In the afternoon, Kai and Eevee had watched the battles with great interest.
After returning, Eevee was still thinking about the matches, but letting it fight now was impractical.
Growl, Tackle, Tail Whip… these were the only moves Eevee currently controlled.
Eevee wasn't naturally suited for combat. For example, the Nidoran they'd seen earlier was covered in poisonous barbs. An Eevee relying only on Tackle would be outmatched and put in danger.
Although Eevee's gentle nature made raising it easy, helping it develop outstanding strength without evolution wouldn't be simple. It was a test for Kai.
In the evening, Kai's parents returned from work. Eevee, having finished its last milk of the day and absorbed its nutrients, was still energetic after its nap.
As soon as Kai's mother entered, she immediately held Eevee, looking at it affectionately and cooing, "Good baby," which made Kai sigh inwardly.
Faced with his parents "stealing" Eevee's affection, Kai could only accept it.
However, it was a happy thing that his parents adored Eevee. Eevee, recognizing them as Kai's family, behaved well.
Seeing Eevee so well-behaved, Kai finally considered what to do next.
As the saying goes, interest is the best teacher. Though Eevee wasn't naturally aggressive like Spearow or Beedrill, developing the right interest could achieve similar motivation.
From the afternoon's experience, little Eevee didn't seem averse to battling and was curious about it. This could be the starting point.
The next day.
Kai chose to stay home, with Eevee by his side… watching movies while drinking milk.
This is the life.
But they weren't just killing time.
Kai chose films carefully. They started with one titled "Eevee's Adventure."
With Pokémon's advent, global cinema had changed dramatically; this film was a prime example. A famous adventure movie, it told the story of a wandering Eevee meeting a passionate Trainer. After becoming partners, they accidentally entered a Secret Realm. Facing many dangers, Eevee repeatedly used bravery and wit to battle evil Pokémon. The two protagonists narrowly escaped, forging a deep friendship.
As a media production, this Eevee displayed impressive combat ability, battling numerous powerful Pokémon with agility and style. While watching, Kai noticed his own Eevee was captivated, showing a yearning expression.
It looked like this: ㄟ(≧◇≦)ㄏ
Seeing Eevee's expression, Kai knew he was on the right track. Though he could start training Eevee soon and it wouldn't refuse, efficiency would likely be low. It was better to cultivate Eevee's interest first, letting it want to grow stronger.
From children's films like "Eevee's Adventure" and "The Incredible Maze: Pikachu Rescue Team" to replays of the World Pokémon League Conference, the two explored various themes in a single day.
Compared to "Eevee's Adventure," the league battles were fiercer, more intense, and realistic. These classic matches stirred Kai's blood, let alone Eevee, already inspired by films and shows.
"Vee~ Vee~"
Kai leaned on the sofa. Eevee sometimes watched from his lap, sometimes rolled up in the Silk Scarf. The day passed this way.
The next day, Kai and Eevee went for a simple morning run, then chose to stay home again.
The number of films and series was vast; they couldn't watch them all.
Though Kai actively screened suitable ones, the selection was still enormous.
Ding…
A phone notification arrived during a movie. Kai checked and saw it was from Senior Sister Maya.
Senior Sister: Still watching movies with Eevee?
Reply: Yes… Eevee seems to love it.
Senior Sister: Pfft, okay, but remember to go outside for fresh air. By the way, are you free on the 1st? The Psychology Club plans a trip before school starts; we won't have many chances later.
Reply: I'm free. Where are we going?
Senior Sister: A holiday spot in Vermilion City, the West Coast Resort.
Kai thought it sounded fine and agreed immediately. The date was four days away—a beach trip would be good for Eevee.
After all, they couldn't stay home forever. Senior Sister was right.
"Vee?" Eevee called.
"Oh… the movie's over. Next one, next one."
"Actually, I'll teach you how to use the remote."
You're a mature Eevee now; time to learn how to operate the remote yourself.
Eevee: "…"
.........….
Eevee was now three days old. In four more days, its newborn period would end, and it would enter its growth stage.
Pokémon had a brief newborn period but a long growth stage.
After entering the growth stage, Eevee could begin training. Kai already had a plan, to be implemented after their trip.
Senior Sister had suggested Kai wait until school started and follow the school's training program, but Kai felt that would leave him behind…
Following the crowd and training hard… Viridian No. 1 High was the best in Viridian City, but not nationally or even provincially top-tier. Kai wanted to try his own approach.
Though Viridian No. 1's new Trainers were local elites, Viridian wasn't a major metropolis. There was a gap compared to resources in places like Vermilion City or the Indigo Plateau. This was evident from the number of Professional Trainers emerging from Vermilion, which boasted not only Trainer clubs but also ancient dojos, battle halls, and private breeding houses—all helping local newcomers grow rapidly. If Kai's vision was limited to Viridian, he'd waste the knowledge in his head.
After deciding, Kai first discussed the trip with Eevee, then talked to his father about arrangements.
His father agreed quickly, providing funds for expenses. Honestly, Kai's parents weren't entirely comfortable with him traveling alone, but going with classmates made it acceptable. Otherwise, Kai and Eevee would only be wandering around Viridian City.