Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Seventeen - Harley's Gift

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Harley's cozy home, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. Raido and Nidoran trotted downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries inviting them into the room. At the table, a cup of hot coffee and a plate of breakfast treats awaited them. Harley, her pink hair glowing in the morning light, turned and greeted them with a cheerful smile.

"Good morning, you two! How did you sleep?" she asked, her voice full of warmth.

Nidoran bounced around happily, showing off her recharged energy with a playful hop. "Nida!" she chirped, clearly well-rested and ready for the day's adventures.

Raido grinned, ruffling Nidoran's head affectionately before taking a seat at the table. "We slept great, thanks, Harley," he said, picking up a rich pain au chocolat and taking a bite. The pastry was warm and flaky, with the chocolate filling melting in his mouth. He sipped on his hot coffee, savoring the comforting taste.

As they settled into breakfast, Harley took a seat across from them. "So, what's the plan for today, Raido?" she asked, curiosity and a hint of emotion in her voice.

Raido's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm heading north from Cherrygrove towards Violet City. My goal is to challenge the gym leader there and earn my first badge!"

Harley's eyes shimmered with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "You've grown up so much, Raido. It feels like just yesterday you were playing with plushies and dreaming of becoming a trainer. Now you're setting off on your own Pokémon journey."

Raido blushed slightly, feeling the weight of her words. He was aware of the journey ahead and the challenges it would bring. "Thanks, Harley. I'm really excited to get started."

Harley's face grew serious for a moment. "The path to Violet City is often crowded with aspiring trainers looking for battles. Make sure you're well-prepared with enough supplies for the road ahead."

At the mention of battles, Raido could barely contain his excitement. He jiggled in his seat, practically bouncing with anticipation. "Did you hear that, Nidoran? More battles! Are you ready to get stuck in again?" he asked, turning to his partner.

Nidoran's ears twitched, and a determined look crossed her face. "Nida!" she responded, her enthusiasm matching Raido's own.

Harley observed their excitement with a gentle smile before raising a more practical point. "Raido, do you plan to have Nidoran do all the battling on your journey to Violet City?"

Raido paused, looking a bit stumped. "Well, I hadn't really thought about it..."

Harley nodded, understanding. "It's important to consider expanding your team. Nidoran is a capable battler, but you can't expect her to handle everything on her own. She'll need some rest, and having more Pokémon will help share the load."

Raido's mind flashed back to his failed attempt at catching the Poochyena. He sighed, realizing Harley was right. "Yeah, I get what you mean. I did try to catch that Poochyena on Route 46, but... as you know, it didn't go so well," he admitted.

Harley reached over and patted his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Raido. Catching Pokémon can be tricky, but you'll get the hang of it."

Raido chuckled, recalling the odd man's scolding about that very lesson. "I'll definitely keep that in mind," he said, feeling a renewed determination.

Harley smiled warmly. "Good. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself and Nidoran. The journey ahead is tough, and you'll need all the help you can get."

Raido nodded firmly. "I promise. I'll make sure to catch some new comrades soon. But for now, it's just me and my best friend," he said, giving Nidoran a fond look.

Nidoran chirped happily, seeming to understand the sentiment.

As they finished their breakfast, Harley stood and began gathering their dishes. "I'll pack you some snacks for the road."

Raido stood up, feeling a wave of gratitude for Harley's care and support. "Thanks, Harley. I really appreciate everything."

She waved a hand dismissively, though her eyes were bright with affection. "It's nothing, Raido. Just make sure to come back and visit once you've got that badge."

"I will, I promise," Raido said, giving her a quick hug before heading to the door with Nidoran.

Raido and Nidoran stepped out of Harley's cozy home, the morning sun casting a warm, golden glow over Cherrygrove City. The pair walked with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead on Route 30. The picturesque city began to fade behind them, the sounds of bustling townsfolk and chirping Pokémon giving way to the serene rustling of trees and the distant calls of wild Pokémon.

As they walked, Raido took in the beauty of the route. Tall, lush trees lined the path, their leaves creating a gentle canopy overhead. Sunlight filtered through, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Wildflowers of various colors dotted the grassy areas, adding splashes of vibrant hues to the verdant landscape. Nidoran trotted happily beside him, her ears twitching with curiosity at every sound.

Just as they started to settle into a comfortable pace, they heard Harley's voice calling out. "Raido! Raido, wait!"

Raido turned around to see Harley hurrying down the path, her colorful dress billowing in the wind. She was waving something in her hand, a look of excitement on her face. Nidoran's ears perked up as they both watched her approach.

"Harley?" Raido said, a bit puzzled. "What's up?"

"I almost forgot!" Harley said, slightly out of breath but smiling brightly. She reached into her bag and pulled out a Pokéball. But it wasn't like any Pokéball Raido had seen before. Its surface was mostly black, with intricate green circular patterns etched into it, and an orange band around the middle.

"This was left behind by my husband," Harley explained, handing the unique Pokéball to Raido. "He went on an expedition to Hoenn and left this with me. Consider it a belated birthday gift. I'm not entirely sure how it differs from a typical Pokéball, but I have a feeling it will come in handy down the line."

Raido took the Pokéball, feeling its smooth surface and marveling at the unusual design. "Wow, thank you, Harley! This is amazing. I'll definitely put it to good use when it comes time to expand my team."

Harley's eyes shone with warmth as she watched Raido's reaction. "I'm sure you will, Raido. You're going to be a great trainer. Just remember to take care of yourself and your Pokémon."

Raido nodded, deeply touched by her words and her gift. They embraced once more, Harley's floral scent bringing back fond memories of his childhood. "Thank you, Harley. For everything."

With a final wave, Harley stepped back, letting Raido and Nidoran continue on their way. "Good luck, Raido! And you too, Nidoran!" she called after them, her voice filled with pride and affection.

Raido and Nidoran turned toward Route 30 once more, the unique Pokéball safely tucked away in his bag. As they took their first steps on this new stage of their journey, Raido felt a surge of determination. He glanced down at Nidoran, who was walking with a spirited bounce in her step.

"Ready for this, girl?" Raido asked, a grin spreading across his face.

"Nida!" Nidoran chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Together, they ventured forward, the path to Violet City stretching out before them. The challenges and adventures that awaited filled Raido with a thrilling mix of anticipation and excitement. With Harley's encouraging words echoing in his mind and the new Pokéball promising exciting possibilities, Raido felt more ready than ever to embrace his journey as a Pokémon Trainer.