We stopped on the outskirts of Viridian City when Green gave Leaf a long tight hug, being gentle enough not to injure her wounds. He whispered into her ear and she giggled with a short nod. I was preparing to take Leaf, still quite weak from her injuries, up Mt. Silver. While Green and Leaf exchanged childish good-byes Brock was bidding farewell to me. "I want her back," he said matter-of-factly. I hated his demand, feeling jealous that my sister was allowing another man in her life. I didn't want to give her away yet. I agreed anyways. As did Leaf to Green, I gave him a short nod.
Kissing her cheek, Green turned his attention to me. I hated leaving Green. We left each other so often. Too much. I felt that complete feeling around him. When he wasn't around I was never really myself. I never smiled, laughed, nor did I feel angry or embarrassed. Parts of myself would only appear if he was by my side. I really love the man.
"Take care of her, and yourself." Green eyes stung deeply into mine. Biting his lip, he continued, "Please be safe, stay hidden until either Brock or me tell you to come down the mountain. Even if something happens to me-"
"Take care of yourself too," I interrupted. "Don't be an idiot, Green." Taking his hands in mine, I kissed him gently and rested my head against his forehead. The snow was starting to fall around us. Gentle flakes adorned his hair and coat. God, he's so beautiful. His slender, strong hands hid in Gloves of navy blue. They squeezed my hands and I was, quite suddenly, given a much more passionate kiss. He pulled away much to my displeasure and my expression returned to its emotionless stare. "I'll visit with supplies when I can. Don't come down until we can assure that Leaf and Lulu won't be persecuted." He gave me a navy blue scarf that had already warmed itself on his neck. I must had been sold with his gloves, because it looked like it was made with the same materials. Wrapping it tightly around my own neck, Green smiled and turned away to travel home to the city . I inhaled deeply within the scarf. That familiar citrus scent...
I could see Brock and Leaf giving their good-byes at the corner of my eyes. She blushed and smiled from his affections. Before parting, Brock gave Leaf a long kiss and Green and I shared an uneasy glance. He didn't like it either.
We parted ways, Green and Brock left for Viridian city with a distraught Eevee slowly following them. Leaf and I went the opposite with Pikachu perched reluctantly on my shoulders as we began our assent up the mountain.
I knew the trail thoroughly. Each tree, rock, and stream had a special importance to me and hosted most of my favorite memories. We passed the cluster of trees in which I first battled a tyranitar, we crossed the creek where I rescued an injured ponyta, we even walked beneath the tree pikachu scarred with electricity in an ace trainer battle. I inhaled a deep breath of damp dirt and pine. I felt so comfortable in the outdoors. Despite my eagerness to soak up the entire environment, I slowed my pace for Leaf. Growing up, she would often scale Mt. Silver with me. Sometimes she would trek up faster than me. She was often hyper and even nature couldn't contain all of her energy. Unlike these times, because of the extent of her injuries, she slowly climbed behind me. She spoke little.
We had to stop and rest more often than usual. Luxray nuzzled against Leaf and she returned the affection. I helped her drink from a canteen as we sat side by side on a fallen tree.
"I'm sorry I got you into this." She tried not looking as exhausted as she was feeling. Her canteen vibrated from being held in her shaky hands. "You could go back to Viridian. Lulu and I could make it to the summit."
"I'm taking you to the top." I said flatly.
She looked tired. Had she been at the top of her health, she could have ditched me or argued with me until I relented to do what she wanted. She'd make me go back home. Instead, she nodded and gave up without a fight. "Thanks," her voice was just barely above a whisper.
It was long before we returned to the trail that I released Charizard from his pokeball. He was able to hoist Leaf and me up most of the mountain before we needed to rest. With his help, we'd scaled the summit on only two days.
My cave was as I left it. I had stowed bedding, blankets, pots, pans, and firewood from my last visit. Charizard helped my light the fire before he returned with the rest of my party.
Leaf kept quite and to herself. Lulu and I worried about her.
