The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Pokémon Center, casting warm patches of light across the dining table.
Ash carefully brushed Ralts' blue hair. The shiny Psychic type Pokémon sat comfortably atop his head, letting out soft, contented hums.
"Brock's checking his mail again," Misty remarked as she sipped her juice, glancing toward Brock, who was intently reading through a stack of letters at the front desk.
"When it comes to being meticulous, we really could learn a thing or two from him," Ash said with a smile.
Ever since arriving in this world, he had been making a conscious effort to break the careless habits of his former self.
Especially after Ralts had become his constant companion, he had grown much more patient and attentive. After all, having a blue-haired Ralts perched on a Trainer's head at all times was bound to attract plenty of curious stares.
Suddenly, Brock's excited shout shattered the peaceful atmosphere inside the Pokémon Center.
"It's a letter from Suzie!"
"The Pokémon Breeder we met back on Beauty Street?" Misty recalled.
Ash nodded as the image of the green-haired girl surfaced in his mind.
During their journey through Kanto, Suzie had not only demonstrated exceptional breeding skills, but thanks to a special bond of trust, she had also entrusted her Vulpix to Brock's care.
"She says there's going to be a Pokémon Breeder Competition in Bonitaville, and she's looking for partners," Brock said, his voice trembling with excitement. "It's a bit out of our way, but I absolutely have to go!"
"Of course you do!" Ash answered without hesitation. "You can't miss an important promise like this."
He looked at Misty, and the two exchanged knowing smiles.
Misty patted Brock on the shoulder.
"We're coming with you. That's what friends are for."
After a full day of traveling, the outline of Bonitaville finally came into view.
The town looked as though it had stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Every building was decorated with intricate carvings, while colorful flowers bloomed in the flowerbeds lining both sides of the streets.
"The Pokémon here are all dressed up so beautifully!" Misty exclaimed.
A Pichu wearing a cute bow scampered past their feet, followed closely by an Eevee sporting a neat little bow tie.
Ash carefully observed the Pokémon around town and noticed that some of them were dressed far too extravagantly, to the point that their natural charm was overshadowed.
"True beauty should come from a Pokémon's own elegance and healthy condition," he commented. "Just like Vulpix. It doesn't need excessive decorations to shine."
"Exactly." Brock nodded in agreement. "Miss Suzie's Vulpix has never needed flashy accessories."
A sudden thought struck Misty.
"Since we're entering a Breeder Competition, should we give Vulpix a makeover too?"
Ash quietly shook his head. It seemed Misty still had some misunderstandings about what being a Pokémon Breeder truly meant.
"No need." Brock confidently stroked the Vulpix in his arms. "A true Pokémon Breeder focuses on the beauty that radiates from within a Pokémon. Miss Suzie's Vulpix can impress any judge with nothing more than its healthy coat and bright, lively eyes."
He then shifted his attention to his two companions.
"As for you two, showing up at a formal event dressed in your travel clothes isn't exactly appropriate."
"I came prepared." Ash reached into his backpack and took out an elegant bracelet.
The moment he put it on, a flash of green light enveloped him. His casual traveling outfit instantly transformed into a perfectly tailored black suit.
The silver brooch pinned to his collar complemented Ralts' blue hair beautifully.
Following Ash's example, Brock also changed into a crisp white suit. Somehow, he even produced a bouquet of bright red roses from nowhere.
Ash had also prepared a light pink dress for Misty. Although she admitted she wasn't used to wearing such formal clothes, she gladly accepted it for Brock's sake.
Just as they were admiring each other's new outfits, Vulpix suddenly leaped out of Brock's arms and sprinted toward the other end of the street.
"Vulpix!"
The three hurried after it. As they rounded the corner, they saw a familiar figure they would never forget.
Dressed in a pure white dress that perfectly complemented her emerald green hair, Suzie stood in front of a flower shop. The sunlight outlined her figure with a soft golden glow.
Vulpix affectionately rubbed against her ankle, letting out cheerful cries.
"Miss Suzie!" Ash and Misty greeted her first.
When they looked back, however, Brock was frozen in place, his face full of nervousness.
"He always chokes when it matters most." Ash let out a helpless sigh. Brock, who usually had no trouble approaching beautiful older women, somehow became shy and awkward whenever he stood before the person he truly cared about.
"Ash, Misty, it's been a long time." Suzie smiled as she gently petted the Vulpix in her arms, though her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the figure in the white suit standing behind them.
Encouraged by Ash's reassuring look, Brock finally gathered his courage and stepped forward.
Using the bouquet of roses to half-hide his face, his ears burning bright red, he stammered, "Miss Suzie... this is... just a small token of my appreciation..."
Seeing Brock like this, Ash couldn't help but cover his forehead with his hand.
Ralts seemed to sense its Trainer's helplessness and gently tugged at his hair.
Suzie accepted the bouquet, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Thank you, Brock. You've taken wonderful care of Vulpix."
Watching the two companions reunite, Ash smiled with genuine satisfaction.
Perhaps this visit to Bonitaville was not only about keeping a promise, but also the beginning of a brand new story.
...
RedX43's Note:
➤ Want More? Get up to +25 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +200 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Consider giving a review or leave some comments, it help boost the story!
➤ Thanks for reading! 🙌