Chapter 24: 24. Meeting The Trio
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Dragging his tired body, Kai arrived at the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.
After handing over his Pokémon to Nurse Joy for treatment, he headed back to Professor Cerise's Research Institute once the healing was complete.
Along the way, the city was in chaos.
Due to the explosion at the Power Plant, as Professor Cerise had mentioned during their phone call, there was a large-scale power outage in the area around the institute.
Transportation, restaurants, and workplaces were all heavily affected.
Kai even saw Officer Jenny standing in the middle of the road, directing traffic with her Growlithe by her side.
Fortunately, key buildings like the Cerise Research Institute and the Pokémon Center had backup power sources, ensuring they could continue functioning for the time being.
When he reached the institute, Kai explained the situation to Professor Cerise.
Upon hearing that Kai had encountered Zapdos, the professor shot to his feet in shock.
"You actually met the legendary Pokémon, Zapdos?!"
Seeing Kai nod, Professor Cerise quickly calmed himself and continued, "So that's why we've been experiencing these strange power outages... Zapdos must have been causing trouble. But now that the explosion at the Power Plant has occurred, I doubt it will appear again. I'll call the power company to have the equipment repaired and replaced immediately."
"Actually..." Kai scratched his head awkwardly. "I also managed to catch Zapdos."
"What?!" Professor Cerise nearly choked on his breath. After a brief coughing fit, he looked at Kai in disbelief. "You caught it?!"
"Yep." Kai took out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and waved it in front of the professor to prove his claim. "But to avoid any unnecessary trouble, I'd appreciate it if you could keep this a secret for now."
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Professor Cerise nodded. "Don't worry. I'll keep quiet until you're ready to reveal it yourself."
At this moment, Kai hesitantly asked, "Professor, about the six-Pokémon limit for trainers when I catch a new Pokémon, it's automatically sent to the research institute. Is there any way to adjust this setting?"
Hearing this, Professor Cerise smiled. "What? Are six Pokémon not enough for you?"
"Under normal circumstances, they are," Kai explained, gesturing to the Poké Ball in his hand. "But in this case, it's inconvenient to send Zapdos elsewhere. Carrying it around as an extra would disrupt my team for normal battles."
Professor Cerise's expression shifted as he understood. "You don't plan on using Zapdos in regular battles, do you?"
"Exactly," Kai replied. "For me, Kirlia and Ivysaur are my main battlers. Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos are too conspicuous. I see it as a trump card a hidden ace. Alternating between obvious strengths and concealed strategies can give me the upper hand in battle."
"That's a smart approach," Professor Cerise said with approval. "Hand me your Pokédex."
Kai passed it over, watching as the professor connected it to the computer and made a few adjustments before returning it.
"All set. I've updated your permissions to allow you to carry up to 12 Pokémon instead of 6. This way, you won't have to worry about rare Pokémon being sent away unexpectedly."
Later that afternoon, at Cerise Park...
Kai released Zapdos from its Poké Ball. The park was closed to the public, so he didn't have to worry about anyone seeing the legendary Pokémon and causing a commotion.
Zapdos flapped its powerful wings and glared at Kai with a haughty expression.
Kai smiled. "I know you're not happy about being beaten by weaker Pokémon, especially when you were outnumbered. But don't worry. Over time, I'm sure you'll accept me as your trainer!"
Zapdos raised its head proudly, clearly unamused.
"Screeawkk"(Humph)
Kai chuckled at its defiance. "You don't have to talk to me if you don't want to, but as my Pokémon, you have responsibilities. Since you're so powerful, how about being a training partner for the others?"
Without waiting for a response, Kai turned to his team. "Alright, everyone, attack together!"
"Krrrraaaaakkk!"(Attack me Bastards!)
With an indignant screech, Zapdos unleashed a dazzling surge of electricity, lighting up the entire park.
After a day of rest, Kai prepared to leave the Cerise Research Institute with his backpack and Pokémon.
He was heading to the next gym city when someone called his name.
Turning around, he saw Ash, Misty, and Brock approaching him!
Was it fate that had brought them together, just like in the anime?
"You guys got to Vermilion City already?" Kai greeted them with a smile. "Are you here to challenge the Vermilion Gym?"
Ash grinned and unzipped his jacket to reveal three badges pinned to the inside.
"The Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge, and Thunder Badge?!" Kai exclaimed. "You earned three badges in just a few days? That's impressive!"
Ash rubbed his nose proudly. "Becoming a Pokémon Master means aiming high. Three badges are nothing!"
"I can't believe you!" Misty teased. "You only got my Cascade Badge because I went easy on you!"
Brock nodded in agreement. "Exactly. A little humility wouldn't hurt."
Ash looked sheepish but quickly laughed it off.
Misty stepped forward, greeting Kai warmly, though her usual bossy tone seemed softer, even shy.
Kai smiled and said, "It's only been a couple of days, Misty, but you're looking more beautiful than ever & your claim to be the most beautiful girl in the world is not a lie it seems but it's still a long way until you become one"
"What!!" Misty growled in anger & shock.
Meanwhile, Brock extended his hand for a handshake. "We haven't officially met. I'm Brock. I resigned as the Pewter City Gym Leader to travel with Ash and Misty. I'm now working toward becoming a Pokémon Breeder."
"That's a great goal," Kai replied, shaking his hand. "But have you ever considered becoming a Pokémon Doctor? You'd be great at it."
Before Brock could respond, Kai added with a grin, "By the way, are you really only 15 years old? You look older than me!"
Brock froze for a moment before letting out an awkward laugh.
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