Pokemon: Skybound

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After departing from Trovita Island, Kai and Sabrina continued their journey northward.

Their next destination?

The final of the four Orange League Gyms Kumquat Gym.

Located on Kumquat Island, this Gym was positioned at the northernmost point of the Orange Archipelago. Compared to Trovita Island, which was at the southernmost point, the two were practically at opposite ends of the region.

Even with Charizard's speed, the journey was long.

It would take at least a full day and night of flying and along the way, they would once again pass over Shamouti Island.

Kai was in no rush. After back-to-back battles and securing his third badge, he didn't mind a brief respite.

.

.

.

.

The sea breeze brushed against Kai's face as Charizard soared through the sky.

They had been flying for hours, the sun gradually dipping toward the horizon.

His legs were starting to go numb from sitting in the same position.

Kai exhaled. "Alright, let's stop for the night. Find somewhere to land."

There was no need to push forward without rest. There was no rush.

Charizard gave a low growl of acknowledgement before tilting its wings downward.

As they descended, a small island came into view, covered in dense forest. Beyond the trees, a coastal town sat near the water, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.

Kai exhaled in relief.

At least it wasn't some deserted island.

Sabrina glanced down as well. "Looks populated."

Kai smirked. "Yeah, that means a real bed and a hot shower."

Sabrina gave a rare chuckle. "A much better option than sleeping in a tent."

If there was a bed available, who would willingly sleep on the ground?

Upon entering the town, Kai noticed something odd.

There were Bug Pokémon everywhere.

Trainers walked the streets, accompanied by Caterpie, Pinsir, Butterfree, Beedrill, and Scyther.

Even wild Bug-types wandered freely through town, perching on signposts or skittering along fences.

Kai glanced around curiously.

"This place looks like a Bug-type paradise."

Sabrina's reaction was less enthusiastic.

"...There are too many Bug Pokémon," she muttered.

Kai smirked at her discomfort.

"You don't like them?"

Sabrina frowned. "I don't."

Kai chuckled to himself but didn't press further, 'Women and Bug-types. A tale as old as time'

His attention shifted back to their surroundings. The town itself was lively and well-kept. Brightly coloured buildings lined the wide streets, which were paved smoothly rare for an island settlement.

From the abundance of Pokémon and Trainers, it was clear that this wasn't just any town.

After asking around, Kai learned that this was Murcott Island.

A place famous for its Bug-type Pokémon.

The large forest just outside town was home to tens of thousands of Bug Pokémon.

Kai found the information interesting.

Sabrina, however, did not.

"Great," she murmured, not sounding impressed at all.

The receptionist at the hotel desk greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome to Murcott Island! Will you be staying for the night?"

"Yeah," Kai replied.

"One room or two?"

Sabrina was about to say two But before she could, Kai cut in.

"Just one."

Sabrina turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

Kai shrugged casually.

"Getting two rooms would be a waste of money. If we book one room instead, we can afford a better suite."

Sabrina stared at him.

He wasn't even trying to be subtle.

Kai's intentions were painfully obvious, and yet she didn't refuse.

With a small sigh, she rolled her eyes but said nothing.

Taking her silence as approval, the receptionist quickly processed their booking.

Kai, grinning in satisfaction, led the way toward their room.

Behind him, Sabrina followed, arms crossed, shaking her head in amusement.

That night, under the glow of the moonlight, Kai once again got exactly what he wanted.

—

The next morning, Kai slept in late.

By the time he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

He blinked groggily, glancing to his side but the bed was empty.

Across the room, Sabrina was already dressed and sitting at the table, enjoying a quiet breakfast.

The screen of her PokéGear was still lit, suggesting she had just ended a call.

Seeing him wake up, she asked, "Did I wake you?"

Kai stretched, rubbing his eyes. "Nah. Just slept a little too well."

He sat beside her, glancing at her serious expression.

"You look deep in thought. Who called you?"

Sabrina gestured toward her PokéGear.

"The Pokémon Association Chairman."

Kai's expression hardened slightly.

"He wants you to return to Saffron City, doesn't he?"

Sabrina nodded. "He insists I should go back to oversee the Gym."

Kai frowned.

"I thought your father was managing the Gym for you? Why do they still want you back?"

Sabrina let out a small sigh.

"Because they don't feel safe unless I'm there."

Kai frowned deeper.

"...So they don't trust your father?"

Sabrina's expression turned cold.

"They only care about strength. Since I defeated my father to become Gym Leader, they see me as the stronger option. That's all that matters to them."

She leaned back in her chair.

"But don't worry. I refused."

Hearing this, Kai felt relieved but also uneasy.

He didn't want her to leave.

After everything they'd been through, after how close they had become, he couldn't imagine suddenly being apart from her.

And yet…

He knew that one day, she might have no choice but to return to Saffron City.

Kai sighed inwardly, 'I'll deal with it when the time comes'

For now, he pushed the thought aside.

After finishing breakfast, they left the hotel but instead of heading straight for Kumquat Island, they decided to explore the forest first.

Since they were already on Murcott Island, it wouldn't hurt to take a look.

Perhaps, among the thousands of Bug Pokémon, there might be one worth catching.

As they approached the edge of the forest, Kai felt a small thrill of anticipation.

Sabrina, however, had only one thought in mind.

"If a Bug Pokémon touches me, I will burn this entire forest down."

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