessie gave the slightest shrug, almost rolling her eyes. "I guess you're right," she said, unable to hide her terse tone.
Seeing the person he held such affection for change her mood so suddenly, James desperately wanted to say something to repair things. "I mean... There's nothing wrong with it... But that can wait... Until those feelings develop," he rambled, speaking quickly as he tried. The idea of being in an even closer relationship with Jessie was incredibly appealing, but doing those things didn't seem right quite yet, as it never did for him. Did it for her? James felt all kinds of mixed feelings as he tried to grasp the idea.
Before he could properly process what was going on, Jessie leaned away from him before getting up. "So what was everything you were just saying all about?" she asked, her voice definitely turning cold now.
"Jessie, it's not... Well-"
Jessie waved her hand dismissively. "Enough. You can go and wait until you figure out the right feelings in your empty head before you say any more stupid things."
James's mouth opened in shock at the harsh statement. Why did they have to wait for anything else to feel excited about what they had? James thought it was all wonderful in itself. He wanted to clarify and assure Jessie before the thought of everything he had to wait for stopped him. He didn't manage to think of anything to say, but that didn't matter much as two familiar figures ran up to them. "Hey, you two are okay!" Meowth exclaimed as it came into view, a familiar blue pokemon beside it. "We thought we might have seen the last of you!"
"Wobbuffet!" the other pokemon agreed.
Jessie laughed with exaggeration. James realized he was still sitting on the ground and tried to stand, but tripped instead. Jessie put a hand on her hip as she smirked down at him. "Up is the other way, James," she said, then turned to Meowth and Wobbuffet. "Look at that - This empty-headed dolt doesn't know something so basic. Watch out if you talk to him. All that ocean water knocking around the rocks in his head might have him saying who knows what to you without really meaning it."
James remained on the sand, his chest starting to hurt. Things he didn't mean? Everything he'd just said to her was all that he really meant. His lip trembled but instead of pouting into the sand he stood up. "Jessie, I-"
Jessie let out a noise of frustration as she held up her hand. "We're fine, James. Just watch your mouth from now on. Go ahead and wait for whatever it is you're waiting for."
"But-" James began.
"Clean yourself up before you say any more!" Jessie said, pointing at his chest.
James looked down, seeing sand sticking all over the front of his uniform. He hurriedly brushed it off. He really was a mess in more ways than one.
"Figure yourself out, too..." Jessie muttered.
"Some kind of fight?" Meowth suggested, glancing to Wobbuffet.
"Wobbuffet?" Wobbuffet looked back at the other pokemon, echoing confusion.
"It's nothing," Jessie snapped.
Meowth and Wobbuffet both stood up straighter as she spoke. "Uh, we found those kids and Pikachu when we got on shore," Meowth said.
"Good. Let's go," Jessie said.
James swallowed down what he'd been wanting to express as he followed Jessie who was already following Meowth and Wobbuffet, leaving him at the end of the line. With no one paying him any attention, he glanced to the ground again in his melancholy. Even having the urge to speak more, he stayed quiet. What he'd said just then had been wrong somehow even though he thought he'd been honest. Had he been inadvertently lying? Maybe he had, though unintentionally.
Blinking back tears, James bumped into Jessie. "What's with you!" she shouted, pushing him back.
Even though it was a light action to get him out of her space, James found himself feeling all the more hurt. He rubbed his shoulder, trying to think of a quip before Meowth hopped on his head. "Shh! There they are!" The rockets ducked down into the foliage.
The big twerp spoke forcefully. "You don't understand. I need to go there now," he asserted.
The girl of the group tried to block her older friend. "Oh no you don't. Listen-"
"No, you listen! I need to find that beautiful woman! I know she's my match... I'm just completely sure... I have to find her!" the older kid continued.
"How do you even know she'll still be up there if you run over? If it wasn't just a mirage you made up in your head..." The girl sighed with exaggeration.
James remained still, listening carefully as the conversation continued. This love stuck kid was maybe a decade younger than James, yet seemed to be light years ahead in some ways. Why couldn't James himself have that right feeling that a younger guy easily expressed and presumably experienced? And so often? If things in James's mind could be so clear and he could be so confident, the scene with Jessie would have ended much better. James glanced to Jessie. Despite currently being as disheveled as him, she was still dripping with sex appeal in a way that was obvious to anyone. So why weren't things different? James turned away, not feeling like interacting.
While spying, the rockets quickly parsed from continued conversation that the kid would probably be at the festival later. In the confusion of the festivities they'd have a good chance to nab his pikachu. After figuring out the plan, they took care of themselves. There were some public showers near the beach. Though he'd often just cleaned up with Jessie, the two of them helping each other with their beauty routines with careful attention, James freshened up on his own after showering.
"So he shows up," Jessie groused once James met up with her and Meowth in front of the dock.
"Jessie, I, well..." James fidgeted, touching the back of his head. He glanced back at Jessie and felt lighter seeing that her expression had softened. She peered his way as if she really wanted to talk to him, though also looked away as if she weren't interested. James relaxed, knowing this was her way of buffering her feelings as to not reveal too much. He lightly stroked her forearm. "Jessie... About before..."
Jessie shrugged. "There wasn't anything to it."
"There really was," James said.
"Well, if you want to go and mull about things until you decide there's anything that's worth it, fine," Jessie said.
Meowth and Wobbuffet leaned forward curiously. "What's that? James spotted some kind of rare pokemon? Or what?" Meowth asked.
"Hmph." Jessie pulled out a compact mirror, admiring her appearance. "If we're waiting for James to realize he's spotted something valuable, we'll be waiting a very long time."
