Watching the new member smoothly integrate into the team, Xinhai's heart was filled with warmth.
He carefully cupped Weedle in his palm and walked to the corner of the room, where a small nest he had prepared in advance sat—Weedle's temporary home.
Xinhai had made the nest with feathers shed by Blaziken as stuffing. It felt wonderfully soft and carried a trace of warmth, making it perfect for a novice Pokémon.
"This will be your little bed from now on. Do you like it?" Xinhai gently placed it inside.
Feeling the warmth of the nest, Weedle nodded. It crawled around inside, found a comfortable position, and curled up, satisfaction showing in its black bead-like eyes.
Today, it had hatched, eaten for the first time, been caught, and met so many companions. Its tiny body and mind had both reached their limits.
"Umii..." It gave a tiny yawn, its eyelids beginning to droop.
"Sleep well." Xinhai said softly, gently stroking the little one.
As soon as Xinhai finished speaking, faint, steady breathing came from the nest.
Weedle drifted into its first peaceful sleep since being born.
Xinhai smiled at Weedle, then stood and looked at the companions conversing quietly around the room before glancing out the window at the gradually darkening sky.
Evening in Fallarbor Town was tranquil and peaceful.
Beedrill's Pokémon Egg had hatched successfully, giving Xinhai an extraordinarily promising new companion and settling a lingering concern.
Next, it was time to turn his attention to the place he had long anticipated—Meteor Falls.
"Once Weedle has had two days to adapt and its condition stabilizes, we'll set out for Meteor Falls." Xinhai made his decision.
He returned to his desk, opened his notebook, and wrote on a fresh page:
[New member: Weedle (special individual)]
Status: Healthy. Energy is basically balanced,