Familiar Lands, Chapter 75

The SS Aqua's whistle shook the early morning air. After a week at sea, we had finally arrived in Olivine City. It's hard to describe spending an entire week with only the professor to talk with. After all, what can a young Pokemon trainer and a middle-aged professor discuss that isn't related to Pokemon? So as you might guess, after the first day hanging out together, we had exhausted all our topics of conversation. Birch was nice enough to share a story or two of when he was young and out on his own adventure, but that was like listening to your grandfather tell stories. What he relates to just doesn't work in this day and age.

Therefore, I spent the majority of the week and hours every day wandering aimlessly throughout the ship. The club for Pokemon trainers was still available, but I only paid one visit and promptly left. Somehow, my reputation lingered in that place, and I was instantly offered a free drink by the club's owner as consolation for my loss the last time I was here. With that place out, there was really no where else on board to relax other than my cabin or up on deck. Where my cabin was boring to be in, the deck ran the risk of encountering Professor Birch. On the couple occasions he did catch me and started talking my ear off, I drifted off into a daydream.

But finally it was all over. The morning sun was still not set to rise for another few minutes, and if the Aqua's captain was any good, he'd pull the ship in right at the crack of dawn. I had to make up my own entertainment this whole trip, as you could tell. Sadly, first light peeked over the horizon before the ship had docked fully, so I told myself that perhaps the ship needed a new captain. Out on the pier, several sailors and other people started to gather. Olivine City hadn't changed at all since I last saw it, making me feel a bit nostalgic. Moments like these really highlighted how long I had been traveling.

As the deck hands prepared to extend the drawbridge, a small crowd started to form behind me. Lucky for me, I was at the front of the line, since if there was one thing I had done plenty of this whole voyage, it was sleep. Half the days I was up before dawn because I was asleep before sunset the previous night.

"Oh, there you are, Star!" I heard Professor Birch say as he pushed his way to the front of the line next to me. "You're up awful early."

"Yeah, can't wait to get off the ship for a while!" And hang out with SOMEONE else, but I kept that bit to myself.

"Don't stray too far, now. The ship will depart for Vermillion City at the end of the day, roughly six. Be sure to buy your ticket before then."

"Don't worry, I'll do it right now!" That way I could have the entire day to hang out in town. My list of potential friends in the area was small, at best limited to two. Once I bought my ticket, I'd start by paying Jasmine a visit.

The drawbridge was extended, the captain delivered his usual gratitude speech to the guests, and we were finally let off. I ran ahead of everyone else, swinging to one side to be the first in line for purchasing my ticket to Vermillion. Through the use of my Nurse ID I slashed the price in half, but was still left dangerously short on cash. I'd have to make sure to give Mom a call later and ask her to send some money with Professor Oak, otherwise I'd arrive in Sinnoh without enough to even eat.

However, once I had my ticket in my hands, I realized something. I was going home, back to Kanto. Did I really want to leave on one more journey? I was brushed aside a bit as I pondered this to myself. Mom would certainly be happy to see me back, and I'd be happy to see her as well. But was I done with my journey? I took a seat on the pier, off to a side. With Vulpix next to me, I had to sort this out on the spot. I had plenty of memories already, yet I couldn't help but feel something was missing. I picked up my Pokenav, and dialed home.

"I have to talk to Mom," I told my crimson companion. "She'll help me decide."

The phone rang a couple times, and finally a familiar voice picked it up. Mom's voice.

"Hello?"

"Mom? It's me," I said. I could hear her scream with delight on the other end.

"How are you, baby? I didn't think I'd hear back from you so soon! I mean, I got you that Pokegear so you could call me everyday, and you just don't do that!" Despite her complaints, I knew she was delighted to hear from me. I guess I could stand to call her more often.

"Sorry, Mom. Listen, I need a favor..."

"Anything, dear! Just say the word and I'll get right to it!" I smiled.

"Professor Oak is going to Vermillion City in a couple days, I want you to give him a few things to pass along to me." I chose not to mention my going to Vermillion City just yet. I could feel my heart pound harder and faster in my chest.

"Of course! Is he heading out to Hoenn from there?"

"Not exactly, but he'll be able to give me these things when we meet up. It'll really help me out."

"No problem, Star! What do you need? I received a box of your stuff a couple weeks ago, so I opened it up and put it all back in your room. You have quite a lot of dusting to do when you get back, you know!" That was certainly not something to look forward to.

"I'll get right on it," I lied with a giggle. "If you could let me borrow some money? I had to take a couple of boat rides around Hoenn, and I'm running a bit short."

