Warm, humid air fought the cool, whispering breeze that drifted through the forest canopy above. Ethan trudged onward, pointedly ignoring the way his salt-stained trousers chafed at his legs with each step. His mind burned with thoughts — over his drowning, guilt for feeling even a flicker of excitement about being sent to Hoenn, and a creeping realization that the weight of this unfamiliar pressure wasn't so different from the relentless demands of the kitchen. It was a peculiar kind of stress, one he knew all too well, yet unsettlingly alien in its application.

  His tiny Eevee companion bounded alongside him, her energy seemingly boundless despite her frail frame and scrawny appearance. Her resilience surprised him; she kept pace effortlessly, her small paws padding softly against the forest floor.

  "You wouldn't happen to know if we're headed towards other humans, huh?" he asked, more to fill the silence than out of any real expectation.

  Eevee paused for a half-second, her ears twitching as she considered the question. Then, with a soft, almost apologetic "... eee...", she answered.

  "So expressive..." Ethan mused to himself as he observed her response. Though he couldn't understand her speech, what she'd said was unmistakable — a regretful "no, sorry" if he'd ever heard one.

  "That’s okay!" he replied, forcing a cheerful note into his voice as he pushed aside a fern with his foot to clear the path for her. "I'm sure we’ll figure it out."

  "Vah!" came the reply.

  Ethan couldn’t help but smile at her optimism. It was the second time he’d noticed her simply accept his words without question, and it made him wonder what made her so different from the wild Pokémon he'd encountered earlier. "Maybe she was raised with people", he mused. She was so much less skittish, more... human-like than the other wild creatures he'd seen so far.

  "Say, Eevee... do you have a trainer already?"

  Eevee let out a subdued squeak at the question and froze mid-step. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, her expression grew unreadable to Ethan. Her ears sagged, and her tail stilled, but didn't drop. All the while, her eyes remained fixed to his, large and deep, as if seeking something inside his mind rather than on his face.

  Ethan held her stare, unsure if he’d stumbled onto some unspoken faux pas. Even the anime had never prepared him for this — for the way she could communicate so much without words, for the weight of her silence.

  Finally, Eevee looked away, her ears still low but her tail lifting slightly. She shook her head, a small, deliberate motion. No trainer.

  Ethan crouched low to her level, carefully and slowly so as not to startle her. "Okay," he said simply, nodding, "Just checking. Didn't mean to pry, or anything."

  She tilted her head, ears perking up slightly as if waiting for something more. When Ethan didn't make any other gesture, her tail gave a tentative wag, and she let out a small, relieved, "Vee~e!"

  Ethan pushed himself back to his feet, wiping his palms on his pants. "Alright, let's keep moving," he said, gesturing ahead. Eevee bounded after him, her earlier hesitation gone. Even as they walked, however, his mind kept wandering. "No trainer, huh?" he thought. "Guess that explains why she's so attached. Poor thing's probably been scrapping on her own for a while."

  He remained faintly aware of his traveling companion as they continued walking through the dense forest. She no longer leapt and bounded after him, and now simply followed him at a trot as she eyed him up and down with a gaze that seemed a mix of curiosity and something else — it wasn't a hostile look by any means, but it was... assessing. As if she were trying to figure him out just as much as he was trying to figure her out.

  Ethan grew so absorbed in his thoughts that he barely noticed they'd reached a clearing. He blinked as the sudden noonday sun assaulted his vision, squinting into the bright, grassy field to get a bead on his surroundings. Then he saw them — people! And between them, Pokémon.

  A Surskit launched towards a Zubat, its yellow head-spine glowing brightly.

  "Batty! Gust!" shouted a feminine voice, and the Pokémon obeyed, flexing its wings hard enough to send the Surskit flying back toward its own trainer.

  Ethan stood, rapt as he watched the battle unfold. He cast his gaze, now fully adjusted to the sunlight, from one combatant to the other. On one side of the clearing, a young, thin girl, maybe ten or eleven years old, wearing a bonnet, commanded her Zubat. On the other, a boy no older than fourteen, sporting a bandana and shorts, battled with his Surskit.

