Ashley adjusted the straps of her backpack, the warm afternoon sun trailing down on her shoulders as she made her way onto the Cycling Road. The wind carried the faint scent of salt from the ocean, mingling with the earthy smell of the tall grass lining the route. Her boots crunched against the dirt path as she walked beside Venus, her Eevee trotting lightly at her side, and Vulcan, her Growlithe, who sniffed every blade of grass like it held the secrets of the universe.

Venus let out a soft chirp, her fluffy tail swishing as she jumped onto a low rock and perched there like a queen surveying her kingdom. Ashley smirked and reached out to ruffle her fur. "You're really feeling yourself after that contest win, huh? Not that I blame you. You were amazing out there."

Venus purred and lifted her nose proudly. Vulcan huffed, looking unimpressed, and nudged Ashley's leg with his head as if to remind her that he'd been the one to help her survive ninja training, not prance around in ribbons.

"Don't give me that look," Ashley said, crouching to scratch behind his ears. "Venus can be the beauty queen, and you can be my knight in furry armor."

Vulcan barked, satisfied with the answer, and padded forward with his nose low to the ground again. Ashley straightened up, watching him sniff out the trail, before glancing back at Venus, who had hopped off the rock to keep pace.

"So," Ashley began, shifting her bag to one shoulder, "what do you guys think we're gonna run into out here? Trainers? Wild Pokémon? Maybe someone with a better sense of direction than me?"

Vulcan barked again, this time sharper, and Ashley paused, following his gaze to a patch of rustling grass. Venus bristled, her ears perking as she stared at the movement. Ashley reached for one of her Poké Balls instinctively but didn't throw it just yet.

"Alright, team," she said quietly, crouching down and lowering her voice. "Eyes sharp. Let's see what we're dealing with."

The rustling grew louder, and suddenly, a pair of Doduo burst out from the tall grass, their heads bobbing wildly as they sprinted across the path. Vulcan lunged forward, barking at them, but Ashley snapped her fingers.

"Leave it!" she called, and Vulcan skidded to a stop, looking back at her with a frustrated whine.

"Sorry, buddy," Ashley said, patting his head, "but we've already got a bird waiting for us back home. Let's not go chasing new ones just yet."

Venus, meanwhile, had turned her attention back to the road, prancing forward with her tail swishing behind her. Ashley shook her head, laughing under her breath. "She's acting like she already owns this whole route."

The path sloped upward as they continued, the incline growing steeper. Ashley could hear the faint whir of bike chains and bells ahead, signaling they were finally nearing the main Cycling Road. She paused at the top of the hill to catch her breath, wiping sweat from her forehead as she looked out at the view.

Below, the road stretched out in a long, winding curve, suspended over the water on a massive bridge. Cyclists zipped back and forth, calling out to each other as they rode past. Ashley grinned, leaning on the railing to take it all in.

"Man, I can't believe we're finally here," she said, mostly to herself. "It's weird, right? Like, we've been through volcanoes, ice caves, contests, ninja training, and now we're just… on a bridge. Walking."

Venus hopped up onto the railing beside her, peering down at the water. Vulcan stood at her feet, tail wagging as he sniffed the air. Ashley reached down to scratch his head again.

"Not that I'm complaining," she added. "After Koga, we kinda earned a quiet walk, don't you think?"

Vulcan barked in agreement, and Venus let out a soft trill.

Ashley pushed herself off the railing and started walking again, her team keeping pace. The wind tugged at her hair, carrying the cries of wild Pokémon in the distance.

"Let's keep moving," she said, tightening the straps on her backpack. "I heard you can rent bicycles from the check points at the ends of the road. And I do not know about you, but I am aiming for a speed up!"

With that, they set off down the Cycling Road, the bridge stretching endlessly before them and the horizon calling them forward.

Ashley leaned forward, gripping the handlebars of her bright red bike as the wind whipped through her hair. The sun glinted off the polished frame, and the tires hummed against the road as she pedaled faster, the thrill of the speed making her heart race. Venus sprinted at her side, her fluffy tail streaming behind her like a banner, while Vulcan galloped just ahead, his tongue lolling out and his fur rippling in the breeze.

"This is amazing!" Ashley shouted over the sound of the wind, glancing at her Pokémon with a wide grin. "I feel like we're flying!"

Venus let out a chirping cry in agreement, and Vulcan barked enthusiastically before bolting ahead. Ashley narrowed her eyes, smirking as she pushed harder on the pedals.

