Ok, after a few weeks of waiting chapter 3 is now avaliable for your reading pleasure. Here you go!

Chapter 3: Getting Up to Speed!

It was another bright and beautiful day in Stagoine as Marco and Josh headed for Headrest City. The two had recently come to an open trail that led along the forest. It was a rather hot day but Josh seemed content. Marco on the other hand was dragging himself along in a state of depression.

"Dude, how can people live like this? I can't spend years walking from place to place in weather like this!" Marco yelled up to Josh who was several feet ahead of him. Though Josh was tired as well, he was used to walking from place to place. He slowly came to a stop and stood listening for something. "What the hell are you doing now? Are we finally taking a break?" Marco asked.

"Shhh…" Josh replied. His ears perked up and he listened as the wind ruffled his brown hair. With the wind came a sound…very faint, but Josh knew what it was. He turned around and glared at Marco. "If you're in such dire need of a rest, there's a lake just to the right past all those pine trees." He informed Marco while pointing to the right where the road met the forest. Marco cocked his head and folded his arms.

"And how do you know this?" He asked. Josh turned around and started forward.

"The wind is blowing from the right and I can hear water with it." He replied. The teen then turned around to see Marco rushing into the forest. "Hey, wait up!" He yelled and chased after.

Marco pushed his way through the thick foliage past tightly packed pine trees until he came out into an open field. Sure enough, a small lake was just a few feet in front of him. The area was beautiful. Light breezes blew across the plain bending the grass as it went. Daises and other assorted flowers were also spread about. Marco was in awe. He had never seen such a breathtaking place. Living in the pollution of the city wasn't exactly a humble scene.

"Well, are you going to refresh yourself or not?" Josh asked exiting the forest behind him.

"Of course…" Marco replied and headed down to the lake's edge. He cupped his hands and placed them in the water; bringing them to his face and feeling the coolness of it. The teen wiggled his pack off and set it down; then placed his hands in the water again. Josh slowly walked down to the lake with his hands in his pockets. He kept his distance from Marco and leaned down to refresh himself as well. He cupped his hands and stuck them in, but the sleeves of the large purple shirt got in the way.

"You still owe me some new clothes…" He remarked without looking up from the lake. Marco turned to him and gave a low grin.

"I could've bought you some in Neo Wind City, but I thought it would be fun to make you wear those for a few weeks." He smiled. He then turned back to his task but something caught his attention on the other side of the lake. A small gopher-like Pokemon was filling its VERY large cheeks with water. Its small brown body was covered in fur, and its appearance was odd. Because of its massive cheeks, the Pokemon's head looked bigger than its body and its limbs were all very stubby. To complete the package was a set of cute round black eyes and a stubby tail.

"What the hell is that thing?" Marco asked Josh pointing to the creature.

"I don't know…why don't you look it up with the Pokeputer?" Josh remarked sarcastically. Marco glared at him and then turned and fished through his pack. He pulled out his golden Pokeputer and flipped it open; pointing it at the funny creature across the lake.

"Cheepher…the gopher Pokemon. Cheepher love nothing better than to store things in their cheek pouches. Trainers find it hard to cope with as they constantly loose things and find them later in the Pokemon's cheeks." The Pokeputer explained.

The Cheepher stocked up on water and then slowly waddled back up towards a small tree where a teenage girl was waiting. Marco stood up; grabbed his pack and began to walk around the lake. "What are you doing?" Josh asked standing up.

"I'm going to battle her!" Marco replied. Josh shook his head and slowly followed.

"This should be a blast." He said.

Marco walked up the small incline on the other side of the river to where the girl was sitting. She was washing her hands with the water Cheepher brought until she noticed the approaching boy. "Can I help you?" She asked nervously standing up. Marco could tell she was a bit worried. He would be too. Stagione wasn't really the best place to have strangers approach you. They usually meant trouble.

"Hi, I'm Marco Cardella. I couldn't help but notice your Cheephy there." He said. The girl stood up and backed slightly away.

"It's a Cheepher…" She replied.

