After the Top 16 battle, Lows was officially eliminated from the Hoenn League for Year 2004. The friendship between him and Sip was also broken, but with Disc's plan, the friendship was mended and became stronger than ever. After the Hoenn League, Lows planned for his next step, and everything will be revealed before he left, including the mystery he wanted to find out in his journey.

Chapter 47 - One Ends, Another One Begins

"The finale of the Junior Division will finally be starting in ten minutes!" The host in the stadium announced as the four of us excited cheered along with the crowd. Sip, Cassie, Regis and I were anticipated for the final battle.

After ten minutes, the two trainers walked out of the battlefield as the referee announced, "To my left, we have Harry Waves from Dewford Town!" The cheers abrupted upon hearing the trainer's name.

"To my right, we have Daniel Chase from Pallet Town!" When Disc's name was called out, the audience cheered as well for the newcoming talent.

After the arrows finished rolling around the circles, the referee announced, "This battle will be in the grass field, and Harry gets the first move."

The battlefield changed into the grassy field, as the two started the battle. The battle was full of intensity, as the audience was more excited as the battle progressed. We were also excited to find out the winner of this battle. However, I also noticed that Harry started giving his Pokémon nicknames.

He sure changed a lot...

After the collision of moves, their second last Pokémon went down and the referee announced, "Both Rose and Starlight are unable to battle! This battle is a draw! Trainers, please send out your last Pokémon!"

They both returned their Pokémon as they took out their Pokéballs and threw them in unison. Harry was left with his Swampert, while Disc was left with Leafy the Venusaur.

The final battle is a starter battle...

"The battle between Poseidon and Leafy will now begin!"

The two trainers started giving commands. Poseidon started out with an Earthquake attack, which hit his opponent. Leafy fought through the pain as she released a Sludge Bomb attack, but Poseidon protected himself using Protect.

As the barrier broke, Leafy found the opportunity and used Energy Ball on her opponent, which the slow Poseidon was unable to dodge it and took a lot of damage. However, Poseidon didn't give up and rushed towards Leafy, giving her a powerful Ice Punch which surprised us. Leafy was hit back and she started panting, the same could be said to the Swampert as well. Suddenly, a small veil of water surrounded Poseidon, while green leaves surrounded the Venusaur as well.

"They both activated their abilities... Both of them could go down any second now." Cassie analysed.

The Venusaur started charging up for a Solarbeam attack, which Harry was aware of. The Swampert remained unfazed as he released a Muddy Water attack, hitting Leafy and blinding her vision. She released the powerful beam to the wrong direction, as Poseidon took the opportunity and gave her another Ice Punch. The Venusaur was pushed back and she collapsed, unable to move.

"Leafy is unable to battle! Poseidon wins! Everyone, your Junior Division winner is Harry Waves from Dewford Town!"

The cheers abrupted the stadium as Disc hugged his Venusaur, knowing that she did a great job. Harry just petted the Swampert, which made Poseidon happy. The two returned their Pokémon and happily shook hands.

Disc came back to the seat after a few minutes as we congratulated him, "Disc, you did well. Congratulations on getting into the finals."

"Yeah... Thanks. I was a bit upset that I couldn't win, but I can't complain, I got further than what I expected. Besides, Harry did very well." He accepted the loss fair and square.

We continued watching as a reporter interviewed Harry, "Harry Waves! Congratulations on winning the Junior Division of the Hoenn League 2004! How do you feel right now?"

He took a hand microphone and replied, "I feel very good. What I couldn't achieve when I participated in the Indigo League, I did it here with my Pokémon!" The audience cheered at his response.

"What are your plans after winning the Junior Division?"

"I would like to battle the Elite Four, and maybe the Champion after I'm fully prepared. I'm going to a region to train before battling them."

"I heard that when you first started your journey in Hoenn, people complained that your attitude towards Pokémon wasn't that nice. Is that true?"

"I admit, I wasn't the best trainer when I started my journey. I treated my team rudely due to a childhood trauma, and I am regretful for what I did in the past." He then turned to the reporter and asked, "May I please thank some people here?"

"Sure thing, Harry. Take your time!"

