Chapter 28: Morning Light
Alex bolted upright in bed, his heart hammering against his ribs, his body drenched in sweat. The small, sterile room of the Viridian City Pokémon Center was a stark contrast to the nightmarish images that still clung to the edges of his mind.
He gasped for breath, trying to calm his racing pulse. It was just a dream. Just a nightmare. He reached for the small, silver hair clip on the bedside table, his fingers closing around it tightly. Emma… He had to find her. He had to make things right.
He swung his legs out of the cot, the cool linoleum a welcome sensation against his bare feet. The room was spartan but clean: a narrow bed, a small bedside table, a simple wooden chair, and a built-in wardrobe. Standard Pokémon Center issue. He padded towards the small, attached bathroom.
He splashed cold water on his face, trying to wash away the lingering remnants of the nightmare. He looked up at the mirror, and for a moment, he didn't recognize the face that stared back. Dirty blonde hair, messy and unkempt, framed a face that was both familiar and alien. It was his face, or at least, the face he used to have, years ago. But the eyes… those were different. A striking silver, they held a weight, a knowledge, that didn't belong in a 16-year-old's face. He was shorter, leaner, than his adult self, but there was a wiry strength to his frame, a hint of the resilience he'd developed over years of… well, of living. He was still getting used to seeing a kid's body, really. He took a peek, confirming that his family jewels hadn't been downsized along with rest of him. Thank God for small favors. Focus, Alex.
He shook his head, pushing the unsettling thoughts aside. He needed to focus on the present, on the challenges ahead. Viridian Forest. Project Eclipse. Emma.
He glanced at the small digital clock on the bedside table: 5:17 AM. Still early. He had a few hours before he needed to meet with Nurse Joy. A walk might clear his head.
He dressed quickly, pulling on the same clothes he'd been wearing since… well, since he'd arrived in this world. They were starting to feel a bit grimy. He'd need to find a place to do laundry soon, and maybe even buy some new clothes, budget permitting.
He slipped out of the room and made his way down the quiet hallway. The Pokémon Center was mostly silent at this hour, the only sounds the gentle hum of machinery and the occasional soft chirp or coo from a sleeping Pokémon.
He stepped outside into the cool morning air. Viridian City was just beginning to stir. The streets were mostly deserted, the shops still shuttered, the only signs of life the occasional delivery truck rumbling past or a lone trainer heading out for an early morning run. He took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs, trying to shake off the lingering unease from the nightmare.
He walked slowly, aimlessly, letting his feet guide him through the quiet streets. He noticed a few signs of the previous night's chaos – a boarded-up window here, some scattered debris there – but for the most part, the city seemed peaceful, almost idyllic. It was hard to believe that this quiet town was the gateway to a dangerous forest, or that it had been the scene of a Team Rocket attack just hours before.
He found himself near the edge of town, looking out towards the dark, imposing silhouette of Viridian Forest in the distance. It loomed, a silent challenge, a wall of green that held both danger and the promise of answers. He knew he wasn't fully prepared, not yet. But he couldn't delay. He had to keep moving forward.
He turned and headed back towards the Pokémon Center, his pace a little quicker now. As he approached, he noticed that the building was starting to show signs of activity. Lights were on, and he could hear the faint sounds of voices and movement inside.
He entered the Pokémon Center, the familiar scent of antiseptic and healing herbs greeting him. Nurse Joy was already behind the counter, her pink hair perfectly in place, her smile as bright and welcoming as ever. Ash was there too, bouncing on the balls of his feet with barely contained energy, Pikachu perched happily on his shoulder, looking fully recovered. Misty stood a little apart from them, arms crossed, a slightly grumpy expression on her face, though even that seemed softened by the early morning light.
"Good morning, Alex!" Nurse Joy greeted him, her voice cheerful. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough," Alex replied, managing a small smile. He wasn't about to share the details of his nightmare. "Are my Pokémon ready?"
"Yes, all healed and registered," Nurse Joy confirmed, reaching for a tray of Poké Balls. "Here you go."
Alex took the Poké Balls, feeling a surge of relief as he clipped them to his belt. Ace, Spearow, Mankey, and Magikarp… He was still getting used to the idea of having a team, but the weight of them felt… right. Reassuring. He released Ace, letting the Pidgey perch on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy," Ash said, his voice brimming with gratitude. "Pikachu's feeling much better."
"You're welcome, Ash," Nurse Joy replied, smiling. "Just be careful out there."
Misty snorted. "Maybe try not stealing someone's bike this time, Ash," she said, her tone dry but with a hint of amusement.
Ash blushed. "Right. Sorry again, Misty."
Nurse Joy cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to her. "Alex," she said, "if you have a moment, I'd like to discuss the sponsorship details with you in private. We can use the conference room."
"Of course, Nurse Joy," Alex replied.
Misty raised an eyebrow, a curious look on her face. "Sponsorship?" she said, her gaze shifting to Alex. "Not bad, newbie. Not bad." She then, in a swift movement, turned towards Ash. "Come on, Ash. Let him do his thing."
Alex followed Nurse Joy towards a small conference room at the back of the Pokémon Center, leaving Ash and Misty behind, ready to begin the next phase.
—
Chapter End