"Oh…my bad. Anyways, I was just wondering if you wanted to battle. I'm not going to hurt you or anything. I'm a trainer as well." Marco said hoping she would stay. The girl stared at him for a little bit and then slowly opened her mouth.

"I'm Kerrie Ridel from Headrest City. Are you by any chance the one that owns the Cardella Resort there?" She inquired.

"Yep, my parents do." Marco replied putting his hand behind his neck embarrassedly. The girl nodded and slowly walked towards him. She looked about the same age as Marco. Her long black hair was curled up into a ponytail and she was wearing baggy green Capri's and a red shirt.

"Well now that I sort of know you're not a criminal, I'd be happy to have a match." She replied. Cheepher's ears perked up at this and it waddled down to her. "What are the rules?" She then asked.

"One on one ok? I only have one Pokemon as I just started my journey." Marco replied. The girl nodded.

"Same here. Cheepher was my first." She said petting the Pokemon's head.

"Ok then." Marco said stepping back a little bit. He lifted his hand and pressed the red jewel on his ring finger's Pokering. The ring spun forward to the tip of his finger flashing a blast of red light and then spun back to the mid section. The red energy formed into the shape of Marco's Fingame on the ground in front of him. "I choose Fingame." He said grinning.

"Let's get this show on the road! Cheepher, use pound!" Kerrie commanded. Her Pokemon wobbled forward towards Fingame.

"Fingame, use your…" Marco began but slowly stopped. He turned back to Josh who was sitting down watching intently. "Hey Josh…what attacks does Fingame know again?" He asked. Josh sighed and fell back.

"Cheeeeeee!" Cheepher squeaked as it came upon Fingame. It smiled and then smacked the Pokemon in the face.

"Hey!" Marco roared. He then turned back to Josh. "Hurry up and tell me!" He yelled. Josh leaned back up and smiled.

"It's more fun this way." He replied. Marco glared at him and turned back. "Fingame, use pound too!" Marco ordered. Fingame turned around blinking confused. "Damn, you don't know that attack?" Marco asked. Fingame shook its head and its finger flames began to erupt.

"You know…jokes like this get old real fast Josh. Just tell me the damn attacks or no clothes for you." Marco roared.

"Shouldn't you know your own Pokemon's attacks by now?" Kerrie remarked. "Cheepher, use pound again!" Cheepher smacked Fingame in the back and the Pokemon toppled over. Its finger flames began to burn the grass on the ground.

"Why don't you use the Pokeputer again? That's how you learned the first time." Josh suggested.

"That's how you learned the first time…" Marco repeated mocking Josh in a weird voice. He then pulled out his Pokeputer and scanned through it. "Ahh, Fingame, use ember!" He commanded. Fingame stood up and turned around, its bright blue eyes fixed on Cheepher.

"FING!" It cried and lifted up its fingers releasing tiny flame balls. The attack collided with Cheepher who rolled back in pain. It landed hard on its bottom and began to cry.

"Cheepher, it's ok! Use cheek stuff!" Kerrie said calming her Pokemon down. The tiny rodent began to pick at the grass around it and stuff it in its cheeks. When it was done, it sat up ready for battle.

"What did that do? All it did was eat some grass! Wow, very powerful!" Marco said ridiculing her. Kerrie smiled and rubbed her hand through her hair.

"Cheek stuff allows Cheepher to regain energy by feasting and holding food in its mouth. So it's like your little ember attack did nothing." She grinned. Marco was in shock.

"Oh yeah, well two can play at that game! Fingame, use cheek stuff!" Marco yelled. His Pokemon turned towards him again and stared confused. "You can do it!" Marco said and bent down. He pulled some grass from the ground and walked forward; grabbing his Pokemon and beginning to stuff the grass in its mouth.

"Ga…me!" Fingame cried as its mouth was stuffed with grass.

"Marco, stop! That won't work!" Josh shouted. Marco pulled back to see his work.

"See, now just swallow it!" He ordered. Fingame spat the grass out and lit its finger flames. It let out an ember charring all the grass that it had just gotten rid of. It then lifted its hands higher and shot more embers at Marco. "Hey watch it! Not me, attack Cheepher!" Marco roared. Fingame began to giggle and then turned back towards the match.

