Chapter 7: Campfire Roasted Potatoes

The forest whispered behind us, a low hum of crickets and rustling leaves carried by the night breeze. Mia and I stepped through the last tangle of undergrowth, pushing past branches that snagged on our clothes. 

My boots crunched against the gravel path as we emerged from the dense woods, and suddenly, there it was—Viridian City, spread out beneath the cliff like a glittering constellation.

"It looks beautiful at night," I said, my voice low, more to myself than to Mia.

"Yup, brother," she replied, her voice soft and warm beside me. 

The city's lights flickered against the dark horizon, casting reflections off the winding river that snaked its way through town. From up here, the whole place looked peaceful. Almost too peaceful, as if the forest we'd just slogged through wasn't full of Pokémon waiting to pounce at any second. 

I shifted the weight of my backpack and glanced at Mia. "Let's put the tent up. We'll continue tomorrow." 

She grinned. "Thanks, brother. You're always looking out for me." 

Her smile hit me in a way I couldn't quite explain. It was a small thing, but it reminded me why I did all this—every long walk, every cold night under the stars. I ruffled her hair the way I always did, the strands slipping through my fingers like silk. 

"You set up the tent, and I'll get the campfire going," I said. 

She gave a mock salute, eyes bright with amusement. "On it!" 

I crouched low, gathering twigs and dry leaves, the familiar scent of damp earth clinging to the air. "Make sure the ground's clear," I called over my shoulder. "It rained yesterday, and we don't need the tent sinking into mud."

"Got it!" she answered without looking up, already busy flattening the ground with the back of her hand.

A while later, the campfire was crackling steadily, throwing flickers of orange and red across the clearing. I sat cross-legged on the ground, feeding small sticks to the fire, while Mia unrolled her sleeping bag next to mine. 

She rubbed her arms and shivered. "It's getting cold now."

"Yeah." I poked at the fire with a stick, coaxing it to burn brighter.

She huddled closer, the firelight dancing in her hazel eyes. "Brother, can you make roasted potatoes with that spicy sauce? Please?" 

I shot her a sideways look. "You really want that now?"

She nodded, eyes wide and pleading. "Yes! You make it best."

I shook my head, half-smiling. "Alright. But you're on cleanup duty."

"Deal!" she chirped.

I stood up, reaching for the two Pokéballs at my side. "Come on out, Mankey, Bulbasaur," I said, clicking the release buttons.

In two bursts of light, the Pokémon appeared—Mankey hopping from foot to foot, brimming with restless energy, while Bulbasaur yawned lazily, blinking in the firelight. 

"Look after them," I told Mia. 

She raised a brow. "Not training tonight?"

I shook my head. "Bulbasaur needs to rest. We'll train Mankey after dinner."

Mankey let out a sharp cry, punching the air as if dinner were just another step in his workout. I couldn't help but chuckle. That little guy never stopped moving.

Mia dug into her backpack, pulling out Pokémon food. She handed some to Mankey and Bulbasaur, who eagerly munched away. "Alright, chef. What do you need?"

"All the ingredients," I said, dusting ash off my hands.

She rummaged through her pack and pulled out a small stash of potatoes, a jar of spices, and a bottle of olive oil. I set to work, my hands moving with muscle memory. 

The fire hissed as I laid foil-wrapped potatoes into the glowing embers. My fingers brushed the heat, warm but not burning—just right. I leaned back on my heels, letting the night air bite at my skin, the stars sprawling overhead like a map to nowhere. 

"You know," I said without looking up, "you should really learn to do this yourself."

Mia's laugh was soft but defiant. "Why? I've got you."

"What if—"

"You'll never leave me." She cut me off, her voice quiet but certain. 

I sighed, focusing on the fire instead of the knot forming in my chest. The foil crackled as the potatoes shifted inside, the spices melding together in the heat. 

Minutes later, the smell wafted out—earthy and sweet, with just a hint of char from the skins. My stomach growled. Even Mankey stopped hopping long enough to sniff the air, his nose twitching with interest. 

"It smells amazing!" Mia said, bouncing in place.

Using a piece of bark, I dragged the foil packets from the fire, letting them cool just enough to handle. When I tore them open, steam rose in lazy tendrils into the crisp night air, carrying with it the scent of roasted garlic and smoked paprika. The potatoes glistened, golden brown at the edges and soft in the middle, promising a crunch with every bite. 

I drizzled the sauce—a reckless blend of honey, chili flakes, and vinegar—over the top. The tangy smell hit instantly, sharp and sweet all at once. 

"Dinner's ready," I announced, passing a packet to Mia and setting portions for Mankey and Bulbasaur.

Mia's first bite was accompanied by a satisfied hum. "Mmm, perfect."

I dug in, and the first bite hit me just right—sweet and savory with a slow burn that crept up the back of my throat. The potatoes practically melted on my tongue, each layer peeling back to reveal that perfect combination of softness and crunch. 

Mankey devoured his share with reckless abandon, bits of potato flying everywhere, while Bulbasaur ate slowly, savoring each bite like a connoisseur. 

We ate in silence for a while, the fire crackling low, the night wrapping around us like a blanket. 

I glanced out toward the distant lights of Viridian City, their glow reflecting off the river below. 

"We'll reach the city by noon tomorrow," I said, more to myself than anyone else.

Mia leaned her head against my shoulder. "It's nice out here, though. No noise, no crowds."

"Yeah." I rested my chin on top of her head, feeling the warmth of her next to me. 

Mankey let out a happy grunt, licking his fingers clean, and Bulbasaur yawned contentedly, already half-asleep beside the fire.

As the night deepened and the embers of the fire glowed faintly, I felt a strange peace settle over me. Out here, with Mia by my side and the wild stretching endlessly around us, everything felt... right.

For now, at least. 

But tomorrow? Tomorrow was another story.