----
"Mr. Kai, I watched a few of your matches back during the Indigo League," Trinity said, her voice sincere. "Your Pokémon were incredibly powerful. Even after all this time, I still remember their performances clearly. If I'm lucky, I'd love the chance to battle you in this tournament."
Trinity could easily joke around and keep her cool when talking to Misty. Deep down, she believed she could beat her, and that confidence showed in her relaxed demeanor.
But standing before Kai, her tone was different respectful, even a little uncertain. That was the kind of reverence reserved for truly elite Trainers.
"I'd love to battle you, too," Kai replied with a calm smile before gesturing to the girl beside him. "But for now, your opponent is her. If you want a shot at me, you'll have to get through this little spitfire first. Just a word of advice don't underestimate her. She's stronger than she looks."
It was both a challenge and a declaration Kai standing firmly behind Misty.
Misty's face lit up. There was nothing better than hearing praise from the person she admired most.
Trinity caught the meaning behind Kai's words instantly. She turned back to Misty and nodded solemnly. "I will. And if I happen to lose... I hope you'll still consider a private match with me sometime, Mr. Kai."
Her eagerness was genuine she really wanted to battle him. Confidence radiated from her, but Kai had just as much faith in his Pokémon. He didn't hesitate.
"Of course. I'm always up for a good battle."
With a handshake, Trinity took her leave. As she walked away, Misty clenched her fists, her fighting spirit reigniting. She was determined not to disappoint Kai in this match.
Though she couldn't help feeling a little flustered.
Little spitfire, huh?
When would Kai finally stop seeing her as a kid? When would she be someone he could see... differently?
Maybe even call her something sweeter... like "darling" or "babe"... (Hancock?)
Misty blushed just imagining it. She glanced at Kai only to find he was already looking at her.
Her heart skipped.
But then he said, serious now, "Watch out for that woman. She's confident for a reason probably really strong. She came to us for a reason."
Misty blinked, cheeks turning redder. "Y-Yeah, don't worry! I'll take her seriously!"
After Trinity left, the group decided to check the bracket placements in the lounge. By now, the room was mostly empty. Kai and the others stood before the matchboard. Just as Trinity mentioned, Misty was indeed paired against her in the second match of the afternoon.
Kai's match would be right after that his opponent, a sharply dressed middle-aged man who looked like a seasoned businessman.
Feeling the pressure mounting, Misty pulled Ash and Brock aside to hit the training room for a quick warm-up.
With just Kai and Erika left behind, silence filled the lounge.
Erika glanced around. The lounge was spacious but bare just rows of chairs and sofas, a few big screens, and no sign of any plants or personal touches. She wrinkled her nose a bit in disappointment.
"I thought League lounges were supposed to be relaxing, like the ones during the Indigo League," she muttered.
Then she turned and saw Kai sprawled across one of the couches, arms behind his head.
"What, you're not warming up? You've got a match too, y'know."
Kai stretched lazily, stifling a yawn. "What would I even adjust? My Blastoise is in perfect condition steady, focused, and eager to battle. There's nothing for me to tweak."
Erika nodded. That made sense. A Blastoise in peak form didn't need much prep. If it could perform to its usual standard, there'd be no surprises.
"Still, your opponent might exploit the fact you've only used Blastoise so far," she warned.
"Then that just makes it easier," Kai chuckled. "If they knock out Blastoise, I'll let Gyarados take over. And when that happens... well, I don't even have to get involved anymore."
He wasn't bragging. His red Gyarados were a force of nature, plain and simple.
"I've heard you mention it before. Is it really that powerful?" Erika asked, curious.
Kai thought for a moment. "You haven't seen it since it evolved, have you?"
He explained, "Remember that Team Rocket scientist, Sebastian? I first encountered him near Lake Rage during my travels. My Gyarados got hit by some kind of beam part of their so-called 'Project.' It mutated, grew massive, turned red... and was much more aggressive. Its power skyrocketed."
"I see..."
Kai exhaled. "Honestly, if it weren't mine, even I'd be nervous staring into those glowing red eyes. It doesn't just battle it dominates."
That even surprised Erika. For Kai to say something like that about his own Pokémon? This Gyarados had to be terrifying.
Still... she couldn't help but want to see it for herself.
Suddenly, Erika pointed at the board. "That guy you should keep an eye on him."
Kai followed her finger to the name.
"What about him?"
"He's probably the strongest Trainer in this tournament besides you. I watched one of his earlier matches. His Pokémon are no joke," she said seriously. "Trinity might be third, but he is definitely your biggest competition. Aside from Misty, no one else stands out."
Erika wasn't one to make baseless claims. If she said the others were just average, then they were.
Kai nodded he was on his side of the bracket, too. If things played out as expected, he'd be facing him next.
"The second favorite, huh..." Kai cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a fun challenge."
With Misty still gone and boredom creeping in, Kai released some of his smaller Pokémon to stretch their legs in the lounge. Their playful cries and happy scurrying echoed through the room. It wasn't long before the peaceful atmosphere lulled him to sleep.
When he woke up, he found his jacket draped over him, carrying the faint scent of flowers. Erika's perfume.
He sat up groggily and looked across the room. Erika was brushing the fur of her Pokémon and his sleeves rolled up, calm and focused.
She glanced over. "You're up?"
Kai rubbed his eyes. "How long was I out?"
"Ten minutes, maybe. There's still time before your match. Want to rest a little more?"
He shook his head, patting his cheeks to wake himself up.
"Misty still hasn't come back?"
"She probably went straight to the arena. Trinity really got to her. And with your encouragement... she's giving this everything she's got."
They chatted quietly until the other Trainers began filtering back into the lounge. Erika recalled her Pokémon and left for the spectator stands.
Still no sign of Misty.
But with Ash and Brock by her side, she'd be fine.
Kai reclined on the couch again and turned his gaze to the screen overhead.
The quarterfinals were about to begin.
----
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!