After catching Primeape, Ash and his friends finally arrived at Celadon City, known as the "City of Flowers and Fragrance."
The entire city resembled one giant garden, with a fragrant aroma drifting through every street and alley.
"Wow, it smells so good here!" Misty breathed in deeply, looking intoxicated by the scent.
"I heard the perfume in Celadon City is world-famous. Why don't we check out a perfume shop first?" Brock suggested, his eyes sparkling with anticipation at the thought of meeting beautiful shop assistants.
Ash nodded in agreement. He was also curious to see the perfume culture of this world.
The group arrived at a large, prominent perfume shop in the center of town. Inside, the shelves were filled with an array of colorful bottles, their scents intertwining in the air. The manager, an elegant lady, warmly introduced various fragrances to them.
During their visit, Brock tried to strike up a conversation with the staff, but Misty promptly hauled him away by his ear. (A staple performance of their journey, after all.)
Ash carefully sniffed the complex floral scents lingering in the air. Relying on the perfume knowledge he had accumulated in his previous life, he pointed toward an elegantly designed bottle and smiled at the manager.
"Excuse me, for this 'Garden's Whisper,' does the top note consist of sandalwood and lemongrass? The middle note seems to be a refined blend of rose and orchid, while the base note... feels like it contains a hint of nectar specially refined from Gloom, providing a unique earthy undertone?"
The manager's face lit up with surprise and delight. "Oh my! Young guest, your nose is incredible! You're absolutely right! This 'Garden's Whisper' was personally blended by Erika herself. You are a true connoisseur!"
"Erika?" Misty asked curiously.
"Erika is our Celadon Gym Leader and the most talented master perfumer in the city," the manager explained.
This conversation happened to be overheard by a gentle woman dressed in a refined kimono who was just about to enter the shop. It was Erika.
Her gaze toward Ash was immediately filled with surprise and curiosity.
A young Trainer with such a deep understanding of perfume?
Erika stepped forward and gave an elegant bow. "Greetings, everyone. I am Erika. I happened to hear this gentleman's insight regarding perfume just now. It was quite unique and truly impressive."
Ash turned around to see the graceful Erika and responded politely, "You flatter me, Erika. I only know a few superficial details. Your 'Garden's Whisper' is a true masterpiece for how harmoniously it blends nature with the gifts of Pokémon."
This sincere, professional, and poised praise immediately earned Ash a great deal of favor and interest from Erika.
"Thank you for the compliment, Ash," Erika said, her voice softening. "It seems you are not just a Trainer, but a kindred spirit who appreciates nature and art. In that case, would you be willing to come to my Gym for a battle, witnessed by the flowers and the fragrance?"
"Of course! That's exactly why we're here!" Ash answered confidently.
The Celadon Gym was located inside a massive greenhouse botanical garden. The battle followed a three-on-three format.
Erika's first Pokémon was Weepinbell, while Ash sent out Primeape.
Despite the elemental disadvantage, Ash commanded Primeape to use its agility to dodge a flurry of Razor Leaf attacks. Closing the distance, Primeape delivered a sharp [Cross Chop], defeating Weepinbell and taking the first round.
Erika's second Pokémon was Tangela.
Ash recalled Primeape and sent out Scyther.
Relying on its speed advantage, Scyther attacked relentlessly with [Fury Cutter]. Although Tangela attempted to restrain it with a Vine Whip, it was eventually overwhelmed and defeated.
Finally, Erika's most cherished Pokémon took the field Gloom.
As soon as Gloom appeared, a powerful odor filled the entire arena. Even the proud Scyther found it difficult to endure.
"Gloom, use Stun Spore!" Erika commanded.
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Scyther, take a deep breath and hold it! Use Quick Attack to evade, then follow up with Slash!"
As a true warrior of the team, Scyther's combat discipline was far beyond that of average Pokémon.
Holding its breath, Scyther transformed into a streak of white light, zipping through the powder before its blade-like forelimbs slashed heavily across Gloom.
Gloom winced in pain but did not fall.
"Now, Gloom, use Moonlight!" Erika intended to recover its stamina.
"I won't give you the chance! Scyther, one last time, Fury Cutter!"
A series of rapid strikes fell upon Gloom just as it was absorbing the moonlight. Finally, it lost its ability to battle.
"Gloom is unable to battle! The winner is the challenger, Ash!" the referee announced.
[Ding! Host has defeated the Celadon Gym Leader, Erika. Obtained the Rainbow Badge. Reward: 500 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 12,150.]
Erika gracefully handed the badge to Ash, the admiration in her eyes growing stronger. "That was a magnificent battle, Ash. The bond between you and your Pokémon is as harmonious and powerful as a perfectly blended perfume." She then sadly recalled Gloom, deciding to give it proper treatment immediately.
However, just as the atmosphere turned warm, a commotion erupted outside the Gym, followed by the pungent smell of smoke!
"Oh no! It's a fire!" Brock was the first to react.
