Over the week, Solique and Pichu have started getting used to each other. They started even hanging out together. Like Solique playing on her Switch while Pichu watched, and pawed at the moving parts. Solique set aside time to play with the Pichu with toys, and as a result Pichu stopped wrecking her room every night. Solique has even started trying to get Pichu to stay on her shoulder when she walks around with some success. Things have definitely been getting better.
Solique had almost forgotten that she was only watching Pichu temporarily. At least until she got a call from the PokeCenter giving her Professor Elm’s number, and saying that she needed to call him and set up an appointment because he wanted to check out the Pichu.
One more phone call and a few days later found Solique and Pichu leaving home. Pichu was in the carrier from before, and was waiting impatiently for Solique and her parents to say their goodbyes.
“And you’ve made a reservation at a hotel in Cherrygrove, right? Make sure to stay out of tall grass when you make your way to the lab,”Her dad said, hands on her shoulders. He was using his serious face, as he continued,”You can’t count on a Pokemon you haven’t caught to protect you. So it’s important that you’re careful.”
“I did, and I know,”Solique responded. The train was going to be here soon. She opened her mouth to remind them of this, when her mom spoke up.
“You know if you catch her, then you won’t have anything to worry about! The pokemon in that part of the region are pretty weak after all,”She held out a friend ball for Solique to take.
“Thanks, but we don’t even know if Pichu is wild, or what’s going on,”Solique reminded,”It wouldn’t be right if I caught her before we knew.”
“Fine fine, but at least take the ball with you,”Her mother coaxed,”Maybe you’ll find another nice Pokemon to catch? Or maybe Professor Elm will give you a starter!”
Solique took the ball, and shook off her dad’s hands,”Fine, I’ll bring it with me. But I really need to go now. I’m off!”
“See you soon,”They both called out with a wave. She picked up Pichu’s carrier, and ran off to get to the train. Pichu whined in protest, but Solique couldn’t slow down. As it was they barely made it onto the train before the doors shut.