The golden light of early evening filtered softly through the windows, spilling across Alex's room in warm streaks. He blinked awake, stretching lazily, only to find Rena curled against his chest, her tiny body radiating a comforting warmth. The faint rise and fall of her breathing, the way her green hair tumbled like a waterfall over his arm—it all made his chest tighten in a way he didn't expect.
Gently, he brushed the hair from her forehead. "Rena… it's evening." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Her eyes fluttered open, glimmering like emeralds in the fading light. "Master… why did you wake me? Are you going somewhere?" Her voice echoed softly in his mind, delicate and earnest.
Alex chuckled, stroking her silky hair. "Yes, I thought I'd take a walk… maybe see Ash for a bit. But I need you to rest in your Pokéball while I go."
Her lips curved downward slightly, a shadow of disappointment passing over her expression. Alex caught it, his heart aching just a little. He softened his voice, smiling warmly. "Don't be sad. Once I get Strong enough I will let you ho walk beside me. And to make up for this…" He grinned mischievously. "How about I bake you a chocolate cake tonight?"
Her eyes lit up, sparkling like tiny stars. Without hesitation, she floated upward and returned to her Pokéball, leaving Alex with a sense of quiet peace and a fluttering warmth in his chest.
After washing up and preparing himself, Alex stepped outside. The streets of Pallet Town were bathed in the mellow glow of sunset. Leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and the distant chirping of wild Pokémon lent a serene rhythm to the evening. Every step felt lighter than the last, and he let himself breathe in the simple beauty surrounding him.
When he arrived at Ash's house, he saw Delia in her garden, tending the rows of vibrant flowers. The golden light brushed across her hair, highlighting her gentle features, and Alex found himself involuntarily slowing his pace, mesmerized by the quiet elegance of her movements.
Stepping forward, he offered a polite greeting. "Aunt Delia, would you like some help with the flowers?"
Delia looked up, surprised, then smiled warmly. "Oh? I thought you were off to the forest to play with Ash."
Alex chuckled softly. "How could I go play while a beautiful lady works so hard alone? A gentleman must help."
Her blush was faint but undeniable. She regarded him thoughtfully, noticing how tall he had already grown and the calm maturity in his posture. "You have a sweet tongue," she teased, a warm light in her eyes. "If only Ash thought like you… he's always running around with Pokémon."
They worked together in companionable silence, watering the flowers and occasionally exchanging light conversation. Laughter drifted between them like a gentle melody, weaving itself into the evening air.
When the last of the flowers had been tended, Delia turned to him. "Would you like to come in for tea? It's my way of saying thank you."
Alex smiled and inclined his head politely. "Of course, Aunt Delia."
The kitchen was cozy and welcoming, the scent of warm tea mingling with the fading aroma of sunlight. They sat together, talking quietly and sipping tea, the kind of conversation that settles gently in the heart and leaves a lingering warmth.
Eventually, Alex stood, bowing slightly. "Thank you for the tea, Aunt Delia. I'll go find Ash in the forest now."
Delia watched him leave, a wistful smile lingering on her lips as the door closed behind him. Such a kind, calm boy… if only I were younger… or he weren't already so… unattainable. She shook her head gently, returning to her work.
Alex wandered into the forest, the canopy above filtering the last rays of sun into a soft, dappled glow. Soon, he spotted Ash and a few other boys playing near the river, their laughter bright and carefree. Magikarp splashed in the shallow water, their slippery bodies glinting in the sunlight.
He joined them briefly, trading smiles and sharing a few words, though his heart was elsewhere. The forest felt alive, almost as if it were holding its breath around him. After a short while, he excused himself, leaving the boys behind, and made his way back home.
As he approached his front door, the Pokéball around his neck pulsed warmly. In an instant, Rena appeared, her tiny form springing into his arms. "Missed me, huh?" he whispered, holding her close.
She nuzzled against him, a soft hum of contentment vibrating against his chest. Alex leaned back onto the sofa, letting her settle in his lap. Her eyes met his, shining with determination. "Rena… I think tomorrow we start training. It's time we grow stronger, together."
Her nod was firm, a small smile lighting her face. Alex pressed a gentle hand to her head. Later, after resting a bit, he moved to the kitchen, a quiet resolve settling over him. With care, he prepared dinner—and true to his promise, baked a soft, rich chocolate cake. The sweet aroma filled the house, mingling with the warmth of the fading day, wrapping around them like a blanket of comfort.