"Don't worry, I have a nice little nest egg saved up! I'll give it to Professor Oak right away!"

"And one other thing, Mom," I said, looking at Vulpix with a smile. "Could you send a few of those cookies I like so much? It's been a long time since I had some."

"Anything for you, dear. Is that all?" I so desperately wanted to ask her directly, but I had a feeling her answer would be 'stay home with me'. I sighed, feeling my heart heavy in my chest.

"No, that's everything. Thanks, Mom."

"Anytime, Star, you know I'd never turn you down. Maybe I'm crazy for asking, but do you know when you'll be coming home?" Again, my heart skipped a beat. Now I was flat out lying to her, and I didn't know if I could go through with it.

"N-Not yet, Mom." My voice quivered. "I mean- I don't know when. B-But soon, I think."

"It's okay, don't worry about it. Just don't forget I'm still here for you, okay? Anything you ever need, anything at all, I'm always here for you."

"I know, Mom," I said, feeling my eyes well up. "I-I know."

"Star, honey? What's wrong?" She asked, sensing my soft sobs from across the line.

"Nothing," I told her, wiping my eyes. "Just some dust or something in my eye."

"Okay, if you say so. I'll have these things in Professor Oak's hands by lunch, so don't you worry about it, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks, Mom."

"Alright, sweetie, I'll talk to you soon."

"Bye, Mom." The line went silent, and I turned off the Pokenav. I finished wiping away the tears in my eyes, and looked at Vulpix. She gave me a few licks on my hand, trying to cheer me up.

"It's okay, girl," I told her with a smile on my face. "I think I know what I should do now. Come on, let's go."

~o~

My first stop in town was the gym. Short of Amphy falling ill again, Jasmine wouldn't be found anywhere else, I gathered. I went to open the door, only to find it locked tight. Confused, I looked around for some sort of sign or note about the closure. I stopped after a few seconds, laughing to myself. Vulpix looked at me as if I'd gone crazy.

"It's like six in the morning, she wouldn't be up this early, right? Guess I'll just come back later." I turned around, and nearly bumped into an older man.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I apologized quickly.

"No harm done, young lady. Good day." The man walked over to the gym doors, and slapped a piece of paper on it. Once he was gone, I leaned in close to read the notice.

"'Olivine City Gym Closed for Renovations'? 'Trainers seeking badges of merit for entrance into the Pokemon League must report to the Indigo Plateau for an alternate challenge until further notice'. It's like I seem to have all the bad luck in the world!"

"You read the sign, I take it?" Came a voice from behind me. I turned to see the old man again.

"Actually, I'm not here to challenge Jasmine for a badge. I just wanted to talk to her; we're friends, you see."

"Well, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, young lady, but Jasmine's been gone since last week. Someone else was tending the gym until yesterday, and today I received word that it would be closed until Jasmine returned." Informative old man, I'll admit.

"Where'd she go?"

"Afraid I don't know," he said. Not very informative at all, then.

"Well, thank you sir. Have a nice day." I scooped up Vulpix in my arms and made off into town again. With Jasmine gone, there really wasn't anyone else I could spend the day with in all of Johto. My thoughts turned to the only other friend I knew in the region, Rebecca; she lived all the way in Violet City, though.

"It's like the world is out to bore me to death or something," I told Vulpix. "And the last thing I want to do is go to the Pokemon Center. I don't feel like working and I don't want to just sit around waiting for the ship to leave."

Protest all I might to my Pokemon, it didn't change my predicament. Once this finally sunk in, I let out a heavy sigh and placed her on the ground. I thought back to the last time I was here, and that event I went to with Yunie. Shame I didn't have any money to spend on one of those electronic Pokemon toys.

~o~

"Miss? Would you like anything else?" I could clearly tell the young waiter was starting to tire of asking me the same question.

"No, I'm fine," I mumbled back to him, not lifting my head from the table. I had been sitting at that small diner for over an hour now, and hadn't ordered anything other than a slice of apple pie and five glasses of water. He wanted me to pay for my pie and leave already, but he couldn't outright tell me that. Heck, I wanted to leave, too. If there was nothing for me to do on land, better to have nothing to do on the ship and be on my way to Vermillion City.

"Very well, miss." He said with a hint of contempt. A lightbulb went off in my head at that instant.

"Wait! Sir?" He stopped and grudgingly turned around to face me. He did so wearing an obviously fake smile.

"Yes?"

"I haven't been here to Olivine in a while, see. Is there anything new in town? Like, the past couple months kind of new?" If he really wanted me gone, he'd come up with something before long.

