Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Pokemon.

Character thoughts are italicized

After their adventure in Sunnytown, Nick and the others finally reached Celadon City. "We finally made it." Nick cried in joy of finally being able to earn his fifth badge.

"Hold on there." Samurai said, getting Nick's attention. "Do you even know where the gym is located?"

"Well, uh. Its somewhere in the city." Nick said, obviously having no idea.

The group then walked around the city, looking for the gym when a strange fragrance filled the air. "What is that?" Nick asked.

"It must be perfume. Its most likely coming from that store." Janine said, pointing in the direction of a beauty salon.

"While we're here, we should at least check it out." Ebony said. "I mean, it would be rude for us not to compliment them on this amazing fragrance."

"Amazing? This is the worst thing I've ever smelled in my life." Samurai said. "Trust me, when you spend most of your time in Viridian Forest, you smell some pretty nasty things. But compared to this, the Viridian Forest is nothing."

Unfortunately, while Samurai was talking, Janine and Ebony had already left. By the time Samurai noticed, the duo were already walking through the door to the salon.

"Hey, its okay if they didn't listen to you. While they waste time, we can at least look for the gym." Nick told his friend.

"I guess you're right. I just can't see why people like that junk." Samurai said as they walked down the street. After walking for ten minutes, the two guys came across a strange building. On the outside the building was circular with a roof that looked like a Gloom's head. "This is a strange design." He said as the duo walked inside. Once inside, they noticed that the whole building was filled with flowers and plants.

"Its like an indoor garden." Nick said in awe. "This building is huge. Much larger than what the outside shows." The duo walked up to the service desk and rung for help.

After a few minutes a secretary appeared. "Hi, can I help you at all?" She asked the two boys.

"Ya." Nick answered. "Do you know the way to the Celadon gym, you see, we're lost and I'm hoping to challenge the gym today." Nick explained.

The secretary couldn't help but to let out a small laugh. "Don't you boys know? This building is the Celadon gym." She explained. "Unfortunately, lady Erika is away until this afternoon. You see, outside of her gym duties she also runs a perfume business down the street that works with a beauty salon. She also spends time teaching at Celadon University."

"Wow, does she ever have time to herself?" Nick asked.

"Oh yes she does. So, about your gym match, does a battle starting at 3:00 pm work well for you. Lady Erika has a class today and it gets finished around 1:00 pm. This way she'll have some time off." The secretary said as she wrote this down in a book.

"Ya, that's perfect." Nick said. "Thank you for your help." Nick said as he walked to the door. "I'll be back for 3:00 pm for my match."

As they walked out of the building, Nick looked at the clock on the building. It read 11:15 am. "Well, we have some time to waste, what are you in the mood for?" He asked Samurai.

Without him answering, they both knew the answer by the sound of their stomachs. Both boys blushed from embarrassment and then laughed at themselves. "Well, I guess that settles it." Samurai said. "We haven't eaten all day because someone burnt breakfast." He said while looking at Nick.

"Hey, I said that I was sorry." Nick said while scratching the back of his head. "I lost track of time while reading. I thought that the eggs would take longer."

"Well, they didn't." Samurai responded as he pulled a map of the city from his pocket. "I grabbed this while you were talking inside. The map has every store and restaurant in this city listed." He said as he pointed at various places.

"Hey!" Nick yelled as he pointed at a restaurant. "This one says all you can eat."

"That sounds great, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of money left."

"Wait, there's something else written here." Nick said. "Come and enjoy our all you can eat 5 star buffet. While eating enjoy the view of the city alongside your pokemon for free on Tuesdays." Nick read, not finishing the sentence. "See, its for free today. You can't turn down free food, especially when it is a day that we cook."

Samurai thought about it. "I guess you're right. Even after Ebony tried to teach us, we still burn the food."

The duo walked off in the direction of the restaurant, only picturing the meal that would be waiting for them. They finally reached the restaurant and noticed a decent line going out the building. "I wonder what is going on here?" Samurai asked as they waited. Once they got to the register, the two ordered the buffet option, only to see a huge bill come along with it. "I thought it was free today." He said, upset.

"I'm sorry. Its only free on Tuesdays when you bring the type of pokemon native to the city's gym." The cashier explained.

"Wait. Don't bill us yet. We're pokemon trainers, maybe we have the types needed." Nick explained as he called out his six pokemon, followed by Samurai's three. "See, are any of these the correct type."

"I'm sorry, it doesn't look like you have any grass types." She said apologetically.

"Grass type. My Paras is a grass type." Samurai said, lifting his pokemon.

"I may not be a trainer, but I know Paras is a bug type."

