50. Perfume

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Kai didn't know much about perfume, but he figured that listening to the advice of professionals would be a safe bet.

At that moment, Erika pulled out a trial-sized bottle of perfume she had selected for Sabrina. Rolling up her sleeve, she sprayed a little onto her wrist.

"Here, smell this. Isn't it lovely?"

Kai glanced at her pale, smooth arm before leaning in slightly to catch the scent.

Sure enough, the fragrance was delightful and delicate, yet not overpowering.

Mixed with the perfume was a youthful, feminine scent that made his heart beat just a little faster.

This fragrance was distinct from Sabrina's, subtly highlighting the differences in personality between the two women.

Erika smiled warmly. "This perfume is exclusive to our shop. It's a unique blend you won't find anywhere else."

Clearing his throat, Kai replied, "Alright, I'll take these four. Please wrap them up for me."

After paying for the perfumes, Kai bid Erika farewell and exited the shop. He attempted to contact the "Looker guy," but his call didn't go through.

"That's strange," Kai muttered. "Didn't he say he'd meet me once I got to Celadon City?"

Still, considering the man's enigmatic nature, Kai shrugged it off. He's probably on some kind of mission.

Since Erika was busy at the perfume shop, it was clear she wasn't available for a Gym battle. Kai decided there was no point in heading to the Gym just yet.

After a moment of thought, he turned and walked toward Celadon Game Corner. Might as well pass the time.

Located in the southeast part of the city, the Game Corner was far grander in person than it appeared in the games.

It wasn't just an arcade there were hotels, restaurants, a movie theatre, and even dance halls!

Inside the bustling Game Corner, Kai observed the lively crowd.

Young groups and middle-aged visitors mingled among claw machines, arcade games, slot machines, dance platforms, and even pachinko machines. The atmosphere was vibrant.

Kai purchased a handful of game coins from the counter. Just as he was heading to a claw machine, something at a nearby stall caught his eye.

The stall owner, a middle-aged man, was selling an array of Pokémon-themed masks.

"Boss, how much for that Gengar mask?" Kai asked, pointing to one in particular.

The mask's upper half resembled Gengar's mischievous, dark-purple face, covering most of the wearer's face, while the lower section was cut away to expose the mouth.

"You've got good taste," the stall owner said with a grin. "This mask is one of my best. Sturdy, with glass eyes that won't obstruct your view. Usually, it's 300 Pokédollars, but today's special price is just 250!"

Kai frowned. "That's still pretty steep. How about 100 Pokédollars?"

The stall owner feigned shock. "Are you joking? 250 is already a bargain!"

Kai smirked and walked away without another word. As expected, the man quickly called him back, Asian bargaining skills.

"Alright, alright! Since it seems like fate brought you here, how about 150 Pokédollars?"

Kai suppressed a chuckle. This tactic always worked. Without hesitation, he pulled out a single 100 Pokédollar bill.

The stall owner sighed theatrically but handed over the mask in exchange.

The transaction was so fast that Kai briefly wondered if even 100 Pokédollars was too much.

Tucking the Gengar mask securely into his bag, he returned to the claw machine. After a few tries, he managed to snag two plush toys.

As he prepared to leave the Game Corner, he became aware of several eyes watching him from the shadows.

Hidden in a nearby phone booth, Jessie, James, and Meowth were whispering among themselves.

"Are we really gonna go after him?" James asked nervously. "He helped us escape from the underwater base last time. Isn't it wrong to go after him now?"

Jessie crossed her arms. "Don't be ridiculous! We're bad guys, remember? The Boss gave us direct orders to deal with him!"

"But the Game Corner's near our secret base!" James protested. "Isn't it risky to act here?"

Jessie rolled her eyes. "Obviously, we wait until he leaves! Then we'll strike."

As Team Rocket schemed, Kai received a message on his phone. It was from the "Looker guy," containing nothing but a location pin.

'What's this about? Is this where we're supposed to meet?'

Kai decided to investigate but remained cautious. The coordinates led him to a cluster of warehouses near the freight train station, on the city's outskirts.

The area was eerily quiet, with only the occasional passing train breaking the silence.

"Haunter, scout the area. Kirlia, stay alert," Kai instructed, donning the Gengar mask he had purchased earlier.

It hadn't been long since he bought the mask, but it was already proving useful.

After a brief search, Haunter returned, shaking its head.

"No ambushes, but there's someone seriously injured in that warehouse ahead," it reported telepathically.

Kai's heart skipped a beat. 'A seriously injured person?'

Following Haunter's guidance, Kai arrived at the warehouse. The large iron doors were ajar, one hanging crookedly on its hinges.

A dark red trail of blood stretched from the entrance into the shadows beyond.

The sharp, metallic scent of blood filled the air, warning of something grim ahead.

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