Cloud hummed as he watched the others as they cleared the gym. They automatically talked about how easy it was for them. Lovely. He simply watched from afar as they talked about the Fighting Gym's easiness. Bellsprout glanced at him as he lowered his head, tiredness grasping him. This was only proving his point. He was nothing compared to them.

Oat actually noticed Cloud's stalemate with the gym. He had fallen asleep beside it, unwilling to do more than that. Meanwhile, Bellsprout was training by itself, slicing at a rock that was almost as big as it was. Oat went over and shook the smaller boy. He made no indication of waking up, but Bellsprout noticed and actually stopped training to wave him off.

"Easy..." Cloud slept through the two's little argument, only shifting to turn over. Oat finally sighed. "Fine. I'll leave you alone, but I'm coming to check later." Bellsprout huffed before going back to training.

~~~

In the morning, Oat spotted the smaller trainer eating a sandwich that looked rather sad. He also looked exhausted as he shuddered from whatever illness he caught from the rain. Oat went over as Bellsprout cheered him up, despite the fact that he looked miserable. Cloud almost blanked out when something warm wrapped around him. He looked up as Oat offered some soup.

"How about you have something a little better?" Cloud paused before he shook his head. But his eyes stayed locked onto the bowl. "Your eyes betray you. Here." Cloud sighed softly before taking the bowl. He gently sipped the soup as Oat studied him. The smaller boy was practically blending into the blanket he had given him, despite the fact that it was a dark blue and he wore gray and white clothes. Cloud gave the bowl back as he spoke. "Do you need help with something?" Cloud shook his head as he glanced at Bellsprout, who was stretching. He then gave the blanket back before getting up, going over to the Grass Pokemon as it cheered a bit.

~~~

Oat watched the battle, seeing Bellsprout take on most of the battle. Riolu tried to attack the dazed out Cloud, only to be met with vines throwing it back. After he got the badge, Oat met up with Bone as they watched him head towards Route 302, which Bone had already opened up.

"I'm worried about him."

"Yeah."