James's face turned hot. He'd already realized he'd faltered when it came to reacting to Jessie's interest, but he was getting tired of hearing her snipes at him as well. "No, Meowth," he said, speaking louder. "There's no rare pokemon around here. Nor is there anything else of value. Trust me, I have a discerning eye."
James turned away from Jessie, frowning himself. Wobbuffet floated toward Jessie before back at James. "Oh, too bad," Meowth said, not noticing the tension itself. "We need some funds right now. They're setting up a festival nearby. Maybe we can pick up some change."
"You want us to panhandle?" Jessie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Team Rocket never begs!" Meowth declared, taking long, careful strides with a smug expression. "If we want something, we've got our own ways of getting it!" It then smiled, being sure to show all of its teeth.
"I found a 5 pokedollar coin!" James shrieked with excitement as he stood up from crawling around the festival path.
"We're gonna need way more than that," Meowth muttered. "Wonder if Jessie and the blue guy had any more luck."
"Excuse me," a woman wearing a robe and hakama came into view.
James stood up right away, nodding to her politely. She held out her hand. He looked at the coin before back at her. "Would you like a reading?" she asked.
Not really was James's first reaction. Something referred to as a 'reading' was just a generic thing that rarely had any relevancy to him. Yet instead of speaking this sentiment, James found himself handing the priestess the coin without thinking about it. "Hey!" Meowth protested.
She snatched the offering. After flipping it over as if considering the authenticity, she put it away and looked back at James, raising an eyebrow. "Your immediate future includes back luck," she said.
James grunted and fell to the ground. Even not expecting to hear anything helpful, this outright negativity hadn't been expected. "I guess you want more than that to make it better!" Meowth said as it hopped between James and his doomsayer.
"Donations are always appreciated," the priestess replied without missing a beat.
"Well we got nothing else, so scram!" Meowth ordered.
The priestess instead took a step toward James as he rose from his ground observation angle. James tried to ignore her, but she kept speaking. "Beware a woman that will be the beacon to your misfortune," she said.
James turned back, narrowing his eyes at the diviner. "I don't need anyone to tell me that," he declared, then pouting at the memory of his recent interaction with Jessie. Why couldn't he have kept up that initial high feeling, for both himself and her? It was so frustrating! There was never any point in time he had the capability to give anyone that kind of fulfillment. That by itself was disappointing, but of course, this time he'd actually wanted to. James clenched his fist and stared at the ground, scowling as thought about the entire situation. "I've already fallen into misfortune with a woman," James bemoaned his current state aloud.
"I wonder just who you're referring to."
"Wobbuffet!"
James turned, seeing Jessie and her loyal pokemon had arrived to meet up with them as planned. Jessie folded her arms, taking careful steps toward James and Meowth while drumming her fingers on her elbow.
James glanced away, deciding not to respond. He noticed the priestess had moved on. Meowth hopped forward and addressed Jessie instead. "Did you get any cash?" it asked.
"Not really. I see you and James didn't do much better," Jessie said.
"James found one measly coin and wasted it right away," Meowth informed.
"Hmph. Sounds like him," Jessie said.
James started walking ahead. Instead of observing the ground, he found himself looking up. He noted the jinja up ahead and wondered if the priestess that had just solicited him was affiliated with that specific shrine. He absent-mindedly glanced toward where she'd been before back at the jinja. He then stopped, focusing his eyes completely on the person he hadn't seen before.
Beside the jinja stood a young woman with long, flowing hair adorned in flowers. She stared out at the ocean casually with a quiet, mysterious smile on her face. James found himself smiling widely at the mere sight of her. She was certainly a beauty, but his response to her appearance went beyond that. His heart raced and his face flushed. A pleasant feeling buzzed and he felt warm all over.
There was just a moment of that wonderful feeling before Jessie smacked right into him. "Hey!" she said, taking a step back.
"Why are you just standing there?" Meowth asked.
"It's finally happened," James said. He looked back toward where the woman had been, his eyes darting around quickly to try and spot her again.
"What, you find some way to get us a pile of cash?" Meowth asked.
James hardly paid attention. He had an immense urge to find that woman, engage in conversation, and then do many, many other things. He went toward where she'd been, not stopping until he was on the edge of that cliffside and staring toward the water. He even bothered to look down, though she certainly wouldn't be that way.
Jessie caught up with him first. "What's with you?" she demanded.
Meowth and Wobbuffet soon made it over themselves. "He must have spotted us a mega prize of a pokemon to nab!" Meowth said, raising its arms in enthusiasm.
"Hmph. Not quite, Meowth." James took out a rose he'd kept hidden and prepared as a prop for their motto. He smelled it before extending it out to the area where he'd seen the alluring stranger. "I believe I've spotted something much more valuable than that. An overwhelming outpouring of passion that goes far beyond any sort of monetary value. I've finally grasped true love."
James smiled serenely as he recalled that feeling he'd had just from looking at the beautiful woman from afar. Seeing her up close - talking to her - focusing everything on each other - getting even closer to her than that - just the thought of continuing things from there expounded those feelings beyond even that moment.
At long last, this had to truly be the 'right' feelings. The ones he'd never had for Jessie, despite all the passion he certainly did have for their bond. Now James had finally figured things out and wouldn't burden Jessie any more by pretending or misunderstanding. He understood very well now what he'd been told to figure out. This was the draw and overall alluring sentiment he'd been waiting for. Finally, no one could deny his feelings were true - least of all himself.
Next to James, Meowth raised one eyebrow, glancing from Wobbuffet to Jessie and back again. "Wobba..." Wobbuffet called quietly, turning away from James's outburst.
Jessie rolled her eyes, grabbing James's sleeve as she also turned away. "Come on, James. We've got work to do."
