Chapter 9: Town of Fragrant Flowers

"I will definitely help you, Hotaru," Professor Elm said.

Hotaru's expression fell for a moment, her jaw opened, but she somehow managed to find her words to speak again. "What? You mean... you will..." In that precise moment she nearly gagged on her own saliva. Her eyes became teary as well and her hands were trembling. She couldn't believe her own ears.

"Let's say... I will do my best to help you." The professor smiled. "I believe Team won't stop hunting you until they get you and I guess it would be a fatal mistake to return to your home," the professor said and waited for Hotaru to react, but he only got a nod as answer. "The problem will be your location. They mustn't find out where you are. The best solution for you would be to change your location as often as possible."

The girl shrugged her shoulders slightly. "And how? I can't afford to move every single week. I'm a Highschool student," Hotaru sighed and lowered her head. Her face fell, just like her shoulders and her hopes. She felt Espeon leaning against her leg and saw how Chikorita and Cyndaquil glanced at her shyly. "I have no idea what I should do..." she mumbled under her breath.

Professor Elm stared at her for a moment before he smiled. "Who said something about moving?" he asked. Hotaru's gaze met his suddenly and she stared at him, stunned and irritated. "What about traveling? You're a student, but a Trainer as well. What about a Trainer journey through Johto? You would have to catch and train new Pokémon, and perhaps find new friends," the man suggested.

First, Hotaru narrowed her eyes at him in confusion. She didn't know what to say, or even what to think about his idea. Traveling sounded like fun, but a journey? It was the last thing Hotaru intended to do right now after all the trouble. She wanted her own peace and freedom, and freedom didn't mean sleeping under the night sky. It was a nice idea for a camping trip, however Hotaru didn't want to travel around a whole region. The idea didn't leave a good impression, but considering the fact that it was one good chance to escape Team Rocket's plans... somehow it sounded consistent. And the wild nature was the perfect hideout Hotaru would have all advantages in. While biting her lip, Hotaru played with the seam of her skirt. It was a difficult decision, but when she saw Shaymin's expression, she already knew her answer. That sad and frightened look in its eyes.

"What do you say?" Professor Elm asked.

"...kay..." Hotaru muttered under her breath. "Okay..." She raised her head.

"I promise you, I will help and support you. First of all, you need the basic equipment of a real Trainer," Elm exclaimed and jumped to his feet. It seemed like he had a caffeine shock. With lightening speed he ran to one of the shelves in his laboratory, picked up some things and immediately rushed to the next shelf. The man repeated the process several times, and every time he rushed to another part of the room, Hotaru's confusion grew. Calmly, but irritated, she watched him. "You will need this. First of all, a Pokégear. You can call me whenever you have a problem, or you just want to chat," Professor Elm spoke and pressed the tiny device into Hotaru's hands. "Next is a Pokédex. It is a digital encyclopedia, which will collect all data of a Pokémon as soon as you see and catch it. This little device can also help you to find strategies for battles. Just use the information you need. And last but not least, six Poké Balls. I think it is better to have more Pokémon in your team."

First, Hotaru gazed at the devices with suspicion, before she placed the Pokégear and the Pokédex on the coffee table in front of her. She only kept the Poké Balls and attached them to her skirt, beneath her blouse. "I guess that is all I need," Hotaru stated.

Elm's eyes widened in shock. "But...why...why...why?" he stammered. "A Trainer can't travel...without..."

"It's okay. This won't be a normal journey. I have no intention in battling. I just want to get as far away from Team Rocket as possible," the girl mumbled silently.

"This is also a great chance to collect precious experience," Professor Elm said and picked up the Trainer devices. "But even if you don't think that way now, you will change your mind soon. A journey has always changed Trainers and Pokémon and I guess it will also help you in more than just one way. Still, let me give you this." He handed Hotaru a plastic card, seemingly a coupon for a Trainer store. "I've got this a while ago for one of the new Trainers, but I couldn't find anyone who could use it. I have the feeling that is better to give this to you. I guess you need it more than anyone else There is a store in Cherrygrove City, where you can get new clothes with the coupon." the man said.

With a slight nod, Hotaru smiled and thanked him. For a brief moment, everything around her seemed so surreal, like a dream, however she knew it was the reality. "Professor..." the girl started. "I only have one question. Why? Why do you want to help me? You barely know me."

It was a silly questions in Elm's opinion, but a question he loved to answer. "You see, since years I am doing the same thing, working on my studies and preparing kids for their big journeys, but I could never be a help to someone. When I saw you, I knew I could finally be useful to someone. So why I should refuse to help you? It wouldn't make any sense," he explained.

