Chapter Text
The Kantonian air felt majestic this morning. The warming rays of the sun made the temperature in my room feel just right. I stretch, still on my bed, as I go over to the open window and bask in nature’s beauty. This would be the last day I would get to enjoy this weather, as I prepare to move to Galar. I spent the entirety of my last year in high school trying to figure my life out, but my mom was willing to dedicate her savings for me to attend the Galarian Institute. A fancy school doesn’t sound like something I would do, but the place is expensive and if my mom is more than willing to help me out, I can’t say no. I love my mom to death, and I would honor her by making her proud.
I still remember the day that I got the acceptance letter with a couple of my other friends. I was really surprised that I managed to get accepted to begin with, as the application process was no joke. Out of all of my friends during the first wave of letters, only Misty, Iris and Dawn got accepted on the first, and on the second my friends from Alola got their letters as well, with the exception of Lillie, who decided to work for her mother’s business to take over it one day. Besides, she’s pretty knowledgable and wouldn’t need a school like this. I was feeling hopeless when the final wave of letters came around, but mine finally arrived, and I won’t lie, I almost cried. My mother cried happy tears as well, extremely proud of her son for getting the very rare opportunity.
Brock decided on medical school, which at first glance he would be accepted into the Galarian Institute, but he opted to remain in Pewter City with his family, which I’ve come to understand is probably the right call. I’ve never been anywhere aside from Alola, Unova and Sinnoh, so the experience would definitely be a new one. Part of me, however, is uncertain. Mostly because the future is so expansive that eventually becomes overwhelming to think about. Still, I would have some close friends there with me to support me. The parts that only they know about.
Ever since I was Fourteen, I’ve struggled with certain parts of my identity. When other boys my age would want to talk to girls and even kiss them, I never felt that same desire, even if I did try to force myself to. I never wanted to. The scary realization that I may have been different hit me when I was Sixteen, almost near my Seventeenth birthday. The world didn’t take kindly to people who were attracted to the same gender, going so far as to kill them if they were men, otherwise any woman who’d engage in that would be imprisoned, but I was always unsure for how long. As a result of this, I’ve always been mindful of what I say. I made it clear that I would figure things out on my own terms, but the thought of experimenting with my identity was scary, because one wrong move and I’m six feet under.
Once my mind is too deep to focus on what I have in front of me, I shake my head and bring myself back to my room, in front of the warm sun. I look at the nearby alarm clock, which was nearing the afternoon. I had to do something, anything, to create some memories one last time before I finally go out to the world on my own.
I walk to my dresser to grab a change of clothes. I remove my pajamas and put on a white shirt and pair of shorts, and put on a jean jacket. I grab a different pair of socks and switch them, throwing the previously worn pair into the dirty clothes bin. As I grab my phone from the top of the dresser, I hear my name being called.
“Ash, are you awake dear?” She asks, as I hear her walking up the stairs. She knocks on my door, and I open it. “Oh good, you’re dressed. You ready to go?” She asks. I look at her confused, but then I remember, and nod my head. We were going to Vermilion City to shop for some suitcases. I would be taking the plane to Galar, which meant that I would need a lot of storage. I had quite a lot of clothing, but there were other belongings I would need to bring with me.
We walk to the car in the driveway, and I open the passenger door and step in. My mom enters the drivers side and buckles her seatbelt while looking at me to do the same. She knows I’m already Eighteen but she still treats me like a child. I guess growing up as an only child does that to some mothers. She’s gone through so much to keep me happy, so far as to enduring everything my dad had thrown at her. Literally. I had always loved my dad, until my mom told me she didn’t love him. This happened a couple of years ago, but I witnessed first hand why that was the case. For years, the abuse she went through flew under my radar, but even then, what would I do? I’m not strong enough to face my dad. I don’t think I would ever be. But regardless, he’s facing time for what he’s done, yet the both of us are still dealing with the aftermath.
She starts the car, and beams the brightest smile ever. I return an even bigger smile, and we leave the driveway and head for the shopping district. The roadtrip there was always relaxing, letting the roof of mom’s convertible down, so that we can enjoy the beautiful weather of Pallet Town. I’ve lived here my whole life, yet I never got tired of the journeys to the other cities. My hometown doesn’t really offer much, but I love it all the same. The scrolling backgrounds of the plains and trees, and the various species of flowers was always enough to feel fresh, even if the views were exactly the same every time.
