Author's note: Warning, the following chapter contains flashbacks of bullying and brief glimpses of ableism, Proceed with caution.

Right now, the four have arrived in Celadon City, the great metropolis renowned for its tall buildings, swarming crowds of people, and flower shops.

Pikachu soon smells something, "Pika!"

Brock soon catches the scent, along with Misty. "Something smells heavenly!"

"Is it baked goods?" Laoise asked hopefully.

Misty sniffed too. "Perfume."

Laoise immediately took a step back, looking alarmed.

Ash questioned. "Hey, what's going on?"

Brock soon followed the scent and walked off toward the right.

Ash called after him, "Wait, Brock! Where you going?!"

Laoise glanced left and right and she starts having a flashback.

In the center of the large, sunny office, the elementary school psychologist sat across from seven year old Laoise at one end of a table. In front of her, the lady was going through a few assorted papers and poster board signs, emitting a comforting swooshing sound as she did so. The plastic chairs in which they sat were not very comfortable though. Her mom and dad sat near her, against one wall in regular chairs. Why couldn't they have just set up the comfier chairs here too?

The lady finished sorting through the signs and papers in front of her on the table, one of which was a manila folder with her name and last name printed on its margin. After a series of tests, the psychologist began asking questions. "Laoise, what's your favorite game to play at recess?" she asked.

Laoise replied, "I like to play pretend or see what kinda pokèmon I can..."

"No, no. I meant a game you play outside in the schoolyard. It could be hopscotch or jump rope..."

"I don't like to play outside anymore." Laoise murmured, casting her gaze downwards.

This did not seem to sit well with the lady, nor the parents. "Don't you like playing with the other children?"

Laoise hesitated several seconds before responding. "Not anymore, they..." but she couldn't say it.

The school children didn't like Laoise because she wasn't into the exact same things as other children did. She didn't like much video-games or sports, and those she DID like, didn't appeal to the rest. By that, meaning the video-games Laoise enjoyed weren't brutal enough for her peers.

The lady studied Laoise, but did not say anything. But the suspicion in her eyes was clear.

Laoise is self-conscious, quiet, and reserved at school, often going through the entire day without saying more than a few words to anyone. Whereas at home, around familiar adults, Laoise is more relaxed, and her creative qualities are more evident.

Not long after, in the family van, the McGradys were headed home.

"I'm just saying if you give the other boys and girls a chance you might meet someone you like. It takes all kinds," Dave was saying.

From beside her in the back seat Taryn piped up, bouncing around enthusiastically. "I like lots of kids!"

Whereas Shae was solemn and aloof. "I don't always like the other kids either."

"Sweetie, it's a little hard for your father and me to keep taking time off from work to talk to the counselor. Why don't you meet us halfway and try talking to the other kids?" Hyacinth said.

Laoise slumped in her seat and mumbled, looking weary. Shae watched her baby sister closely, she had a sneaking suspicion from what Laoise had said - and what she didn't say.

Hyacinth prodded on. "Laoise, won't you try?"

Morosely, Laoise said, "I'm tired." She opened the car door and exited.

Once more, Dave and Hyacinth exchanged a look of concern as Taryn, still bouncing in the back seat, informed them, "I'm not tired!"

Shae elbowed her with a pointed look.

"What?" Taryn looked at her older sister.

The eldest McGrady sister had Taryn look at Laoise, and mouthed 'Something's up.'

But Laoise didn't want to think about that. She wanted to focus on the present and how she was going to get her next badge.

She wasn't big on too many perfumes in general. Laoise likes the smell from afar, but the vast increase in perfume can and most likely will overwhelm her nose.

So she stood at a distance to watch as Brock pressed his face up against a store window ogling salesgirls inside. Ash noticed Misty was gone and a distracted Brock had pointed inside.

Laoise took a step back. "Uhm, I tell you what I'll stay right here."

Ash pulled her arm. "Come on!"

The moment they stepped inside, the strong smell hit her in the face like a ton of bricks and she tried to breathe through your mouth as much as possible.

One of the salesgirls was with Misty and Pikachu. "This scent is one of our most popular. It's called, 'Daffodil Dream'."

The employee sprayed it and Misty smelled it.

Misty sniffed it, "It smells just like a garden."

"We're having a fragrance sale."

Misty asked, "How much does this one cost?"

"Don't buy it, Misty! Perfume's just a waste of money! And it stinks!" Ash stepped over.

Misty hissed, "Go away."

While Laoise's head was spinning. She wanted to leave but people were inadvertently blocking the exit and wouldn't move no matter how many times she asked.

Laoise glowered at Misty. "Easy for you to say, your nose isn't stuffed up! And FYI Not all sales are alike! Haven't you heard of the rash or reek rule? Reduced colognes and perfumes either give you a rash or make you reek."