He cleared his throat and started saying, "Dad, thank you for being a great father to me. I wasn't the best son, but you were always there for me when I was a child. Till now, you still cared about me and wanted to help me change my attitude, and I hope you can see my progress as a trainer today. Also..." He stopped and took a deep breath before saying, "I know I'm adopted, Dad."

The audience were in shock as I thought, Harry knew he was adopted? How?

"I found some files and knew my backstory. Thank you Dad, for saving me before I get washed away by the waves, and adopted me as your son. If you're watching this right now, I just want to say that I'm proud to be your son."

The audience's then cheered for Harry's touching words. Harry then continued, "Next, I would like to thank a trainer. At first, I was already acting terrible to you back at Kanto."

I was stunned by his first sentence. Is he talking about... me?

"Along our journeys, we met each other for a few times. You helped me took care of two of my Pokémon, and you treated them so much better than me, I thank you for that. But what is more important is that... You changed my attitude towards my Pokémon. After hugging my former childhood Pokémon, I knew he wants me to treat my Pokémon better. The trainer also showed me that Pokémon can be friends to everyone, they are our best company whenever we are. He is the reason why I changed my attitude towards my Pokémon, and all of us are happy."

He took another deep breath before saying his final sentence, "Lows Landerson, thank you. You really inspired me, and don't forget about our promise! I want to battle you the next time we meet in another journey." He smiled while I stared at him, happy that he really changed a lot compared to the past.

The audience clapped for Harry and I as the interview came to an end. We left the stadium and Disc said, "Wow, you sure influenced him a lot."

"Yeah... I never knew he would take my words in his mind. He changed so much..." I chuckled.

"Anyways, the ending festival will be up tonight. Who wants to join in the fun?" Cassie asked.

We all agreed to join the festival as we prepared ourselves in our rooms. As I got ready, I said, "It feels just like yesterday when I started my journey."

"Yeah, I know... Time flies, and we grew up a lot." Sip smiled as he took some stuff before saying, "I'm ready. What about you?"

"Always ready to go!" I laughed as we reached the venue where the festival was held. We met up with the other three as we played games and ate delicious food. We all had a good time.

We were at a round table, having some delicious fruit popsicles. Suddenly, Regis asked, "What are you all going to do after the league ended?"

"Good question! I planned this for a while now, and I wanted to learn more about contests, so I'm going to Orange Islands after my journey! There are many amazing showboats there too, such as the Eevee Showboat, Qualot Queen and so many more! I would have a better knowledge about contests through my next journey." Cassie smiled.

"Hmm... I'm thinking of going home and participate in the Indigo League, and see if I can maybe win the league. What about you, Regis?" Disc asked.

"I'm planning on applying for the Ace Trainer Association! This is my dream fro quite a while now, and hopefully I get accepted!"

"With your skills, I'm sure you're gonna succeed." I encouraged him.

"Thanks. What about you, Lows and Sip?"

"Well... I don't have plans for now. I'll see how it goes." Sip said.

"Same goes for me. I need some planning before setting up my next step..." I said.

"Anyways, wherever we go next, let's keep in contact!" We nodded at Cassie's words as we continued to do activities in the festival. After the festival ended, we went back to the hotel as Disc took out his Pokégear, "It's photo time!"

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the group photo! Thanks, Disc."

"No problem." He said as he handed the Pokégear to another trainer. The trainer said as we got ready, "1, 2, 3... Say cheese!"

We smiled and made different poses as the trainer took clear photos and handed it to its owner.

"I'll open a chat group and send these pictures there. Besides sending pictures, we can also keep in touch after we seperated!"

"Thanks, everyone. You all fulfill my wish to take a group photo. I'll keep the photos forever." I happily said.


When we're back to the room, besides from getting the photos from Disc, I also received a call from my parents. I accepted the call as my parents' faces appeared om the screen.

[Lows! You did well in the Hoenn League. Top 16 isn't an easy achievement after all.]

"Thanks, Mom. How are you all doing back there?"

[We're doing great! We just wished that you and Charmaine can be here, too.]

"Talking about sis, do you know that sis started a relationship with someone?"

[Really?! In the past, she was never attracted to boys. I guess this guy got something in him. How is that guy like?]

I thought about Wally as I said, "He's a nice guy, and always gentle and kind. He's also the gym leader of Lilycove City."

