Eevee was about to hatch.
Kai's gaze was fixed on the Pokémon egg, his anticipation rising with the intensifying glow.
Crack…
As light filled his vision, a sound followed. A brief flash, and then quiet.
In that moment, a web of fine cracks spread across the white and brown-striped egg. The shell splintered and fell away.
"Vee~"
Just as Kai's heart leapt into his throat, a petite creature emerged and began to look around, curious.
Compared to any picture, the real Eevee was infinitely more adorable.
Its silky brown fur and fluffy cream-tipped tail brushed the floor. When it looked up and noticed Kai, its bright brown eyes were expressive and intelligent. As Kai smiled, it stretched out its slender legs and rubbed against him with a pink paw pad.
"Pleased to meet you." Kai chuckled and gently gathered Eevee into his hands.
It was instinct for most Pokémon to imprint on the first being they saw after hatching. Eevee was no exception.
Held securely, Eevee's large ears twitched slightly. Its little black nose sniffed at Kai, as if committing his scent to memory.
"Vee Vee~~"
Growing bolder, Eevee nuzzled against him once more, clearly content.
"Eevee, from now on, we'll be the most important partners. Okay?"
"Vee~"
Eevee gazed warmly at Kai. It might not have understood every word, but it nodded instinctively and replied with a happy cry.
Now, not only did Eevee feel a natural bond, but Kai—having guarded the egg for days and witnessed this moment—found himself deeply fond of the little creature already.
..........
For a newborn Pokémon, a warm bath was ideal.
Kai hadn't forgotten. He soon took Eevee to the bathroom. Fortunately, Eevee's docile nature made everything easy, and they got along without a hitch.
After the bath, Eevee shook itself and gave a slight shiver. Even with warm water, being so new to the world, it felt a chill.
"I almost forgot."
Seeing this, Kai quickly patted his forehead. Carrying Eevee, he retrieved the Silk Scarf from the bedroom.
"This'll warm you up."
He draped the scarf around the curious Eevee's neck. The result was comical—Eevee was so small that the scarf was enormous on it.
Kai stared, bemused.
The oversized scarf, however, not only provided warmth but also doubled as a blanket. Eevee let out a cozy squeak.
Kai was still processing the sight.
"Vee?"
Eevee looked at his stunned face and tilted its head in question.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about when you'll be big enough to wear it like a real scarf," Kai said with a smile, stroking Eevee's head.
Newborn and inquisitive, Eevee was eager to explore. Kai followed along, introducing everything: lights, mirrors, the refrigerator, the television… Each simple thing brought Eevee visible delight. Seeing it so happy warmed Kai's heart. Being with such an innocent creature made him feel young, even at sixteen…
"Hungry? I've got something for you."
After a while, Eevee began to tire—a remarkable feat for one so new. Kai brought over a bowl of warmed milk. Catching the scent, Eevee perked up immediately, eyes full of expectation.
"Here, take your time…"
He set the bowl on the table, lifted Eevee, and spoke gently.
"Vee~~"
In response to Kai's reminder, Eevee merely blinked, then hopped onto the table. But before drinking, it paused, looked at Kai, nudged the bowl slightly, and asked, "Vee?"
Seeing this, Kai scratched his head. After a moment, he guessed, "Do you want me to have some?"
"Vee Vee!" Eevee nodded eagerly.
"It's alright. I have more. This is all for you." Kai's heart melted. He rubbed Eevee's head, deeply touched by the gesture, a smile lingering on his face.
Reassured, Eevee lowered its head and began to drink the delicious Moomoo Milk.
Gulp… gulp…
As it drank, Eevee wore a blissful expression: (๑¯∀¯๑)
The Moomoo Milk had instantly won over the little one.
A full bowl was perfect for a newborn Eevee. It finished the milk in one go.
Then came the expected aftermath: tired from playing and full from eating, Eevee grew drowsy and began to nod off...…
Kai shook his head fondly, wiped its mouth, unfolded the Silk Scarf, picked up the now-sleeping Eevee, placed it on the bed, and tucked the scarf around it.
Asleep, Eevee seemed to dream. It rolled over, snugly wrapping itself in the scarf, showed a contented smile, and sank deeper into slumber.
.............
Kai swore he was utterly captivated.
He felt profoundly glad he had chosen this little Eevee as his first Pokémon.
After Eevee fell asleep, Kai watched over it for a long while before quietly settling at his desk.
Now, he should start studying in earnest… but Eevee's image lingered in his mind, and he found himself eagerly awaiting its awakening.
"Get it together," he chided himself, then pulled out a dietary plan.
Eevee was in the newborn stage.
Three bowls of Moomoo Milk per day would suffice for the first three days.
After that, he could introduce some solid food, and after a week, adjust the diet further.
Kai had prepared various ingredients: fruits, vegetables, porridge, even a little meat…
A balanced mix of these should, in theory, help Eevee transition smoothly through the newborn phase and build a solid foundation. Preparing all this had cost Kai dearly; his savings were nearly spent.
"I never cared this much about feeding myself, but now I guess I have to learn to cook…" Kai murmured.