"Jessie?" James turned just to see Jessie scowling and facing away from him. She didn't even look his way as she tried to drag him off. Of course, she only cared about their job and what they needed to get done. That's why she'd dismissed him after turning over the idea of his affections like a toy. Though there had been something necessary missing, so who could blame her. But now he'd found it. James pulled away. "She must be around here. I have to find her," he declared.
While he was looking around for the woman that had caught his attention, Jessie grabbed him by the ear and pulled him away.
"There's our Pikachu!" Meowth pointed its claw in a general direction. The rockets turned, seeing the group of kids at a festival stand ordering food. The younger two were taking the container while the older one was looking around. Pikachu remained perched on its trainer's shoulder.
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet muttered in a whisper. It put its arm to its head, squinting its eyes even more toward their targets.
Jessie and James crept behind the two pokemon, staying out of the kids' sight the best they could as they got closer. By the time they were close enough to hear the conversation, the kids were sitting down with their lunch, though the older one wasn't eating at all. "I can find her, I know it," he said, his eyes still darting around. The rockets found a hiding place behind festival props as his attention seemed to move their way, but he didn't seem to notice them as he stood up and faced the other way. He suddenly pointed. "There! There she is!" The kid ran off, his friends following him.
James picked himself up as well. "Hey," Jessie said as he brushed by her.
"We've gotta stay under cover!" Meowth warned.
Feeling drawn by something else, James didn't respond to either of them or even pay attention to what his companions were doing. Walking over, he gasped at the sight of the figure on the banner.
It wasn't a photograph but some kind of artistic interpretation. Even so, James's heart raced at the sight. There were two depictions, one of the mysterious woman up close, her beautiful face staring beyond the viewer. The second had her figure staring out at the ocean while standing upon a cliffside. He glanced back toward where the jinja was, wondering if that was the setting of the drawing. Of course, even if so that didn't mean she was there, but he still found himself wanting to go there again to check.
The kid was the one to take the initiative to ask. "Who is she?!" Brock demanded, grabbing at the banner.
The owner of the stand pursed his lips in surprise as Brock gripped the banner firmly, staring closely at the details. "Brock..." Misty said, sighing to herself. "Hey, wait-" she began as she saw James walk up behind him, also paying close attention to the unlabeled banner.
"Ah, so you've been caught up as well," the owner said with a smirk. "Many come searching for that one, once a year during-"
"So you know her!" Brock exclaimed, finally dropping the banner as he almost instantly appeared next to the man.
The man shrugged. "She's a legend in this area."
"Please, please," Brock grabbed the man's sleeve as he begged. "You have to tell me where to find her!"
The man pulled his sleeve away before he spoke. "She's quite elusive. You'll see her by the jinja up there some nights. But I would-"
Brock turned and left before the man could finish. His friends followed, calling after him.
Jessie, Meowth, and Wobbuffet approached James, who was still staring at the banner. Meowth hopped and spoke up, "There they go! Luckily this distracted from you blowing our cover, Jim. Now, I bet up there will have less people to object to Team Rocket. Let's-"
"I've found something much more important than any rare, powerful pokemon, Meowth," James informed, again taking out his rose for effect.
"What could be more important than that?" Meowth asked.
"Wobbuffet?"
"I have something of my own to pursue." With his eyes closed and his face in his rose, James took a step away. Opening them, he found Jessie in front of him, arms folded.
"What a rush you're in, James," Jessie said, narrowing her eyes.
Again, he was disrupting the flow of their scheme. But maybe he didn't especially care about that at the moment. He'd thought he'd found something valuable with Jessie just to find out that there was something lacking there instead. But now he wasn't lacking, was he? "I'm off to find that awaiting gem. Excuse me, if you will," he said coolly. Since Jessie didn't move, he side-stepped her, on his way to the promise that awaited.
"It's Team Rocket!" Misty announced the obvious, annoyingly enough before James and Jessie could announce themselves with their spirited, glorious motto. Of course, James wasn't feeling especially enthusiastic about his partnership with Jessie at the moment, so perhaps that was for the better. Pikachu and its trainer glanced James's way, but they were interrupted by a shout from Brock inside the jinja. Ash and Misty ended up running in to see what the ruckus was. James followed. His fellows had caught up, but he paid them no mind as he entered the building.
Brock was in front of a much larger painting of the woman they'd met before. It appeared to be the original version of the side view of her from the cliffside printed on the banner. The image of her starting out into the ocean was even more spectacular in its original form. "That's her, I'm sure of it," James said. Brock turned to him in surprise, but before there could be more conversation the miko showed up.
James recognized her from before. Not wanting the kid who was obviously interested as well to get the jump on him, James stepped forward first. "Please tell me who modeled for this!" he begged, tugging on the miko's sleeve, not even bothering with pleasantries. "I have to meet her!"
"R-Right," Brock soon caught up, kneeling and bowing. "Please tell us all about this beautiful example of womanhood!"
The priestess stepped forward, looking out the door to the ocean in the distance. "A local legend," she said.
James and Brock both nodded, having just heard that from the other resident. The miko then smiled slyly, taking in their rapt attention. "Some hundreds of years ago, a young girl's betrothed left for war."
"Has she lost the plot?" Meowth muttered to Jessie and Wobbuffet next to it. "What does that have to do with James's dumb sudden obsession?"
Jessie just shrugged half-heartedly. She and everyone else present paid attention to the miko as she slowly walked out of the jinja, staring out at the ocean waves. "It must have been here, of course. The young woman stared, watching the ship that carried her beloved disappear beyond the horizon. Then every day after that, she stared out at that same horizon, waiting for when the ship would appear again to fulfill the promise of her adult life."
