Chapter Text
“Let’s see, Pokeballs, potions, repels…water, money…I think that’s it?” Oliver rummaged through his bag, carefully taking things out of it and setting them aside before putting them back in.
“Ollie!” A voice peaked from behind the boy as an older boy, dressed in the signature yellow plaid button-up, leaned against the door frame. “You almost done? You’re gonna end up making Pops wait.”
“Oh, Helian!” Oliver perked at the sight of his older brother and skipped over to him. “I was just about done!”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh!”
Helian walked over to his brother and pointed at his shirt. “You really expect to go on a journey dressed in your PJs?”
“My…OH!” Oliver blushed and quickly ran to the closet. “I guess I’m not ready yet….”
“The day of your journey, and you’re not even dressed yet. Better hurry before all the Pokemon are chosen.” Helian crossed his arms and raised a brow as he barely heard a lick of noise. “Ollie? You okay, dude?”
Helian walked inside the closet and spotted his brother, standing at the array of clothes that stood before him. “Oliver?”
“Oh, right, clothes.” The ten-year-old shook his head and rubbed his eyes before looking at his clothes. “I’m not sure what to pick? There’s so much I wanna pick, you know?”
“You alright?” Helian placed a hand on Oliver’s shoulders, causing the younger male to sigh.
“I’m just a little excited, that’s all!”
“Are you sure? You can talk to me about anything.”
“I’m fine, Li-Li!”
“Ollie…” Helian’s voice lowered to a softer tone as Oliver chewed his bottom lip.
“Okay, fine! I am a little sad.”
“About what?”
“Uh, well…” Oliver played with his hands and looked up to Helian before continuing. “I do want to go on my journey and meet all kinds of Pokemon, but….”
“You don’t wanna be alone?”
“How’d you?”
Helian chuckled and flicked his brother’s forehead. “It’s cause I went through the same exact thing when I went on my own journey, you dummy.”
“Oww!” Oliver rubbed his head and frowned as Helian laughed at him. “Yeah, it was super lonely without you during all that time! I was sad seeing you go.”
“Well, I was sad leaving you guys too; truth be told, I was also sad and lonely. But I was okay, knowing I’d be with my Pokemon! And I made a promise I’d come back, didn’t I?”
“Yeah! We pinky swore!”
“Ollie, Dad, let you go on this journey cause he believes in you! Papa believes in you; I believe in you!”
“Yeah, I know…but what if I fail at it? I’m scared of disappointing all of you guys….”
“Please, that would never happen.” Helian sat on Oliver’s bed and looked up at the ceiling. “Dad and Pops aren’t that kind of people, and you know that. Remember when I said I didn’t want to do the Gym Challenge and wanted to go to another region?”
“Yeah! You wanted to be a photographer!”
“Yep, and Dad’s first reaction was trying to get me a camera for it. While Pops was mapping out the perfect places to go to. I’m trying to say that they won’t be upset if you fail, dude, just as long as you’re happy. But I don’t think you need me to tell you something you already know.”
Oliver sat on the floor and looked at his bag for a few seconds. Before he knew it, he slapped his cheeks and ran into the closet. In a matter of minutes, he was dressed in an orange hoodie and blue shorts.
“I’m ready to go!”
“That’s the spirit!” Helian smiled as he handed Oliver his bag. “I’ll be rooting for you!”
“Thanks, Li-Li! I’ll promise I’ll be the best trainer ever!”
“Promise?” Helian smiled as he held out his pinky for his brother.
“Always!” The moment Oliver hooked his pinky against Helians, the older male grabbed his hand and pulled him close into a hug while ruffling his hair. “Ahahaha, Li-Li that tickles.”
“You’re gonna be great! Knock them dead!”
Oliver smiled wide and fixed his glasses as he walked towards the door. “I will!”
Oliver bounded down the steps of his home and unlocked the door as an Eevee ran up to him. “Oh, Ori! I almost forgot ya!”
The Eevee yawned and crawled onto his shoulders as the boy opened the door.
“I’m off!”
“See you later, Ollie! Don’t you dare drop out of the first Gym, now!” Helian shouted in response, causing the other boy to laugh.
“Haha, funny, Li-Li! See ya!”
With that, the door closed behind him, leaving Helian sighing while looking outside.
“Find your own path, Ollie; I believe in you; I always will.”
