A/N: Hi there. Just a few irrelevant things to say here. Umm I guess first I should say, happy bday to me, the big 18.. Oh my. Well by the time most of you read this I will be anyway. In about an hour my time…And um besides that…*thinks* I forget. Oh well. Heh, sorry for the wait, this chappy was kinda hard to write. Stupid writer's block. Well, enjoy, methinks. 'Specially you, Spook. *hugs*  Tat's all *^_^*;;

Chapter 36
"Into The World"

We were silent on the walk back. I was the only one walking, really. Pikachu rode on my head and I carried Espeon in my arms. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't take my mind off what I had seen in those rooms. I had a bad feeling that for the next few nights at least, my sleeps wouldn't be dreamless.

I opened the door and slipped in, closing it quietly behind me. They were talking to each other. They seemed to be in a good mood. When I came in, they stopped and welcomed me back. I could only look at them.

They knew…but they didn't tell me…so I had to see for myself.

"What's wrong?" Misty asked when she saw my face.

But even if they did, does that mean I wouldn't've gone to look anyway?

"Ash…? Are you okay?" she asked, becoming more anxious as I continued to ignore her and instead crossed to the beds.

I looked at the four of them. "Which one isn't taken?" I asked.

"The one above Gary…"

I nodded, somehow not surprised, and went to the ladder leading to that bed. I let Pikachu and Espeon climb up first, then followed after them.

"Wait, where'd you go?"

"…Nowhere," I replied and dropped onto the mattress, wrinkling the sheets that covered it.

"Are you going to sleep? It's still morning!"

I covered my ears from her insistent questioning. "No, I'm not. I just…I-I need to think…"

I felt something jab at me from under the mattress. Below me, I could hear Gary sneer, "You sure picked a lousy place for privacy."

I just sighed. He was right, but now that I was there, I didn't feel like leaving. Maybe I didn't want privacy…

"Ash, what happened?" Mom asked this time.

"…Nothing, okay? Nothing happened, I just…I told you, I just need to think…"

They were probably really worried, because no one made any cracks about how that would be so difficult since I never practiced or anything. But maybe my whole problem was that I'd been thinking too much these past two months. Thinking too much, and feeling too much…I felt okay this morning when I didn't bother with either of those.

Is that just what I need to do?

But no…I can't let myself forget…about this power, about everything that's made everything go wrong. I'll be putting myself and everyone around me in danger if I do that. I have to be careful of that, especially after what happened……

They…they could've died, couldn't they…I almost killed them…but I didn't mean to…They're not angry with me, and I don't know if they're still scared or not…but maybe they should be…

I opened my eyes. They were being quiet. Respecting my request? I didn't know.

What are we doing? What am I doing here? Why did I call all those people? Do I really want to tell everyone? Do I have a choice? What will I tell them anyway? I don't really know what I am…just dangerous.

            *  *  *

I had my cloak again. I couldn't believe how quickly this all came together, but somehow it wasn't so surprising. After all, an exclusive interview with the just-retired Pokémon League Champion was sure to draw lots of viewers…and money.

Mary wanted to talk to me before we began with the actual interview, to find out exactly what I was willing to talk about. It was just me, Mary, Mom, Professor Oak, Pikachu, Espeon, and Todd. We were all in some nice room in the Viridian City Broadcast Center. The chairs were plush and leathery. I just wanted to sink down into mine and get stuck. No one had actually told Mary and Todd what we were going to be doing, and I was upset because I didn't really want to be there while they found out. Mary had a notepad out, ready to, well, take notes. Todd was just kinda there so he would know what was going on and not get surprised.

"Ash, sit up straight," Mom hissed at my extremely slouching posture.

I shifted a little to make her happy, but as soon as she looked away, I slid back down. Pikachu was sitting somewhat nervously on the plump arm of the chair, while Espeon half sat, half lay next to me.

Mary kind of laughed. "It's okay, if you're more relaxed that way."

That made Mom look my way again. "Ash!"

I jumped and finally pulled myself up so I was actually sitting.

Mary laughed again. "Let's just get started. Ash, do you know what you want to talk about in the interview?"

"Ummm…Yeah."

She didn't say anything then, just sat there with her pen and notepad. Finally, she glanced up at me again. "Well?"

"Huh? O-oh yeah! Um…yeah…uh……"

"Pikachu…" Pikachu sighed.
'Just say it…'

"Spe, espeon," Espeon nodded.
'Yes, if you want to.'