The Salesgirl was indignant and looked ready to tell off Ash and Laoise.

"I resent that remark!"

Soon, a woman dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono appeared.

"It's the manager!" gasped the salesgirl.

"Young man, are you accusing me of overcharging my customers for inferior perfume?!"

Ash replied, "No, ma'am. I meant all perfumes are a ripoff cause all they do is turn guys into zombies. Like this!" he pulled Brock in.

Brock was practically drooling, "Hi. What's your name?"

The woman just smiled until she spun around on Ash.

"P for pretty, E for elegant, R for radiant, F for fun, U for urbane, M for mysterious, E for energy, and that spells..."

Misty added haughtily. "Perfume!"

Brock chimed in trying to look good in front of many women. "Right!"

Pikachu nodded, wanting to enjoy more scents, "Pika!"

"I don't need that smelly junk to give me energy! I'm full of it! I got tons more energy than I know what to do with!" Ash responded.

"Why don't you use some of it to keep your mouth shut?" Misty retorted arrogantly.

Laoise was feeling nauseous with a growing headache. "I have a question. You think our demographic can really be addressed by College graduates telling us what smells good enough to buy?"

"You're a girl, you're supposed to like perfumes too!" Misty sneered.

Laoise tried to breathe through her mouth, "You're just sweetening their ears, I can't think enough as it is!"

One of the salesgirls whispered, "Do you know this girl?"

Misty and Brock exchanged glances then quickly replied. "No."

Laoise felt as though she'd been punched in the gut even as she looked very, very green around the gills.

"If you object to our products so much, perhaps you should leave. Since we all sell perfume here, you must find us offensive." The manager looked down her nose at Ash particularly.

"You should be ashamed of yourself!" One of the salesgirls rebuked.

Another spat. "You insensitive little worm!"

Ash was taken aback by everyone ganging up on him, "What'd I say?"

Laoise was holding her head. "Leave him alone! Let's just go, Ash, this isn't a professional setting if these women get so easily offended over differing opinions."

Her critiques struck too close to home. Memories of bullying rose like bile, of letting injustice slide to appease others. Never again.

Now her body was reaching it's withstanding limit, "I think I'm going to be sick."

"Um, cant you hold it in?" Now it was Ash's turn to look uncomfortable.

"I can't!" Laoise barely finished.

She was so overwhelmed with the unfair treatment and with all the smells. And she just threw up. Cue vomit discretion shot.

No one else inside but Ash checked to see if Laoise was alright, they all thought she got sick on purpose to humiliate the perfume store.

One of employees kicked both Ash and Laoise out. "Get out both of you! And don't come back!"

Ash snapped "I don't wanna come back! We're going to the Celadon City gym!"

Much like many autistic people one can become overwhelmed by smells just like you can with sounds, touch, or any other sense. Laoise was starting to feel a little better as she and Ash walked.

Finding the Celadon city gym wasn't that hard, it was a large building with the roof in the shape of the flower with spherical petals like a Gloom would have. However, the trainers which was composed of all women each in safari or camper uniforms kept them both from entering.

Ash protested indignantly, "What do you mean I can't come in?! I'm trying to become a Pokémon master!"

A woman with blue hair wearing a camper's uniform had her arms folded, "I wouldn't let you in if you were the last Pokémon trainer on Earth!"

"Why?" Laoise questioned. "Ash didn't hurt anyone or anything and neither did I."

The women glowered at Laoise, "This gym doesn't allow anyone inside who says that perfumes are a stinky ripoff! Let alone people who don't appreciate it."

Ash snapped, "Why not?!

One of the woman a cheery lady with curly brown hair said in his ear: "We manufacture that 'stinky perfume' right here in this gym."

Ash visibly sweat-dropped. "Uh oh." He may have made a mistake.

"So, you see, young man..." the blue haired stamped an X on Ash's face. "You're the stinker!"

"But don't you understand?! I have to challenge your gym master so I can win a badge! You've gotta let me in!" Ash wailed.

However, the receptionist refused and did the Akanbe expression.

"Pretty please, with a cherry on top?" Ash pleaded.

Laoise was greatly irritated. "Not so fast, you two-faced pox!" Laoise stomped right up to the glass doors, "Your gym leader is supposed accept ALL challenges from every trainer whether they're regular people or not! If you don't, it's prescription!"

The woman at the door dismissed her words, "The word is 'discrimination', and I see nothing wrong with YOU!"

"Grrr! That's it, I'm done!" Laoise snapped, stomping off.

"Where you going, you want a badge don't you?" Ash called out to her.

"I'm NOT going to beg those narrow-minded hussies to let me in! I'll see you at the pokèmon center later!" Laoise replied, her hands in fists.

At that moment, Hyacinth McGrady called the Celadon gym to ask if her daughter arrived yet. The cheerful curly haired lady answered the phone first.