  "Surskit! Get a grip! Slow him down with sweet scent!"

  The Pokémon, initially too flustered by the Gust to react, flipped itself upright in midair and curled all its limbs as it prepared to blanket the clearing in a disarming aroma.

  "That move's slow!" said the girl, "Swoop in for a bite!"

  "Wait, no, Surs—"

  The boy attempted to shout a command, but the Zubat was too quick. It tucked its wings in and dove towards the still-falling Surskit, exposed fangs glowing visibly even in the harsh sunlight. Before its prey could react, it sank its teeth in deep. Ethan heard the poor creature screech in pain, thrashing and struggling to no avail against the huge bat's three inch long teeth.

  "Surskit! I... I forfeit!" shouted the boy as he pulled a pokeball from his belt — "An actual pokeball", marveled Ethan — and returned his Pokémon in a flash of red.

  The girl grinned, clearly pleased with her victory, and recalled her own Pokémon with a flourish.

  "Good match!" she said cheerfully as she approached the boy. He nodded reluctantly, pulling out a small pouch and handing her a few coins — prize money, Ethan assumed. The girl pocketed the coins with a satisfied smile, gave a polite wave, and then turned on her heel, heading off into the woods without a second glance.

  Ethan hesitated, unsure whether to approach the boy or slip away unnoticed. But before he could decide, the boy turned and spotted him. His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

  "Uh... hey," the boy said, scratching the back of his neck. "You, uh... been watching long?"

  Ethan shook his head, stepping forward cautiously. "Not long. Just caught the end of it. That was... intense."

  The boy sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, well, that was a tough one. My Surskit’s still getting the hang of battles." Then, after a pause, "Guess I’m still getting the gang of battles, heh."

  Ethan nodded, unsure how to proceed. He looked around the clearing, then back at the boy. "So, uh... do you know where we are? I’m a bit... turned around."

  The boy raised an eyebrow, studying Ethan for a moment. "You’re not from around here, are you?"

  Ethan chuckled nervously. "That obvious, huh?"

  The boy shrugged. "Kind of. You’re not dressed like a trainer, and you’ve got that... lost look. Anyway, you’re not far from Rustboro City. Just follow the path east, and you'll hit it in no time."

  Ethan blinked, surprised. "Rustboro? Not Petalburg?" He’d been so sure he was closer to Petalburg. But then again, he’d been wandering aimlessly for hours. "Oh. Thanks. That’s... really helpful."

  The boy nodded and adjusted his bandana. "No problem. Good luck out there," he said as he cast a look down at Eevee, who had sat down right next to Ethan's foot. "It’s not easy being a new trainer."

  Ethan opened his mouth to correct him — he wasn't a trainer, not really — but the boy was already turning away, heading off in the opposite direction with a wave. "See you around!"

  Ethan watched him go, a mix of relief and uncertainty settling over him. Rustboro City. He'd been there hundreds of times — digitally, of course — and he couldn't help but feel a thrill in his chest as he wondered what it might be like for real. "This is real..." he found himself thinking for the umpteenth time since he'd arrived. More thoughts began to rise unbidden, but he tamped them down firmly, letting the exhilaration of seeing a real battle bury it for now.

  "Alright!" he exclaimed suddenly, drawing a startled squeal from Eevee. He glanced down to her just as she looked up at him, confused. "Looks like we’re headed to Rustboro. Let’s see what this place has in store for us."

  Eevee chirped, wagging her tail as she trotted ahead, and Ethan followed, finding the path to Rustboro easy enough to navigate despite being little more than a dirt trail winding through the forest. Before long, they came across a small stream that cut across the road, its clear waters shimmering under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

  "Hey, Eevee. Wait a sec." Ethan said as he knelt down to drink again. He anticipated that his new friend would join him, but curiously, she remained standing. He lifted his head to get a better look, and realized she wasn't waiting — she was on guard. Her ears stood at high alert, swiveling back and forth as she looked around, sniffing the air. After a moment, she jumped, turning towards a nearby bush with a growl, hackles raised and neck-tuft puffed out.