I sighed. They were right.

"Mary…?"

"Yes?"

"You remember, I was…missing…for about a month?"

"Yeah…"

I swallowed. "Well, something happened then…and…that's what I need to tell you about."

            *  *  *

I was scared. I was damn scared. I could care less about all the practice we'd done beforehand. This time was real, and I was really, really scared.

"No, no, no, no! You can't make me! I won't go in there!"

Gary and Misty were making a combined effort to push me through the door to the studio. I had my hands and feet pressed against the door frame and had no intention of letting go. Unfortunately, they didn't have any intention of letting me stay there either.

"Quit being such a baby," Gary growled.

"This was your idea," Misty added.

"I changed my mind!" I cried.

They both rammed into my back again and I struggled to hold my place.

"…Hey, you!" Gary said.

"Brock?" I heard Brock reply.

"Yeah…Help us out here!"

He sighed. "I dunno, maybe we shouldn't force him to…"

"Huh?" I looked over my shoulder, but no sooner did I do that than Misty grinned and jumped on me, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.

I was lucky to stay standing the entire half second that I did, because she had every intention of knocking me down and the force behind her to do it. We both fell to the floor in a heap with her crushing me quite effectively.

"Ow! Misty! What are you doing?!"

"Ha! I got him!" she exclaimed victoriously.

"Get off!" I begged helplessly.

She just giggled and rubbed her fist in my hair.

I heard Gary walk around and then stand in front of us.

"If we let you up, will you not freak out and run away?" he asked.

I peered up at him as best I could. It hurt my neck to look up that high. "Will you both stop tackling me?"

"Yeah."

I slapped Misty lightly with my tail. "Get off already!"

"Hey stop that!" She did get off, but not before taking my tail hostage. I tried to get up fast to take it back, but my balance was off. She just grinned at me while I struggled to my feet.

"What are you doing? Let go!"

"Why?" she asked impishly. She wasn't holding it as tightly anymore, but stilll kept it away from me. Her hand felt strange and warm on my fur…

"Because it's mine!"

"Oh really?"

"Yeees…!"

 "I don't think so…" she chided.

"C'mon leggo…"

I unsuccessfully tried to remove her hands by prying her fingers off and she just watched me but didn't let go.

"Alright Misty, you had your fun…" Brock said finally, "Just let him go already."

"Aww…Fine." She flung it into my face, stunning me for a second before I realized I had it back. I clutched it protectively in case she changed her mind.

Todd, who'd been watching from further within the studio, asked, "Um, are we gonna go through with this or not?"

"That's up to Ash…" Professor Oak replied.

At that, all eyes turned to me, leaving me very uncomfortable. I fiddled with my tail and tried to smooth out my fur.

I really wasn't sure about this whole idea anymore. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but they were all right. I wasn't really thinking about the consequences. Now that I'd had a chance to, I was really scared. If I messed up, or even if I didn't, who could really say it would make a difference what I said, there was no telling what could become of me. I was already well aware of the fact that I was very much a freak by any standards, and I could accept them treating me like one. What scared me was what that kind of treatment might consist of. I knew Professor Oak and Mom would do everything they could to protect me, and I was already planning to go to Saffron after this and I knew Sabrina would take care of me too, but…I was still scared.

"Uhh…"

I looked at all of them in turn, all hopeful, all understanding, all willing to accept…

…If they can…If they can help me, then I know I'll be safe…

I nodded. "Let's get started."

I joined Mary on the set. She gave me a reassuring smile, and we both sat down. The chairs weren't nearly as comfortable as the ones we had before. They were still plush, but they were stiffer. I couldn't sink down and hide anymore. The more seconds flew by, the more I wanted to. I glanced at Mary.

"Can Pikachu and Espeon sit with me?" I asked meekly.

"I don't see why not," she replied.

They knew their cue. The two of them bounded from the darkened area in front of the set where everyone else was watching in fold-up chairs. I gratefully hugged the two of them, unwilling to let go. Espeon settled by laying across my lap, but I hugged Pikachu close to me. He didn't complain. They both knew I was scared.

"Are you ready now?" Mary asked.

Uhh…ready? Me? I-I don't know…I-I thought I was, but…but then…I didn't…and now, and now I, I'm just scared. I don't know.

"Mmmm…" I did something halfway between a shrug and shaking my head, then because it was all that was left, I nodded.

