The End Is Only The Beginning

Chapter 1

"I want a donut!" he whined.

"You always want a donut," mumbled an annoyed Meowth.

"That's because they're so tasty!" James squealed, clasping his hands together in joy at the mere thinking of them.

"I happen ta think that dey are-"

"Delicious!" he interrupted.

"Meowth!" growled the Pokémon, scratching James with its furry swipe.

"Ow! That was uncalled for you dimwit!"

"Why you-" he posed for another swipe.

"Would you two shut your mouths!" Jessie scowled as she smacked them both with her fan and they fell on the ground, bruises forming that strangely looked like fat pimples. "All you do is argue! How are we supposed to get over that blasted hill, when every minute you stop to make some snide remark? Now let's go!" She started to stomp towards the hill, leaving two confused partners behind.

They quickly stood and chased after her, not wanting to be left behind. Soon after, however, they packed down for the night.

The trio huddled around the fire, craving the warmth that it produced. The night calls came in different directions; some close, and some far.

Subconsciously, James inched closer to Jessie, as if to shield himself from the night. He hoped that she didn't notice; he didn't want another whack from her fan. She did notice, however, and a ghost of a smile slowly began to form on her perfectionist face. For some reason, it made her feel...like a protector; not that she wasn't already. And, of course, it wasn't that she wanted to be protected either.

A loud crash came directly from behind them and they jumped to their feet in unison. Jessie and James held each other in a frightening hug as Meowth peered behind the bush. A raticate jumped out and ran off in another direction. They all relaxed.

"I'm scared! What if something else is lurking out there? Something larger!" James hid under his sleeping bag, shaking.

"Well...then...we should just go to sleep now!" Jessie followed James' example and curled under the sheets.

"Ah, you're nutin' but a-" another crash brought it as well under the covers.

What seemed like hours under the covers were actually, in reality, only minutes. Needing fresh air, Jessie and James poked their heads out.

"Jessie?" he whispered.

"Yes, James?" she whispered back. The sound vibrated throughout the forest, carrying the sound with ease from the two of them.

"Do you think that we're...safe on the floor tonight?"

She thought about it for a moment. Usually, if there were trees around, they slept hanging right side up. Tonight, however, she felt too tired to sleep that way and just the thought of the work required exhausted her even more. "Of course!" she snapped, using anger to disguise her fear. "If there were any other wild Pokémon, we would have met some by now." Silence came between them. The only sound that could be heard was the soft snoring of the Meowth.

Taking advantage of the silence, Jessie let herself relax, telling herself that there were no wild Pokémon around.

"Jessie?"

She moaned. I take that back, she thought. "Yes, James?" she sighed.

He hesitated momentarily, as if deciding to ask or not. "What's on the other side of the hill?"

"Some city, of course!" She paused before adding, "I think..."

"You think?" A note of panic was added.