looking back The rising sun over Pallet Town was beginning to lighten the rooftops of the scattered houses and gardens. Most of the town still lay asleep. However, at the very edge of the town a boy in his mid-teens was training a small electric mouse known as a Pikachu. The Pokemon was yellow in color, with short fur with a healthy luster and bright button eyes. It's jagged, lightning-shaped tail and black-capped ears blew back and forth in the slight wind. It sat in a cute poise, facing it's opponent- an angry-looking Nidorina. "Pikachu, you know what to do," the boy said, tapping his worn Pokemon League hat. "Pika," the mouse acknowledged, sparks beginning to spring from its cheeks. It began to glow with a slight electrical light. The Nidorina began to look a little apprehensive. Suddenly, the poison pin Pokemon charged forward in a Tackle attack. Pikachu's ears sprang up in alarm, and it dodged to the side just in time, releasing its charge at the same time. A violent surge charged through the Nidorina, knocking it out. "Good job Pikachu," the boy congratulated. "A one-hit knockout." "Ash!" a voice called out from behind him. Running towards the boy was a red-headed girl of about the same age, clutching a backpack with one hand, the straps trailing out behind her like a banner, caught in the wind. "Misty? What are you doing here?" Ash exclaimed in surprise. This was not supposed to happen! "You're leaving, aren't you?" Misty demanded. "Leaving me behind." "N-no, that's not it," Ash stammered. "I was just gonna go off for a while and spend some time... by myself. Don't take it personally!" "I AM taking it personally," Misty countered. "D'you know how selfish this is? I always knew you were a brat!" "I'm sorry, Misty..." Ash began, but trailed off, knowing it was useless to argue. "I just wanted to spend some time training by myself... besides, there's a few more things Professor Oak wants me to get for the Pokedex and everything..." "So you could take me and Brock with you," Misty accused, blue eyes flaring up dangerously. "Besides, I thought you told me you'd stop training after you beat the Elite Four... and spend more time with me and the rest of your friends! You've changed, Ash. You used to always, no matter what, put your friends ahead of you. What happened?" "Brock is happy housekeeping with my mom," Ash stated. "And you... Misty..." he paused, shaking his head. "I think you'd be better off without me. Things have changed. And I need a little time to recollect myself, that's all. I'll be back, I promise." With that, he walked over to Misty and took his backpack from her sudden- ly numbed hands. For once, the girl seemed vacant for words. She just stood there, watching as Pikachu climbed up on Ash's shoulder, together starting to walk away from Pallet. A single tear trickled down from her eye and down the soft curve of her cheek. "Goodbye, Ash," Misty whispered. She turned and also began to walk away. DISCLAIMER: Pokemon and its characters, ect, are owned by Ninetindo.