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The three chatted casually, and noticing that Chloe seemed to have taken a liking to Eevee, their conversation naturally shifted from general topics to Erika's Eevee.
Kai asked, "Given the Grass-type theme of your Gym, its evolution would be Leafeon, right?"
Erika nodded. "That's correct, but for it to evolve, we need a Leaf Stone. Unfortunately, we ran out of them during a recent trainer appreciation event we held at the Gym as part of the League's initiatives. So, Eevee's evolution will have to wait for now."
"Leaf Stone?" Kai reached into his bag and rummaged through it, eventually pulling out an evolutionary stone he had received from the Eevee Brothers in Stone Town. Without hesitation, he handed it to Erika. "Here, take this Leaf Stone. You can use it for your Eevee."
Erika was surprised. "Oh? Why do you have something ?"
Kai shrugged. "Just something I picked up during my travels. I don't need it, so it might as well go to good use."
"Thank you so much," Erika said gratefully as she accepted the Leaf Stone. "However, Eevee isn't ready yet. Its strength needs to grow a bit more before I use this. I want to wait for the right moment when it's fully prepared."
Kai waved dismissively. "That's up to you. I've already given it to you, so it's yours to decide when to use it."
He glanced at the time and realized over an hour had passed while they rested. Feeling refreshed, he decided it was time to move on.
"Alright, it's getting late. We need to reach Celadon City before nightfall. Thanks for your hospitality, Erika. See you next time!"
Kai and Chloe stood up to leave, and Erika quickly rose as well.
"I'm really sorry," Erika said apologetically. "With the Gym and the perfume shop keeping me busy, I can't attend your match in person, but I'll be cheering for you through the TV broadcast."
"It's no problem," Kai replied casually.
Though he had made several friends during his travels, Kai had grown used to facing challenges alone. His self-sufficient nature meant that having no one to cheer him on never bothered him.
Erika placed her hands together and bowed slightly. "I wish you good luck and success in your journey."
Kai and Chloe returned the bow with a smile before setting off.
As they walked away, Chloe glanced back and noticed Erika still standing there, watching them leave.
Turning back quickly, she thought to herself, 'Miss Erika is still watching us…'
Though Erika's expression was no longer visible, Chloe could almost feel the soft warmth of her gaze.
'Kai sure has met a lot of interesting people during his travels,' Chloe thought.
After leaving the wilderness, they arrived back in Sunny Town. Continuing westward, they soon reached the outskirts of Celadon City. Beyond that lay the path to the Indigo Plateau. However, a wide river now blocked their way.
The area was quiet, with no boats or bridges in sight. If they wanted to cross, they would have to rely on a Pokémon's help.
Summoning Gyarados, Kai helped Chloe climb aboard the Water-type Pokémon. They crossed the river safely and reached the opposite bank, where the vast expanse of the Viridian Forest awaited them.
By this time, the sun was beginning to set. Though Kai initially hesitated to enter the forest at night, he decided to quicken their pace to avoid camping outdoors.
As they walked through the forest, they encountered swarms of Bug-type Pokémon. Caterpie and Weedle poked their heads out from time to time, causing Chloe to tremble nervously.
"Why are there so many bugs in this forest?" she asked, moving closer to Kai and clutching his sleeve.
Her fear was understandable. Many girls, even Misty, shared the same aversion to Bug-types.
Kai was about to reassure her when a voice suddenly called out from a distance.
"Hey, you over there! You look familiar!"
Turning toward the voice, Kai spotted a young man dressed as a samurai, leaning casually against a tree trunk. The samurai's cold gaze met theirs.
"Ah, it's you!" Kai exclaimed, instantly recognizing the samurai boy from a previous encounter.
The samurai smirked. "I didn't expect to see you in this forest again. How about another battle?"
Kai studied the samurai boy. Though his appearance hadn't changed much, his demeanour seemed calmer likely a result of experience.
Kai couldn't help but admire the boy's dedication. "Still here after all this time? You must really love this forest."
The samurai, mistaking Kai's silence for arrogance, puffed up his chest. "Last time, you said you'd show trainers from Pallet Town what you were made of. I lost completely back then, but I've improved a lot since! My Pokémon have evolved, and I've captured several new partners!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Kai replied with a smirk. "You're not the only one who's grown stronger. Let's see how far you've come."
Chloe, confused, tilted her head. "Trainers from Pallet Town?"
Kai leaned over and whispered an explanation about his playful fib, earning a giggle from Chloe.
"you're too sneaky!" she teased.
The samurai boy, noticing Chloe's cheerful laughter, blushed slightly. To hide his embarrassment, he quickly released his Pokémon.
"Come out, Butterfree!"
With the battle about to begin, Kai sighed and pulled out a Poké Ball.
"Alright, I guess I don't have a choice. Let's do this! Charmeleon, I choose you!"
With a flash of light, the Fire-type Pokémon emerged, ready for battle.
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