If you have read all my previous chapters I thank you for your sticking with me. I started this story as way to practice my writing skills. It is my goal to apply those skills in writing my very own epic stories. I have more than a few cool ideas in my head but lack the experience of seasoned writers.
Having said that I do not plan on giving up and I want to ask you, the reader, for feedback on how I am doing so far as a writer. All constructive feedback is welcome whether they are technical tips, things about character development, plot development, pacing of the story, etc. I am willing to learn and generate nice stories for you to enjoy.
Thank you all for reading,
Chris Arsajan
p.s. Chapter 8 is on the way. It is a long one ;)
Chapter 7 Keeping a promiseThe following morning only a few hours after dawn found all the beneficiaries of the will in Musashi's study. The notary, Edaru, had been reading for a while now. Family members, close and distant relations and old friends alike were listening intently to the final words of Musashi as they were written down by the notary in his final days. The possessions of Musashi that were given to their new owner per his wishes first were small mementoes of the various different lives that he had led. Each time one of the attendees had received all he was due Edaru kindly informed them thereof and afterwards he just as kindly asked them to depart. Around 10 AM Edaru was still speaking. "The next item of note is the dojo and all master Musashi's training material. Weapons and manuscripts included." He adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat and continued. "To the best student I have had the pleasure of teaching during my years as a sensei, Sarachi Hyashi, I leave without exception all of my training materials and ownership of the dojo." Sarachi was dumbstruck. He had expected his grandfather to grant the dojo to one of his earlier students who had started instructing students themselves. The Kendo master present seemed not surprised at all. When he caught Sarachi's gaze he nodded politely and benignly. "However, until such time as Sarachi will instruct students of his own or until he permanently settles near the Hyashi dojo on the grounds of the Hyashi family farm, the Hyashi dojo will remain open for instructing students in the art of Kendo and Kenjutsu by former students of mine that have founded a school in the area. As soon as Sarachi decides to settle down he may decide upon future uses of the Hyashi dojo. Do the beneficiaries understand these conditions?" It remained quiet for a moment. "Sarachi?" Edaru urged.
"Eh, yes of course Edaru, sir."
"Master Senji?"
"As clear as a still mountain lake on a windless day. On behalf of my fellow teachers and our students I graciously accept."
"Wonderful," said Edaru. "Now I'm afraid I need to ask you to leave as the rest of the effects are solely for Musashi's descendants."
"Of course." With these words the Kendo master stood and left the room.
"Now I will clarify Master Hyashi's wishes regarding his financial assets and his real estate. These are mainly his life savings and all the land belonging to the Hyashi farm." With these words all the children of Musashi seemed to sit a bit straighter in their seats. They were interested in how their father had decided to divide his belongings between his children. The younger generation however was looking confused and expectantly at each other. Why were they here when all that was left to talk about were finances and land? Sarachi personally had been shocked upon hearing he was now the owner of his grandfather's dojo and all the training equipment present. From the sisters Alessa had a calculating look on her face as if she was trying to divine what decisions Musashi might have taken. Moira and Grace however looked dumbstruck. Hiro, Xuyon and Kasuto were also surprised but seemed slightly more composed.
After a few moments Yasushi, who was surprised by the attendance of his children and nieces and nephew, spoke up. "Edaru, why are the children still here? Surely matters of finance are for just the older generation among Musashi's descendents?"
"Yasushi sir, in all normal circumstances you would be right. However, the late master Hyashi was adamant when he expressed his wishes. I shall clarify. I shall start with the Hyashi family farm and the surrounding land. The land that is currently in use for the planting of crops and the land that is in use for the orchards along with an additional portion of land is given into ownership of Yasushi Hyashi, the oldest son and heir of Musashi Hyashi. This pertains about 30% of the land. Of the remaining land two seventh is granted to Jinsei Hyashi, Musashi's second-born son. The rest of the land will be rented to the farming cooperation for at least two years. When the time comes that investments can be made for expanding upon the Hyashi farming land part of the rented land can be repurposed."
