We elected to take a boat back to Pallet Town. Fortunately, the sailor who had given us a ride to Cinnabar was more than willing to take us. We sailed across the soon, and eventually reached Pallet Town.

Daisy thanked the sailor, and then we took in Pallet Town. It was good to be home. Nothing had changed, and it was just as quiet as ever. The day had bled away on the boat, and so the sun was starting set.

"We're already back! Man, it feels like it's been forever." Daisy mused. "I'm gonna go say hi to Grandpa and show him Aerodactyl. We can meet back up tomorrow to head back to Viridian, ok?" I gave her a thumbs up. Sounds good! Then, she walked off to the Pokémon Lab.

Man... I've really missed my mom... Wait, I gotta be able to talk to her! I realized. She's going to be so happy to hear my voice!

I set off for my home. I strolled up to the door of the house and knocked on the door. A few moments later, the door swung open.

Standing in the doorway was my mother, her brown hair in a ponytail. Her expression changed from a faint smile to pure joy in seconds. She hugged me and I returned the embrace.

"You're home! Oh, my boy's home!" She smiled, tears of joy glistened in her eyes. "You look so grown up! I'm so happy that you're safe and well. Come inside, I want to hear about everything!" She walked to the table and motioned for me to follow. I closed the door behind me then I sat down at the table.

"So Red, how has your journey been going?" She asked. Well, I just won my 7th gym badge and I'm going to Viridian City to get my last badge. I explained, her eyes widened and she looked around. Oh, shoot I forgot. Mom, it's me, Red. I can explain why you're hearing me in your head. It's a long story.

I explained to her what had happened along my journey and how I could speak to Pokémon through my mind. Then, I told her how I had found out I could also talk to people I shared a strong connection with. I shared other details of my journey, but I left out my encounter with MissingNo.

"You've been taking on Team Rocket?" She looked at me with her eyes wide. I was surprised THAT was the first thing she asked me about. I did it because they were hurting people and taking Pokémon! Or they attacked Daisy and me! I argued.

My mother shook her head. "Red I told you to avoid them! They're dangerous criminals! Do you have any idea what they do to people who get in their way? You could have been killed!"

But I didn't get killed! I did what I had to do! I don't want anybody to get hurt if I can help it! I looked directly into her eyes. Daisy lost her parents to them. I'm going to help her stop Team Rocket. They're up to something big. Someone needs to step in!

"Don't try to be a hero Red! There are other people for that! I don't care about the fate of the world, I care about you! Your father tried to be a hero and look where that got him!" She screamed, standing up. What happened to Dad? I asked. Mom had barely ever spoken about my father before.

My mother seemed to be thinking about what she wanted to say for a few seconds. I could see the fear in her eyes. She took a deep breath. "It's only fair you know, you're old enough now."

She sat down, tears welling up in her eyes. "Your father... he was killed trying to stop an evil team in Alola. He heard there was trouble and ran off when you were an infant. The group was powerful, and your father was unlucky..."

So that's why you don't want me taking on Team Rocket. Mom, I know it's scary but I can do this! I've made friends on this journey, and we've taken them on together! People need to take a stand to stop them, and I need to speak out however I can! For Daisy's sake, I can't let them exist.

My mom seemed to be at a loss of words for a few seconds. She processed what she was hearing, and then looked at me. "That fire in your eyes, it's just like your father... promise me that you'll stay safe." Of course. I don't go anywhere without my Pokémon or Daisy. A smile flashed on her face. "Then, do what you need to. I can't take losing you... but I know I can't stop you."

She got back up and walked over to a cabinet. "I have something for you." My mom walked back over and handed me a red hat. The color was faded, and the pattern was a plain white square on the front. "This was your father's. I want you to have it."

I gingerly held the cap, and then put it on my head. It was a bit big, but I didn't want to take it off. My mom's eyes shone with joy as she stared at me. "You look amazing, honey."

We talked for a few hours after that, before settling down to watch a movie together. Then, I decided to head upstairs to get some rest. The day was strange, but it felt great to be back in my bed.

I woke up the next day feeling rested. I got myself ready for the day and then went downstairs to say goodbye to my mom. She made me breakfast, and then I went to the door to leave.

"Good luck with the rest of your journey, honey." My mom put her hand on my shoulder and pulled me in for a hug. "You're going to do amazing. I'll be here for you, cheering you on every step of the way. And keep Daisy close, I think you two are just perfect for each other!"

I felt my face heat up. Mom! I protested while she squeezed me. She let me go and then winked. "I'm just teasing. Now go on, show the world what you're made of!" I love you, Mom! I told her, and then I went outside.

Daisy was waiting outside her house, sitting on a bench. She looked up and waved at me, and then ran up to join me. It was a beautiful day outside, and the sunlight shimmered off her green eyes.

"Heya Red, how was it?" I caught her up on what had happened with my mom, including everything that I learned about my dad.

