---
After parting ways with Ash, Misty, and Brock, Kai and Erika continued east. Their plan was to return to New Bark Town first, then head north toward Mt. Silver and Silver Town.
On the way, Erika's luck held strong. Just outside the City, she encountered and caught another Grass-type Pokémon, bringing her total for the trip to nearly half a dozen.
For someone whose goal had been to discover and bond with more Pokémon, the journey had already been more than worthwhile.
Because the Silver Conference was still a little way off, the two had time to travel at a relaxed pace. By evening, they reached New Bark Town, where they stopped in to visit Professor Elm. To their surprise, he invited them to stay the night at his home.
It was the first time Kai had met Elm's family. His wife was kind and welcoming, and their son who looked so much like the professor it was almost comical was quick to warm up to the visiting Trainers.
Kai had even brought along a small gift for the family, which made their hospitality all the warmer.
That evening, over dinner, Professor Elm chatted eagerly about recent Pokémon research. He and Kai shared a few light drinks, though nothing like the heavy toasting Kai had once endured at Mr. Steel's home. With his wife present, Elm kept things much more under control this time.
When bedtime came, however, a small mix-up left Kai and Erika in a slightly awkward situation.
Elm's wife, perhaps noticing the closeness between the two Trainers, ended up putting them in the same guest room.
To make matters more uncomfortable, there was only one bed.
Kai scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Uh… I can always take the floor if you'd rather."
Erika blushed faintly, but shook her head. "It's fine. We're both Trainers we've slept in rougher spots than this. No need to overthink it."
Reluctantly, Kai agreed. After Erika took her turn in the shower, Kai followed, and before long they were both lying quietly in bed. The moonlight filtering through the window casts a soft glow across the room.
For a moment, neither spoke. The only sound was the faint rustle of blankets and the distant call of a Hoothoot outside. Kai found himself very aware of Erika's presence beside him, the faint scent of flowers clinging to her from her Grass-type partners. He turned slightly, catching the silhouette of her profile in the moonlight.
His heart gave a small, unexpected jolt.
He slowly reached out, and gently placed his hand on Erika's waist under the quilt.
Erika was clearly not asleep yet, which could be felt from her slightly trembling body, and even her breathing became a little rapid.
After several seconds of silence, seeing no further reaction from her, Kai grew bolder.
His hand slowly slid downward, slipping inside Erika's pajamas and resting on her smooth, delicate, and unfathomable belly.
Feeling the deadly touch, and seeing Erika's lack of reaction, Kai involuntarily moved his hand upward again, towards her pert breasts.
But just as he was about to touch, Erika suddenly raised her arm and clamped his hand through her pajamas with her elbow.
The Room was eerily quiet. With her back to him, Kai couldn't see Erika's expression, but judging by her rising body temperature, she must have blushed.
With a slight push, he broke through Erika's elbow and grasped the massive peak unimpeded in his palm.
This time, Erika didn't resist, but instead opened her mouth slightly, breathing heavily, and Kai could even hear her soft gasps!
Kai's boldness had reached its peak!
He leaned toward Erika and, with a force, flipped her over, bringing her face to face with a pair of hazy eyes.
As their eyes met, Kai could sense the obvious panic on Erika's face, and she couldn't even look him in the eye. Seeing that pretty face, Kai's head was racing, and in the next second, he kissed her red lips.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
The next morning, Kai yawned as he joined Professor Elm at the breakfast table. Elm gave him a knowing smile and leaned over.
"Young Trainers need their rest," he said in a low voice. "Don't push yourselves too hard big days are coming."
Kai blinked, unsure whether Elm was referring to traveling, training, or… something else. Before he could ask, Erika walked in.
Hearing Elm's words, her face turned bright red, and she quickly looked away, choosing instead to busy herself with the food on the table.
After breakfast, the two thanked Elm and his family for their kindness.
"Good luck in the Silver Conference," Elm said warmly. "I'll be cheering for you. If time allows, maybe I'll even come watch a match or two in person."
"We'd be honored," Kai said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude. Erika offered a polite thanks as well.
With that, they set off once more, heading north out of New Bark Town.
The morning sun was bright, the air crisp. And though nothing had been said directly, both Kai and Erika felt that something between them had subtly shifted overnight.
----
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!