Finally! I'm back in the Alphs. While my vacation was a lot of fun, I am glad to be back here. Everyone is ready to get to work again.

I heard some strange sounds coming from within the caverns this morning. I have no idea what it was, but it certainly did not sound like something I'd ever heard before... Could it be a new type of Pokémon?!

In any case, I apologize for not being around. I shall catch up on what I have missed. By the way, the little Spinarak are getting stronger and healthier.

I came back to visit Falkner in Violet City and stayed at his gym since it was very late. It was very kind of him to take me and my Pokémon in as guests. However, when we awoke the next morning, Violet City was covered in snow. The power was out for about a day, or so. The place is covered.

I am still staying Violet City now. There is no way for me to get back home or to the Alphs in this blizzard. I have to wait out the weather.

I apologize for not being around this forum as often as I would have liked to been lately. The holiday seasons were very busy, and even though work in the ruins has been closed due to the weather, there was still much preparation to be made for next year. The discoveries have been absolutely fascinating.

...I don't want to go back home. Does that sound irresponsible? But I really am enjoying myself here, and being a gym leader had become so boring... Well, perhaps I shouldn't be too hasty.

But I think I'd rather stay here...

By the way, Spinarak was found a while back... It seemed to have decided that it wanted little Spinarak. I am at a loss for words!

So... Spinarak is missing. I'm not sure what it is with Pokémon around me getting into trouble. I must be bad luck. I turned my back to see if I could decipher some readings, and then he's gone.

He can't be too far. He may be gutsy, but I don't think he'd go very long without me. We're good friends. I sent Heracross to look for him, so we'll see what happens within the next few hours.

In other news, a few of the scientists around here have been talking about a large contest that's coming up in January. I'll have to get more info on it.

!

I have finally reached the Alph ruins. Needless to say, it's very exciting, and pretty busy around here. Since I'm a gym leader, I was given permission to take a look around with some of the archeologists.

The writings on the walls are amazing... I'm not sure how to even describe it... But weird names and words are written about some unknown Pokémon. I wonder what's going on.

I think I'll stay here a little while to see where things go. I hope that they will continue to let me explore as long as I don't interfere...

Earlier this week, I caught a Heracross. He's really huge! I was able to ride him most of my way to the next Pokémon Center. He makes travelling so much easier, and I am very grateful.

I'm pretty close to Alph, now. I finally feel like a have a purpose for going out. I only hope that the archeologists will let me have a look.

Falker, how is your Pidgey doing?

I believe that I have made the single most ridiculous decision of my life.

I left the gym, and only told a few people that I was going to do so. And now, here I am, walking through the forest. I have been travelling for several days, and I still do not know where I am going. Really. I just left. No plans. No extra precaution. Just a map, my Pokémon, and some supplies.

I... am not quite sure why I did this. I felt like I needed to get away. I felt the need to explore. While this all may be well and good, I believe that I went in a completely wrong way of handling things.

My mind is telling me to go right back home. But my heart is telling me otherwise...

It seems as if good fortune is not on my side lately. Why do people keep calling me a girl?! And then ask me out ghdfjkghsdjk I have been having a tough time with Metapod, whom is still injured. And the gym has been very quiet as of late. I have not had a good battle in weeks.

Perhaps I should take a small leave of absence.

There are quite a few people who gather here to talk about... Things that are not Pokémon-related. I suppose that's all well and good, but don't put training aside for those things.

Metapod got stuck in a pipe the other day. I... don't know how that happened, but I had to call a plumber. And he said he wouldn't charge me if I battled him. That was good for me, and possibly him, but Metapod's pretty injured. I took him to a Center but I'm still quite worried.

I never knew my gym was dangerous. Maybe I should reconsider some things and rearrange...

After a battle yesterday, my opponent suggested that I should look into the new Pokémon Network created by Professor Oak from Pallet Town. I'm not really much of a technology person. But I decided to give it a shot, and here I am.

As a gym leader, I work hard everyday. Even though I'm young, I feel that I've accomplished much, considering. Though, as I was looking through the network, I noticed that there were many inexperienced trainers. I am here to say to you all, do not give up. Training takes dedication, whether you are aiming to be a gym leader, a breeder, or just a competitor. If things seem hard, just keep trying! As long as you do your best, everything will work out okay.

If anyone has any questions, I will be happy to help you out.

I should probably get back to work, now. Scyther and Spinarak are hungry.