"Sounds boring," Meowth commented.
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet agreed.
James paid them no mind, paying careful attention to the miko's words as he tried to connect their relevancy to his inquiry. He briefly thought of how he'd been betrothed as a child himself and all the strife that had gone alone with that. But this was a different story. "It must have been a long wait," James said. "Ships don't travel as quickly during the time period you speak of."
The miko nodded. "That's true. It's often emphasized that information wasn't as free during this time as well. She never learned her betrothed died in the war. And yet - she waited every day, unable to give up hope on her true love. She's still standing there and watching for his ship now." The priestess took a step down, pointing forward at the ocean.
Her audience turned and stared. James himself took some time to process the message. A woman from hundreds of years ago wouldn't be there that day, would she? Scanning the barrier placed at the edge of the cliffside, no one could be seen. James almost felt silly for checking before he caught sight of a figure in the distance. Though he sensed a presence, walking forward and inspecting it closely revealed that beyond the cliff was just a rock in the shape of a person. Before he could feel too much disappointment, he focused more on the rock, eyes widening as he became sure that it truly resembled the woman he'd seen earlier that day. Even though it was just a rock, he even felt that same emotion with his heart rate increasing, palms sweating, face flushing with warmth. There was perhaps a tad bit of apprehension, but more excitement was felt at the thought of being close to her.
"Miss! I'm here for you! Brock, a future pokemon breeder!" the kid shouted next to James, leaning over to get closer to the rock. His friends shouted back at him to stop.
James ignored them all. He suddenly heard the rush of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffside right below him. The threat of falling felt freeing rather than terrifying. If he jumped, he was positive he'd make it to see his beloved.
And then what? Well, of course he'd have a companion, a partner to share his time and affection with. They could even leave this one town and travel the world in a wild, uncontrolled fashion. They'd enjoy various moments of nothing together, having conversation about everyday things and taking care of their pokemon while enjoying the little moments. But they wouldn't just sit still for some tranquil mundane. They'd continue to push toward more, pushing toward some kind of grand goal of an even more sparkling reality. Rather than waiting or accepting anything prescribed, together as a team they'd reach for a splendid, glittering spectacle of existence that rivaled anything seen before...
Just like...
Well, it was just like being with Jessie, wasn't it?
James's whole body tensed as he noticed the steep drop below him. A pressure around him held him steady, that being Jessie's arms around him. "Stay still! What the hell are you thinking?" she ordered him around while demanding an answer. "Damn it, James! This way is up! Figure it out already!" she yelled and cursed while pulling him back.
James gazed at the drop, still momentarily frozen. After that pause, he shouted in fright, trying his best to back up while gasping in fright. "Jessie, save me!"
"That's what I'm trying to do, you-"
Before Jessie could complete her strained response, James completely lost his balance and they both went toppling over the edge. James shouted and found himself holding onto her in return. After they splashed into the water for the second time that day, James let go of her, finding his way to the surface all on his own. What had he been thinking?! James caught his bearings and took an inventory of his surroundings. Noticing Jessie had done the same, he began to find his way to shore.
James offered Jessie his hand as they trudged through the waves for the second time that day, but she put up her own to reject it. "Jessie, are you alright?" he asked. His eyes darted all over her body, observing her and seeing no noticeable sign of injury in her appearance or movements. He moved closer and reached for her, wanting to check closer or even comfort her, but found himself pulling back.
"What about you?" Jessie asked. She moved forward and grabbed his hand. As she did, James was sure he felt the lightness he had before. Jessie was right there with him as part of an enjoyable reality, allowing him her attention and even concern. The previous thoughts of how being with her included everything that made him feel happy and real came to mind.
Of course, that was only momentary. "Are you alright, James?" Jessie asked as she dropped his hand after looking him over.
As Jessie stared forward poignantly, James realized she wasn't referring to their sudden fall. His exuberance beforehand was why he'd forgotten his own personal safety, which had put Jessie in danger as well. But wasn't that normal? "I got caught up in the moment. I'm sorry it affected you as well. But you know, that's love." James reached for the rose he kept, but found the space it had been empty. The flower was likely now caught up in the waves. As he looked at his empty hand and blinked, Jessie spoke.
"James, listen," she said. James turned his attention back to his partner. Jessie's lips were pursed, and she blinked knowingly as she took a step toward him, stopping right before she stepped around him. "What you're feeling toward that dreary ghost girl isn't love."
James's mouth opened as she walked away, going in the direction of the jinja, likely to meet up with their pokemon companions. He felt that same unease as earlier that day. There was a sense of being overstuffed as he recalled the sentiment he'd tried to share being dismissed. He bit his lip, letting out a noise of frustration. "Jessie, how exactly do you know," he spat in his irritation. Jessie turned back to him and stared at him without reacting otherwise.
James felt his face flush. He really had felt real around her before, but just with what had happened after he'd opened up to her that day, things had changed. He swallowed and looked down. He had the inclination to not speak, some ingrained message from within saying he shouldn't express himself. But then he looked up, meeting Jessie's eyes. Even being angry, he wanted to share even this part of himself with her. That had been seen as acceptable before. "How do you know so easily and exactly what my feelings are and aren't?" James expanded on his previous question.
They stared each other in the eyes for several moments. Jessie was unflinching, but so was James. He could feel his chest tighten and ache, but even so, was glad he had someone he could be this open with. Even considering the way things had gone, being able to be open with her was desired. He waited for her response. Jessie seemed to think about it before she shrugged. "I suppose I don't," she said. "So, are you really in love? At first sight? With some ghost cosplay woman you haven't even talked to? In a way you never found yourself being toward - toward anyone?"
