Capítulo 128: Chapter 128: Perfume Shop Confrontation
The scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby stand wafted through the crisp morning air as we stood outside the Celadon City Perfume Shop.
Erin clung to my arm like always, her warm fingers wrapped around mine.
Her soft hazel eyes darted around the shop's exterior, curiosity tugging at her.
She never cared much for perfumes, and in truth, neither did I, but it wasn't about what I liked.
This was about Erin—showing her a world beyond her constant fear of Pokémon, taking her through experiences that normal people enjoyed.
And I needed to see how this day would unfold.
"Let's go inside," I said, voice steady as I pushed open the heavy glass door.
Inside, the shop was a swirl of pastel colors and flowery fragrances that would've made anyone with half a nose wrinkle in discomfort.
Erin, of course, said nothing—her expression unreadable as always, though she held onto my arm a little tighter.
My eyes, however, caught sight of a group I recognized immediately: Ash, Misty, Brock, and, of course, Pikachu.
I locked eyes with Ash just as his voice cut through the air.
"Misty, don't waste your money on these perfumes. They're a waste!" His tone was dismissive, as usual.
Before Misty could retort, a woman, dressed in an elegant kimono, glided over.
Her piercing eyes locked onto Ash. "You don't like our perfume?" Her voice was as sharp as her gaze, and I knew immediately—it was Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader.
Ash, as dense as ever, shrugged, crossing his arms. "I don't like it."
The room went dead silent, except for the subtle hum of the air conditioning. Erika's smile barely faltered, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes.
Then Ash turned to me, clearly seeing an ally in his self-righteous opinion. "Hey, Punit, do you not like it either?"
I shrugged, meeting his gaze head-on. "I don't use it," I said, pausing for a moment as the tension in the room thickened, "but I like it."
The shop fell silent for a second, like they hadn't expected that.
Ash's mouth hung open, dumbfounded, while Misty shot me a smirk.
Erika's eyes snapped back to Ash. "Throw this kid out," she ordered, and her assistants were on him before anyone could blink.
Ash's protests echoed in the shop as he was unceremoniously tossed out the door.
Erika turned her attention to me, her expression softening, though her authority remained in her posture. "Punit, right? How can we help you?"
I slipped my arm free from Erin's grasp and crossed my arms, eyeing the perfume displays. "I'm here because my girlfriend doesn't know much about perfumes. Figured I'd show her around."
Before I could say another word, I felt a familiar presence behind me—Misty, leaning in close.
Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered, "Do you miss me?"
I didn't react, my voice as steady as ever. "Yes, I did."
I could feel her blush without even looking at her.
Erin, on the other hand, just watched with a soft smile, unbothered by the interaction.
I reached for Erin's hand, gently pulling her toward the shelves of delicate bottles. "Nice to meet you, Brock. And Pikachu."
Brock grinned, his usual laid-back demeanor coming through. "Same here, man."
Before anything else could happen, Shadow—the dark little menace that never left my side—leapt from my shoulder.
His sleek black form landed with a soft thud on the tiled floor, his glowing red eyes immediately locking onto Pikachu.
The electric rodent twitched, ears raised in alarm.
I sighed, already knowing what was coming. "Shadow, don't bully Pikachu like you did Raichu."
Shadow's mischievous grin stretched wide across his shadowy face, but one stern look from me was all it took. "No food," I warned, keeping my tone firm.
Shadow sulked, dropping to the floor and curling up in a dramatic heap.
The others watched in stunned silence.
"That thing listens to you?" Brock asked, dumbfounded.
"Of course," I replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Erin tugged my sleeve softly. "I like this one," she murmured, pointing to a delicate glass bottle filled with a soft pink liquid.
I smiled, turning back to Erika. "I'll take everything she likes. I'll pay with credit."
Erika's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, beckoning her assistants to gather the perfumes.
I made my way to the front counter, glancing at the group behind me. "Misty, Brock, Pikachu—grab what you like. I'm in a good mood today."
Misty's face lit up as she wrapped her arms around me in a quick hug. "Thanks, Punit!"
Brock looked hesitant. "You sure?"
I nodded.
Pikachu jumped onto my shoulder, licking my face playfully before darting back to Misty's side.
After paying for the lot, I leaned casually against the counter. "Erika," I said, my voice low, but carrying enough weight to grab her attention, "let's have a Pokémon battle. I'm here for the Gym Badge."
The room went silent once again, and Erika blinked, clearly not expecting the sudden challenge. "You… know that I'm the Gym Leader?"
"Of course," I smirked. "You're famous."
Erika blushed.
Actually blushed.
Now that… I didn't expect.
"Well," she said, recovering her composure. "Let's see if you're as good as you talk."
I walked out with Erin clinging to my arm, Shadow curled lazily on my shoulder.
I could feel the thrill building inside me.
This was what I lived for.
A challenge.
Something worth my time.
As we made our way toward the Gym, I whispered to Erin, "Ready to see me win?"
She just smiled. "Always."
And I was ready.
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