Chapter 124: Jealousy and Attention

I walked through the forest, the thick canopy above creating a perfect blend of shadow and sunlight dappling the path. 

My footsteps were quiet, measured, with Shadow perched on my shoulder, his sleek black form blending into the dark fabric of my jacket. 

His red eyes glowed faintly as he scanned our surroundings.

The clearing up ahead was wide, and there she was—Erin, sitting cross-legged on the grass, playing with her Bulbasaur. 

Its vines stretched lazily toward her, gently brushing against her hand while her Pidgey sat atop her head, ruffling its feathers like a crown. 

She looked—cute, I guess, if that's the word for it. Innocent, completely out of place, yet somehow right where she belonged.

Before I could say anything, I felt the weight in my arms shift as Raichu leapt into them, his yellow fur pressed against my chest. 

The sudden weight nearly knocked me off balance, and before I knew it, he was crying. 

His little paws clutched at my jacket, sniffling like his world had just ended. 

I barely had time to react before Shadow's voice cut through my thoughts. "Jealousy," he muttered, his tone almost amused, the faintest smirk tugging at his features as he watched Raichu.

"Jealousy?" I echoed, dumbfounded. Raichu, jealous? Of Shadow?

Erin noticed us then, quickly returning her Pokémon to their Pokéballs, her calm demeanor never breaking as she stood. "He's jealous," she said, her voice steady and unbothered. "You always take Shadow with you and leave Raichu behind."

I sighed, the sound slipping from my lips like a deflated balloon. 

Of course. 

Raichu was jealous of the attention Shadow got. 

I pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his head. 

His tears slowed, the sniffling stopped, and before long, he was fast asleep, his small form heavy and warm in my arms. 

I let out another sigh, this one quieter.

"Let's head to the city," I said, still holding Raichu. "I'm finished with what I needed to do out here." I shifted Raichu's weight as I crouched down, gently laying him on the ground. 

Shadow hopped off my shoulder, his red eyes narrowing with mischief as he padded over to Raichu, poking him with a small, sharp paw.

"Don't mess with him," I said, my voice flat but tired. 

Shadow shrugged, unbothered as he sat next to the sleeping Raichu, his tail flicking lazily behind him.

Erin and I packed up our campsite in silence, the quiet only broken by the occasional rustling of leaves and the sound of our movements. 

I called out to Pidgeot, who had been circling overhead, keeping an eye on things from above. 

His massive wings beat against the air as he landed with a soft thud beside us.

Raichu slept in my arms, his small chest rising and falling softly. 

Shadow climbed back onto my shoulder, settling in with a contented hum, while Erin clambered onto Pidgeot behind me, her arms wrapping loosely around my waist. 

She pressed her face against my back, her breath warm.

Pidgeot took off, the sudden rush of air lifting us into the sky. 

The forest below shrank, fading into the distance as we soared toward Celadon City. 

The towering buildings loomed ahead, shining in the afternoon sun, their glass windows reflecting the endless sky above.

We landed just outside the city, the noise of our arrival startling a few passersby. 

I recalled Pidgeot into his Pokéball, the world around us feeling oddly small compared to the vast sky we'd just left.

"Let's grab some lunch," I said, my voice relaxed as I adjusted Raichu in my arms. 

He stirred slightly but didn't wake. 

Shadow had moved from my shoulder to the top of my head, curling up like some strange, electric-hued hat.

Erin nodded, her stomach growling loud enough for both of us to hear. "I'm starving," she said with a faint smile, though her tone remained calm . "I want something special."

I chuckled under my breath. "Sure."

We walked into the city, the streets bustling with people. 

Raichu still slept soundly, his soft breathing rhythmic in my arms. 

Shadow had fallen asleep too, his small form rising and falling with the rhythm of my steps. 

Erin glanced at me, her hazel eyes soft.

"You look cute with them both," she said, her voice devoid of any teasing.

I smirked. "You look cute too, even without them."