"No. I don't think so. Please hold for a moment." The lady replied cordially then addressed her coworkers. "It's some woman on the phone asking for her daughter Laoise McGrady? Do we know a Laoise?"

The woman who'd refused entry to Ash and Laoise also shook her head in confusion. "Doubt it."

All the other women were just as perplexed and shook their heads too.

The curly haired woman went back to the phone. "She's supposed to be… what's that? I'm afraid not our gym leader isn't back yet from her shift. Alright, we'll let you know, goodbye." then she addressed her coworkers again, "The lady said her daughter had Asperger's syndrome, and that she should have arrived to the gym or the Pokémon center by now. It's nice to see a parent caring for their daughter's well-being."

"Oh that's right, the Pokémon agency informed us months earlier about a new trainer that's neurodivergent." The blue-haired woman recalled now with a nod.

"I'm sure her daughter probably wanted to stop at the Pokémon center before reaching the gym." One of the women speculated.

At that moment a red alarm button went off alerting them of intruders.

For Team Rocket sets up a ladder to sneak into the Gym and steal the perfume formula. While exploring the greenhouse, Jessie runs into a Gloom. James waves at Gloom's face, waking it up. James sends out his Koffing to unleash Poison Gas, but Gloom is unaffected by the attack, breathing it as if it were fresh air. Gloom responds by releasing its stench, the putrid smell instantly knocking out Team Rocket.

Meowth is unaffected since he does not have a nose, but the Trainers knock Meowth out with a hammer before planting red cross marks on all three of them, taking them outside and suspending them from a tree branch.

Laoise strode towards the Pokémon Center, trembling and furiously wiping her eyes with her hoodie sleeves. People said betrayal is awful but never that it would hurt this much.

Especially not since, and an unhappy memory flooded through.

Laoise was eight at the time, and she made, well thought she made some friends and one night they invited her to a slumber party.

Happily that afternoon she skipped over to the girl Hildegard 'Hilly' Larson's house but unknowingly walked into a trap.

The "slumber party" turned out to be a cruel prank courtesy of those three girls Hilly Larson, Bree Gensler and Mary-Lou Wilkes.

First the lights int he living room were turned off. Laoise could hardly see, it was so dark. The darkness was scary. Big and scary, unsure of what'll happen next.

Then young Laoise was roughly pushed to the floor and is held down by the two girls. All of them glared at her.

"No, no! What did I do wrong?! No, please! Tell me! What did I do wrong?!" The worst part is poor little Laoise's confusion. She never saw the bullying coming, pleaded to know what she did wrong on the verge of tears.

"If you thought we would ever be friends with a stupid screwball like you, you're even dumber than you look!" Hilly snorted.

The other girls shouted all kinds of things, insulting Laoise's intelligence, her preference for Art and other subjects, everything. Finally Laoise broke free, ran out of the building, terrified. The others laughed cruelly.

Being back in school didn't help either. Bree got the idea to charge into Laoise as she walked the hallways. The other girls followed suit. Wherever was between classes, a girl would body slam her, knocking Laoise's books, and sometimes Laoise, to the ground. If someone was watching, they'd pretend it was an accident.

Laoise had tried to shrug it off the first few days, but by the end of the week, Laoise ended up with a lot of bruises, missing papers, and an uncanny ability to predict when the bells would ring. There was no teacher in the hallways to see.

She didn't tell her family what happened that night until her two older sisters, intellectual Shae and bubbly Taryn coaxed it out of her. Shocked, Shae told their parents.

Dave became so angry to the point that he caused a blood vessel to burst in both his eyes. Hyacinth also went on the warpath

Finding out that the bullying girls' parents were big sports fans, as well as the booster club made up of businessmen who endorse the Bluebell Hollows sports team (football and cheer-leading). An association of unreasonable and rather foolish people who took offense with Laoise's many differences.

Laoise walked right into the Pokémon Center, it was half empty but Nurse Joy was more than welcoming. And she was quite understanding when Laoise asked about proper nutrition and supplements for Belle the Vulpix kit and her mother, Oriana the Ninetales.

Once she sat down, Laoise let out some of her Pokémon. Storm the pikachu, Tricky the Gengar and Leafy the Oddish.

Eventually, the tears slowed down enough for Laoise's vision to clear up. She saw her Pokémon giving concerned looks. They waited with her to speak, if only to offer moral support.

"Wait, you're supposed to be that Neurodivergent trainer." Nurse Joy guessed.

"I am." Laoise sighed.

"Your mother had just called the gym and they said you went there."

"Ugh! On top of rude, they're also liars!"

Nurse Joy blinked in surprise. "What?"

"I'd just been to the gym…" Laoise began to explain.

The Nurse Joy there listens patiently.

"You're allergic and they refused to hear you out?" Nurse Joy was aghast.