"Come to think of it, there's a new flower gift shop or something on the north end of the city, near the entrance. It opened up last month, but the shop isn't doing too well. Perhaps you could go there for a while?"

"Thanks! I will!" I said with a smile bright enough to make him squint. I left just enough to cover the pie, but I couldn't afford a penny more. No doubt I spoiled someone's morning, but I didn't plan on returning to that place ever again, anyway. With a newfound spring in my step, I skipped along merrily to this supposed flower shop.

Nestled away behind a large building, the shop could almost pass for a shack. It was an old wooden building that showed clear signs of being consistently patched up. A large and colorful painted sign hung above the entrance, announcing 'Victreebel Flowers'. It had been a while since I'd seen a Victreebel, but I was pretty sure they didn't have any form of flowers on their bodies. I stepped inside the store, only to be met by a face I never expected to see again.

"Rebecca?" The girl tending the shop looked up from her magazine, and her mouth went agape when she saw me.

"It can't be? Star!?" She jumped over the rickety counter to give me a powerful embrace, lifting me clear off the ground.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again! Where have you been?" She said as she finally put me down.

"Sorry, I took a bit longer to get here to Olivine than I originally planned. You were already gone by the time I arrived."

"That's okay, but I can't believe you're here! Where've you been all this time?"

"Hoenn," I said, scratching the back of my head. "I got a ticket for the SS Aqua when I arrived here all that time ago, and I jumped aboard the ship to Hoenn. Been traveling all over there for the past couple months."

"Collecting more badges to show me up, I take it?"

"Of course!" I giggled. I took a quick look around the shop, seeing all sorts of different flowers and flower related merchandise. A number of the flowers were starting to wilt, probably due to the cold. "So, what's with the flower shop?"

"Well, after I was released from the hospital, I went back to Ecruteak City to look for you. You weren't there, and that girl told me you had gone chasing after the red-haired kid. I had a feeling you'd turn up eventually, so I just went back home. When I got back, Elder Li told me he had a bit of a job for me to do, which was to keep this shop up and running." And what a job he had in store for her, I thought.

"This place belong to him?"

"Yeah, and flowers that grow around Violet City and Sprout Tower are brought here to sell to tourists. It's kind of a boring job, but I gave up Pokemon training anyway, so it doesn't bother me as much."

"What? So what happened to your Pokemon?"

"Oh, I still have them. Victreebel is behind that wall, arranging flowers around. After what happened at the Burned Tower, I sort of gave up on the whole 'be the best trainer' thing. How about you? Any reason you're still collecting badges?"

"Well, I really don't know," I said, turning away from her gaze. "I just... I just collect them, you know? It's like a mission for me, something I can't deny doing."

"It's okay," she said, patting me on the shoulder. "Just messing with you. If it makes you happy, that's what counts, right?

"Well, while I was in Hoenn, I did take the test to become a nurse! I passed, and got this!" I showed Rebecca my ID card, proud of my accomplishment.

"Wow, this is so cool! So you're going to be a nurse?"

"Well, I'm not sure yet," I told her as I put the ID card away. "Maybe after I finish with my Pokemon journey. Not a bad job, right?"

"Of course not! Want to go grab something to eat? I'm getting a bit hungry myself, my treat."

"Um, I'm not that hungry, but I'll join you. Just... not the diner, okay?"

~o~

Rebecca left Victreebel in charge of the shop, though how a Pokemon was supposed to tend a shop in the first place was beyond me. Still, I chose not to make a fuss about it, as I had acquired what I was looking for all this time: someone to talk to. Over lunch, I shared just about everything that happened to me over in Hoenn. Rebecca hung on my every word, especially considering the crazy things that happened both with Groudon and Kyogre and both Teams Aqua and Magma. When I got to the part about David, Rebecca couldn't believe her ears.

"David? As in the David that helped us out when we first met David?" I nodded.

"I was just as shocked, and scared, too. He was going to kill me unless Vulpix hadn't jumped in to save me. It was his fault the Silph Building was taken over by Team Rocket, and since then he had been moving all over the place as an undercover agent for Team Rocket."

"Wow, I just can't believe it. Scary how you don't really know anyone, after all." The mood was downed, but I tried to pick it right back up with another fun tale.

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about them anymore, right? Also, there was this crazy thing all over Hoenn on TV. For a short time, I was being followed by a reporter named-"

"Gaby!" Rebecca cut in, which left me stunned.

"Don't tell me..."