At this point Jinsei cleared his throat and voiced a question that was on the mind of everyone present. "So about 50% of the land is rented to farmers for as long as we are unable to invest in expanding our operations; but what happens to the financial income from this land? I assume it will be divided equally, correct?"
Edaru's answer surprised everyone. "Actually Jinsei, interestingly enough, that is incorrect. 40% of this income will go into a fund specifically for investing in the Hyashi farming business. 25% of the income will go to Kathryn and another 15% to Jinsei. That leaves another 20%. This income will go into a trust fund dedicated to finance the education or educational experiences of future generations. It can also be used for starting a business venture by a younger member of the Hyashi family. There are some contractual conditions for taking money out of the trust fund. These can be reviewed with me at all times."
"Wait, what? A trust fund? Why should we splinter our assets instead of pooling our resources and making sure that the Hyashi family farm will prosper?" Yasushi asked. While he seemed surprised, Imari and Katryn looked at each other and smilingly nodded as if they agreed wholeheartedly with Musashi's plan.
"Well, Yasushi, I can divulge at least this information that Musashi shared with me as he instructed me in documenting his final wishes. He was sure that not every descendent of his would want to be a farmer full time. He wished to give every future generation a chance to become whatever he or she could ever dream of."
"A wonderful initiative, don't you think?" Katryn asked pointedly. As a young adolescent she had become indebted to the government while she got quite a few doctorates in scientific fields and her daughter was experiencing the same issues.
Yasushi thought for a moment with a slight frown on his forehead before he answered. "I suppose you're right sis. Equal chances for all in our family no matter what your interest is." He nodded thoughtfully before continuing. "Ok Edaru, we have discussed all mattes now except those of our father's financial savings. Does he have more surprises for us in store?"
It turns out there were not many more surprises left. The money was divided between Kathryn, so she could fund her scientific research, Jinsei, so he could build a house for himself and the 'Dream trust fund', so that the current youngest generation could start investing in their future.
Edaru did caution Sarachi, his brothers and cousins. "Be advised when you access this trust fund. There is a limited amount of money you can withdraw within a period of time and once you have a source of income all the money you used must be paid back in the trust fund. Also everyone who has ever drawn on this trust fund will have to contribute to sustaining it to make sure future generations will be able to benefit from it as well." After these words and conveying a final message of Musashi, Edaru ended the reading of the will.
As soon as the reading was over and everyone got ready to leave Yasushi asked everyone that worked for the family farm to stay for a while. He did so indirectly by saying, "I know you are all hungry after this morning filled with words, but I wish to discuss the future of the family farm before we all have lunch. I propose we have a short rest and afterwards we'll meet again in this study have our discussion and enjoy lunch afterwards." Yasushi would not be denied and fifteen minutes later his wife and oldest sons and Jinsei and his wife were in Musashi's study once again. Sarachi had a bad feeling. He looked nervously at his brother before he reined himself in, schooled his expression and like the others looked questioningly at his father."I thank you all for being present during this meeting. I wish to discuss the endeavours of the near future that will hopefully make the Hyashi family business more successful. I want to tell you of my plans, but first I wish to give the floor to my son who has studied long and hard to contribute to the future of the Hyashi farm. Well son, we have waited a long time for this meeting. And I have to say I am quite interested in hearing what you plan to do in the near future. How do you wish to contribute to the future of the family business?"
Sarachi sighed inwardly. He took a deep breath to calm himself before he spoke. "To be honest dad I don't wish to be involved any further until I can start with my project. I want to use some of the money grandpa left us in the trust fund to go travel for a while."
"What do you mean?" His father asked with an incredulous look. "What do you mean you want to travel for a bit?" His voice had a certain edge to it.
Sarachi got a sinking feeling. I knew it. All he wanted was for me to give in to his plans and be the loyal son again. Why did I think it could ever be different? He steeled himself and answered carefully keeping his voice level. "Just that I think that I am not meant to spend years working as a farmhand, factory worker, juice recipe chef or something else. I want to do something I am passionate about."
