Pokémon Village
#14 of Cassidy's Journey
"We should nearly be there," Cassidy said, even though she was unsure. Route 20 had so many different directions one could take. They'd already walked into a few dead ends and got lost within the shady, tree-filled forest multiple times. Cassidy was beyond tired of aimlessly traversing the woods and knew Fenny was too. He just wouldn't tell her that.
--
By the time they finally reached the forest's exit, it was late afternoon.
"I'm sorry it took so long, Fen, but I think we're here." Cassidy waited for him to catch up. A clearing of bright light rested ahead after they turned a corner.
'Really?' His tail raised.
"Let's find out." She sped up and soon exited the dreaded woods that held them hostage with Fenny beside her. "Yeah, this is Pokémon Village." Cassidy gazed at the countless amount of vibrant yellow flowers covering the expansive grassy field in front of them. It was easy to forget the woods when such a priceless view sat in front of her eyes. She relished the warm sunlight hitting her skin after being in such cold woods.
'It's beautiful...' Fenny walked to where the field of flowers began. He wanted to pick a few of them, but the village felt too sacred to touch. He felt connected to it in a way.
"I heard of this place years ago but never went after it. I figured I should try to find it now and wanted to bring you along." Cassidy kneeled beside Fenny and took in the serene environment.
'These flowers remind me of you in a way.' Fenny looked at Cassidy while holding his tail in his hands.
"Are you sure?" She held back the urge to chuckle from how cute the statement was.
'They're... colorful, aren't they?'
"Yeah, Fenny, but look at what I wear for one." Cassidy wasn't sure what Fenny was getting at.
'I know... but your personality can be. I think you keep who you are to yourself. It's for good reason, but you do.' He kept his eyes on her. 'You can be sweet, adventurous, and you're always motivated. You rarely smile, but it's priceless when you do...'
"Hm..." Cassidy would never consider her personality bright in any case, but Fenny had a point, and he was the one helping her release herself more than she usually would. Cassidy would keep that to herself. "I think you're sweeter, Fen. I think you're a lot sweeter."
They didn't have much longer at the hidden village since it would soon near evening, and they still had to make their way back home, not to mention it was likely for Cassidy to get herself and Fenny lost a few more times while attempting to find Route 20's exit.
"We should go..." she said once fifteen minutes had gone by.
Fenny understood and was tired anyhow. 'Thank you for bringing me here.' He turned and hugged Cassidy's waist.
She pressed his cheek against her chest while embracing him with her right arm. "Of course." She felt much better than she had hours before. Maybe Cassidy was ready to move on to her next gym.
--
Fortunately, the sun was still present by the time they exited the forest, but the evening was only a few hours away. "Would you want to train, Fen? Maybe tomorrow?" Cassidy inquired while they headed back to Couriway.
'Okay...' Fenny replied, but Cassidy knew he wasn't enthusiastic about it.
"You still don't like battling much, huh?" She looked to her right.
'Not really... but if there's one time I really do want to, it's when you get to the league.'
"We have to train pretty hard for you to battle at that high a level," Cassidy reminded him.
'Well, I know. That's why I kind of do want to train tomorrow.'
"Then, we will. Get a ton of sleep." She grinned subtly. Cassidy would ensure he slept well tonight.