Morning light spilled softly across Cerulean City, painting the rooftops gold and scattering diamonds across the lake's surface. The air was calm, touched with the scent of water lilies and the distant calls of Wingull circling above.
Alex stood in front of the cerulean gym, travel bag slung over his shoulder, a faint breeze brushing through his hair. Behind him, Delia was busy checking their supplies while Misty adjusted her gloves, trying not to show how quiet her heart felt.
Their week in Cerulean had passed faster than any of them expected. What began as a short stop had turned into days of laughter, shared meals, and quiet evenings watching the stars reflect on the lake. But now, it was time to move on.
The gym doors opened, and Daisy, Lily, and Violet stepped out together, each carrying something in their hands.
Daisy was the first to approach, her usual playful smile softening. "Here," she said, holding out a light-blue scarf. "For luck—and to remind you of us when you're out there showing off."
Alex chuckled as he accepted it. "You make it sound like I do that often."
"You do," she teased.
Lily followed, her grin bright and warm. "This is from the Lake Shrine," she said, handing him a tiny charm shaped like a drop of water. "It's supposed to protect travelers. I figured you'd need it more than anyone."
Violet came last, silent for a moment before offering a small glass capsule with a shimmering pearl inside. "From our aquarium," she said quietly. "It's rare… but so are friends like you."
Alex's smile softened as he looked at the gifts in his hands. "Thank you," he said, voice low but sincere. "I'll take them wherever I go."
Delia's eyes warmed as she watched the exchange. "You three have been very good hosts," she said. "It's no wonder Cerulean is so full of life."
Misty stepped forward, her expression trembling between joy and sorrow. "I'll miss you," she said, and before she could stop herself, Lily wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Don't sound like it's goodbye forever," Lily said. "You'll visit. And when you do, we'll have another big water show just for you two!"
"Yeah," Daisy added, a teasing glint in her eye. "But don't forget to send pictures when you and Alex go on cute dates."
Misty flushed bright red. "Daisy!"
Alex laughed softly beside her, the sound easing the moment. "I'll make sure she does," he said, earning himself a playful nudge from Misty.
Seeing that water flowers sister still feel sad, Alex promise them to daily call them and hug each of them to comfort them .
---
By the time they reached the city's edge, the sun had fully risen. The road ahead shimmered faintly in the light, winding toward the horizon. Shiny Pidgeot stood ready beside them, wings stretched proudly, while Charmeleon and Gyarados's Poké Ball glimmered faintly on Alex's belt.
He looked down at Rena's Poké Ball—the faint golden light within pulsing gently, as if in deep rest .
"Rest well," Alex murmured under his breath.
Delia caught the quiet moment and smiled knowingly. Misty glanced at him too, her heart stirring softly at the gentleness in his tone.
"Ready?" he asked, turning toward them.
Misty adjusted her bag and gave a firm nod. "Let's go."
Delia brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile gentle. "Then onward, to Vermilion."
The three of them started down the path, their shadows stretching long across the road. The sound of the city faded behind them, replaced by the whisper of wind through tall grass and the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their boots.
For a while, no one spoke. The silence was comfortable, filled with the warmth of companionship. Finally, Misty glanced sideways, her tone light but thoughtful.
"You know," she said, "it feels strange leaving home again."
Alex smiled faintly. "It always does," he said. "But that's what makes coming back feel special."
Delia laughed softly. "And besides, every road has its surprises."
Alex nodded. "Then let's find ours."
The wind carried their laughter down the sunlit road as they disappeared into the morning light—three travelers walking toward the unknown, hearts steady and spirits bright.
Back at the gym steps, Daisy, Lily, and Violet watched until they were little more than dots in the distance.
"He's something else," Daisy murmured, smiling.
Lily nodded. "No wonder Misty's head over heels and also us ."
Violet's gaze lingered on the horizon, her voice a gentle whisper. "He'll come back soon "