Dear diary,
I genuinely can't believe I have to do this. Trapped for a week at some dumb summer camp with a bunch of mindless Pokemon-obsessed sycophants? Cool. Thanks dad. The bus ride itself was bad enough. Despite my best efforts to study in peace, the screams of ignoble adolecents droned on. Even from the front of the bus, I couldn't ignore the jocks dick-measuring over who's "Gonna be the very best" or whatever the uncultured masses flock to these days. I'm ashamed to say I attempted to befriend one of them, hoping a name-drop may get my dad off my case... no such luck. Another one of them got tripped on the way out, which admittedly, was pretty funny.
We arrived at camp, and were met with the head counselor. He assured me, despite my wishes otherwise, there'd be plenty for me to do here. Joy. Danny, the jock I'd attempted to befriend, whined about his many accolades, as though they're supposed to impress someone? Yikes.
My father arrived with the remaining counselors, and all but dodged my gaze. Typical, really... Turns out there was a mix-up, and rather than the three expected campers without Pokemon, there were four. The fourth was the girl who sat across from me on the bus ride. Seemed to know how to mind her own business, and frankly, I respect that.
Of course, this is the part where I mention that I brought along Earl Gray, my "trusty" Sinistea. I remember being so excited to get my first Pokemon, back before I decided I wanted to actually make something of myself. He just showed up, and I promised I'd take really good care of him. I don't break promises, but boy have I learned to stop making them...
I suppose I'll take this point to drop some quick thoughts on the counselors proper, so as to do my due diligence in painting the drab picture before me:
- Gerald - Some sort of former gym leader. Takes himself quite seriously. Gruff and frankly no help to me.
- Lupe - Some humanized ball of energy. Seems to have something to do with jamborees. Really not my speed.
- Susie - Imagine the nutrition label on the back of your Bran Flakes box could speak. Bland, not necessarily sure of herself, and probably incompetent.
- Phoebe - Some sort of chef? Seems rather laid back.
- Danielle - Environmentalist nerd. The kind of person dad wants me to look up to. I bet she's a mess under the surface.
- Cassidy - A Pokemon Ranger, I presume. Jumpy and anxious are the words I'd use to describe her. If I wind up in a ditch during my time here, please investigate her first.
- Professor Dogwood - A highly educated type, a Pokemon Researcher. Not sure if they work with my dad, but probably. Suffice it to say that already puts them on my bad side.
- Charlie - A Pokemon Breeder. Exceptionally straight to the point, and I highly respect that. Easily the most capable one here, I'm sure.
- Jack - Heir to a barbecue fortune, or something of the sort. A real kind soul... a REAL kind soul. Genuinely have to say, has a heart in the right place, and wants everyone to be happy. I suppose if I win over the majority, I've won him over. I handed off a Wurmple I caught nearby to him, so I'm hoping that gets me in some decent graces.
- Sherman - A meek one. Seems to have quite an interest in very specific kinds of Pokemon. I think of the four others, he annoys me the least. Probably will be the least difficult to strike deals with when the time comes. I've already caught him a Wooper, and am owed a favor. He's on the ledger and knows it. I appreciate that kind of transactional understanding.
- Theodore - Seems like a bit of trouble, maybe even a veritable clown. Surprised Susie with a small horde of Wurmple, and couldn't even pull off the prank right. I think he knows more than he lets on, however has been generally supportive of my "escape plan" concept. Seems to have been forced here for whatever reason. I'm not crazy on wild cards, but if I can channel that energy I'm sure he'll be an asset of some sort.
- Nimo - And here's the problem... one of the jocks from the back, and the most unbearable one. They were the one that got tripped, and we've already had a few small spats. My dad just... gave them a Totodile. A TOTODILE! I can't believe this... They've let it run amok too, destroying their tent. They even caught this... horror of a Pokemon called Bidoof. Scary thing to say the least. What kills me is they may be the most actually interested in an escape plan. I don't really know what I'm gonna do about this one... I suppose I can try to start smoothing things over during dinner, because frankly, one squeaky wheel could drop this whole operation and make this week a living hell.
Wish me luck,
Lily