[I see... Anyways, what do you plan to do next?]

"I don't know... Maybe continue my journey at another region."

[Why don't you go to Johto if you don't plan to come back? Johto is close to Kanto and Hoenn, and a great place to test your abilities.]

"I'll see, Dad. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll tell you when I have a decision." With that, I ended the call and thought about Dad's suggestion.

Johto... It would be nice to travel to another region, but I wouldn't know anything about the region. I'm not sure if I would get lost in Johto, not knowing where to go...

Sip suddenly asked, "What is the call about?"

"Well, it's my parents. They gave me a suggestion to travel in Johto for my next step, but I don't know anything about the region."

"Lows, why don't I travel with you?" He suddenly suggested, "I travelled in Johto with my parents when I was young, so I might have some memories about the region. Besides, I want to take another step too."

"That's all set! Let's go to the Johto region for our journey!" I happily made my decision as we smiled, ready for our next region to be travelled: Johto.


A week later...

Sip and I were ready. We got our tickets ready for the ship to Johto. My friends were going to leave Hoenn later than us, so they were there to see us leave. Also, there were some familiar people that went to see us...

"Lows, thank you for helping us out. We couldn't live back our normal lives without you and the gym leaders." Stone said as Kyla nodded.

I smiled, "It's all good. Besides, I knew you two were forced to do it anyway."

Stone rubbed his head as Kyla said, "See, Stone? I told you thanking a person isn't that hard."

"I'm only doing it because you told me to, and Lows did help us out!"

"Well... It's good that you obey to what I say, Stone."

"Of course! You're my girl, and I'll always listen to you and be there for you!"

"Aww... You're so sweet."

Just when I was curious about their relationship, May explained, "They became a couple after they started living their normal lives."

"Good for them..." I smiled.

"Lows, I hope you will do well in Johto. Also, Brendan would like you to visit Hoenn again when you have the time." May helped Brendan, who was busy in a meeting with PLA to speak his words. I nodded as I replied, "I will. Also, I know you like Brendan. Go for it someday, May."

"W-Well... I'll wait for the right time..." May blushed as I laughed. I then went to my friends, who just said goodbye to Sip.

"Like I said before, let's keep in touch in the chat group." Disc smiled as we had a bro hug.

"Don't worry, Disc. I will definitely do that. I hope you can do well in the Indigo League too."

Cassie then hugged me and said, "I'm gonna miss you so much!"

"Same here, Cassie. Thanks for your cheerfulness in the journey, it really helped me out."

"No problem! Also, I have a question. Did you find the mystery trainer?"

I sighed, "Unfortunately... no. I tried finding him in different cities, but it was to no avail with that little clues."

"I'm sure you'll find him someday!"

"Yeah, I hope so. Thanks, Cassie."

Regis then turned to me and said, "Remember what I said before about missing someone?"

I smiled, "Yeah, I know. Missing someone is just a feeling, but eventually we have to push through it and do what we gotta do. I'll always keep that in mind, don't worry. Besides, we can still chat through our Pokégears!"

"I know you would remember." We smiled as my sister came to me with Wally, "Little bro, good luck in Johto!"

"Thanks, sis. I'll miss you a lot." I hugged her.

"I know you will. However, you should be getting video calls from Mom and Dad, so you'll see me several times too."

"W-What does that mean?"

"Charmaine and I will be leaving Hoenn and go to Hoenn for two years." Wally answered my question.

"That means the number of gym badges are back to eight?"

"Yeah, for now. However, I'm not sure if Mom and Dad would accept me again. And the fact that I have a boyfriend..."

"Don't worry, they miss you a lot, they probably would be very happy! Besides, I told them about Wally already." I chuckled as my sis shouted, "What?! You're so going to get it from me next time!"

I laughed as my sister playfully hit my back lightly.

Steven then came towards me and said, "Looks like you're a fast trainer, going to another region already... I hope you do well in Johto."

"Thanks, Steven. Hope you do well in Devon!"

"Well... I would rather collect rarer stones for my collection." He chuckled. "Lows... I want to say-"

Suddenly, he was interrupted by the announcement, "The ship to Johto has arrived. Please get into the ship now and go to your respective rooms."

