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On the way back, Erika leaned close and whispered to Kai.
"That Sneasel seemed really special. You're not going to catch it?"
Kai thought for a while, then shook his head.
"Forget it. Sure, it's strong and looks cool, but it's just not my kind of Pokémon. I'd rather save the space for one I really connect with."
Erika smiled knowingly. He had told her many times before: collecting too many Pokémon would only spread his attention thin. For Kai, capturing had to come from genuine interest, not convenience. Sneasel just wasn't for him.
They hadn't gotten far when Dragonite suddenly let out a sharp cry, gazing skyward.
Following its eyes, they both saw it far above the clouds, a massive golden bird, wings blazing like fire, streaking across the horizon.
Kai's breath caught. "Moltres?!"
Erika gasped. "Here, of all places?"
Kai nodded. Mt. Silver had long been whispered to be home to legendary sightings. Still, to witness Moltres with their own eyes was something else entirely.
The Fire-type legend vanished almost as soon as it appeared, leaving only the thrill of its presence behind.
After the encounter, they continued down the mountain, soon reaching the Ho-Oh Temple.
When the monks saw Kai return with Sneasel in tow, their faces lit up with relief.
"This Sneasel is yours now," Kai said calmly, signaling Scizor to release its grip. "How you settle things from here is between you."
The staff thanked him earnestly and offered a simple vegetarian meal in gratitude. While they ate, the monks worked with Sneasel. By the time they returned, there was good news:
Sneasel had agreed to their arrangement. It would remain near the temple, living peacefully so long as it didn't harm visitors or interfere with the Sacred Flame.
Kai felt a weight lift. "That's the best outcome. Humans and Pokémon learning to coexist that's what it should be about."
After saying their goodbyes, Kai and Erika continued toward Silver Town.
It wasn't far. Within half an hour, the wide streets and banners of the Silver Conference came into view. Built specifically for the tournament, the town brimmed with life shops selling themed merchandise, posters of past champions, and the excitement of an entire region gathered in one place.
They registered at the Pokémon Center, where Kai received his welcome packet and a keycard. Unlike the Indigo Conference's villa-style lodgings, the Silver Conference housed trainers in a massive hotel-like complex called the Athlete's Village.
Each competitor got their own spacious suite, complete with a living room and bathroom a luxury apartment in all but name.
When Kai opened the door and they saw their room, he and Erika exchanged a smile.
It felt… like home.
Kai lingered on Erika as she unpacked, arranging their clothes neatly. The sight struck him house, home, partner. She looked every bit the part of a wife.
Erika caught his gaze and flushed, deliberately turning away as she busied herself with the luggage. But the illusion was undeniable: they looked like a couple moving in together.
Kai cleared his throat. "Well… we've been on the road a long time. We should probably freshen up."
Erika's face went pinker. She knew exactly what he meant. "I-it's still the middle of the day…"
Yet she didn't resist when he took her hand. With a nervous laugh, she let him pull her toward the bathroom. What happened behind that door was theirs alone.
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The days that followed, they fell into a rhythm that felt natural almost domestic.
Kai spent hours training with his team, refining strategies and patching weaknesses. Erika supported him in every way: cooking nutritious meals for both him and his Pokémon, tending to their needs, keeping their suite warm and welcoming.
Though the Athlete's Village had a full cafeteria, they rarely went. Erika took pride in cooking, and Kai clearly enjoyed her meals more than anything the kitchen staff could provide.
In their downtime, they strolled the bustling town together, hand in hand. Sometimes they shopped for trinkets or souvenirs; other times they stocked up at the supermarket.
More than once, Erika blushed as Kai casually tossed a few "essentials" into the cart, making her swat at him in embarrassment.
Day by day, they lived like a real couple. Training and preparation mixed seamlessly with laughter, quiet dinners, and stolen moments together.
As the tournament drew closer, the days seemed to fly by.
Finally, on the eve of the Silver Conference, they ran into familiar faces Ash, Misty, and Brock.
To Kai and Erika, it had only been a week or two. But the trio had somehow taken ages to get from Cianwood to Silver Town.
Misty blinked at Erika, surprised. "Wow… Erika, you look amazing! Your skin's glowing, and you seem… radiant."
Erika flushed crimson, stealing a glance at Kai. She could hardly tell Misty the truth. Some things were better left unspoken.
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