"No, that channel isn't available here in Johto normally. The flower shop has an old TV that catches signals from Hoenn every once in a while. I've seen that reporter a few times, and she mentioned this girl trainer called Star. I didn't think it was you at the time, though. Maybe it just slipped my mind."

The clock in the restaurant struck two, a painful reminder of my limited time. By this point, Rebecca had noticed my constant vigil of the time, and decided to ask about it.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yeah, I have to be back at the pier before six," I said with a bit of a sigh.

"You're leaving again? So soon?"

"Well, I'm taking the SS Aqua back to Vermillion City. When I get there, I'm still not sure if I'll be jumping aboard another ship to Sinnoh." It was like I never stopped moving.

"Sinnoh? What are you going all the way up there for? Don't you think you've seen enough of the world already?" And Rebecca did have a bit of a point. Still...

"I'm forgetting something," I told her solemnly. "And until I remember what it is, I can't go back home."

"You're the boss, Star. But hey, don't get all mopey on me now! We still have at least three more hours together! Let's go have some fun!"

If there was one thing I did remember about Rebecca, it's that she never was this upbeat. It made me wonder about myself, if I had changed much on my journey. I guess the only way I'd ever know is if I asked someone who knew me before I left. And the only person that came to mind was Mom. And this is what continued to nag at me during those three hours.

~o~

The sun was setting, and thus it was time for me to board the SS Aqua. Rebecca closed the flower shop to see me off with Victreebel, who remembered Vulpix quite well. The two Pokemon didn't seem to get along too well, so Vulpix was in my arms until I boarded the ship.

"Don't forget to give me a call every now and then, okay? I have nothing better to do at that store most of the time."

"I'll try to remember, but you know I don't even call my own mom that often."

"Well, I'm not your mom! Call me, got that?" She threatened with a waggle of her finger.

"I promise," I said. Vulpix barked a few times as her farewell, while Victreebel seemed to hiss at her.

"All aboard!" Came the cry from the deckhand aboard the ship. The time to depart had come at last.

"Well, this is it-" I said, just as Rebecca ran up to me to give me one last hug.

"Take care, Star. It was great to see you again."

"You too, Rebecca. Bye," I said, trying my best not to break down into tears in front of her. I was never one for long goodbyes. I climbed the ramp, and handed my ticket to the man. Running around him, I went to the railing to see Rebecca off with a wave. The ship's whistle bellowed into the twilight sky, and the drawbridge was raised.

As the ship pulled out of the harbor, and Rebecca shrank in size as the distance grew, I also bid farewell to Johto. I wouldn't be returning to this region again for years to come. Once my friend was too small to make out amongst the crowd, I dropped my arm. From behind came Professor Birch, whom I'd almost forgotten was making this trip with me.

"An old friend of yours?" He asked with a warm smile on his face.

"Yeah, real old. And one of my best."

~o~

Two days later, we finally arrived in Vermillion City. Though this trip was much more enjoyable than the last, I was still happy to get away from Professor Birch for a while. We stood side by side on deck, looking out into the crowd waiting by the docks. Somewhere in that crowd was Professors Oak and Elm, and that's when something funny hit me. Oak, Elm, Birch... all tree names. Maybe I was just thinking too much.

"What happens now?" I asked Birch.

"Well, we stay in Vermillion for a few hours, until the SS Spiral arrives to pick us up. Don't worry about tickets, I have them right here." Birch showed me the two tickets before offering me one of them.

"Thanks, I'll just hang around the harbor. Not much to do here, anyway." At least, that's what I thought. Once the ship docked and passengers started disembarking, I was in for a most heartwarming and pleasant surprise. Standing the crowd, alongside Professors Oak and Elm, was my very own mother!

"Star!" She called out to me. I just froze in place, almost unable to process this. Then my body just started moving all on its own as I ran into her arms. After the bombardment of kisses died down, I looked past her to see Professor Oak smiling at me. Instantly I felt my face go red, and I pulled away from Mom to compose myself.

"Professor Oak, it's good to see you again," I said, rubbing out the welled up tears in my eyes.

"Indeed, Star. Now, no need to waste time with me, we'll have plenty of time to talk on the trip. Go ahead and spend all the time you can with your mother."

"That's right! Come on, Star, let's get inside, it's cold out here!" Mom grabbed me by my hand, dragging me through the crowds on the pier. Once we were in clear streets, me first instinct was to pull away from her, for fear of the embarrassment around me. However, I let Mom walk me to where ever it is we were headed. Somehow, the thought of it all just didn't seem to bother me as much as it used to.