The group rushed out of the arena and saw thick smoke billowing from the Gym's perfume storage room! It turned out that the Team Rocket trio had sneaked in to steal perfume formulas and precious ingredients, causing a fire through their clumsy handling!
"Hahaha! These precious perfume ingredients are all ours now!" Jessie laughed.
"And Erika's exclusive formulas!" James added.
"Run for it, meow... cough, cough!" Meowth spluttered.
Team Rocket clutched their loot and jumped out of a window, fleeing in a panic.
The fire spread rapidly, soon reaching the nearby plant cultivation area.
"My flowers! And the Pokémon!" Erika's face turned pale. She suddenly remembered, "Oh no! I just sent Gloom to the recovery device in the cultivation zone!"
Ash instantly expanded his Aura Power. Sure enough, he sensed a weak and terrified signal coming from Gloom within the inferno!
"Erika, it's dangerous here! Go call Officer Jenny and the fire department!" Ash stuffed the badge into his pocket without hesitation and threw a Poké Ball. "Squirtle, I choose you! Use Water Gun to clear a path for me! The rest of you, stay back!"
"Squirtle!" The Pokémon was full of fighting spirit, immediately spraying a stream of water to suppress the flames at the entrance.
"Ash! It's too dangerous!" Misty cried out.
But Ash had already covered his nose and mouth with a wet cloth. Under the cover of Squirtle's Water Gun, he plunged headfirst into the thick smoke and flames.
Inside the fire, visibility was extremely low, and the scorching air was suffocating.
Relying on the precise guidance of his Aura, Ash navigated through collapsing shelves and burning plants. He finally found Gloom in a corner; it had just emerged from the recovery device and was shivering, slowed by the smoke and intense heat.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here to save you!" Ignoring the heat, Ash carefully pulled Gloom into his arms. Its body was burning hot, and it let out a weak whimper.
"Squirtle, keep the Water Gun going! We're moving out!"
With courage, the guidance of his Aura, and Squirtle's full support, Ash carried Gloom and burst out of the fire, narrowly escaping the collapsing structure.
His face was covered in soot and his clothes were singed in several places, but the Gloom in his arms was unharmed.
"Gloom!" Erika rushed over immediately, taking Gloom from Ash and checking it over. Finding that it was only shaken, she looked up at Ash. He looked disheveled and exhausted, yet his eyes were bright.
The gratitude and affection she had been harboring erupted like a sudden flame. He hadn't just defeated Gloom fairly in battle; he had risked his own life to save it in its moment of greatest peril!
"Ash... thank you..." Erika's voice trembled slightly, her beautiful eyes shimmering with an emotion that was hard to put into words.
The fire was eventually extinguished by the fire department, and Team Rocket did not escape, as they were promptly arrested by Officer Jenny. Although parts of the Gym were damaged, the most important Pokémon and core formulas had been saved.
As it turned out, Erika revealed that Team Rocket hadn't actually stolen the formulas, but rather Gloom extract. The trio was certainly in for a "stinky" surprise.
That evening, Erika invited Ash to her private courtyard, which had been unaffected by the fire, to share some tea as a token of her thanks.
The moonlight was like still water, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. Erika personally poured tea for Ash, her gaze tender and direct. "Ash, I truly cannot thank you enough for today. You are not only a powerful Trainer and a kindred spirit who understands perfume, but also a brave and kind man."
Ash felt a bit embarrassed by Erika's intense gaze and rubbed his nose. "I only did what anyone would have done, Erika."
Erika smiled slightly and leaned forward, closing the distance between them. Her voice was soft but carried a hint of boldness. "Just call me Erika... I wonder if I might have the honor of having a more... 'intimate' exchange with you? About perfume, about Pokémon, or... about other things?"
Her hint was more than obvious.
Looking at the elegant yet currently enchanting woman before him and feeling the faint fragrance and warmth radiating from her, Ash's heart began to race.
To be honest, she was the first girl since he had come to this world to reveal her feelings so openly.
He wasn't oblivious to romance, and the theoretical knowledge from his previous life seemed to finally have a practical use.
He smiled, and instead of backing away, he met Erika's gaze and spoke softly, "It would be my honor, Erika."
The rest of the night passed in silence...
[Ding! Host has successfully gained the high favor and admiration of the Celadon Gym Leader, Erika. Interpersonal network expanded.]
(*System Note: Due to the Host's actions potentially influencing the future plot, a minor shift has occurred in the worldline.)
In the moonlit courtyard, the scent of tea and flowers intertwined. After the day's danger and the silent understanding between them, two hearts naturally drew closer, beginning a brief yet beautiful intimacy that transcended ordinary friendship.
(The rest won't be detailed, as I'm afraid of being censored again...)
(Anyway, just so everyone knows, Erika isn't technically part of the harem. She sits somewhere above a 'friend with benefits' but below a permanent harem member.)
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/kleinmoretti to access 100+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).