"Marco, Fingame, can only use scratch, ember, and smokescreen until it gains experience in battle. Stop trying to teach it other attacks." Josh replied. He grew tired of Marco's ditzy actions.

"Fine…Fingame use smokescreen!" Marco ordered. Fingame opened its mouth and launched a thick black smoke into the sky. Cheepher began to cough and back away.

"Cheepher, suck that smoke into your mouth!" Kerrie ordered. Cheepher began to inhale causing all the smoke to disappear into the creature's cheeks. Smoke began to emanate from its ears and it looked a little sick.

"Wow, talk about second hand smoking. Fingame, use ember!" Marco grinned. He seemed to be getting the hang of things. Fingame lifted its hands and launched another barrage of flames. Cheepher ducked and cried out as the tiny flame balls collided with it.

"Cheepher, use cheek stuff!" Kerrie commanded. Cheepher sat down again and began to put grass in its mouth. It looked refreshed as ever when it stopped.

"That attack isn't fair! Fingame, use scratch!" Marco ordered. Fingame rushed in with its volcanic fingers outstretched. It swiped hard but Cheepher dodged.

"Cheepher, use rollout!" Kerrie ordered. The battle was now escalating. Cheepher got on its side and began to roll towards Fingame.

"Fingame, use ember!" Marco commanded. Before Fingame even reacted, Cheepher plowed right over it and continued to roll.

"Come back for another pass!" Kerrie said. Fingame slowly got up panting hard. The attack did major damage.

"Marco, Fingame's major advantage is speed. Don't just blindly attack when Cheepher is coming for it. Use Fingame's awesome speed to dodge and then attack!" Josh said.

Marco nodded and turned back to the match. "Fingame, dodge!" He yelled. Fingame leapt quickly out of the way as Cheepher rolled by. "Now use ember!"

"FINGAME!" It growled and launched another ember barrage. The attack scored a direct hit; stopping Cheepher in mid roll and sending it sprawling across the ground.

"Now use scratch!" Marco ordered. Fingame rushed speedily in and smashed its fingers against Cheepher. The Pokemon cried out and fell down; not getting up.

"He actually did it…" Josh said in disbelief.

"I actually did it!" Marco repeated leaping up.

"Holy crap I was beaten by a ditz." Kerrie whispered with her back hunched over. Her hands were straight down in front of her and her jaw was dropped. Cheepher slowly regained consciousness and started to cry. It wobbled back to Kerrie who began to console it. Fingame smiled pleased with its win. It had many bruises and was panting heavily.

"Fingame take a rest!" Marco said holding up his hand. The ring shifted to the front recalling Fingame and then spun back. Kerrie held up her hand and recalled Cheepher.

"Good job. You put up tough battle for someone who doesn't know how to." Kerrie said approaching Marco and holding out her hand. Marco shook it and smiled. "Guess I'll have to double my training." She then added in. With that, Kerrie turned and headed down the riverbed and into the forest.

"Well, what do you say we get this show on the road again?" Josh asked standing up. Marco nodded and picked up his pack from the ground. The two boys refreshed themselves at the lake again and then proceeded through the forest and onto a busy road.

"So much for beauty…" Marco said as they entered the highway to see cars hovering by shooting exhaust into the air. The side of the road where the two boys were walking was covered in litter. Marco's feet crunched against old pop cans as he tried to avoid stepping on them. "Yuck, this isn't sanitary at all!" He yelled up to Josh. The other teen didn't seem to mind. "You know, if I had my hovcedes we'd be halfway through the continent by now." Marco continued talking. Josh suddenly turned and glared at him.

"Can’t we just get to Headrest City without you complaining every two seconds?" He roared. Marco fell back stumbling over some plastic bags as Josh got in his face. "You're on the road for the next couple years. This is how we travel, understand?" Josh asked. Marco began to smile and slowly got up.

"On the road again! Just can't wait to get on the road again! Seeing things that I may never see again!" He started to sing and walked forward past Josh. "Come on, sing with me Joshy!" I can't wait to get on the road again!" Josh placed his hand to his forehead and slouched.

