Pokemon: Skybound

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Kai's Pokémon slowly gathered around him, carefully forming a protective circle.

Picking up the Poké Ball containing Articuno, Kai took one last look at the Ice Temple.

The beauty of this sacred place had been destroyed by the fierce battle earlier, leaving behind only devastation and ruins.

He sighed. "Though it's become like this, it's a shame. But maybe, in time, other Articuno will return to inhabit this place. I believe that in a few years, it will look just as magnificent as before."

Gathering his thoughts, Kai, now that his goal had been accomplished, turned and departed without lingering.

When Kirlia used Teleport to transport Kai outside the island in the middle of the lake, Kai didn't retrace his steps. Instead, he waited for Haunter to scout a way out.

Climbing partway up a steep rock wall, he flew for a long distance before finally finding a narrow crack leading to the surface.

As the light returned to his surroundings, the refreshing sea breeze brushed against his skin.

Kai stood on the cliffs of the Seafoam Islands, gazing at the endless blue sky and ocean.

Although the Seafoam Islands appear as two distinct landmasses surrounded by water, they are connected by underwater passages, reflecting their twin-like nature.

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Leaving the Seafoam Islands, Kai travelled westward along the waterways. After several hours, he crossed the sea and arrived at Cinnabar Island.

The island's fiery red colour lived up to its name. Situated at the southernmost point of the Kanto region, Cinnabar Island is the largest landmass in the southern waters.

It is covered in lush forests and dominated by a massive, active volcano. In recent years, tectonic movements have caused instability, leaving residents uncertain when the volcano might erupt again.

Kai's reason for coming here was clear: to challenge the Cinnabar Gym and earn the Volcano Badge!

Next to the golden, pristine beach stood Cinnabar Town, a popular tourist destination and resort town.

As night fell, Kai arrived in the town. His first stop was the Pokémon Center to heal his injured Pokémon.

At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy, a woman with slightly tanned skin, received Kai's Poké Balls. When she saw the two legendary Pokémon inside, her eyes widened in surprise.

"This is..."

However, her professionalism quickly took over. She composed herself, smiled politely at Kai, and took the Poké Balls into the treatment room.

It didn't take long for his Pokémon to recover. Afterwards, Kai booked a room and took a warm, relaxing bath to rid himself of the lingering cold. Finally, he had time to tend to Zapdos and Articuno.

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Kai began by releasing Zapdos. A flash of blue light illuminated the room, and Zapdos appeared. Its usual fiery arrogance was gone, replaced by a dejected demeanour after its earlier loss.

'His loss against Articuno has humbled him' Seeing this, Kai gently patted the bird's wing and spoke words of encouragement.

"Winning or losing doesn't matter, Zapdos. You're incredibly strong in my eyes. But Articuno was just stronger this time. Don't let this defeat weigh on you."

He paused and smiled. "Think of it this way: having a strong rival gives you a goal to strive toward. When you've grown even stronger, you can challenge Articuno again. Next time, give it your all and prove your strength!"

After hearing Kai's motivational words, Zapdos perked up, its spirit visibly lifted. Satisfied, Kai returned it to its Poké Ball and released Articuno next.

The room's temperature plummeted as Articuno appeared, its shimmering blue feathers glinting in the light.

The icy chill felt like turning on an air conditioner at the height of summer.

"Articuno, welcome to the team!" Kai said warmly. "I'm Kai. I hope we can get along well from now on."

Articuno didn't hold any grudges about being captured. Despite facing multiple opponents, it had been an intense battle. It had defeated Zapdos but eventually lost to Haunter, acknowledging the ghost's strength.

After introducing the rest of his Pokémon to Articuno, Kai changed into clean clothes and left his room to grab some food.

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Just as he was about to eat, a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Brother Kai!"

Turning around, he saw Misty, Ash, and Brock approaching.

That old nickname stirred memories of a girl who used to cling to him back in Kalos's Coumarine City. Kai shook his head and smiled.

"What a coincidence! I didn't expect to see you all here."

"That's right!" Misty beamed. "We just arrived on this island and were planning to rest up tonight. Tomorrow, we'll accompany Ash to challenge the Cinnabar Gym!"

Ash and Brock greeted Kai warmly, and even Pikachu chirped happily.

"It seems we have the same goal again," Kai remarked, his gaze landing on a Pokémon cradled in Misty's arms.

It was small, with a patterned shell resembling an egg. Only its starfish-shaped yellow upper body was visible.

"Huh? You've got a Togepi?"

"That's right!" Misty said proudly, holding Togepi up for Kai to see. "It hatched from an egg when we passed through the Valley of Charizard!"

Seeing Misty's joy, Kai smiled. "That's a rare Pokémon. You should take good care of it!"

As they chatted, the four of them headed to a restaurant and shared dinner together.

Amid laughter, they talked about their travels, swapping stories and experiences.

Ash, eager to show off, opened his jacket to reveal six shiny badges. "Big Brother Kai, look! We have the same number of badges now. How about we see who can earn the next one first?"

Kai chuckled. "There's more to life than competition, Ash. Besides, Blaine, the Cinnabar Gym Leader, is a formidable opponent. Don't underestimate him."

Ash, always brimming with confidence, replied, "My Pokémon are strong! No matter who the opponent is, I can handle it!"

Misty smirked. "Oh, really?" She snapped her fingers and began listing Ash's badge wins. "Let's see... The Boulder and Cascade Badges were handed to you because Brock and I took pity on you."

Ash's face turned red, but Misty continued relentlessly.

"Then there's Sabrina's Marsh Badge. You only won because the Haunter you brought from the Pokémon Tower made her laugh. And Erika's Rainbow Badge? If Team Rocket hadn't set her gym on fire and you hadn't saved her Gloom, you probably wouldn't have earned that one either!"

"In fact," Misty concluded, "the only badges you won fairly were from Lt. Surge at the Vermilion Gym and Koga at the Fuchsia Gym."

Ash, flustered, could only laugh awkwardly. But the lively exchange left everyone in high spirits as they enjoyed their meal.

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