His father on the other hand started to get riled up. "You mean you don't want to work for something worthwhile? I don't understand son. You need to earn a living don't you? And why can you not do that work to lay the foundation for something that will benefit us all. I see no reason to waste funds on going on a pleasure trip while you could help build something valuable right here."
Sarachi felt his control slipping. "Pleasure trip? Not willing to work for something worthwhile?" he repeated in a cold voice. "I have worked my ass of at University Avignon to get ready to contribute to the family business. I abandoned my dreams so I could contribute to yours! But I picked myself up after you crushed my dreams with your words of reality and sensibility. I found a new calling while I was away from home. I found my purpose in contributing to the family farm in my own way. But what did you say when I got back?!"
Everyone looked shocked. While he spoke Imari's look became more and more worried. She softly said "Oh dear," as Sarachi continued.
"What did you say dad? 'The world isn't ready for your dream.' You wanted me to assume a roll you have devised for me yet again. Well I've had enough. Enough of you planning my life for me and telling me what to do! No more! I'm a grown man and I will live my life my way!" While he said this he started moving to the door.
"Don't you walk away from me boy! We will settle this matter here and now. We will find a roll for you here and when you can start your project in a few years you'll be happy that you listened to me."
"I am not a boy anymore dad. A boy left all those years ago. He was uncertain of how he would live and who he would be. I'm not uncertain anymore. Today a man sets out to travel. And you know what else?! I have decided to live the dream you made me abandon all those years ago. I will become a Pokémon trainer! I will become the best trainer this family or the world will ever see! And I'll come back when the world," Sarachi made air quotes, "is ready for my dream." He took his final steps towards the door and opened it.
Yasushi was furious "If you walk away now son, don't expect to see us ready for your dream when you come back!"
Sarachi turned around and responded in a soft but level voice. "Well I guess I have no reason to come back then. Bye dad." And saying these words he crossed the threshold and slammed the door shut. Standing outside he paused for a while. Shocked by what he had done he slightly sagged against the door. He felt as if he had ripped himself in two. Why! Why could he never be supportive?! Why did it always have to be his way or the highway? Well I guess I always feared it would end this way. He gathered his wits and started moving. A slow walk turned into a jog and before he realised it he was running up the stairs to his brother's room. He burst in and started packing. He snatched a duffle bag and large backpack from his trunk. For a moment he stared at both. He definitely didn't want to take his trunk. He wanted mobility. In the end he decided for his backpack and he started throwing in clothes. Jeans, sweaters, shirts, shorts, underwear all followed each other in rapid succession into his backpack. A quick trip to the bathroom got him his toiletries, which were mostly his toothbrush, toothpaste, some soap, and his brush and comb. He added his favourite towel and his bag of toiletries to the clothes, strapped his sleeping-bag to his backpack and slung it on his back. He snatched Sabre's pokéball and a charger for his phone and stepped towards the door only to pause at the threshold. After a few seconds of thought he came back and took his weapons harness from the trunk. Just a few more things, he thought. He descended the stairs in a blur, raced through to kitchen to grab some provisions for the road, and rushed to the porch where he had left Sabre with Alessa at the beginning of the family meeting. As soon as he came close he started calling her. "Sabre!" Hearing her partner's call and the urgency in his voice Sabre jumped up from where she had been lounging near Alessa who had been reading a book. By the time he got to the porch she was waiting for him, a questioning look on her feline features. Alessa stood behind Sabre a look of astonishment on her face.
"Sarachi? What is going on? Why are you packed?"