"I cannot wait until we get to Headrest City." He sighed and slowly followed Marco. Suddenly, a large hovering jeep sped by the road as some hovering cop cars gave chase. Marco turned back to Josh.

"They have high speed chases outside of the city?" He asked. Before Josh could answer Marco was running down the highway. Marco then felt himself tumbling over something and landed hard face first on the ground. "Ow!" He cried and turned around. There was no sign of anything that he could have tripped over. He then turned and looked out at the busy highway where a small brown bird Pokemon was racing across. Its body was perfectly horizontal and its feet were covered in a thick cloud of dust as it raced across the road avoiding the cars. It has small beady black eyes and a set of three purple tail feathers. Its head was covered in the same purplish hue.

Marco fiddled through his pack and brought out his Pokeputer. "Spedoad. Type- Flying/Normal. The roadrunner Pokemon. Spedoad's true feet have never been seen because of the dust its extremely fast-moving legs pick up. Even when standing still this Pokemon's legs move constantly. It always feels the need to be running." The Pokeputer explained.

The Pokemon continued to weave through the hovering cars before doubling back towards Marco. The teen stood up and pulled a sky blue Pokejewel from his pack. "I'm going to catch it!" He grinned. Josh caught up and sighed.

"You have to weaken it first." He explained. Marco shot him a look.

"I know that!" He replied and turned back as Spedoad made it to the side of the road. "Fingame, I choose you!" The ring spun to the front of his finger releasing Marco's tired Pokemon. Fingame was exhausted and slumping to the ground.

"Marco, your Pokemon is in no condition to battle. Let's just had to the Pokecenter and then come back and find it." Josh suggested. Marco didn't seem to like this idea. He turned towards the teen and brushed back a strand of hair that dropped from his spiked hair.

"Spedoad is like the fastest Pokemon there is. I don't think I'll have another chance at it!" He commented and turned back. "Fingame, try to match its speed! Use ember!" Fingame slowly stood up propping itself upright with one arm. Spedoad noticed it and raced right at the Pokemon; smashing right by and sending Fingame flying. The fire Pokemon hit the ground headfirst and didn't get up.

"That was a Speed Bunt attack." Josh told the shocked Marco. The teen didn't want to recall his Pokemon, but Fingame had no will left. Sadly, he recalled it back to its Pokering and eyed the Spedoad.

"Spe, spe!" The roadrunner chirped and then turned around. It began to race down the road and disappeared into the distance.

"Look, it's heading towards Headrest City. We can just go there; heal the Pokemon, and then find it." Josh suggested. Marco shook his head and smiled.

"There's no time. But I know a way to catch that Spedoad without using Fingame." He smirked.

"How?" Josh wondered.

"I saw this one show on Classic Cartoon Network where some coyote tried to catch a roadrunner. How different can this be?" Marco replied and began to run down the road. Josh closed his eyes and sighed before following the teen.

The two rushed down the road for about another half hour before finally coming to the outskirts of Headrest City. The city was much larger than Neo Wind but didn't have as many high rise buildings. The city got its name from a busy round-a-bout at the entrance of the road that held a large statue in the middle in the shape of a face. It had been there for many years and natural wonder movements got a bill passed to protect it. The city was also well known for its many clubs and bars.

Marco came to a halt when he neared the round-a-bout. There was a large traffic backup and people were honking like mad. "Where'd Spedoad go?" He said scanning the area. Josh caught up and folded his arms.

"It's probably miles from here by now." He answered. To their right, a fat balding man stuck his head out of the window of his Pick up Hove. He seemed very agitated and clumsily lit a cigar.

"Excuse me sir. Do you know what the holdup is?" Marco asked him. The man turned towards Marco and flicked the cigar; sending ashes to the ground.

"Apparently some Pokemon got in the way of some cars. Caused some accidents." He coughed out. Marco took a step towards the pick up and stared at the man.

"Is the Pokemon ok?" He asked. The man shrugged and coughed again; blowing smoke into Marco's face.

