Pokemon: Skybound

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As they admired the scenery along the way, Kai shared stories with Chloe about the various Pokémon he had encountered during his journey.

Although Chloe had little experience with Pokémon before, she was very intelligent. Often, Kai would casually mention something, and she would firmly remember it.

Over time, she transitioned from being clueless about Pokémon to having a fair understanding.

The two continued walking leisurely until they reached the outskirts of Celadon City. Originally, they had planned to bypass the city and continue heading west, but they unexpectedly encountered someone familiar in the field just outside the city.

She was a beautiful young woman, probably eighteen or nineteen years old, with long, flowing brown hair and a graceful demeanour. Her traditional attire and quiet poise immediately caught Kai's attention, and from just her silhouette, he recognized her.

It was Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader!

At that moment, Erika was kneeling beside a flower bush with an Eevee by her side. She had a basket nearby and was carefully trimming the flowers with a pair of scissors and a small shovel.

As they approached, Eevee spotted Kai and Chloe and barked softly, eyeing them warily.

Erika turned toward the sound and was surprised to see them. Before she could say anything, Kai greeted her with equal surprise.

"Erika? What a coincidence! What brings you here?" Kai asked.

Erika stood gracefully, her eyes bright and warm. Her soft voice was as gentle as ever. "I'm gathering flowers to cultivate at the Gym. What about you? Where are you two heading?"

"Gathering flowers?" Kai echoed, slightly taken aback. Then he remembered: in addition to being the Celadon City Gym Leader and running a perfume shop, Erika was also an avid flower arranger.

"I'm heading to the Indigo Plateau to participate in the Pokémon League Conference," Kai explained with a smile, glancing at the delicate flowers in front of her. "I always thought the flowers in your shop were cultivated entirely by you. I didn't expect you to gather them from the wild, too."

Erika chuckled softly as she gently rearranged a bouquet. "Yes, it's that time of year again. I thought you might have taken a boat from Vermilion City instead."

She continued, "While greenhouse flowers are often more vibrant and symmetrical, I prefer wildflowers. Their natural resilience and unique fragrance make them special qualities cultivated flowers can't always replicate."

Erika then turned her attention to Chloe and smiled warmly. "And who might this lovely young lady be?"

Kai took a step back and gestured toward Chloe. "This is Chloe, the daughter of Professor Cerise from Vermilion City. She's still in school. Chloe, this is Erika. Don't let her youthful appearance fool you she's the Gym Leader of Celadon City."

Chloe greeted Erika with a polite bow. "Hello, Miss Erika. My name is Chloe."

Erika returned the bow, her elegance evident in every movement. "Hello, Chloe. You're very polite. Please, no need for formalities you can just call me Erika."

Chloe blushed slightly and nodded. Meanwhile, Eevee had begun playing with Chloe's Yamper, the two Pokémon barking excitedly as they dashed around.

Fortunately, Erika's Eevee wasn't shy and quickly warmed up to Yamper's enthusiastic energy.

Noticing the Eevee, Kai asked, "I haven't seen this Eevee before. Is it new?"

Erika nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Yes, I found this Eevee not long ago after a long search. Ever since I saw yours, I couldn't stop thinking about how wonderful Eevee is."

Kai glanced at the sky, noting the time. Erika followed his gaze and added, "It's already noon. Would you like to try some of my bento?"

"Bento?" Kai's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Did you make it yourself? Of course, I'd love to try it!"

Erika took out a neatly folded cloth from her basket, spread it over the grass, and carefully laid out a variety of small, delicately prepared dishes.

Each portion was beautifully arranged, demonstrating her precision and care.

Chloe couldn't help but comment, "Erika, you seem just like a lady from a prestigious family."

Erika smiled lightly. "You flatter me, Chloe. There's no need to call me Miss. Since you're Kai's companion, just call me Erika or even sister, if you like."

As she spoke, Erika took out a thermos. "Would you like some tea?" she asked Kai.

He nodded enthusiastically. Erika poured tea into the cups that Chloe and Kai had brought, and the three of them sat together, enjoying the meal Erika had prepared.

Kai took a sip of the tea. It was warm and fragrant, with a flavour that lingered pleasantly in his mouth. Though not a tea expert, he could tell it was green tea.

After tasting a delicate snack, he exclaimed, "This is delicious! Where did you buy it? Next time I'm in Celadon, I'll definitely get more!"

Erika chuckled softly. "I'm afraid you won't find these anywhere. I made them myself."

Chloe's eyes widened. "You made this yourself? It's so elegant I thought it was from a high-end shop. You're amazing, Erika!"

Chloe continued, her admiration clear. "Erika, you're so talented and beautiful. Whoever marries you someday is going to be very lucky!"

Erika laughed softly, her expression warm. "Thank you, Chloe. That's very kind of you."

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