Chapter 9:Moving On
"Pika pi," Pikachu whispered tapping Misty's shoulder. (Wake up.)
"Is anyone else up?" Misty asked sleepily.
"Pika pikachu," Pikachu answered. (Only Brian.)
"Is he still here?" Misty asked sitting up rubbing her eyes.
Before Pikachu answered the photo album slid down Misty's front and stopped in her lap. She lifted it up and opened it to the first page. A small piece of paper fell out; Pikachu caught it and started to read. Pikachu's usually bright eyes darken and he put the note down. Nervous from Pikachu's reaction, Misty picked up the note and read aloud, "Dear Misty and Gang. I'm sorry to say I still don't know if I'm going to continue with you or stay at home. To be safe I'm going to stay home till I'm sure of my choice. Brian."
The door creaked open and Ash stuck his face in, "You say something Mist?"
Throwing the note and album behind her, "Nope nothing Ash."
"Ok the rest of the guys are still sleeping," Ash informed jerking his thumb back towards the living room.
"Except for Brian," Misty corrected.
Ash turned and looked again, "I guess your right Misty. Where is he?"
"I don't know but here," She said holding the note out.
Ash walked in and took the note, "Hey Pikachu!" he greeted as his friend scampered up to Ash's shoulder.
After reading the note, "Is this good or bad?" Ash asked looking at Misty.
"I don't know, but I think more bad than good," She replied trying to keep a straight face.
"Its' cool Misty, let it out," Ash said noticing her discomfort.
Ash watched as Misty sat staring back at him with a frown.
"Pika, chu pika pi?" Pikachu piped up pointing at the desk. (Hey, what's that?)
"It's a Pokéball, Pikachu," Ash said walking over to it.
Underneath it laid another note. Ash picked it up and read it aloud, "Hey Pikachu this is for you. When my cousin got married he gave one of his Pokémon and now I want you to be her friend,"
Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder in excitement and anticipation. He pushed the button and watched as the small Pichu appeared.
"Aww isn't it cute," Misty cooed.
Brian stepped up to the door and looked at himself. He reached up to knock but the door flung open. "Hello Brian," Mrs. Joy greeted smiling.
"Hey," Brian tried his best to sound happy and put a smile on his face, "is Christi around?"
"I'm sorry she's already at the Pokécenter," Mrs. Joy apologized.
"Not your fault, and thank you," Brian said turning and waving good-bye.
The walk from the Joy house to the Pokécenter seemed extra long today, 'It could be the weather,' he looked up at the dark sky threatening rain.
He shrugged that idea off and settled that it was just he news that he carried. The Pokécenter doors slid open but he couldn't bring himself to enter. He felt like there was some invisible wall keeping him out. Taking a deep breath, he broke through. Christi looked at him perplexed. He had to admit it looked kinda weird for him to stop just outside the doors like that. "Hey Brian," she called from behind the counter, her voice was less cheerful than usual, 'this day isn't very usual anyway.'
"Christi I've come to say," he paused and took a deep breath, "I'm going to be leaving again, but I'm not gonna forget you," he promised.
He took her hands and kissed her on the cheek. With a weak smile on his face he turned and walked away. In the background music softly filled the room, 'how ironic,' he thought walking slowly.
"It Was You" played on as the lyrics filled his head. The song seemed to be harassing him as he left the building. 'Now to tell the rest of the group unless I'm too late. I hope they at least got Pichu.'
"Brock at least let him come back so we can say bye," Ash pleaded.
"If that's what you want," Brock gave in.
A knock at the door. "Hello?" Brock answered the door.
"Hi, I'm Danye, is Brian here?"
"I'm sorry he's not right now," Scott apologized.
"Ok, could you please tell him thanks," Danye said.
"Yeah," Brock answered.
"Thanks," Danye said walking away.
"At least Pikachu is having fun," Ash complained watching Pichu and Pikachu run around.
"Where are Brian's parents anyway?" Scott asked.
"His dad works and his mom went shopping," Misty responded.
Silence followed as everyone watched Pikachu and Pichu play. "What are you guys still doing here?" a voice asked as the door opened.
"We were waiting to say good-bye," Misty answered.
"Hey Pichu!" Brian cheered kneeling down.
Pichu ran over to Brian and jumped into his arms. Brian hugged her close as she licked his face and they both laughed. "Oh and to let you know I'm coming with," Brian smiled going back to playing with Pichu.
The group stood silent. The only thing keeping the house from complete silence were Brian, Pichu, and Pikachu. "Lets go!" Brian yelled picking up his backpack and camera from his room and walking back to the group.
Pikachu and Pichu scampered by squealing with laughter. Brian reached down and touched the floor. Pichu broke off the chase and scurried up Brian's arm. With Pichu perched on his shoulder, Brian walked out the door and waited for the rest of the group to get outside. "On to…..?" Ash yelled standing in the doorway.
"Goldenrod," Brian helped.
"Yes! On to Goldenrod!" Ash yelled again.
The group walked on with a smile and not a care in the world.
To be continued…