Jessie looked away, eyes closed before blinking purposefully. Was she also feeling hurt in a way? He couldn't just concentrate on his own feelings. Jessie gave the overall impression she didn't care one way or another, but James could tell she did. His companion often acted as if things she seemed about to lose were beneath her consideration, but perhaps that was just because she had aches of her own.
"Jessie..." James said her name, reaching toward her and taking her hand again. "Right... It's something different," he admitted. "It's not like, well, what I see between you and I... That's..." James paused, suddenly feeling anxious as he tried to grasp what he wanted to say. Could he take his time before he spoke, maybe on an evening outing? Just spending time with Jessie and eventually talking this through sounded appealing. Being able to be open with Jessie was something incredibly valuable. Just that morning, he'd meant everything he'd said about his ardent feelings toward her.
But that hadn't exactly ended well. He also couldn't deny that what he'd experienced looking at the so-called "ghost" woman was something he'd never felt for Jessie. The idea brought on some other feeling. Disappointment? James wanted to just take his partner to the festival and forget even about Pikachu. They could have fun visiting the various stands and exchanging quips with each other. Maybe their feelings toward each other could come up and be discussed-
- but of course that wouldn't lead to anything he wanted, would it?
Jessie may be correct. The woman he'd seen and the feelings he'd felt, ones that can caused him to act quite recklessly - those probably weren't love. They were just a necessary prerequisite to love one ought to have established prior to pursuing any kind of deeper connection or partnership. They caused that one kid that hung out with Pikachu's trainer to act recklessly, and it was the same for James. Jessie wasn't being too harsh in pointing this out. Just like she probably hadn't been harsh earlier on, either.
The idea that he had to wait until something ever elusive appeared to make him eligible for a deep partnership with Jessie felt worse than when he'd thought he was drowning. Maybe that rigid structure just wasn't for him. But why did his heart seize up thinking that any possibilities for them were just broken and impossible from the start?
Before James could think through his response too much, Meowth and Wobbuffet found them. "Hey Jess! Jim!" Meowth called, waving its arms.
"So you found us again," Jessie muttered. "Should we get back to how we're going to get Pikachu?" she asked.
"Wobba..." Wobbuffet called tentatively, looking back at Meowth as it raised its arms up.
"Uh, well, yeah, maybe you want to go back and hear what that miko lady has to say," Meowth suggested.
By the time they trudged back to the jinja, the sun was low in the sky. A sizable crowd was gathered admiring the old painting. James took an inventory of everyone around, but didn't spot anyone resembling the woman he'd seen earlier. Maybe it was silly to look, but maybe not. Since she'd been relatively close before and had dressed up to resemble the well known figure on the painting, would she be there that night?
As James looked around trying to see, Jessie brushed by him, bumping his shoulder. "That hurt!" he complained, rubbing the area as he glared toward Jessie. Her arms were folded, head held high. "Didn't you see me?" James asked, even thinking she certainly had.
Jessie groaned in frustration. "Yes, I saw you!" she groused. "You were just standing and not paying attention when we all came up here again for you! Just move it!"
Even sulking and scowling, James did so. As they rounded the corner, he was surprised by the group with the pikachu. As he tensed and thought to run, James observed further, blinking curiously. The older kid was covered in a variety of white ofuda. Maybe he'd even start to resemble a mummy at some point if his friends continued covering him with the rectangular strips of paper. "What's this?" Jessie asked.
The miko turned toward the rockets as the newcomers. "I've provided these talismans at a modest price to protect him," she said.
"P-Protect him?" James repeated. He glanced around, seeing the sun was now over the horizon and it would be getting dark soon. "F-from what?" He tried to laugh but it only sounded awkward.
"The ghost that has you both in her sights," the miko said.
The kids didn't question the story, instead carefully placing more sticker ofuda on their friend. They seemingly weren't even worried about the cunning menace of thieves in front of them so much as the threat the miko had spoken of. Was there really something that frightening? It couldn't be, could it? James glanced toward Jessie, Meowth and Wobbuffet, seeing matching serious, focused expressions on their faces. They were taking the miko's words seriously. James turned back to her. "A ghost? Is there really such a fantastical thing here?" He wanted to try and laugh it off, but found himself too terrified at the idea.
The miko calmly nodded. "Yes. The legendary maiden of our area uses her power to attract young men during this festival every year. She hopes to find her betrothed, but of course that will never be."
"Of course..." James said. The man she was waiting for had long passed. "That must be rather frustrating. She doesn't get angry, does she?" James asked worriedly. He wished someone there would mock and shut down this seemingly silly conversation, but no one did. All present remained politely quiet.
"No," the miko said. Just as James took a deep breath of relief, she continued, "The maiden is competent enough to absorb these men's souls to serve as energy to continue her search for the eternity to come."
James let out a shout of fright as he grabbed onto his head as if to stop it from leaking out. "She can't! She can't! I think I need that!"
Misty turned and rolled her eyes at James's over the top reaction. "Yeah, neither of you look like you're worth absorbing," she said.
The girl could joke, or maybe it wasn't a joke. Maybe the ghost didn't care if his soul wasn't exactly prime. James cried again, then realized he'd grabbed onto Jessie for comfort without thinking. She stared at him sharply. Seeing her cold reaction, James let go. She didn't seem to care much. He'd probably just burdened her. As James turned to the miko, Meowth's long, drawn out sigh reinforced that thought. "There isn't really a ghost, is there?" James asked.
"Yes. You felt the draw, didn't you?" the miko asked. James said nothing, though of course he had. The miko continued, "We all witnessed how both of you were drawn uncontrollably to your doom. The night of this annual festival, she will be able to draw you to her no matter where you go."
