The Sea Guardian {A Pokémon Fanfiction}

Separate Ways

Hazel's POV~

We all followed Kaia out of the cave, glad we were all still together. I kept my head down low, though, ashamed of my actions. I couldn't bring myself to face Naomi. Or Silver. Especially Silver.

"I'm sorry," a voice whispered in my ear as we exited the Whirl Islands.

"You have every right to be mad at me," I shook my head. "I wasn't thinking! The words just...slipped out."

"I should have let you guys know before hand," Naomi sighed. "I guess Silver was the only one who caught up on my act."

"Yeah," I agreed, pulling her into a side hug. We both grinned at each other, happy to be on good terms again.

Silver flicked his eyes over to me, silently asking for an apology. My mind willingly accepted, but my legs were frozen and my throat, dry.

"You should talk to him," Gold nudged me from my right. "He's pretty bummed. No worries, though. He couldn't stay mad at you."

"I'm not sure if I can right now," I admitted sheepishly. "He seems really upset. I didn't mean it..."

"Don't sweat it, Cutie," The trainer slung an arm around me lazily. "He'll come around."

Patting my shoulder, Gold trotted over to Silver, who released his Gyarados. I let out Silver's Kingdra, sliding on behind Lyra. We all headed toward Olivine, Lyra and I having a small conversation on the way.

"What now?" I sighed.

"I'm going back to NewBark to visit family," she explained. "So is Gold."

"I have no family to go back to," I muttered. "Maybe I should travel some more."

"Or settle down somewhere," Lyra glanced back at me. "You're, what, seventeen now?"

"Sixteen," I corrected.

"Anyway, you've been traveling a few years now. Wouldn't you like to take a break?" she offered.

"I don't have anywhere to go," I pointed out. "The road is the only home I know."

"Then why don't you get a place of your own? It's about time, don't ya think?"

"Alright," I mulled, still a bit unsure.

I didn't think I was ready for a place of my own, though. I hadn't fulfilled my goal yet: to become Top Coordinator. Maybe if I traveled a fourth region, I could finally make it. Just maybe.

Wading into Olivine Docks, everyone returned their pokemon. The moon shone bright in the starry sky, lighting up the dark blanket immensely. Everyone silently agreed through our sleepy state to get a room at the Pokemon Center.

Each of us placed all of our pokeballs on the counter, each of them extremely tired from previous events. The pink-haired nurse and a few Chansey collected them and brought them into the room located behind the counter.

We asked for two rooms for the night, and Nurse Joy gleefully agreed. She beamed at us, handing Gold one key and Lyra another. She waved as we exited into the hallway.

"Enjoy your stay!" she called, stroking the Chansey next to her.

"Sometimes she's just way too optimistic," Twave huffed, leaning against the wall.

"That's her job," Lyra unlocked the door, falling face first onto a bed.

I flicked my eyes nervously to Silver, wondering if now would be a good time or not to apologize. But who knows when I would get another chance? I peaked over his shoulder to his glum face.