"Of course," Professor Ivy reassured him. "Given your skill level, you don't need to worry about the remuneration."
With a simple gesture, Kai signaled for Poliwrath to put away the calculator it was holding.
"Alright then," he said. "I'll head to the research institute with you first. Once you're settled and ready to depart, just let me know. I'll be ready."
Ivy watched as Kai returned to his usual cheerful self. Even though he seems so optimistic, she thought, he must still be quite short on money!
"Attention, esteemed passengers, this airship will depart in ten minutes. Please return to your cabins as soon as possible!"
Following the broadcast, a full and satisfied Kai returned to his cabin. He once again called out Poliwrath and Ursaring, and the three of them immediately resumed their intense card game.
The airship took off on time, slowly departing from Three Island. According to the itinerary, there would be no more stops; the vessel was now heading directly for its destination—Mikan Island. At its current speed, it was expected to arrive at the Orange League hub by the next morning.
As the airship gradually moved away from the island, the surrounding sea remained as calm as a mirror. However, as it entered the airspace of the Orange Archipelago, a massive storm front began brewing on the horizon. Though the night sky still appeared clear, a careful observer would notice the clouds gradually thickening as the sea breeze began to grow stronger.
By now, most passengers had already fallen asleep. The few who were still awake weren't overly concerned about the impending storm. Such sudden weather changes were not uncommon in the unpredictable waters of the Orange Archipelago, and the airship's captain was long accustomed to these situations, confident he could handle any challenge. They had encountered similar storms many times on past voyages, and each time, they had managed to turn danger into safety, arriving smoothly at their destination.
"Don't worry," the captain said confidently over the comms. "We will definitely arrive safely at Mikan Island."
Down in his cabin, Kai, who was in the middle of his card game, suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of unease, as if the captain had just tempted fate.
A few hours later, the airship's turbulence became increasingly noticeable. Kai, feeling somewhat groggy, opened his eyes and looked out the cabin window. The light was dim, and the wind howled outside.
"Poli! Wrath!"
Poliwrath, who had been sprawled on the table, shot to its feet, its expression serious.
"Is your Swift Swim ability kicking in?" Kai asked, watching as a faint glow seemed to appear on Poliwrath's moist, dark blue skin. As a veteran, Elite-level Pokémon, Poliwrath had been trained to have complete control over its ability.
"Poli! ヾ(Ő౪Ő)."
Poliwrath nodded enthusiastically. Its ability was an innate skill, but after Kai's special training, it could now keenly sense the arrival of rain. In battle, activating an ability even one step ahead of an opponent could provide a decisive advantage.
"I guess the captain of this airship should have experience handling this level of emergency," Kai mused, stroking his chin. "After all, this route has been operating for a while."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your cabins and do not linger in the corridors!"
"Please do not panic; follow the instructions of the staff…"
The airship's turbulence grew more violent, and thunder rumbled from the clouds above. Things were clearly getting worse.
The flight attendant's calming voice came over the broadcast. Initially, most passengers cooperated, quietly returning to their cabins. But after the airship tilted at a severe angle, a wave of panic washed over them. Questions from men, complaints from women, and the cries of children quickly erupted from various cabins.
"What's going on?!"
"Are we going to fall?!"
"Mommy, I'm scared!"
The staff could only repeat their lines, trying their best to comfort the passengers, but as the situation worsened, their own voices began to tremble with anxiety.
"Please rest assured, we will regain balance as soon as possible…"
"Please remain calm and trust our technology and experience…"
Their words had little effect. Panic spread through the cabin like wildfire. Some young people dressed as Trainers had already released their flying Pokémon, preparing to escape at a moment's notice. Others tried to make calls, but the signal was dead.
"What is that?"
At Poliwrath's urging, Kai, who was already on high alert, immediately called for Skarmory.
Through the window, golden arcs of electricity flickered within the thunderclouds, as if something was hidden in the darkness.
"Poliwrath, go find Professor Ivy. We might be in trouble."
"Wrath!"
Poliwrath, with its excellent body coordination honed by mastering various fighting techniques, moved with surprising stability despite the airship's severe turbulence.
"Everyone else, return to your Poké Balls, except Skarmory."
Four beams of red light shot out, accurately recalling his Pokémon.
Poliwrath quickly returned, bringing a startled Professor Ivy with it.
"Listen to me," Kai said, his voice low and urgent. "I think I just saw something through the window. Our luck might have just run out. I think there's a Zapdos in that thundercloud, and an airship this size is a prime target."
It was impossible to stand steadily in the shaking cabin. Kai flipped onto Skarmory's back, and the Steel-type's claws dug tightly into the deck for grip.
"Zapdos?" Ivy gasped, her eyes wide. "Isn't that a legendary Pokémon from the Kanto region?"
Supported by Poliwrath, she managed to climb onto Skarmory's back behind Kai, still trying to process the situation.
"Exactly," Kai said grimly. "And that's why it's so dangerous. In the wild, their destructive power is astonishing. If it decides to target this airship, we need to be ready to escape at the first opportunity."
"Come back, Poliwrath. Skarmory, you've got this!"
The red and white ball in his right hand recalled Poliwrath, while his left hand patted Skarmory's steely neck. This was the first time it had carried two people.
"Skaaar!"
Skarmory let out a cry, its gaze resolute. It swayed its body rhythmically, doing its best to keep its passengers stable.
A piercing cry, almost lost in the booming thunder, echoed from outside the window.
"Is that… Zapdos?" Ivy asked, her voice tense. After Kai's warning, she could just make out the cry hidden within the storm.
"It has to be! It's not like it could be a Kilowattrel, right?" Kai quipped, trying to lighten the suffocating atmosphere.
"Kilowattrel?" Ivy asked, more confused than ever.
The Pokémon League Headquarters currently only had strong jurisdiction over Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. Other regions, like Alola, had yet to establish a formal League, while places like Galar played by their own rules. The Orange League had existed for centuries but had only recently begun active development. As a result, many Pokémon scholars were still unaware of the species from distant regions like Paldea.
"It's a bird Pokémon from the Paldea region," Kai explained simply. "It has the same typing as Zapdos."
Ivy stared at Kai's back in surprise. She couldn't believe he knew about such a Pokémon while she, a professional researcher, was completely unaware.
"Skarmory, prepare for takeoff."
Seeing that the airship's vibrations were becoming uncontrollable, Kai decided that flying outside would be safer than remaining a passenger inside a falling vessel.
"Skarmory, break the window!"
"SKARMORY!"
With a powerful Slash, Skarmory shattered the reinforced window. As the wind howled and rushed into the cabin, it spread its magnificent steel wings and leaped out into the storm.
***
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All
Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]
[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]