Once we arrive at the entrance of Vermilion City, my mother decides on taking me to the mall, which growing up I’ve dreaded since Misty would always want to shop there, and most of the time I would be her personal, unwilling at that, shopping assistance. Basically, that meant I was only there to hold the stuff she was going to buy and that was it. But now that I’m older, it meant so much more. I could get a lot of things that I actually want to get. But today, we were simply getting suitcases and nothing more.
In the parking lot, there were numerous cars of varying shapes and sizes. Today was a particularly busy day, since it was back-to-school week for literally everyone but me. I was lucky to have two weeks before school starts again. My mom parks the car, and shuts it off. We unbuckle our seatbelts and exit the car. We walk to the store’s entrance, when a group of frenzied shoppers rush inside, completely ignorant of others around them.
Inside the store, we’re greeted by the worker who always had a smile on, even with the difficult shoppers. We grab a shopping cart and peruse the aisles, despite only going there for one reason. Since we both want to look at different things, we compromise. I follow her around while she roams around where she wants to be, and then we would switch. Eventually we would go back to the luggage area, but for now we had all the time in the world. Well, that’s a lie. I have only today.
My mom wants to look around the kitchen appliances, so we head around there. She inspects the blenders and other kitchenware that we couldn’t afford, especially since I was going out of the region. But still, the thrill of seeing what you can’t afford is enough to motivate you into saving for it. After she is done looking around, we head towards the electronics for my turn, which coincidently is near us. We walk over and I instantly head towards the video game aisle, with the newly-released consoles behind the glass calling to me. The price tag was hefty, but the design and the reviews were enough to justify it’s exorbitant price.
As I’m about to walk towards the corner to the actual video games, around the other side, I hear two voices talking about the Galarian Institute. I’m no stranger to making friends, as I have other friends in other regions that were easy to talk to. It was then that I decided to try and talk to them. As soon as I prepared myself to speak with them, I instantly froze. Across from me, from a now far distance, was a guy around my age who had black hair with red highlights. As he and the girl with him walked away, I felt something in my chest yearn for communication. I didn’t know what he looked like, but something about him was alluring. His voice was so enticing, and his giggles melted me, although it doesn’t show. Once they’re out of sight, I let them be. I don’t want to chase them because then I would look creepy. Either way, I’m sure I’ll run into hi- them one day.
Once I walk back to my mom, who was taking an interest in the televisions, we walk towards the luggage area and pick out the suitcases that I would like. I loved having a choice, because the ones back home are old and the colors don’t appeal to me. Then again, the colors dulled from age, so I couldn’t make them out, but that’s what made them unappealing. These however, are new, which means I could decide on the kind of theme I wanted. I pick out three really big suitcases, and leave it at that. They had enough room to fit all of my clothes and other belongings. And even if I didn’t use all of them, my mom had an extra to spare.
We walk to the checkout lanes, ready to pay for the only things we came for. The lanes are self-checkout, which is perfect for us since we don’t have to wait in long lines or have another person scan the items. We didn’t have issues with talking to other people, we just preferred to have things speedy. Like mother, like son, I guess.
We head back to the car, putting the suitcases in the backseat, and I take the cart back to the store. At the entrance, the worker gives me a grateful smile as they take the cart back into the store, and I run back to the car, which my mom had already started. We drive out of the parking lot and head back to Pallet.
While the trip took longer because we both agreed to take the scenic route, it was worth the extra time. We saw the skyscrapers and the busy streets, which sometimes aren’t super occupied. The weather was extremely beautiful today, so that explained the people being outside and everywhere.
In the corner of my eye, I saw that boy again, and I felt something shift inside of me. As much as I tried to ignore it, my eyes would divert back to him, rendering my resistance useless. I didn’t get a closer look at him, but he was wearing a grey hoodie with red symbols and dark grey sweatpants. The girl he was with earlier was no longer with him, so he was completely alone.
When we continued on our way, his figure disappeared into the horizon, and a part of me hoped to run into him again someday. As a friendly person, of course. If I truly thought that way, then why do I feel this way?
Back in Pallet, my mom decided to start cooking dinner while I bring the suitcases to my room. I place the clothing I knew I wouldn’t wear inside one of them, and kept an outfit specifically for tomorrow in my closet. I grabbed a garbage bag and placed all of my shoes minus the one pair I loved to wear, and shoved it as much as I could in the already-cramped suitcase. After numerous attempts of shutting the zipper, I was able to manage. I had more packing to do unfortunately.