Nick pulled out his pokedex and scanned Paras. "See, the pokedex says that Paras is part grass type." Nick said, pointing to the screen.

"Oh, you're right. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, please take any seat you want. But by now, you two just got the last available seat."

Just then, a new voice joined the conversation. "There's no more tables. You've got to be kidding." The voice said. The two friends and the cashier turned to see a woman with black hair that went down to her ears. She was wearing a kimono with flowers on it and a pair of sunglasses. "I only have 30 minutes for my lunch break and this was the only place that wasn't full."

"I'm sorry, but these two gentlemen just got the last table."

Nick and Samurai looked at each other and then at the lady. They felt bad for her and decided to help. "She can sit with us if she wants." Nick said.

"Oh, you'd help me out like this. Thank you." The lady said as she walked over to the two trainers.

"Hold on." The cashier said. "They ordered the buffet. Unless you have a grass type, you'll have to pay for your meal."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Where are my manners." She said as she opened a pokeball revealing an oddish. "This should be enough to cover as a grass type." She then recalled her pokemon and walked with the trainers to the last table. "I really am grateful for your kindness." She said, sitting down. "I work at the nearby Celadon University, and my lunch is only 30 minutes long."

"Its no problem. We're more than happy to help." Samurai said. "We only came here because Nick burnt our breakfast this morning."

"I said I was sorry." Nick said to Samurai. "You know, you try and read while cooking and he never lets you forget it."

This made the woman laugh. "So you enjoy learning, what is the harm in that. If you two would like, you could accompany me back to my classroom and watch the last 30 minutes of class."

Nick's eyes lit up just like a Christmas tree, but before he could answer Samurai cut him off. "We would love to see how Celadon University is, but we split up with a few friends earlier to do our own things. We should really try and find them after lunch. Thank you for the offer though."

"Oh your welcome. I was just looking for a way to repay you for your kindness. I understand that you have to find your friends, this is a rather large city."

The three then ate their meals in mostly silence. The only exception was the noise coming from Nick and Samurai as they were eating. After they finished the meal, the duo got up and began to leave before Nick stopped. "We hate to eat and run, but we don't want our friends to head across the city looking for us." He explained as they left.

"That was one of the best meals I've ever had." Samurai said as they walked out the door.

"I know." Nick agreed. "The last time I had something that good was during the Saffron tournament when Brock cooked for everyone.

"You know what the best part was?" Samurai asked. "It wasn't burnt." He said, answering his own question before running in the direction they had originally come from.

After running for a while they had reached the gym. "Its only 1:00 pm." Nick said, reading the clock.

"Where do you think the others are at?" Samurai asked.

"Probably that beauty salon." Nick said as he walked over to it.

After walking for a while, the duo reached the salon only to see that they were correct. Janigne and Ebony were still inside, talking to the employees there. Instead of heading inside, the duo sat down on a bench. "So, do you have a plan for the gym match?" Samurai asked, trying to pass the time.

"I know I'm using Charmeleon, but after that I really don't know." Nick admitted. "I think maybe Gastly."

"Well, the gym is grass type. So flying, bug, fire and ice type pokemon are all good choices."

Just then, Ebony and Janine finally left the salon. "Have you two been sitting here the whole time?" Janine asked.

"No, we left to go check out the city. We just got back here." Nick said. He then looked at the clock in the store's window and noticed it was already 2:00 pm. "I've got to get going, I'm going to be late." He said as he left for the gym.

"Why is he in a hurry?" Ebony asked Samurai.

"He's got an appointment for 3:00 pm. He just doesn't want to be late. Come on, I'll lead the way. He said, getting off the bench and walking towards the gym.

After walking, the group arrived at the Celadon gym. "Was his appointment a gym battle." Janine said teasingly.

"Ya, he's battling at 3:00 pm." Samurai explained. The group then walked inside, only to see Nick sitting around. Because of this, no one noticed that Ebony's mood had changed from earlier. "Where's the gym leader? Isn't the match starting in a little?"

Nick looked up "Ya, the leader called the gym to let me know they're running late. Whoever it is, should be hear soon."

Just then, someone walked through the doors. "I'm sorry I'm late. I was finishing some paperwork for my perfume." The person said. The person had black hair that went down to her ears and wore a kimono with flowers on it. The person seemed familiar, but Nick couldn't remember why. She then walked over to the group and recognized Nick and Samurai. "Hey, you're the two from the restaurant." Both looked at each other confused. They hadn't seen her at the restaurant. Seeing their confused looks, Erika put her sunglasses on. "Recognize me now." She said teasingly.

"Ya, you're that lady." Was all Nick could say.