"I'm leaving. I'm sorry Alessa I can't stay another minute." He knelt in front of Sabre and showed her pokéball. "We're leaving girl. Want to walk with me or will you go in the pokéball?" Sensing Sarachi's need for traveling fast she set a paw on the pokéball. "Allright girl. As soon as I can I'll let you out again Sabre. I promise. Return Sabre." One more stop, he thought as he turned saying, "I'll see you around 'Lessa." And off he went again. This time it was the dojo. At the entrance he put his backpack down and took out his weapons harness. He surveyed the dojo while he walked in reverently, mentally saying goodbye to the place that had been his refuge for many days of stress and doubt. He picked his favourite training blades put them in the harness and strapped it to his back. Afterwards he left the dojo with a respectful bow, slung his backpack on his back again and left without looking back. He walked down the path that had seen him return home for what seemed a lifetime ago. Had it really been less than a week? Now he turned towards the open road again. He did not know whether he would ever come back. All he knew is that he would never again chain himself to a life someone else had devised for him. As that thought entered his head it was as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders.
Choosing his route carefully he left the path that led to the bus stop where a shuttle bus rode between Rubello town, Crossgate town and Fortree city. He had decided to hike through the hills to Fortree city. He knew it would lift his spirits to be close to nature. He always enjoyed walking out there in the forested hills on his own. It was no different this time as he sought his own path without being badgered by anyone. As he walked a song eventually came to him and while he hummed he purposefully strode on game trails and hiking trails he knew like the back of his hand. It felt like ages ago since he felt this free. The sunlight filtered through the leaves and he could hear the murmuring of a few small rapid streams that ran down the hills toward a wider river that in turn ran towards the larger mass of water that surrounded the Hoenn continent. He hardly noticed the passing of time as he just breathed and simply enjoyed being. He enjoyed the warmth, the sight of Pokémon all around and the breeze that made the branches of the trees sway gently to a music one might be able to imagine if one paused to pay attention to listen to the sounds of the forest. It was about an hour past noon when he started to get hungry. He kept walking on, but started looking for a nice spot to sit down, have a bite to eat and refill his water bottle. In other words he needed a spot near a stream. It wasn't long until he started to recognize some landmarks that indicated he would be leaving the forest soon. He knew a stream with clear water that ran at the edge of the forest and that happened to be nearby. He altered his route a bit and before he knew it he heard the gurgling of the stream. A few minutes later he entered a clearing where a stream ran through a clear basin of water. He set down his pack in the shade of a tree and took Sabre's pokéball from his belt. He released her after taking some of the fruit and fresh nanab bread he had taken from the kitchen. The purloin appeared in a red flash and took in her surroundings. She settled her gaze on Sarachi and with a "Purrrrloin?" she seemed to ask what was going on.
Sarachis sighted as he gave Sabre some Figy berries, one of her favourite types. "Well, it is as I had feared girl. Dad just wouldn't listen. I guess you could say we had a fight. The way it turned out I just couldn't stay there any longer. I'm not so sure we'll ever go back." He paused for a moment and surveyed the area lost in thought for a moment as if he only just realised what other consequences his actions might have. Sabre tilted her head and stretched before she tapped his knee. He returned his gaze to her with a wistful smile and continued. "But let's think of all the possibilities. We are on our way to see our friend Tageki again. And we may not have pokéballs and other useful trainers' items I consider this to be the real start of our Pokémon journey. Remember Draco's battles Sabre? Well, we are going to become an elite team you and I. But we will surpass even Draco, you'll see." At these words Sabre got a fierce look in her eyes and she crouched and started rolling her shoulders as if getting ready for a battle. Seeing this Sarachi laughed. "That's the spirit Sabre. We'll have to train hard and find strong and good team members. But first things first, after our little break here we'll continue on our way to Fortree city. It's a city amongst the treetops of a forest. You'll love it there. We'll eat a bit and catch the night bus to Lilycove city. Once there we'll have to find a boat to take us to Olivine and Tageki. After that…? I guess we'll just have to decide then. We should pick a good region to start our journey. One that gives us a chance to start building a strong team from the native Pokémon, is not too far away and offers ample opportunities to gain battle experience. But look at us, lounging the day away while daydreaming. That won't do. I'll finish eating and drinking, refill our water and then we can be on our way again." Sabre consented with a fierce "Purrr!"
