After a good night's rest, Kai met Erika at the Pokemon Center's cafeteria the next morning.
To his surprise, Jimmy and Marina were already seated, their trays completely cleared only a few crumbs remained.
The two were chatting idly, clearly having been here for a while.
Kai glanced at the time and raised an eyebrow. "It's not even 7 AM yet. You guys already finished breakfast? What is this, boot camp?"
It wasn't that Kai was lazy, but Trainers like them didn't usually follow a strict sleep schedule. Unless they had to hit the road early, most lived by their rhythm, woke when they wanted, and ate when you're hungry.
Marina yawned and sighed, "Blame Jimmy! He was worried Raikou might leave before sunrise, so he dragged himself out of bed to check on it. And guess who got woken up because of it?"
Erika tilted her head. "Couldn't he have just gone by himself? Why'd you tag along?"
Marina's cheeks turned pink. "He was walking too loudly, okay? It woke me up."
Kai and Erika exchanged a glance.
The boys' and girls' dorms were in separate wings, and the walls were soundproofed. Unless Jimmy had gone out of his way to wake her, there was no way his footsteps alone could've done the trick.
Marina had anticipated Jimmy's early visit and just "happened" to be ready.
She probably got up, dressed, and waited, wanting a quiet moment alone with him and Raikou.
But Kai and Erika didn't call her out. After all, that kind of awkward, innocent affection had its charm. Let them enjoy the sweet uncertainty of young love.
Leaving the two to their banter, Kai and Erika grabbed their breakfasts.
The Pokémon Center offered buffet-style service, just like a hotel. Pick what you want, eat as much as you like, quick, easy, and filling.
The cafeteria was noticeably quieter today. Unlike yesterday's commotion, only a handful of people remained.
Some were likely still asleep. Others had already departed, probably disappointed they couldn't see Raikou and eager to continue their journeys.
After finishing their meals, the group decided to visit Raikou again. Even though Jimmy had already been, he still trailed behind them enthusiastically toward the recovery ward.
Marina sighed. "Didn't you just see it? What more is there?"
As they approached the hallway, heavy footsteps echoed behind them. They turned to see a flamboyantly dressed man striding in like he owned the place.
He looked to be in his twenties, wearing a purple leisure suit with white gloves, a red bow tie, and a white cape draped over his back. His golden hair was slicked back, except for one ridiculous curl shooting straight into the air.
Stylish… in the most questionable way possible, Kai thought.
He even caught a whiff of cologne as the man brushed past.
"Where's Raikou!? Where is it!?"
The stranger practically ran to the observation window, planted both hands on the glass, and stared inside.
When his eyes landed on the resting Raikou, he gasped.
"Incredible! It's really Raikou! No mistake, it's truly him! Magnificent… one of the Legendary Beasts… this is extraordinary!"
His voice was so loud that Raikou twitched its tail in its sleep, but fortunately, it didn't wake up.
"Hey! Who even are you!?" Jimmy asked, frowning.
The man finally turned to them, and when Marina saw his face, she lit up like a Christmas tree.
She practically teleported to his side, blushing as she gazed up at him with sparkles in her eyes.
Kai stared at her, baffled.
He looked at the guy again.
Sure, he was decent-looking, maybe slightly above average, but "handsome" was pushing it.
Jimmy, however, sighed with resignation. "Ah… I just remembered. Marina has a weird thing for guys in capes. Total weakness."
Most people liked a strong jawline, good hair, nice legs, but capes?
He truly didn't understand this girl's logic.
Feeling overwhelmed by Marina's sudden attention, the man took a cautious step back, only to notice Erika standing nearby.
He blinked. "Wait—aren't you Erika? From Celadon Gym?"
Kai looked between the two. "You two know each other?"
Erika examined his face carefully, then shook her head. "I'm sorry… have we met?"
The man chuckled. "I'm not surprised you don't remember. I'm from Celadon City. A few years back, I challenged your Gym and, well, you crushed me. My name's Eusine. I'm a Pokémon researcher."
Jimmy's expression twitched slightly, but he kept polite.
"Mr. Eusine, what exactly do you research?"
"I specialize in the Legendary Pokémon Suicune. I've been tracking it for years," Eusine said proudly. "That's been my life's work."
Kai and Erika exchanged another glance.
Both of them subtly touched the Poké Balls on their belts.
If Eusine knew that Kai currently had Suicune…
Well, considering how obsessed the guy was, it'd probably shatter his ego.
He'd spent years chasing it, and Kai had caught it casually on his journey.
But Kai kept the thought to himself.
Eusine was prideful and theatrical, not someone Kai cared to engage with.
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!