"Okay then." She nodded to Todd and he turned the camera on, with its little red light and the lens all staring at me and recording so everyone could see…and me just sitting there letting it.

What am I doing…!?

Mary had been talking, but I hadn't been listening. When she asked me something, it was all I could do to stare at her, unable to think or speak.

"Ash?" she tried again, keeping her professional attitude, "Don't you remember what you were going to tell us?"

Remember…tell…Tell…them? What…Oh yeah……

I opened my mouth to speak. I really was going to try. Honest. I just couldn't get my vocal cords to work and my jaw just kind of stuck there and as I was trying to figure out how to get past that, I forgot what I was going to say. In the end, all I was able to get out was a strangled whimper.

Mary stared at me as I silently pleaded for help. She understood and made a swift cut motion to Todd. When the red light faded, I slumped back in the chair as much as I could, but my whole body was still tense. My stomach felt like a hundred Butterfree were in there using Whirlwind. My mouth had finally shut, but now my teeth were clamped tightly together and wouldn't budge. Pikachu squirmed in my arms, but I couldn't let go.

"Are you all right, Ash?"

No…No…Uh…

I shook my head. After a moment, she sighed.

"Are you sure you want to do this…?"

I jerked my head up.

What? They're asking this again? Why? I thought…I thought I was…but I thought a lot of things…and nothing at all…

She used a more gentle voice now, like she was talking to a child. "Are you scared?"

Yeah, definitely.

I tried, but I still couldn't get out anything more than a whimper. I buried my face in Pikachu's back, unable to cray as well, but feeling like I might as well have been.

My ears pricked at the sound of footsteps coming my way. When they stopped, I reluctantly raised my head. It was Professor Oak. I shifted a little, mostly to make Pikachu more comfortable without actually letting go, then waiting expectantly for whatever the professor had to say. He cleared his throat and looked down at me, obviously a little uncomfortable himself.

"…You don't have to do this you know," he sighed finally.

I don't…?

He waited, then continued. "No one's forcing you but yourself. All you have to do is say so, and you can stop…"

…Stop?

He bent down so he was eye level with me. "Ash, did you hear me?"

I squeezed Pikachu's paw, and after a moment, he squeezed back. He looked up at me, black-brown eyes full of compassion…and pity.

You pity me…? I…I am…pitiful…aren't I…?

"Did you hear me Ash?" Professor Oak asked.

I nodded.

"……Well, what do you say…?"

I don't have to do this? He says I don't have to. But is he right…? What if I do? If-If I stop, what will happen? What I shouldn't, but do? What…What am I supposed to do…?

I looked around at all of them. They were looking at me, waiting, patiently, for the most part. I think they all thought they knew what I was going to say. They thought I wanted to stop. Maybe I did…I, I felt that way…but…no. There was something else. Something……

I have to.

"I have to." I could barely hear my own faint whisper, but I knew, and they knew, that I had said it.

"Er- What?" Professor Oak stammered.

I raised my head to look him directly in the eyes. "I have to…" I repeated softly.

"A-are you sure?!"

How can I be sure, Professor? Do I look sure to you?

"…Doesn't matter."

"Ash…"

"I can't be sure…but…it doesn't matter, because either way I have to do something, so…"

"…But can you do this?" he asked seriously.

…That…We'll have to see……

"I can try…"

He sighed again. "If you say so…" He turned and gave a sort of shrug to everyone else before joining them again. I glanced at Mary, then at Todd, but what I saw was the camera, with its single unblinking eye, blank and staring. It was more than just an eye though. It had the ability to share all its sights with the rest of the world, a world's eye. It was looking at me.

I'm going to do this aren't I…?

I closed my eyes and breathed in. My hand touched something cold, chilling. My Everstone. I didn't even now that I'd reached for it. I didn't care. It still felt nice and soothing. Calm…I waited for the cold to fill me, then opened my eyes. It was okay now. I had nothing to be afraid of. I had my Everstone, and my friends. As long as I had them, everything would be alright.

I looked at Mary. "I'm ready."

She nodded once at me, her smile not as prominent, then shortly at Todd. He gave her the count and turned the camera back on. She gave her little introduction again, then handed the focus over to me.

I stared back at the camera, still black and hollow and all-seeing.

I won't back down. Not now. Not later. We're going to do this.

"H…H-h-hi…" I stammered, then I realized I hadn't said nearly enough and forced myself to go on. "I……um…"

You can do this, Ash. Come one…Just say it, then we can go……Okay…Here we go.