  Out of the bush stepped a Poochyena, its yellow eyes narrowed as it stalked towards Eevee. Its fangs were already bared, and saliva dripped from its lips as it began to circle them in a wide arc.

  Ethan froze, unsure of what to do. His stomach still ached from the Zigzagoon’s headbutt earlier that morning, and so he slowly dropped into a shallow crouch, unsure if he was preparing to run or fight.

  The Poochyena growled and leapt forward, charging at Eevee, who darted behind Ethan for protection. The dog Pokémon slid to a halt, snarling at Ethan as if daring him to intervene.

  Ethan raised his hands, trying to appear non-threatening. "Hey, uh... we don't want any trouble," he pleaded, voice shaky. "We're just passing through."

  The Poochyena didn't back down, its growl only growing louder. Eevee, emboldened by Ethan's presence, stepped out from behind him, her fur bristling as she let out a defiant, "Eeeeee!" The Poochyena hesitated, clearly surprised by Eevee’s sudden show of courage.

  Ethan saw his chance. "Eevee, use... uh... Tackle!” He half-expected her to ignore him, to stay rooted in place, but to his astonishment, Eevee sprang into action. She barrelled forward, paws barely touching the ground as her tiny frame slammed into the larger Pokémon with a force that seemed impossible for her size. The impact sent the Poochyena skidding backward, its claws scrabbling against the dirt as it struggled to keep its balance.

  For a moment, the battle stilled. The Poochyena shook its head, its ears flattening as it let out a low, disoriented whine. Its earlier bravado was gone, replaced by wariness, or perhaps fear towards tiny Eevee, who stood guard, growling. With one last snarl, it turned tail and bolted, its paws pounding against the ground as it disappeared into the underbrush.

  Ethan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding as he let the pounding in his chest subside. He looked down at Eevee, who was panting but clearly proud of herself. "You... we did it," he said, crouching down to her level. "That was amazing."

  Eevee chirped, her tail wagging as she nuzzled against his hand. Ethan stared at her, his mind racing. "Was that my first battle?" he thought, "Holy shit. Does that make me a trainer? She listened to me... even though she’s still wild."

  He let his mind wander excitedly as the adrenaline from the encounter ebbed. He sat down on a nearby rock, his legs feeling like jelly, while Eevee paced around him, seemingly energized rather than tired by the battle. Ethan watched her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

  "Guess we make a pretty good team, huh?" he said, reaching out to scratch behind her ears. Eevee leaned into his touch, letting out a soft, contented trill.

  After a few minutes of rest, Ethan stood, brushing the dirt off his pants. "Alright, let’s keep moving. Rustboro’s not gonna find itself."

  Soon after, the pair collected themselves and continued onward. The beaten forest path gave way to a cobbled stone road, its uneven stones worn smooth from years of foot traffic. Thick branches and bushes quickly thinned into sparser woodland, and the telltale signs of civilization — benches for resting, the occasional road sign — came into view.

  Before long, Ethan saw a building form in the distance. Built of sturdy green brick, it was inset into the forest path as if it had sprouted from a seedling just like the rest of the forest. Its roof, shingles brightly painted the color of sunset, cut the endless green of the woods, as if it were calling out for all around to visit.

  "That's..." he muttered to himself, wracking his brain as he tried to remember the building's name. "That's the flower shop!" he realized. A surge of excitement flew through him. He started jogging ahead, prompting little Eevee to scamper and run to keep up, until he broke the treeline and stepped out onto the sunny stretch of northern route 104.

  "Hooooly shit!" he exclaimed, "Look, Eevee! We made it!"

  He could see buildings rise above the tree line in the distance, their angular shapes standing proud against the docile woods surrounding it. "This is Rustboro," he thought, "But it's... bigger than I remember." The city sprawled before him, far larger and more imposing than the minimal version he'd explored in the games.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  For a moment, Ethan allowed himself to bask in the awe of seeing the city he'd imagined so many times over. As his excitement faded, relief swept through him and took its place. He'd made it, he'd found civilization again. All he had to do was cross the lake...

