Chapter 2: The Start of the Heroes' Journey

Homare's P.O.V

I make it to the West exit of Avangelon, where Lance already is. "Hey," I exclaim as I get to him. "How did telling your family go?"

"Oh, it was good," he answers, starting along the path before I fully reach him.

"That's good," I say happily once I catch up. "You didn't want to do it, so I'm glad it turned out great!"

"It went great because I didn't see them," he tells me. My eyes widen with surprise.

"What," I shout with shock. "W-Why wouldn't you?"

"Because then I'd get lectured," the Gallade answers. "And I'd be told not to be a disappointment. I'd have to sit there and listen to my mom ramble over everything because she doesn't believe I can amount to anything. I don't care to hear that."

"But it's better than letting them panic," I counter. "They might think your dead!"

Lance laughs, one of pure, twisted joy. "They'd be happy to think that," he exclaims.

"That's messed up..." I mutter, shaking my head with disgust. My companion shrugs.

"Part of life," he says simply.

"No, it's not," I say. "My family cares about me. They'd be traumatized if they think I'm dead."

"That's because you're the perfect child," Lance tells me. "If you were a disappointment, you'd understand."

I go quiet. I can't really argue that. I saw how my parents discarded my sister when she didn't achieve their expectations. But that doesn't mean they don't love her! I love her despite her flaws. I just can't accept her. That's what my parents tell me, anyways.

Suddenly, I realize the silence between us and it makes me uncomfortable. "So what's your motive," I ask.

"My what," Lance questions, confusion all over his face.

"You know, motive," I restate. "Like, your reason to be a hero."

"Oh, that's easy," Gallade states with a proud smirk. "Money, fame, and women."

I look at him with a mix of shock and disgust. "You're joking, right," I question, my feelings getting stronger when he shakes his head. "You are selfish and pathetic!"

Lance gasps (a bit dramatically, if you ask me) with offense. "That is just rude! Well, selfish is true, but pathetic is going too far!"

"It is just immature to have such stupid goals," I tell him with an attitude. He rolls his eyes.

"You're making me sound childish," he says, obviously irritated.

"No I'm not," I tell him. "Because I'm pretty sure a child would have better motives than you."

Gallade opens his mouth, but then shuts, growling. "I hate this because you're not wrong," he shouts, storming past me.

I sigh with disappointment as I watch him walk off. How could I get stuck with such a loser?

Time Skip. Lance's Point of View

Me and Homare arrive at a small town in the middle of the woods. We may or may not have gotten lost... "Oh, hey, visitors," a Wigglytuff exclaims as we approach. "Welcome to Forrest Village!"

"I've never heard of this place," Homare states, looking around.

"Most people haven't," the Wigglytuff says. "We're not a popular location and pretty hard to find. However, this is an amazing village and you'll never find somewhere better!"

"Yeah, okay," I respond. Smart advertising, but I know this is probably a basic town that has nothing good. However, we don't have anywhere we can go, so this place is our best bet. "Mind if we actually enter the village?"

The Fairy type smiles. "Of course! Follow me!" Me and my partner follow her into Forrest Village, and I can't help but gasp in awe. The place is beautiful!

The surrounding trees cover the top of the village, but the gaps between the branches allow moonlight to pass through, softly illuminating the street in a silver light. There are many different shops, from one that sell berries, to rope, to weapons, to pillows. The stores combine with the owner's house, giving it a feeling of business but home at the same time.

As we walk, I notice that there are mostly Fairy and Bug types here without many others. They all seem friendly, waving with bright smiles as we pass. The niceness makes me uncomfortable. Homare, on the other hand, is returning all the waves, looking as happy as can be. Hard to say with his lack of a mouth, though.

"I assume you'll want a place to stay with how late it is," Wigglytuff states.

"Uh, yeah. That would great," Homare answers, me nodding in agreement. Our guide nods, stopping in front of a giant tree in the center of the village.

"Here we are! The Never Leaf Hotel!" Wigglytuff chuckles. "It's a play on words for Never Leave."

My companion laughs. "Oh, that's good!"

I roll my eyes. "It's dumb," I correct, earning myself a glare from both of the other Pokémon.

"Just like you," the Armarouge shoots back. He then marches past me, into the giant tree. I sigh as I follow him in.

The inside is much more impressive than the out. The place is completely carved out of the tree, all the furniture being natural. Tables, chairs, desks. All of it. There are many Grass and Bug types mingling, laughing and smiling. Their joy annoys me.

"Hey, new guys," a Grimmsnarl calls from the front desk. "I'll get ya a room."

"Thank you," my companion responds as we go over to the receptionist.

"No problem. It's 500 bucks a night," he tells us.

"Oh, right, money," I say with a sigh. "Homare, give the guy what he needs."

"I don't have money," he tells me.

"Why not," I question. "Didn't you ask your parents for some before you left?"

"Well, no," the Amrarouge answers.

"Why not," I exclaim.

"I didn't think we would need it," Homare shouts back, getting us some looks by the people around us.

"Why would we not," I demand, lowering my voice.

"I don't know," my partner responds with a sigh.

"Look, I hate to do this to y'all, but no money no stay," the Grimmsnarl tells us.

"Please," Homare pleads. "We don't have anywhere else to go.

The Grimmsnarl looks at and sighs. "Alright, look. I feel for ya. So, I'll give y'all a room. However, this is the only free stay. Any time in the future will require full payment."

"Thank you so much," the Armarouge exclaims as he takes the keys.

"Alright, let's head to bed," I say. "I'm beat and wanting to get back on the road."

"Sounds good," Homare responds, leading me up the stairs to our room.

Alright!

I feel pretty good about this chapter!

@UnovanZorua @fineasmatei @Thur55555555555 @Dragonfly102024 @Joeybear7

Sorry if I'm forgetting anyone

Also, yes

I know Grimmsnarl said y'all a lot

It's how he talks

Enjoy!