Once they were moving again it didn't take our duo long to reach the edge of the forest. They broke the covers of the trees on the crest of a hill that looked out on route 119. There was still a ways to go yet, but Sarachi knew they would be able to get to Fortree city in time. After descending the hill swiftly they reached the more easily traversable walking path of route 119. They altered their pace a bit throughout the afternoon. At times when there was not that much around to see they moved with a firm pace, but whenever they saw Pokémon they slowed their walk and looked at their goings about with interest. They saw several Tropius among bordering trees, big and small. They also saw a flock of Swablu in the sky and a couple of Linoone's frolicking around in the tall grass. And with a lot of luck they saw an Absol racing past. It seemed on the hunt. Some people considered it a bad omen to see an Absol, but Sarachi had always deemed that to be a silly superstition. Moreover he had always thought Absol to be an extremely cool Pokémon. When the afternoon was nearly gone they were in the vicinity of Fortree city. They had not seen a lot of people about, but as they got closer to the city it got busier. Some were just out walking. A few passed them on bikes. And some were clearly trainers that were either battling or training. Some of these seemed to be on the lookout for new opponents and just before they were about to cross into town a cocky looking trainer approached them with a few friends in tow. He had sandy hair, a few freckles and dark eyes that looked fierce.
"I challenge you to a battle trainer!" he yelled before he had reached them. Sarachi looked behind him puzzled. As he saw no one, he turned back a sudden realisation dawning on him. He looked like a typical trainer with his backpack and Sabre walking beside him. When the trainer stood in front of them he held out his hand and said, "Hey, my name is Connor and I'm getting ready for my next gym badge so give me all you got. Got it?!"
"I'm sorry to disappoint you Connor, but you'll have to find another opponent I'm afraid."
"What do you mean? A trainer can't refuse a challenge unless his Pokémon are fainted or seriously ill. Your Purrloin seems fine to me."
Sarachi smiled at the enthusiasm of Connor. "You're right, but you made a mistake Connor. You see I'm not a registered Pokémon trainer."
"But …"
"I know. Sabre looks quite fearsome and like a capable battle veteran." At these words bystanders started sniggering and some laughed openly. "But I'm speaking the truth. If I were a registered trainer I would wipe the floor with you though," Sarachi said with a wink. "My name is Sarachi, by the way. Nice to meet you." He took the hand a confused Connor was still holding out to him and he shook it.
At this action Sarachi's words registered with Connor. He barked a laugh saying, "I like your attitude Sarachi! I hope we'll meet again when you're an official trainer. I can't wait to let you put your words to the test." He returned Sarachi's firm handshake. "So, where do you plan to start your journey Sarachi?"
Sarachi sensed the underlying question: 'when will we meet again?' "I'm not sure yet Connor. I have to take into account the amount of money I have and the Pokémon of each region. Don't worry though if you ever plan on participating in a tournament in Hoenn someday I'll find you."
"Cool. Well Sarachi. Good luck on your journey and as soon as you start hurry and catch up you hear me. I'd like to battle someone with your attitude."
"Sure thing Connor, be seeing you!"
And with these words they parted ways. Connor went in search of other trainers to challenge and Sarachi entered the wondrous treetop city that was Fortree city.
