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Early the next morning, Kai had a quick breakfast at the Pokémon Center before heading to the Celadon Gym.
It was still early the construction crew hadn't started work yet, and the temporary wooden facility remained locked. Kai wasn't in any rush. He found a sunny spot nearby and stood quietly, basking in the gentle morning light.
The breeze was a bit chilly.
Soon, Erika approached from the distance, accompanied by several young women.
She was, as always, dressed in a kimono though this time, it was noticeably more practical. Unlike her usual intricate designs, today's outfit was travel-ready: sleeves and pant legs bound with silk ties for movement and function.
Kai couldn't help but notice Erika wore a different kimono each time they met. He wondered whether it was family tradition or simply her personal taste.
Once she reached him, Erika offered a slight bow and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I'm late. I hope you haven't been waiting long?"
"Not at all," Kai said with a chuckle. "I just got here myself. So—ready to go?"
Erika nodded and took her travel bag from one of the girls. Turning to them, she gave a gentle wave.
"You can head back now. Please take care of the gym and the shop while I'm away."
Tears welled up in the girls' eyes. They crowded around Erika, clearly reluctant to see her go.
"Take care, Erika-sama!"
"Please come back soon!"
"Don't stay away too long!"
Their overlapping voices, each sweet on its own, blended into a chaotic chorus that made Kai's head spin.
"You girls…" Erika laughed softly, shaking her head as she tried to comfort them. "It's not like I'm vanishing forever. Don't worry I'll be back before you know it."
It was easy to see how close Erika was to them. Even though she was their boss, the relationship felt more like family than business. Kai remembered his first visit to both the perfume shop and the Celadon Gym the atmosphere had always been warm and welcoming. It was Erika's kindness that made it so.
After saying her goodbyes, Erika joined Kai as they walked out of the gym district and into the city streets until her staff were out of sight.
"They really care about you," Kai commented.
Erika nodded wistfully. "We've been through a lot together. Some of them I've known since they were kids. Over time, they've become like sisters to me."
'Strong friendships like that… hard not to be a little envious' Kai thought.
They continued walking until they reached a crossroads. There, Kai turned to her with a question.
"So, we should decide how we're getting to Johto. Want to fly? Take a boat? Or maybe head to Saffron and catch the magnet train to Goldenrod?"
As he'd mentioned the day before, modern transportation made traveling between regions incredibly easy. While Celadon was landlocked, it had both an airport and a major port thanks to its connection to the inland sea. Options were plentiful.
Flying was fastest, and the magnet train from Saffron City to Johto came in second. Boats were the slowest and least efficient not something Kai recommended.
His preferred method, of course, was riding Charizard. It offered flexibility, the freedom to travel off the beaten path, and the option to land anytime. But since this time he wasn't traveling alone, Kai didn't want to make the decision unilaterally.
Erika paused to consider… then asked, "What do you normally do when you travel?"
"Short trips, I walk," Kai replied. "Longer distances, I fly on Charizard. It's not the fastest, but it gives me freedom. I can stop wherever and whenever I want."
"Then let's do that," Erika said with a smile. "You're still working on Gym Challenges, right? You'll want to keep training your Pokémon along the way. Don't worry about me."
Kai blinked. "You sure?"
"I may run a shop and teach flower arrangement," she said with a playful fist pump, "but I am a Gym Leader, you know. I'm tougher than I look."
'Wow… really thoughtful', Kai thought. Still a little hesitant, he nodded.
"Alright then. Let's ride Charizard. Just a heads-up it'll be a long flight, so if you get uncomfortable, let me know anytime. We can stop for breaks whenever you need."
Erika gave him an affirming nod. Kai took out a Poké Ball and released Charizard.
After helping Erika strap her bag to the saddle, he courteously assisted her onto Charizard's back. Once she was settled, he climbed on behind.
When he traveled with Sabrina, she would usually sit in front and lean against him. But Erika, mindful of personal boundaries, chose to sit behind Kai, keeping a polite distance between them.
With everything in place, Kai patted Charizard's neck and gave the signal. The Fire-Flying type roared to life and leaped into the sky, wings slicing through the clouds as they soared toward Johto.
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Later That Day – Skies Above Johto
After a full day of flight, they finally crossed into Johto before nightfall.
They had stopped only once for lunch. The rest of the time, Erika endured the cold winds and long hours of travel without a single complaint.
True to her word, Erika wasn't nearly as delicate as she looked. Despite being a perfume artisan and florist, she was, first and foremost, a Trainer and Gym Leader. Whether it was fatigue, boredom, or chill air, none of it fazed her.
Or at least… she never showed it.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kai glanced at the time and turned toward her.
"We've officially reached Johto," he said. "No need to rush anymore. Let's find a place to rest for the night."
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