As James stood still, frozen at the idea, Meowth spoke up. "From wherever he is, huh? I guess we can't just run. So, what ought we to do about our team's little problem here?"
"Don't you mean James's problem?" Jessie asked. Shoulders hunched up and eyes closed, she started to pace the area.
"Hm, good point," Meowth said with a nod. "Should we weigh what the cost of saving James would be against the cost of losing him?"
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet called, holding out the bills that represented their remaining meager funds.
"Just give me that." Jessie paced back, snatching the money away from her pokemon. She went to the miko and exchanged it for some of the flimsy ofuda. "Sit back! We'll make it through this damn festival without your soul getting munched on!" Jessie began to peel and stick the items all over James.
James nodded as his face and torso were covered. "Right. She won't be able to get through this strong spiritual barrier. Don't you think so?" James turned toward the other victim of the ghost.
The younger guy just gazed into the air with a contented smile. "It wouldn't be so bad, would it?" As James didn't answer, Brock looked back toward the human-shaped rock, still with that day-dreamy, happy air. "Who wouldn't want to be absorbed by such a beauty?"
James went pale, breaking out into a cold sweat, speechless at hearing this boy's thoughts on the topic. The thought was terrifying - and also disgusting. But was this the normal reaction? Faced with something so awful and frightening, being normal suddenly didn't seem so desirable after all. James realized he was shouting only after Jessie sniped at him, "Quiet!"
"I'm sorry," James said, noting as he stared out to the now barely visible rock how dark it had started to get as his friends helped him with the barrier. "I'm just scared. I'm so scared. Save me, Jessie, please." James found himself hugging his partner, selfishly trying to take what comfort he could from her warmth as he demanded still more from her. She'd already saved him once just that day, and he was shamelessly relying on her again. Even realizing this, he could only shake and wail in an undignified fashion as he held her tighter in his fright. "Jessie... Jessie..." he called for her, tears even starting to fall. He continued to hold onto her, even knowing it was empty from both sides.
Jessie of course pushed him off and away. Even though that stung, James let it go without comment as he fell to the ground and continued to be decorated. Maybe this was it. He'd been such a disappointment his entire life. Pretending he could be with Jessie somehow was no different. He couldn't measure up to her expectations, nor any others. He was defective somehow. His feelings weren't made to be acknowledged, only a ghostly imitation of something greater.
As he sat up and turned away from Jessie, the apparition appeared in the air. James gasped and shouted at the sight of the transparent woman, but held back from begging for help this time. As the boy next to him stood, the wind peeled off the sticker ofuda and sent them fluttering into the air. Seeing the more relaxed victim walk forward, James noted Brock's calm, collected, and almost contented expression.
How foolish, James considered, already in a state that was beyond simply being scared. But maybe he should also just let himself be taken by that fate. Here was someone who accepted him in a way. Even though it was a frightening monster...
James stood and took his own step forward, hands up to his face in defence. That apparition was implied to be a soul-devouring ghost, but maybe it wasn't. Even wanting to confirm its true nature, the idea of getting closer was frightening. Even so, James did so, trying his best to keep a few steps behind Brock while telling himself if this guy ended up being absorbed that would be a good distraction for an escape.
Finally, what had previously seemed the ghost of a woman came into true focus, even in the darkened area. James calmed only in his shock. The night air suddenly seemed cool as he stopped sweating. The legendary ghost woman was a ghost after all. Or rather, a ghost type pokemon. And one he recognized from his studies at Pokemon Tech, at that.
It was the evolved form of bramblin - a pokemon species that was said to be created from a human soul that had passed but been unwilling to move on, eventually fusing with grass to become this pokemon. How did pokemon scientists discover that? It wasn't true, was it? How could anyone actually prove it? In any case, such a seeming legend seemed to match the legend of this area.
The evolved Brambleghast gained skills beyond its former form. Despite its modest size, it had ways of extending its branchy form to easily envelope its prey. Once it got hold it could use whatever otherworldly powers it had to absorb every bit of energy it desired.
James's mouth twisted in a smile of unrestrained terror. It was just a ghost type pokemon, he'd told himself. But in actuality, these monsters classified as "ghost type" had powers that were petrifying beyond any mere apparition. As a boy, he'd been scared of the mere stories, but these informational entries more often than not described the actual alarming actualities.
Faced with one, James wanted to hold onto Jessie and scream the same as back then. He started to do so without realizing it, tears in his eyes. Jessie cringed at the sound of his screams before pushing him aside. James maybe couldn't blame her, and momentarily felt sorry for himself. But there really wasn't much time to think about what had happened as he heard the roaring call of the pokemon behind him.
Turning around slowly, first Brock was spotted approaching the pokemon with arms outstretched. "Take me away!" he said.
James shouted again as Brambleghast extended two thorny appendages and wrapped them around Brock before dragging the boy in.
The twerp adjusted his hat and pointed forward. "Pikachu, we gotta help him! Use thundershock!" he shouted.
"No, you idiot! You'll hurt Brock like that!" the girl next to him chided.
"Oh, yeah." Ash frowned.
"Pikachu," Pikachu seemingly agreed, looking worriedly at the sight of the ghost type pokemon.
James himself couldn't tear his eyes away, frozen in fright. Brambleghast's branches formed the disturbing imitation of a smiling face as it emanated a wavy, black miasma. Brock was encased in its branches, upside-down with a wide smile of his own. Seeing the first sign of another dried-out branch of the tumbleweed-like pokemon twitch, James backed away and turned to try and run.