We started walking towards the exit of the town. "Wow... that's a lot, huh. Are you feeling alright?" She asked. I shrugged. Honestly, I don't really know how to feel. I never knew him. But now that I know he went to stop people from hurting others... it just makes me more sure of what we need to do!

A smile crossed Daisy's face. "That's the spirit! I like the new hat, it fits you." I felt a smile tug at my face. So, how was seeing the professor?

"Grandpa was really happy to see me again. I caught him up on things, but I don't know how much he really processed," Daisy explained. "He knows nothing about any of that Rogue Two stuff though."

We stopped at the Pallet Town exit. "We're back here again. Leaving town once more. Red, I don't know what'll happen when we get to the final Gym... but I'll be by your side!" Daisy declared. Thanks, Daisy. Whatever it is, we'll face it together! Then, we set off for Viridian City.

We soon arrived in the city and were hit with the aroma of several flowers. The city hadn't changed a bit from my first visit, but I felt like I had become an entirely different person. We stopped in at the Pokémon Center to heal, and then made our way to the Viridian City Gym.

We arrived at the gym doors and Daisy knocked on them. The doors parted and a man with dressed in a large, black trenchcoat stepped out. He had brown hair poking out from under a cap that matched his coat.

The man greeted us with a grin. "Welcome to the Viridian City gym! I'm Joey! If you wish to take on the gym you have to beat me and my top-percentage Raticate in battle!" Joey said, taking an old-looking Poké Ball out from his coat.

Daisy chuckled. "What, no hello?"

Joey's eyes widened as he glanced at Daisy. "Daisy? You've gotten older, huh kiddo."

Daisy jammed her thumb at me. "Red's here to take on the gym. I'm just going to be watching. Sorry that I haven't visited."

Joey waved it away. "It's alright. I'm just glad to see you're doing ok. I'm a bit surprised you're here, but I guess it makes sense." Joey turned his attention to me. "Alright kid, we'll have ourselves a quick one-on-one to make sure you're fit for the battle ahead. Sound good?"

I nodded, and we ventured to a battlefield located behind the gym. I called out Ivysaur. Joey pitched his Poké Ball into the air and in a burst of light, a Raticate came into view on the ground. The large rat Pokémon landed on the ground and then bared its massive teeth at Ivysaur.

"Raticate use Double Edge!" Raticate started to glow white and charged forward. Ivysaur use Vine Whip to throw him into the air! Ivysaur lashed out at Raticate with his vines and wrapped them around the opposing Pokémon's body.

Raticate thrashed in Ivsyaur's grasp, but he held strong and lifted the opposing Pokémon into the air. Then, Ivsyaur slammed him into the ground. Now use Toxic! Ivysaur launched a purple sphere from his bulb at Raticate. The ball hit the rat Pokemon and exploded, drenching Raticate in dangerous poison.

Joey kept a grin on his face. "You're just what we're looking for. But are you ready for this? Use Quick Attack and then use Super Fang!" Joey's Raticate zipped across the ground on all fours. The beastly rat rammed into Ivsyaur, and then chomped down onto his leg.

Ivysaur thrashed his body, trying to break free of the opposing Pokémon's maw. Ivysaur use Giga Drain! Ivysaur launched out two vines that wrapped around Raticate, draining energy from his body. Then, the opposing Pokémon took poison damage and finally let Ivysaur go.

The rat staggered back, clearly nearing its limit. "We're not done yet! Raticate, use Flame Wheel!" I tilted my head as Joey gave the command. Wait, what? Raticate began to spin his body like a ball and burst into flames, somehow.

He rolled into Ivsyaur, knocking him into the air. Start charging Solar Beam! I called to Ivysaur while he flailed in the air. My Pokémon began taking in sunlight while Raticate came to a stop. Joey thrust his hand into the air. "Now finish this with Double Edge!" Ivysaur hit 'em!

Raticate leaped into the air and prepared to strike Ivysaur. The bulb Pokémon's eyes narrowed on the approaching target, and his bulb exploded. A beam of light rocketed out, clashing against the opposing Pokémon. The beacon soon overwhelmed Raticate, carrying it into the ground and creating an explosion.

Ivysaur landed safely, while Raticate was left fainted.

Joey sighed. "Darn, kid. You got me and good. You're more than ready for the final battle, I say. Not anyone can beat my top-percentage Raticate." Joey went up to Ivysaur and used a potion to restore the Pokémon.

Daisy sighed. "Guess it's time to meet the new Gym Leader, huh?"

Joey frowed. "Wait... do you not know who the Gym Leader is?"

Daisy shook her head. "No. Honestly, I haven't really been up to facing any of this. W-who is it?"

Joey seemed to be struggling with what to say next. "Well that's uhm... it's a bit awkward for me to just say..."

"Who replaced him?" She demanded.

"I did." An all too familiar voice announced. We turned to see that leaning against the wall of the gym was my rival, Daisy's brother, Blue. "And boy does it suck."