My mom walked in a little while later, absolutely shocked at my packing skills, which were shoddy at best. She glanced over my shoulder, noticing my room looking half-empty, to which she let a tear escape her eyes, despite the horrible condition my room is at the moment.
“I just wanted to let you know that dinner is almost ready,” she said, walking out of my room to head back downstairs. I grabbed my phone and ran to the table. I grabbed plates, cups and silverware for us and set up the table. That was part of our daily ritual; she would cook and I would set everything up. I grabbed a pitcher and went to the fridge and grabbed some ice cubes from the freezer. Scooping up some ice with a plastic cup, I poured the ice into the pitcher. From there, I went to the sink and turned the water on, letting it run for a moment. I placed the pitcher under the cool water, and shut the sink off once the pitcher was practically full, and let it rest on the center of the table.
I went to the storage cabinet and grabbed a couple of napkins, folding them nicely to hold the silverware in place. Before she can turn the stove off, I have to make sure the seasonings are there. The salt and pepper needed to be topped off, so I made sure of that beforehand.
Once I finished setting everything up, she brings the skillet to the table, which was steaming deliciousness. For a final meal here, she decided to go all out, making Chicken Marsala with some Fettuccini Alfredo. Even if the meals didn’t compliment each other, they were my favorites, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I lift up the pitcher and fill our cups with water, cold from sitting there with the ice, then set it back down away from us but still near the center. She places a piece of chicken and some pasta on my plate, and not wanting her to serve herself, I take the skillet from her, careful not to burn us, and place a piece of chicken with some mushrooms on top, as well as a hefty amount of the pasta.
I flashed her a grateful smile, and we began to eat our dinner. I grabbed the knife, cutting the chicken up in pieces, ensuring that the sauce was covering everything. I bit into the fork, savoring the flavorful chicken, and following up with a small sip of water. My mom’s cooking was the best, which is no surprise considering how she owns a restaurant nearby. The one thing for sure is that no other type of food in Galar will compare to this.
After finishing our dinner, I grab both of our plates and scraped off the food left untouched into the garbage, and placed them into the sink. I walk back to the table and pick up the remaining dishes, and turn the sink on. I adjust the temperature so that the water is hot enough to wash, but not scalding. I reach for the sponge and squeeze a somewhat generous amount of soap, and scrub the plates clean, and continue until everything is squeaky clean.
While I was washing the dishes, my mom grabbed a container to store the remaining food, and put it in the fridge. I wanted to wash the cookware as well, but she protested, saying that I’ve done a good amount. Defeated, I head back to my room, determined to finish packing.
It took a lot of decision making to determine what I would bring with me, because I couldn’t fit my entire room in the two remaining suitcases. Although it definitely would’ve been cool. After thinking carefully, I ended up choosing to leave some things back here, and if I truly needed them, I could come visit to pick them up. After coming up with this consensus, it saved me a lot of time.
As the sun was setting, the reminder that my chapter in Kanto was coming to an end felt so unreal. I have spent my whole life here, but now I was starting a new one in Galar, and the rush of adrenaline kept me from being able to fall asleep. I thought about talking to Misty, see where she’s at in the process, so I grabbed my phone over, deciding to message her instead of calling, since it was late and her sisters hated when she spoke on the phone at night.
Hey Misty, how’s the packing going?—-
-—Ugh, I’m having troubles deciding what to take. I feel like I’m losing my mind, and my sisters keep giving me stupid advice
I felt you on that, but when is advice ever helpful?—-
-—They keep trying to give me ‘better-looking clothes,’ but I am NOT into their styles
Haha, well I’ll let you suffer then. What time do we leave again?—-
-—Be here before 5 in the morning. You sure your mom is okay with taking us?
Of course she is, I told her yesterday and she seemed more than thrilled. Now don’t stay up too late!—-
I turned my phone off, reaching for the charging cable to plug it in. I went over to my mom’s room, where I knocked on the door gently.
“Come in, sweetie,” she said. I blushed out of embarrassment. She still called me those names even though I’m grown, but deep down I appreciate it because she never treated me any different.
I walk through the door to see her lying in bed with a book in her hand. The lamp on the bedside table is the only thing keeping her from sleeping.
“You’re still able to take Misty and me to the airport, right?” I asked. She nodded her head.
“Of course, sweetie. I’ll wake you up around 4,” she said. Her eyes diverted back to her book, assuming I only came in to ask her that.