"Oh, you think you're faster than me, huh?" she teased, leaning onto the handlebars. "We'll see about that!"

She kicked up her speed, her legs pumping as the bike shot forward, closing the gap between her and Vulcan. The Growlithe barked in surprise and picked up the pace, paws pounding against the pavement as he tried to stay ahead. Venus, meanwhile, darted between them, effortlessly weaving back and forth like a racer determined to play referee.

Ashley laughed so hard her sides started to hurt, but she didn't slow down—not yet. The road ahead stretched out like a ribbon, sloping downward as they approached the entrance to Route 16. The breeze turned cooler as they neared the trees lining the route, and Ashley finally pulled back on the brakes, letting the bike slow as Vulcan and Venus caught up.

"Alright, alright!" Ashley gasped, leaning over the handlebars and grinning at her Pokémon. "You win this one, buddy." She patted Vulcan's head as he padded over, panting but clearly pleased with himself. "But don't get cocky. I'm still faster on two wheels than you are on four paws."

Vulcan huffed in mock offense, his tail wagging despite his dramatic act. Venus, still full of energy, circled them both before hopping onto a nearby rock and looking around, her ears twitching as she surveyed the area.

Ashley stretched her arms high above her head, letting out a long sigh as she stepped past the checkpoint and waved goodbye to the rental attendant. "So much for wheels," she muttered, shifting her bag higher onto her shoulders. The red bicycle had been fun, but there was something grounding about being back on her feet. Her sneakers crunched against the dirt path as she walked, and she glanced down at Venus and Vulcan trotting beside her.

Ashley straightened, taking in the view herself. The entrance to Route 16 was flanked by tall trees, their branches heavy with leaves that cast dappled shadows on the path below. Wildflowers dotted the grassy edges, their petals swaying in the gentle breeze. Off in the distance, she could hear the faint calls of bird Pokémon and the rustling of something moving through the underbrush.

"Looks like we're back in wild territory," Ashley said, pulling out her Pokédex and flipping it open. "Better keep an eye out. Who knows what kind of Pokémon we'll run into here?"

Venus perked up at that, hopping down from her perch and trotting closer, clearly curious. Vulcan, on the other hand, kept sniffing at the ground, his nose twitching as he tracked something. Ashley squinted, stepping closer to see what had caught his attention.

"What is it, boy? Smell something good—or something we should worry about?"

Before Vulcan could react, a rustle in the bushes made all three of them freeze. Ashley instinctively reached for a Poké Ball, but the sound that followed—soft and melodic—made her pause. She lowered her hand as a Pidgeotto fluttered out from the underbrush, its wings catching the sunlight as it landed a few feet away and began pecking at the ground.

Ashley exhaled, letting go of the tension in her shoulders. "False alarm," she said with a grin, stepping back. "No battles today unless they come to us. Hope you guys are ready for some serious walking," she said, flashing them a grin. "Because Celadon's not exactly around the corner."

Venus twitched her ears and chirped, already darting ahead to sniff at a patch of wildflowers growing along the edge of the trail. Vulcan, ever the loyal shadow, padded closer to Ashley's side, his tongue hanging out as his tail wagged lazily behind him.

Ashley laughed and reached down to scratch behind his ears. "You're not fooling anyone, Vulcan. I saw how fast you were running back on the Cycling Road. You'll be fine."

The Growlithe gave her an exaggerated huff but didn't complain, instead keeping his eyes sharp as he scanned the trail ahead. Venus suddenly let out a squeak and bounded off the trail, disappearing into the tall grass. Ashley blinked, stepping forward. "Venus? Hey—don't go too far!"

Before she could follow, the Eevee popped back out, carrying a bright red berry in her mouth. She padded up to Ashley and dropped it proudly at her feet. Ashley crouched down, taking the berry and inspecting it. "A Razz Berry, huh? Nice find, Venus." She patted the Eevee's head, tucking the berry into her bag. "Keep this up, and you're officially in charge of snack duty."

Venus wagged her tail, clearly pleased with herself, before bounding off again to look for more treasures. Vulcan followed this time, his nose to the ground as he helped scout ahead.

The path wound through fields and scattered groves of trees, and Ashley soaked in the scenery as she walked. Kanto's landscape never failed to amaze her—rolling hills to the east, patches of flowers and berry bushes tucked in every corner, and the occasional flock of Pidgey fluttering overhead.

She paused when she spotted a small pond off to the side of the trail. "What do you guys think? Water break?"

