Chapter 36 - Back to Hearthome

                                    

                                          
Eevee and Luxray had spent the past day worrying about Lucario, both of them growing increasingly more worried that something had happened to her. Although they were supposed to be resting, it was difficult to be settled when they didn't know where their friend was. They had both been beyond relieved when Nate and Willow told them early that evening that Lucario was safely with Kyra.
                          
That evening, since Nurse Joy had given the all clear for Eevee and Luxray to go back to normal, the two pokémon decided to sleep with Willow so she had some company. Luxray had been anxious about being with Willow since was wasn't comfortable around her yet, at least she had Eevee to help calm her nerves. 
                          
"You're doing really well Luxray, just try and relax for just a little longer, you'll be back with Kyra tomorrow," Willow said as she picked up on Luxray's nerves. 
                          
"Speaking of Kyra, I'll need one of you two to give her her Gym Badge from Wake. Nate and I had our Gym Battles earlier and my Bunneary finally evolved into a Lopunny, Nate's Grotle evolved into a Torterra too," she added, glad that she and Nate had both had successful Gym Battles.
                          
Eevee was intrigued by hearing about the Gym Battles, but Luxray was quickly growing stressed again. Willow realised what Luxray was becoming stressed over and apologised. Talking about her success and Nate's success in the Gym Battles had made Luxray feel as if she had failed despite winning the Battle for Kyra. 
                          
"Luxray, accidents happen, it's not the end of the world. Kyra's ok, she'll meet us in Hearthome City tomorrow. Kyra's strong, she'll get through this," Willow said, hoping to ease Luxray's nerves.
                          
Luxray rested her head on her paws to rest, looking out of the window. Despite wanting to be back with her trainer, she was also scared of hurting her again. She no longer wanted to partake in Gym Battles if it meant Kyra was in any danger. Eevee snuggled up to Luxray so she knew she wasn't alone, but it wasn't enough for Luxray to keep her nerves calmed. 
                          
Despite not expecting to have slept all that well, Luxray was well rested in the morning and she gently woke Eevee and Willow so they could get going slightly earlier. Willow got herself ready and went to wake Nate up so they could get going. Even though it was quicker to get to Hearthome via Route 212, the group decided to head back to Hearthome City via Veilstone City since they didn't fancy their chances at getting through the marshy land. 
                          
Kyra was also up early thanks to Lucario, she sent Nate and Willow a quick message to confirm she would be in Hearthome City by the afternoon at the latest. The nurse who had been caring for Kyra confirmed that the electricity had been fully drained and she would suffer no repercussions from it, Kyra thanked her and got ready to leave.
                          
Since she hadn't got a spare change of clothes, Kyra just changed back into the clothes she had come in in and left the hospital gown where she had been told to. Lucario stayed guard whilst Kyra changed, making sure her trainer felt safe. 
                          
"Thanks Lucario, I'm ready to go when you are," Kyra said once she had finished getting herself ready, tieing her scarf just how she liked it. 
                          
Lucario walked over to Kyra and nuzzled her trainer's cheek, Kyra smiled at the gesture stroked Lucario's favourite spot for a bit. The two were glad to have each other as partners, they would always be there for each other whenever they needed the other.
                          
Being out of the hospital was a relief to Kyra, it meant she could go back on her journey and learn from the mistake she had made. Yes, it was important to protect her pokémon, but it was just as important to make sure she was safe whilst doing it. Otherwise her pokémon would be more at risk, exactly like what had happened. 
                          
Kyra could barely wait to rejoin the others, she needed to assure herself and her pokémon that she was OK. They had only been apart for just under a couple of days, but it had been more than long enough for Kyra to realise how much she missed everyone.