Misty had been quiet all morning. Even though they were in her hometown, her usual spark was dulled by nerves. She stood by the Pokémon Center window, staring at the familiar skyline of Cerulean.
Delia noticed. "You've been thinking about your sisters, haven't you?" she asked gently.
Misty sighed. "Yeah… it's just been so long. They'll probably tease me for traveling with such strong trainers."
Delia smiled knowingly, then turned to Alex, who was packing supplies. "You should take her around the city. A walk might help calm her down."
Alex looked up. "You sure?"
"Of course. She needs it." Delia's eyes softened, the quiet kind of trust that spoke more than words.
---
The afternoon sun shimmered on the canals as Misty and Alex walked side by side. Children played near fountains, and the distant sound of the ocean carried through the breeze.
"It feels strange," Misty said, watching a pair of Goldeen leap from a nearby pond. "When I left Cerulean, I was so determined to prove myself. But now… I'm not even sure what I was trying to prove."
Alex smiled faintly. "Sometimes, the path shows us what we really want—after we start walking it."
She looked up at him, the tension in her eyes melting into something softer. "You always make things sound simple."
He chuckled. "It's not simple. It's just… I've learned to trust the journey."
They stopped by a bridge overlooking the water. Misty leaned on the railing, the wind playing with her hair. "Thank you… for letting me come with you. I didn't realize how much I'd needed this."
Alex nodded. "I'm glad you did."
For a quiet moment, neither spoke. The city lights began to flicker on, reflected across the calm water. Misty smiled, her heart lighter than before.
---
Later That Evening
When they returned, Delia was waiting near the Pokémon Center's entrance. Seeing Misty's relaxed expression, she smiled knowingly.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
Misty nodded, cheeks faintly pink. "Yeah. Thanks to Alex"
Delia glanced at him with a warm, approving look. "Good. Because tomorrow's going to be a big day—for all of us."
As the night settled, the group prepared for what awaited them: Misty's long-awaited reunion with her sisters and Gym battle.
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