Hotaru squinted and pressed her eyes close. The coming tears were bothering and itching, and she didn't want to cry, even though her tears were tears of happiness. However, secretly, she cried inside. "Thank you," Hotaru stuttered and wrapped her arms around Professor Elm, who was a little surprised by her sudden hug. He smiled and patted the girl's head.

I know this journey will be good for you, Hotaru, Espeon thought.

"Hotaru, what do you say? I need to go back to Cherrygrove City, do you want me to give you a ride? You wouldn't have to walk the whole way there," Professor Elm suggested.

"Sure, that would be great!" Hotaru exclaimed. Gazing at Elm's Pokémon she already knew she had to say goodbye. Carefully she knelt down and stroked along Chikorita's leaf. "Thank you for everything. I hope we will see us again," he said and also petted Cyndaquil. The Grass-type Pokémon glanced at Hotaru shyly before it ran away to play with Totodile, while Cyndaquil kept staring at her. A tiny sigh could be heard and the hedgehog lowered its head. With two small steps it approached Hotaru and clung to her leg. "Sorry, Cyndaquil, I can't keep you," Hotaru said and picked it up with caution. Again, she let it down and smiled at the Pokémon. "And don't worry about a new Trainer. I'm sure he or she will be nice to you," Hotaru told the Pokémon.

"Ready to go?" the professor asked her and earned a slight nod. He grabbed his car keys ad winked at the girl, what made her smile. But the professor also saw, how attached Cyndaquila was to the young girl, since the Pokémon had always been shy and reserved, and suddenly, it clung to a human. "It seems that you have found a new friend already," the man said.

Hotaru gazed at Cyndaquil and found it somewhat strange and unfamiliar. Unconsciously, she made a step backward and Cyndaquil followed her. Again, it clung to her leg and hugged it. To test it a second time, Hotaru stepped to the side and it was the same result. Cyndaquil chased after her and hugged her leg once more. "Well, I guess somebody is not ready for a good-bye," she mentioned.

"That's not what I meant," Elm stated. "Cyndaquil was always scared of strangers, and with strangers I mean humans. It is quite a surprise to see it so trusting."

The girl patted the hedgehog's head. The disregarded Shaymin meanwhile became simply angry and jealous. It didn't get any attention, even though it was a legendary Pokémon. Offended, it sat on the couch and pouted, what amused Espeon a little. The purple cat-like Pokémon giggled silently.

"Perhaps my ability," Hotaru mumbled.

"No, I don't think so," Professor Elm interrupted her quickly. "At least not that ability you're thinking of. You said you can talk to Pokémon, but I think there is more behind it. You can see a Pokémon's emotions... I know it sounds weird the way I am trying to explain it..." he laughed a little embarrassed. "So, what do you say? Shall we start?"

Hotaru nodded with new enthusiasm. Suddenly, Cyndaquil started crying loudly and didn't calm down anymore. First, Hotaru ducked a little, but then she noticed it was because of her. Gently, she patted Cyndaquil's head and immediately, the Pokémon stopped whining. The moment she stopped stroking it, tears began to come up in the Pokémon's eyes again. "I guess we've got a little problem here..." the girl muttered. "I can't take you along with me," she told the Pokémon calmly, but Cyndaquil wouldn't stop crying. "Professor Elm? Do I have the permission to take Cyndaquil with me?" Hotaru asked and winked obviously.

Elm nodded and understood her gesture. "Of course." He winked back.

"Can we go now?" asked Shaymin, quite annoyed.

Hotaru laughed a little. She found the happening amusing instead of annoying. It was cute, how attached the Cyndaquil was to her. "Well, Cyndaquil, back into you Poké Ball then," she said and gave a little gesture by winking again. Professor Elm was able to return the Pokémon into its Poké Ball without effort. "I think it won't notice that trick... at least I hope so," Hotaru giggled. "Professor Elm. Again, I want to thank you for everything." Another silent moment passed, before Espeon made the first step towards the door. the professor also returned Chikorita and Totodile before he left the three Poké Balls in his lab. Hotaru followed quietly, but with a smile on her lips. She walked silently behind Professor Elm and remembered what had just happened. First, her emotions had been a mess, but then she found gratitude and happiness again.

The way to Elm's jeep was not a far one, but full of thoughts Hotaru had been sunk in. This whole journey was a new beginning of a new section in her life. It was more than simply a way to escape Team Rocket, and Hotaru knew that.

After Professor Elm also climbed in his car, he started the motor and drove the same way back to Cherrygrove City.

