The Pokédex was truly a versatile tool. Not only could it reveal the habits of Pokémon and store Professor Oak's vast research data, but it also had functions like web browsing, text messaging, and even live video calls. Compared to the one Logan remembered from the cartoons, this Pokédex was far more advanced. The only flaw—it still looked rather outdated on the outside.
But Professor Oak had already accepted Logan's suggestion. He was currently looking for talented designers to refine the Pokédex, planning to transform it into something sleek and modern, with the true feel of a technological era.
"Who are you chatting with?"
Erika lay lazily at Logan's side, her cheeks flushed red, curled up like a resting cat. A slender snow-white leg slipped out from under the blanket, bringing a touch of spring warmth into the mountain forest air. The faint fragrance filling the travel tent—and the sticky warmth clinging to their skin—made it clear what had just happened between them.
Her beautiful eyes shifted toward Logan, shimmering with a watery glow. She asked the question as if casually, but there was a trace of hidden tension in her voice.
Women were always sensitive. No matter how much they trusted their man, there were moments they still wanted to test things in subtle ways.
Logan, however, didn't notice the undertone. He casually replied,
"…It's Blaine contacting me."
A guilty man would've instinctively hidden his device and muttered something like "It's nothing." But Logan had nothing to hide. He was calm, open, and truthful—because only someone truly unfaithful needed to act otherwise.
Blaine? From Cinnabar Island?" Erika asked curiously. "Why is he reaching out to you?"
"He wants me to visit Cinnabar Island. Says he has something for me. He's been hiding away in his underground laboratory there for months. Looks like he knows the final battle with Team Rocket is coming soon—so he's finally prepared to come out."
Erika tilted her head, a little sadness slipping into her voice. "So… we're leaving already?"
Exhausted, she lay against him, her body clinging softly. Her clothes hung loosely, and her embrace felt like bare skin pressing together—gentle warmth flowing between them.
"It's already been over two months," Logan reminded gently. "You still have your Gym duties to fulfill, and your teaching role at Rainbow University. You've been completely cut off these past weeks—if people didn't know you were undergoing 'special training,' they'd think you'd disappeared."
He deliberately emphasized the words "special training," making Erika blush in embarrassment.
Since that night, days had passed. But in those days, their "training" had shifted from Pokémon sparring to an exploration of personal techniques and passion. A girl who had tasted forbidden fruit for the first time found herself drawn back, again and again. If not for Logan's reminders, Erika might have forgotten her duties entirely.
She sat up, pulling on her clothes, then hugged her knees in silence. Her quietness carried a trace of sorrow.
"I'm only sixteen," Logan whispered, his face close to her hair, inhaling her scent. "And you're not even two years older. We have all the time in the world. But right now… we need to deal with Team Rocket first. If we fail to overcome this crisis, then there really won't be a future for us."
"Don't say that, Logan!" Erika suddenly said firmly, her tone sharp with resolve. In an instant, the love-struck girl had vanished, replaced by the determined, wise Gym Leader once more.
"You're right," Logan admitted. "I've gotten too relaxed. Team Rocket won't give us any more time. I'll head for Cinnabar Island, and you return to Celadon City to gather forces."
Erika clenched her fists, her eyes resolute. "Yes. I'll return immediately. As Celadon's Gym Leader, I'll summon every trainer who's willing to fight. Together—we'll resist Team Rocket."
Logan gave a thoughtful nod. "Alright. But before we go…"
"Hmm?" Erika tilted her head.
"Why don't we try that last position one more time… just to be sure?"
"Ah—!"
With a soft cry, Logan pressed Erika back down onto the blankets once again.
Two months later, the Celadon Gym reopened to await challengers.
Inside the dojo-like arena, Erika sat formally on the tatami, wearing her traditional red-and-white shrine maiden attire. Before her knelt a household attendant, head bowed in respect.
"…In my name," Erika declared firmly, "notify every trainer of Celadon City. Tell them of the crisis now facing Kanto, and that I call upon all who have the will to resist Team Rocket. Make it clear that this is voluntary."
She paused, closing her eyes before continuing.
"…Speak of Team Rocket's crimes with righteous fury. Use words that ignite passion. Make it grand and heroic. And most importantly—ensure that those trainers who already know the truth step forward first, voicing their support. With their lead, the rest will follow."
The servant bowed even lower. "Yes, Lady Erika!"
In his heart, he couldn't help but marvel. Erika truly deserved her title as the commander chosen by the council. In these dark times, only she had the authority and charisma to unite the scattered strength of Kanto. The way she wielded both compassion and manipulation blurred the line between saint and tactician.
When the servant finally departed, Erika's face—once firm and commanding—softened into hesitation.
For a long while, she struggled silently before finally biting her lip and pulling out her phone. With trembling hands, she dialed a number.
"Erika! You're finally back! How was your special training?"
Misty's voice came through at once, urgent and relieved. She had picked up immediately, recognizing Erika's private number.
"The training went well," Erika replied, taking a deep breath. She fought back the guilt tightening in her chest and forced her tone to remain calm. "My strength has grown significantly. My body and spirit both feel renewed."
"That's wonderful! With you back, we finally have our anchor again. According to your instructions, we've already rallied trainers from Pewter City and Cerulean City. We're waiting for your orders." Misty's voice carried relief.
"And Logan?"
"He's fine too. That Eevee of his has grown strong enough to fight. Blaine asked him to come to Cinnabar Island, so he's headed there first."
Hearing Logan's name, Erika's heart twisted with an uncomfortable pang. The unease in her chest deepened—but she quickly shifted the subject.
"…Based on Team Rocket's movements, the city they're most likely to strike first is Saffron. It's Kanto's largest, wealthiest city—an international hub. It's also Sabrina's territory, and the former headquarters of Silph Co. If Rocket takes Saffron, they'll gain both power and money."
Her voice grew sharper. "We need people infiltrated there at once."
Misty was instantly drawn into the discussion, setting aside her earlier questions. Together, they began planning their next move against Team Rocket.
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