The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room as Ariel stretched her tiny limbs. A faint murmur of the sea in the distance gave a comforting rhythm to the household. The world had grown familiar, and though her body was still small and awkward, her mind felt as sharp as ever. Today, though, she had a mission. She was going to conquer walking—if her legs would cooperate.

"Taking steps is hard!" Ariel thought to herself with a mix of frustration and amusement. At least once a day, she would try, wobbling unsteadily on her feet while her family watched her with soft smiles and chuckles. Her brother, Kai, would always cheer her on with exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Come on, Ariel, just one more step!” Kai would say, kneeling in front of her and holding out his hands as if she was about to perform a great feat of strength.

Ariel's legs quivered, and with determination etched on her tiny face, she took a step. Thunk. Right onto her bottom.

Kai burst into laughter. "That’s okay! You’ll get there!"

Ariel groaned internally. Being a baby again was tougher than she had imagined. As an Olympic athlete in her previous life, movement had once been her forte. Now, even the simple act of walking felt monumental. And then there was talking…

The embarrassment of her progress being so slow made her cheeks flush. But as always, her family found her attempts charming. Her mother, Selene, would smile knowingly, wiping her hands on her apron after coming back from a morning of fishing, while her father, Aron, would absentmindedly pat her on the head, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

Despite her frustrations with walking and talking, Ariel found endless joy in the Pokémon that lived with them. She would often spend hours playing with Pelipper, who liked to flap its wings just enough to create small gusts of wind that made her giggle uncontrollably. Sharpedo, ever vigilant by the boats, would watch her from afar, its fierce appearance contrasting with the tender way it cared for the family. And then there was Golduck—her favorite.

Golduck had taken a special liking to her. Whenever she was feeling particularly down about her baby-like limitations, Golduck would nudge her gently with its beak, making little cooing sounds that seemed to lift her spirits. Ariel had even started trying to say Golduck’s name, though her pronunciation was far from perfect.

One afternoon, as she sat on the floor playing with Mantine’s smooth, velvety wings, she heard Kai and her father talking in the next room.

“Dad, do you think I’ll be a great Pokémon trainer like you?” Kai’s voice held a blend of hope and curiosity.

Aron chuckled softly. “You’ll be an amazing trainer, Kai, but remember, being a trainer isn’t just about battling. It’s about understanding and caring for your Pokémon.”

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Kai didn’t seem deterred. “I want to do both! I’ll battle in gyms and win badges, but I’ll also take care of my Pokémon, just like you and mom.”

Ariel looked at Mantine and patted its fins gently, knowing that Kai would eventually go on a journey. It was a tradition, after all. Most kids in the village started their Pokémon journey between the ages of 10 and 16. Few ever made it past the first couple of gyms, preferring to return home and settle down into peaceful village life. But Ariel knew her brother had bigger dreams. He wanted to be a real Pokémon trainer—someone who would travel the world and leave his mark.

Ariel also learned more about her mother’s occupation, though through observation more than conversation. Selene would leave early in the morning, often returning with baskets of fish or stories of the day’s catch. She was respected in the village, not only for her work as a fisherwoman but also for her role on the village council. Ariel often overheard villagers coming by to talk to her mother, seeking advice or her opinion on local matters.

One evening, as Selene cleaned her tools and talked quietly with Aron, Ariel listened intently. Her mother’s job was dangerous, no doubt. The sea was unpredictable, and there had been times when her boat had been nearly capsized by wild Pokémon or unexpected storms. Still, Selene faced it all with a calm determination, balancing her work with her role as a mother.

It was in those moments that Ariel understood why her family was so special. Despite living in a small fishing village, there was a deep bond between them, one that transcended the simple day-to-day activities. They were united by the sea and the Pokémon that shared their lives.

But the biggest surprise of all came during a quiet afternoon. Kai was showing Ariel another video of a Pokémon battle on Pokenet. She loved these moments—sitting on his lap, watching the colorful displays of power and skill. It was calming, a perfect distraction whenever she was on the verge of crying.

This time, however, something strange happened. As the video played, Ariel felt a familiar presence near her. Golduck had padded into the room, its eyes gleaming with interest as it watched over them. Ariel turned her head, reaching out with her tiny hand.

“Gol… Goldy,” she murmured, her voice small but clear.

The room went silent.

Kai’s jaw dropped, and for a moment, he stared at her in disbelief. Then, a grin split his face, and he let out a loud cheer. “She said her first word! She said Golduck’s name!”

Selene rushed in from the kitchen, her hands still wet from washing dishes, while Aron peered over his glasses in amazement.

“Say it again, Ariel,” Selene urged gently, kneeling beside her. “Say ‘Mama.’”

Ariel’s lips moved, but no sound came out. She wasn’t ready for that yet.

“Da-da?” Aron tried, his eyes hopeful.

Ariel smiled, but all she could manage was another “Goldy,” much to everyone’s amusement. They spent the rest of the day trying to coax her into saying more, and although she eventually obliged with a soft “Mama” and “Kai,” it was clear that Golduck had left the strongest impression.

As the days passed, Ariel grew more comfortable with her new life. She still had much to relearn, from walking steadily to forming full sentences. But with her family and the Pokémon surrounding her, there was no rush. Like she had decided long ago, she wasn’t going to chase goals hastily. She would enjoy the journey, one wobbly step and mispronounced word at a time.