A/N: Calem being autistic is a reference to a previous fic of mine.

CHAPTER 2: FAREWELL

After everyone had had their lunch, they decided to hang out for the next few hours. Everyone bought a few supplies for their journey. They also learned the moves of their new Pokemon. Then Trevor remembered that there was something to give Calem.

"Calem," said Trevor, "this is a letter from Professor Sycamore that will enable you to go on a journey. Show it to your mom and dad. I'm sure they will approve of it."

"I will," said Calem. "I'm really excited about this journey."

"I got my letter yesterday," said Serena. "My parents approved of it already. All you need is your parents' approval."

"I better get going to my house," said Calem. "It's almost 3 PM, and I'd like to get there on time."

"Trevs and I are going to look for Pokemon," said Tierno. "We'll meet you in Santalune Forest!"

Trevor and Tierno left.

Calem put the letter in his pocket and began to make his way out of Aquacorde Town. He wanted to get to his house before it was too late. But unfortunately, he didn't make it out. He heard Shauna running right towards him.

"Hey Calem!" said Shauna. "I want to have a battle with you!"

"A battle?" asked Calem.

"You heard me," said Shauna. "A Pokemon battle!"

"I don't know about this," said Calem. "I really have to get home and give Mom and Dad the letter."

"It will be a quick battle," said Shauna. "You'll have plenty of time to see your parents afterwards."

"But I'm a bit nervous," said Calem.

"Oh, come on!" said Shauna. "Be a man and battle me!"

Calem gulped.

"Well," said Calem, "all right. I will be your opponent."

"Good," said Shauna. "Me and Cleopatra will make our battling debut with style!"

Shauna sent out her Fennekin. Calem responded by sending out his Froakie.

"Cleopatra," said Shauna, "use Tail Whip!"

Cleopatra shook her tail at the Froakie, lowering its Defense.

"Naveen," said Calem, "use Bubble!"

Naveen blew some bubbles at Cleopatra. They were super-effective on her.

"Cleopatra, use Scratch!" said Shauna.

Cleopatra scratched Naveen, damaging him slightly.

"Naveen, use Bubble!" said Calem.

Naveen attacked Cleopatra again. This was a critical hit - it left Cleopatra with only a few hit points.

"Cleopatra, use Scratch!" said Shauna.

Cleopatra scratched Naveen again.

"Naveen, use Pound!" said Calem.

Naveen pounded Cleopatra. This made Cleopatra faint. Calem and Shauna called their Pokemon back.

"Oh, crap!" said Shauna. "I wasn't done watching my cute little Fennekin yet!" She gave Calem a little prize money. "I'll beat you next time. Everyone will one day see the genius that is Shauna Lumbroso!"

Serena approached Calem and Shauna.

"It's not a big deal," said Serena. "Calem, congratulations. Shauna, you did good too."

"Thanks," said Calem.

"I'll heal your Pokemon," said Serena.

Serena healed Calem's Froakie. Then she healed Shauna's Fennekin. She explained to both of them that Pokemon battles were supposed to be fun and that they shouldn't get too worked up about them. But Shauna was feeling quite disappointed that she lost. Still, she decided to accept the loss.

"I'm going to Santalune Forest," said Shauna. "Say hi to your mom and dad for me!"

Shauna ran to the north.

"I'll come with you, Calem," said Serena.

Calem and Serena went back to Vaniville Town. Serena had to do a few things first. She had to feed her pet Rhyhorn, to tell her parents about her leaving, and to get the stuff she needed for her journey. Then she went with Calem to his house to explain the whole situation to Calem's parents. When Calem went inside, he gave his lunch box back to his parents.

"Monsieur and Madame Tremblay," said Serena, "I hope you are okay with Calem traveling on a journey. He has this letter for you."

"It's from Professor Sycamore," said Calem.

Calem handed his parents the letter. They read it.

"He has some nice handwriting," said Cecilia.