It was too late. Feeling the scratchy branches wrapping around him, James cried out in pain. "Please let go!" he begged, tears entering his eyes. "This isn't me! This isn't for me! I don't want to go! This isn't what I want!" James clawed at the ground, keeping himself tethered and away from the absorbing core just for the moment. He winced and clenched his eyes shut as the branches pulled more, digging into his skin.
Seeing a boot down by his face, James looked up. It was Jessie, of course. He'd caused trouble for her with this. Her blank expression seemed cold, but maybe he was interpreting it that way feeling the harsh night breeze in the darkened area. It was just Jessie, who he enjoyed being with like nothing else... Even if it wasn't mutual.
"Hey, you," Jessie shouted out, looking above James and toward the all too pleased-looking Brambleghast. "So you're going to absorb my partner?"
Brambleghast called out in a twisted, gleeful way. As it tightened its grip, James briefly glanced back only to see the pokemon with a happy expression narrowing its makeshift eyes in determination.
As he peered back at Jessie, she continued, "Do you really need more energy? Is it that fun to just keep waiting forever for something that's never going to come?" Jessie forcefully sighed, leaning on the large object she was carrying. "If something's not going to appear, what's the use in standing still? Sounds pointless to me!"
Jessie's words gave a prickling charge to James himself. Though not being the target of her questions, they ignited some impetus within himself. He focused on her while still digging his fingers into the dirt in front of him, suddenly finding it easier to hold on. He was still in the filth being harassed yet again, but suddenly felt he had the gumption to pursue all he wanted to pursue.
No, the feelings he was waiting to surface with Jessie very likely weren't going to appear with her or anyone. There certainly wouldn't be a ship informing of such, just like with the woman of legend who had supposedly sat on this very cliff waiting until her death for a supposed sure thing whispered to her as a child. But there was no use in standing still. James pulled with all of his strength, trying his very best to resist the irritating hold of the ghastly pokemon.
"Do you think you're some kind of beautiful suffering saint for waiting around?" Jessie continued. "No one cares! If you're left waiting that long, it's time to say good-bye!" As Jessie finished her speech, she lifted the object in her hand. It turned out to be their net cannon, and likely packed with the last net they had. She didn't worry about how they might not have it to catch Pikachu as she shot it toward Brambleghast. As it was hit, the net ammunition bounced off, but the ghost-type pokemon momentarily loosened its grip on James.
It was enough. James pulled himself free, dashing toward Jessie. She reached out her hand especially for him. He grabbed it, unable to stop from smiling, and easily pulled himself to his feet thanks to the person he loved, if only in his own way. And he was going to love her. James wasn't going to become some rock eternally scanning the horizon for any wavering signs of fulfillment of a shoddy promise. He was going to find the shining tomorrow for himself. Without bothering to worry about any tedious requirements, he'd use his authority as a thief to snatch it up on his own.
"You're right, Jessie," James declared, absolute confidence taking hold as any trace of crying or whining disappeared. "It's time to say good-bye and not let anything hold Team Rocket - hold us back." He took out a pokeball.
Jessie chuckled, not flinching as Brambleghast quickly caught its bearings, extending a reach toward James again. "I see what you're saying, James. Maybe it's a pokemon and not a ghost, but that means we can just defeat it in a battle." Jessie took out her own pokeball. "Go, Silicobra!" she shouted.
"Go, Dolliv!" James shouted.
They threw their pokeballs in unison. Each named pokemon called out upon appearing. Silicobra used poison tail technique on reflex, swinging its snake-like body and using its glowing tail to block Brambleghast's branches from James. The threatening ghost type called out, its makeshift happy expression wavering. "Ha!" Jessie mocked. "This soul sucking pokemon better prepare for trouble."
"And make it double," James added, grinning. James and Dolliv smiled and briefly narrowed their eyes toward each other in understanding of their mutual not-so innocent intentions. "Dolliv, terrain pulse!" James ordered.
"Dolliv!" James's pokemon called with a nod. Dolliv raised its arms as it released a stream of pink energy which sparkled and crackled with a colorful lightning show.
"Wow!" Ash exclaimed. "That attack looked different from before."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu echoed the sentiment of its trainer, staring intently at the impressive display.
"Never mind that!" Misty said, motioning toward where Brock had fallen to the ground, appearing in some kind of unmoving trance. The two kids cleared their magically entranced friend off the field as Brambleghast waved itself around in its displeased response to being attacked.
"Silicobra! Again! We'll protect the world from this devastation," Jessie called. Her pokemon swiftly slithered forward with its glowing tail to follow her order.
"Dolliv, get close with a tackle," James said. He somehow found that rose he'd been missing and held it up as Dolliv dashed toward Brambleghast's core in response to his order. "I hope to unite at least two peoples within our nation," he declared while posing with the flower.
"Are you still on about your ghostly love, James?" Jessie asked while observing Silicobra and Dolliv complete their attacks in unison.
James burst forth with an extended chuckle as Brambleghast's face momentarily disappeared after their pokemons' attacks. "I see those underhanded occult attempts to win my affections as a trifling tribulation. I was referring to the two of us, of course."
Jessie's eyes widened as she met his. James felt all the lighter and more empowered as Jessie gripped his hand, seeming to happily accept this idea. She was right to be annoyed before. What was there to wait for? It would be like waiting for a mythical zeraora instead of going after the impressive, extraordinary pikachu in front of him.
Pikachu would probably be able to defeat any myth, anyway.
James grinned as he faced the field and posed with Jessie next to him. "I'm through waiting for anything." James smelled the rose in front of him as he squeezed Jessie's hand in return. He was ready to fight both this frightening pokemon as well as anything else for what he wanted.