Hotaru enjoyed the wind, which let her hair dance around. She felt freedom for a moment and already thought about what her journey would be like. What would happen to her? It was the moment she realized, that she was about to travel across the entire Johto Region, but somehow she liked that idea. All she had ever seen was a tiny island, which she had never accepted as her home. As the wind turned, Hotaru sensed something unfamiliar. It was like the wind shoved her into a new adventure, into a new world. Meanwhile, Shaymin enjoyed the ride as it was sitting on Hotaru's lap. The hedgehog had different thoughts and feelings about a journey.

"What are your next plans?" Elm's questions interrupted the girl.

"I don't even know yet. I guess I will travel from one town to another. I never had a plan in my life," she explained. And I don't need one... All I want to do is to protect you, she thought as her gaze met Shaymin's appearance. The hedgehog didn't even notice her blank stare. Only Espeon could sense it.
The ride back to the other town was pleasant. After a while, Hotaru smelled that wonderful scent again, the scent of flowers. Cherrygrove wasn't far away anymore. She could already see the housetops of the town. The colours of the roofs blended with the colours of the flowers which covered some parts of the town like carpets. The world is still colorful... Hotaru thought. The memories she thought about were all greyish and darkened her emotions, but seeing the beautiful nature and colours around her gave her new strength. Slowly, and only for a short moment, she hummed a quiet melody that also filled her with new joy. Neither Espeon nor Shaymin did hear her.

Suddenly, Professor Elm interrupted her. "I will drop you off near that Trainer store. You should get some new clothes there," he suggested with good reasons.

"Yes," replied Hotaru.

They passed the first houses and streets before Professor Elm and Hotaru arrived in the center of the town, near the market place. Quietly, Hotaru gulped and forced herself to ignore the market and all memories about it. She was already lucky she hadn't been caught, since she stole something. Though, it was just two apples, it was still stealing. What a great new start in a strange region. This will never happen again, Hotaru told herself mentally.

The car decelerated and Professor Elm halted near the shopping promenade of Cherrygrove City. "Here we are. I'm glad I didn't let you walk the way back here," the man said and scratched his neck before he reached in his right trouser pocket handed Hotaru a slip of paper with a number on it. "Whenever you need help, don't hesitate to call me. And I would also appreciate it, if you call me sometimes and tell me about your journey," he explained.

Swiftly, the blonde girl nodded. "Of course. Thank you, Professor!" Hotaru held the paper close to her chest and bowed slightly. The hug before was a moment where her she couldn't control herself, that's what she thought. A polite bow was the result of her gratitude now, but her inner self wanted to hug him like before. Perhaps it was her personality that let her feel uncomfortable by being close to other, especially strange people but somehow she felt that she could trust Professor Elm. He didn't even have a hint of a sinister aura. He was was as well the first person since a long time Hotaru felt comfortable around.

"Well then, I wish you good luck, Hotaru," Elm said and waved his hand as good-bye.

Hotaru bowed once again, waited for Espeon to get out of the car, picked up Shaymin and finally turned around to leave. Perhaps, it was a hint of trust that made her turn around and smile. A few more steps and she was already around the corner, out of the professor's sight.

"Are you done?" Shaymin asked, annoyed and bored. It waited for Hotaru to come out of the changing room after almost one hour in the Trainer store.

The Pokémon heard a silent sigh. "Yes..." Hotaru stretched the word long enough to make it sound unbelievable again, yet she suddenly pushed the curtain of the changing room aside and came out. "What do you think?" Hotaru asked. Espeon eyed her from head to toe and shook its head. It was a clear signal, a clear 'no'. The light blue tanktop with the printed flower design and the black top underneath looked adorable, but the shorts she wore, ruined the whole image. "I know... but I can't spend too much. These clothes are way too expensive and the coupon has just a value of..." The girl grabbed the coupon Professor Elm has given her and grimaced."... 5000 Pokédollar..." she sighed loudly. "It was really nice of the professor to hand it to me... but I can barely find something that is not that expensive." She turned her head and fumbled to get the price lable of the blue shirt. Simply the glance at it made her shiver and gulp.

In a moment of despair, Hotaru dropped on her knees. She was lucky enough that it didn't catch the other customers' attention. What an embarrassing situation.

"Espe!" the cat-like Pokémon touched Hotaru's arm with its nose gently. "What about this one here?" it asked and gestures at a simple, yet pretty outfit, which was hidden between the goods shelf. The most important fact for Hotaru was the price, since it was a special bargain.

"That could..." Hotaru mumbled and went straight to that complete outfit. A short-sleeved hoodie, olive in colour with a single Poké Ball printed on the side and marine blue stripes. The other part was a dark blue, almost black pleated skirt, which reminded Hotaru of her school uniform. Quickly, she grabbed the hanger and disappeared into the changing room again, leaving Shaymin and Espeon in a cloud of dust. "That's it!Yes! " Her voice echoed through the store.