Vulcan barked, already trotting toward the edge, while Venus circled back, clearly eager to join. Ashley followed, dropping her bag onto the grass before kneeling by the water's edge.

As Vulcan lapped up the cool water, Venus dipped her paws in, splashing around as if testing the temperature. Ashley laughed. "You're not a Water-type, Venus. Don't get any ideas."

Venus ignored her, playfully swiping at the ripples her paws created. Vulcan stepped back, shaking his fur and giving the Eevee a look that said, Seriously?

Ashley leaned back on her hands, letting the sunlight warm her face. "Alright, five more minutes, and then we're moving again."

Of course, five minutes turned into ten, and then fifteen, as Venus found herself fascinated with a group of Goldeen swimming in the pond. She pawed at the water, chirping excitedly whenever one came close. Vulcan, meanwhile, seemed more interested in chasing his reflection until Ashley finally stood up and stretched.

Ashley scrolled through the map, her finger tracing the path ahead. "Looks like this route's gonna take us straight to Celadon City if we keep heading north. Gym number three." She glanced down at her Pokémon with a grin. "You guys ready for that? Or do we need a couple more pit stops before we face Erika?"

Venus let out a chirp of intrigue, and Vulcan barked, hopping to his feet and wagging his tail like he was ready to leave right that second. Ashley laughed, tucking her PokéNav away and standing up again.

"Alright, alright, I get it. We need to keep up the routine and do some sightseeing!" She ruffled Vulcan's ears one last time before swinging her leg back over the bike and adjusting the straps on her bag. "Let's hit the road. Celadon City, here we come!"

With that, she pushed off, the wheels spinning as she pedaled forward, and Venus and Vulcan raced after her. The rest of the walk passed in relative peace—aside from the occasional wild Pokémon popping out of the grass to give them a curious look. Ashley kept one hand near her Poké Balls, ready just in case, but none of the Pokémon seemed too interested in picking a fight.

By the time Celadon City's towering buildings came into view, Ashley felt her legs starting to protest. She stopped at the top of a hill overlooking the city, letting out a low whistle.

"Look at that, guys." She shifted Venus to her shoulder and pointed. "That's Celadon. Gym number three. Erika's supposed to be tough, but I think we're tougher."

Venus let out a soft cry of agreement, and Vulcan barked, his tail wagging furiously.

Ashley grinned and patted them both. "What about some shopping? This city's supposed to have a huge department store. I bet we can find some new gear—and maybe something fancy for you, Venus."

The Eevee tilted her head, clearly interested, and Ashley laughed as she started down the hill, her Pokémon at her side and the city sprawling out ahead of them.

Ashley stepped through the bustling streets of Celadon City, her head swiveling as she tried to take it all in. The towering buildings stretched high, their windows reflecting the golden light of the afternoon sun. Crowds moved in waves around her, people chattering, laughing, and haggling at market stalls. The scent of roasted chestnuts and fresh pastries drifted through the air, making Ashley's stomach grumble despite the snacks she'd packed earlier.

Venus perched proudly on her shoulder, her fluffy tail brushing against Ashley's neck as she turned her head this way and that, wide-eyed at the endless rows of shops and colorful signs. Vulcan stayed close by Ashley's legs, his nose twitching as he tracked every new scent.

Ashley adjusted her bag and gave them both a quick look. "Alright, you two, listen up." She crouched, pointing a finger at Venus first. "You stay put. No hopping off my shoulder to chase shiny things, got it?"

Venus let out a soft chirp and flicked her tail in what Ashley decided was agreement—though there was definitely a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Ashley shifted her focus to Vulcan next, narrowing her eyes. "And you. No running after anything that smells like food. I mean it. I don't care how good it smells or how much you want to 'investigate.'"

Vulcan huffed but wagged his tail, earning a scratch behind his ears.

"Good. Now let's see what this place has to offer before we get lost."

The first stop was an outdoor flower market, where stands overflowed with blooms of every color. Venus nearly wriggled off Ashley's shoulder at the sight of the brightly colored petals, and Ashley had to tighten her grip.

"Hold it," she warned, laughing as the Eevee let out an impatient squeak. "You can't just pounce on someone's flowers!"

The vendor, an elderly woman with dirt-streaked hands and a kind smile, waved them closer. "Oh, don't worry about that little one," she said. "She's curious. Let her have a sniff."

Ashley let Venus hop down, keeping a close eye on her as the Eevee darted between displays, pausing to nose at sunflowers and lavender bunches. Vulcan stayed at Ashley's heel, sitting politely as the vendor handed Ashley a small bouquet of marigolds.