Laoise explained, "It's not that, I do like soft perfumes. But there was too much of the strong ones all at once, and they overwhelmed me. I get repeated headaches and nausea but the ladies there and my f- those two, just thought I was being rude on purpose."

"And the ones in the gym wouldn't let you two explain? The rules are that they're not supposed to turn away trainers regardless of personal opinion." Nurse Joy frowned.

Laoise slumped with a scowl. "These ones did."

"Hmmm, perhaps you should talk this out with your parents, your mother had already called the gym and hoped you'd reach the pokèmon center." Nurse Joy then directed her to a video phone. "Hello Mrs. McGrady, I think I may have found your little girl."

"Oh hello Bunny boo! I'm so glad you made it to the city." Hyacinth McGrady greeted her youngest daughter, relieved to have reached her at last. "Taryn's at a friend's house, Shae has gone with your father HopHopHop town for a franchising conference, so you might run into them soon."

"There's something troubling me, Mom, but I dunno if it will help."

"Bunny boo, it's Mama. Tell me everything that happened from the beginning," said Hyacinth in a calm yet concerned tone from the videophone.

Laoise took a deep breath and recounted her day - visiting the perfume shop, struggling with the overwhelming scents, becoming ill, and the insensitive reactions from employees and 'friends' alike. She hesitated, fearing it might upset her mother, but Hyacinth simply listened with care and understanding.

"When Ash and I went to the gym, we were turned away too because of what happened earlier. They lied when you called, Mom. It just wasn't fair!" Laoise's voice cracked with frustration.

Hyacinth nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing. "I see. You've had a very difficult time of it, darling. But leaving it there will change nothing. Nurse Joy, can you give me forty five minute tops? I'm going to have to make a quick call."

"Of course." Nurse Joy nodded, sending the number to the Celadon gym.

"Sit tight dear, you and pokèmon get yourselves a snack while you wait. Hopefully this won't take long." Hyacinth reassured Laoise.

"But won't that make things worse?" Laoise asked.

"That doesn't matter." Nuse Joy said firmly. "The gym may produce the perfume they sell, but that's no excuse to ban someone who doesn't care for it. From what you've told me, your friend is a simple a 10-year-old boy who spoke his mind. Whereas they're adults, except they're acting like they're spiteful mean girl cliques that exclude anyone who doesn't agree with them."

Meanwhile Ash runs into Team Rocket tied up in the tree. James asks Ash to free them, but Jessie refuses at first and taunts Ash for not getting into the Gym. Jessie offers to help Ash get inside the Gym if he releases them. Though reluctant at first, Ash does not want to pass up the opportunity to get the Badge. They go to the department store and Team Rocket dresses Ash up in a dress and blonde wig. Ash speaks about wanting to get back at the Trainers, but Team Rocket subtly points out that Ash needs to change his voice. Ash coughs and speaks again in a high-pitched voice, setting up his disguise.

At the same time, Laoise's mother has gone from "concerned mother" to "pit-bull lawyer".

Hyacinth called the Celadon Gym, speaking politely yet firmly when an employee from the perfumr store answered. "This is Hyacinth McGrady. I believe you've mistreated my daughter and her friend today in ways no proper leader or business should. We need to have a talk about fairness, compassion and disability rights and how you can do better."

The receptionist was taken aback, "No ma'am... I tried... No ma'am..."

Right at that moment, Erika the gym leader (who was also the store manager from before) arrived accompanied by many of the same salesgirls with Brock, Misty and Pikachu in tow.

"Posey, Who is it?" Erika questioned

"Some lawyer woman from the Bluebell hollows..."

The moment they heard 'lawyer' and 'Bluebell hollows', Misty and Brock blanched, Pikachu tensed with a sweat drop.

"Please don't be Laoise's mother…." Misty mumbled nervously.

"...claims she's the mother of a trainer on the spectrum called Laoise McGrady. "

It is.

"Give it here... " Erika said calmly.

The frazzled receptionist handed the phone to Erica, "Ma'am, I'm not so sure your…"

"Well, then, do you think it's your place to deny entry to an underage challenger just because he doesn't share your viewpoint on perfume?"

"Madam we produce that very same perfume in this gym I don't see why we have to put up-"

However, Hyacinth's next words made Erika nervous.

Hyacinth's voice coolly said. "I was under the impression that all gym leaders are to accept challenges under Pokémon League rules regardless."

"They are."

"All right then, let me make sure I have this straight." Hyacinth recounted sternly, "Your overzealous underlings deliberately banned both my daughter and her companion, Ash, from the gym, just because the boy happened to criticize your products? Need I remind you not everyone can wear perfume pragmatically speaking?"

