She was searching for a Pokémon . It had been calling out to her after she had defeated Alder for the first time, she had finally heeded that voice. She was 16, as were her friends. Cheren was well on his way to become a Gym Leader. Bianca had set her sights on working to become Professor Juniper's assistant. Hilda hugged her mother goodbye, and clasped hands with Bianca in a teary farewell. She had arranged for Iris to take her place as Champion. Hilda had not been defeated by the fierce trainer, but she knew Iris was capable of filling her shoes. Then there was the matter of saying goodbye to Cheren. Hilda decided to tell him in person. She resolved not to tell him about her reason of leaving, and made it out to be a mere trip for fun and experience. He had been understanding and calm, and she had no way of knowing he was shattered.
"Good luck," he had told her. "Stay safe."
Hilda had thanked him, speaking clearly as her voice threatened to break. "Cheren," she had said quietly. "I… I'll miss you."
He had looked up sharply as the words left her mouth, and for a moment, she had wondered if it was a mistake. Then he sighed and smiled sadly. "I'll miss you, too," he said, his gaze darting from Hilda's eyes to the floor. "Goodbye, Hilda."
She nodded, blinking rapidly before the tears could materialize, and reached for his hand. She touched it lightly, for just a second, then withdrew. "Bye," she whispered, before turning and running out Cheren's door. It was the last time Cheren would see her for some time.
Cheren had sat for a while at his desk, thinking about Hilda. What had that slight touch of his hand meant? That they were best friends? Or something more?
Hilda kept to herself on her flight to Sinnoh aside from her comments to Cynthia and Hilbert, who had accompanied her. Summer had passed, which meant Cynthia was on her way home, where she was Champion. She was also involved in discoveries concerning mythological and legendary Pokémon, and that was where Hilda's interests lay. Hilbert had insisted on coming with her, and Hilda had not had the heart to deny him. The two trainers had become close friends after they started to battle together on the Battle Subway. Hilbert was like a brother to Hilda; she loved him, but not at all like how she felt towards Cheren.
Her time in Sinnoh had been pleasant; she had the opportunity to meet several promising and accomplished trainers alike. Most importantly, she had met the Pokémon who she had been looking for. Now that her goal had been completed, it was time for her to leave Sinnoh. Hilda was immensely happy to be returning to Unova, her home, and home to her friends and family.