I waited for my sister outside the Mauville Gym, anxiety only filling my mind even more as time went on.

After what felt like forever, I saw both Wattson and my sister walking out of the entrance. My sister said, "Thanks for the help, Wattson! There's still a lot I don't know, and you're the one I can reach out to the most."

Wattson laughed, "No problem! Although I'm surprised you'd ask me for help instead of Wally's all the time."

"Well..." She chuckled, "He's reliable, sure, but he's also new like me. Better to ask someone more experienced!"

"I feel honored! Hahaha!"

As they neared me, Wattson knew what was going to happen next as he readied to return to his gym, "Lows, I'll see you again soon! Keep maintaining that energy of yours."

"Thank you for the match, Leader Wattson." I replied.

Wattson nodded as he headed into the Mauville Gym. For a moment, it felt like only silence surrounded the atmosphere despite all around me were noises coming from other citizens around the city.

My sister broke the silence with a cough, "...Let's head to a quieter place to chat?"

"...Sure."

"Yes, sis is finally coming back home from Hoenn!"

I happily cheered in the car as my parents returned smiles at me, feeling the same about the upcoming reunion.

My sister, Charmaine had finished the Ever Grande League as a semi-finalist two years ago and was finally returning to Kanto.

We arrived and waited at the dock as we finally saw the person we longed to see. I ran towards my sister and tackled her with a hug. She appeared surprised but very happy as she patted my back.

"How's my brother doing lately?" My sister said.

"It's been awesome, big sis! I can't wait to tell you what happened when you're gone!"

"Sounds cool, little bro!" Charmaine smiled, "I have a lot to talk about too. For now, let's return home."

"..How's it been, little bro?" My sister asked as we sat on a bench.

"I-I've been fine, sis. You?" I replied somewhat awkwardly.

"Just been the same. Are Mom and Dad doing good?"

"They're alright. We just really missed you, that's all." I sighed, the emotions piling up onto me slowly.

"I-I'm sorry for what I did." She looked down.

"T-That's fine." I shook my head, "I'm just glad... to see you again."

Some tears formed in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away before my sister could notice them. She did not seem to notice the tears as she continued to reply, "I'm happy to see you too! I guess you're participating in the Ever Grande League as well?"

"Yup!" I nodded, "I wanted to start my own adventure too."

"That's great! That means we'll be possibly battling against each other very soon. I look forward to it!" She chuckled, the awkwardness seemed to have disappeared around us just a little bit.

"I still need to get more badges and get stronger..." I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head.

"Everyone starts somewhere. Besides, you just got the badge from Wattson, right? You're getting there." She encouraged me.

"I guess that's true." I smiled.

We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with each other before my sister's Pokégear rang. She answered it and said, "I think more gym work is coming to me again, Lows. It's been a good time reuniting with you again though!"

"D-Definitely!" I replied, "Let's exchange Pokégear numbers so we can talk again."

"For sure!" My sister smiled as we exchanged Pokégear numbers. Then, my sister initiated a hug before we bid farewell.

I looked at her figure becoming smaller and smaller before it finally disappeared from my sight.

Yet I was still standing there like a statue.

...I missed you for way too long, big sis.

One late night after a month of my sister's return, nightmares about the incident in the woods happened again as I woke up in the dark. After turning on the lights, I realized my sister was gone from the bedroom.

I did not think much as I walked downstairs for some water. However, the arguing downstairs caught my attention instead. Out of curiosity, I walked closer to where the arguing was happening: the living room.

I heard my sister trying to reason with our parents, "This offer is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don't want to miss it."

"It's too dangerous! You only traveled around Hoenn for a year, and there's still a lot of things you don't know." My father retaliated.

"I'll be fine! I'm seventeen and not a child anymore."

"Yeah, you're not a child anymore. To the point where you decided to make your own decisions and get away from home!" My father argued.

"...I just wished you could support my choice, Dad."

"I could support any decision you made except for this, Charmaine!"

"Being a Gym Leader is my dream, Dad. I get to improve as a trainer and learn so many new things! I don't want to let this chance go to waste."

"That's it!" My father slammed the table with one of his hands, "If you're so persistent, go back to Hoenn on your own! Never return back home ever again once you decide to do so."

"..." My sister stayed quiet before finally starting to return to the living room.

I attempted to leave before anyone could notice me, but my sister locked eyes with me for a second as she looked at me in surprise.

I was shocked as I quickly ran back to the room, closed the door, and went back to my bed, letting the blanket cover my face.

"What happens after, Lows?" Ziggs' question temporarily cut off my thoughts.

"W-Well..." I tried to give a response.

"She still came back to Hoenn." Woody gave him the answer I was going to say. It was not too hard to guess the outcome, but I just needed time to deliver it the best way possible.

"That's right." I agreed, "Being a Gym Leader is what she wanted all along. When she wants to pursue something she loves, she would go for it until she gets it."

