Hey guys. Resoleon here bringing you chapter five.

Rebel Five: Our Departure

It was early morning and somehow, I woke up. I looked at my carpet to see Pikachu still fast asleep. It surprised even me to find myself awake early in the morning. I looked at my clock to see that it was 5:32 AM. I immediately went back into bed and closed my eyes. But doesn't this suck? I didn't drift into sleep. I opened my eyes again and sighed to myself. Well if I'm not going to fall asleep, I might as well do something productive. I changed from my pajamas into my outdoor outfit and headed downstairs. I saw my mom looking at the TV watching her soap operas. I never understood those soap operas. They always cry and always bitch slap each other. But I'm trying to narrate my Pokémon life, not rant about what I hate. Anyway, I saw that my mom was watching TV and I didn't feel like sneaking out so I decided to put myself into view. She looks at me and her eyes went wide.

"You can't sleep either, huh?" My mom asked me.

"No. Wait, I thought you always woke up early?"

"Not this early. I'm very excited and happy for you. I was never able to have my own Pokémon. You're a lucky bastard to have a Pikachu. You don't find those things just anywhere."

"I guess but...the truth is...I woke up because I was excited to have my own adventure but there was also something on my mind."

"Oh, well tell me whenever you feel like it. I'll give you time, sweetie."

The truth of the matter is that I was a bit disturbed by Noel's crying face. I don't know why but it kept bothering me. I tried to tell my problem in a different way to my mom.

"Mom...I'm just worried that...you might miss me too much."

"Well of course I'm going to miss you, honey. You're my son."

"I know but...I'm kind of worried about you being sad because you're all alone in the house."

"Listen, sweetheart, I want you to live your dream. Some people might not like the idea of leaving but as long as you have a home to return to someday, I know you'll be back and the others know that you'll be back. Plus, you have Luna too, right?"

"Yeah but...we're deciding to take separate routes because we're rivals in our adventure."

"Son, I understand you're a little nervous of starting your adventure. It's a big transition but you want to be the best, right?"

"Yeah..."

"Well in order to be the best you got to beat the best. And don't worry about us back in Pallet Town, sweetheart. We will miss you but we also know that you and Luna will return one day."

"Thank you, mother."

My mom and I embraced and then released.

"Alright sonny, it's time for the final preparations! First of all, those shoes of yours aren't suitable for long journeys. I have these shoes that I was never able to use because they didn't fit my feet well. They're special sneakers that can last for a long time and will able to endure your journey."

My mom took out an old dusty shoebox and took out the pair of sneaks. I got to say that the sneaks looked so badass; it kind of matched my jacket. I put on the shoes and all of a sudden, I feel like I can go anywhere. My mom grinned because she knew that's what I was feeling.

"You'll also need this."

My mom took out the red backpack. It looks a bit packed.

"You have at least three sets of shirts, shorts or pants and underwear in here. I also put in a Town Map in there. You could get lost and I don't want that to happen to you."

I smiled a bit. I remember that time when Luna said not to bother Sena for a Town Map. I guess my mom was right saying that I was a lucky bastard. I didn't notice but my Pikachu was here the whole time. I was startled a bit and then I picked it up so I can put it on my head. My hair must make a good nest for Pikachu. I looked at my watch and it said 6:14 AM. The sun's rays were more vibrant, now. I hugged my mom again and headed out the door.

"Go out there and kick some ass, my little Ragna!"

That was the last sentence I heard from my mom before the door closed.

So what was my first move? Probably Luna was still preparing. I didn't feel like having a head start so I decided to pay her a visit. I knocked on the door and Sena answered it.

"Oh, hi Ragna."

"Sena? Where's Luna?"

"She left Pallet Town, already."

That wasn't part of the deal. At least, I thought it wasn't.

"What? When did she leave?"

"About half an hour ago. She said that she wouldn't let you beat her to the plaque so she decided to get a head start."

Well, doesn't this suck? I had the goddamn courtesy to pay my rival a visit before leaving and she up and leaves ahead of me. Just freaking great... Oh yeah, Sena is Luna's older brother and by far the more mature of the two. For some reason, Sena never tames Luna.

"Okay, Sena. Thanks...I needed that information."