We went into a small seafood place, and took a seat in the first available table. I wasn't planning on eating anything, seeing as how seafood wasn't my favorite kind of food, but Mom wasted no time in ordering something for herself.

"So, you tell me to pass along some things to the professor, but you don't tell me you'll be arriving here for me to see you?" I knew she'd start with that.

"Well, when I called you from Olivine City, I wasn't sure if I'd still be going with the professors to Sinnoh. I felt lost, so I called you to see what I should do," I said to her, looking directly into her eyes. A soft smile formed on her face.

"But you didn't ask when you called..."

"I didn't have to," I said. "When I heard your voice, I just knew, you know? Does that make any sense?"

"Certainly. Makes perfect sense." Despite her reassurance, I still felt a little uneasy about it all.

"I promise," I continued, taking hold of her hand on the table, "even if I don't find what I'm looking for in Sinnoh, it'll be the end of my Pokemon journey."

"Are you sure? There's no need to rush, Star. Take all the time you want."

"No, I'm serious," I said, feeling more confident now than ever before. "I'll come home, and start studying again."

"Oh? And what sparked this change of heart?" That was my cue. I dug into my bag, and showed Mom my Nurse ID.

"I took the test while I was in Hoenn, and passed. I'm officially a trainee nurse with the Pokemon League, and can start training as soon as I want."

"This is wonderful, Star! Congratulations! To think, you're going to be a nurse! I heard the Joy family practically owns the Nursing industry, so be sure to show them that they aren't the only ones capable of the job."

"Thanks, Mom. Are you doing okay without me? I'm sorry I left you alone like that..." Mom just chuckled at my sudden display of sincerity.

"Now you decide to worry about that? After so many months of me being alone?" I turned away from her, feeling guilty about it all. She slapped the back of my hand hard, causing me to reel it back.

"Ow! That hurt!"

"Consider it your punishment for leaving me alone," she said, still keeping that smile on her face. "Seriously, Star, there's nothing to worry about. I still have the entire town, not to mention I see and speak with Deneb almost on a daily basis. Which reminds me, he told me to tell you that he's sorry he couldn't come see you today."

"Oh... okay," I said, growing distant. Just who was Mom talking about again?

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll see him again soon enough. And speaking of which, I haven't gotten a chance to see Vulpix! Come here, girl!" Mom called for my faithful fox, whom ran over to her without question. It was a strange sight, seeing Mom and Vulpix bond so well. Before I left, she sort of regarded Vulpix as a necessary evil, to keep me from running off as I did. Guess Vulpix had a way of warming people's hearts.

"Listen, I gave Professor Oak those cookies you asked for, and here's the money." Mom handed me an envelope, which felt heavy from the amount of cash that was inside. Remembering what I was taught, I stashed the entire thing in my bag, with the intent of putting it away properly in my purse later.

"Feels like a lot," I whispered.

"There's enough to help you get by, provided you don't go crazy spending it on junk food. You're eating healthy, right?" I nodded, as this was something I never joked about with her.

"Yes, Mom. I try to eat my vegetables and fruits everyday, just like you taught me." Her smile vanished and in its place was a stern grin.

"Don't patronize me, Star. I know no kid your age willingly eats their vegetables. Just promise me you don't go eating junk everyday, though by the look of you I'd say you're hardly eating at all."

"I eat!" I defended. "Just... I have to eat less when I'm traveling. It's not easy carrying around all that food in my bag."

A pair of boat whistles sounded in unison outside the restaurant. The SS Aqua was departing, and in its place came the SS Spiral. Already my time here with Mom was coming to an end. I didn't say anything to her, but she realized it just as well as I did.

"How long," she said, her voice going soft, "do you think you'll be in Sinnoh?"

"I'm not sure. However long it takes, I guess." The safest estimates placed me gone for around a pair of months, but it could vary anywhere more or less.

"Well, I just have to start counting down the days until you come back, right?" Mom wiped away something at the corner of her eye, but did not show a single tear on her face.

"I'll be back home before you know it," I said, trying not to think about it too much. Last thing I wanted to break down in front of her.

"I guess. Well, let's go. Don't want you to miss the boat. I'll walk you there, baby."

Again, my first instinct was to retort the baby comment. And yet again, I chose not to. I knew this was hard for Mom, probably a lot harder than it was for me to say goodbye again. We left the restaurant hand in hand, and walked down to the docks the same way. Vulpix stayed close by, as always. Mom didn't let my hand go until I climbed aboard the ship.

And she didn't take her eyes off the ship until it was completely out of sight. I'd later tell her I did the same.