"Here—good luck charms," the woman said, tucking them into Ashley's bag.

Ashley grinned. "Thanks! We'll need all the luck we can get for the gym battle."

The next stop was the Celadon Department Store, which towered like a fortress in the middle of the city. The entrance was flanked by glass doors that whooshed open as Ashley stepped inside, Venus hopping back onto her shoulder and Vulcan padding in cautiously, his claws clicking against the polished tile floor.

Ashley let out a low whistle as she took in the sheer size of the place. Shelves stretched in every direction, stacked high with Poké Balls, potions, and battle items. Posters hung overhead, advertising the latest TM sets and evolutionary stones, while a salesclerk demonstrated the new PokéGear upgrades to a small crowd.

"Okay, this place is officially dangerous," Ashley muttered, already eyeing the shelves of grooming supplies and decorative collars. Venus perked up, her ears twitching as if she could sense her trainer's weakness.

"Nope," Ashley said firmly, steering them toward the practical items first. "Battle stuff first. Fancy stuff later."

They ended up spending nearly an hour browsing. After managing to drag herself away from the store without completely blowing her budget, Ashley wandered over to the Game Corner, drawn by the flashing lights and excited cheers. She didn't go in—there were more important things to focus on than slot machines—but she made a mental note to check it out later if they had time.

Ashley sat down on the edge of the fountain, letting herself relax for a moment. "Well, guys," she said, stretching her legs out, "I'd say it's pretty good start. No one got lost, no one got into trouble—"

She broke off as Venus suddenly reached a paw into the water and flicked it, sending a splash right into Vulcan's face. The Growlithe yelped and backed up, shaking himself off with an indignant huff.

Ashley snorted. "Never mind. I take it back."

Venus let out a happy chirp, clearly pleased with herself, and Vulcan gave chase as she darted around the fountain. Ashley let them play for a bit, keeping an eye on the two as they burned off their energy.

Eventually, she stood and scooped Venus up mid-run, ignoring her protests as she set the Eevee back on her shoulder. "Alright, you two, let's get back to the Department Store."

Vulcan barked in agreement, and the three of them made their way back through the city. Ashley felt her excitement building again. Ashley stepped through the sliding glass doors of Celadon's Department Store, and the moment the blast of cool, air-conditioned air hit her, she knew she was in trouble. Not because of the sheer size of the place—though the five towering floors stacked with merchandise were enough to make her wallet preemptively cry—but because Venus was already hopping on her shoulder, her fluffy tail brushing Ashley's cheek as she let out an excited squeak.

"Calm down, princess," Ashley laughed, balancing the Eevee as she grabbed a shopping basket. "We're not buying the whole store."

Vulcan padded along at her feet, his nose twitching as they passed rows of displays filled with Poké Dolls, shiny accessories, and grooming kits. Ashley winced as his tail wagged dangerously close to a stack of glittery collars. She reached down to guide him away before disaster struck.

"Eyes on the prize, guys. We're here for supplies," Ashley reminded them, steering her team toward the elevator. Venus let out a dramatic sigh and flopped onto her shoulder as if the weight of the world—or maybe the lack of immediate treats—was too much to bear.

Ashley jabbed the button for the fourth floor, her heart picking up a little as she spotted the sign: TMs and Battle Items. Now this was what she'd been waiting for.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open to reveal shelves upon shelves of neatly stacked Technical Machines. The walls were lined with glass cases displaying some of the rarer ones, and Ashley's eyes sparkled as she stepped inside, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Alright," she said, her gaze already scanning the labels. "Let's see what we're working with."

Venus perked up, hopping off Ashley's shoulder to investigate the brightly lit displays, while Vulcan trotted after her, occasionally glancing back to make sure Ashley was still keeping up.

Ashley stopped dead when she spotted the TM section for high-powered moves. "Jackpot," she breathed, crouching down to get a closer look. The reusable TMs were encased in protective plastic, their names written in bold letters that practically screamed 'Buy me!'

Ashley stopped dead when she spotted the TM section, her eyes scanning the neatly organized shelves filled with move cases. Each one gleamed under the fluorescent lights, their labels practically shouting for attention. She knelt down, brushing her fingers over the rows as she read them aloud.