"Who really gives a damn anyways. The person and the Pokemon were both speeding. It was one of them high speed chases. The jeep sped into the round-a-bout trying to evade the cops and the Pokemon raced right in the way. That thing was probably flattened by the pressure of the hoverwind under the jeep." He cackled.

"Well, thanks for the information sir." Marco said and turned to walk more into the city.

"Where are you going?" Josh asked starting to follow.

"I still have a Spedoad to catch." Marco replied. Josh stopped walking and almost fell over.

"You realize it was probably Spedoad that caused the accident." He commented. "And besides. We should probably get to the Pokecenter and register. Then you owe me a trip to the clothing store."

Marco ignored him and walked into the city. Josh followed the teen until they entered the busy streets. People pushed by them as they headed down the sidewalk. "Where are you going?" Josh asked annoyed.

"I remember a Pokemon Food Market just a block away from my parent's resort. I was about 10 when they built the resort here and I used to go there to watch the Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon." Marco replied as they came to a stop on the corner and waited to cross. The walk sign lit up and the two boys rushed to the opposing side. After several more turns they came to a large red bricked building decked out with many Pokemon sculptures. "Ahh, I told you it was here." Marco grinned and walked into the parking lot. Josh followed him into the doors.

"And what are you going to do with the Pokemon food you buy?" Josh asked chasing Marco down the flying type food isle.

"In that cartoon the coyote lured the roadrunner with some free food. He then pushed a boulder down to try and smash it." Marco grinned pulling some bird food off of the shelf.

"You're going to smash it?" Josh asked in disbelief. "Can't you just go to the Pokecenter; heal Fingame, and catch it the normal way?"

"That would take too long." Marco grinned. Josh sighed and followed the teen to the counter. Marco paid for the bird food and then exited the market. "Now we just find a good place and we're set." Marco grinned.

Several minutes later, Marco stood on top of a small building peering down. On the empty sidewalk below was a bowl full of the bird food he just bought. Josh was across the street sitting on a bench and shaking his head. "This is never going to work. You are a complete moron!" He yelled up to Marco cupping his hands on his mouth.

Suddenly, as if on cue, Spedoad rushed down the road and straight towards the bird food. It stopped just in front of it still pumping dust into the air with its legs. "Holy crap it actually worked…" Josh said in shock and stood up. Spedoad cocked its head and peered at the food before beginning to peck at it. Josh sat back down and folded his arms. "How the hell does this kid do the dumbest things and yet they always work for him…" He thought to himself.

Marco peered down at Spedoad and fiddled with his fingers. After a few seconds, he looked at Josh. "I forgot the boulder…" He yelled down. Josh fell back and the bench toppled over. Marco shrugged and walked away from the side of the roof. Josh slowly got up and saw the black haired teen exiting the doors of the building. Spedoad was now almost done with its meal.

Josh walked across the street and looked straight at Marco. "You drag me into a market and spend our money on food for this Pokemon, you drag me into a dark alleyway of Headrest City…something I'm used to being in, but very stupid on your part…and all that happens is Spedoad gets a free lunch? I could've had my new clothes; been signed up for this league…and been on my way minus you by now!" He yelled.

Josh then realized that Marco wasn't in front of him anymore. He turned to see Marco cautiously approaching the bird. Suddenly, a few cops turned into the alleyway holding a man in cuffs. "Is somebody down here?" They called out turning on some flashlights.

"Great…on top of that we're being arrested." Josh muttered. The cops came into view and flung the cuffed man forward. He had long black hair and a dirty face. Josh recognized him as Kevin, a street thief that he had come across before. He was known to be very dangerous, but he had delt with him before. Still, Marco might not know... although he couldn't object at this point to Marco being mugged by this guy.

"What are you kids doing down here? Don't you know it's dangerous?" A cop asked.

Josh wanted to say that they were no where as dangerous as the streets in Pace City, but instead, he nudge his finger at Marco "Try telling him that."

"I'm trying to catch this Spedoad." Marco replied pointing at the Pokemon that had just finished eating. Kevin's eyes suddenly burst into flames of rage.

