Holding back; Chapter 1

6 months before

Touko's mom POV

The sun was setting and I had to go home but I couldn't and I also didn't wanted to cry, but it was to hard not to.
My little girl was growing up and was about to leave the nest for good. She had always been talking about adventures and training her Pokémon but I never thought about the fact that she seriously will be going on a journey. But I guess it will help her with her sadness.

The day that she received her Oshawott she was so happy that she immediately ran home to let her father and me see it. That day was now 2 months ago and the mood hasn't changed since. Once she came home she saw me and immediately knew something was wrong. And she was right, because her dad had left us for another woman in Kanto.

The only thing he left was his Pidove, which wouldn't evolve, and a note addressed to Touko.

Dear Touko,
I'm sorry for the things that you will have to deal alone from now on, but I just can't handle it anymore. I met someone when I was helping to fight team Rocket at Kanto and I'm going to stay with her. I hope you will forgive me for this once you grow up. I loved your mom with my whole heart but I started to like someone else and that friendship grew to an even bigger love. I'll be there whenever you need me and hopefully we will meet again.

Love,
Your father

I couldn't describe the look in here eyes once she finished and I still can't find out how she felt back then and now. She locked herself up for a week after that. Touko loved her dad so much. He was her support and she learned to laugh and enjoy life with all of the Pokémon she found, thanks to him. She even loved that Pidove as much as if it would have been her own family. I think that's why he left him here and of course the fact that it wouldn't evolve was also a huge factor. He always had an ego. That's why I felt for him.

Touko's POV

I watched my mom crying through the kitchen window. I knew she had also been through a lot but I couldn't help her. The day my dad left my kind heart also left. It sounds weird but it's the truth. We played everyday and he taught me everything I know now. In these 2 months I became a dark version of myself. The world lost his beauty and the Pokémon lost their glow. The only Pokémons I could love right now were Rose, my Oshawott and Sunshine; the Pidove my father gave me.

I haven't been seeing my friends in a while now but they seem to understand. This will all change in a couple of days because me, Bianca and Cheren will be going on a journey. Separately, but we made promises that will meet each other in every town.

Touya will also go on an adventure and that cheered me up a bit. He's like a brother and he is the only one I can talk to although he still has a dad. That's also the reason why he is departing later. He has to help his dad with some Pokémon business.
'His dad', I sighed.

My eyes were starting to water again and I felt tears running down my face so I quickly opened up the fridge and grabbed a large bucket of ice cream.
It's good that I still walk around the house sometimes otherwise I would be as big as a Snorlax. Rose was looking up to me as if it wanted to say something but I just walked away and sat on the couch. Rose hugged my leg tightly and jumped on the seat next to me just at the same moment that Sunshine came flying from upstairs. And that's how we spend the afternoon hugging and eating ice cream together.

'You two will always be my best friends and lovers, I giggled.'
'Well I sure hope not, because you have to be safe on your journey so you better make some good friends that can take care of you.'

I turned around quickly and saw my mom standing at the door.
'Mom! I'm sorry that I didn't joined you in the garden.'
'It's all right Touko, I know your reasons for the way you have been acting and I think you are dealing with it quite well.' She smiled and sat next to me on the couch.
'But I have to speak to you very seriously before you go because I have some rules!'
'Mom! Not again!'
'Yes Touko, again.'
'First of all, you should call me immediately if anything is wrong!
No boys and especially not in your tent!
And you may only sleep in your tent when there isn't a Pokecenter of a hotel in the neighbourhood!'
'I know mom, I wasn't planning to meet boys. Boys are pricks who leave you when you have a child!'
I spoke before I thought and stared in shock at my mom. 'I'm sorry mom!'
'It's okay Touko, but not all men are like that. One day you will find somebody you truly love and you will know that.'

I turned around when my mom walked away and whispered to Sunshine and Rose: 'We should go pack our stuff.