"So Erika, you think you're good enough to just go out and eat at restaurants instead of training to become a stronger trainer!" Ebony yelled. "Knowing these two, it was probably a terrible restaurant."

"No, I know that I'll always have to work to grow stronger. But today, I went to have lunch at the Celadon Pasture." Erika replied.

Now Ebony turned towards Nick. "You went to the best restaurant in this city without Janine and myself." She yelled at Nick. "How could you even afford it?"

"Well, the meal was free because I had Paras with me." Samurai answered, but then wished he hadn't.

"Not only is it the best restaurant, but you're meal was free." She said. "Didn't you think to come and get us."

"There wasn't any time." The duo said.

Erika smirked. "Ebony, if I didn't know better, I would have thought you were jealous that I ate at a fancy restaurant with your friends."

Nick watched as the two were going at it. What has gotten into these two. Erika seems like a completely different person since Ebony spoke. He thought to himself. "I hate to interrupt, but I do have a gym match scheduled."

Erika turned around and faced Nick. "Oh that's right. I'm very sorry for forgetting. Now, who will your partner be?"

"Partner?" Nick repeated.

"Yes. You see, I spent a week giving a lecture in the Hoenn region. While there, I was introduced to double battles. It is where two trainers team up and battle two trainers. Since I returned to Kanto, every Tuesday has been double battles at the gym." She explained.

"I think I understand. Um, I guess my partner will be," he started before pausing to think. He looked at his three friends and was about to answer when he was cut off.

"I'm his partner." Ebony demanded. "This way, we can get this battle over with quickly so I can go eat for free at the Celadon Pasture." She said while glaring at Nick.

"Hey, it isn't our fault you two spent so long in that salon. Plus, who says you're my partner. I should pick who I want to battle with." Nick fought back.

Erika then laughed at the scene before her. "What's so funny?" Ebony asked.

"Oh nothing, I think its cute how you're the one who runs things in your relationship."

"My relationship?" Ebony replied.

"Ya, you know, you and Nick. You two make a good couple." Erika told the duo.

The two blushed at this, Ebony more than Nick. "What are you talking about. Nick and I aren't in a relationship." Ebony tried explaining.

"Keep denying it. You two argue like a married couple. Plus, unless you get sunburns indoors, your face is bright red." Erika said, egging her on.

"You think you know everything don't you. Well, you don't." Ebony said.

"Okay, let's just get this gym match going. You obviously haven't listened to my advice the last time you lost here." Erika said, leading everyone to the battlefield. The group walked through the doors to the battlefield and noticed that the field was just dirt. The surrounding area was filled with plants and flowers, just like the rest of the building. "The rules are simple. You each get one pokemon, I'll use two. Once both pokemon on one side are defeated, the battle is over.

"Hey Samurai," Janine began as she sat on a bench. "What advice do you think Erika gave to Ebony that got her this upset?"

"I have no idea." He responded. "Part of me wants to find out, and the other says don't ask. It isn't worth her attacking me." He said laughing

"Ready?" Erika asked, but not waiting for anyone to answer. "Weepinbell, Gloom." She said, tossing two pokeballs.

"You won't stop me this time. Charmeleon." Ebony said tossing her pokeball. "Nick, don't choose something weak. I can beat her by myself, but I don't want to be slowed down.

Nick just stared in disbelief. "This is my gym match. Who do you think you are telling me who to use." He said, growing upset at Ebony. "Beedrill, I choose you." He said tossing it's pokeball.

"You think they have any chance beating Erika, when all they've done is fight each other?" Samurai asked.

"If they learn to work together I don't see why they couldn't win. Besides, both Beedrill and Charmeleon are strong." Janine stated.

"The match between Nick and Ebony from Pallet Town and Lady Erika will now begin." The referee said.

Team:

Nick- 4 badges:

Eevee- swift, quick attack, dig, shadow ball

Beedrill- poison sting, fury attack, twinneedle, hyper beam

Kingler- water gun, crabhammer, stomp, mud shot

Chameleon- flamethrower, ember, dragon rage, metal claw

Gastly- night shade, mean look, hypnosis

Hitmonchan- mach punch, agility, comet punch

At Oak's:

Shellder

Samurai- league exam badge:

Pinsir- x-scissor, bulldoze, harden, revenge

Venonat- supersonic, tackle, foresight

Paras- energy ball, stun spore, fury cutter, slash

At home:

Butterfree- aerial ace, sleep powder

Ebony- ? Badges:

Chameleon- fire spin

Meowth- thunderbolt, fury swipes

Magneton- electro ball, thunder wave

Seel

Janine- league exam badge:

Venonat- psybeam

Zubat

Grimer