284. Precious Things

"What kind of attitude is that? You won't even look at me! Fine, I'll prove to you that appearance matters. When the time comes, I'll make sure you can't take your eyes off me."

Misty glared at Ash without a word, angrily picked up her bag, and stood to leave.

"Whatever you want!" Ash dismissed her and let her go without further argument.

Suzie watched, looking flustered. "I didn't expect this to escalate so quickly," she muttered, clearly at a loss.

"Ash, this isn't like you. What's going on today?" Brock asked, his tone full of concern. He was puzzled. Normally, Ash didn't let Misty's irritations get to him, often brushing them off casually. They had never fought like this before.

In truth, Ash had rarely engaged Misty in arguments during their time together, unlike the frequent small squabbles portrayed in their past adventures. However, this was the most heated exchange they had ever shared, leaving Brock taken aback.

"It's nothing," Ash finally replied, his gaze distant as he stared at the colorfully dressed people and Pokémon passing outside the glass window. His voice was unusually cold. "I just looked at those people and realized that something precious between Trainers and their Pokémon seems to be fading."

"Are you talking about the trend that shop started?" Brock asked, leaning closer.

Ash nodded. "Yes. It's making me question everything. What's more important—appearance or what's inside? Since that shop opened, I've started to doubt my own methods and whether I should continue to hold onto them."

Suzie looked pensive, touched by Ash's words. She, too, had noticed how some Trainers seemed to treat Pokémon more as status symbols than cherished partners. The care and love that defined the heart of being a Trainer were now overshadowed by shallow comparisons.

"No!" Ash exclaimed abruptly, shaking his head. "Even Pokémon that others consider unattractive have their own unique charm. I saw proof of that in Celadon City."

"You mean Erika?" Brock asked, his eyes lighting up as he recalled the Gym Leader.

"Yes," Ash affirmed. "Most people find Gloom's smell unpleasant, but Erika cherishes Gloom because it once saved her. That's its unique charm. And Erika? She took that love and inspired others to see beauty in something they once overlooked. That's the kind of strength that has nothing to do with appearances."

"Ash, you're right," Brock said with a renewed sense of determination. "Suzie, don't give up. The path ahead might be tough, but holding onto your beliefs is what matters."

Though her confidence was slowly returning, Suzie sighed. "But no one wants to come to my shop anymore. What can I do without customers?"

"Someone did come earlier," Ash pointed out. "Remember the woman with the Chansey? She may have dressed like others, but her Chansey wasn't dressed up. It's clear she loves her Pokémon and hasn't been swayed by all of this."

He paused, his expression softening. "Some people care about appearances, but others care deeply about their Pokémon. If you stay true to what matters, you'll attract the ones who value the same."

Encouraged, Suzie nodded, her resolve strengthening. With Ash and Brock's support, she knew she could weather the storm.

Although many people outside seem to have been influenced by this trend, there must still be plenty who haven't succumbed to it.

But as the old saying goes, "One bad apple spoils the bunch." And here, it's not just one—this entire Breeder's Lane has been overrun. These well-known shops have started competing with each other over appearances, creating an environment where even the few stores that remain genuine are overshadowed. Outsiders can't tell which shops truly care about Pokémon anymore.

Still, for the Trainers who genuinely care about their Pokémon, breeders like Suzie can stand out. If those Trainers know there's someone like her, the right people will come.

"That's right," Brock agreed. "If they rely on appearances, let's prove our worth through heartfelt care and dedication!"

"But how?" Suzie asked, lowering her head as she mulled it over.

"Hmm~~~ Ash, any good ideas?" Brock asked, stroking his chin in thought, clearly at a loss.

"It's simple," Ash replied with a smile. "Do you remember how we drummed up business in Porta Vista? We'll need help from our Pokémon for this."

"I get it now! Leave it to us!" Brock's eyes lit up with understanding, and he quickly nodded.

"Don't worry! Since most of Breeder's Lane is caught up in this, we need to expand our reach. Devileon and Pidgeotto are on it!" Ash released his Pokémon, giving them instructions to leave the street and spread the word.

"Suzie, we'll need flyers for this," Ash added, turning to her.

"I understand. Thank you, Ash, Brock!" Suzie responded gratefully, standing up to start preparing the flyers.

Devileon and Pidgeotto each took a flyer in their beaks and flew out of the Shop to distribute them far and wide. Meanwhile, the other Pokémon stayed behind to hand out flyers within the lane. The flyers advertised a special Pokémon care lecture at Suzie's store, inviting Trainers who genuinely cared about their Pokémon to attend. 

It was a heartfelt effort to counter the superficial trend with true passion and dedication.