"Yes, yes Ma'am I understand. But we produce-"

Hyacinth wasn't done. "You DO know it is common for a person with autism to experience heightened sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, and smells, don't you? And if it's true that people HAVE TO like perfume before you're allowed entry into the Gym, it sounds like you deny quite a few challenges, Erika. This screams deliberate retaliatory behavior."

"This was supposed to be our first neurodivergent trainer visiting...? Had I but known."

"Ms. Erika, are you familiar with the phrase 'violation of civil liberties'? And the phrase 'big fat lawsuit'?!" Hyacinth snarled.

It's true Erika was to accept all challenges, so it's possible that the women at the door were acting on their own agenda.

Beside her, Misty and Brock fidgeted. And if Pikachu were wearing a T-shirt, he'd be tugging at the collar nervously too. They cared for Laoise yet failed her today through careless words in their haste to defend perfume.

"I cannot condone turning anyone away due to personal matters," Erika continued, the weight of what had happened sinking in. "Please accept my apology on behalf of my employees. Might Laoise and her companion come battle me still? Alright, thank you."

After a much awkward conversation, Erica hung up. She turned with a pale face to everyone watching. "Which gym employees – some terribly misguided ones, took it upon themselves to turn away two trainers, one which was supposed to be the very first neurodivergent pokèmon trainer in the Pokémon League of this year?"

The receptionist and twelve other girls reluctantly raised their hands.

"Coriander. Acacia. Pansy. Begonia..."

A tense hush fell over the gathered crowd. Guilt and shame washed over the offending employees as the severity of their actions sunk in.

Erika sighed deeply. "While our intentions were not ill, only the outcomes matter. Through our indifference, we caused great harm." She faced the employees. "You all will undertake intensive inclusion training, funded from our profits. And going forward, we strive to accommodate all. Who will join me in this commitment?"

After some hesitance, hands raised in solidarity. Change begins with facing truths, however bitter.

Erika smiled. "Excellent. Prepare to welcome our guests - with open hearts and minds, as all people deserve."

So it was two sour perfume store underlings, who were to fetch Laoise from the Pokémon center.

"So now what?" the blonde salesgirl moped as they walked.

"We bring the girl to the gym, then we try to live with our sorry selves and never do anything like this again." sighed the purple haired salesgirl.

Finally they reached the Pokémon Center... and found themselves staring down a scowling female Pikachu and a Gengar smirking mischievously.

"At ease you two," Laoise came up. "They're here to escort me to the gym." she said this flatly.

Storm hops onto Laoise's shoulder and lovingly nuzzles her, then glares at the two salesgirls again. Tricky sneakily does the "I'm watching you" gesture.

"Now I expect, no tricks, no retaliatory behavior, no trouble." Nurse Joy said.

"Yes ma'am." Laoise said.

"I didn't mean just you." Nurse Joy clarified, giving the two salesgirls a look.

Laoise recalls her pokèmon telling them to be ready.

Erika led Laoise past the front desk, stopping before a pair of double doors. She opened them to reveal a vast greenhouse. Multiple flower beds spread out across the ground, filled with beautiful flowers. Tall hedges lined all walls not occupied by windows. Flower-covered archways marked a path weaving through the trees.

The vast number of plants was astonishing, but the number of plant type Pokémon living amongst them was better.

A trainer is helping an Exeggcute, a Bellsprout, and an Oddish exercise while another is tending to a Gloom, a Weepinbell, and a Vileplume.

Erika tells a story about an Omanyte to her group of trainers with Brock, Misty and Pikachu. Laoise warily sat a little away apart from them, but let out Leafy so that the Oddish can enjoy the greenhouse.

Nearly an hour later , Team Rocket dress up as Ash's parents and go to the Gym to enroll Ash in the Pokémon training classes under the name Ashley. Ash notices that the girl registering him into the class is one of the salesgirls from the store, but the disguise holds and he is successfully admitted.

Team Rocket runs off to find the secret perfume formula while Ash unintentionally distracts the Trainers. Meowth, hiding under James's disguise, pulls out a blaster ball, asking what to do with it, and Jessie orders Meowth to plant it.

Ash entered the greenhouse and finds Pikachu, Misty and Brock in the group. Laoise sat at the near end with Leafy, deliberately ignoring Brock and Misty.

"I'd like to introduce our new student." the receptionist said.

Erika greeted, "Oh, welcome."

Ash is shocked that Erika is not only the Gym Leader, but she is also the store manager from before.

"Nice to meet you."

Ash squeaked in the false voice. "Thank you, ma'am."

Laoise looked over, she recognized Ash and tried to keep a straight face. She guessed he must've come in disguised as a girl to get inside the gym.

But she held her tongue, she didn't want to blow Ash's cover.

Brock greeted the 'new girl' obliviously. "You sure are a shy young lady, but don't worry, all the girls want to make you feel at home here at the gym."

Laoise rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I'll bet. So long as you sweeten their ears." she mumbled.