Jessie flipped her hair, seeming satisfied with his attitude. "To denounce the evils of truth and love," she continued with the line, though late, a blissful smile on her face.
James squeezed her hand back. "To extend our reach to the stars above," he said, his own smile widening even as view of the mentioned stars were blocked by the enraged brambleghast's miasma.
"Jessie!" Jessie shouted, unable to hold back from completing their motto.
"James!" James projected his voice as well, feeling the same.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
"They're alright in the middle of a fight," Meowth pointed out from the careful distance from where it stood, peeking out from behind the dimly-glowing stone lantern.
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet agreed.
Jessie and James posed together, unmarred by anyone's critique of their performance. An inky darkness filled the area as Brambleghast began a new technique. A glowing portal appeared and Brambleghast sank in, disappearing from the battlefield. Dolliv's sparkling terrain pulse lit up Jessie and James's faces while missing its target, but the rockets didn't flinch. "There!" Jessie and James shouted in unison, pointing directly in front of them to where they'd mutually predicted their opponent pokemon might reappear.
As Jessie and James gave their individual orders, a glowing portal appeared exactly in the predicted area and Brambleghast pulled itself out. Right as it did, Dolliv's fairy-powered glittering terrain pulse hit it dead-on while the shock wave of Sillicobra's bulldoze attack traveled a path through the earth and reached it. Brambleghast cried out in pain, faltering from completing its own move.
"Alright!" Ash shouted from the sidelines, now pointing forward himself. "Now, Pikachu, thunderbolt!"
"Pika..." Pikachu began, as electricity sparked around its cheeks. "CHUU!" it called as it completed its sure finisher of a move. Surrounded by Pikachu's powerful electricity, Brambleghast fell over to its side before dissipating like the ghost it was.
Meowth and Wobbuffet were initially hesitant to approach. They watched as Ash talked about the defeated pokemon, Brock lamented his loss, and Misty confronted the miko asking why she hadn't informed the 'ghost' was just a misbehaving pokemon. When the kids had cleared out, they approached the sight of the battle. Jessie and James sat, hand-in-hand facing each other. The pokemon that had bravely battled were asleep - Silicobra curled next to them and Dolliv sat beside it eyes closed, head tilted.
"Hey, are you two ready to get to stealing Pikachu yet?" Meowth asked.
Meowth's human conspirators turned toward it in unison. "No," James said firmly.
"After everything else today you're asking us that?" Jessie shouted.
"Fine, I get the picture," Meowth said, holding up its paws as it took a step back.
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet called as it also backed off.
"How about us pokemon go and have a fun time with all the games. As long as your guys aren't tired," Meowth said, motioning toward the sleeping pokemon.
Dolliv's eyes immediately opened and it bounced to its feet. "Dolliv!" it called with excitement. Silicobra slithered over to Meowth as it called out in its own excitement.
James side-eyed the pokemon leaving before staring dead on Jessie's way. Though the day had been a bit of a roller coaster, he was enjoying having back that powerful feeling of connection as he stared in her eyes. Of course, the silence was just because they were both apprehensive to speak and perhaps break the spell that surrounded the moment. "Jessie," James finally took the initiative, inching subtly closer as he did. "I really meant what I said today about us. I got confused when I was under the ghost's spell... And... Well..."
Jessie looked away with eyes closed. "It's fine, James. I know what happened. And I know you... Well, let's go and join that festival."
They left the jinja with the path lit by only the few flickering stone lanterns, and slowly wandered into the busier bright festival. Even so, James couldn't concentrate so much on the festivities, though the celebratory backdrop with the decorations and fireworks seemed to fit his own internal celebration. He had accepted the current state of things and given himself permission to pursue things as he pleased. He held tightly to Jessie's hand as they had fun playing the games or just observing the dancing. Eventually they found a place with a good view of the fireworks. After sitting there a while, James finally got the nerve to speak up again.
"Jessie," he began tentatively, hoping his hand wasn't sweating too much as he looked toward the ground. He laughed awkwardly as he looked up, not wanting to seem ashamed. "Can you forgive me for being so... Well, slow in my actions?"
Jessie tittered and squeezed his hand tightly as she replied, "So you're asking if I forgive you for being yourself? If someone has to forgive you for that, they aren't the one for you." Jessie sighed, swinging his hand up as the next firework went off. "You are slow. But maybe I pushed for things to move too quickly."
Jessie didn't ask for forgiveness for that, but James felt similarly to her. There wasn't a thought of forgiving a failing but instead being patient and understanding with the one he loved as they both worked through how they wanted things to be. Maybe it would turn out atypical, but perhaps they could also find something even more appealing that way.
Only excitement was in the air with both thoughts of the present and possibilities for how things might develop. Jessie and James watched the exploding flowers in the sky above them in silence a moment before he worked up the nerve to do anything else. "Jessie," he said quietly.
As Jessie looked toward him, he ran his hand down the side of her face. Though it felt strange to him, he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. As they leaned back, he noted the surprised, heated look on her face and shyly looked away. Drawing too much attention to her response might embarrass her, but James still enjoyed that he could cause that reaction.
Leaning against Jessie as the festival's firework show lit the area, James decided to also enjoy the moment. Even if his experience wasn't to the letter, he was already an outlaw. He and Jessie were accomplices in breaking all kinds of rules. They'd keep doing so with zest as they defined things between each other. With only confidence of that in mind, James stared up at the bright show that lit up the scene between him and his partner.
Happy day-after rocketshipping day - yeah, let's make every day rocketshipping day. Originally posted on AO3 on 2/16/2024. I'm giving posting here again a try. We'll see how it goes, both with site functioning and reader response.
Hope you enjoyed!