The sun dipped low, staining the horizon orange and red before melting into the shadows of Viridian Forest. The air grew cooler, and the forest, once alive with birdsong, now whispered with the calls of nocturnal Pokémon.
Alex stood, brushing dirt from his hands. "All of you," he said, voice carrying calm authority, "we'll rest here tonight. Tomorrow… I'll introduce Pidgeot to the others."
No one objected. Even the mighty Overlord deserved rest after such a battle.
Misty and Delia busied themselves with preparing dinner while Alex unpacked the camping gear. Soon, two tents rose under the shelter of a massive oak, their fabric rustling faintly in the evening breeze. The smell of food drifted through the air—rice, berries, and roasted vegetables cooked over a small fire.
When dinner was ready, the four of them sat together, eating in the soft glow of the flames. Misty laughed quietly at one of Delia's stories, while Alex listened in silence, his thoughts still lingering on the captured Shiny Pidgeot. Rena, graceful as ever, sat close to him but barely touched the food, her gaze scanning the forest edge with tranquil vigilance.
The simple warmth of the meal dulled the edge of the day's battles. By the time the last dish was cleaned, night had fully embraced the forest.
Alex rose, stretching lightly. "Rena," he said, his tone gentle but firm, "can you remain on stand tonight?"
She turned toward him, her crimson eyes softening. A small nod was all the answer she gave, but the psychic aura she extended over the campsite was proof enough of her intent. No threat, no shadow, would cross the clearing without her knowing.
The group began to separate. Misty excused herself with a yawn, slipping into one of the tents. Alex and Delia entered the other, the soft glow of a lantern briefly illuminating their silhouettes before fading.
Outside, Rena remained alone, standing beneath the stars. her presence calm yet absolute. Around her, the multiversal aura pulsed faintly—subtle ripples in reality itself.
To any wandering wild Pokémon, it was a warning: this place was untouchable.
The quiet hum of the forest wrapped around the campsite. Inside their tent, the lantern cast a soft golden glow, illuminating the close space with a gentle warmth.
Alex lay on his side, eyes drifting toward Delia. She had just set aside her brush, her long hair cascading loosely over her shoulders as she adjusted the blanket. For a moment, she looked almost ethereal—fragile, yet strong in her quiet way.
Their eyes met.
Neither spoke at first, the silence carrying an intimacy words couldn't reach. Alex reached out, his hand brushing against hers. Delia's breath caught, but she didn't pull away.
Slowly, he leaned closer. His lips pressed against hers—gentle, searching.
Delia's eyes widened for a heartbeat, then softened as she melted into the kiss, returning it with a warmth that surprised even herself. Her hand found its way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
The kiss lingered, unhurried, before they finally parted.
Delia's cheeks were faintly flushed, but her smile was tender. "You catch me off guard," she whispered softly.
Alex smirked faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And you welcome it."
Her only answer was a quiet laugh, followed by her resting her head against his shoulder. The lantern flickered once, then dimmed as they lay together, the outside world fading to nothing.
Delia lay beside Alex, her head resting lightly against his shoulder. The closeness of the moment, the quiet hush of the world outside, made her heart race faster than any battle ever could.
When she looked up, his gaze was already on her—steady, unwavering.
"Alex…" she whispered, her voice uncertain but full of emotion.
He silenced her with a gentle kiss, deeper and longer than before. This time, there was no hesitation, no restraint. Delia returned it fully, her hands clutching at him as if afraid to let go.
The kiss broke, leaving both of them breathless. Their foreheads touched, and in the lantern's dim light, her eyes glistened.
"Tonight…" she whispered softly, her cheeks flushed but her voice steady, "I want it to be… our night."
Alex's hand brushed tenderly along her cheek. He could feel the sincerity in her words, the trust, the affection she had carried for him all this time. He answered with no words—only another kiss, firmer, filled with promise.
The lantern was lowered, the light flickering once before fading into darkness. Outside, the forest went on as always, guarded by Rena's silent vigilance. But within that tent, time itself seemed to pause as two hearts intertwined—sharing warmth, closeness, and a bond that could never be broken.
By the time sleep finally came, it was not as two individuals, but as one.
Their first night together.