Pokemon: Skybound

Chapter 621: 621. The News Duo

◉◉◉◉◉

Wally had lost the battle.

By all logic, his expectations should have been shattered. He hadn't been able to prove himself in front of his uncle, nor demonstrate the results of his hard training.

Yet to his surprise, his uncle suddenly began to applaud.

"That was a wonderful battle," his uncle said with a warm smile. "I could clearly see how much effort you've put in. You didn't lose because you were weak—your opponent was simply stronger."

Hearing those words, Wally's heart trembled.

His eyes lit up, filled with hope, as he looked at his uncle and waited eagerly for what he would say next.

Meeting Wally's gaze, his uncle nodded in satisfaction. "I'll keep my promise. You're allowed to challenge the Gym and pursue your dream."

"Yes!!"

Wally jumped up in excitement.

Normally shy and reserved, he only showed this kind of unrestrained joy when something truly made him happy and this moment was one of them.

---

On the other side of the battlefield, Blaziken had already returned to Kai's side.

"Well done," Kai said, gently patting Blaziken on the head.

He then glanced toward Wally in the distance. Seeing the boy's radiant smile after finally getting his uncle's approval, Kai turned back to Misty and shrugged lightly.

"Alright. I think it's time we head out."

The two of them, along with Blaziken, blended into the crowd and disappeared before long.

Only then did Wally come back to his senses. He had wanted to say a few words to Kai, but the older Trainer was already gone.

Still, he didn't dwell on it, remaining immersed in his joy.

---

After leaving the open-air battlefield, Kai and Misty planned to continue strolling through the park.

Just then, a voice suddenly called out from behind them.

"Please wait!!"

It was an energetic woman's voice.

At first, Kai didn't realize she was calling out to him. But when hurried footsteps followed, he turned around.

Standing there was a familiar duo a man and a woman working together.

The woman had short, tea-brown hair and looked to be in her mid-twenties. She was striking, wearing light makeup and pearl earrings. Dressed in a blue strapless top, fitted white pants, and white high heels, she held a microphone in her hand.

She looked every bit like a professional reporter.

The man beside her was about the same age, wearing a baseball cap, a gray T-shirt, and jeans, with a video camera resting on his shoulder.

Just from their appearance, it was obvious who they were.

When Kai turned around, the woman's eyes lit up immediately. "It really is you! You're the Champion of both the Johto and Kanto regions!"

"Shh…"

Kai quickly raised a finger, signaling her to keep her voice down.

Although he was used to being recognized, this was still Hoenn. He didn't want unnecessary attention so soon.

"Oh—sorry!" The woman smiled apologetically. "We're reporters from Mauville TV. I'm Gabby, and this is my partner, Ty. We were filming nearby and happened to see your battle, so we followed you."

"I see," Kai nodded. "So, what kind of interview is this? Some big news?"

Ty shook his head without thinking. "No, it's just a family and children-focused segment—"

Before he could finish, Gabby coughed sharply and cut him off, then smiled awkwardly. "We're actually just out gathering material today. There isn't a specific topic."

Not wanting Kai to pursue the subject further, she quickly continued, "Anyway, would you be willing to give us an exclusive interview?"

Kai shook his head. "Sorry, but I'm not interested in interviews right now."

"Eh?" Gabby froze. "But you accepted interviews during the Silver Conference and the Indigo Plateau Conference, didn't you?"

Kai wasn't surprised she knew this was her profession, after all.

"That was different," he replied calmly. "Those interviews happened late in the tournaments. I've only just arrived in Hoenn and earned a single Gym Badge. I haven't even qualified for the Ever Grande Conference yet."

"You're being too modest," Gabby said with a confident smile. "With your strength, collecting eight badges and entering the Ever Grande Conference should be easy maybe even winning it."

Kai only smiled, not responding.

Early exposure wasn't always beneficial. It could draw unnecessary attention from rivals and leave the wrong impression with audiences.

Gabby could tell he was hesitant, but she wasn't ready to give up. She tried persuading him a few more times.

In the end, Kai sighed. "An interview now is out of the question. But when the Ever Grande Conference begins, I'll consider you first if the opportunity arises."

Gabby hesitated briefly, then nodded. She knew this was as far as she could push.

"Then it's a deal. Let's exchange contact information."

Reluctantly, Kai did so. After making a polite excuse, he quickly left.

---

Watching his retreating figure, Gabby clenched her fist in excitement.

Ty blinked in confusion. "Why are you so happy?"

"You really don't get it?" Gabby shot him an exasperated look. "This is huge! Do you want to keep doing park interviews forever?"

"What does he have to do with that?" Ty asked.

"Everything!" Gabby snapped. "He's a double Champion! If he's in Hoenn, he's aiming for Ever Grande. He's mysterious, rarely appears on camera, and fans love him. If we land an interview, our status at the station will skyrocket—we might finally get back into the studio!"

Ty's eyes widened. "Oh! Now I get it!"

"Good." Gabby lifted her chin, then looked toward the direction Kai had left, determination shining in her eyes. "No matter what, I'm not letting this opportunity slip away again."

◉◉◉◉◉

~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter

◉◉◉◉◉

For early access to advanced chapters on P-atreon:

P-atreon/iamxeno

(Just remove the - hyphen to access normally)

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!