The road to Cerulean City was calm after the chaos of Mt. Moon. The sunlight filtered through rows of tall trees, the sound of running water always somewhere close. Wild Pokémon darted through the grass or along the riverbanks as Alex and his group moved steadily eastward.
Charmander had been restless since their battle in Pewter Gym. Every encounter—whether against wild Rattata or groups of Mankey—he pushed harder. The little flame on his tail burned brighter each time.
One afternoon, near a bend of the Cerulean River, a swarm of Spearow attacked to protect their nests. Charmander stepped forward before any of the others could act.
"Alright, Charmander," Alex called. "Let's test your new strength. Flame Burst—full focus!"
Fire erupted outward in a spiral of red and gold. The Spearow scattered, but instead of fading, Charmander's fire flared skyward—his body glowing white-hot.
"Looks like it's time," Alex murmured.
Misty and Delia watched in awe as the small dragon's silhouette grew taller, sleeker. The glow faded, revealing a crimson-scaled Charmeleon, flames dancing from his tail like liquid sunlight.
"Charmeleon!" he roared, striking a proud pose.
Seeing this Alex use his supreme eyes to see charmelon status
Charmeleon
Type: Fire, dragon
Gender: ♂
Level: 32
Nature: Brave (+Attack / -Speed)
Ability: Blaze (Boosts Fire-type moves when HP is low)
Hidden Ability: Solar Power (Boosts Sp. Atk in sunlight but takes damage each turn)
🔮 Elemental Affinity
Skills
Flamethrower – Fire | Powerful, precise flame breath that can melt steel.
Dragon Breath – Dragon | Releases a draconic aura, may paralyze.
Slash – Normal | A sharp and confident physical attack.
Fire Fang – Fire | Bites with blazing fangs, may cause burn or flinch.
💠 Traits
Temperament: Fierce, loyal, easily angered when disrespected.
Behavior: Always seeking challenges; tail flame burns brighter when excited.
Bond with Trainer: Deep — trusts completely, willing to risk life in battle.
Growth Potential: champion level (Evolution ready: Lv.40 → Charizard)
Alex knelt beside him, smiling. "Level Well done, partner."
Charmeleon gave a quick, smug grin—his pride tempered by the respect in his trainer's tone.
---
Later that evening
They camped near a quiet lake. Misty sat on a rock with her feet in the water while Delia helped Rena prepare a light dinner. Alex returned from fetching water, catching sight of Misty's reflection shimmering on the lake surface.
"You really love the water, don't you?" he said softly.
Misty smiled without turning. "It's home for me. No matter where I travel, the water always feels like family."
Delia joined them with a teasing grin. "Just don't steal Alex's attention too much, or I'll get jealous."
Misty flushed instantly, waving her hands. "W-What are you talking about?!"
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "You two never change."
The easy laughter carried over the water, drawing smiles from Rena and even Charmeleon, who gave a rumbling purr while tending the campfire. Their bonds had grown stronger—like the natural rhythm of a team that truly trusted one another.
---
Arrival at Cerulean City
By the next afternoon, they reached the city. Cerulean shimmered under the sunlight, its canals and glass-domed gym reflecting the blue of the sky. The air smelled faintly of salt and flowers.
"This," Misty said proudly, "is my hometown—the City of Water."
People along the streets recognized her and waved. She blushed a little, pretending not to notice as Delia nudged her playfully.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy welcomed them with a warm smile. "Oh my, Professor Alex! We heard about your help at Mt. Moon. The League is very impressed."
Alex smiled modestly. "Just doing what any trainer should."
They booked their rooms for a few nights of rest. That evening, the group took a quiet walk by the canal. Paper lanterns floated on the water, glowing softly in the dusk.
Misty walked beside Alex, her voice lower than usual. "You know… after traveling with you, I think I finally understand what being a real trainer means."
Alex glanced at her. "You've got the heart for it, Misty. You just need confidence."
Delia, walking just behind them, smiled at their reflection in the canal—three figures bound by shared journey and trust.
Charmeleon padded ahead, tail lighting the path like a torch. The city's reflection rippled around them, as if welcoming them .