Chapter 60: Raichu's Comforting Moment

The rain tapped against the window, rhythmic, relentless. A thin fog blurred the outside world, leaving everything behind the glass a smear of grey and green. I stood there, watching it wash over the Pokémon Center courtyard, the dim lamps casting a weak glow through the downpour. Erin lay sprawled on the couch behind me, her oversized green hoodie swallowed her small frame. She slept like a rock, despite the chaos of the day. 

It was quiet. Too quiet.

I reached into my bag and pulled out Raichu's Pokéball. The red and white sphere felt cool in my palm, almost familiar in its weight, and with a quiet release, Raichu appeared beside me in a flash of light.

"Rai!" He let out a cheerful cry, hopping on his paws, electricity crackling faintly around his yellow fur.

I knelt down, the floor cold beneath my knees as Raichu bounded over to me, all energy and joy. He nuzzled into me, wrapping his tail around my arm. I chuckled, rubbing behind his ear, feeling the soft warmth of his fur as he leaned into the touch.

"Sorry, buddy. It's been a while, huh?" I whispered, my voice low, almost apologetic.

Raichu's ears twitched in delight, his little eyes half-closed as he basked in the attention. A pang of guilt twisted in my chest. I'd been too caught up in all the these —barely giving him the time he deserved.

"Here," I pulled out his favorite food from my bag and set it down in his bowl. Raichu's ears perked up immediately, his nose twitching as he dove into the meal with enthusiasm, his tail swaying contentedly. I couldn't help but smile, a rare feeling of peace settling in my chest. 

For a moment, just a moment, I let myself relax. I lay down on the floor, the cold seeping through my clothes, but I didn't care. Raichu finished eating and curled up on top of me, his warmth seeping into my skin as his soft, rhythmic breathing lulled me into a half-sleep. 

That was untill some hours Later when the door crashed open.

I bolted upright, Raichu already on his feet, electricity sparking from his cheeks as he stood protectively in front of me, tail raised, ready to strike. My heart pounded in my chest, eyes narrowing as I searched for the threat.

But it was just Erin, awkwardly stepping to me, her face as calm as ever, despite Raichu's charged stance. She tried to approach, but Raichu blocked her, a low growl rumbling in his throat.

I raised a hand. "Easy, Raichu. She's one of us."

Raichu blinked up at me, his stance relaxing. He let out a joyful "Rai!" before trotting off to sit on the table, pouting slightly but obedient as ever.

Erin, completely unfazed by the near electric shock, approached with her usual odd calmness. "He wouldn't let me through," she said, her voice matter-of-fact, as if discussing the weather.

I smirked. "He thought you were dangerous."

Her head tilted slightly, hazel eyes blinking in that unsettlingly calm way of hers. "Ash, Brock, Misty, and Pikachu are back."

My smirk faded. The weight of her words hung in the air. I stood up, stretching my stiff muscles, but Erin was already tugging at my hand, pulling me toward the hallway without a second thought. I glanced back at Raichu, who gave a playful pout but stayed put, watching us as we left.

As we neared the operation theater, the tension hit me like a wall. Pikachu sat in Misty's arms, her small frame shaking as she clutched him tightly. Ash sat slumped in a chair, staring at the floor as if it held all the answers to his unspoken fears. Brock stood near the door, his eyes glued to the red light above the operating room. It cast an ominous glow, a silent reminder that inside, everything hung by a thread.

I walked over to Ash and sat beside him. His hands were balled into fists, knuckles white. "How's Charmander?"

Ash's voice was hoarse when he spoke. "Critical. They're still operating. We just have to hope…" His voice trailed off, his usual confidence shattered by the weight of the unknown.

I glanced at Erin, who hovered near Misty, but not too close—her fear of Pikachu keeping her at a safe distance. Misty didn't seem to notice, too lost in her own thoughts.

I stood and moved toward Brock. "Don't worry. That Charmander's special. He'll pull through." My voice was calm, steady, trying to offer some reassurance. Brock just nodded, eyes never leaving that red light.

"Take a seat for a while," I offered. "I'll get us something to drink."

Brock nodded again, almost robotic, and slumped into a chair near Ash. I turned and headed toward the lobby, my footsteps echoing through the empty hall. As I reached the vending machine, I called Raichu with a quick gesture. He bounded over, always so full of life, even in moments like these. 

I pulled out seven cans of cold coffee, cradling them in my arms as I made my way back to the others. No one said a word about Raichu following me back, too lost in their own thoughts to notice. I handed a can to Brock, then Ash, both accepting it silently.

I walked over to Misty and Erin, handing them three cans. "Let Pikachu drink too," I said to Misty, keeping my voice steady.

Finally, I sat down on the floor, Raichu settling beside me. I opened a can for him, watching as he sipped at it joyfully, his fur brushing against my arm. I drank mine in silence, the cold liquid doing little to ease the knot of tension in my gut.

The hours dragged by, and eventually, Nurse Joy emerged from the operating room. "Charmander's out of danger," she announced, her voice calm but firm. "But he'll need rest, and so do all of you."

We all moved to the lobby, exhaustion settling in like a heavy fog. Brock collapsed onto a sofa, Misty on another. Erin stood in front of me, her face as unreadable as ever. "I want to sleep with you," she stated bluntly, her voice flat, yet somehow filled with a quiet honesty.

I blinked, dumbfounded. "Later," I managed to say, waving toward an empty couch. "Go sleep over there."

She pouted. Actually pouted. Then, without a word, she turned and walked over to the couch, curling up like nothing had happened. I shook my head, muttering under my breath. "Did she just pout?"

I glanced over at Ash and Pikachu, both asleep on the floor, huddled under a blanket. I grabbed another one, laying it beside them before lying down myself. Raichu curled up against me, his warmth chasing away the cold as he nuzzled into my cheek.

As I pulled the blanket over us, sleep finally claimed me.