Morning in Pewter City
The Pewter Center's soft morning chime woke them. The whole team looked rested after the hard-fought match; even Charmander's tail burned steadier now that Nurse Joy's staff had tended his wounds.
When Alex stepped outside, the city felt different—quiet, grounded, full of the scent of mountain air and baked stone. He looked up at the Gym's silhouette and allowed himself a rare, satisfied breath.
Delia joined him, hair loosely tied, her expression calm and proud. "You did it," she said softly. "Your first badge here."
He smiled. "We did it."
Rena appeared behind them, graceful as ever, while Misty bounced out of the center with her repaired bike, calling, "So! What's the plan, Professor Alex? A day off, I hope?"
---
They spent the morning walking through the open market streets of Pewter. Stalls overflowed with polished stones, tiny crystal fossils, and souvenirs shaped like Onix and Geodude.
Misty's eyes sparkled as she darted from booth to booth. Delia followed more slowly, admiring jewelry and fabric dyed in earthy hues.
Alex found himself doing most of the heavy lifting—arms steadily filling with shopping bags while the two women compared scarves and gemstones. Rena, ever serene, hovered nearby, carrying a small pouch of her own but clearly amused by Alex's burden.
Misty twirled to him with a grin. "You look like a walking department store."
He gave a helpless laugh. "Comes with traveling companions who have expensive taste."
Delia brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, smiling. "You're not complaining though."
"Not even a little," he admitted.
---
They stopped at a small café built into the mountain wall. The sunlight streamed through stone-carved windows, scattering amber light across the table.
Charmander, perched beside the table, munched happily on roasted berries while Rena sipped tea, perfectly poised.
Misty leaned forward. "Alex, I've been thinking. You're not just strong—you're strategic. I want to learn from you."
He nodded. "Then stay with us for a while. Watch, train, ask questions. Growth doesn't come from shortcuts."
Her determination lit up her face. Delia watched the exchange with quiet fondness; she could see how naturally Akg drew people in—humans and Pokémon alike.
---
By sunset, the shopping bags were full, laughter echoed down the stone streets, and the tension of battle had melted into the comfort of companionship.
As they reached the Pokémon Center again, Misty waved. "I'm going to check the Poké Mart for new rods! See you guys later!"
Delia lingered beside Alex as the light faded. "It's strange," she murmured. "Even in a city of stone, you make it feel warm."
He turned to her, the corners of his lips softening. "That's because of who's beside me."
For a long moment, they just stood there, the orange sky painting their faces.
Tomorrow, the journey toward Mt. Moon would begin.