----
Raikou blinked in confusion.
Then—
BOOM!
A massive splash erupted behind it. Before it could even turn, a colossal force slammed into its body, launching the Legendary Beast like a ragdoll.
CRACK!
Raikou crashed into a rock wall, leaving a deep crater behind. Dazed, it slumped to the ground and looked back toward the lake.
The surface broke with a roar.
Rising from the water, drenched and snarling, was Crystal Steelix.
Water streamed off its towering form. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Raikou with feral intensity.
Raikou froze.
What the—how is it not sinking!?
Steel-types and Ground-types weren't supposed to handle water this well. But this one… somehow did.
Raikou tried to rise, but its legs buckled.
It had taken too many hits physically and mentally.
Yesterday's ambush by Team Rocket had left it critically injured. Even after a night of rest, it had barely recovered. And this morning? No food, barely any water.
Then came the barrier trap. More electricity. More pain. And now this…
It had pushed itself as far as it could.
Steelix surged forward again, dragging itself out of the lake with crushing power.
Kai stood at the edge of the shore, watching calmly.
"…It's over."
Steelix raised its massive tail and brought it crashing down.
WHAM!
Raikou's body collapsed. Unconscious.
Kai didn't hesitate. He pulled an Ultra Ball from his belt and threw it with precision.
It spun through the air and snapped open, firing a red beam that enveloped Raikou and pulled it inside.
The ball hit the ground—
Wobble.
Wobble…
Click.
Raikou was caught.
"Yes!"
Erika clapped her hands, eyes shining with joy. "You did it!"
Kai let out a breathless laugh, his chest heaving.
He'd done it.
After failing to capture Raikou in the Green Fields… after thinking the opportunity had passed forever… it had come back to him. And this time, he succeeded.
It felt unreal.
But it also felt earned.
His journey had come a long way—from overwhelming Zapdos using terrain advantage and team tactics, to gradually refining his strategy and strength. Back then, he needed all three Legendary Birds just to stand a chance.
But now?
Now he could take on a Legendary one-on-one.
Sure, Raikou had been weakened, and yes, type advantage played a role—but still. This was growth. This was proof of how far he and his Pokémon had come.
Still…
He glanced down at his belt.
Only one Poké Ball slot remained.
He'd just released the Legendary Birds… and now he was back to filling slots faster than he could make room.
---
Olivine City.
A breezy, seaside port town nestled on Johto's western coast.
Olivine was one of Johto's most scenic travel destinations.
Once a month, the S.S. Aqua set sail between Olivine and Vermilion City in Kanto. For travelers who preferred the charm of ocean voyages over planes and Maglev trains, the cruise was a favorite third option.
For some reason, whenever Kai heard "Olivine," his mind always wandered to Farfetch'd… even though the connection was purely linguistic.
Today, Kai and Erika were walking down Olivine's coastal boardwalk, heading toward the city's famed Gym.
They had arrived the night before, spent the evening at the Pokémon Center, and after breakfast, headed straight for their destination.
No detours.
The Olivine Gym, located in the city's northwest corner, was led by the Steel-type specialist: Jasmine.
Victory here would earn them the coveted Mineral Badge.
As they walked, the city's harbor stretched out beside them. Though high-rises occasionally blocked the view, the gleaming silhouette of Olivine's Glitter Lighthouse was still visible in the distance.
According to local lore, an Ampharos lived atop the lighthouse, using its glowing tail to guide ships safely through the night fog. Over time, the people of Olivine came to revere it as a guardian.
Kai and Erika paused at the rail to admire the sight for a moment, then continued toward the Gym.
After weaving through half the city, they finally arrived.
The Olivine Gym stood tall four stories high, shaped like a truncated pyramid. Sleek panels of glass covered its exterior, giving it a sharp, modern look.
Inside, the contrast was stark.
While the exterior was all shiny and structured, the battlefield resembled a massive warehouse. No complex traps. No gimmicks. Just plain dirt and open space a traditional battle zone.
They waited only a few minutes before the Gym Leader arrived.
She was younger than Kai expected around seventeen or eighteen. Petite, with long, light-brown hair tied into twin buns on either side of her head, like tiny wings.
She wore a pale blue dress with a huge bow at the chest, giving her a soft, almost childlike appearance.
You'd never guess this girl leads a Steel-type Gym…
What's the appeal? Steel pipes? Steel dancing? Steel cosplay?
Jasmine smiled warmly as she approached.
"Welcome to the Olivine Gym."
Kai stepped forward. "Miss Jasmine. I'm here to challenge for the Mineral Badge."
Jasmine's smile widened. She held out her hand.
"I know who you are. Indigo league Champion, right? I've seen your battles!"
----
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