Pokemon: Skybound

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Om-!

On the blue sea, a medium-sized ship was slowly docking at the port to the sound of its whistle.

Although the coastal city is bustling and the pier lively, if you look closely, the passengers on the ship aren't focused on the scenery.

Instead, they're all gathered on the deck, watching a Pokémon battle that has just concluded.

The two Pokémon facing off are a Ralts and a purple Rattata, with their trainers being a handsome man in his 20s and a middle-aged man in a suit.

The intense battle had taken a toll on Rattata, leaving it visibly exhausted.

Realizing his disadvantage but still eager to turn things around, the middle-aged trainer anxiously shouted, "Rattata, close the distance and use Tackle!"

On command, Rattata sped forward on all fours, sprinting directly at Ralts and preparing to ram with all its might.

But just before impact, Ralts suddenly split into several identical phantoms!

Rattata charged through one of the illusions, confused as it stopped to find only a shadow.

It was a Double Team!

Seeing Rattata disoriented, Kai knew it was time to end the battle.

"Ralts, use Confusion!"

As he commanded, all the Ralt's phantoms raised their arms.

The next moment, Rattata was enveloped in a strange light, lifting it off the ground.

Despite its desperate struggles, it couldn't break free from the psychic hold.

Ralts gestured forward, and Rattata flew back, slamming into the fence with a thud.

Unable to continue, Rattata fell to the ground, exhausted.

The crew member acting as the referee raised his hand and announced loudly, "Rattata is unable to battle. Ralts wins!"

The spectators applauded enthusiastically, with one spirited girl even whistling in admiration at Kai.

"Wow, that's seven wins in a row!"

"Right? And this Ralts hasn't even taken a hit it's amazing!"

Kai stepped forward, gently patted Ralts's head, and then shook hands with the middle-aged man.

The man praised, "Your Ralts has been well-trained. I admit defeat."

"Your Rattata was strong, too," Kai replied respectfully, showing due sportsmanship. "I hope we get a chance to battle again someday."

As the man stepped back, other trainers exchanged glances, eager to challenge Kai next. But just then, Kai held up his hand.

"Sorry, everyone. We've reached our destination. It's time to disembark!"

The passengers turned, realizing that the ship had indeed arrived at the port.

———

The warm, bright sun shone over the city, while waves lapped tirelessly against the long seawall.

Gazing at the horizon, all Kai could see was a vast blue expanse where sea and sky merged like a giant mirror.

The moist, salty sea breeze blew gently, making for a comforting welcome.

This was an important seaport in the Kanto region a southern city bathed in the warm orange glow of the sunset Vermilion City.

As Kai stepped off the ship, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.

Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, Professor Oak, the Kanto region, Indigo League...

Memories of his childhood in his previous world filled his mind.

Though months had passed since his arrival in the Pokémon world, he still felt a sense of wonder each time he reflected on it.

Sensing Kai's excitement, Ralts let out a soft, joyful cry.

Glancing down, Kai smiled and said, "Alright, now that we're in Kanto, before challenging the Indigo League, we should head to the Pokémon Center to register for the Indigo League."

Leaving the port, Kai took out his phone, checked the map, and made his way toward the Pokémon Center.

Along the way, trainers with their Pokémon could be seen all over the city.

Pokémon had become integral to life here, involved in everything from entertainment and food services to deliveries and security.

But when people saw Ralts at Kai's side, they often did a double-take.

With its green hair resembling a half-cabbage covering much of its face and a white body looking as though it wore over-long pants, Ralts, uncommon in Kanto, drew plenty of curious glances.

Reaching the city centre, Kai soon arrived at the Pokémon Center.

Nurse Joy, in her familiar pink uniform, was at the front desk. When she noticed Kai, she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hello! Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How can I assist you?"

"Hello, Nurse Joy," Kai replied politely. "I'd like to register for the Indigo League."

"Of course!" She pointed to a computer terminal. "Please place your Pokédex here for verification."

Kai nodded, pulled his Pokédex from his jacket, and placed it on the computer. His details appeared on the screen, and a synthesized male voice read out the information.

"Kai from Vaniville Town in the Kalos region. Registration for the Indigo League is complete. Current badge count: zero. Wishing you success in your battles!"

"Kalos?" Nurse Joy raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's quite far!"

"Yes," Kai replied, half-jokingly. "It wasn't easy to make it here."

"Chansey! Chansey!"Just then, a Chansey waddled over carrying a box adorned with the Indigo League logo.

With a smile, Nurse Joy gestured to it and said, "For registered trainers, here's a badge case for your collection. Please take it."

Kai accepted the case, thanked Nurse Joy, and then asked, "By the way, my Pokédex still contains data from the Kalos region. Could I get it updated for Kanto Pokémon?"

"I'm afraid not," Nurse Joy said, shaking her head. "We can't update Pokédex data here, but if you visit Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town or Professor Cerise's in Vermilion, they'd be glad to help."

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Thank you for reading!