114. Invitation

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In the lounge of the Cerulean Gym, after the audience had dispersed, Kai and the others returned, collapsing onto the chairs in exhaustion. Everyone was physically and mentally drained.

"Great job, everyone!" Daisy brought over some bottles of water, handing them out with a smile. "Did you see the audience's reaction? They were so enthusiastic! The performance met all our expectations. Especially that final scene Kai and Lily's kiss was the highlight of the entire show!"

"Please, stop talking about it, Daisy…"

Misty felt like crying.

She wanted to scream, 'The person I like just kissed my second sister right in front of me! What am I supposed to do?'

Seeing Misty's distressed expression, Daisy approached her and gently patted her head.

"I'm sorry for not stepping in to save you earlier. How are you holding up? Are you okay?"

Glancing at Kai, Misty forced a smile and nodded, trying to appear calm.

"I'm fine… really. Don't worry about me."

Meanwhile, Lily, overhearing the conversation about the kiss, grinned at Kai. "You really took advantage of me back there! So, tell me how was it? Are my lips soft?"

Gah!

Misty felt like a knife had pierced her heart.

'Please stop talking…'

Kai replied casually, "If you call that taking advantage, then I guess it's mutual. Honestly, I was at a disadvantage too."

After all, it was just acting, and the situation had left no room for improvisation.

Though they joked about it now, it was clear neither of them took it seriously.

"Then we're even," Lily teased, laughing. "But judging by your confidence, this wasn't your first time kissing someone, was it?"

Ack!

Misty nearly choked on her water. It felt like a second knife had been driven into her heart.

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After parting ways with Ash and the others, Kai returned to Vermilion City.

Now that he had earned all eight Gym Badges, he was fully prepared to participate in the Pokémon League Conference.

With over two weeks left before the Indigo League registration, he didn't need to travel anymore but couldn't afford to relax constant preparation was essential.

Everyone at Professor Cerise's lab was thrilled to see Kai return. Especially Chloe, who rushed over after school as soon as she heard the news.

"Wow!" Chloe exclaimed, circling Gardevoir with wide eyes. "This is the final form of Ralts? It's so beautiful!"

She then noticed Kai's badge case and excitedly opened it, admiring the eight shining badges inside.

"Do you like them?" Kai asked with a smile. "Maybe you'll challenge Gyms yourself someday."

Chloe shook her head. "Battles are exciting, but they're not for me. By the way, I already talked to my dad we're planning to watch your matches at the Indigo League!"

For the next few days, Kai settled into a peaceful routine. He reviewed strategies online, listened to Professor Cerise's advice, and devised training plans tailored to his Pokémon's strengths.

Since Zapdos and Articuno weren't allowed in official competitions, Kai only trained them alongside Haunter in private, focusing on building their strength gradually.

Gardevoir, Venusaur, Gyarados, and Jolteon were his main battle team. With Gardevoir and Venusaur newly evolved, Chloe assisted him in honing their abilities through rigorous daily training to maximize their potential.

Meanwhile, Charmeleon continued to grow stronger. Since he hadn't reached his final evolution, Kai took him to the forests and beaches near Vermilion City, challenging trainers and wild Pokémon alike to gain experience.

As for Dratini, Kai didn't plan to include it in the Indigo League. Instead, he focused on socializing it to improve its temperament, treating it more as a companion.

It often stayed by Chloe's side, playing with her Yamper.

Life was fulfilling and productive, with daily training sessions and occasional chats with friends online.

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A few days later, a Dragonite with a satchel arrived at Vermilion City's central park, landing in front of Kai.

The Dragonite eyed Kai carefully, as if confirming his identity, before pulling an envelope from its satchel and handing it to him.

"Huh? For me?" Kai asked, puzzled.

When Dragonite nodded, Kai grew more curious. Since arriving in this world, everyone he knew had his phone number or contacted him through communication apps. Sending a rare Dragonite to deliver a letter felt highly unusual.

Despite the mystery, Dragonite's demeanour wasn't hostile, and Kai sensed no ill intent. After a moment's thought, he accepted the envelope.

Inside was a small handheld device. To his surprise, it activated upon recognizing his identity, projecting a virtual image of a woman.

The woman wore a large hat and a thick cloak, obscuring her face. Bowing slightly, she began to speak.

"Forgive my intrusion. My master is hosting a gathering for the world's strongest trainers, and you, as a special guest, are invited. The location is New Island's Pokémon Castle. Will you attend?"

Kai found a postcard in the envelope, with only "Yes" and "No" options written on it.

The woman continued, "We sincerely hope you'll join this once-in-a-lifetime event."

Kai froze. This all felt familiar. Then it hit him: this was straight out of the Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back movie!

After some thought, Kai drew a checkmark on "Yes" and handed the postcard back to Dragonite. Watching it fly away, he felt a wave of unease.

Ever since Mewtwo had read his memories at the Team Rocket base, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that it knew his secret that he wasn't originally from this world.

Now, being singled out as a "special guest" left him with more questions than answers.

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