"Thank you for coming to get us. Skarmory is completely exhausted."
Kai's hand, clutching the Poké Ball, was still trembling, a cocktail of post-battle adrenaline and lingering fear. The moment he had piloted Skarmory straight at Zapdos, his life had flashed before his eyes, every experience since his arrival in this world replaying like a sped-up film. In that instant, it felt as if he had transcended life and death.
Thankfully, Zapdos had been caught in the brief lag between attacks and startled by Skarmory's audacious counter-charge, leaving it unable to retaliate in time.
Behind him, Professor Ivy was rigid, clutching Kai's waist with a white-knuckled grip, her face pale.
"Fearow, Noctowl, quickly come out and help everyone."
Machi, a trainer specializing in bird Pokémon, immediately released his other Pokémon capable of carrying people, helping to transfer Kai and Ivy off the struggling Skarmory.
Kai mounted Fearow, quickly recalling Skarmory and Quagsire.
"Alright, everyone! Follow Pidgeot. We're heading back to the airship."
"That was too close…" Ivy finally recovered, wiping cold sweat from her forehead. Her voice was thick with residual fear. "I really thought we were done for."
Kai offered a comforting smile. "But we're fine now, right? You can relax."
He glanced toward the distant sky. Zapdos had vanished, but he knew this battle hadn't been won. If not for that strange, favorable wind at the very end, a recovered Zapdos would have undoubtedly launched an even more ferocious assault.
They had to get back to the airship. The storm clouds had dispersed, and the vessel was slowly stabilizing.
"Let's go. Back to the ship."
The group followed Pidgeot, flying toward the airship.
"They're back!" came a shout from the deck.
The passengers and crew watched as three bird Pokémon carrying several people rapidly approached.
"Open the emergency escape hatch and let them on board," the captain promptly instructed the pilot in the cockpit.
The three Pokémon entered in single file, greeted by a crowd of relieved and curious onlookers.
"He's the trainer who fought Zapdos! He looks so familiar!"
"So young!"
"Does anyone's Pokémon know a healing move? I don't think this airship has any medical staff!"
Everyone chattered excitedly. The photographer, whose name was Ridge, opened his mouth to introduce Kai but realized he didn't know his name.
"I'm Kai, a trainer from Pummelo Island," Kai offered, noticing his awkwardness.
"Hello! Hello! I'm Ridge, a Pokémon photographer from Cerulean City, and this is my companion, Machi."
Ridge excitedly shook Kai's hand, then eagerly showed him the screen of his camera. "I got some incredible shots of you directing the battle just now. They're amazing. Do you mind if I upload these online? This could be huge news!"
Kai glanced at the last photo displayed on the camera—a stunning shot of him commanding Skarmory as it charged headlong at Zapdos.
"Of course. It's an honor to be in your work. You're also incredibly brave to come so close to the battlefield just for a photo."
After a few more polite exchanges, the airship captain hurried over, his forehead beaded with sweat despite his earlier reassurances to the passengers. He had witnessed the battle firsthand and knew that if Kai hadn't drawn Zapdos's attention, those devastating lightning bolts might have struck the airship.
"Hello, I am Kahn, the person in charge of this airship. Thank you so much for repelling Zapdos."
"Mr. Kahn, I'm very sorry," Kai said. "I had Skarmory destroy a window to get outside."
"That's nothing," Kahn said, shaking Kai's hand gratefully. "There are still a few empty VIP cabins. I'll arrange for you to be upgraded immediately. We'll have someone temporarily repair the window in your original cabin."
"You two as well," the captain added, turning to Machi and Ridge. "You can also move to new cabins." They had, after all, used the same method to get close for their photos.
The captain chatted with Kai for a few more minutes, his admiration clear, before hurrying off to direct the emergency repairs.
As Professor Ivy stepped back onto the solid deck, her legs felt weak, and it took her a moment to readjust to the firm ground and calm her mind after the thrilling ordeal.
When she had finally composed herself, she began discussing the legends surrounding Zapdos. "I once read that Zapdos feeds on natural lightning, seeking out thunderclouds to absorb their electricity. There have even been eyewitness reports of it entering power plants to draw power." Having recovered, Ivy marveled at their bizarre adventure. "Perhaps this Zapdos was feeding in the storm when our airship passed through, disturbing it."
Her explanation seemed plausible, and most of the people present nodded in agreement, as it fit the known characteristics of the legendary Pokémon.
"That's very likely," Machi said, his eyes still shining with excitement. As a lover of bird Pokémon, he had been captivated by the sight of Zapdos. "What we saw tonight could fill an adventure novel. That sharp beak, those shining feathers, the power to stir wind and clouds… It was truly magnificent. I really want to see Zapdos again!"
"Oh, please no," Ridge muttered, speechless at his companion's remark. "If that happened again, this airship would probably crash."
With a few hours left until dawn, the staff quickly helped Kai upgrade his cabin. He released his injured Pokémon, letting them rest on the soft sofa while he treated their wounds with simple medicines from his backpack. The intense battle had left them all exhausted, and Kai himself felt a wave of fatigue wash over him.
He left Octillery, who hadn't participated in the fight, on alert. With everything settled, Kai closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
The rest of the journey was smooth. Dazzling sunlight streamed through the window, waking Kai. He glanced at his repaired Staryu watch.
"It's already 9 AM. I slept for almost six hours. We must be close."
Most of his Pokémon were awake, save for Skarmory, who was still sound asleep. Looking out the window, he could see a small black dot on the distant sea—Mikan Island. They would arrive in less than half an hour. Kai ordered breakfast, deciding to enjoy the VIP service while he could.
The airship docked smoothly at the airport built on a highland on Mikan Island.
"Dear passengers, this flight has safely arrived at its destination," the broadcast announced. "Please collect your belongings and exit in an orderly fashion."
Kai packed his bag, recalled his Pokémon, and disembarked. The airport manager was already waiting for him, having learned of the incident.
"Mr. Kai, thank you for repelling Zapdos last night," the manager said, rushing forward. "This is a small token of appreciation from our company." A staff member handed Kai a beautifully packaged gift box. The manager then presented him with a dark blue, prismatic stone. "I heard you excel with Water-type Pokémon. This Water Stone is my personal thanks to you."
Kai examined the Water Stone. It was crystal clear and of high quality. "You're too kind," he replied with a smile, placing the gifts in his backpack. "In that situation, I believe anyone capable of acting would have done the same."
Ivy, Ridge, and Machi disembarked, and the group left the airport.
"Professor Ivy and Mr. Kai, What are your plans?"" Ridge said. "Machi and I are heading to the pier to catch a boat to Kumquat Island."
"Kumquat Island? I hear the League is developing it heavily," Kai replied. "I'm taking Professor Ivy to the Mikan Island Research Institute first. If there's an opportunity, perhaps we'll meet again."
"Well then, we'll be off!" Ridge said. "Mr. Kai, I believe this Zapdos incident will bring you even greater fame. I wish you the best!"
After bidding them farewell, Kai turned to Ivy. "I'm going to the Pokémon Center to take care of some things. You go ahead and report to the research institute. I'll find you when I'm done."
"No problem, you go ahead. I can handle the registration myself," Ivy said with a smile, knowing his Pokémon needed professional care. She picked up her luggage and walked with determined steps toward the research institute.
The Mikan Island Research Institute was a state-of-the-art Pokémon ecological research base, built with a significant investment from the Orange League. It was situated on the mountainside of a peak, and not only the pristine white building but also the vast primeval forest surrounding it was a designated protected area under the institute's direct management.
***
(End of Chapter)
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