"Egg Bomb? Too unpredictable. Mega Punch? Meh. Mega Kick? Looks cool, but not really our style." Her eyes trailed further. "Take Down—yeah, let's not go with self-damage. Submission? Way too risky for what we need right now." She sighed, rocking back on her heels as Vulcan sniffed one of the lower shelves, his tail flicking curiously.

Then her gaze landed on Shadow Ball. Ashley's fingers hovered over the case as her mind raced. "Huh," she murmured, tilting her head. "This could work… eventually. Apollo could probably learn it once he evolves." She tapped the case lightly, thinking it through. "But no. Not today." She left it where it was, earning a soft huff from Vulcan, who had clearly been hoping for something more dramatic.

And then—bingo.

Ashley's eyes locked onto a case labeled Iron Tail, and she didn't hesitate. "Now we're talking," she said, pulling it off the shelf and holding it up triumphantly. "This one's for you, Vulcan." The Growlithe barked, his tail wagging as if he already knew what the move could do.

Ashley turned the TM over in her hands, grinning. "Just picture it—smashing through defenses like it's nothing. You'll be like the god of blacksmiths, just… with more fur." Vulcan gave an enthusiastic bark, clearly sold on the idea.

Satisfied, Ashley tucked it into her basket and kept browsing. Venus, meanwhile, darted down another aisle, her fluffy tail waving behind her as she squeaked excitedly. "Venus, wait up!" Ashley called, though she was already following.

She found the little Eevee sniffing at a display of scarves, her nose brushing against a pale blue one that shimmered faintly under the lights. Ashley crouched beside her. "You've got expensive taste, huh?"

Venus chirped and pawed at the scarf, as if she'd already claimed it. Ashley laughed, giving in immediately. "Alright, alright—you've earned it." She grabbed the scarf and tossed it into her basket. "But don't expect this to be a habit," she teased, though Venus clearly wasn't buying it as she puffed out her chest proudly.

Ashley straightened up and turned back toward the shelves, scanning the cases one more time. That's when her eyes fell on Ice Beam. She froze for a moment, her mind already jumping to Neptune.

"Oh, this is perfect," she said, reaching for it. "Neptune's gonna be unstoppable with this." The Lapras's calm, steady style would pair perfectly with such a precise and devastating move. Ashley smirked, already imagining Neptune freezing an entire battlefield into submission.

Vulcan tilted his head, clearly unimpressed, but Ashley ruffled his fur. "Don't give me that look. Not everything can be fire and fury, okay? Sometimes you've got to hit them where they least expect it."

Vulcan huffed but didn't argue, turning his attention back to sniffing the shelves while Ashley finalized her choices. By the time they reached the checkout counter, Ashley's basket was filled with supplies—TMs, Potions, and even a few Poké Puffs for later. Vulcan sat patiently by her feet, though his eyes never strayed far from the snacks in the basket, and Venus was already preening with the scarf tied neatly around her neck.

Ashley handed over her Trainer ID and payment, waiting as the clerk rang up her haul.

"Stocking up for the gym challenge?" the woman asked, eyeing the TMs.

Ashley nodded. "Yup. Erika's next on my list."

The clerk grinned. "Good luck with that. Grass-types are tricky, but it looks like you've got a solid team."

"Thanks," Ashley said, glancing down at her Pokémon. "They're the best."

As they stepped back out onto the busy streets of Celadon, Ashley slung her bag over her shoulder, the weight of her new purchases giving her an extra boost of confidence.

"Alright, team," she said, tilting her head toward the Pokémon Center in the distance. "Let's rest up and get ready for tomorrow. Erika's not gonna know what hit her."

Venus hopped back onto her shoulder, her new scarf fluttering in the breeze, while Vulcan let out a sharp bark and fell into step beside them.

Ashley grinned. Gym battles, contests, training—whatever came next, they were ready for it. And with her growing team and arsenal of moves, Ashley felt like she was finally starting to hit her stride. A stride that was interrupted when she smelled the most delicious scent in her life. She stopped, and almost glued her face to the glass window.

It was a perfume shop!

Ashley did not even need Venus' encouragement, she pushed open the glass door of the perfume shop, a soft chime ringing out as she stepped inside. The moment the scent hit her, she knew she wasn't leaving empty-handed. The air was thick with floral and fruity aromas, mingling with hints of vanilla and lavender. Even Vulcan, who usually had zero interest in anything that didn't involve fire or food, perked up and sniffed the air curiously. Venus, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement, hopping off Ashley's shoulder and landing lightly on the polished tile floor.

"Easy there," Ashley whispered, scooping her up before she could bolt toward a display of delicate glass bottles. "No knocking anything over, princess."