All people in the store looked at that one certain cabin the voice came from. Espeon couldn't help but giggle. "Espeon. Espe..." The Pokémon used its Psychic Attack to carry a pair of running shoes to the changing room. The blue colour matched the skirt. A hand quickly grabbed the shoes and pulled them inside, making Espeon chuckle even louder.

Out of the sudden, the curtain moved aside, revealing a new and determined Trainer.

The fire in Hotaru's eyes literally showed her new fighting spirit. Some people would also call it a successful shopping trip. Something essential for young girls, generally for all women. It also has been a while since the blonde girl had so much fun. It helped her to forget the recent events.

"Finished?" asked Shaymin, not very impressed.

"Yes, Shaymin," Hotaru mumbled.

"You already said that four times!" the hedgehog complained and rolled its eyes.

"This time for sure. I think this is perfect," Hotaru said and made a full turn to get a good look at herself in the mirror of the changing room. In a moment of silence, she quickly calculated the sum of costs and a grin on her lips proved that the clothes were in her budget. There was even room for something else. Something like... a bag? In a rush, Hotaru sprinted to the department where she found all kinds of bags. Backpacks, messenger bags, all variations for new Trainers. This time, Hotaru didn't choose a stylish bag, just a simple, beige and cheap backpack.

Shaymin jumped on Espeon's back as their Trainer and human friend already ran to the cash desk. The cat-like Pokémon carried the mostly lighter hedgehog to its Trainer. At the same time, Hotaru hopped on the cash desk and let the shop assistant scan the tags. It was quite an unusual way of doing that, but since Hotaru was too lazy to take the new clothes off, it was the only possibility. The shop assistant, a woman in her early twenties simply shook her head. The coupon had only just the right value to pay for all the clothes, shoes and the bag.

A loud and heavy sigh escaped Hotaru's lips. She hopped off the cash desk, even ignored the tags still hanging on her shirt and skirt and ran outside with her Pokémon. In her rush, she ripped the tags off. Even Espeon couldn't explain Hotaru's strange behavior. The girl seemed to sparkle in new determination. It was quite a surprise.

Shaymin, on top of Espeon's back couldn't even think about jumping off. It had enough trouble to cling to the Pokémon, which dashed after its Trainer through the streets of Cherrygrove City.

"H-Hotaru...wh-what's wrong?" asked Shaymin.

After a few seconds, Hotaru came to a halt. Quickly, she inhaled some fresh air and breathed deeply. "Nothing, Shaymin." She only turned her head to face her Pokémon and the tiny hedgehog. Shadows danced across her face as the sun slowly disappeared on the horizon. The orange afternoon sky threw a reddish shade on the girl's cheeks. "I wanted to start this journey as fast as possible."

"But you weren't even so impressed by the idea." The hedgehog Pokémon.

"I know," the blonde said. "But I decided to do this..." A small pause. "...for you..."

Shaymin gazed at her in slight confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You told me about your home. And I don't want anybody to destroy your dreams. If you have a place to return, then I will protect and support you to find it. Like Professor Elm helped me... that is the only reason!" Hotaru mumbled, her eyes hidden between her bangs, which danced in a fresh breeze. "I failed to protect you earlier, and now I decided to make up for it."

Shivering, the hedgehog climbed off Espeon's back and went towards the girl. It already sniveled and glanced at the girl with teary eyes, its whole body was trembling. "Thank you...Hotaru..." Shaymin sobbed. Tears were running down its tiny face.

A new fresh, this time stronger wind danced through the town and carried the scent of flowers and also a new beginning.

Meanwhile, in Professor Elm's lab:

"Cyndaquil! I'm sorry! I know it was a mean trick, but... Stop it! No, don't burn those books! No!" Elm cried loudly and ran after the tiny fire hedgehog, which sprinted through his lab and set important research documents on fire. Perhaps it was the revenge for lying to it earlier that day. It all happened while Chikorita and Totodile watched it amused and ate some Pokémon food, not caring about the others' personal issues and the mess in the lab.

"Cynda!" the Pokémon hissed.

Considering the fact that I had to work in my whole free time since eight months...that was a fast update. NO, IT WASN'T!
I'm very sorry. I couldn't find the hint of a chance to write. There is so much to do! Work! And exams ! D: But I honestly have to say...there is one song which gave me new motivation to write. If you have the chance, check it out. It is called 'With you, with me' by 9nine. It is truly a wonderful song, full with emotions.

And about the poll about the starters...I made up my mind and finally decided which Pokémon Hotaru should get. So I am sorry if your choice didn't come up here yet. But I got a little surprise later in the story.

Please, forgive me. It is just a horribly busy year (like last year)

If you forgive me, please like and review :) I will do my best to update soon.