The next morning broke beneath a heavy sky.
Clouds pressed low over Vermilion City, thick and metallic gray, promising thunder. The sea wind had shifted; it carried the faint tang of ozone and salt, blending into a silence that came before every storm.
William stepped out of the Pokémon Center with his jacket slung loosely over his shoulder. Eevee sat perched on his left, tail swaying with every step, while Kirlia hovered to his right side with her focus steady and calm as always.
And then, at the very end, came Nidoran with his pale-blue skin glimmering faintly in the dim light. He kept his distance as usual, claws tapping lightly against the cobblestones.
William glanced back at him. The Shiny Nidoran froze, caught mid-step, eyes wary but not hostile.
"You coming?" William asked simply.
Nidoran hesitated, then gave a small, sharp snort. "Nido."
"Good." William turned his gaze ahead. "Let's get breakfast."
Vermilion Harbor Café
The café overlooked the marina, its wide glass windows fogged from the warmth inside. The smell of roasted coffee beans mixed with the tang of seawater wafting in through the open doors.
William sat by the window, a steaming cup of tea in hand. Eevee munched happily on a Poké Puff beside him, her fur brushing his arm every now and then. Kirlia was quietly sipping berry juice from a small glass. Electabuzz… was demolishing an entire platter of Thunder Curry and Jaw is silently eating the water and dark energy foods.
Across the table, Nidoran sat stiffly on the chair's edge, staring down at his bowl of food.
He didn't touch it.
William noticed but didn't say anything. He took another sip of tea, his eyes flicking toward the little Pokémon's reflection in the window.
Nidoran's ears flicked once. Twice. His gaze drifted between the others. Eevee's laughter, Electabuzz's relaxed grin, Kirlia's serenity, Jaw's nonchalant expression. They looked like they belonged together. He didn't.
A low rumble of thunder rolled through the distance. Nidoran's small body tensed.
William set his cup down quietly. "You're not used to this yet, huh?"
Nidoran blinked, confused.
"Being around others. A team. People who care." His tone stayed casual, but his eyes were sharp but not judgmental, just honest. "That's alright. No one gets used to it overnight."
Nidoran's claws tightened against the table edge. His gaze fell again, and for a brief moment, his reflection in the glass seemed smaller than before.
Eevee hopped down from her chair and padded over, her tail swishing. She placed one paw on Nidoran's bowl and gently pushed it toward him.
"Vee-vee!" she chirped, smiling wide.
Nidoran blinked, startled. He looked at the food… then at Eevee.
Kirlia floated closer too, her soft voice like a breeze. "Riiilia…"
Even Electabuzz paused mid-bite, looking up with a smirk that somehow felt reassuring. Jaw just stared with relaxed expression.
William watched the little scene quietly. The others weren't forcing him, just inviting him.
Finally, Nidoran leaned forward and sniffed the food. Then, cautiously, he took a small bite.
A faint rumble of satisfaction escaped his throat.
William smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "There you go."
After breakfast, they left the café and made their way toward the Gym.
The streets were busier now — merchants calling out to sell Thunder Stones, kids running with Voltorbs like bouncing toys (which was… debatably safe), and sailors unloading crates of Pokéballs from the docks.
The air itself seemed to hum faintly with electricity, as if Lt. Surge's presence ran through the city grid.
When they arrived at the Gym gates, William approached the front desk to confirm his registration.
The Gym attendant was a young man with a buzzcut and a badge-shaped tattoo on his arm who gave him a curt nod. "Trainer William from Sinnoh Region, right? You're slotted for the 10 A.M. battle. Lt. Surge's been waiting for a strong challenger. Most don't last long."
William raised an eyebrow. "That so?"
"Yeah." The man leaned forward slightly. "He's been testing Raichu's new Thunder strategy."
William smirked faintly. "Sounds fun."
"You sure you don't want to reschedule?"
"It's okay." William said, turning toward the window where droplets streaked the glass. "If my team can't adapt to that, we're not ready anyway."
The attendant stared at him for a moment, then grinned. "Alright, tough guy. See you tomorrow morning."
The rest of the day stretched quiet and slow. William didn't plan to train today, not heavily, at least. His focus was on connection, not power.
They left the city streets and found a quieter spot near the outskirts with a patch of grass by the cliff overlooking the sea. The storm clouds loomed in the distance, but the rain had thinned to a soft drizzle.
William sat on the damp stone wall, jacket collar turned up against the wind. His Poké Balls lay beside him, each opened one by one.
Eevee stretched lazily, her fur puffed out in the moist air. Kirlia spun once, her psychic field glowing softly. Electabuzz cracked his knuckles, sparks flickering between his fingers. Sharpedo is the only one who doesn't want to come out.
Nidoran stood apart again, not as far as before, but still a few paces away. His eyes darted across the others, cautious.
William didn't speak at first. He just looked at the sea which gray waves crashing against the rocks below.
Then, quietly, he began.
"When I caught you," he said, voice carrying just enough to reach the small Pokémon, "you didn't fight me because you hated humans. You fought because you were scared."
Nidoran froze.
"You were abandoned by your kin," William continued. "Left behind because you were different. Because your color didn't fit the rest. Right?"
The wind caught his words and carried them, low and even.
Nidoran's ears drooped slightly.
Eevee tilted her head. Kirlia's glow dimmed. She was listening closely.
William stood up and walked over, his boots sinking slightly into the wet grass. He crouched to meet the little Pokémon's eyes.
"I don't care what color you are," he said quietly. "You're one of us now. No one's leaving you behind again."
For a heartbeat, the only sound was the ocean.
Then, slowly, Nidoran's gaze lifted. The fear in his eyes softened, still there, but no longer overwhelming.
"Vee…" Eevee chirped softly, stepping closer and brushing against his side.
Nidoran blinked in surprise. He didn't flinch this time.
Electabuzz gave a short, approving grunt, crossing his arms. Kirlia smiled faintly, her eyes glowing a warm green.
William straightened up, looking out at the gray horizon again. "You'll learn to trust them. To trust me. Just take your time."
When evening came, they returned to the Pokémon Center. William ordered dinner for everyone. Fresh berries for Eevee, a nutrient mix for Kirlia, a plate of energy-enhanced steak for Electabuzz and Sharpedo, and, after a short pause, a smaller dish of ground herbs and Poké kibble for Nidoran.
This time, Nidoran didn't wait for permission. He ate quietly, but beside the others.
When he finished, Eevee bumped her head against his shoulder, and he didn't move away.
William watched the small moment, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Kirlia floated over and touched his arm gently, sensing his quiet satisfaction.
He looked down at her. "He's getting there."
She nodded. "Riiilia."
After dinner, all of them returned back to the Pokemon Center's dormitories. William's team rested, ready for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, they would face Vermilion City Gym's challenge.
But tonight, they were simply a family which is fragile, imperfect, and real.
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