As Kai stood at the ranch gate, backpack slung over his shoulder. Beside him, Chimchar bounced on his feet with excitement, and the two Charcadet shifted restlessly, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"We're heading to town now," Kai said calmly. "Need supplies for training — and maybe something sweet for you three if you behave."
Chimchar whooped with joy, and the Charcadet exchanged a fiery high-five.
The nearest town, Mesagoza, lay about an hour's walk eastward. It was the heart of central Paldea — lively, bustling, and full of students from Naranja Academy, trainers, vendors, and tourists. Despite being close, Kai rarely visited. He preferred his solitude in Dawn Valley, but today called for restocking.
The four made their way along the dirt path, passing fields of wildflowers and the occasional skittering Pokémon. Chimchar and the Charcadet often paused to marvel at passing Squawkabilly or wave at farmers with Smoliv herds.
As the massive city gates of Mesagoza came into view, the Charcadet let out small gasps, their eyes wide at the towering buildings and endless rows of vendor stalls.
Kai stepped inside calmly, hood up as usual, blending into the crowd. His presence was quiet, deliberate — avoiding attention as he guided his Pokémon through the cobbled streets.
Their first stop was a general supply store — PokéMart Plus.
"Afternoon, sir!" the clerk chirped. "In need of anything special today?"
Kai glanced at the shelves, then handed over a list. "Bulk Pokéblock ingredients. Premium. Also: training weights, Oran-based muscle rubs, and reinforced target dummies."
The clerk blinked. "That's… quite a haul. Trainer, breeder, or gym prep?"
Kai didn't answer. Just placed his Trainer ID and ₽28,000 Pokédollars on the counter.
"Right," the clerk said, accepting the cash. "No further questions."
Meanwhile, Chimchar and the Charcadet were browsing nearby shelves. Chimchar clutched a pack of spicy Poképuffs in both hands, eyes begging.
Kai sighed. "Just one pack."
The Charcadet quickly grabbed their own snacks, and Kai simply added the ₽2,400 to his tab.
After gathering their goods, they headed to the open-air Trainer's Market, where merchants sold handmade accessories, apricorns, and high-end berries. Kai picked out a blacksmith-crafted battle charm for each Charcadet — small, flame-inscribed tokens for luck.
They gleamed with pride as Kai fastened the charms onto their armor.
With supplies packed and snacks in hand, they found a quiet spot near the fountain in Mesagoza's upper plaza. Chimchar munched happily, and the Charcadet took turns playing with a small Fidough chasing a rolling berry bun.
Kai leaned back on the bench, watching the sky. The breeze was light, the sound of trainers and Pokémon filling the air. For a rare moment, he was part of the world — not hiding, not fighting — just living.
When the sun began to dip, he gathered the trio. "Come on. Let's head back."
As they left town, Chimchar rested on Kai's shoulder, drowsy from sugar. The Charcadet trailed behind, humming a tune they'd picked up from a busker in the plaza.
And so, they returned to Dawn Valley — supplies loaded, hearts lighter, and a rare smile playing on Kai's lips.