  The lake.

  His heart fell like a stone into his stomach as his eyes descended onto the large, glittering expanse of water separating him from the city. He could feel his skin crawl as he looked at the worn wooden bridge spanning the lake, and at the rocky shores that would be far from practical to traverse on foot.

  Flashes of panic overtook him as his mind conjured images of him tripping, falling over the edge and plunging into the water as it filled his lungs—

  "Vui?"

  Scrambling to gain purchase on the posts, the edge of the bridge, only to slip on the wet algae that caused him to fall in the first place as he went under—

  "Veeeee!"

  Frantically flailing, trying to swim to the far shore, only to be swallowed up by a wave, pulled deeper—

  Ethan felt sudden pain blossom in his calf. He blinked aside tears he hadn't realized he was shedding and looked down to see Eevee's teeth wrapped around his pant leg, piercing clean through the fabric and nicking his skin.

  She looked up at him, her eyes wide, and immediately took a step back. Her ears drooped, and her tail tucked slightly between her legs, her entire body radiating apology and confusion. She seemed unsure whether she’d done the right thing as her gazed flickered between Ethan’s face and the ground.

  He looked down at her, the stinging sensation momentarily driving away all his other thoughts. He crouched low and reached a hand out to her, but she recoiled, her legs tense as if ready to bolt at any moment.

  "Hey..." he said, his voice cracking. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Hey. It’s okay. I’m not mad," he explained in halting bursts, fighting the knot in the pit of his stomach as it threatened to take over his thoughts again.

  "Mwui?" she replied, her stance loosening.

  "Yeah. It's okay, I mean it," he continued, his voice slowly steadying. "I mean, biting isn't okay, but..." He exhaled, steeling himself with a deep breath. "... but I needed that. Thank you, Eevee."

  The tiny Pokémon tentatively put a paw forward, nose twitching as if it were trying to smell whether he was being honest. After a moment stretched between them, she slowly leaned in to nuzzle at Ethan's outstretched fingers.

  Ethan's shoulders sagged with relief. "Alright! I... I've gotta do this!" he said, perhaps more timidly than he wanted to. "Will you help me, Eevee?"

  She tilted her head, and with a last wiggle of her ears her tail resumed wagging. "Vee!" she shouted, smiling wide as she once again seemed willing to follow him unquestioningly.

  Ethan stood at the edge of the bridge, his feet rooted to the ground as if the wooden planks beneath him were made of quicksand. The bridge itself was sturdy and well-maintained, its railings polished smooth by countless hands over the years. The lake below sparkled innocently in the sunlight, the water likely calm and inviting to anyone else. To Ethan, it was like staring into the maw of a beast. He'd spent the better part of the last hour walking up to the bridge, stepping onto the first plank, and promptly retreating back to the treeline. Eevee had dutifully followed him each time, never once questioning the back-and-forth.

  He looked to the water, to the bridge, and steeled himself yet again. he thought to himself,

  His breath hitched as he stepped forward, his chest tightening as his mind conjured memories of the ocean — the cold, the darkness, the suffocating weight of the water as it dragged him under. He could almost feel it again, the way his lungs had burned, the way his body had screamed for air. His hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to ground himself.

  "It’s just a bridge," he told himself, forcing the words into his mind like a mantra. "It’s dry. It’s safe. You’re not going to fall. You’re not going to drown."

  But his body didn’t seem to believe him. His legs felt like lead, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure Eevee could hear it. He looked down at her, her small form standing beside him, her head tilted in concern.

  "Vee?" she chirped, her tail wagging slowly.

  Ethan forced a smile, though it felt brittle on his face. "Yeah, I’m... I’m okay," he said, his voice shaky. "Just... give me a second."

  He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the moment he stepped onto the bridge, his fear took hold. The wood creaked softly under his weight and sent a jolt of panic through him. His mind screamed at him to turn back, to find another way, but he clenched his teeth and forced himself to take another step.

  "It’s just a bridge," he repeated, his internal voice growing louder, more insistent. "You’re not in danger. You’re not going to fall."

