Chapter 32: Future Plans

After carefully studying a map of the Johto Region that I found in Jess former Backpack, I was quite a bit dissapointed because it only highlighted the regular routes, everything else wasn't properly cartographed on this map. I also saw that we had to cross some routes at specific points of our journey, no matter which way we'd take. I also had to account several factors like avoiding to cross rivers as Travis can't cross water. I also couldn't really judge the height of several mountains on this map. Looks like we have to sneak through tall grass on routes at some point. This all would be so much easier if we wouldn't have to avoid any humans. I decided to tkae care of those problems when we got to them. maybe we can find a way. At first we need to head north. Next to route 34 seems to be heavy forested area. We can walk there until we reach the Ruins of Alph, from there we need to find a way to cross route 32 and get past Violet City. I put the map back into the bag and looked at the four Pokémon standing before me. Everyone was ready to break up. We had collected a lot of food and filled some of the bottles that jess had in her bag with water. The bag was pretty heavy but I saw ist as some additional training.

Alright, are you ready to go? We won't return here, and it's going to be a long journey. I said to them.

Silver, Travis and Kathie were excited about leaving this place. We had been here for too long now. Jess on the other hand looked like she wanted to stay here for a little longer. I guess she's only coming with us because she doesn't want to be left alone. I can understand that. I already offered her to find a trainer for her like Silver and I did with Gavin, but she didn't want to be forced to fight. I still hope that she'll enjoy fighting like me and Silver one day. Maybe this journey will help her find some joy in her new life.

We set off. Our first way lead us towards the shrine. Silver scouted for any trainers, and gave us a signal that we could traverse safely. While we crossed the clearing I looked for some leftovers of our fight with Gavin on that day that changed our entire life, but there was nothing left. Even Gavins device that went crazy was gone. Maybe the other rocket guy picked it up, or some passerby would have thrown it into the next trashcan. We headed farther to the north, walking next to the path, keeping a safe distance, so noone would see us, but also close enough for us to always see it. By the end of the day, the path led outside the forest to route 34, that leads to Goldenrod City. Even though we stayed in the woods we could tell that we were no longer in Ilex forest as the trees started to become smaller and were less close to each other, which made walking a lot easier. I looked back at Ilex forest. It's been some kind of home to me for the last few weeks. I think I'm going to miss it, but at the same time, I can't wait here any longer. I missed travelling around, even thoug I wished I'd be travelling alongside a trainer, not having to avoid routes or cities. Fighting against aother trainers Pokémon...Maybe I should search for a worthy trainer when we're done with Team Rocket. It's something I could live with. Maybe I'd even fight in a Pokémon league and become a champion. Maybe someday when I find a trainer who brings me this far I can even tell him that I was once a human...Oh well my thoughts are drifting off again. I need to focus on what lies ahead of us first. The sun soon set and we decided to rest and stay here over night. I saw Travis ans Silver talking to each other. Jess was lying down, exhausted from todays walk. I sat down next to her.

So, how are you doing? I asked her.

I'm tired...I'm still not used to this stupid body. Walking on four legs still feels so unreal.

Maybe you should ask Travis. After all, he's a quadruped too. maybe he can give you some advise.

Yeah maybe I'll do that. By the way, why were you smiling like that just before we decided to rest?

I did? Oh well, I was just thinking about what I'd do after we're done with Team Rocket, and I thought of looking for a trainer and become a champion.

I envy you...You got thrown into a new life and still, you're really happy with it. I don't even know what I should do after this and there's no way to turn me back into a human...I mean, I can't just go home and tell my mom that I'm a Pokémon now. She was about to break into tears. I took her on my lap and started patting her head.

Shh, don't worry. There's a place for you in this world and we're going to find it, even if we have to travel all around the world.

While I patted her head with my paw I just now realised how soft her fur was. It was way softer than my own fur, which was therefore much thicker than hers. She eventually fell asleep. she must've been really exhausted. I still sat there with Jess sleeping on my lap. She looked really cute when she was sleeping. I continued patting her and I couldn't stop moving my paw through her soft fur. the softest parts were on her tail and on her chest. I only stopped when I noticed that Silver was watching me. I didn't know how long he's been standing there, but when I saw him I blushed, at least as far as you could see me blush through all the blue fur in my face. I carefully lay her down to the ground and walked over to Silver.

You really 'like' her do you? By the way he stressed 'like' I already knew that he meant more than that. But I couldn't tell if he was right or wrong. I never had a girlfriend. And I never really thought about this. Could I have fallen in love with Jess without me even noticing it? I had some weird thoughts right now. Some of them involved starting a family and having children. I dindn't want to think about it even though I kinda liked the idea of having someone to take care of, play with and maybe teach them to battle. Those scenarios won't work together with my plans on becoming a champion, though.

What is it? Did I just hit the nail on the head? Silver asked me when I didn't respond to him.

I startled out of my thoughts and looked into his eyes. He had a smirk on his face.

I...I don't know...

Oh come on. There's no need to be shy about that. Just admit it and you'll feel better.

It's not that simple...I guess I need time to think about this...alone.

Alright, If you need a wingman, I'm there for you. He said with a smirk before he left.

I laid down, but with all those thoughts on my mind it took some time before I fell asleep...