Chapter 3, Time to let go.

Growlithe didn't look happy after Phoenix had told her that she would have to walk, while her new trainer would be going on her bike.

Twolf and Phoenix left the Pokémon center with cyndaquil secure in his pokéball and growlithe walking besides Phoenix. When they got outside and walked towards their bikes, growlithe got an idea. She looked around which bike her trainer was heading to. She saw her trainer was heading for the bright red one so growlithe made up her mind and used her flamethrower on the bike. If she had to walk, than so would her trainer.

'Growlithe!' Phoenix screamed, 'What did you do that for?'

Twolf had already reached his own bike and looked back in surprise.

'Phoenix why are you…?'

Twolf fell quiet as he spotted Phoenix's roasted bike and tried not to laugh.

'What happened to your bike?'

'Growlithe thought it was funny to practice her flamethrower on my bike, that's what happened.'

'Well you can go with me on the back of my bike if you want.'

Phoenix was only listening with an half ear; she was too busy being mad at growlithe. But she couldn't stay mad when she saw the challenging look in the pokémon's eyes. So it seemed growlithe wanted her to walk as well? Then she wouldn't turn down the challenge.

'No thanks Twolf, I'll keep up on foot with growlithe.'

'Are you sure about this?'

'Yes, just slow down a little so I don't get behind.'

'Okay then.'

Phoenix looked at growlithe and saw by the pokémon's expression that she was satisfied now her trainer was going to walk as well. She didn't know how well she would do as a trainer, but she was almost certain that she understood her pokémon, that should be a good start. And if she understood growlithe so well because they have the same personality, then things should work out for Twolf as well. If he gets to know cyndaquil a little better, then he should be able to understand him as well.

'Alright then, we'd better head back.' Phoenix said.

'Yeah, before our parents start to think something has gone wrong already,' Twolf commented.

'Well it has, hasn't it? At first there weren't any pokémon left for us, then you get a cyndaquil who is just as much of a coward as you are.'

'Hey, I'm not a coward!'

'And then I get a growlithe who won't do my attitude any good. And last but not least, my new pokémon thinks she's funny by frying my bike! How is that for a good start?'

It was quiet for a few seconds and then they both started laughing, even growlithe seemed to enjoy herself. After they had stopped laughing they all left for home, Twolf on his bike with Phoenix and growlithe running alongside him.

'Hey growlithe,' Phoenix said while they were on their way, 'what you did to my bike, would you mind doing that to my brothers too when we get home?'

'Growl!' Growlithe answered happily.

'I'll take that as a yes.'

When they got back they each went their separate ways to go and say goodbye to their families. They would meet each other again in half an hour.

When Twolf got home he couldn't breathe, his mom was hugging him too tightly.

'Oh my baby boy is growing up so fast! I just can't believe you already have your first pokémon and you are going on a journey all over the world!'

'Mom! I can't breathe!'

Twolf was finally able to struggle free from his mothers grip.

'Oh I'm sorry dear, but I just couldn't help myself. It's all going so fast that it seems that I can't keep up. So where is this pokémon you went to get at the pokémon centre, or were you too late?'

'No, I was on time, well… at least I got my pokémon. (She doesn't have to know that the ones we should have gotten were already taken)'

'Well now, may we see it?'

'Uh…. Well…' Twolf started.

'Come on son.' His dad turned off the television and was looking at him.

'We both would like to see your pokémon partner.'

'Well, I guess it can't hurt. Come out cyndaquil.'

When cyndaquil came out of pokéball he looked around a little frightened, but was happy to see Twolf was there and calmed down a little. But not for long. As soon as Twolf's mom had spotted the little pokémon she let out a little screem.

'Ah, what a cute little pokémon!'

And she tried to reach out for it, but before she even got close to it cydaquil had already disappeared.

'Huh? Where did it go?'

Twolf felt something between his legs and didn't have to look down to know what it was, he probably would have done the same if his mom had been a stranger.

'I was going to tell you, cydaquil is very shy when it comes to strangers.'

Twolf picked up cyndaquil and turned him to see his mom.

'Look cyndaquil, this is my mom, why don't you say hi to her?'

'Hi there', Twolf's mom said. Gently this time as not to frighten the little pokémon, but without any result. Cyndaquil got scared again and somehow found a way to crawl behind Twolf's shirt and didn't want to come out anytime soon. So Twolf thought it was best to put cyndaquil back in his pokéball and so he did. His mother sighed.

'Well I guess it can't be helped.'

'Don't worry, the little guy will grow out of it.' Twolf's dad said.

'What do you mean?' Asked Twolf.

'Well, you've become less shy since you first met Phoenix, so with al little luck she'll have the same effect on your pokémon.'

'I sure hope so.'

It was quiet for a while until Twolf's mom started talking again.

'That reminds me, We've got something for you.'

'Oh, what is it?'

'Well, a new backpack that's big enough for everything you have to take with you. I already packed all you new camping equipment in it. And last but not least, a brand new pair of clothes that will protect you, is easy to wash and doesn't tear so easily. Why don't you go try it on?'

Twolf felt a little dizzy, his mom had gotten so many things for him. But he took his clothes upstairs and tried them on anyway.

When Twolf had changed he came back down the stairs. He got blinded at the last step because his mom had taken a picture of him.

'Mom, what's that all about?'

'I thought you looked so cute in those new clothes that I just had to take a picture.'

'Mom. I'm sixteen now, I'm not a little kid anymore and I don't look cute! Dad, why don't you say something!'

'Sorry son but I'm not going to argue with your mother, besides you look handsome in that. You'll have to fend off the girls with a stick.'

Twolf felt very embarrassed and started to blush, he thought it was about time to take off. And he did. He said goodbye to his parents and promised to call them every now and then. He left his bike at home; he didn't like the idea of him riding on a bike and Phoenix having to go on foot. So he would walk just like her. And he went to the spot where he had promised to meet up with phoenix.