  But his subconscious wasn’t listening. Every step felt like a battle, his body fighting against his mind’s logic. His breath came in short, shallow gasps, his vision narrowing until all he could see was the bridge stretching out before him. The lake below seemed to loom larger, its surface patiently waiting for him like a trap waiting to spring.

  Eevee trotted ahead, her paws tapping lightly on the wooden planks. She paused halfway across, turning back to look at him with those big, trusting eyes. "Eee~!" she called, her voice bright and encouraging.

  Ethan swallowed hard. His throat suddenly felt dry and raw. "Yeah, I’m coming," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He took another step, then another, each one feeling like a victory and a defeat all at once. His hands clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, but he didn’t let go. He couldn’t.

  "You’re not going to fall. You’re not going to drown."

  The words echoed in his mind, a desperate plea to his own body to listen, to believe. But his fear was a stubborn thing, clinging to him like a second skin. He could feel the cold sweat on his brow, the way his legs trembled with every step. It was ridiculous, he knew that. The bridge was wide and stable, the lake below calm and shallow near the edges. There was no real danger here. But logic didn’t matter to the part of his brain that remembered the ocean, that remembered the way it had tried to claim him.

  Eevee waited patiently at the other end of the bridge, her tail wagging slowly as she watched him. He focused on her, at first simply because she was the only familiar thing around, but he could feel his mind reach out, latch onto the way her fur caught the sunlight, on the way her eyes sparkled with trust. She believed in him, even if he didn’t believe in himself.

  Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ethan reached the other side. His legs gave out the moment his feet touched solid ground, and he sank to his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Eevee was at his side in an instant, nuzzling against his hand with a soft chirp.

  "Mrrrp?" she seemed to ask.

  Ethan let out a shaky laugh, his hands trembling as he reached out to pet her. "I’m okay," he said, though his voice still wavered. "I’m okay. We made it."

  He looked back at the bridge, now bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. It looked so small from this side, so harmless. But just imagining crossing it again filled him with fear. Helplessness mixed with frustration in his mind. He hated the way his body had betrayed him, how he couldn't control the flood of fear when he needed to the most.

  But he’d crossed the bridge. He’d faced the fear, even if it had felt like climbing a mountain.

  "Thanks, little gal," he said, his voice soft as he scratched behind her ears. "I couldn’t have done that without you."

  Eevee chirped, her tail wagging furiously as she leaned into his touch. Ethan took a deep breath, the tension in his chest slowly easing. Rustboro City was just ahead, its buildings rising above the trees with the promise of safety and answers. He didn’t know what awaited him there, but whatever it was, it had to be easier than what he'd just put himself through.

  "Alright," he said, pushing himself to his feet. "Let’s keep going."

  As Ethan and Eevee traveled into Rustboro City proper, they found the quiet, natural sounds of the forest gradually replaced by the hum of human activity — the chatter of people, the clatter of carts, and the occasional cry of a Pokémon. The city thronged with people in a way that Ethan found comfortingly familiar, reminiscent of a gentler, more relaxed version of the New York City he'd lived in and around all his life. The buildings towered above him, their stony facades weathered but sturdy, and the streets were lined with shops, stalls, people, and Pokémon going about their day.

  Eevee, who had been trotting confidently beside him, didn't seem as comfortable as he was. Her ears flattened against her head, and her tail, which had been wagging happily just moments before, now tucked itself between her legs. She let out a soft, nervous whine, her wide eyes darting from one unfamiliar sight to another.

  "Hey, it's okay," Ethan said, crouching to meet her eyes. "It’s just a city. Lots of people, but they’re not going to hurt you."

  Eevee didn’t seem convinced. Her body trembled slightly, and she pressed herself against Ethan’s leg, her claws digging into the fabric of his pants. He reached out to comfort her, but before he could, she suddenly leapt onto his shoulder, then scrambled up to the top of his head. Ethan froze, startled, as her tiny paws dug into his hair for balance.

  "Uh... Eevee?" he said, equally amused and concerned. "You okay up there?"

