Pokemon: Skybound

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Out of politeness, Kai took off his hat and sunglasses, extending his hand to Lorelei in a friendly manner.

"Yes, I'm Kai. Nice to meet you, Miss Lorelei."

Lorelei's eyes flickered between Kai and Sabrina, and she half-jokingly said, "I never thought two people with such different styles would end up travelling together. Hmm… It's surprising, but it seems you two are quite compatible now."

While speaking, she shook hands with Kai and asked curiously, "So, what kind of wind blew you two to this remote island?"

Though Sabrina, as the Gym Leader of Saffron City, had met Lorelei a few times before, her aloof personality had kept her from forming any meaningful connection. They could only be considered acquaintances.

Yet, at this moment, Sabrina found Lorelei's easygoing demeanour unexpectedly pleasant.

Kai smiled and replied, "We didn't plan to stop here. Our original destination was the Orange Islands. We just needed a break, so we landed here to rest."

"Oh, is that so?" Lorelei said with a meaningful look. Lowering her voice once the shop owner left for the kitchen, she teased, "I thought you were here for Moltres after all, it's said to live among the Sevii Islands."

'There's a Moltres here!?'

Hearing this astonishing news, Sabrina turned sharply toward Kai. Noticing his calm expression, she realized he had likely known this all along.

'So this is why he was so interested in stopping here…'

Kai, seeing that his intentions were clear, nodded without hesitation. "You're well-informed, Miss Lorelei. Yes, I was curious about Moltres. A flaming bird among the Seven Islands? Who wouldn't want to see that?"

Lorelei rolled her eyes with a playful smile. "Please, I grew up on these islands. I've been hearing stories about the Fire Bird since I was a child. Honestly, I'm sick of them."

"Wait, this is your hometown?" Kai asked, surprised.

Lorelei nodded. "That's right. But to answer your question, it's not just a legend. Many locals, including my grandparents, have seen traces of Moltres' activity. Its elusive nature has kept most trainers from finding it, but I know it's real."

At that moment, the shop owner returned, placing two steaming plates of seafood fried rice on the table. The aroma was rich and inviting, the golden rice glistening with juice from the squid, crab, and shrimp.

Kai eagerly scooped a bite into his mouth but was caught off guard by the overwhelming heat of the spices. He coughed violently, his face turning red as he reached for the ice water.

"Why is it so spicy!?"

Lorelei burst into laughter, nearly doubling over, while Sabrina took a cautious bite and frowned.

It's way too spicy!

The shop owner chuckled and explained, "Fishermen here spend their days battling the cold sea breeze. Spicy foods help keep them warm and energized."

Lorelei nodded in agreement. "It's our speciality. The spice takes some getting used to, but once you adjust, you'll find it incredibly delicious!"

Reluctantly, Kai tried a few more bites, and as the heat subsided, he began to appreciate the flavorful dish. Sabrina, however, refused another bite, prompting Kai to request a milder option for her.

As the shop owner returned to the kitchen, Lorelei leaned closer to Kai. "I know about your role in the operation that exposed Team Rocket's base under Celadon Game Corner. I need your help with something similar."

Kai's expression hardened. "Does this involve Team Rocket?"

Lorelei nodded. "Yes. While Team Rocket has weakened its presence in Kanto, its organization is far from dismantling. Recently, I've noticed unusual activity here in the Sevii Islands. I guess that Team Rocket is preparing something big."

"Why haven't you reported this to the Interpol?" Kai asked.

Lorelei waved dismissively. "As a member of the Elite Four, I must protect the region. I'd rather handle this myself than rely on bureaucrats. Besides, you're a Champion now. We're part of the same system, aren't we?"

Kai smirked at the label. 'When did I become part of the Pokémon League system?'

Still, his own interest in taking down Team Rocket and safeguarding his future aligned with Lorelei's mission.

"Fine, I'll help," Kai said. "But I can only stay here for a few days. If this takes too long, you'll have to find someone else."

"Don't worry," Lorelei assured him. "I've already tracked their movements. It won't take long. And as a reward, if we succeed, I'll take you to find Moltres."

"Wait you know where it is?" Kai asked, startled.

Lorelei's confident smile returned. "Of course. It's said to reside in the depths of Lantern Hill. With my guidance, I'm sure we'll find it."

Kai pondered her words. While he vaguely recalled Moltres' presence in the Sevii Islands from his gaming days, he couldn't remember the exact details. Having Lorelei as an ally was sure to make the search far more efficient.

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