The morning mist blanketed Pallet Town in soft silver as the rising sun spilled golden light over the familiar countryside. Outside Professor Oak's lab, Kai stood with Chimchar perched on his shoulder, and the two Charcadets standing proudly by his side. Around him, the rest of his team gathered—Roaring Moon, Dragonite, Salamence, and Gengar floating lazily in the early morning air.
Today, it was time to leave.
Professor Oak's voice was steady, though his eyes revealed a flicker of worry. "I know I said this before, Kai, but you don't have to carry everything on your own."
Kai gave a small smile. "I know, Professor. But this is something I chose."
Blue stood nearby, arms folded as he studied Kai one more time. "You've really grown into something else," he said. "The world doesn't even know what kind of trainer you've become."
"That's how I want to keep it," Kai replied, his tone quiet but firm.
Gary, standing beside his Ivysaur, nodded. "Next time… maybe I'll be strong enough to face one of your real teams. You're still hiding too much."
Kai gave a soft chuckle. "That's because I'm not done learning yet."
Chimchar leapt down and hugged Professor Oak's leg tightly. The old man crouched down and ruffled the little Pokémon's fur with a smile. "Take care of him, little one."
"I will," Chimchar chirped, before climbing up onto Roaring Moon's back with the two Charcadets scrambling up behind him.
Gengar phased into view beside them with a playful grin, flickering in and out of visibility. "You'll behave, right?" Kai asked, giving Gengar a mock-stern glance.
Gengar gave an exaggerated innocent shrug.
Kai turned to the majestic Salamence beside him. The dragon gave a respectful growl as Kai climbed onto its back, settling into the saddle as if it had never left him. Salamence snorted, wings flaring open with power as the others prepared to launch.
"Let's go," Kai said softly.
With a low whistle, Roaring Moon crouched and leapt into the air with Chimchar and the others in tow. Gengar floated in a spiral, making the Charcadets laugh as they clung tightly. Dragonite followed a moment later, catching a breeze with ease.
Salamence, last to go, beat its massive wings and took to the sky with a thunderous lift, Kai seated firmly on its back. The wind whipped past them as they climbed, the familiar lands of Kanto shrinking beneath their feet.
The sky above the sea shimmered in morning light. The three dragons soared in formation—Roaring Moon carrying Chimchar, the Charcadets, and Gengar slightly ahead, Dragonite circling above and watching the surroundings, and Salamence gliding steadily with Kai at the center.
Kai leaned forward slightly on Salamence's back, letting the wind rush through his hair. "It's been a while since I flew like this," he murmured. Salamence gave a low grunt, as if agreeing.
On Roaring Moon, Chimchar clung tightly to the saddle, but his eyes were full of excitement. The Charcadets had adapted quickly, chatting with each other and Gengar, who had turned himself into various shapes—a balloon, a cartoonish Salamence, and even a giant apple, much to their amusement.
Kai cast a glance back toward the fading silhouette of Kanto behind them. Part of him felt the pull of familiarity, of history. But ahead—Sinnoh, and whatever waited there.
Gengar floated beside Salamence briefly, giving Kai a thumbs-up and a mischievous grin. "You're enjoying this, huh?" Kai asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.
The ghost disappeared with a cackle and returned to his performance for the young ones.
The skies were calm for now, the winds guiding them forward. With nothing but clouds above and ocean below, the journey was peaceful—almost deceptively so. But Kai knew better. These calm moments were rare, and precious.
As Sinnoh approached on the horizon, the team continued forward—strong, quiet, and together.