Pokemon: Skybound

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At the Cerise Laboratory, Kai handed the three carefully prepared gifts to the people in front of him.

"Professor Cerise, Ms. Chrysa, and Mr. Renji, I truly appreciate all the care and guidance you've given me during my time here. Please accept these small tokens of my gratitude!"

Having known each other for a while now, Professor Cerise and the others warmly accepted Kai's gifts with smiles, without any hesitation.

Professor Cerise remarked, "Time really flies. It feels like just yesterday you arrived in Kanto. Now, you're about to compete in the Indigo Plateau Conference!"

"Yeah," Kai replied, reminiscing. "It's amazing how quickly time has passed. I still remember how nervous and unfamiliar I felt when I first visited the lab."

Professor Cerise chuckled. "I remember it well, too, a bright, ambitious young man stepping into the lab. You've come a long way since then. The Indigo Plateau Conference is the highlight of Kanto's competitive season. Make sure to give it your all! That way, you'll have no regrets."

Kai nodded firmly. "Absolutely. No matter who my opponents are, I'll face each battle with everything I've got!"

After a brief pause, Kai added, "Professor, even though I might not have much time to visit the lab in the future, I'll continue fulfilling my role as a Special Research Investigator for the Cerise Laboratory. Anytime I encounter remarkable Pokémon or incidents during my journey, I'll report back to you promptly!"

Professor Cerise smiled, clearly moved by Kai's words.

"That's very thoughtful of you, but your safety is the most important thing," the professor said. "Don't push yourself too hard. Remember, no matter where you go, this lab will always be a home for you. You're welcome back anytime!"

He then sighed and added, "However, I must apologize. Even though this is such an important milestone for you, I've been swamped with work lately, so Kikuna, Renji, and I won't be able to attend the conference in person."

Kai waved his hand dismissively. "No need to apologize. Your research benefits Pokémon, humans, and the world it's far more important. I completely understand!"

At that moment, Chloe walked in, dressed in sporty attire and carrying a medium-sized, fully-packed backpack. Her usual school uniform was gone, replaced by an outfit that made her look more energetic and adventurous.

"Huh?" Kai asked, surprised. "Chloe, dressed like that... are you planning to...?"

Professor Cerise smiled. "While we can't accompany you to the Indigo Plateau, Chloe will go with you instead. Consider it our way of making up for not being there!"

"Chloe's coming too?" Kai was taken aback. "What about school? Doesn't she have classes to attend?"

Chloe giggled. "Don't worry. My mom has already arranged for me to take leave."

The professor added, "It's good for her to get out more. Chloe tends to be quite reserved. My wife and I both agreed that this would be a great opportunity for her to broaden her horizons. Watching the conference and experiencing the world beyond school will be a valuable experience for her."

Kai looked at Chloe, who blushed slightly and avoided his gaze.

"She volunteered?" Kai thought, genuinely surprised.

For someone like Chloe, who typically preferred staying home, this was certainly out of character. But Professor Cerise's open-mindedness gave Kai confidence.

He nodded solemnly. "Professor, I promise to take good care of Chloe during our travels."

Professor Cerise gave a slight sigh, a mix of pride and reluctance evident on his face. He pulled Chloe aside for a brief, heartfelt talk before her departure.

Although they spoke softly, Kai could hear snippets about staying safe, eating properly, and not overexerting herself.

Meanwhile, Chrysa and Renji approached Kai with warm smiles.

Kikuna said, "Although I'm not well-versed in Pokémon battles, I wish you the best of luck. May your journey be smooth, and may you succeed!"

Renji, sneaking a glance at Professor Cerise, added in a whisper, "No matter how busy I am with work, I'll secretly tune in to your matches. I'll be cheering for you!"

Kai shook hands with both of them, thanking them for their kind words.

When Professor Cerise and Chloe returned, everyone gathered to say their goodbyes. Just then, Yamper came bounding over, barking happily.

It seemed to sense that Chloe was preparing for a long journey and stayed close to her side, unwilling to leave.

"By the way," Professor Cerise said, petting Yamper on the head. "A journey wouldn't be complete without a Pokémon companion. Since Yamper seems so attached to you, why not take it along?"

"Huh? Take Yamper with me?" Chloe hesitated, glancing at Kai, who nodded encouragingly. After a moment of thought, she agreed.

"All right then!"

At her words, Yamper barked excitedly, its wagging tail resembling a small propeller.

With everything ready, Professor Cerise waved as Chloe and Kai prepared to leave.

"Take care of Chloe!" he called out.

"I will," Kai assured him. Both he and Chloe bowed slightly in farewell before setting off.

With those parting words, Kai left the institute, his heart filled with anticipation. The Indigo League awaited, and beyond that, a new region to explore, with new challenges and adventures on the horizon.

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Leaving the Cerise Laboratory, Kai and Chloe made their way out of Vermilion City and headed north, reaching Saffron City before nightfall. After resting there, they turned west toward Celadon City.

For Chloe, this was her first real journey away from home, and everything along the way felt fresh and exciting. The sights, sounds, and experiences of travelling thrilled her.

With Chloe as his travelling companion, Kai found the journey much more enjoyable. Their conversations and laughter made the road ahead feel less lonely, and he realized how much better travelling with a companion could be.

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