Xinhai sat on the grass beside the camp he had set up, leaning against a tree trunk as he gazed out at the distant sea.
Eevee curled up in his arms, while Charmander and Axew rested against either side of his legs. All three little ones were already asleep, their breathing long and steady.
Blaziken sat cross-legged at the edge of the campsite, its blue eyes half-closed. In the glow of the setting sun, its crimson feathers seemed to be burning.
Grovyle sat cross-legged at the edge of the grass, its golden eyes fixed thoughtfully on the sea, painted red by the sunset.
This was its first night after joining the team, far from its familiar home and the clan members it had lived alongside day after day.
Yet it did not feel lonely—because Xinhai, Blaziken, Gardevoir, Eevee, and every companion it was gradually growing familiar with were by its side.
Xinhai took the Pokédex from his backpack and lit up its screen.
There were no new messages, only the notification Scott had sent yesterday about the animated show's premiere.
"Next Monday..." he softly read the date aloud, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
Today was Saturday. That meant that the night after next, he would be able to watch the animated show that carried his childhood memories officially air in this world.
"Eevee..." Eevee turned over in his arms, its little paw unconsciously clutching at his clothes before it sank back into deep sleep.
Xinhai pushed those thoughts aside, slipped the Pokédex back into his pocket, and gently stroked the fur on Eevee's back.
The night grew deeper. Stars glittered overhead, while the waves murmured in the distance.
The next morning, Xinhai and his companions set out once more.
They picked up the pace that day. Lilycove City