Scene 30: A Promise
With Shelly's departure fast approaching, Nick starts to get moody and depressed. Although he wants his sister to be happy, he's suddenly come to the realization that she's actually leaving him. He can't remember a time where he was all alone in the villa.
Sure, when Shelly went off to the Pokémon Academy, but that was only for a day or two, and she always came back home soon enough. But this time, he didn't know when she'd be back…
Their father made frequent trips into town to make sure she had everything she needed to travel. It wasn't until Shelly put her foot down did he relax on the preparations. She had learned a lot while she was enrolled in the Pokémon Academy. Though her father wanted her to lug around this giant luggage, Shelly knew she'd be fine with a simple pack. She would make sure to bring some spare Medicine, Pokéballs, a change of clothes, a small rolled up blanket, her berries, some Pokéblocks and a bento to pack lunches for the journey.
And while Axel was panicking and being overly prepared, Cleo had taken on her own project. She was fixing up a new outfit for Shelly to wear. Cleo had always been great with a needle and thread, but even Shelly was impressed with it. She had been inspired by Nick's Magician Halloween costume. When the outfit is ready, Shelly tries it on. Axel and Cleo are delighted with how grown up she looks in it. She blushes at her parent's praise.
The dress is a simple white with stripes and a blue trim at the bottom; it has puffy sleeves and an attached blue vest tied together with a big yellow bow; her fingerless gloves are the same blue as the vest and trim and the black arm warmers have small yellow bows as a final touch. Even Cleo is impressed with Axel's good eye. He had been sent out to pick up a pair of hiking boots and a small pack for Shelly from the town, and they're both a matching pink. Looking at herself in the mirror, Shelly is sure that she is ready.
The following morning, Shelly dresses in her new clothes. She finishes the look with a yellow bow in her short brown hair, matching it with a bow tied to Munchlax's neck. She smiles at him, "Don't you look cute!" He grins. They go down together to breakfast.
After she's done eating, Shelly realizes that Nick is missing. Neither of her parents had seen him all day. It's only a few hours till the ferry arrives for the main Kanto Region. Where could he have disappeared to?
Cleo searches the entire home and grounds with Shelly's help. Axel runs out to see if he's gone to the city. Shelly is standing on the balcony when she notices someone sitting on their beach down below. She hurries to meet him.
Nick doesn't move as Shelly settles herself beside him in the sand. Nick admits that he doesn't want Shelly to go, "I know it's your dream, but… I'm going to miss you." She smiles sadly down at him. Shelly puts her arm around his shoulder, "Oh, Nick. I'm going to miss you, too. So much. But, hey! Before you know it, you'll be old enough to start your own journey! And we'll be traveling together, just like we always said we would!" He sniffles. "You mean it?" Shelly nods. "Of course I mean it! You're my sweet little brother and I love you so much. That's a promise..!" She hugs him. They sit together on the beach until it's almost time for Shelly to leave.
At the docks, Shelly gives each of her family one final hug and kiss goodbye. To no one's surprise, her father is the one crying the most.
"Papa! Don't cry! I'll see you soon. Promise." Cleo laughs at her husband, "Now make sure you call us as soon as you get to Fuchsia City, ok?" Shelly nods, "I will." Nick hasn't said anything. Shelly reaches into her pack and pulls something out. She hands it over to him. Nick recognizes the old photo. Its from when they first met Fantina at the Contest Hall.
"I want you to have this." Nick looks up at her with surprise, "I want you to remember our promise." His eyes are wide, but takes the photo, "But what about you?" Shelly smiles at him, "I have a new treasure to remind me." She shows him her ribbon case. Another gift from her parents to show their support in her dream.
It's pink with gold trim, a sparkling blue stone at its center. The stone at the top is a button that when pressed, opens the case sideways to reveal your ribbons. She clicks it. Her Chrysanthemum Contest Ribbon sits in the center slot. Holding his tears in, Nick runs forward into his sister's arms.
"Good luck out there, Sis." Shelly holds him closely, promising to see him soon. He pulls away, "I'll be cheering you on!" Their father puts a hand on his shoulder, "We'll all be cheering for you." Shelly looks around at her family, "Thanks."
Shelly and Munchlax board the ferry as the final whistle sounds. They wave as their family disappears into the horizon. Shelly turns to face the new direction they're headed. She pats Munchlax's head. She smiles confidently, "No turning back now."