"What do you think Sabre?" Sarachi aked. His companion seemed to be intrigued taking in the houses built within the leafy confines of the trees. Sarachi had been to Fortree before, but he still enjoyed the way the city was built in such a way that it resonated harmoniously with nature. It had been an inspiration for his farming ideas. As he looked around he saw a sign that indicated one set of trees that supposedly housed the Pokémon centre of Fortree as well as several restaurants and sleeping accomodations. His stomach growled. "Well, let's get some food first, right? Afterwards we'll figure out the bus schedule." They climbed the tree and walked down several of ramparts, walking past a poké-mart and the pokécentre searching for a nice and affordable place to eat. While they were searching Sarachi thought, I should have asked that Connor boy if he knew anywhere good to eat. Usually trainers quickly got to know cheap places to stay and eat in any city. Living cheap was their lifestyle. They walked past several establishments, but none of them seemed to be within their budget and Sarachi did not want to start off his journey with unnecessary high expenses. He only had enough for the night bus, dinner for a few nights and the boat fare from Lilycove to Olivine city. For the first time Sarachi started doubting his decision to leave his home as abruptly as he had. If he had only arranged his finances with Edaru before he had left he wouldn't have to worry about money. Eventually Sarachi decided to go back to the pokécentre. He walked in and a familiar voice greeted him.
"Hey Sarachi! Still around then?"
Sarachi's eyes quickly found Connor among a group of trainers sitting at a table. He walked up to them and saying, "I guess so. Here to rest your Pokémon?"
"Yup! I've won a few more matches today before I decided to call it a day. It's time to rest and chow," Connor said with a grin on his face.
"Good idea," Sarachi agreed. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know a good place to eat that is cheap would you?"
"Why don't you sit with us?"
"Are you sure that's okay? I don't want to impose," Sarachi said while looking at the other trainers. "Besides, I thought only trainers were allowed to use the facilities of the centres."
"Don't sweat it. My friends won't mind, right?" All the trainers nodded an affirmative. "As for the food, you may be right, but if we share what we have no one can object… I think" He rubbed his chin a thoughtful look on his face. It cleared up quickly. "Guess we'll just have to find out." The cocky grin was back on his face.
Sarachi laughed. "Ok, if you insist." After setting down his pack he sat down in the only free spot left at the table. "But if I am to share your food I want to know who I should be thanking. As you undoubtedly know now, I am Sarachi. My lovely companion is named Sabre." He paused looking around the circle waiting for the others to introduce themselves.
"Ritchie," a tall and muscular dark-skinned boy said with a deep voice as he nodded towards him.
"Kim," the only girl in the group, a cute young blonde girl, looked curiously at him as she introduced herself.
"I'm Rob," said a slim brown haired boy with a pair of glasses on.
"And I am Mike," said a boy who closely resembled Connor, yet seemed to be a bit younger. He noticed the look of recognition in Sarachi's eyes. "Yes, I am Connor's brother"
"We decided to do our journey together," Connor explained. As a group their outfits and gear seemed to be a bit more modern than what he had seen other trainers carry around.
"You guys aren't from this region, are you?" asked Sarachi a sly look in his eyes.
They all laughed as Connor said, "Nope. We are from Unova. We wanted a bit of an adventure, so we decided to start our journey in a region far from home. What gave us away?"
"Well, your accents were a dead giveaway and your gear also looks a bit different from what I usually see around."
"Very observant," Connor said. "I hadn't noticed those badass blades on your back the first time I met you Sarachi, are they decorative?"
"Definitely not, they're training blades" Sarachi said. He grinned and winked as he continued. "And I know how to use them."
"Sweet," Mike and Rob said in unison.
"So, where are you from Sarachi?" Kim asked. "We heard you planned on starting a Pokémon journey as well. Are you from around here?"
"Indeed I am. But before I'm going to start my journey I'm going to meet a friend in Olivine city."
"Johto region? Cool!"
In this way the group spent the evening getting to know one another as they enjoyed a nice meal. During the meal Sarachi checked the bus schedule for the nightbus. He found out it would leave around 9:15 PM. So after dinner they decided to walk around in Fortree city for a bit. After they begged him to do so, Sarachi gave them a small demonstration of his skill. When it was about 9 PM Sarachi bade his new friends farewell and started towards the bus station. "Hope to see you guys soon!" he shouted as they left in the opposite direction towards the pokécentre.
