The lights of the Pokémon Center were warm, casting a gentle glow over the clean white floors and walls. Zen stood by Weedle's bedside, still in awe that the tiny Pokémon had chosen him.
Weedle chirped softly, wiggling its tiny body as it settled on Zen's arm.
Nurse Joy watched with a smile. "It looks like he really trusts you."
Zen nodded, feeling a strange mix of happiness and confusion. He had never owned a Pokémon before. Would he be a good Trainer? He was just an orphan with no Poké Balls, no supplies, just a boy who happened to find an injured Pokémon.
Nurse Joy must have sensed his hesitation because she reached behind the counter and pulled something from a small storage compartment.
A Poké Ball.
She held it out toward him. "Here. For you."
Zen blinked. "For me?"
She nodded. "You don't have a Poké Ball, right? Every Trainer needs one to catch their first Pokémon."
Zen hesitated before carefully taking the small red-and-white sphere. It felt smooth and cool in his palm, heavier than he expected. He had seen older kids use them before, throwing them at wild Pokémon to make a catch, but he had never held one himself.
"Why are you giving this to me?" he asked, his voice quiet.
Nurse Joy chuckled. "Because you deserve it. You didn't just walk away when you saw Weedle was hurt, you helped him. That's what makes a real Pokémon Trainer."
Zen swallowed. No one had ever told him something like that before. He wasn't used to being praised.
"Thank you," he said, gripping the Poké Ball tightly.
Nurse Joy smiled warmly. "Go on. Try it."
Zen turned to Weedle. "Okay… I guess we should make it official."
Weedle tilted its head, watching him curiously.
Taking a deep breath, Zen pressed the button on the Poké Ball, and it expanded in his palm. He gently tapped it against Weedle's tiny forehead.
A bright red light engulfed Weedle, pulling it inside the Poké Ball in a flash. The ball landed on the floor, wiggling slightly.
Zen stared, heart pounding.
One wiggle.
Two wiggles.
Three—
Click!
The Poké Ball stilled, signifying a successful capture.
Zen let out a breath, barely believing what had just happened. He bent down and picked up the ball, staring at it in his hands.
He had done it.
He had caught his first Pokémon.
Nurse Joy clapped lightly. "Congratulations, Zen. Weedle is officially yours now."
Zen looked at the Poké Ball for a long moment before smiling slightly. "Thank you, Nurse Joy. For everything."
She nodded. "You take good care of him, okay?"
Zen nodded back. He would.
By the time Zen left the Pokémon Center, the sun had already set, casting Viridian City in shades of deep blue and purple.
He hadn't realized how late it was.
His stomach churned as he walked quickly toward the orphanage. Miss Clara, the head caretaker, hated when kids stayed out past curfew.
The orphanage came into view, its old wooden door shut tight. He swallowed hard, stepping onto the creaky porch.
Maybe if I sneak in quietly…
As soon as he opened the door, a sharp voice cut through the silence.
"Zen!"
Zen flinched.
Miss Clara stood in the hallway, arms crossed, her face twisted in anger and worry.
"Where have you been? Do you have any idea what time it is?" she scolded.
Zen looked down at his shoes. "I… I found a Pokémon. It was hurt. I took it to the Pokémon Center."
Miss Clara's stern expression softened slightly. "You should have told someone where you were going, Zen. I was worried sick."
"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Just… try not to be out so late again, alright?"
Zen nodded quickly. "I promise."
She studied him for a moment before letting out a tired sigh. "Go on, get to bed."
Relieved, Zen hurried down the hall to his small room.
Zen's room was small but cozy, a simple bed, a wooden dresser, and a tiny window that let in the moonlight.
He shut the door behind him and let out a deep breath. That was too close.
Sitting on his bed, he pulled out the Poké Ball.
He pressed the button, and in a flash of red light, Weedle appeared on the mattress beside him.
Weedle looked up at him, chirping softly.
Zen smiled. "Hey, buddy. We made it."
Weedle wiggled happily.
For the first time, Zen had someone, a real friend.
He lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "I don't know what I'm doing, but I'll do my best, okay?"
Weedle crawled up beside him, resting against his arm.
Zen smiled, feeling warmth spread through his chest.
Maybe… just maybe… he wasn't alone anymore.
As his eyes fluttered shut, he whispered, "Goodnight, Weedle."
Weedle let out a soft chirp.
For the first time in a long while, Zen fell asleep nor longer alone