Venus huffed, but Ashley gave her a reassuring scratch under the chin before turning her attention to the shelves.

Rows of perfume bottles glimmered under soft lighting, their elegant shapes and pastel colors reflecting on the glass countertops. Ashley wandered past a section labeled Floral Fantasy before stopping at one marked Sweet Indulgence. A small tester bottle with a golden ribbon around its neck caught her eye. She picked it up, gave it a light spray on her wrist, and inhaled deeply.

"Oh, wow," she murmured, her lips curling into a grin. "Vanilla and… caramel?"

Vulcan barked, clearly approving, and Venus chirped as if demanding her turn to smell it. Ashley bent down and held her wrist closer.

"What do you think?" she asked.

Venus' nose twitched rapidly before she rubbed her cheek against Ashley's wrist, clearly sold.

"Well, that settles it," Ashley said, placing the bottle on the counter with a determined nod. "We're getting this one."

The shopkeeper, an older woman with short lavender hair and a warm smile, stepped forward. "Good choice, dear. That one's very popular." She glanced at Ashley's Pokémon. "And it seems like your little friends approve."

Ashley laughed. "They have good taste."

But just as she was about to pay, her gaze wandered to a side shelf filled with grooming kits. Brushes, sprays, shampoos, and conditioners—all designed with Pokémon in mind. Her fingers twitched. Proserpina's petals could definitely use a polish after all that poison training, and Neptune's smooth shell could probably shine brighter with the right wax.

"Hold on," Ashley muttered, stepping over to inspect the kits. Vulcan padded after her, his nose already buried in a bag labeled Fire-Type Fur Essentials.

"Alright, let's see…" Ashley muttered, pulling items off the shelf. She grabbed a berry-scented polish spray for Proserpina's petals and a soft-bristled brush for Vulcan's thick coat. Then she spotted a waterproof shell-care set and tossed it into her basket with Neptune in mind.

"Don't think I forgot about you," she said, tapping Venus' nose playfully before picking up a silky conditioner made for normal types. "We're getting this too. Can't have you looking anything less than perfect in your next contest."

Venus preened at the attention, her fluffy tail swishing.

By the time Ashley made it back to the counter, her basket was overflowing. The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, instead ringing up the total with an amused smile.

"Looks like someone's spoiling their Pokémon," she said, carefully wrapping the perfume bottle and placing the grooming products in a separate bag.

Ashley grinned, handing over her payment. "They've earned it. Trust me."

Once the transaction was complete, Ashley blinked in surprise as the elegant Gym Leader stepped closer, her green kimono swaying gently with each step. Erika's serene expression contrasted sharply with the bright colors and bold scents of the shop, but there was an unmistakable warmth in her smile.

"Thank you so much for your support," Erika said softly, clasping her hands together in front of her. "It's always wonderful to see trainers who care for their Pokémon as much as you clearly do." Her eyes flickered toward the bags Ashley held, overflowing with grooming supplies.

Ashley grinned, shifting the weight of the bags. "Well, they work hard. They deserve a little spoiling now and then."

"I couldn't agree more," Erika replied, her voice calm but genuine. Then her gaze sharpened slightly, and a knowing glint crossed her features. "Although… I had a feeling it was you when you walked in."

Ashley blinked. "Me?"

Erika nodded. "Blaine mentioned you. And Koga. It's not every day two Gym Leaders speak so highly of the same trainer."

Ashley's cheeks warmed, and she laughed nervously, scratching the back of her neck. "Wow, uh, no pressure or anything, right?"

"None at all," Erika said, though her small smile suggested otherwise. Then her expression shifted, more thoughtful now, as she gestured for Ashley to follow her toward the back of the store. "Actually, since you're here… I think there's something you might find useful."

Ashley glanced at Vulcan, who was already padding after Erika like she'd offered him a treat. Venus squeaked from her perch on Ashley's shoulder, clearly just as curious.

"Okay," Ashley said, stepping after her. "I'm listening."

Erika led them to a quieter corner of the store where a glass case displayed an assortment of delicate bottles, each smaller than the palm of Ashley's hand. Unlike the flashy, colorful perfumes out front, these were sleek and understated—black glass with subtle etchings.

"These aren't on display for just anyone," Erika explained, unlocking the case and carefully removing one of the bottles. "This is something I only share with trusted customers—trainers who understand the importance of subtlety and preparation."

Ashley raised an eyebrow. "I feel like I'm about to join a secret club or something."