No one heard her comment. They were all busy greeting the newcomer.

Misty then raised her hand, "May I ask you a question?"

Erika acquiesced. "Of course you may, Misty."

"I was wondering why we can all sit with Gloom. I always thought that because of its terrible smell, it was almost impossible to get anywhere near Gloom. So how come this Gloom doesn't smell bad to me at all?" Misty questioned.

"That's a very smart question, Misty." Erika went over to her Gloom, "Gloom doesn't have a bad smell all the time. Whenever Gloom is in danger, it lets out the bad smell. It's a natural defense mechanism. But as long as Gloom doesn't feel threatened, it smells just fine. Just make sure Gloom feels safe and show you want to be its friend."

"How do you know all that?"

"I met Gloom a long time ago."

Erika recounted that she first met Gloom, her first Pokémon and motivation to become a Grass-type Gym Leader, when she was a child after she ran into a wild Grimer. Gloom came to her defense and used its stench to send Grimer scurrying.

"This is the same Gloom that rescued me from Grimer that day. We've been friends ever since." Erika confirmed.

"It's all because of her friendship with Gloom that Erika decided to become a grass Pokémon trainer." the receptionist said.

Misty said, "I wish Ash could've heard that story."

"I heard it." Ash inadvertently blurted out.

Everyone is shocked to hear Ash's voice come from "Ashley".

Ash quickly disguised his voice. "Please don't stare at me like that! I'm a very shy little girl!"

Misty glared suspiciously, "You look oddly familiar. Haven't we met somewhere before?"

"Maybe you met my sister."

Pikachu walked right up to Ash, and looked right through his disguise. "Pika Pi!"

"Hey, knock it off." Ash mumbled.

Irritated, Pikachu thunder-shocked Ash, destroying part of his disguise and revealing his identity.

"It's Ash!" Brock and Misty gasped.

"Yeah, it's me."

Erika was momentarily stunned, "You're that boy."

"Erika, you wouldn't let me in, so I wore this stupid disguise! I had to sneak into your gym so I could battle you for a badge. And now, I want to challenge you!" Ash declared.

"It's true the blue-haired lady refused entry to him and to me when we first arrived." Laoise said.

"Well, if it's a battle you both want, then it's a battle you'll have." Erika said.

"You mind if I battle first?" Laoise asked. She already knew just the Pokémon to use.

Erika agreed, "I don't mind at all. It'll give Ash some time to change clothes."

Meanwhile, Team Rocket breaks into the safe holding the perfume.

Minutes later, on the battlefield, the lights come up Laoise takes her place for her battle.

Erika said, "As I said, I accept your and Ash's challenge. It's my duty under the League rules - your mother was right in that regard. We'll each use three Pokémon."

"Done." Laoise replied grimly.

"The Gym battle between the challenger, Laoise, and the Gym Leader, Erika, will now begin. The Trainers will each use three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when all three on either side are unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed to substitute their Pokémon."

"Then let's get started. Tangela, go!"

Tangela materialized, Laoise analyzed it with Dixie, her pokédex. "Tangela, the Vine Pokémon. Tangela can ensnare and entangle anything that moves too close to it with its vines. The vines constantly jiggle and sway, unnerving enemies and causing a tickling sensation if ensnared. Tangela's vines will snap off easily and painlessly if the target pulls on them, so it can quickly escape. Tangela can usually be found in temperate grasslands."

"I've got just the opponent for you." Laoise smirked. "Tricky, iiits showtime!"

Tricky emerged with a cackle, licking his ghostly chops in anticipation. "Gengarrr!"

"Tangela, use Vine Whip!" Erika commanded. Tangela's vines lashed out.

"Dodge and use Shadow Punch!" cried Laoise. Tricky vanished into thin air, reforming behind Tangela to land a spectral uppercut.

Tangela staggered but remained standing. "Let's try Bind this time." Its vines wrapped tight around Tricky.

"Tricky use Curse!" said Laoise. Tricky howled a haunting curse, dark essence rising from his body.

Tangela's vines weakened, allowing Tricky to slip free. "Now finish with Shadow Ball!" The orb struck true, defeating Tangela.

"Well done Tricky!" Laoise cheered. Tricky grinned, revelling in mischief well done.

"Your Gengar is formidable," said Erika, recalling Tangela. "But how will it fare against Parasect? Go!"

The mushroom Pokémon materialized, ready to spore.

Laoise knew Tricky's curse took its toll - it was time to change tactics! "Return Tricky, you've earned a rest." Now was the time to show what's she had up her sleeve. "Belle, let's go!"

And she threw the next pokéball.

Out of it appeared the Vulpix kit she'd caught, surprised but ready for action.

"Belle, huh? What a cutie," said Erika with a smile. "But can her charm match Parasect's power? Fury Cutter, let's go!"

