Pokemon: Skybound

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The Charmeleon loudly patted its chest with a confident expression, as if to say, "Leave it to me!"

When Kai returned to the dining table, Haunter floated over and asked curiously, "Why did you leave this task to Charmeleon? Wouldn't it be better and more efficient for you to handle it yourself?"

"Of course, I'll help from the sidelines," Kai replied with a smile.

Haunter still looked puzzled, so Kai elaborated, "Actually, it's because of Charmeleon's straightforward personality. If I had given specific instructions, it might not have picked up on Dratini's subtle emotions. But its blunt and sincere behaviour might help Dratini adjust naturally!"

"For example," Kai continued, "I once met someone with a strong-willed personality. He became close friends with someone aloof by being persistent and sincere. That's why I believe Charmeleon is the perfect choice to help Dratini grow."

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After leaving Fuchsia City, Kai headed south. Spending the night camping in the wild, he eventually arrived at the southern coastline of the Kanto region.

Continuing along the shoreline, he soon stumbled upon a quiet seaside town. Spotting some fishermen unloading their boats at the pier, he approached and asked, "Excuse me, do you know where the Seafoam Islands are located?"

"The Seafoam Islands?" An old fisherman, his face weathered by the sea, took a drag from his pipe and looked Kai over. "It's along the waterway leading to Cinnabar Island. It's quite far from here. Why do you ask, young man?"

Kai gazed out at the distant sea and replied, "I've heard rumours of a rare Pokémon there, and I just want to find it"

"A rare Pokémon? Are you talking about Articuno?" The old fisherman exhaled a puff of smoke and chuckled. "That's just an old tale. I've lived and fished in these waters for decades, but I've never seen any Articuno. Every year, people search for it, only to return disappointed."

Kai smiled politely. "I just want to try my luck. Even if I don't see Articuno, it'll be a fun adventure."

After patiently listening to the old man's stories, Kai finally managed to get directions to the Seafoam Islands.

Marking the location on his Pokégear, he thanked the fisherman and left the town.

Mounting his Gyarados, Kai ventured out to sea. As he approached the deep waters and his phone signal began to fade, a message notification popped up on his screen.

The sender was a girl with long, curly blonde hair. Her profile picture showed her holding someone's arm, her shy yet radiant smile lighting up the frame.

Staring at her picture, Kai seemed lost in thought. He hesitated, his fingers hovering over the screen, but he didn't open the message.

"Who's this lovely girl?"

Startled by the sudden voice, Kai nearly dropped his phone into the ocean. "Haunter! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Sneak up on you?" Haunter retorted, incredulous. "I've been calling your name! You're the one spacing out like a Staryu!"

Kai coughed awkwardly, quickly denying it. "I wasn't spacing out. I was just... thinking."

"Oh really?" Haunter teased, glancing at the phone. "So, who's the girl? Is that your arm she's holding?"

"She…" Kai hesitated, clearly reluctant. "She was a neighbour when I lived in the Kalos region. We used to play together, so we were close friends."

"That's it? Then why not reply to her?" Haunter pressed.

Kai sighed. "Something happened... something that makes it hard for me to face her now."

Recognizing the unease in Kai's tone, Haunter decided to change the subject. "By the way, how did you become a trainer? You never mentioned it before. Even Kirlia won't tell me!"

Kai shook his head. "It's a long story. I'll tell you when the time is right."

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As Gyarados swam farther into the open sea, Kai decided to switch to his Zapdos. Taking to the skies, they flew westward, and two hours later, they arrived at their destination.

Scanning the area for landmarks, Kai spotted two islands in the distance. Known as the Seafoam Islands, their twin peaks rose abruptly from the ocean, resembling a pair of sentinels guarding the sea.

After circling the islands a few times, Kai instructed Zapdos to land on the larger one. A chilling sea breeze swept across the rocky terrain, making the sparse vegetation and exposed cliffs appear even more desolate.

"This place feels unwelcoming," Kai muttered, pulling his jacket tighter.

Almost immediately, wild Pokémon emerged from the shadows, fiercely defending their territory.

As Kai readied his Poké Balls, he muttered, "Guess I'm not getting a warm welcome here…"

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