Pokemon: Skybound

----

"By the way," Kai suddenly recalled something. "As the catalyst for this whole incident, that crazed collector's fate is still unknown. Could you go back to the Islands and check on the situation?"

"I understand. Leave it to us."

After Melody left, perhaps in gratitude for everything Kai and the others had done, the town mayor arranged for several musicians to perform for them. Even Melody herself stepped onto the stage, playing a melody on her flute.

At this moment, Melody had once again donned her festival attire. The flowing white veil accentuated her elegance and beauty. Having gone through so much alongside Kai and the others, her mindset had already changed.

At the very least, in her heart, she now considered Kai and his companions as friends.

This tune was completely different from the Song of Lugia it had a light and cheerful rhythm that lifted the spirits of those who listened.

With such an atmosphere, even Professor Ivy set aside her research discussions and simply enjoyed the moment, raising her glass in a toast.

Her alcohol tolerance was impressive. After a few cups, her expression remained unchanged.

Noticing Kai sipping drinks with Sabrina nearby, she joined them casually, engaging in lighthearted conversation.

Kai took a sip, savouring the taste.

How should he describe it? This drink wasn't grain-based but seemed to be a locally brewed fruit wine from Shamouti Island. It was mild, not strong, and carried a pleasant sweetness.

Sabrina also took a few small sips, but after barely half a glass, a soft flush spread across her cheeks.

It was clear she rarely drank perhaps she had never had alcohol before. The unfamiliar sensation was evident in her expression.

"You two… why are you drinking so slowly? Looks like neither of you has a high tolerance!" Professor Ivy chuckled. "That won't do! You'll have to get used to occasions like this. If you get drunk so easily, won't you miss out on a lot of fun? Come on, let's toast!"

Without waiting for a response, she clinked her glass against Kai's. Seeing this, Kai could only sigh and down his drink in one go.

However, before he could even set his glass down, Professor Ivy refilled it immediately.

"Professor Ivy…" Kai smiled wryly and shook his head. "I really don't have a great tolerance. Drinking this fast is a bit much…"

But she wouldn't take no for an answer. She clinked glasses again and laughed. "Didn't I say you need to build up your tolerance? Come on, another toast!"

Sigh…

Kai knew she was just looking for a drinking partner, but there was little he could do.

He took another deep sip, but this time, he was smarter he covered his glass with his hand as soon as he set it down.

Seeing this, Professor Ivy glanced at him sideways but didn't press the issue further.

On the other side of the table, Ash watched everyone laughing and chatting, feeling envious. When he heard that the fruit wine had a low alcohol content, he secretly wanted to take a sip himself.

Just as he reached for a cup, his mother, Delia, caught him and sternly forbade it, leaving him no choice but to put the glass down in frustration.

"A kid should listen to his mother~"

Misty seized the opportunity to tease him. Then, while everyone was distracted, she snuck a few sips herself.

In an instant, her face turned as red as an apple.

Unfortunately for her, just as she tried to recover from the burning sensation, Melody walked by and caught her in the act.

This led to an argument between the two about what age was appropriate to start drinking, and neither was willing to back down.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Kai found himself enjoying this kind of life. He looked around the table, taking in the scene, and realized that the only person who seemed out of place was Tracey.

The young artist, who deeply admired Professor Oak, was sitting upright like a diligent student, notebook in hand, earnestly asking the professor various questions.

From Professor Oak's expression, Kai could tell that he was actually interested in trying the fruit wine himself.

But with Tracey watching him so seriously, he had no choice but to maintain his dignified image and patiently answer the barrage of questions.

'So this is the trouble of being famous…'

Kai silently mourned for Professor Oak. He wondered if he would find himself in such an awkward situation in the future.

As the evening went on, the sky outside was filled with twinkling stars.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, drowsiness soon crept in.

Fortunately, Melody had already arranged rooms for them.

Kai left first, returning to his assigned room. He took a cool shower, washing away the fatigue of the day. However, just as he changed into his sleepwear and was about to lie down, a knock came at the door.

"Kai, are you still awake?"

It was Misty's voice.

"Not yet. What's up?" Kai opened the door and saw Misty standing outside.

With a hopeful expression, she asked, "Ash and I just talked, and we're planning to leave here tomorrow at noon to head to our next destination. What about you? Do you want to come with us?"

Kai thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No, our destinations are different. We should each continue on our own paths. But I'm sure with the bond we share, we'll meet again soon."

"…Alright." Misty sighed, unable to hide her disappointment.

As she turned to leave, Kai was about to close the door when he noticed Sabrina leaning against the nearby wall.

The dim lighting in the corridor had concealed her presence, but now it was clear she had been standing there the whole time, listening to his conversation with Misty.

Watching Misty disappear around the corner, Sabrina spoke softly.

"That little girl… really likes you, doesn't she?"

Kai felt an alarm go off in his mind. He hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words.

"Well… maybe. But I only see her as a little sister. I don't have any other feelings for her."

"Is that so?"

Sabrina glanced at him, then turned to unlock her door, preparing to enter her own room.

Seeing her about to leave, Kai suddenly blurted out, "Uh… do you want to come in for a bit?"

Sabrina turned back, her eyes studying him. It was late why was he inviting her into his room now?

However, given their relationship, she saw no reason to refuse.

"Alright."

As she stepped inside, Kai closed the door behind her, almost unconsciously.

Her damp hair suggested she had just taken a shower as well. Despite that, a faint scent of alcohol still lingered on her.

Her graceful figure and delicate features bathed in the moonlight, she looked more stunning than ever.

Kai remained silent, simply gazing at her.

Sabrina noticed and chuckled. "What are you staring at?"

"I… was just thinking… the moonlight is beautiful tonight…"

Sabrina turned toward the window, only to see that the moon was hidden behind a thick cloud.

There was no moonlight at all.

Clearly, Kai had just said that as an excuse.

Yet, with her powerful psychic abilities, she could sense it the atmosphere tonight was different. Even Kai seemed unlike his usual self.

It felt as though… something was about to happen.

For a moment, she fell silent as well.

Kai continued to stare at her, his throat suddenly dry.

Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was something else but he stopped thinking altogether.

Without realizing it, he began leaning in closer.

Sabrina didn't move away, didn't resist, didn't reject him.

She simply watched him calmly.

That silent acceptance gave Kai the courage he needed.

They say alcohol emboldens people but Kai had never been a coward to begin with.

In the end, impulse won over reason.

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, until his breath brushed against her skin.

His gaze lingered on her for a long moment.

They, at last, he lowered his head and pressed his lips gently against hers.

----

So finally it happened 😁

----

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!