"Uh…B-before…Uh……Before I l-left Pallet…with-without telling anyone…I…I had been very, um…sick. That's right, I was sick. Uhhh…Oh yeah. I…um…That's why I left. Be-because I was still sick. So…um…I-I know it doesn't make any sense yet, but….you'll see…" I tightened my grip on my Everstone, letting the ice bite into my hand. "I…I had to leave…and when I did, I thought I couldn't come back…but I did, because…because I wanted to…but, the reason I had to stay in the first place was because……I…um………" My voice quavered to nothingness and I glanced at Mary for help.

"Um, why don't you tell us what happened, Ash?" she suggested.

That's what I was trying to do!

"Uh, sure…um…Okay…You see, I……"

Just say it!

I swallowed and did just that, except the words came out small and choked.

"I evolved."

There was a pause, then Mary asked me, "Could you repeat that? I'm not sure if the camera picked it up."

Please don't make me…

I stared at the camera.

You'd better pick this up.

"I…I evolved!" I almost shouted. I'd just been trying to speak louder, but it came out as a shout, harsh and desperate. I ducked my head, afraid to look at evereybody, even though I knew they all already knew…except for the camera. I knew no one else could see what it saw yet, but they would…they would…

"Do you want to keep going?" Mary whispered.

No.

I nodded without looking up.

She took up her professional tone again. "Can you explain what you mean by this?"

…We'd practiced, so I knew she was going to ask that. It didn't make it any more bearable.

I opened my eyes and stared at the floor while I talked. "…I evolved just like a Pokémon…into…something new. I…" I hesitated there. Professor Oak had warned me about using the word 'Mew', because while people may recognize the name as legendary, they probably wouldn't know what Mews look like unless they'd spent time studying legendaries, which I couldn't do anything about.

"I guess I have to show you…" I mumbled.

Espeon met my eyes, crystalline, before hopping off my lap so I could stand up. I let Pikachu take my place on the chair. When I was alone I found myself staring at friends, far away in the darkness, me here in the light. I could quit. Just run out to them and save myself, but I didn't. Instead I watched them watch me, their faces anxious, doubtful, concerned, helpless, mindful. They didn't believe I could or should be doing this. Neither did I. But I was anyway.

Next the camera. I'd give it a sight to see, that's for sure…it and and the rest of the world.

I removed my cloak and carefully hung it over the back of the chair. I noticed when I was done, the very air seemed to have gone silent. Not even the machines continued their monotonous humming. It was like the world itself was holding its breath.

I couldn't remember what I was supposed to say next. It seemed like forever until Mary realized that.

"That's amazing," she said softly, "…and you don't know why or how it happened?"

"No," I answered tersely. It was something of a lie, but it was a necessary one.

"How fascinating," she said, sounding interested. It wasn't anything like her real initial reaction, but that's why we'd practiced. "Were there any other changes besides your tail?"

"Yes…" I used my free hand to move my hair away from my ear. After a few seconds, I smoothed it back down again. As my hand passed eye level it reminded me of its own change and I closed it briefly before deciding to pass on it. "Um…my hair changed color too, but you can't really tell because I dyed it back."

"How about anything not physical, like special powers?"

Here's another lie…

"A little…" I looked down, "It's…affected my battling too."

"Is that why you retired?"

"Yes."

"Why did you choose to go public about this now instead of then?"

"I wasn't comfortable going public yet…but um, well as you know I…had an accident and was hospitalized for a few days. When I was released I realized that it would be impossible for me to keep my evolution a secret forever, because of stuff like that that I can't control, so I thought it would be best to get it out now instead of letting it get out of hand later on…"

She nodded in agreement. "I think you made a wise decision, Ash."

"…Thank you…"

"Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

This was where I was supposed to explain that I wasn't a freak, even though I was…

"…No."

"…Are you sure?"

"…Yeah."

"Oh…Well then, that concludes this interview!" She t urned to the camera, thanked it for joining us, and said a lot of other things that didn't matter.

I let my mind drift as everyone else started to wind down. I knew my presence wasn't needed anymore, so I left. It's not that I wanted to leave, or was even really thinking about leaving. I justk ind of…left. I had too much else on my mind to worry about what I was doing…I wandered blindly through the hallways, my legs numbly carring me to my destination. All else was irrelevant. The impact of what I'd just done followed me like a shadow.

