Adrian POV
I sat across from my grandpa and my mother, a table and supplies in between us. The atmosphere that me and my mother had was a tense, but warm. In contrast, My grandpa had a proud expression on his face. I guess I was feeling a mixture of both, pride in the fact that I would finally begin my journey but also worry at the challenges I will face. The silence filled the void around us, for what seems like hours.
"My grandson, it is finally time for you to go on a Pokemon journey. I've seen you grow since you were a baby, you are ready. You've been ready for a long time," Grandpa said.
"I don't know what to say," I responded with.
"You don't have to say anything. Just know that we'll always support you,"
My mother remained silent through that exchange, only offering a glance and nod to back Grandpa up.
"You already know what these are," My grandpa pushed Pokeballs across the table "And oftentimes a trainer has injured pokemon but a Pokemon Center is too far away, so here are some potions to remedy that problem should it arise," A bag full of potions were placed next to the Pokeballs "I've assembled here a starter kit, complete with several maps of the Alana region and its specific points. I've also packed some food supplies and a cookbook, you won't always be able to find a hot meal out on the road. There's also a small tent and sleeping bag tucked away in a backpack I have for you," He placed the kit in front of me, laying out all the stuff I was being given.
"I-thank you. Listen, I've got to see Derek before I leave." I felt so overwhelmed by everything, I just needed space to think and sort out my feelings. I practically leapt out of my seat and into the hallway leading to our backyard. I spotted my younger brother, Derek, sitting under an apple tree and observing his Yanma feeding on one of the apples.
When we're in the same room together, I often hear people say he has our father looks while I take after my mother. Maybe that's why I seem to run to him a lot, I lean on him for support. He gives me strength and confidence in myself because I know that he's got my back. Though I do often think that I shouldn't be putting that on him, he's a child and deserves so much more then what I'm giving him. I sit down next and I take a deep breath, letting the air course through my body. I felt Derek's hand move into mine, wordlessly reassuring me.
God, I'm a mess.
Ms West POV
"Lauren," My father in law said.
"Yes," I responded, busy packing Adrian's supplies.
"Talk to him, the boy needs the support of his mother."
"I do support him."
"Does he know that? When my son, your husband, started his journey because he wanted to do something with his life and help the people who loved him. He wanted help his family and make them proud. However, he wouldn't start his journey without my blessing, my permission. All Adrian has are memories of his father, you've been raising him all his life. If he feels you don't believe, then he won't believe in himself and his journey is over before it evens starts."
Adrian POV
My mother stepped outside, she saw us sitting under our apple tree. She smiled and gestured for me to come over.
"It's okay Derek, he's not in trouble," She said. I gave Derek a quick wink and got up. I walked towards mom with a slight sense of nervousness in my steps.
"Adrian, my son, I need you to know something. I support you, whatever you do, I will support. When you were born, your father and I spent the entire night imagining what you would and what kind of man you would be. And when I lost your father, I got scared. Scared that I would lose you the same way I lost your father. But I see now that my behaving the way I am, I'm disrespecting your father. By holding you back, I'm not letting you grow into the man that your father always knew you'd be. A parent must always do what's best for their child, and that inevitably means letting them go and allowing them to become independent and their own person. I can't rob you of a life of learning and new experiences, of the years that will come to define you. You are going to be an amazing man, it's time I let you become him."
"Mom," I leaned in and gave her a hug, happy now that I knew my entire family supported me.
A Few Hours Later
I tugged at the backpack that now rested on my back, it wasn't too heavy but it wasn't too light. Just the right weight for me.
"Promise me you'll call every chance you get," My mom said.
"I promise," I said to her.
"My grandson, going out on his Pokemon journey. I am the proudest grandfather ever, and I'm sure your father is proud of you too." My grandpa said.
"Thank you, Grandpa. You have no idea how much that means to me," I said.
"Adrian, someday I'm going to grow up to be just like you," Derek said.
I gave my brother a hug "Derek, I hope someday you'll grow up to forge your own path."
My brother simply gave me a smile and nod.
"I'll call as soon as I reach Haven," I waved goodbye as I started walking away from my family. They waved back at me and suddenly I felt like everything was going to be alright.
It took me at least an hour to walk out of the village's city limits, but I finally made it to Vita Forrest. Vita Forest is a thick forest that separates my village from Haven City on the other side, its so thick in fact that it takes at least one day to drive from one end of the forest to the other. So for hikers or trainers going from one side of the island to another is, at minimum, a three day walk. Thankfully a Pokemon Center was built in the middle of the forest for people who need to rest before proceeding. What I'm hoping to get out of walking all to Haven is to encounter a Pokemon to catch. After all, it's called Vita Forest because of its abundance of bug and grass type Pokemon. Won't be long till Murkrow has a new friend.
A Few Hours Later
Remember when I said Vita forest had an abundance of Pokemon, the universe just loves proving me wrong because I've been walking through this forest for hours and I haven't even spotted a single Pokemon. What's a guy gotta do to get a little attention around here? Then I hear it, some trees shifting. Then a figure jumps over me head and lands in front of me.
A Scyther.
I grab Murkrow's Pokeball, this going to be fun.
Elsewhere
"Attention passengers this is your captain speaking. We will soon be arriving in Mordin City. Thank you for flying Skarmory Airlines and we hope you have a pleasant stay here in Alana."
A boy on the plane sighed, glad to finally be home.
Author's Notes
I just wanted to say that this is way later then I intended it to be. With that said, how is this chapter for you? Also please check the intro to see what new characters are in the cast.