Chapter 113: Matching Kimonos

The gentle rustle of fabric filled the room as I adjusted the black kimono around my shoulders. It was soft, comfortable, and wrapped around me like a second skin. My fingers brushed the elegant, crimson thread weaving through the intricate patterns.

Behind me, I felt the soft pressure of Erin's arms as they slipped around my waist, her hug tentative but firm. She rested her chin on my shoulder, her face half-hidden by her dark hair. "I like that we're wearing matching kimonos," she whispered, her voice as calm and steady.

I tilted my head, catching a glimpse of her in the mirror—her black kimono mirroring mine, with its own delicate stitching. We almost looked like two shadows in the dim light of the room. 

"You wanted us to match," I replied, my tone relaxed, as if the entire world wasn't moving faster than I could keep up with. Erin nodded, her grip tightening slightly. She didn't need words. She rarely did. 

Shadow jumped onto my shoulder, his sleek black form a striking contrast against the traditional wear. His electric blue sparks flickered lightly along his limbs, the edges of his body shimmering as if he could vanish at any moment. His red eyes gleamed with mischief. 

"Why should I wear this? It's red too," Shadow muttered, his voice crackling through the link we shared. His red eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed by the idea.

I chuckled, brushing a hand through his shadowy fur. "It matches you, buddy."

He nuzzled against my cheek, show of affection from the creature that normally exuded nothing but confidence.

I turned toward the Pokéball at my belt, releasing Raichu. In a flash of light, he appeared, his orange fur practically glowing against the black kimono I wore. He blinked up at me, then at Shadow perched on my shoulder, his round eyes widening in disbelief. His tail twitched, as if he wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

"Don't start anything," I said, my voice carrying a relaxed tone, though my eyes held a warning. "We're family. No fighting."

Raichu tilted his head, clearly contemplating the idea before hopping into Erin's arms, licking her face with a smug grin aimed directly at Shadow. Erin didn't flinch, her calm demeanor unfazed by Raichu's antics. She simply blinked, wiping her face but otherwise remained still, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Shadow, in turn, licked my face with a slow, deliberate motion, his red eyes gleaming as Raichu's expression shifted into one of stunned confusion. A quiet laugh escaped me, and Shadow's lips curled into a grin.

Raichu huffed, clearly annoyed, but he didn't push further. I scooped Shadow into my arms, feeling the energy crackling beneath his fur, and we made our way out of the room.

Hours later, the festival was in full swing. Lanterns lit the night sky, their soft glow reflected in the crowd below, everyone adorned in vibrant kimonos. The steady rhythm of drums echoed in the distance. I spotted familiar faces—Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu, even Team Rocket perched on an elevated platform, banging away at the drums with wild abandon. The usual conflict between us felt far away tonight, the peace of the festival taking precedence over old rivalries. For now, at least.

I let them have their fun, my gaze shifting as Ash and Misty began to dance. I felt Erin beside me, her hand brushing against mine. I glanced down at her—her face illuminated by the soft lantern light, her eyes holding that same calm, unreadable expression. I reached for her hand, pulling her gently into the crowd, guiding her into the rhythm of the festival.

She moved stiffly at first, still a bit unsure, but I led with confidence. She relaxed into the motions as we swayed with the beat, a quiet contentment settling between us. Shadow and Raichu had found their own corner of the festival, no doubt causing mischief , but for now, it was just Erin and me.

The sky exploded with color as fireworks lit up the night, their vibrant sparks dancing across the heavens. Erin's grip tightened on my hand. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice soft, barely a whisper.

I nodded, my gaze following the trails of light. "Yeah... it is."

Shadow leaped into my arms just as Raichu found his place back in Erin's. The two Pokémon settled into our embrace, their rivalry momentarily forgotten under the spell of the festival.

Hours later, we stood near the lake, watching as small boats drifted toward the open sea, their lanterns casting rippling reflections on the water's surface. Erin stood behind me again, her arms wrapped around me, Raichu nestled against her chest. Shadow perched on my shoulder, his gaze steady, thoughtful.

I broke the silence. "We're heading to Saffron City tomorrow. Plans have changed." I glanced down at Shadow. "Thanks to him."

Erin didn't question it. She never did. She simply nodded, her grip never loosening, her trust in me as unshakable as ever.