Beyond the Adventure - A Pokémon Story

Chapter 12: A Whole New World pt3

                Darius peers over my shoulder and looks at the photograph.  “Who are these guys?” he asks.  “’Team Rocket’?  Why do you have a picture of Team Rocket?”

                I keep looking at the picture.  Aside from the single photograph we have of him at home, this is the only other picture I have seen of my father.  He looks happy too, smiling big, just like his Machamp.  It strikes me that this Machamp is Brawny’s father, and I make a mental note to show him later.  Being on a boat, I am unsure how he would react, and I do not want to endanger anyone around here, just in case.

                “Are you okay?” Jess asks.

                I nod.  “Yeah, I am.”  I smile, looking at the photo.  Having my father a part of Team Rocket does not bother me, considering this was pre-war, before they went bad.  Knowing he was part of them back then shows just what lengths he went to keep us safe.  I point to him in the picture.  “This is him.  My father.”

                Darius’ eyes go wide.  “Wait, WHAT?!”

                Jess looks surprised as well.  “Your father was part of Team Rocket?”

                I nod.  “It seems so,” I say proudly.  “This was before the war, though, so he wasn’t part of the Team Rocket we know today.  They were much different back then, working for the good of Kanto and Johto.  I never knew until now, though.”

                “You sure are full of surprises,” Darius says.

                I take the photograph out and hand the report back to Jess.  “Thank you,” I say.  “It was very informative.”

                Jess takes the report and puts it into her satchel.  “You’re welcome,” she says.

                We continue to stand there, watching the waves roll under the ship.  The ocean breeze beats against my face, the salty air fills my lungs; the smell of freedom.  To think that I will be in a whole new region I have never been before in just a matter of days; new faces, new Pokémon, a new adventure.  I glance back at the fading land of Kanto, sinking into the horizon.  Home is long behind me now, and I wonder if my phone will work.  Departure is bitter-sweet; leaving loved ones behind, with the thrill of the unknown.  What awaits us in Hoenn?  Only time will tell.

                Three days come and go without incident.  The ship ride is relaxing and a lot of fun.  I spend much of my time with Jaws, enjoying the luxuries provided by the ship.  We swim in the pool, watch movies in the cinema room, and enjoy a banquet every evening.  The bed is soft and the room is cozy.  I thank Darius for providing such luxurious accommodations.  Jess and Darius spend a lot of time together, particularly in the evenings.  I am unsure of what they do together, but they are exceptionally hard to find.  I let them be and enjoy my time with Jaws.

                On the third evening, I found them wandering the halls together.  They were not drunk, per se, but they were quite tipsy.  Apparently, they had spent a considerable amount of time in the first class lounge, sipping expensive wine and acting like rich snobs.  They seem to have really enjoyed themselves, considering their giggle fits and linked arms.  I smile at the sight of them together, and I am glad they are having a good time on this trip.  I have not gone with them because I prefer to spend my time doing quiet things, like read, or swim, or ponder life events on the deck.  Jaws really seems to enjoy himself on this ship, and I find myself questioning whether I should take him back at all.  I have yet to notice any sign of homesickness and he seems really happy everywhere we go.  I feel conflicted, but decide to hold true to my word.  I promised to take him home, and leave the choice to stay or go to him.