The sun was dipping low by the time Alex and his companions reached the outskirts of Cerulean Forest. The golden rays filtered through the canopy, scattering patterns of light and shadow across the worn dirt path. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, carrying with it the faint scent of water lilies from the distant lake.
Alex glanced back at the city one last time. The blue rooftops of the Cerulean Gym shimmered faintly in the distance, like jewels half-buried in morning fog. A soft smile touched his lips.
"Goodbye, Cerulean," he murmured. "It's been a good week."
Beside him, Misty's orange hair swayed lightly in the breeze. She looked thoughtful, her eyes a little wistful but filled with quiet strength.
"I'll miss my sisters," she said softly, clutching the small pendant Daisy had given her.
Delia reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. "They'll be proud of you. You've grown stronger
Misty smiled faintly, touched by her words.
They continued down the forest path until the light began to fade completely. The group decided to make camp near a calm, moonlit river. The air was cool, the rhythmic sound of flowing water soothing their tired minds.
Alex finished setting up the fire and released his Pokémon one by one. Charmeleon stretched lazily, flicking his tail flame high. Gyarados' Poké Ball remained still—too massive for this small riverside camp—but Pidgeot and Aerodactyl appeared beside Rena's slumbering form, keeping silent watch.
For a while, no one spoke. The fire crackled softly, reflecting in their eyes.
Delia leaned against Alex's shoulder, her voice calm and warm. "It's strange… watching you lead like this. You've changed so much since we first met."
Alex chuckled softly. "Change is part of the journey, isn't it?"
He looked at the night sky—stars scattered across the dark canvas like shards of glass. "I just hope I'm becoming the kind of person they can all rely on."
Misty smiled, resting her chin on her knees. "You already are."
The warmth in her voice caught him slightly off guard. For a moment, his gaze met hers, and something quiet passed between them—unspoken but sincere.
Then Delia gave a teasing little laugh. "Oh, I see what's happening here. Maybe I should sleep early and let you two take over the fire duty?"
Misty flushed instantly, waving her hands. "W-What? No! I mean—"
Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Delia, stop teasing her."
Delia smiled innocently. "I'm not teasing. I'm just… noticing."
The tension melted into soft laughter that filled the air, warm and easy.
---
Meanwhile…
The forest canopy broke open to reveal a dirt trail lined with wildflowers. A boy in a red cap led the way, his eyes full of restless fire and excitement. Beside him walked a tall, tanned man carrying a backpack twice his size.
"Man, I can't wait to get to Cerulean City!" the younger one said, his tone brimming with energy. "I heard they've got a Water-type Gym there—and I'm totally ready for my next badge!"
On his shoulder, a cheerful Pikachu chirped, "Pika!" tail flicking playfully.
Brock smiled, shaking his head. "Ash, you just got your first badge in Pewter a few days ago. Maybe slow down and let your Pokémon rest a bit?"
Ash laughed. "Rest? Come on, Brock! You think I'm gonna let my momentum stop now? Pikachu and I are just getting started!"
Pikachu puffed his chest proudly. "Pika pi!"
They paused at a small clearing, where the sound of rushing water could be heard nearby. A narrow bridge stretched across a river glistening under the sunlight.
"Cerulean should be just ahead," Brock said, checking his map. "Maybe another hour if we keep this pace."
Ash grinned. "Perfect! I'll challenge the Gym as soon as we get there. Right, buddy?"
"Pika!"
The boy's voice carried into the air—bright, unburdened, full of confidence to move forward.