Just as the Pokédex had said, Scizor's new steel-plated body came with a price flight was no longer one of its strengths. Its wings, now more decorative than functional, couldn't support its heavier frame. At best, they could slow a fall or give it a brief glide.
But in exchange, Scizor gained an incredible boost in durability. It now resembled a walking battle mech powerful, solid, and built to take a hit.
Kai gave Scizor a firm pat on the chest. It thudded like striking solid metal, stinging his palm slightly.
"Now that's some serious armor," he chuckled, circling the newly evolved Pokémon in awe. Scizor seemed equally pleased, raising its gleaming pincers for inspection.
It was still adjusting to the transition from sleek blades to heavy clamps, but it would get used to it especially now that it could grab things with ease.
Kai released a few other Pokémon so they could get acquainted with their new teammate. After some brief introductions, he waved to Erika, yawned, and headed for his room.
Spending the whole afternoon shopping with a girl? That was more exhausting than a full day of training.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, the two set out for Goldenrod Gym.
They'd already walked the route the day before, but in the daylight, the city looked completely different brighter, more vibrant.
As they strolled down a riverside avenue flanked by skyscrapers, they passed entrances to the famous Goldenrod Underground a sprawling network of shops offering everything from street food to cosmetic salons to niche fashion.
Erika looked intrigued. Before she could say a word, Kai beat her to it.
"Once we're done with the Gym, if there's time, let's come back and check it out."
Erika beamed. Maybe it was the new skincare she picked up yesterday, but her face looked especially radiant this morning glowing with charm.
As they crossed the bridge into the opposite half of the city, the first landmark they saw was the Magnet Train terminal an architectural marvel completed just a few years ago. The magnetically levitating trains could hit speeds over 550 km/h, connecting Goldenrod and Saffron across the Johto-Kanto region in just a few hours.
The elevated tracks stretched out of the city like a steel zipper, disappearing into the horizon.
Just past the station stood the towering structure of Goldenrod Radio Tower six stories tall and shaped like a narrow spire. It was the central media hub of Johto, broadcasting across every town and village with unrivaled reach and ratings.
Legend had it that the tower was built atop the ruins of an ancient wooden pagoda that once stood there, long since decayed and replaced by this modern broadcast beacon.
Kai and Erika paused to admire the tower and took a commemorative photo together.
Just as they were about to move on, they noticed something strange.
The streets around the Radio Tower were on lockdown. Police cars lined the perimeter, sirens flashing, and uniformed officers were stringing up barricade tape.
Kai squinted and his eyes landed on a familiar figure. It was Looker!
The International Police agent was leaning over the hood of a patrol car, poring over a large map with several officers, all of them looking serious.
"What's going on?" Erika whispered.
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Wherever Looker shows up, trouble isn't far behind. And in Johto, that can only mean one thing Team Rocket."
"You want to check it out?"
Kai hesitated, then shook his head. "Better not. The police are already on it, and it wouldn't look good if we stepped in uninvited. We'd just come off as nosy."
Just then, two more police cars screeched past them and pulled up to the tower's base.
Kai was about to suggest they leave, but almost as if on cue, Looker glanced over and spotted him instantly.
From over a hundred meters away.
What is he, part Zubat?
Looker's eyes lit up, and he jogged over excitedly.
Kai gave Erika an apologetic look, then walked to meet him halfway.
"Young man!" Looker boomed. "What a coincidence! Fancy running into you here!"
"Didn't expect to see you either," Kai replied. "Something going on?"
Looker sighed. "Team Rocket stormed the tower early this morning. They've taken over the entire facility."
Kai's mind immediately jumped to the old game plot. So it's happening here too.
Looker gave Kai a once-over, then glanced subtly at Erika, who met his gaze without flinching.
"You're just as sharp as ever," he said, smiling. "Lisia mentioned your recent takedown of one of Rocket's bases. Huge help, that was. We owe you. How's your badge quest going?"
"Pretty good. I've got seven so far. Just heading to the last Gym now. Do you need help with this Rocket situation?"
Kai had meant it politely. From the looks of it, the police had already surrounded the building Team Rocket was practically trapped. It was only a matter of time before they were flushed out.
But Looker's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "You're offering? Fantastic! Honestly, I was just starting to worry and now here you are!"
Kai blinked. 'Did I just walk into a job?'
He sighed. "So… what kind of trouble are we talking about?"
Looker didn't answer right away. Instead, he beckoned them to follow him back to the command vehicle.
The officers nearby glanced at Kai and Erika curiously, wondering who these unexpected allies were that their commander had suddenly brought into the fold.
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