I really did it…It's done…Now all that's left is time…and soon the world really will know…I…hope it's for the best…but I didn't really have any other choice…Yes, it has to be for the best…It's too late to turn back now…Almost…I still could cancel the airing, but after all the trouble we went through…No, I can't do that. I just have to accept it…Yeah…

Outside, the sun hid behind a layer of clouds, leaving the weather a little cooler than usual. I closed my eyesas a soft breeze brushed past me, cool and refreshing, carrying with it scents of the city…tar, junk, dust…Well, maybe it wasn't that refreshing.

I looked at the buildings and pavement around me, really looking for the first time since the interview. It reeked of humans and their greed.

This…This is the life I chose to return to…?

"Aaash!!" Misty growled, sounding very irate.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu called too, more worried than angry.

So that's why…I knew that.

I half-turned to look at them. Misty was leading, fists clenched and sneakered feet stomping towards me. Pikachu, Espeon and Togetic trailed a safe distance behind her.

"Just what do you think you're doing!?" Misty demanded.

"Uh…I……"

I didn't really know. What was I supposed to tell her?

"You can't just leave like that! It was like you just wandered off and couldn't even hear us!"

"Oh…"

Maybe because I did…?

She stopped scolding me to take a second to look me in the eyes. Hers, aqua blue, bore into me, trying to sense my own feelings. I could do nothing.

"Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh…Yeah, I…I guess I just needed some air…" I glanced away.

"You could've told us that you know."

I chuckled nervously. "Oh yeah."

She sighed and hid a grin. "What are we gonna do with you…?"

            *  *  *

We were no more than ten feet out of Viridian when a huge cage dropped down over us and three figures jumped down in front of it. They cleared their throats.

"Prepare for trouble, you're behind bars!"

"Make it double, now we'll be the stars!"

They were interruped by a loud yowl by their feet. "Wow! Lookit dat twoip!"

Meowth was promptly stomped on by Jessie and James.

"Don't interrupt the motto!" Jessie snarled.

"It's the only thing we do right!" James added, and was rewarded by a punch to the face from Jessie.

"Wobbuffet!!"

"It is not! We're also the world's most fabulous dressers!"

"Wooobbuffet!"

"Oh my yes," James agreed wide-eyed while rubbing his cheek, "I almost forgot!"

"Wobba…"

"How could you forget!?"

"Would youse two shut up and listen to Meowth!!?" Meowth screeched and Fury Swiped both of their faces.

"Why should we listen to you!!??"

"Woooooobbuffett!"

After they were done giving Meowth a beat down and Jessie recalled Wobbuffet, they finally turned back to us. "Now where were…"

They blinked in unison. After about two seconds of silence, James spoke up.

"Is it just me, or is there something different about the twerp?"

"Could…be…"

"He's got a freakin' tail!!" Meowth politely informed them.

"Oooohhhhh…" they 'oh'-ed in unison.

After about three more seconds…

"WHAT!?!?"

…they all began freaking out.

The rest of us just watched them for a moment.

"Why do I get the feeling that these guys really aren't much of a threat to us?" Gary asked.

"Maybe because they aren't…" I replied. "Espeon?"

"Spe!"
'Yes!'

I nodded. Her eyes narrowed and glowed blue, and soon the rest of her body did too. The cage surrounding us shone white for a second and disappeared. It reappeared covering Team Rocket, who immediately stopped panicking and stared at their new accomodations in surprise.

"Okay, let's go," I told everyone. They nodded and we simply walked around Team Rocket. The three of them ran to the side closest to us and clutched the bars.

"Wh-wh-what are you doing!? You can't just leave us here!" Jessie cried.

"Aren't you even going to blast us off!?" James inquired.

"Wobbuffet!"

I stopped and stared at them. "Do you really want me to?"

They blinked, glanced at each other, then viciously shook their heads at me.

"Then everything's okay!" I smiled at them and we continued on our way.

            *  *  *

We went back to Pallet so I could pack things for my stay in Saffron. I was only bringing two Pokémon, Pikachu and Espeon, who was now in her Pokéball. She wasn't too fond of heights, and I didn't know if there would be enough room for all three of us anyway.

I climbed to the top of our ash tree, with Pikachu on my shoulder, despite the protests of everyone and my own misgivings about the idea. At least it was dry and light outside. Still, I was extremely careful as I made my way up. When I was high enough, I seated myself on the sturdiest branch, took a deep branch, and cupped my hands around my mouth.