Erika laughed softly. "In a way, you are. This perfume—" She held up the bottle, tilting it so the light reflected faintly off its smooth surface. "—erases scents completely."

Ashley blinked. "Wait. What?"

Erika nodded. "It's a blend I developed specifically for trainers who deal with Poison-types—or anyone who needs to move unnoticed. Strong Pokémon like Gloom, Vileplume, or Weezing tend to leave traces of their toxins behind. It makes them easy to track, even when they're trying to hide."

Ashley's eyes widened. "That… actually makes a lot of sense."

"Koga thought so too." Erika put the bottle gently in Ashley's hand. "In fact, he specifically asked me to add you to my list of trusted clients. He said you'd need every advantage you could get while training under him."

Ashley's jaw nearly dropped. "Wait, Koga did that? And you're just—giving this to me?"

"Selling it," Erika corrected with a playful smile. "But only because I think you'll actually put it to good use."

Ashley stared down at the sleek little bottle in her hand, feeling its weight in more ways than one. She couldn't help but grin. "I have to admit, I didn't see myself walking out of here with stealth gear, but this? This is awesome."

Erika's expression softened. "I'm glad you think so. It's a rare item, so use it wisely. A little goes a long way."

Ashley nodded firmly, tucking the bottle into her bag like it was a treasure. "You can count on it."

"Good." Erika stepped back, folding her hands again. "Now, don't keep me waiting too long for our battle. I look forward to seeing how you—and Proserpina—handle my Grass-types."

Ashley stiffened at the mention of Proserpina, then grinned. "You'll see. We've been training like crazy, and I think we've got more than a few surprises up our sleeves."

Erika chuckled. "I'm sure you do. I'll be ready."

Ashley turned to leave, but not before pausing at the door to glance back. "Thanks again—for everything."

"You're welcome," Erika said warmly. "And good luck, Ashley."

With that, Ashley stepped out of the store, her head still spinning from the unexpected encounter. Vulcan barked beside her, tail wagging, and Venus wiggled excitedly on her shoulder, clearly sensing her trainer's mood.

"Okay, guys," Ashley said, clutching her bag tightly. "We've got some serious prep work to do if we're going to impress Erika. But first—let's go celebrate. I think we earned it."

Venus chirped in agreement, and Vulcan let out a happy bark as they trotted down the street together, the sunlight glinting off the perfume shop's windows behind them.

Ashley slung the bags over her shoulder and stepped back out into the bustling streets of Celadon. The vanilla scent lingered on her wrist, and Vulcan walked with an extra pep in his step, clearly proud of the new brush tucked away in her bag.

By the time they reached the Pokémon Center, Ashley's arms ached, but her spirits were high. She dropped the bags onto the bed in her rented room, one at the ground floor with a balcony that allowed her to be able to release her larger Pokémon, and began sorting through them, pulling out the grooming kits and setting them in a neat row.

"Alright," she said, clapping her hands and looking at her Pokémon, who were now all out of their Poké Balls and gathered around her. "Tonight, we're having a spa night. Everyone's getting cleaned up and pampered, no exceptions."

Mars flicked his tail flame, looking skeptical but resigned, while Proserpina hummed in approval, already swaying happily at the thought of a polish.

Ashley gave Neptune's shell a tap, the smooth surface cool beneath her fingertips. "You're up first, big guy."

Neptune let out a melodic cry, bobbing his head as if to say, bring it on. Ashley grinned and grabbed the shell-care set, stepping out onto the small balcony connected to her room. The evening air was crisp but calm, and the distant hum of Celadon City's nightlife buzzed softly below. She knelt beside Neptune, running her fingers lightly along the ridges of his shell, inspecting every curve and groove.

"Alright, let's get this shiny enough to blind someone," she teased, popping open a jar of polish and grabbing a soft cloth. Neptune let out a contented hum, closing his eyes as Ashley started working in smooth, circular motions.

She took her time, making sure to buff every inch of the shell until it gleamed under the fading sunlight. The blue surface caught the light, reflecting a faint rainbow sheen as Ashley tilted her head, admiring her work. "You're basically a mirror now," she said, tapping the shell lightly. "One hit with Ice Beam and Erika's team is gonna freeze out of pure awe."

Neptune chirped proudly, lifting his head before Ashley gave him one last swipe with the cloth.

"Vulcan, you're next," Ashley called, turning back toward the room and holding up the fire-type brush. "I better not find any knots in that coat."

