That afternoon, Xia You and his companions stood at the entrance, saying goodbye to Professor Oak, Professor Birch, Delia, and Tracey.
Ash had hurried home to pack right after lunch, and now he had arrived just in time to join them.
"Take care, then," Professor Oak said first, as the most respected scholar among them. "I wish you success in your challenges, and may everything go smoothly."
Professor Birch and Tracey offered their encouragement as well. Only Delia was speaking quietly to Ash, reminding him of one thing after another.
"Okay, I know already. I'll take care of myself, Mom, so don't worry."
Perhaps being the only one still treated like a child embarrassed Ash in front of so many people. After agreeing a few times, he quickly left Delia's side and went to stand beside Xia You and the others.
"Well then, we're off."
On behalf of the group, Xia You nodded to Professor Oak. After him, May, Ash, Max, and Brock waved goodbye to Professor Oak and the others as well. Then they left Professor Oak's Laboratory and headed out of town, until they had left Pallet Town and vanished from sight.
After leaving Pallet Town, Xia You and Ash's group did not go their separate ways. Since they shared the same destination-the Battle Factory near Mt. Moon-they traveled together for the time being.
That made the journey livelier, with everyone chatting and laughing along the way.
Although they traveled together, however, they still formed two clearly distinct groups.
Xia You and Ash walked side by side at the front, each taking on the role of leader for his own team. Behind them were May and Max.
The siblings walked together, talking quietly, but a closer look at their positions revealed that one followed Xia You while