Pokemon: Skybound

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At the One Island port, the same cosy tavern bustled with activity.

At the bar counter, where they had once sat before, Kai and Sabrina enjoyed the local delicacies, their conversation quiet and relaxed.

Suddenly, the tavern door flew open with a loud bang. Startled, the bartender looked up to see Lorelei storming inside, her face full of fury.

Ignoring the curious stares of the patrons, she marched straight to Kai and slammed her hand on the table, plopping down heavily beside him.

The scene reminded Kai of their first arrival on One Island, though the mood was now vastly different.

"Miss Lorelei, why are you back so late?" Kai greeted her cheerfully, holding out a half-filled glass of iced water. "It's so hot today; you must be exhausted. Here, have some ice water to cool off!"

Lorelei snatched the glass from him and took a big gulp only to immediately spit it out. The taste of leftover food grease hit her tongue, and she realized with horror that it was Kai's used glass.

"You're messing with me, aren't you?!" Lorelei's eyes burned with rage, as though she wanted to tear him apart on the spot.

"Oh, my mistake! I grabbed the wrong glass." Kai chuckled nervously, quickly handing her a fresh cup of iced water. "Don't be so mad. By the way, how's the situation on Mount Ember?"

Due to the mountain's distance from the town and the river separating them, the eruption hadn't caused widespread panic among the island's residents.

Only a thin layer of volcanic ash had settled over the area, dimming the sunlight.

Lorelei huffed, still fuming, but answered, "I've already spoken with the police. Thankfully, the lava stopped at the base of the mountain and only destroyed a section of forest. It could've been much worse."

Kai let out a sigh of relief. "That's good news no injuries or casualties."

"Enough about that." Lorelei waved her hand dismissively, her tone growing eager. "Tell me, did you manage to catch Moltres?"

"Shh! Keep your voice down!" Kai motioned for her to lower her voice. After making sure no one was paying attention, he pulled an Ultra Ball from his belt and held it up with a grin.

"It wasn't easy, but I managed to seize the opportunity at the last moment."

Lorelei's eyes locked onto the Ultra Ball, her heart racing.

Inside this ball… was Moltres?

She couldn't believe he'd actually done it! She couldn't help but admire his skill.

However, she soon noticed a crude, flame-shaped engraving on the ball's surface. "Wait… did you carve this? It's so ugly!"

"Hey!" Kai shot her a look. "I don't care how it looks. The point is to distinguish the balls so I don't mix them up in critical moments."

After capturing Moltres, Kai had completed the trio of legendary birds. To commemorate this milestone and make the Ultra Balls easy to differentiate, he'd etched simple symbols onto each one using a utility knife.

Lorelei pushed up her glasses, her expression turning serious. "Well, since you've caught Moltres and achieved your goal, I think it's time we settle a score."

"Settle a score?" Kai blinked, confused. "What score?"

Lorelei began counting on her fingers. "Let's see… removing Moltres from the Sevii Islands, causing the mountain to erupt, destroying part of the forest, leaving a helpless young woman behind and let's not forget that little trick with the water glass. Don't you think all these debts need to be addressed?"

Kai sighed. "Wasn't it you who guided me to Moltres's valley? By that logic, you're an accomplice! Besides, the volcano showed signs of eruption. Long before I got there, I was just the catalyst. And as for leaving someone behind… you're Lorelei of the Kanto and Johto Elite Four! How could lava possibly harm you?"

Lorelei slammed her hands on the table. "That doesn't justify abandoning me halfway up the mountain!"

Kai waved a hand dismissively. "Don't be petty. Charizard can only carry two people. Anyway, you made it back safe and sound, didn't you?"

Realizing she couldn't win this argument, Lorelei took a deep breath and switched to a more serious tone. "Fine. Let's talk about something else. Since you're the Indigo League Champion, your strength is undeniable. After spending time with you, I've come to… reluctantly acknowledge your abilities. So, what do you say? Care for a battle?"

Inwardly, Lorelei was determined to go all out if Kai accepted her challenge, fully intending to repay him for all the indignities she'd suffered.

To her disappointment, Kai shook his head. "Not yet. I'll wait until after the Silver Conference to challenge you and the others. I need more time to hone my skills."

Lorelei hid her disappointment behind a neutral expression and nodded. "Fair enough. What's your next move, then?"

"There's nothing left for us here," Kai replied. "Sabrina and I plan to head to the Orange Islands after lunch."

"What a coincidence," Lorelei said. "I might head to the Orange Islands in a few days too, but I doubt our paths will cross again."

She stood and extended her hand. "Well then, I wish you both safe travels. You're always welcome here."

Kai and Sabrina rose and shook her hand in turn. "If we get the chance, we'd love to come back," Kai said. "We really enjoy the peaceful island lifestyle. Someday, when we're done travelling, we might even build a little house in a quiet place like this to relax and unwind."

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As Charizard carried Kai and Sabrina southward, the vast ocean stretched endlessly below them. For the first time since arriving in the Sevii Islands, Kai felt a sense of calm, reflecting on their journey.

Not only had he befriended Lorelei, but he'd also defeated a Team Rocket executive, captured Moltres, and obtained rare treasures like Never-Melt Ice and Metal Coat. It had been a highly productive trip.

Now, with the Orange Islands on the horizon, he couldn't help but feel excited.

Though the Orange League lacked the prestige of the Indigo League, its unique rules and challenges promised a memorable adventure. And with the possibility of encountering rare Pokémon, this next chapter was not to be missed.

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