After disembarking in Vermilion City, it was time for the group to part ways.
Of course, for some of them, the separation was only temporary, and they would meet again in a few days. But for Brock and Misty, their journey had come to an end, and they might be resting here for longer.
Ash and Brock were the first to leave Vermilion City. After waving goodbye to Xia You, they followed the main road northwest.
Next, they naturally had to return to their respective homes to see their families. Whether it was seeing his mother or reuniting with his family, each had to make his own way. Though they left together, they would still have to split up partway.
It was undoubtedly a little sad.
Although Xia You also wanted to see Sabrina and Erika right away, since he was already in Vermilion City, how could he not visit Professor Cerise first?
Besides, his Pokémon were all staying here. How could he not visit those partners of his first!
As for Misty and May...
Although she was back in Kanto, Misty had no intention of returning to the Cerulean Gym immediately. Instead, under the pretext of going with Xia You to see his Pokémon, she took May along and followed him toward Cerise Laboratory.
Seeing her whispering with May and acting so furtively, Xia You was suspicious of her motives, but he did not give it much thought.
After all, as he saw it, they would be parting soon, so perhaps Misty simply wanted to spend a little more time with him.
Little did he know that as he led the way to Cerise Laboratory, Misty had something else on her mind.
Behind Xia You, where he could not see, Misty leaned her head close to May and whispered,