Just starting off... (Pokèmon Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Repeat what you just said back to me," I said, making sure I had heard it right.

"We're taking a vacation," he said enthusiastically.

"Dex," Liz said. "Do you think it's the best time to do this?"

"Yes," he responded.

"What is your reasoning behind it?" I asked, sounding completely unphased by the question.

"Everyone's been stressed lately," Dex said.

"With good reason," I mentioned.

"Anyways," he said, obviously irritated at my last remark.  "Some of us need a slight break, and, yes, I am looking at you Ryver."

So that's what the burning spot on the back of my head is. It was starting to bug me.... Ok, now there are more.  Is everyone staring at me now?

"Now that he says it," Liz started.  "You have been quite stressed as of late."

"Yeah," Jade said.  "You're a lot different from when I saw you and Sean fight."

"Okay, okay," I said.  I just can't win lately, can I? "Where were you thinking?"

"It actually wasn't my idea," Dex revealed.  This slightly shocked me.  "The person who came up with it ... was Axle."

What a friend I am?  I completely forgot that he existed!  I am slightly thankful though.  Even though we haven't traveled much, he knows a bit more than I let on.  Not to say these guys aren't catching on quickly.

"He just went to check on it a couple days ago."

I sighed.

"He said something along the lines of 'Goldenrod City can be a bit crowded, but, if we start our day a little early, we can avoid that part of it.' "

"So..." Ryver cut Dex off. "He went to the Johto region?"

"Yeah," Dex said.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pull it out and look at the caller. Axle. I answer the call.

"Axle?" I question.

"Yeah, it's me," he responded.

I instantly breath a sigh of relief. "Man, it's good to hear your voice again."

"Same to you," he says. "So when are you guys coming?"

"We'll leave now." I started to head upstairs. "Where we meeting at?"

"The department store in Goldenrod."

"Alrighty, see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" He asked.

"Yes, I'm going to walk." I hang up and pack a small bag for the vacation.

When I am finished packing, I see everyone is ready to go. "Time to head out?"

"Let's go," Dex replied.

We all head out and straight for the entrance to Victory Road. From there, we head to New Bark Town. I sniff the fresh air and feel quite relieved.

"Alright," I said. " Let's see if a couple old friends are around."

"Friends?" Liz asked.

"Here?" Dex extended.

"Yes," I said. I looked at Jade. "Who do you want to see first?"

"Lyra!" She yelled enthusiastically. Jade darted toward a house on the south end of the town. I also walk toward the house, with Dex and Liz following.