It was your typical kind of idyllic sunny day in the sleepy part of Kanto that Terrance lived in, as in the arse-end of nowhere. He had been sent out on the most exciting or errands. Going into town to buy some supplies. He could hardly wait! Which was a complete lie and the reason why he meandered along the dirt road in his family's trusty pickup truck. Samson, however, was having a great time. The Houndour was in the carriage, his two front paws up on the roof and his tail wagging ceaselessly, whilst his tongue hung out lazily from the side of his mouth. Every now and then he'd bark at sheep or cows who had strayed too close to the road. Only in a playful way. He liked to scare them.

 Still, sooner or later they had to arrive at the small dusty town which stood in as the main centre for Terry's home area. The pickup trucks door opened unwillingly, screeching with every movement, before being slammed shut. The man whistled once and bounded down. To think just a week ago he'd still been with the army, gun in hand and ready for action. The fanfare was the biggest this area had seen when the few young men and women returned. As could be expected many mothers and fathers broke down in tears of joy, whilst there was always that somber edge of remembering those who hadn't made it home. But the buzz didn't last long, and the town turned itself back to the usual humdrum business of just living. So Terrance was thrown straight back into the life of a farmer, something he'd been unfamiliar with for thirteen years.

 The bell above MacGreary's General Store rang out daintily as Terry walked through the door, Samson following close behind. Being on his best behavior. Old Man Mac was the most well known man in town. His big red face, lined by mutton chops, his shiny bald head and his rotund body were all pretty difficult to miss. Put them altogether and he became a regular celebrity. His face beamed when he saw Terry walk in.

 "Ah, Terrance ma'boy!" his fancy cityfolk drawl was still pretty clear "How are you, how are you? Put it there son!" he took Terry's hand and clasped it in both of his, before shaking vigorously "I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have all the young folk back! How is everything on the home front ma'boy?"

 "Doin' jus' fine, thanks kindly for enquirin'. Been sent to collect them goods we ordered."

 "Of course ma'boy, of course!" he wrapped one big thick arm around Terry's shoulders and headed back out the shop "We've got everything ready for you already. See, look there, Jim's already hard at work! Say now Jim, you be careful with those goods!" Mac lowered his voice "His a good boy, Jim, but a bit slow and the uptake."

 Terry knew Jim, and he knew he wasn't slow. Mac just thought that about everyone from the countryside at first. Still, he was a good, honest man and you couldn't ask for more. Terry suddenly felt a small parcel being placed into his hands.

 "I also set aside some choice sausages for your ma and pa. I know the Rationers are still going to be taking their pork for some time, so I wanted to thank you and your family in some small way."

 "Well, much obliged Mac!" Terry replied, genuinely surprised.

 They continued chit-chatting for some time, whilst Jim got on with his work, occasionally needing help from Terry or Mac, sometimes both. This went on for a while before a murmur, which had started as just normal background chat became much more noticeable. It was coming from The Dusty Bar, everyone's local watering hole.

 "Now, what the devil do you suppose those patrons are yammering about?" Mac asked pointedly.

 Terry replied with a shrug before approaching, followed first by Samson, then Mac and when curiosity finally got the best of him, Jim. As they closed in, Terrance began to pick out a few words from the small group gathered outside who were relaying the news from inside. 'Goldenrod', 'Fire', 'Station'. There was too much of a hubbub to pick things apart properly. His frustration was suddenly vocalized by good ol' Mac.

 "I say there, stand aside people! Let a veteran through! Clear a path!"

 At first people were slow to move, but soon changed their mind when Mac went barreling forward, clearing the way for Terry, Sam and Jim to follow. They got in just in time to hear the radio repeat the news.

 [i]"...I say again. Goldenrod City Train Station has been bombed. A massive explosion has just torn through the structure and it's hard to say how much damaged has been done and whether anyone has been hurt. The smoke can be seen around all the city and reports are coming in it was felt from outside the city! We have no idea who carried this attack out or why. Suffice to say causalities are likely to be high. The fire brigade and other emergency services are doing what they ca-"[/i]

 It was at this point that Terrance's hearing drifted away from the radio and it just became static. All he could hear was explosions and slowly his hands balled up into fists and he began to shake. He stayed like this until a slight nudging brought him back as Samson nuzzled his hand. Terry gave a weak smile to the Houndour and ruffled the canine's head. He could hear that Mac had started talking to others, speaking of their mutual disbelief and guessing at what could of happened, or why. Terrance had had enough, he pulled down his flat cap a bit more and weaved out, mentioning to Jim that he would finish loading up the goods.

 Once outside Terry took a long breath and allowed himself a few moments to regain his composure. He had no idea what happened in there, but he sure as Hell didn't want it happening again. The man made quick work of what was left to be done, jumped back into the truck, with Samson now in the passenger seat and slowly trundled back out of town.