Pokemon: Skybound

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"Well… it's like this…" Luana hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed. "My son, Travis, left on a journey last year with a Pikachu. But it's been almost a year now, and I haven't heard a single word from him. No calls, no letters nothing! I'm really worried."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "So, you want me to help you find your son?"

"That's right." Luana sighed, smiling bitterly. "Between running the Gym and managing the hotel, I can't leave Kumquat Island. So I was hoping that if you come across him during your travels, you could tell him to come home."

'Not even a single message?'

'Was this a case of running away from home? Or was Travis simply too caught up in his journey?' Kai thought for a moment.

As a child, it was definitely irresponsible. No matter what, he could've at least sent a message or made a quick call.

For things to reach this point, there were only two possibilities either their family dynamics had problems, or Travis had a major falling-out with his mother.

"Got it. Travis, right? If I run into him, I'll tell him to head back."

Luana looked relieved. "Thank you so much. But… he's pretty stubborn and has a strong will of his own. If he refuses to return, at least convince him to call me."

"I'll do what I can," Kai nodded. "But don't get your hopes too high. The world is a big place I can't guarantee that I'll run into him."

Luana, however, didn't seem too concerned. "Actually, both of you have the same goal competing in the Silver Conference in Johto. So I'm thinking that when the tournament starts, there's a good chance you'll meet him there!"

"He's competing in the Johto League too?" Kai was surprised. "That's quite the coincidence. Alright, I'll keep an eye out."

He didn't make any guarantees. There was always a chance that Travis wouldn't make it to the tournament, or that something would delay him along the way. It was better not to give Luana false hope.

Seeing Kai agree, Luana beamed and bowed slightly in gratitude. "I really appreciate it! Thank you!"

—

Leaving Kumquat Island, Kai and Sabrina mounted Charizard and took off toward their final destination Pummelo Island!

This was the headquarters of the Orange League and home to its most formidable trainer Drake, who awaited challengers at the Pummelo Stadium.

Riding the wind high above the sea, Kai looked down at the drifting clouds below and let out a sigh.

"Time really flies, doesn't it? Before I knew it, my journey through the Orange Islands was almost over."

One arm wrapped around Sabrina's waist, Kai found himself absentmindedly letting his hand wander, perhaps out of boredom from the long flight.

It wasn't until Sabrina lightly swatted his hand that he chuckled and behaved himself.

"You sound like you don't want to leave," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Of course," Kai replied without hesitation. "The warm sunshine, the beautiful scenery this is a great place to travel. But most importantly, I just want to spend more time with you."

Hearing his sudden cheesy remark, a soft smile crossed Sabrina's lips, and her heart warmed slightly.

She didn't reply but simply leaned back, resting against Kai's chest.

For Sabrina, the Orange Islands held many precious memories. It was here that her relationship with Kai deepened, and she became truly his.

The two of them savoured the quiet moment together until Sabrina suddenly made a sound of surprise and pointed down at the ocean below.

"Look, isn't that the kid named Ash?"

"Ash?"

Kai followed her gaze and spotted a small black dot moving across the water's surface.

Lowering their altitude, Kai soon saw clearly it was Ash and his friends, Misty and Tracey, riding on a Lapras, heading in the direction of Kumquat Island.

"Hey, Ash! Misty!" Kai called out.

Hearing his voice, Ash and Misty immediately stood up, looking skyward.

"Kai!"

Misty's face lit up with excitement as she waved at him.

Once Charizard and Lapras were levelled in height, Kai leapt down, landing lightly on Lapras' back.

The added weight made Lapras sink slightly, though it managed to stay afloat with only a bit of effort.

"Where are you guys headed?" Kai asked.

"Heh, we're on our way to Kumquat Island for my next Gym Battle!" Ash grinned, rubbing his nose.

"So that means you already have three Gym Badges?" Kai nodded. "That's pretty fast."

Hearing that, Ash eagerly asked, "What about you, Kai? Did you already get your fourth Badge?"

"Idiot, isn't it obvious!?" Misty interrupted before Kai could answer, giving Ash an exasperated look. "Kai is way stronger than you. Of course, he already got his fourth Badge! And didn't you notice? He's coming from Kumquat Island, not going toward it."

Ash scratched his head, laughing sheepishly as he realized his mistake.

Kai waved his hand with a smile. "Misty's right. I've reached the final stage. Now, I'm heading to challenge the ultimate boss."

"Ugh…" Ash slumped slightly, sighing in frustration. "No matter how hard I try to keep up, I'm still a step behind you!"

"There's no rush," Kai reassured him. "A few days' difference doesn't really matter in the long run."

While they were talking, Tracey was crouched down at the edge of Lapras, holding a glass bottle. He carefully dipped it into the ocean, letting it fill with seawater.

"What are you doing?" Misty asked curiously.

"Collecting samples, of course." Tracey tightened the bottle cap and grinned. "Did you forget? I'm a Pokémon Watcher. Studying differences in seawater and local habitats is part of my job!"

Just then, Pikachu's ears perked up as it let out a sharp cry, pointing toward the ocean.

Everyone immediately looked down.

A large, dark shadow was swiftly approaching from beneath the water's surface!

Its shape was massive, resembling that of a whale-like sea creature!

But before anyone could react, the shadow surged forward.

With a great splash, an oddly-built submarine surfaced right in front of them!

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