By the time their speedboat docked at the Island, the sun was already high in the sky.
Maya had already been informed by phone and was waiting at the pier dressed in a flowing white ceremonial robe, her golden staff in hand. Her long violet hair danced in the wind, and even as she stood motionless, her beauty radiated with ethereal grace.
Kai spotted her from afar, standing regally at the harbor surrounded by her priestesses.
As the boat approached, Kai, Erika, and the others disembarked. Maya greeted them with a noble yet warm smile.
"Welcome back, my Sea Guardian's Chosen, and welcome to you all—his loyal companions."
She extended a delicate hand toward Kai, palm downward.
"Sea Guardian's Chosen"... The title felt a little intimate, but he assumed it was just part of the ceremony's formality. He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it, performing the traditional gesture of respect.
From behind, Brock tried to imitate him, but as he bent down to kiss her hand, Maya had already retracted it.
Frozen in place, Brock stood like a wilted statue, crushed and expressionless. You could almost hear the sound of his heart shattering.
"…Here we go again," Misty muttered.
Erika and Ash didn't even flinch. They'd grown used to Brock's hopeless romantic streak. Only Ritchie and Shu looked confused and concerned.
"Uh… is he okay?" Shu whispered.
"Don't worry," Misty said without even glancing back. "This happens like once a week. You'll get used to it."
Meanwhile, Maya turned to Kai, her tone softening. "I've already heard about what happened. Thank you for everything you did to stop Team Rocket, and for protecting the Sea Guardian. You've all worked very hard."
Kai and the others responded with humble words.
"We were just doing our part."
Maya smiled. "Come. A feast has been prepared in your honor. But first, allow me to escort you to the temple to rest."
Upon hearing the word feast, Ash and Shu's eyes lit up like stars. For them, a massive meal after two days of danger was the best possible reward.
The group followed Maya up the winding stone path toward the Sea Temple. Kai and Maya led the way, followed by Erika, Ash, Ritchie, and Shu.
Misty glanced at the still-sulking Brock, sighed, then grabbed his ear and dragged him up the hill.
As the townsfolk along the path caught sight of the High Priestess and the Sea Guardian's Chosen walking side by side, whispers spread quickly.
What event could bring both the High Priestess and the Guardian to the city together?
But while curiosity buzzed, the townspeople knew better than to interrupt anything involving the Sea Temple.
When they finally reached the summit, Shu and Ritchie stopped in awe at the towering statue of the Sea Guardian. Their eyes sparkled.
For Shu especially, this place was sacred a dream made real. He trembled with excitement as he stepped inside.
Each guest was shown to a private room to rest and recover. Then, just before sunset, they were invited to the grand dining hall.
A long table filled with fruit, meat, seafood, and the famous Whirl Island grape wine awaited them. Soft music filled the air as the priestesses served and played instruments in the background.
Maya raised her glass from the head of the table. "To courage, friendship, and victory."
The guests returned the toast, and the feast began.
The atmosphere was warm and familiar. Even Maya, usually composed and distant, felt like one of the group now. Laughter echoed as the wine flowed freely.
The grape wine was sweet and light perfect for both adults and younger guests like Ash and Shu, who indulged happily.
But midway through the banquet, Maya stood and quietly stepped around the table.
She stopped beside Kai.
"My Chosen… may I ask one more favor of you?"
Kai put down his fork, looking up. Her cheeks were flushed slightly, perhaps from the wine, but her expression was gentle and sincere.
"Of course," he said. "What do you need?"
Their relationship had grown comfortable over time, and as the temple's champion, Kai trusted her deeply.
"I need your help to complete the Inheritance Ceremony."
Kai tilted his head. "Inheritance…?"
The others looked up, equally confused. From the name alone, it sounded like an ancient Sea Temple tradition but none of them had heard of it before.
Kai nodded. "Sure. When?"
Maya smiled and exhaled softly. "Now."
She turned to the others with a graceful apology. "Please, enjoy the feast. The Inheritance Ceremony takes time, and I'm afraid we won't be able to join you for the rest of the evening."
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