"Almost like a love letter," said Pierre. Pierre ran his hand through his long brown hair, then he looked at Calem. "But I think he realizes that your mom is already taken."

Everyone laughed.

"We will be happy to let you take this journey," said Cecilia. She looked at Calem's Poke Ball. "And you have a Pokemon!"

"I got a Froakie," said Calem.

"That's wonderful!" said Pierre. "I am kind of worried about it, though. That's why I think it's best if Serena watches over you on your journey. Remember - it is quite dangerous out there. You don't want to get lost or anything like that. We don't want you harmed."

"I think it's better if Calem stays with me," said Serena. "Calem told me a while ago that he is autistic. It would be hard for him if he was totally alone."

"But I know that I'll have Cal with me," said Calem. "You packed him with my stuff, right, Mom?"

"You have your doll with you," said Cecilia. "I put him in your bag gently. I even packed his pajamas. And you've got a change of clothes and some other supplies. And there is a Town Map just in case you get lost."

"Thank you!" said Calem.

"And by the way," said Pierre, "you will be able to stay at my parents' house in Santalune City. It's right at the edge of the forest."

"Do Grandma and Grandpa know about this?" asked Calem.

"I called them," said Pierre. "They'll be happy to give shelter to you and Serena for as long as you need. They even have a PC that you can use."

"And remember, Calem," said Cecilia, "you can always come home whenever you want."

Calem's eyes brightened up at this statement.

"So I guess this is goodbye for the time being," said Calem. "I just want to tell you this, Mom and Dad: I love you very much. I couldn't ask for better parents. You both mean so much to me, and I will keep you in my heart while I travel." Calem's eyes were getting a little teary.

"Don't cry, Calem," said Pierre. "You can still visit us."

"I'm really going to miss both of you," said Calem. He went up to his parents. They both gave him a nice, tender hug.

"I guess this is goodbye for a while," said Serena.

"It feels very painful to me," said Calem.

"Now don't you worry," said Cecilia, wiping away Calem's tears. "Your father and I are here to root for you."

"I know you are," said Calem.

"Remember that your father and I love you very much," said Cecilia.

"I know," said Calem. "I love you too!"

"We should get going," said Serena.

Calem's parents both kissed him on the cheek.

"Goodbye, dear," said Cecilia.

"Good luck on your journey!" said Pierre.

"Bye, Mom!" said Calem. "Bye, Dad! I love you both!"

Calem made one final farewell before taking his stuff and leaving the house with Serena. The two of them started to walk along the path. They walked along Route 1 and then they arrived back in Aquacorde Town. Calem wondered where Shauna, Trevor, and Tierno were.

"They are in Santalune Forest," said Serena.

"We'll meet them there," said Calem.

The two of them walked to the other side of town and crossed the stone bridge.

"I'm going to miss my parents," said Calem.

"I'm going to miss mine too," said Serena. "But cheer up." She then had an idea. "Want me to show you how to catch a Pokemon?"

"Okay!" said Calem.

Serena walked into the tall grass. Suddenly, a wild Fletchling appeared. She sent out Chipper, her Chespin.

"The first thing you need to do is lower its HP," said Serena. "Chespin, use Tackle!"

Chespin tackled the Fletchling. It damaged it quite a bit. The Fletchling used Growl, lowering Chespin's Attack.

"Now I will use a Poke Ball," said Serena.

Serena threw a Poke Ball at the Fletchling, catching it. The ball shook a few times, and then stopped. The Fletchling was caught.

"Now I have a new Fletchling," said Serena. "I'm going to call him Twitter."

Serena took the Poke Ball. Then, she reached into her bag and took out a bag of Poke Balls.

"Here's some Poke Balls for you," said Serena. "You'll want to catch a lot of Pokemon. I hope you get plenty of your own."

"I hope so too," said Calem.

"We should meet the others in Santalune Forest," said Serena.

"Sure thing!" said Calem.

Calem and Serena ran into the distance.