The Pantheon

Fighting Dojo

The sunlight gleamed off the towering skyscrapers of Saffron City, their sleek, modern designs a stark contrast to the quaint, nature-filled settings Ashley had gotten used to explore. She craned her neck to take it all in, her hat tipping back slightly as her eyes sparkled with curiosity. Beside her, Venus trotted along, her blue scarf fluttering lightly in the breeze, while Proserpina waddled at her other side, her petals swaying with each step.

Ashley adjusted the strap of her bag, grinning as she glanced down at her Pokémon. "Alright, girls, first things first—what's the vibe? Shopping? Food? Or do we hunt down one of those famous Saffron museums?"

Venus let out an enthusiastic chirp, hopping up onto her hind legs briefly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Proserpina, ever the calmer of the two, tilted her head thoughtfully, her stubby arms folding in what Ashley could only describe as a "thinking pose."

"Venus wants shopping," Ashley said, laughing as the Eevee puffed out her chest proudly. "Proserpina's vote is... probably museums. You do give off those sophisticated vibes, don't you, girl?"

Proserpina hummed softly, swaying in agreement, her petals releasing a faint, pleasant scent that caught the attention of a passing child. The boy tugged on his mother's sleeve, pointing at the adorable Gloom, and Ashley couldn't help but wave.

"Tell you what," she said, leaning down conspiratorially toward her Pokémon, "we'll do both. Shopping first because Venus looks like she might explode if we don't."

Venus yipped excitedly, spinning in a quick circle before darting ahead. Ashley jogged to catch up, laughing as Proserpina kept pace, her waddling steps surprisingly determined. The trio wove through the bustling streets of Saffron, the city alive with people and Pokémon. Ashley spotted trainers walking with their Machops carrying heavy packages, and a Doduo courier expertly maneuvered through the crowd with a parcel strapped to its back.

"This place is wild," Ashley muttered, her grin widening. She spotted a store with an elaborate window display featuring sparkling Poké Dolls and trainer accessories. "Alright, Venus, let's check this out."

The store was as glamorous as its exterior suggested, with shelves lined with glittering ribbons, shiny decorations, and colorful Poké Puffs that looked almost too pretty to eat. Venus immediately darted toward a display of custom Pokémon collars and scarves, her tail wagging furiously as she nosed through the options.

"Venus, you're a menace," Ashley teased, picking up a pale green scarf embroidered with tiny leaves. She held it up for Proserpina, who inspected it with a critical eye before nodding her approval. "Good choice. Alright, let's grab this and—Venus, put that down!" Ashley lunged to stop Venus from dragging a sequined bow off the shelf.

After paying for the scarf and a few extra treats ("Because you're impossible to say no to," Ashley told Venus), the trio stepped back onto the bustling sidewalk. Proserpina wore her new scarf with an air of quiet dignity, and Ashley couldn't help but snap a quick picture with her Poké Nav.

"Alright, museum time," Ashley said, pulling up a map on her device. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "There's one nearby all about Pokémon battling history. Sound good?"

Proserpina nodded enthusiastically, and even Venus seemed intrigued, tilting her head at the mention of battling. They made their way toward the museum, stopping occasionally to admire street performers and food vendors. Ashley grabbed a hot pretzel from one stall, tearing off a piece to share with Venus and Proserpina as they walked.

The museum was an architectural marvel, its glass façade reflecting the sunlight and giving it an almost ethereal glow. Inside, exhibits ranged from ancient battle tactics to the evolution of moves over the decades. Proserpina was fascinated, her wide eyes taking in every detail as Ashley read the plaques aloud. Venus, on the other hand, found herself captivated by the interactive displays, batting at holographic projections of famous Pokémon moves.