S3E10: Route 11 & 12

So the gang was on the road again heading to Fuchsia City. Now unlike the last trip this would be a good three days journey and hopefully they don't run into any trouble. It's not like they couldn't handle it but more that Foxx really wasn't very patient right now.

The first day was eventless other then being challenged by a few trainers of which he quickly beat before returning to his walking. In fact he was about the only one not getting tired because of his pushing pace.

"Hay son you think we could slow the pace some or take a quick break?" asked James in an almost moan as he sluggishly followed behind Foxx.

"Yah it's not like Christmas is going anywhere." added Meowlth in a full whine.

"Let's make to the midway point and then we can set up camp there." replied Foxx with a sigh. This would've been faster he'd just traveled alone and met them back in Pallet Town but then again he didn't know how everyone would except them hence the reason he wanted totravel with them.

"Where is the midway point anyways Foxx?" replied Dawn with a cheerful grin that made Jessie, James and Meowlth all groan softly at her cheerfulness.

"I was thinking once we reach the end of Route 12." replied Foxx before looking at her and asking, "Why?"

"Oh just curious is all." replied Dawn with a smile.

"Wait, did you say Route 12? But we're still on Route 11." whined James as he was ready to collapse.

"Dear I think we best stop before your father faints." suggested Jessie with a smile.

"Oh he can get over we're almost to Route 12 it's just around this corner and then we'll be fine. If he hadn't taken so long in the shop as we were getting ready to leave Vermillion City we wouldn't be behind." replied Foxx and that's when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry to have put us behind and I'm sorry to ask us to stop again Foxx but I think there's a stone in one of my shoes that's been bothering my feet and might need to sit down and get it out as well as rub some lotion on it." replied Dawn with a smile before adding, "If that's okay?"

"Well, at least were at Route 12 and it's only midday plus I'd hate for you to hurt your feet since you're an contest performer and your feet do take quite the stress so we can rest here just let me find you a log or something to sit on." replied Foxx as he quickly went off to find a stump or log for Dawn to rest on.

"Nice job kid." whispered Jessie with a smile "And thanks I don't think I could've felt with James' whining too much longer."

"No problem but may I ask you something?" softly asked Dawn turning to face Jessie as James just flopped onto the ground where he was along with Meowlth.

"What's that Dawn?" asked Jessie with a smile as they walked over to the others.

"Where's the blimp you guys always traveled in and wouldn't that make this whole trip ten times easier?" asked Dawn as she sat down nearby James while Jessie sat next to him.

"You know I never thought about that?" replied Jessie. "A blimp ride would cut the time in half as well as save on our feet." replied Jessie as she watched in confusion as Dawn proceeded to remove her one shoe.

"Maybe mom that's why father can't manage to walk the length of this small route without the need to take a break every hour or at least whine about needing one." teased Fox as he returned empty handed to which he turned to Dawn and added, "Sorry I couldn't find any logs and well I can't really move a stump."

"It's okay Foxx, this feels good now that I got that pesky stone out of my shoe." replied Dawn with a smile. As for Joy she just half glared at Dawn wondering what she was doing.

"You know she's lying to you right?" mentally asked Joy looking up at Foxx.

"Yes, but I want her to like me and it gives me a reason to let mom & dad rest without giving into them." mentally replied Foxx with a smile.

Thus they all sat there for a short bit before Foxx had them back on the road but this time a a slightly slower pace. Yes he was in a hurry but he also knew that there was no point trying to rush home. After all they should still be arriving at least three days before Christmas, which was three days before Gary and two before Ash.

Now James was the only one really to complain the rest of the trip mostly because Foxx and Joy were talking about the upcoming battle while Dawn and Jessie were talking girl talk. As for Meowlth he really wasn't talking to anyone which was odd since you usually can't get him to shut up. Thus James had no one to talk to thus nothing to distract him from the long walk.

Then they finally made it to a little beach at the end of Route 12 and James just flopped once more to the ground and laid there while Dawn made something small for them to eat before bed while Foxx set up the tents alone. This was only made harder by the fact it was getting late and he had to do so under the moon light and when he'd finished he was just abut to yell at his father when Dawn stuck a spoon full of food in his mouth and said, "Here try this."

"Mmm, this is good Dawn. Great job" replied Foxx with a smile. It seemed that hearing her voice and eating some food or maybe just being around her calmed his anger and helped remind him that not everyone is the same. Especially family.

To Be Continued...