Sip and I waved our hands to my friends as a final farewell before knowing our room numbers. Sip said, "Guess we'll see each other when the ship arrived."

"Yeah, let's meet up later." We went to our respective rooms. I opened the window of my room, and I looked outside and saw my friends looking at the ship with tears before leaving.

I'm going to miss you all... And I'll find the mystery trainer too, someday... I thought and suddenly, Steven came back to see me with his Metagross.

I thought he had something to say... Is he going to say it now?

Indeed, he saw me and waved his hand to get my attention. He yelled, "Lows, good luck in your journey! Warrior and I will cheer for you... wherever you go!"

I waved my hand to him as I suddenly had a thought. I was surprised when I knew what he meant.

Warrior... Isn't that the Pokémon the mystery trainer has? T-That means...

I looked at Steven, who kept his smile and kept on waving his hand, while Metagross- I mean Warrior, stared at me as the ship set sail.

After the ship went far and the two became smaller and disappeared from my sight, tears dropped from my face again.

T-Thank you for saving me three years ago, and when I was against Team Will...

Thank you for trying your best to stop Azore from attacking me...

I hope you will always do well in whatever you do...

Don't worry, I will be fine too...

Because I have you guys in my heart, forever...

Thank you, Steven, Disc, Cassie, Regis... I hope to see you all again.

I clenched my fist as I stayed in my room, determined to continue my journey in Johto.


Steven and Warrior continued looking at the ship until it was out of sight.

"Do you think he will be fine?" Steven asked.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Besides, he has his Pokémon with him." Warrior smiled.

"I sure hope so. Do you think he found the truth he wants?"

"I'm pretty sure he found it. His expression showed a surprised feeling to me."

"Hahaha... You're good at reading minds. Anyways... I'm glad I could express the truth to him in the end."

"Same here, Steven."

The two smiled as they left the dock without saying a word. They knew their mission was accomplished...


At a different place...

The former leader of the Team Will Grunt Squad, Peggy was in a dark place. He had to hide there in the meantime to avoid the police.

He was angry and upset. Team Will disbanded, and he and to hide like a pitiful Rattata to avoid those people. He wanted to show them that he would destroy them one day.

He evilly smirked as he said, "I will recreate Team Will... and make it stronger than ever. I'll show them... Who is the real boss here in this region. Wait for it... Muahahahahaha!"

His evil laughs were heard throughout the room, and he will make sure that no one gets into his way... No one.


And... This is it for Lows' journey in the Hoenn region! I think I got everything included, right? Hopefully! I really hoped you all enjoyed the ending of the story, and stay tuned for my second story: Johto - The Journey Continues!

I will be taking a month break to make the first chapters, but you can also check out my side story in the meantime, which is a Minecraft Fanfic - Minecraft Ultra Hardcore: Game to Reality. I will most likely post a chapter or two there during my break :)

Fun fact, Peggy, Azore and Sip are characters named after my internet friends: InsertDotJpeg, qKarma and Sipwin.

And now, I would like to thank some people:

flblaziken: How could I not thank you? You're the best author I've ever seen, and you are the one who inspired me to make this story. I treat you as a role model and a good friend, and I really enjoyed your suggestions throughout my story making.

At first, I made this account to read Kanto: The Start of the Journey, but look at me now, I finished a full story! I thank you for always reviewing my story even though you're busy with work, and I can't wait for us to work together for the Johto story :)

Gokukrish: I remember when you followed and favourite my story, I was so happy and it took me a while to sleep that day. Every now and then, you would come and review my chapters and give me suggestions, and I enjoyed them too. I know you're currently busy, and I hope after everything is over, you can review the chapters and post some chapters in your story, I would love to see that. Thank you!

WyldClaw: Thanks for coming here to review some of my chapters when you have the time. I really enjoyed every review you send, and hopefully I'll see you again in my next story :)

And, I wanna say thank you to everyone who read my story, and are even kind enough to favourite and follow it. I am not the best author in this site, but your follows, favourites and reviews really lightened up my day :)

And now, I announce that Hoenn - Where the Journey Begins is officially completed!

Is this the end? Of course it is not. I'll see you again in Johto - The Journey Continues :)