Everlasting Memories (Pokémon Hugh X Rosa)

Memories of Leaving Home

Nate is silent, something Hugh didn't think was possible. They have won seven battles and both the boys now have 3 BP each. They're resting at the station, waiting for the next train to show up.

"I'm sorry," blurts Nate after a while. "Your sister must have been really sad."

"She was," agrees Hugh.

"And you never told Rosa about Purrloin?" questions Nate. "Is that why you two aren't friends anymore?"

Hugh scowls at him. "I never said that." he says.

"Then why aren't you two friends anymore?" persisted Nate.

Hugh controls the urge to club Nate on the head as he continues with his story.

One year ago

"You're getting a Pokémon?" Hugh raised his hand to high-five Rosa, which she promptly returned. "That's awesome!"

"Yeah!" agreed Hana. "Rosa, when you get a Pokémon, take really good care of it, okay?"

"Of course I will," replied Rosa, smiling at her.

"So, a person named Bianca is coming to give you a Pokémon?" asked Hugh.

"Yeah. She works for Professor Juniper," answered Rosa, as the three of them walked into the city. "Professor Juniper and my mom are old friends, so she suggested I help with the Pokédex Project."

"That's great!" said Hugh enthusiastically. "Really great! I can ask for a Pokédex too, and we can both go on a journey! Besides, there's something I have to do. And I'm going to need your help for it, Rosa. Hana," he turned to his sister. "You head on home. Rosa and I are going to get her first Pokémon."

Hana waved and turned back. "So," questioned Rosa. "What was it you wanted my help with, anyway?"

Hugh stuck his tongue out at her. "Not telling," he replied, to which Rosa punched him playfully.

"If you don't tell me, how am I supposed to help you out?" Rosa pouted.

Hugh ignored her. "Look," he said, pointing at the outlook. "There's someone up there."

"A big, green, hat," Rosa frowned. "That's probably Bianca, then. Wait here, I'll be right back."

Hugh leaned against the railing, his thoughts drifting. Rosa didn't know it yet, but she was about to become his accomplice in the mission to bring Purrloin back. Of course, even though she was his best friend, she wouldn't be of much help if she didn't have a strong Pokémon by her side.

He wondered what she was doing up there; it had been a while since they parted. He proceeded upstairs.

"Hey!" he yelled, startling Rosa and Bianca, a girl with glasses and a green hat. "You got a Pokémon yet?"

"Yep!" said Rosa smugly, and threw a Poké Ball in the air. With a flash of light, Rosa's Pokémon appeared. "What do you think?"

"It definitely looks strong," answered Hugh, stroking his chin. His eyes caught the glint of a pink device in Rosa's hand. "Is that a Pokédex?"

"Yes, it is," replied Bianca, adjusting her glasses. "It's from Professor Juniper. She-"

"Please give me a Pokédex too!" pleaded Hugh, his eyes shining. "I'm going to travel around the Unova region and search for something really important!"

"Hugh. . ." said Rosa, in a warning tone.

"Oh. Sorry," he said sheepishly. "My name is Hugh, and I'm Rosa's best friend!" He stuck out his hand.

"Well . . . okay, I guess," said Bianca. "I carried two of them with me today, so why not?" She handed him a blue device, similar to Rosa's.

Hugh turned to Rosa. This was it. He was going to battle his best friend for the first time ever. "Let's see how strong your Pokémon is. I'll use the Pokémon we hatched from an egg!"

The battle was fierce, just as he expected. Rosa proved to have good instincts and a knack for strategy. Before he knew it, his Pokémon had fainted.

He shook his head in disbelief. He was happy that she was a good battler, but sad that he wasn't strong enough yet. "This is different from battling with wild Pokémon. Still, I'm glad I can count on you."

"I didn't expect to win," said Rosa softly, staring at the ground. "You've been a trainer for much longer than me. . ."

"Nah." Hugh shook his head. "You did a great job. Anyway there's something I need to talk to you about."

Bianca left, telling Rosa that she'd meet her at the Pokémon Center. After she was gone, Hugh spoke. "Looks like we're gonna go on a journey now."

"Yeah," said Rosa, as they both watched the magnificent view that the lookout boasted of. "I'm afraid of leaving home, but I'm also excited, you know?"

He nodded. They were silent for a minute, before Hugh spoke up. "Rosa, we're best friends, right?"

"BFFs!" chirped Rosa, even though she knew Hugh wasn't very fond of the word.

"Right." He took a deep breath. "Rosa, I need you to promise me something. I need you to promise me that you're always going to have my back in everything we do. Can you do that?"

"Hugh," His best friend was staring deeply into his eyes. "You know I'm always going to be there for you. Forever. I promise." She hugged him tight. And even though it made him uncomfortable, he hugged her back.

It was the start of a new chapter in their lives. Hugh and Rosa had always been best friends, but now they were Pokémon trainers, and things had changed. Hugh had always been determined to find his sister's Purrloin, and now he wasn't alone.