As he walked to the bus station it was getting dark and lanterns were lighting up alongside of the road. Upon reaching the station he checked his phone for messages. He saw some voice messages from home judging by the number and some text messages from an unknown number. He decided to read those first as he waited for the bus to arrive. They were relatively short. 'Hey Sarachi, this is my new mobile number. Call me as soon as you've made plans. Tageki.' Sarachi smiled and dialled the number. He did not have to wait long before someone picked up."Bladeboy! What's up?"
"Well wiseguy, I'm on my way. I'm taking the night bus from Fortree to Lilycove city and tomorrow I'll be on a boat bound for Olivine city. Depending on the type of boat it will take me about half a week to get there, maybe one."
"Great, I can't wait to see you."
"Me too, well see you soon. Bye!"
"Safe journey Sarachi."
After that brief talk he started listening to the voice messages from home.
"Sarachi, I know things didn't turn out the way you wanted but will you please come back, I'm sure we can make something work." It was his mum. He listened to another message. "Hello dear, I didn't know you were so strongly against working with me and on the farm." Crap, she sounded hurt. He had never wanted to hurt his mother. "If this is what you truly want son I'll support you, but will you please call me back?" And worried too. Shit. I should call her back immediately. But what if he picks up? Right now his father was the last person he wanted to talk to. Still I have to risk it. He called.
"Sarachi, oh I was so worried. Are you okay honey?" She sounded relieved and worried at the same time.
"I'm ok mom. I'm so sorry for leaving like that mom. I'm so sorry that I caused you to worry. I just couldn't stay any longer." After he uttered those words it was quiet for a few seconds.
"You're not coming home then," Imari concluded.
"Not for a while mom. It's like grandpa said. I need to walk my own path. Tonight I'm taking the nightbus to Lilycove and from there I'll go to Olivine city to meet Tageki. And after that… I haven't decided yet. But I promise I'll call you and whenever you want you can call me. If I don't pick up please ask me to call back on a specific time? I don't think I want to speak to dad for a while."
"I … ok. I understand. I love you son. Your father does too. He just needs some time to realize that you are your own man now. He truly believes that his way is the best way for you. But even if that were the truth he must accept that you make your own decisions now. Take care son. And know that we're always there for you. Your dad may need some time to come to terms with your plans. But no matter what he said please know that you are always welcome in our house."
Sarachi got a bit choked up at that. "Thanks mom," he said with his voice thick of emotion. "I'll remember that. I'll stay in touch. I promise. Love you!"
"Love you son. Goodbye."
He had hardly said goodbye before he saw the lights of the night bus in the distance. "Well at least we can start our adventure knowing mom is ok with it, right Sabre?"
"Purrr loin".
Sarachi snapped Sabre's pokéball from his belt saying, "Pokémon are not allowed out of their pokéballs on public transport so you'll have to stay in your ball for a while. Sleep tight Sabre and I'll see you in Lilycove." He held the pokeball in front of Sabre and while nodding she tapped the pokéball as he said, "return."
Merely seconds later the bus stopped in front of them and the doors opened. Sarachi bought a ticket and walked to his sleeping bunk. The night bus was filled with these. There were not many people aboard and secretly Sarachi was glad of that. He was pretty tired and he usually had a hard time falling asleep in those bunks especially if fellow passengers were noisy sleepers. And the fewer travellers there were on the bus the smaller the chance would be that one of them would fall in that category he thought. He installed himself and his luggage and closed his eyes hoping to fall asleep soundly. Just as he started to feel asleep though, he heard it. A loud and sudden snore. He groaned inwardly. Please let that be the last of it, he said to himself. No sooner had that thought entered his mind than the snoring continued in a regular rhythm. Sarachi's eyes flew open and he balled his fists. NOOO!
The bus drove on.
*Disclaimer: This story is a non-profit, fan-made written work of fiction made for my own amusement and that of others. It is nothing more than fanfiction. I do not, nor do I claim to; own any of the content of the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon (including but not limited to the characters, the creatures and the fictional world of the tv-series, game series, films and manga) is owned by the Pokémon company, a consortium between Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures. Please support the official release*