“Mama?” I asked in a soft voice. Her concerned eyes darted toward mine.
“Is something the matter, dear?” She asked, tilting her head with worry. A million or so thoughts were taking over me.
“I think I’m…” I started, but could not quite formulate the final words.
‘Not ready to leave.’
‘A disappointment.’
‘Gay.’
I shuddered at the last thought. It’s been on the back burner for years, aching for its time to be said, but there would never be a time where I would ever say that.
“I’m really scared, mama. I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it over there,” I said, looking down. She sat up, placing the book on the small table, making room for me to sit next to her. I walk up to her and sit on the empty spot on her bed. She reaches over and wraps me in a warm embrace, as the thought brings me to feel tears form.
“I just don’t want to leave you alone,” I admit.
She runs her hands through my hair, attempting to relax me from the jittery emotions. I only muster up enough courage to allow one teardrop to fall, but it was a powerful one.
“Sweetie, I will be fine here. It is my job as your mother to support you in whatever you accomplish, even if I’m not there. And you know that I will always be there for you, either in person or through a phone call,” she said in a soothing voice, still holding me. The words were enough to calm my mind for a moment. I thanked her for the talk, and left her room, making sure that she was comfortable to sleep before the drive to Cerulean City.
In my room, I plopped myself on my bed, eyes growing heavy from the long day, but despite my tiredness, anxiety kept me from actually sleeping. No matter how many times I would toss and turn, I could never truly get comfortable. It was annoying, having to deal with insomnia the night before my biggest leap forward.
No matter how many times I would close my eyes, the minutes in my mind were actually hours that had passed by. My mind was making me go crazy. I eventually got tired of not being tired, and grabbed my phone to check exactly what time it was this time. It was almost time for my mom to wake me up, so I just gave up trying to get some sleep, and started getting ready.
Even though the sound was faint, I was able to hear her alarm go off. By then, I had dressed myself, and was beginning to take the suitcases down the stairs. As I begin dragging the first one down the stairs, I heard my mother open her door, and was slightly shocked to see me awake.
“Couldn’t sleep?” She asked, and I told her that it was rough. She went back into her room to get ready. Since she was fully awake now, I didn’t have to be quiet taking the luggage down the stairs. Physically exhausting myself seemed like the way to go, because even though I couldn’t sleep here, the plane would let me catch up on rest.
I opened the door, and felt the cool air sweep into the living room. I grabbed the car keys from the rack near the entrance and opened the trunk. There was a decent amount of space, allowing me to fit the two suitcases and leaving some room for Misty’s things. I left the third one in the backseat, which thankfully didn’t take too much space.
My mom stepped out of the house, closing the door behind her. I walk up to the door and lock it with the same keys in my hand. I give her the keys back after I was done with them.
“Is that everything?” She asked.
“Yeah, I decided to come back if I needed anything else,” I said. She flashed a smile, before stepping into the car. I ran over to the other side, taking the passenger seat, even though I wanted to drive. But to be fair, I wasn’t fully rested and it wasn’t safe to drive in this area with little to no awareness. I kicked my shoes off, as the car pulls out of the driveway, and wanders towards Misty’s home.
As soon as we entered Cerulean City, the sun began to rise from the ocean. The subtle shift from dark purple to orange feels like it happened so fast, even though on a realistic perspective it happens slow. The clock on the car read 4:54, a couple of minutes before the agreed time. We made it to her home about two minutes later, where she was waiting like a punctual person.
“Ash, so glad you made it,” she said, walking up to me with her luggage behind. My mom opens the trunk from the driver’s seat, and I place the small bags into the trunk, and the remainder in the backseat. There is still enough room for someone to sit in the back, surprisingly, but because Misty paid for my ticket, giving her the passenger seat was the right thing to do.
She sat in the front seat, playfully tossing my shoes into the back. Her sisters thanked my mom for giving her a ride to the airport, where my mom gratefully accepts their trust with their younger sister. After a couple of exchanges, we head off to the Pewter City Airport.
Even though the sky was turning into its signature blue, the scrolling backgrounds of Kanto were enough to keep me distracted from the fact that I was leaving this place. It felt like I had willingly let myself remain trapped here, but for what felt like the first time in my entire life, I would unwillingly be set free, and though terrifying, it also felt liberating.
‘Galar, I may not be ready for what you have to offer, but I’m willing to try whatever is thrown at me. Bring it on.’