"That's the Pokemon that got in my way! It's its fault that I'm here right now!" He yelled and pulled away from the cop. The cop was caught off guard by the sudden struggle and released the angry man. Kevin knocked Marco aside and dealt a swift kick to Spedoad sending it skidding across the ground. It squawked and slowly got back up. Its feathers were rustled and its neck was bleeding.

"Subdue that man!" The other cop yelled pulling out a gun. Kevin turned just as the cop fired. The bullet smashed into his hand cuffs cracking the steel and then deflecting back against a wall. Kevin pulled hard slicing the cuffs in half. He then grabbed the injured Spedoad and rushed down the alleyway; turning a corner as he did. "After him!" The cop shouted. The two passed by Marco and Josh and rushed after the man.

"Spedoad!" Marco called out and then headed back inside the building he was in earlier. Josh followed wondering what he was doing. The cops were in the alleyway behind the building now but there was no sign of Kevin. The criminal had secretly climbed a dumpster and went through an open window and into the abandoned building. He chucked Spedoad against the ground and then grabbed a dusty metal hangar lying on the ground. He pulled the top part out to a point and glared at the injured Pokemon.

"As soon as I'm done with you, I'll book it out of here." He grinned and grabbed the bird by the neck. He held the hangar up and prepared to stab it but a 2x4 suddenly smashed into the back of his head. Kevin coughed a bit and then fell to the ground. Spedoad fell out of his hands and Marco caught it.

"Oh look, I was done with you first!" He grinned. The cops outside heard the commotion and came through the window. They immediately cuffed the dazed man again and pulled him away. Josh came into the room and peered at Marco.

"That was a very reckless thing you did…but it took guts." He grinned. Marco smiled and began to cradle the injured Pokemon that was in his hands. "What do you say we get to the Pokemon Center and you can get it treated? We can also sign up for the league." Josh asked. Marco nodded and followed the teen out the door.

The two made it inside the center as night fell. There, a young nurse was busily typing away at a computer at the front desk. Her bright blue hair didn't look done but she made up for it with a warm smile. Marco approached the desk with Spedoad. "Oh my! That Spedoad looks very hurt. Here, give it to me." She said grabbing the Pokemon from Marco's arms. She then turned and walked around the desk and into the critical care room.

Several minutes later she came out with a perfectly fine Spedoad. It had a small bandage on its neck but nothing else. The Pokemon squawked a bit and she placed it down. It then sped towards the door and out when it opened. "Bye Spedoad!" Marco called. Josh turned towards the nurse.

"Nurse…" He began.

"Jenny, my name is Nurse Jenny." She grinned back.

"Yes, Nurse Jenny. This kid and I are here to sign up for the Stagione League." He stated. Nurse Jenny frowned a bit.

"Unfortunately, we only allow sign ups from ten a.m. to 6 p.m., but if you come back tomorrow morning I'd be happy to allow it."

"Well then, Marco…let's leave Fingame and Twigillo to get treated and go get me a new attire." Josh said handing his green pokejewel to Jenny. Marco handed her his red one and they exited the building. Outside, Spedoad was speeding around the front lawn. It stopped and turned when they came. It then jetted straight towards them and right through Marco's legs knocking him down.

"Ow!" Marco roared. Spedoad turned around and came back towards Marco. It began to hop energetically.

"I think it wants to join us." Josh grinned. Marco peered at the roadrunner Pokemon.

"You want to be my Pokemon?" He asked. It chirped happily. "Ok then…" Marco said standing up and pulling out the sky blue pokejewel for a second try. "Pokejewel go!" He yelled. The jewel struck Spedoad ad clicked open. The bird was sucked inside and the jewel landed on the grass. It began to spin until it finally shut and glowed brightly; signaling a capture. Marco picked up the jewel and placed it in the slot of his left hand's pinky finger Pokering. It locked into placed and Marco smiled. He then turned to Josh. "Let's hit the clubs." He grinned. Josh sighed and followed the teen down the road.

"I'm not hitting the clubs without some new clothes." He yelled. Marco smiled.

"Then you stay outside while I mingle with the ladies!" He grinned and began to run. Josh grew angry and rushed after him…


Cheepher

Spedoad