32. Maiden's Peak

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On the surface of the sea, Ash and Brock, who had floated up moments before Kai, had already found some wooden planks from the wreckage and pieced them together into a makeshift raft.

Seeing Kai and the others emerge from the water, Ash quickly reached out to pull them aboard.

"Finally, we're safe!"

James collapsed onto the planks, soaked to the bone. Lying on his back, he stared up at the blue sky and white clouds, feeling as though he'd narrowly escaped a brush with death.

Kai removed his diving goggles, untied the rope around Meowth, and released him. At the same time, he returned the Magikarp to its Poké Ball.

Under the warm sun, the sea was calm. Debris from the St. Anne floated everywhere, but besides their small group, there wasn't another soul in sight.

Brock squinted, scanning the horizon. "It looks like everyone who escaped in the lifeboats has already left."

"What should we do now?" Ash asked. Then he noticed Misty sitting on her knees with her back to the group, her face flushed.

"That's strange. Misty, are you okay?"

Startled, Misty quickly stood up and shook her head. "It's nothing! I just swallowed a bit of water earlier and feel a little uncomfortable."

Though she tried to act normal, her gaze kept flicking toward the respirator in Kai's hand and then to the corner of his mouth. Her cheeks turned an even deeper red.

Approaching Kai, she seemed unusually subdued, speaking in a soft voice. "Thank you so much for earlier."

Kai immediately understood what she meant. In the moment of urgency, he hadn't had time to think of anything else; his focus had been solely on saving her life.

"You don't need to dwell on that," Kai said, coughing lightly. He sensed her embarrassment and decided not to elaborate. Instead, he turned to Ash. "Ash, send out Pidgeotto. Have it scout the area for passing ships or nearby islands."

Ash nodded, releasing Pidgeotto from its Poké Ball. The bird Pokémon soared above them, circling twice before flying off into the distance.

It wasn't long before Pidgeotto returned, landing on Ash's shoulder and gesturing animatedly with its wings.

As a Pokémon capable of understanding human speech, Meowth stepped in to translate. "It says there's a port town not far ahead!"

At the mention of a "port," everyone's spirits lifted. They immediately called on their water-type Pokémon to help guide the raft toward the town.

Maiden's Peak, a small port town situated near Vermilion City, awaited them.

Though modest in size, the town was bustling with activity. Its natural harbour and location on an important trade route made it a lively hub for passing ships and travellers.

As they reached the shore, setting foot on the soft sand, Team Rocket seemed to regain their energy.

Jessie and James dramatically produced roses from who-knows-where, striking their usual flamboyant poses.

Sniffing the flower delicately, Jessie sneered, "Now that we're here, it's time for us to say goodbye."

"Exactly!" James added, a rose clenched in his teeth. "Although we're grateful you saved us, don't expect mercy the next time we meet!"

"That's right, meow!" chimed in Meowth.

"Hahhahahahahahha...."

With a burst of maniacal laughter, the trio dashed off toward a large rock by the sea, disappearing from sight.

"I can't stand those guys," Misty sighed. "But honestly, I don't have the energy to deal with them right now. I just want a hot bath and a good night's sleep."

It wasn't just Misty who was exhausted. Kai, too, felt worn out after everything they'd been through.

"Let's head to the Pokémon Center and rest," Kai suggested, adjusting his backpack as they made their way into town.

However, just as he turned, a strange feeling overcame him. Glancing toward a small pier in the distance, he spotted a woman in a flowing white dress. Her long pink and purple hair swayed in the breeze, revealing a delicate and sorrowful expression.

For reasons he couldn't explain, a faint melancholy seemed to surround her.

Brock noticed her as well, his eyes instantly turning to hearts. "What a beautiful woman!"

Hearing this, Ash and Misty looked toward the pier, but neither saw anyone.

"What are you talking about?" Misty asked. "There's nothing there."

"Huh?"Kai blinked in confusion, and in that instant, the mysterious woman vanished.

After arriving at the Pokémon Center and checking in, Nurse Joy greeted them with a cheerful smile.

"Welcome! You're just in time. Our town is hosting a summer festival! There will be parades, bonfire parties, and plenty of delicious snacks. You shouldn't miss it!"

Misty's face lit up at the mention of the festivities, and even Ash seemed excited. However, they were all too exhausted to do much at the moment.

After agreeing on a time to meet later, they retreated to their rooms to rest.

The Maiden's Peak Pokémon Center was smaller than most, reflecting the town's modest size.

The male dormitory consisted of a single clean room with two bunk beds.

Though simple, the white sheets seemed to beckon Kai, tempting him to collapse right then and there.

Still, he resisted, opting to take a quick shower and toss his clothes into the dryer before finally allowing himself to fall onto the bed. Sleep came quickly.

The afternoon sun gave way to dusk by the time he stirred awake. Stretching, Kai glanced around to find Ash and Brock still asleep.

He woke them, then knocked on Misty's door, and the group reunited before heading out into the town.

By then, the festival was in full swing.

The streets were alive with laughter, and floats paraded through the town, accompanied by well-dressed locals and tourists.

Surrounded by the joy and cheer of the celebration, even the group's fatigue seemed to fade.

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