Sena closed the door and I stomped on the ground. Well, I was behind already but I know it's a long journey. I know I'm probably making too much buildup for the start of my journey but it's just extremely exciting for me. I walked to the start of the path and I looked up at my Pikachu. It seemed ready for action and whatever comes our way. Okay...here it goes...I start running up the path that leads to Viridian City, I figured it would a good place to start. However, I heard my name from a distance.

"Ragna!"

Was it my mom? No...it was too young to be my mom. I turned around and it was Noel running toward me with a backpack on her back. For some reason, upon seeing her run to me like that, I felt a bit sad and happy.

"Ragna..."

"Noel..."

"Ragna...I...want come with you!"

Without thinking I responded. "...No, you can't."

"W-What?"

"You got wax in your ears? I said you can't come with me." "Hah, I borrowed a quote my mom said."

Noel had a look of devastation on her face. I really hated to see her that way. Not too long, her tears start to fall.

"Ragna...I...I...I just couldn't stand the thought of both you and Luna gone from Pallet Town. That's why I wanted to come."

"Don't get all touchy feely on me, Noel. You know that's a weak excuse. This is Luna's and my journey and you're not part of it."

Goddamn it, why am I such an asshole? Is it that I just wanted Noel to know that I don't want her in danger or is it that I was tired of her always clinging to me like a protective talisman? Either way, I feel like an asshole but I'm pretty good at hiding how I feel inside. Pretty soon, Noel falls to her knees and her long hair starts to cover her face. I can still see her tears falling and I can soon hear her sobbing, too.

"I-I...I don't get you...Ragna. I don't get how you and Luna...could be so mean to each other...and be friends, also. Can't you see that I just...want to be close to you?"

"Luna and I known each other since childhood, Noel. Don't claim that you're on the same page as I and Luna are. I don't expect you to understand but it was Luna's and my dream to compete against each other to be the champions of Pokémon. Where were you when Luna and I decided to have our rivalry? Now that I think about it, you really are stupid. Do you make your decisions from your heart or do you make your decisions based on external influence? Everything you wanted to do, it had to do with me and Luna. Noel, I'm telling you right now, you don't belong on this journey. You're not cut out for shit like this. Take your shit back with you and follow your heart, NOT your friends!"

Whoa...how the hell did I come up with that?

"Ragna, tell me right now. What do you think of me?"

"What do I think of you? You're a pessimistic crybaby who clings to her friends but is unable to make her own decisions. You're too soft spoken and need to toughen up a bit. In fact, you make me sick, that face of yours!"

Suddenly, Noel stood up. Her face still had tears flowing from her eyes but she was genuinely angry with me.

"That's it Ragna! Now, it's my turn! You just be quiet and pay attention to me! You and Luna are mean to me! You exempt me and don't appreciate anything that I do! I'm always nice to you but you just shrug it off like I'm nothing to you! You're always pushing me around or pushing me away!"

"Oh yeah? If we gave you so much shit, why did you stick around all this time and kept coming back?"

"Because you're my friend, Ragna and friends give each other second chances!"

"Then as your friend, I'm telling you to make your own decisions and not follow me."

"I did make my choice, Ragna. I made this decision myself. I decided that...I want to be with you, Ragna. In fact, just being with you on something like this is my greatest desire. Please, Ragna. Just let me be with you."

She just won't take no for answer, huh? She expects me to just be a softie and let her come with me?

"No, Noel. You're not coming with me. If you're really my friend, then don't come with me, Noel."

Noel hung her head and reached for her bag pocket.

"Okay, then. If I can't ask you nicely if I can come with you..."

From her bag, Noel took out her Poké ball. "Then I'll have to convince you that I won't be a burden to you in a battle!"

I raised my eyebrow a bit. She has Pokémon? I honestly never knew. "You're really challenging me to a battle? I wonder what Pokémon you have."

"Believe me, Ragna, this Pokémon is more than enough to convince you to allow me to accompany you. I challenge you to a battle, Ragna. If I win, you have to allow me to come with you. If you win, I'll go back to Pallet Town."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Then I'll accept your challenge. Let's battle!"

No matter what Pokémon it is, I'll make sure I grind the piss out of it and send Noel back crying if I have to. Why the hell am I such an asshole to a nice girl? Seriously...

New Cast

Sena as Daisy

Rebel Five: End