Vulcan's ears perked up, and he let out a bark, his tail wagging so hard it practically blurred. He bounded over and plopped down right in front of her, stretching his legs out and flopping onto his stomach like he'd been waiting for this moment all day.

"Drama queen," Ashley muttered fondly, kneeling beside him. She ran the brush through his thick fur, working slowly to smooth out any tangles she found. Vulcan huffed in delight, his eyes slipping half-closed as Ashley scratched gently behind his ears.

"Not so tough now, are you?" Ashley teased as Vulcan let out a low groan, practically melting into her hands. She laughed softly and kept brushing, marveling at how the reddish-orange fur seemed to glow under the light. When she was done, Vulcan looked like he'd just walked out of a grooming salon—sleek, polished, and ready for battle.

Proserpina was next. The Gloom swayed her petals expectantly as Ashley reached for the polishing cloths, her petals already faintly glowing from their recent training. Ashley sat cross-legged, gently tilting Proserpina's flower-like top to catch the light.

"Okay, girl," Ashley murmured, carefully wiping each petal until it gleamed. "You're already pretty, but Erika's team needs to know you're deadly too."

Proserpina hummed softly, clearly enjoying the attention, especially when Ashley finished and lightly misted her leaves with a fine spray of water to keep them hydrated and glossy.

Venus bounced over last, practically vibrating with excitement as she pawed at Ashley's knee. Her fur already looked soft, but Ashley couldn't resist adding a bit of extra shine.

"Alright, your turn, princess." Ashley picked up the brush, and Venus immediately flopped onto her back, paws up, ready to be pampered.

"You're ridiculous," Ashley laughed, brushing through Venus's fur with short, gentle strokes. The Eevee preened under the attention, her tail flicking as Ashley smoothed out her coat and fluffed up her mane. Ashley finished by adjusting the pale blue scarf Venus had picked out, making sure it sat perfectly before tying it in a neat knot.

"Now you're unstoppable," Ashley said, stepping back and admiring her work. Venus gave a happy chirp, spinning in a circle to show off her look.

Ashley wiped sweat off her brow but wasn't done yet. She turned to Mars, her Charmeleon, who had been watching with an air of impatience, arms crossed and tail flame flickering brightly.

"Alright, tough guy, you're up," she said, holding up a tougher brush meant for scales.

Mars snorted but stepped forward, plopping down and crossing his arms again like this was purely a formality. Ashley smirked, running the brush over his crimson scales.

"You act like you're above this," Ashley teased, carefully polishing the dull edges of his scales until they gleamed. "But I see that tail wagging, mister."

Mars flicked his tail to the side, but his eyes slid shut as Ashley worked, brushing down his back and arms, polishing his claws and smoothing out the fine scales along his tail.

"See? Even Gods of War need to look good," Ashley said, carefully running the brush over his horns.

Mars huffed, clearly trying to look aloof, but Ashley caught his tail flicking contentedly. By the time she was done, his scales glistened under the lights, and his tail flame burned even brighter.

Finally, Apollo slithered over, the Dratini's sleek body practically glowing already. Ashley arched a brow. "You're trying to show me up, huh?"

Apollo chirped and flicked his tail, coiling beside her.

"Fine, fine. But I'm still giving you the spa treatment," Ashley said, pulling out a smaller polishing cloth. She carefully ran it along Apollo's scales, smoothing out any imperfections and adding extra shine.

Apollo stretched out under her touch, letting out soft trills as Ashley gently buffed his head and polished the gem-like scale above his eyes.

"There, all set," Ashley said, admiring how Apollo practically sparkled.

Ashley stretched, her arms and shoulders sore from the effort, but the sight of her team looking polished and battle-ready made it worth it. She flopped onto the bed, arms spread wide.

"Okay, that was more work than training," she said, her voice muffled by the pillow. "But look at you, guys. You're ready to take on the world."

Venus hopped onto her stomach, curling up with a satisfied hum while Vulcan sprawled out beside her, resting his head on her knee like a guard dog.

Ashley smiled softly, reaching down to scratch Vulcan's head as her eyelids grew heavy. She let her head sink into the pillow, surrounded by the gentle sounds of her team settling down for the night. Proserpina swayed slightly near the corner, Neptune tucked comfortably in his shell by the balcony, and Venus's tail twitched faintly in her sleep.

Ashley's breathing slowed as she let herself drift off, already dreaming of victory and the bright, glimmering Rainbow Badge waiting at the end of her battle.