----
As Sabrina walked over to Kai's side, Clair retrieved something from inside her jacket.
"Here, take this. It's the Rising Badge a symbol of your victory over me."
Kai thanked her and accepted the still-warm badge, turning it over in his hand a few times.
The Rising Badge was shaped like a blue dragon's head. But with its smooth, polished surface, it lacked any facial features or defining traits making it hard to tell what kind of Dragon-type Pokémon it was supposed to represent. At first glance, it looked more like a dark, steel-style mask than a dragon's head.
After placing the badge into his badge case, Lance casually asked, "So where are you headed next? Going to challenge another Gym?"
Kai paused to consider.
Since Lance had also fought alongside him against Team Rocket, he decided to share his next destination, where he planned to help take down one of Team Rocket's hideouts.
After all, with Lance's status as both a member of the Elite Four and a Pokémon Investigator, there was no reason to keep it secret.
"What!? A Team Rocket base?"
The news clearly shocked Lance, Clair, and Cab.
"This is serious," Lance muttered, rubbing his chin. "Team Rocket's been this close all along, and we didn't even notice. Have they really infiltrated that deeply?"
Clair suddenly recalled something and frowned. "If the City really does have a base, then there's a high chance that's where the Iron-Masked Marauder's hideout is. After his escape, it would make sense for him to retreat there!"
"You're right," Lance nodded gravely, then looked at Kai. "Are you certain this intel is reliable?"
"I believe so. Looker gave me the tip himself," Kai replied. "I imagine Interpol has already verified it. He invited me to join their operation and take down one of Team Rocket's top executives. By the way, want to come along? With your help, I'm sure Looker would be thrilled."
Lance gave it a moment of thought. Though he was tempted, he ultimately declined.
"I'm afraid I can't. As much as I want to take them down to avenge the Dragon Sanctuary, I've got pressing matters back in Kanto. I've already stayed longer than I should have."
Then, with a sly smile, he added, "Besides, with you on the case, I doubt Team Rocket stands a chance. You won't be needing me."
"…You really overestimate me," Kai chuckled bitterly. "I'm just a regular Trainer."
"Regular?" Lance laughed. "Regular Trainers don't leave Clair completely defenseless in battle."
Clair rolled her eyes at Lance's teasing, but she didn't argue.
Kai understood. As Lance had said, Looker and his team had likely already put together a detailed plan. Lance's involvement would've been helpful, but it wasn't essential.
Kai had only asked on a whim. Since Lance declined, he didn't push further.
"Well then, if everything's settled, I guess it's time I take my leave."
"Take care!"
Lance, Clair, and Cab saw him off at the front gates, waving him goodbye.
—
Leaving Blackthorn City behind, Kai and Sabrina began making their way to their next destination
It was only half a day's journey away.
This time, Kai didn't return via the snowy trail he'd used before. Instead, he chose a mountain path one that was gentler and easier to navigate by foot.
Though there were still several days left before the ten-day deadline Looker had given him, Kai wasn't in the mood for detours.
With a major battle ahead, he naturally found himself settling into a more focused state of mind.
Above them, Charizard flew overhead carrying their gear, while Kai and Sabrina travelled light, each with only a small backpack.
As they moved farther away from the mountain-ringed city of Blackthorn, the dense forests on either side began to thin out.
They walked side by side, laughing and chatting along the way like a carefree couple on a journey together.
That said, while descending a mountain was easier than climbing, anyone who's done it knows how tiring it can be. The constant forward lean, the need to watch every step it was still a workout.
Sure enough, after barely an hour, Sabrina's clothes were already damp with sweat.
Thankfully, the slope wasn't steep. Taking occasional breaks, they used the time to enjoy the scenery.
Just as they exited the mountain trail, Kai's sharp eyes caught a flash of movement among a pile of rocks near a cliff wall.
"Hm? What's that…"
He turned his head and spotted a small, grey-green Pokémon rummaging through the rocks, seemingly searching for mushrooms or other food.
"A Larvitar!"
Kai immediately recognized the Pokémon.
As he pulled out his Pokédex, Sabrina glanced at him, a bit surprised.
"You're planning to catch it?"
"Of course!" Kai nodded. "Just like Dragonite, Tyranitar is incredibly powerful after it evolves. It's considered a pseudo-legendary!"
"Pseudo-legendary?"
Sabrina hadn't played the Pokémon games and didn't know the term, but she was curious. Seeing Kai take a rare interest in capturing a wild Pokémon, she turned to examine it.
It was the first time she'd seen a Larvitar.
Larvitar had a small, sturdy body with greenish-grey skin and a single blunt horn on top of its head. Its red eyes gave it a fierce look. It had tiny arms, one toe on each foot, and a red diamond-shaped scale on its belly. Its tail was cone-shaped and surrounded by plate-like structures.
Though small, it looked quite fierce, especially those eyes. It had a naturally defiant, unyielding gaze.
Still, unless it was a Psychic-type, no other Pokémon could really pique her interest.
By now, Kai was quietly approaching Larvitar, careful not to alert it. As he moved closer, he pointed the Pokédex toward it.
Pokédex: "Beep. Larvitar, Rock/Ground type. It is said that Larvitar is born deep underground and grows by feeding on nutrients in the soil. While eating dirt, it tunnels toward the surface in search of its kin. After consuming an amount of earth equal to a mountain, it evolves into a pupa and begins to sleep in preparation for growth."
Kai stared at the screen for a moment.
Seriously? Eating a mountain's worth of dirt?
…He wasn't sure if this was science or just a joke.
----
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!