After their laughter settled, Professor Elm smiled and explained, "I'm here on a research assignment collaborating on the study of a very unusual Poké Ball."
Then, noticing Kai's dusty appearance and worn expression, he chuckled. "Let me guess you're here to challenge the Azalea Gym, aren't you?"
Kai nodded. "Exactly. I came to battle Bugsy, the Gym Leader."
Professor Elm adjusted his glasses, mentally mapping Kai's journey.
"Given Azalea's location, you must've taken a long detour to get here. How many badges do you have now?"
"Six," Kai replied. "The path's been winding, but I've gained a lot from it."
"Six already?" Elm raised his eyebrows. "That's impressive. A lot of Trainers from New Bark Town still only have four or five."
Kai smiled but didn't explain. Without Rocket interference and other side events, he would've finished the badge circuit long ago. But the real growth came from the journey not rushing the destination.
Elm then turned to Erika. "And this young lady is…?"
Kai stepped back, gesturing with a grin. "This is Erika, the Gym Leader of Celadon City. She's traveling with me right now. Erika, this is Professor Elm one of the top Pokémon researchers in Johto and a former student of Professor Oak."
Erika offered a graceful bow, her elegant posture radiating poise and refinement.
"A pleasure to meet you, Professor."
"The pleasure's mine, Erika," Elm replied with a warm smile.
Turning back to Kai, he continued, "That Poké Ball I mentioned it was brought here from Kanto. A mysterious type we've never been able to open. A Trainer carried it all the way from the Orange Islands to Professor Oak's lab. He later had it sent here for further research."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
He'd guessed as much.
Even after all this time, they still hadn't unlocked its secrets.
Elm nodded excitedly. "Since you're already here, you might as well come take a look. Maybe someone of your skill can help us."
Kai exchanged glances with Erika. They both shrugged, curious.
"Sure," Kai said. "We're not in a rush."
They followed Professor Elm through the quiet streets of Azalea Town. The place was peaceful almost sleepy. Only a few people wandered about, taking things slow. It was typical of smaller Johto towns outside the big cities.
Along the way, they noticed Slowpoke lounging all around: under trees, on rooftops, even smack in the middle of sidewalks. Some were snacking on fruits from stalls, completely ignored by the locals.
There were even warning signs posted: "Slowpoke Crossing. Do Not Disturb."
Erika tilted her head. "They seem revered."
Elm nodded. "They are. According to local legend, four hundred years ago a drought ended after a Slowpoke yawned and rain fell. Since then, the people here have treated Slowpoke almost like divine beings."
"No one's allowed to harm them," he added. "In fact, doing so could get you arrested here."
"You even knew about the legend," he said to Erika, impressed. "You two really did your homework."
"Of course," Kai grinned. "Can't go into a Gym battle blind."
But as the sun beat down, he wiped sweat from his brow. "Is it always this hot here?"
Elm sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. The mountains surround Azalea on three sides, and moist ocean air can't reach it. It's like a bowl traps all the heat."
"No wonder they suffered a drought back then…" Kai muttered.
They passed another Slowpoke blocking the street.
Erika smirked. "So many of them around. Aren't you tempted to catch one?"
Kai shook his head. "Nah. Not really my style. Plus, capturing one here would probably get us chased out of town."
Still, the Slowpoke reminded him of the Slowking he once encountered in the Orange Islands and of Sabrina back in Saffron City. What's she doing now…?
Soon, they arrived at a large, old-fashioned estate on the northwest edge of town.
"This is Kurt's house," Elm said. "The Poké Ball craftsman."
He knocked on the door.
A moment later, a little girl around five years old peeked out. She had big curious eyes and two puffed-up pigtails.
"Who are you?" she asked brightly.
"Hello there," Elm stepped forward with a kind smile. "I'm Professor Elm. Your grandfather invited me."
"Ohh! Grandpa said if a guy with glasses who looks like a monkey shows up, just let him in!"
Kai and Erika exchanged looks, doing their best not to laugh out loud.
'A monkey with glasses, huh…' Elm thought with an internal sigh. She wasn't exactly wrong.
Kai had to admit when he first met Elm, the comparison had definitely crossed his mind too.
Elm forced a smile. "Well… she's certainly energetic."
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