Parasect charged with razors aglow, slashing at Belle with mounting strength.

"Dodge and use Swift!" cried Laoise. Belle nimbly evaded the blows and fired a volley of glowing stars.

Though hit, Parasect remained strong. Erika nodded appreciatively. "Your Vulpix has skill. But how will she fare against Spore?"

Clouds of sleeping powder burst from Parasect's cap. Laoise thought fast. "Belle, use Baby-Doll Eyes and then follow with Incinerate!"

Belle's eyes shone with an irresistible cuteness, distracting Parasect just long enough for her to unleash a torrent of flames, burning away the spores.

"Incredible!" said Erika. "That was cleverly done. But can Belle overcome my next Pokémon?"

"When did she catch that?!" Misty said enviously looking at Belle.

Ash, who'd finished changing his clothes pulled out Dexter to identify it, "Inside Vulpix's body burns a flame that never goes out. During the daytime, when the temperatures rise, this Pokémon releases flames from its mouth to prevent its body from growing too hot."

"It must've been the pokèmon she'd caught before we got to Celadon city." mused Brock. "But Laoise she caught two pokèmon."

"So what's the second one?" wondered Ash.

"Your Pokémon handling skills are amazing. But this match is far from over!" Erika pulled out another Pokéball. "Go!"

Gloom materialized.

"I knew she'd choose Gloom. Belle, return." Laoise recalled her Vulpix, "You were amazing, thanks, now take a nice rest."

She pulled out her next pokeball. "Guess this one's a good a time as any. Time for your debut, Oriana!"

The mother Ninetales materialized, taking a fighting stance.

"A Ninetales already, what an impressive team you've built," said Erika admiringly. "But my dear Gloom has withstood many challenges. Let's see how you fare against Petal Dance!"

A whirlwind of pink petals engulfed the field. "Oriana, use Fire Spin to blow them back!" cried Laoise. Oriana unleashed spiraling flames, dissolving the petals and pushing Gloom back on its heels.

"Gloom is part Grass, don't let up! Nightshade!" shouted Laoise.

Oriana's glowed and she launched a dark purple energy, scoring a direct hit.

Gloom staggered but didn't fall. "Gloom is tougher than it looks. Growth!" said Erika. Gloom glowed with surging power.

"Oriana watch out, it's powering up fast! Counter with Flamethrower!" But Gloom evaded, charging in for a Leech Seed that sapped Oriana's strength.

Laoise gasped - this would be a close one! "Oriana, hang in there! Give it all you've got, Fire Blast!"

Oriana roared, unleashing a massive flaming 'X' that engulfed the entire field. When the inferno died, Gloom lay swirly-eyed, defeated at last.

"You won!" cheered Laoise, hugging her Ninetales. She took extra care not to step on the tails.

Erika smiled and recalled Gloom. "Your dedication to your Pokémon is clear. Well battled - you've more than earned this Rainbow Badge!"

"Why, thank you Erika." Laoise smiled, taking the badge. It was in the shape of a flower with different colored petals.

She made her way to the stands, ignoring Misty and Brock's congratulations and instead she addressed Ash.

"Ok, Ash. You're next once Erika's Pokémon heal." said Laoise.

Ash nodded, "Right. And just like you, I'm gonna win!"

Later, with Erika's Pokémon all healed up, Ash's gym battle began.

"Just like with Laoise, we'll each use three Pokémon!"

Ash agreed. "Right! I'll use my own grass Pokémon against yours! Bulbasaur, I choose you!"

Ash sends out Bulbasaur while Erika sends out Tangela, which prompts Ash to check his Pokédex. Bulbasaur attacks with Vine Whip, but Tangela uses Constrict to pull Bulbasaur closer before following up with Stun Spore, paralyzing Bulbasaur. Ash recalls Bulbasaur and Erika offers to treat it with a Paralyze Heal, but he refuses. He briefly considers using Primeape, but knowing from experience how unruly the Pig Monkey Pokémon is, he changes his mind and sends out Charmander instead. Erika sends out Weepinbell and opens with a Razor Leaf attack. Charmander uses Flamethrower to stop the attack and send it back as fireballs. Charmander follows it up with a Skull Bash to knock out Weepinbell.

"Your battle skills are impressive, Ash. But there's one thing you don't have, empathy with your Pokémon." Erika jeered. "Without it, you'll never become a great Pokémon trainer like me. Now I'm gonna give you a lesson in empathy! Gloom, go!"

Laoise pursed her lips if Erika truly all about empathy, she'd express it back in the store regardless even with Ash's brash attitude. She'd have just sent him on his way to the gym knowing she I can't force him to enjoy perfume.
However, she went back to watching the battle.

Gloom released its stench and upon smelling it, poor Charmander jumps into the air, holding his nose in disgust before fainting. Ash tries to decide on his next Pokémon, but Pikachu steps forward and offers to battle. Ash is not optimistic, but Pikachu is confident that he will win.