"PIIIIDDGGEEOOOOOOOTTT!!!!"

"PIIIIKAAAACHUUUUUU!!!"

We waited, the only sound was the wind blowing through our ears.

"Pidgeot!!" came a sharp cry in the distance.

I grinned. "She heard us, Pikachu."

"Pikachu."
'Yup.'

I heard something like the clap of thunder, and seconds later, a large brown blur zoomed past us, knocking leaves off the tree. Pikachu and I struggled to keep our hold. Not long after, Pidgeot swooped around again, much slower this time. I could see a smile at the corner of her beak.

"Pidgeot?"
'What's up?'

"Gotta make a trip…" I told her as she circled around the tree.

"Pidgeoo?" she cooed as she landed on a nearby branch, "Pidgeot?"
'A trip? Where to?'

"Saffron."

"Geeot? Pidgeot."
'Really? That's kind of far.'

"I know. That's why I'm asking you."

"Pidg! Pidgeot!" she laughed, spreading her wings while she did. She folded them back up and smiled warmly at me. "Pidgeoot?"
'Right! Good choice! Are we leaving now?'

"If that's alright with you."

"Pidggeot. Pidgeot!"
'Of course it is. Let's go!'

I was careful climbing over to the branch where she sat, then onto her back and held on tight.

"Pidgeot," I whispered, "can I say goodbye first?"

"Ggeot."
'Of course.'

She flapped twice to get off the branch, then glided down to where everyone else was standing. I slid off her back and looked at them, unsure where to start.

"…I……"

Someone warm took my hand. I stared down at our hands for a second before looking up  see Mom smiling sadly at me. When our eyes met, she wrapped her arms around me and embraced me tightly, but without squeezing me. I…did the same.

"Ash, you be good, all right? Don't give Sabrina any trouble."

"I won't."

"And be careful too. Don't do anything dangerous."

"I know."

"…And don't forget…"

I raised an eyebrow. "Forget what?"

"Oh, you know."

"…Huh?"

"You know…" she said pointedly, trying not to grin.

"I do…?"

She nodded and glanced down several times before I realized she was trying to point something out to me. I looked down but didn't see anything.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh just under there."

"Under where?"

She just smiled at me and it took a moment for me to realize what I'd just said.

"Mom!!!"

She laughed while others groaned and I could feel myself blushing furiously.

"I'm just kidding Ash…" she told me sweetly.

I couldn't think of a polite way to answer that, so I said nothing.

Professor Oak spoke next. "If you notice anything unusual, I want you to call me about it right away."

"Uh…Okay."

"That's right," Mom added, "I want you to call me every day."

"Uhh…I guess so."

"Don't forget, we'll be waiting for you when you come back," Brock smiled.

"So don't do anything stupid that I'll have to hit you for," Misty said pleasantly."

"I-I won't."

Gary was the only one who still had to say something. "Eh…" He shrugged. "Everyone else took all the good advice." He looked me in the eye and smirked. "Smell ya later, Ashy-boy."

"Heh…Goodbye, Gary…Professor. Mom. Brock…Misty…"

I lingered on her, and she closed the gap between us quickly.

"I know it doesn't count now, but-" she told me before she kissed me.

I was in shock at first, but I gathered enough of my sense to kiss back, even though I knew, I knew I shouldn't…My senses made me enjoy it too.

We pulled back too soon. She smiled at me, eyes full of hope.

"…maybe we can make it count?" she whispered.

No…No, no, please don't bring this up now…

I gritted my teeth. How was I supposed to say that to her!?

There's only one way.

"…Not yet," I whispered back, "I…I'm not ready yet…I'm sorry."

"…Oh."

I hated it. I hated the way her voice dropped, how her eyes turned down, how her grip loosened. I hated it, but I had no choice…

I squeezed her hands. "I gotta go now…"

When she didn't reply, I moved away, back to Pidgeot, and climbed on. I gave her a little nudge in the back and she walked forward. I stopped her by Brock.

"Hey…Take care of her for me, okay?" I whispered so no one else could hear.

He smiled knowingly. "You got it, man."

"Thanks…" I turned to everyone and waved. "Goodbye." They waved back, arms loosely moving back and forth. I turned back around. "Let's go Pidgeot."

"Pidgeot!"

She didn't need much of a running start. A few flaps and we were airborne and Saffron-bound.