"When did she leave, then?" Surfer asked.

"..." I stayed silent for a moment, before finally replying.

"The day after the argument."

After what felt like forever, the door of my room was opened as I heard footsteps closing in.

The footsteps stopped for a moment before I heard my sister again, "You heard everything, didn't you, little bro?"

"..." I slowly revealed myself from the blanket.

My sister sighed as she started packing her stuff in her suitcase.

"W-What are you doing, sis?" I asked.

"Just preparing to leave home soon." She replied.

"Are you going to leave us...?" I was in fear for that to happen.

"Little bro... you won't stick with me forever, you know!" My sister forced a smile.

"I-I still don't want you to leave, big sis..." I was dejected.

"Little bro... don't be sad! You won't be staying at home forever either. Once you grow up, you can come and challenge me in Hoenn once I become a Gym Leader!"

"That's true... I'll defeat you when that happens, big sis!"

"I look forward to it!" She chuckled before advising, "But remember, when you're with your Pokémon, treat them the best you can and don't force them to go over their limit. When you all share great bonds together, anything can be achieved when you all work as a team."

"I-I don't really understand what you said, big sis."

"It's okay, it'll take time." She smiled, "Now, let's get some sleep, shall we?"

I nodded as I started closing my eyes and relaxing.

As I slowly lost consciousness, I heard my sister say one last sentence before her departure...

"We will meet again. Because... I know."

"Then she left right after you fell asleep," Grace continued.

"W-Wait, how do you know?" I was surprised.

"Just intuition." Grace smiled, "That sounded like how the story was going anyways."

"...She did leave one last letter for us, and left home."

"I-I would never have the courage to do that!" Power exclaimed.

"She's... definitely a brave person. She would do anything to chase after her dreams." I replied.

"And I suppose her dream came true as the new Gym Leader in Slateport City?" Grace asked.

"...?!" I was surprised. There was no way Grace could know that with just good intuition. She winked at me, implying that her psychic powers might have helped her understand the situation more than anyone there.

"Wow, Grace... You're the only one not at the scene, yet you knew more than any one of us here." Ziggs was amused.

"I try." Grace smiled.

"How come we never knew about this till now, Lows?" Surfer asked.

"...I don't want to be known as a Gym Leader's brother. I'm not anyone special, I'm just like any other trainer," I answered.

"Besides, the attention would probably be just a bit overwhelming." Surfer followed.

I nodded, "That's right. If anything, I want to be known as Lows Landerson the trainer, not Leader Charmaine's younger brother."

"We're gonna be part of that journey!" Ziggs exclaimed. I laughed slightly as I patted him.

I noticed the time was getting late as I suggested, "Let's go back to the room to rest up. We're going to leave tomorrow morning."

They agreed with my suggestion as they did have a tiring day. We hit the sack almost immediately, getting as much rest as possible before leaving Mauville.

"Aww... Are you gonna leave already?" Cassie seemed disappointed, "I was hoping we can train together a little longer."

"I can't stay forever, Cassie. I still need to get more badges, after all." I said.

"That's true. I'm staying here a little longer to go shopping. I'll go at my own pace!"

"Have fun with that," I chuckled, "Just try not to lose track of time and forget about the Ever Grande League."

"I won't! Hopefully, we'll see each other again soon."

I nodded and gave her a hug before leaving Mauville.

Farewells definitely sucked, but they led to possibilities of another happy reunion.

We will meet again for sure.

Just like how I met big sis again.

I smiled as I continued to head towards our next destination, Lavaridge Town.

Dear little bro,

If you're reading this, I'm probably already on my way to Hoenn. The Champion gave me an offer to train and become the new Gym Leader in Slateport City. It was an offer I wanted and could not refuse.

I'm sorry that I have to leave you all for my dream, but it was probably for the best. If I rejected the offer, I would probably regret that decision when I recalled it after ten years.

But little brother, don't be sad! I know you're stronger than that. When you face any obstacles or problems, just remember that your big sis will always be supporting you in spirit. Put my advice to good use, and I believe that you can form a good relationship with any Pokémon you see.

I'll be waiting for your challenge against me one day! That's a promise I will live up to!

Thanks for everything, little bro. Take care.

Lots of love,

Your sis.

Lows' Pokémon Team:

Surfer (Wartortle, Male) Jolly Nature, Moves: Bite, Water Gun, Water Pulse, Mud Slap

Ziggs (Zigzagoon, Male) Naive Nature, Moves: Dig, Growl, Headbutt, Rock Smash; learning-Swift

Grace (Kirlia, Female) Calm Nature, Moves: Teleport, Magical Leaf, Double Team, Psybeam; learning-Shadow Ball

Woody (Grovyle, Male) Lonely Nature, Moves: Pursuit, Leaf Blade, Bullet Seed, Rock Throw

Power (Machop, Male) Timid Nature, Moves: Fling, Focus Energy, Karate Chop, Low Kick