Chapter Text
I tightened my left pigtail before lowering my hands, staring at my reflection. After everything I’ve experienced since I started this journey… I feel the same way I did when I left Spikemuth for Hoenn. Hair tied in pigtails, dressed in red and black, looking at my own reflection before the sun even raised with a cold look. And just like back then… I don’t want to go, but I know I have to. This is it. One more region. One more set of Gyms, one more Champion, one more fight. I guess facing my worst nightmare is the appropriate way to go out. If Paldea didn’t show Arceus we were serious… Johto will.
Taking one more deep breath, I left the bathroom of my dorm. I picked up my backpack and looked around the empty dorm. Hopefully the next student will stay.
The door opened, making me turn around. Hop gave me a blank look. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” I replied before going over to him.
Stepping into the hall, I turned the light off and closed the door for the last time. Hop and I walked down the hall in silence, Dubwool at his side. We went down the steps, and waiting in the entry hall was Clavell. He gave us a tired smile, thanked us for everything, and wished us luck before taking our dorm keys. We thanked him before stepping out of Naruva for the last time.
Looker stood outside, staring at his phone before lifting his gaze to ours. He slipped his phone into his coat pocket. “Ready to go?”
“Guess so,” Hop softly replied.
Looker simply nodded before turning around and leading us out of the courtyard. “The plane will land in Goldenrod City, and the Johto Division has a rental car waiting in the parking lot. We’ll take that to New Bark.” He looked over his shoulder. “You told your families you were coming with me, right?”
“Yeah. My Aunt Brielle offered to take us, but when I said we already had a ride, she and the rest of my family went home last night,” I replied.
Looker nodded before shifting his gaze to Hop.
“They know. Don’t worry,” Hop assured.
“Good,” Looker said before facing forward.
I took a deep breath and looked up at the starry sky. Don’t focus on Team Rocket right away. This is the last league I get to face. I want to enjoy it, so I will for as long as I can. Once Lance is defeated… that’s it. I’ll be the Pokemon Master. Ariana can try all she wants. She will not stop me from beating Lance.