  "Mmuuuuuu..." she replied, her voice muffled as she buried her face in his short, scruffy hair. Her body was tense, her tail flicking nervously, but she seemed to calmer now that she was perched above the crowd.

  Ethan chuckled softly, reaching up to gently pat her side. "Alright, little gal. You can stay up there for now. Just... try not to pull my hair too much, okay?"

  Eevee let out a soft trill in response, and Ethan felt her grip loosen. He straightened up, careful not to shake his head, and continued into the city. He could feel the occasional curious glance from passersby, but most people seemed too busy with their own lives to pay much attention to a young man with an Eevee on his head.

  As they walked, Ethan set his mind to work. He needed to figure out his next steps. Food, shelter, and maybe some answers about how he’d ended up in this world were at the top of his list. He remembered from the games that Pokémon Centers offered free services to trainers, and while he wasn’t technically a trainer, he figured it was worth a shot.

  "Alright," he said, glancing up to see her ears cresting the very top of his field of vision. "Let’s find the Pokémon Center. Maybe they can help us out."

  Eevee let out a soft chirp and flicked her tail against his forehead. Ethan took that as a sign of agreement and set off in search of the iconic red-roofed building. It didn’t take long to find it — the Pokémon Center was one of the most prominent structures in the city, its bright colors standing out against the more muted tones of the surrounding buildings.

  He strode past the automatic doors, and couldn't help but be amazed at the sudden shift in atmosphere. The energy of a bustling city was nearly instantly replaced with a relaxed yet energetic air, all supported by a gentle, familiar jingle played over hidden speakers. Ethan stood for a moment, taking in the scene before him. Trainers of all ages mingled with their Pokémon — some grooming their companions, others sharing meals, and a few simply relaxing in the comfortable seating areas.

  Ethan approached the counter, where a nurse with a warm smile greeted him. "Welcome to the Pokémon Center! How can we help you today?"

  "Uh, hi," Ethan said, suddenly self-conscious. "I was wondering if you could help me out. My Eevee and I have been traveling, and we could really use some food and maybe a place to rest for a bit."

  The nurse’s smile didn’t waver, but her tone stiffened. "Of course! Do you have your Trainer ID with you?"

  Ethan’s heart sank. "Uh... no. I don’t actually have one. I’m not... officially a trainer or anything."

  Her nurse’s expression softened, but she replied with a visible hint of regret in her eyes. "I’m sorry, but our free services are reserved for registered trainers. Without a Trainer ID, we’d have to charge you for any services provided."

  Ethan felt his face flush with embarrassment. "Oh. Right. I... I didn’t realize. Sorry to bother you."

  The nurse gave him a sympathetic smile. "It’s no trouble at all. If you decide to register as a trainer, we’d be happy to help you in the future."

  Ethan hesitated. "Wait," he said, leaning slightly against the counter. "What’s involved in registering? Like, how does that work?"

  The nurse's gentle expression faded, replaced by confusion before swiftly rising into a smile once again. "Well, first you’ll need a sponsor — someone who can vouch for you and your potential as a trainer. After that, there’s a registration fee and a basic competency test to ensure you understand the responsibilities of caring for Pokémon."

  Ethan's heart sank. A sponsor? A fee? A test? None of that had been in the games or the anime. "A sponsor?" he echoed, "Who... who can even be a sponsor?"

  The nurse nodded, speaking slowly as if reciting a script."It’s usually someone with authority in the field — a Regional Professor, a Pokémon Association leader like a Gym Leader, or a certified trainer school. They’re the ones who can officially endorse you."

  Ethan’s shoulders slumped. A Regional Professor? "Like Birch. Back in Littleroot Town." he thought. "Oh," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "That’s... a lot."

  The nurse’s expression softened further. "It can seem overwhelming at first, but lots of trainers start right where you are. If you’re serious about becoming a trainer, The trainer school here in Rustboro's always accepting new students!"

  Ethan nodded, though his mind was still reeling. "Thanks," he muttered, his voice hollow. "I’ll... think about it."