Jessie's voice remarked. "Heartwarming, but what's that smell?"

"What?"

"Your Pokémon skills are stinking up this gym even worse than Gloom."

Everyone got to their feet.

"It's Team Rocket!" Misty glared.

Team Rocket began their usual motto but had to stop halfway through.

"And last, but not least, to blast this dump sky high!" Meowth said holding the detonator.

He pushed the detonator pump to set off the Blaster Ball, which is right below Jessie and James within the battlefield and Team Rocket blasted off due to the explosion.

James grabbed Meowth furiously, "Where did you put that Blast Ball?!"

Meowth responded, "Where I thought you'd lose it!"

"At least we get this lovely parting gift! Their secret perfume formula!" Jessie grinned as they blasted off.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

However, the resulting explosion from the Blast Ball had sets the gym ablaze.

"Quick, girls! We've got to rescue all the Pokémon! Fast!"

"And we have to get people out of here, too! "

A trainer spots a frightened Oddish and Bellsprout. "Quick now! Get into the Pokéballs and I'll carry you both to safety!"

The trainers at the gym gather up all the Pokémon they can, and our heroes helped with the evacuation.

Once outside, everyone tried their hardest to save the gym from burning down.

'I should have never listened to Team Rocket!' Ash couldn't help but feel partially responsible.

Misty snapped him out of it, "Don't just stand around, Ash! Help us to put out the fire before this whole gym is burned to the ground!"

"Yeah! Right! Squirtle! Water Gun!"

Misty got out her pokèmon, "Staryu, Starmie, help us out, now!"

"You too Idril!" Laoise called.

Brock sent out his Geodude, "Geodude! Throw as much dirt as you can on the flames!"

Geodude hovered above the fire and pours dirt on the roof. Erika soon comes running up, looking around in a worried way.

Misty asked, "Erika, what's the matter?"

"You look like you lost something."

Erika replied, "I've looked and looked, but I can't find Gloom anywhere!"

Ash questioned, "Did Gloom get out?"

"What if Gloom? What if Gloom is still inside!" Erika was horrified. She tried to rush in to get Gloom, but Misty stops her.

Misty: "You can't go in there, Erika! "

But Gloom may be trapped inside

"I'll go in and find Gloom!" Ash ran toward the burning gym.

"Don't, Ash!"

"Ash, no!" Laoise cried.

Inside the burning gym, Ash finds Gloom trembling and terrified, but as he approaches, Gloom releases its smell. The ceiling begins to cave in around Gloom. Ash tooks a chance and holds his breath as he rushes into the room. He gets up to Gloom, but can no longer hold his breath as he takes a breath. However, he finds no smell, as Gloom knows that it will be safe.

Outside, the others and Erika worry, would they make it? If nothing happened soon, Laoise intended to go in after them with her own water types.

Just then Misty gasped. Ash returned with Gloom in his arms, bringing a sigh of relief to everyone.

"Thank the Maker!" Laoise said.

When morning comes, the gym is still standing, albeit damaged. But it could be repaired.

"With deep gratitude, I present you with this Rainbow badge." Erika held out the badge to Ash.

"What's that for?" Ash questioned.

"I have to agree. The battle was never finished." Laoise pointed out.

Erika replied, "I think you earned it. Don't you, Gloom?"

Gloom agreed, "Gloom Gloom!"

Ash took it, "Thanks a lot!"

"So pure nerve and true courage was all that you needed to earn your fifth badge." Laoise guessed.

Ash held his new badge to Pikachu, "Take a look, Pikachu! A Rainbow badge!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

"Gloom Gloom!"

"Now with the Rainbow badge, we've only got three more badges to go before we can enter the Pokémon League!" Laoise declared.

Ash then remembered, "But what about Team Rocket? They got away with your secret perfume formula."

Erika laughed "No they didn't! The bottle they stole has only one of our perfume's secret ingredients. Essence of Gloom!"

"Ahem. Well, it's off to the next town or city for us." Laoise said, "Our next gym battle awaits!"

So the gang made their way out of Celadon city. Ash is eager reach the next gym as is Laoise. Nevertheless, she walks right by Misty and Brock.

This time Ash and Pikachu both sigh wearily.

They Laoise was still resentful about the perfume shop incident, but they got a long trip ahead of them. All it would take was time.

Maybe another adventure or two to clear the air.

To be continued…

Author's note: Yeah, Pokémon Scent-sation was not one of my favorite episodes as you might have guessed. Not everyone has to like perfume regardless.

No one ever pointed the blatant conflict of interests or the possibility of the gym being shut down by the Pokémon Agency for discrimination if the store employees and those trainers if they were to turn away someone who was allergic or had sensory issues.