Rainbow City was one of those places Ash needed to visit but least enjoyed due to its overpowering scents.
"Ugh, my nose is under attack! I knew coming to Rainbow City would torture my nostrils. These mixed perfume smells are lethal!" Ash clutched his forehead, dizzy from the synthetic fragrances. Chansey quickly steadied him while Meowth handed him a mask, grumbling, "Honestly, kid, you always forget to wear this here."
"Whew, saved. Thanks. Gotta check the goods now... Huh? Flint, what's with you?"
Ash turned to find Flint pressed against a store window like a lovesick fool, drawing stares from passersby. Shrugging, Ash tugged Misty's sleeve. "Let him be. We're heading to the shop."
"Sure, see you later. This place is paradise!" Flint called out, oblivious as locals began filming his antics.
Inside a boutique, Ash finally removed his mask. "Ah, natural scents. Way better than those chemical abominations."
Misty marveled at the perfumes until a swarm of staff descended. "Young Master Ash! Your floral order is ready for inspection!"
The attendants fawned over him eagerly. "We'll handle the verification when Erika arrives," Ash said calmly. "For now, show my friend your best custom fragrances. I'll cover it." He pulled out a black card. "Cash or credit?"
"Yesss!" The staff whisked Misty away despite her protests. "Wait—what's happening?!"
"Relax," Ash chuckled. "Daisy Oak and the others all got customized perfumes too. You're in good hands."
"Don't phrase it like that!!"
As Misty was ushered into a VIP room, Ash released Primeape and tested incense blends. "How's this one?"
"Grrr!" Primeape shook its head irritably.
After several trials, the Pokémon finally calmed with a sandalwood aroma. "Good. Now," Ash lowered his voice, "I'll teach you a focus technique. Pay attention." Meowth activated a soundproof barrier around them.
"Still as tender with Pokémon as ever, Ash."
He turned to see Erika in a Johto-style kimono. "New outfit?"
"Do you like it?" She twirled gracefully.
"Not bad. I prefer qipaos, though."
"Ugh, typical." Erika rolled her eyes. "Your shipment's here. Inspect the flowers?"
Ash meticulously sniffed each blossom while staff recorded his orders. "More of these... reduce this batch... take all stock of that one."
A nearby apprentice whispered, "Being an apothecary looks exhausting."
Erika nodded. "Indeed. Identifying medicinal flora in this perfume-saturated city? It's a miracle his nose survives."