  He turned and headed back toward the exit, his steps heavy. The weight of Eevee’s presence on his head seemed to grow as they stepped back out into the city, her tiny paws shifting slightly as if she could sense his unease.

  "Well," he said under his breath, more to himself than to her, "that’s a problem for future Ethan."

  "Well, that didn’t go as planned," he muttered, more to himself than to Eevee. "Guess we’ll have to figure something else out."

  He wandered the streets for a while, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. The city was overwhelming in its size and complexity, and he couldn’t help but feel out of place. He didn’t have any money, any identification, or any real way to prove that he belonged here. And then there was Eevee — sweet, loyal Eevee, who had stuck by his side through everything so far. He couldn’t even get a pokeball for her, let alone protect her if someone decided they wanted to take her from him.

  The thought made his stomach churn. He looked up at her ears again, her small form still perched on his head. "You’re not... mine, are you?" he said softly, more to himself than to her. "I mean, you’re your own Pokémon. I can’t just... claim you like that."

  Eevee let out a soft, prolonged sigh, and flicked her tail against his forehead again. Ethan let out a sigh to match hers, running a hand through his hair. "I don’t know what I’m doing," he admitted. "I just... I don't know..."

  As he walked, his thoughts continued to spiral. He needed help, but he didn’t know where to turn. His eyes landed on a police officer standing at the corner of the street, her uniform crisp and her expression decidedly unbothered. She looked strikingly similar to the Officer Jennys from the anime.

  "Excuse me," he said, approaching her cautiously. "I was wondering if you could help me. I’m... new in town, and I’m looking for a place to stay. Do you know of any hostels or cheap inns around here?"

  The officer gave him a once-over, her gaze lingering first on his salt-stained, dirt-covered chef's uniform, and then up to Eevee for a moment before she nodded. "There’s a hostel a few blocks from here," she said, pointing down the street. "It’s not the fanciest place, but it’s affordable. Just head that way and take a left at the second intersection. You can’t miss it."

  He let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. "Thank you. Really, thank you."

  The officer gave him a curt nod. "Stay safe out there."

  Ethan followed her directions, his spirits lifting slightly as he approached the hostel. It was a modest building, its sign slightly faded but still legible. He stepped inside, careful not to let the low doorway strike Eevee , and approached the front desk, where a rotund, gruff-looking man was flipping through a magazine.

  "Hi," Ethan said, trying to sound confident. "I was wondering if you have anywhere I could—"

  The man looked up, his eyes narrowing as he took in Ethan’s disheveled appearance. "You got money?"

  Ethan hesitated. "Uh... not much. But I was hoping—"

  "Then no," the man interrupted, his tone dismissive. "We don’t run a charity here. Come back when you can pay."

  Ethan’s felt desperation, humiliation, fear boil inside him, but he forced himself to nod. "Right. Sorry to bother you."

  He turned and left, shoulders slumped, head held high only as Eevee's perch as he stepped back out into the street. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the city, and Ethan felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He’d been running on adrenaline and excitement for hours, and now that it was fading, the weight of everything hit him all at once.

  He found a quiet alleyway and sank down against the wall, letting his legs give out beneath him. Eevee hopped down from his head and curled up in his lap.

  "This isn’t how I thought it would be," Ethan muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I don’t know. I thought it would be magical. Like an adventure. But this... this is just..."

  Eevee looked up at him, her big, brown eyes filled with visible concern. She nuzzled against his hand, brushing her soft fur against his skin.

  "I’m sorry, little gal," he said, not bothering to hide the sorrow in his voice. "I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to take care of you. I don’t even know if I should."

  Eevee let out a soft chirp, her tail wagging slowly. She didn’t seem to care about his doubts or his fears. Ethan leaned his head back against the wall, staring up at the darkening sky as he quietly forced himself to just... breathe. "I guess we’ll figure it out," he said, more to himself than to her. "We have to, right?"

  Eevee didn’t answer, but her presence was enough for him. As the city around them grew quiet, Ethan closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion from the constant churn of problems along the way finally claim him. Tomorrow would be another day, and maybe, just maybe, they’d find a way to make it work.