"Addie, this is a lot harder than you think it is," he said, pushing his bangs back. A slight breeze pushed back above the clouds of Violet City. Addie hung her legs over the edge of the roof of the Sprout Tower.
"I know, but I've waited way to long to start traveling. I need to see the rest of Johto. You can't expect me to sit around and make a living in the Pokemart for the rest of my life? Something inside me says I need to get up and train," Addie replied. Pidgeot cooed in the background, causing Addie to look over. She reached back to pet him on the top of his feathery head.
"I guess you're right. I set out on my journey years ago, but I came back. I had a feeling dad was going to retire from his work in the gym, and who better to take over than his own son, right?" Falkner said.
"Best gym I've seen," Addie smiled, touching his face.
"Only gym you've ever seen," he joked, ruffling her hair.
"Exactly, the only gym I've ever seen is an aviary."
"What if you get lost?"
"Pokegear, of course. I'll register your number in it so you can talk to me whenever you please," she smiled. She pulled her pink Pokegear from her pocket and handed it to him. Falkner took it from her and started pushing on the buttons.
"Hey, it's even got a map on here!" he exclaimed.
"Yeah, it does. And if I ever decide to visit any other regions, it'll add those in too. I can't see myself ever making it as far as the Tohjo Falls, but if I ever do, I'll never get lost in Kanto." Falkner passed Addie back her Pokegear.
"We won't be able to sit up here on the Sprout Tower for a while," he sighed. His shirt billowed in the quiet wind.
"Of course we will! I can always come back and visit you," Addie kicked her feet restlessly.
"How? You aren't going to walk back, are you?" Falkner said aghast.
"No, I'll just teach one of my Pokemon to Fly," Addie smiled. She rested her head against his shoulder.
"You can't learn Fly until you've reached Cianwood. Do you know how far that is?" he said.
"Pretty far, but it's no match for me. I can do it, for sure!"
Falkner hesitated. "Something the matter?" Addie asked. He reached for his belt and handed Addie a Pokeball.
"Here, take Pidgeotto with you. She knows Fly already, and she's really strong. Us Gym Leaders are pretty strong, and I know your little Cyndaquil will grow up to be a great Typhlosion one day, but for now, just in case…"
"You-you want me to have Pidgeotto?"
"Mhm, take good care of her for me," he closed Addie's hand around the Pokeball and gave it a squeeze. He layed down, folding his arms behind his head.
"Tired, are we?" Addie giggled, laying down next to him. Strands of her fiery red hair criss-crossed with the short locks of his blue hair. He rolled over onto his side.
"I'm going to miss this," he sighed.
"Miss what?"
"Just laying here in the breeze, staring into you're green eyes, and thinking of how great I've got it," he reached for her hand and took it into his own. Addie blushed a bit and smiled.
"Me, too. I'm going miss this, too. But I'll come visit, I will. I'm going to go out there and be the best Fire Pokemon Trainer I can be. Maybe one day…just one day, I can catch the Legend Ho-Oh. Ecruteak isn't too far from here," she smiled.
"Or even Moltres," Falkner grinned. "Seems to be a thing with us, huh? Fire and Flying."
"It's almost like destiny," Addie looked down at their hands, fingers intertwined. "I'll catch Ho-Oh for you, Falkner. To show that we can do this, together."
Falkner sat up, pulling Addie up with him. He held her around the waist and kissed her. He touched her cheek and said, "Go out there and do what you need to do. I'll still be here waiting for you. Pidgeot, please?"
"Home already?" Addie whined.
"Yes, ma'am, you have a long day ahead of you," he smiled. Pidgeot scurried over and spread his wings open. Falkner climbed onto the bird's back and reached his hand out for Addie's. She took his and he pulled her onto the back of the Pokemon.
"Pidgeot, Fly!" Pidgeot jumped off the edge of the Sprout Tower and nose dived straight down the building. Right before slamming into the ground, Pidgeot pulled up and soared up into the sunset sky. Addie gripped onto Falkner's waist, afraid she would fall off.
"You've done this a thousand times, and you're still scared?" Falkner laughed.
"Maybe I won't come visit you too often. I don't think I'll ever get the hang of Flying!" Addie reached back with one hand and held onto her yellow headband.
"Well you better get used to it," he smirked. Pidgeot flew in circles around Addie's home before slowly and safely letting her off in front of her door.
"I'll be here at sunrise to see you off, okay?" Falkner said, taking Addie's hands in his.
"Okay, right, sunrise," she smiled, a little overwhelmed at the thought of her big journey tomorrow. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Good night, my little spark," he laughed. She crossed her arms and playfully pouted. He turned back to his Pidgeot and started to mount.
"Falkner, wait!" Addie called, rushing over to him.
"Hmmm?" He turned to her. She ran into his arms and kissed him.
"Goodnight, my wings," she grinned, turning back and running through her front door and up the stairs.
