Pokemon: Skybound

----

Professor Ivy's main academic focus is regional variations in Pokémon. She appears to be in her mid-to-late twenties, though she may be even older. However, due to her well-maintained appearance, it's difficult to estimate her exact age from looks alone.

Even beneath the loose-fitting white lab coat, she couldn't completely hide her curvaceous figure. Despite her often sleepy, laid-back demeanour, there was no denying that she was a strikingly beautiful woman. Her every movement exuded a certain mature charm.

In fact, Brock had fallen head over heels for her at first sight, which was the reason he left Ash's group to stay at her research lab, where he's been voluntarily helping with chores ever since.

Kai gave her a brief glance before quickly shifting his gaze away.

He extended his hand toward Professor Ivy and said, "So you're Professor Ivy. I've heard a lot about you. Misty mentioned you before, but I never expected to meet you here in person."

Kai had great respect for Pokémon researchers like Professor Oak, Professor Cerise, and now Professor Ivy, so his tone was notably polite.

Of course, even without Misty's introduction, Kai had already recognized her immediately.

After all, Professor Ivy had left a lasting impression on him in his past life's memories.

Aside from the Crystal Onix, she was undoubtedly one of the most memorable characters from the Orange Islands arc.

Professor Ivy smiled and shook his hand warmly. "No need to be so formal, Mr. Kai. If anything, I should be the one saying that to you. I've been following your matches since the Indigo League, and I must say, your ability to win with such precision and efficiency is truly impressive!"

"Oh, not at all," Kai responded with a modest chuckle. "It was mostly thanks to my opponents making me look good…"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Melody warmly invited them back to Shamouti Island's main town. By now, the festival crowds had thinned significantly possibly due to the battle's aftermath, or perhaps simply because the festival had already concluded. A large number of visitors had already left the island.

Even though the Lugia incident was resolved, Professor Oak, Professor Ivy, and Delia Ketchum decided to stay a bit longer.

Having witnessed such an unprecedented event, both professors felt inspired to co-author a research paper on the effects of Pokémon battles on the surrounding environment.

As for the news crew, they had to wait until a passing ship docked at Shamouti Island later that night before they could return to Kanto.

Meanwhile, the helicopter pilots had to remain on the island until their company sent a team to investigate the crash and handle the aftermath.

By the time they arrived at the banquet hall, the sky was tinged with hues of sunset.

Melody had food prepared for them, then went off to speak in hushed tones with her older sister and the town elder.

Kai could feel their glances shifting between him and Ash throughout their conversation.

It was obvious Melody was recounting everything that had happened, but thankfully, she had respected Kai's request and left out the part about the three Legendary Birds.

At that moment, Kai's stomach growled loudly, pulling him back to reality.

He turned toward the long dining table, which was now filled with mouth-watering dishes, their aroma filling the air.

By his estimate, from the time they left the banquet hall last night to now, nearly ten hours had passed without them having a proper meal or any real rest. Now, with this feast laid before them, everyone felt their hunger intensify.

Without a second thought, the group dug in ravenously, disregarding any pretence of dining etiquette. Only Sabrina remained composed, elegantly eating at a measured pace.

By contrast, Professor Oak and the others ate at a more normal pace, as they had only left Kanto in the afternoon, making this their usual dinner time.

For a while, the banquet hall fell silent, save for the sounds of chewing and swallowing. Only when the initial hunger had been satisfied did the group gradually slow down.

Ash, now full and content, finally had a chance to talk with his mother. Delia listened affectionately as Ash excitedly recounted his recent adventures, occasionally interjecting with motherly advice.

Meanwhile, Professor Oak and Professor Ivy were enthusiastically discussing their paper.

However, after listening for a while, Misty suddenly spoke up, unable to hold back.

"Actually, Kai mentioned something earlier that might help your research." She then proceeded to explain Kai's butterfly effect analogy to the two professors.

"Oh?" Professor Ivy's interest was piqued. She turned to Kai with a curious gaze. "The Butterfly Effect? I've never heard of this theory before. It seems you're not just talented in battle you have quite an insightful scientific perspective as well!"

Hearing this, Professor Oak chuckled knowingly and added, "Ah, that reminds me! I nearly forgot Kai isn't just a Trainer. He also works as an assistant for Professor Cerise!"

"Professor Cerise?" Professor Ivy's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean the one from Vermilion City? So, you're actually working under that guy? That makes you somewhat of a scholar yourself, doesn't it?"

Kai quickly waved his hands in denial. "Not at all! I don't have any formal academic qualifications or experience. I just ran errands for Professor Cerise. I wouldn't dare call myself a scholar!"

But Professor Ivy didn't seem convinced, assuming he was just being humble.

Just then, the elder of Shamouti Island approached, accompanied by Melody and Carol.

The elder expressed his deep gratitude to Kai, Ash, and the others for protecting the island, while also warmly welcoming the two professors.

"Chosen ones, we are truly grateful! If not for you, the world might have already met its end!"

Kai, of course, knew that even if Shamouti Island had been destroyed, the world wouldn't have actually ended.

But he didn't bother correcting the elder's deeply ingrained beliefs he simply went along with it, nodding politely.

Only now did Kai learn that this dramatic old man was actually the mayor of Shamouti Island.

However, as his gaze shifted toward Melody's younger sister, Carol, Kai felt as if he had forgotten something important.

Then, Carol's questioning gaze met his, and she asked, "Mr. Kai, by any chance… did Miss Maren not return with you?"

"Oh no!" Kai's face twisted in realization and guilt. "We completely forgot about her on Fire Island! My bad…"

He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly before adding, "But I'm sure she's still there. Her boat was stranded on the shore, so she shouldn't have been able to leave on her own."

"I see…" Carol let out a helpless sigh, then reassured him with a gentle smile. "It's alright. It's not your fault. I'll go personally to bring her back later."

----

Don't forget to drop some Power Stones!

For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.

P@treon/iamxeno

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!