Vermillion City Market

The air in Vermilion City was alive with energy as Ethan strolled through the sprawling market streets.

Sunlight streamed down from a cloudless sky, and a salt-laden breeze blew in from the nearby sea. Laughter, haggling, and the cries of merchants filled the air as vibrant stalls stretched as far as the eye could see.

It had been a while since Ethan wandered through a proper market, and Vermilion's reputation for having everything—from imported goods to rare camping gear—lived up to its name.

His goal today was simple: gather supplies for the road, stock up on the best berries and materials for Pokémon food, and let his team enjoy the outing.

Sylveon padded gracefully beside him, ribbons swaying elegantly with every step, its sapphire eyes scanning their surroundings with curiosity.

Perched on his shoulder, Cleffa watched everything with wide, sparkling eyes, cooing softly whenever something caught her interest. Dratini followed closely behind, slithering calmly, its head bobbing up and down as it took in the busy sights.

Ethan adjusted the strap of his bag. "Alright, let's get started. We've got a lot to pick up today."

The first stop was a lively berry vendor near the market's entrance. Wooden crates overflowed with freshly picked Oran, Sitrus, and Pecha Berries.

Each berry gleamed under the sunlight, as if to tempt passing trainers and their Pokémon. The air carried a sweet, earthy aroma.

"Fresh Sitrus Berries, straight from Johto!" the vendor called cheerfully.

Ethan's eyes immediately honed in on the rarer berries displayed further back. In a trainer's hands, they weren't just food—they were fuel for a strong and healthy team.

Without hesitation, he picked up a sack of high-quality Sitrus Berries and began inspecting others.

As he browsed, Sylveon's ribbons gently brushed against Ethan's arm, tugging his attention toward a smaller barrel of delicately hued berries. They shimmered faintly—Lansat Berries.

"Huh. You've got a good eye," Ethan said, crouching to inspect them. Lansat Berries weren't often found in Kanto. Their potent sweetness was perfect for making performance-based Pokéblocks. Sylveon let out a soft chirp of approval.

"I'll take these as well," Ethan said, nodding at the vendor as he stacked the berry crates.

While he paid, Dratini's gaze lingered on a nearby display of assorted jams and berry preserves.

It tilted its head and flicked its tail softly against Ethan's leg. Cleffa, not to be outdone, reached out toward a jar of Pecha Jam, her tiny hands opening and closing pleadingly.

Ethan smirked. "You two are trouble, you know that?" But when he saw their hopeful eyes, he sighed. "Fine, one jar. But only because I'm making food for everyone later."

Dratini flicked its tail happily, and Cleffa let out a cheerful coo. Sylveon, ever the composed one, turned its attention back to the berry crates as if pretending to have no part in this negotiation.

The next stop was a shop specializing in travel gear. Ethan's eyes roamed the shelves lined with high-quality tools: compact cooking sets, sturdy camping gear, waterproof tarps, and everything a traveler might need.

Ethan picked out a new tent—one that was spacious enough for him and all his Pokémon to sleep comfortably. "This'll do perfectly," he said, testing the weight.

Nearby, Sylveon had stopped in front of a small display of lanterns. It nudged one with its feeler, a soft Clefairy-shaped lantern that emitted a warm glow.

"You like that one?" Ethan asked. Sylveon chirped softly.

He picked up the lantern and added it to his pile. "Alright. I was going to buy a lantern anyway."

As they moved on, Cleffa hopped off Ethan's shoulder and trotted toward a section of Pokémon-themed sleeping bags.

She stopped at a pink one adorned with stars, sitting down in front of it and pointing at Ethan dramatically, as if demanding this one.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You want that? We already have good sleeping bags."

Cleffa stared him down, widening her eyes into a full-blown pleading expression. Ethan groaned. "You're impossible."

Cleffa clapped her hands in victory as Ethan grabbed the sleeping bag. Sylveon gave a soft chuckle-like sound at the display, while Dratini wrapped itself loosely around Ethan's arm, seemingly satisfied with their haul so far.

"Alright, let's check out and move on. You lot are going to drain my wallet at this rate."

In the next part of the market, Ethan found himself surrounded by stalls dedicated to crafting.

There were molds for Pokéblocks, mortar and pestle sets, and tools for customizing Pokémon meals. Ethan already knew what he needed—he wasn't one for wasting time or getting distracted.

He grabbed a high-grade Pokéblock mold made from metal, perfect for making performance or nutrient-packed blocks for his Pokémon. It was simple, efficient, and far superior to the cheap plastic molds other trainers often bought.

Dratini seemed particularly curious about the shiny crafting tools Ethan inspected, while Sylveon and Cleffa lingered near the berry-based powders.

"I don't need any more powders," Ethan said firmly. "We've already got vitamins stocked up."

Sylveon nodded in understanding, though Cleffa huffed in disappointment.

With his crafting tools secured, Ethan stepped back into the sunlit streets, his bag growing heavier.

As Ethan passed yet another camping gear stall, something caught Sylveon's attention: a lantern carved in the shape of a Jirachi. Its golden glow sparkled faintly, more intricate and elegant than the simple Clefairy one they'd already purchased.

Ethan caught Sylveon's subtle glance. "No. We already bought a lantern."

Sylveon didn't argue but swayed its feelers delicately, giving Ethan the faintest, saddest look.

"Don't start," Ethan said, narrowing his eyes.

The stare continued. Dratini and Cleffa, noticing Sylveon's tactics, turned their own eyes to Ethan, adding weight to the silent protest.

"Unbelievable," Ethan muttered, rubbing his forehead. "One team, three pairs of pleading eyes… You're all ridiculous."

Sylveon perked up as Ethan grabbed the Jirachi lantern, grumbling under his breath as he paid for it. "This is the last time. No more."

Cleffa clapped, and Dratini let out a soft hum of approval. Ethan shook his head. "You're all spoiled, you know that?"

After a few hours of careful shopping and playful interactions, Ethan and his Pokémon finally exited the market.

The sun hung lower in the sky, and a soft breeze cooled the afternoon air. Ethan's bag was packed with high-quality berries, crafting tools, and new camping essentials—all things they'd need for the journey ahead.

Sylveon looked content, its ribbons swaying gently as it padded along. Cleffa, sitting on Ethan's shoulder again, yawned with sleepy satisfaction, her little hands clutching her new star-patterned sleeping bag.

Dratini slithered smoothly beside them, coiling occasionally around Ethan's arm whenever it spotted something interesting.

"Alright, that's enough shopping for one day," Ethan said. "We've got what we need, and then some."

As they headed back toward the Pokémon Center, the city's energy continued around them—bright and full of life.

Ethan glanced down at his team, a rare smile playing at his lips. Days like this, spent simply enjoying the world and their time together, were just as important as battles and training.

"Let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we've got work to do," Ethan said, leading the way back to their temporary home.

Sylveon purred softly, Cleffa snuggled closer to his shoulder, and Dratini flicked its tail contentedly.

For now, all was right with the world.