The next morning, Aoki was ready to leave the small town.
When leaving, Naqi also followed behind, planning to travel together for a short time. Although Kamizlei was very unhappy about this, she ultimately did not refuse.
Just like that, the group of three continued their journey toward Fortree City.
At noon, they stopped by a nearby forest to prepare lunch.
"Aoki, can you help me prepare a batch of your custom Energy Cubes?"
Naki looked at her Skarmory, which was eating with relish, and asked with a slight blush.
She knew the recipe was Aoki's personal creation, but seeing how well his Pokémon were raised, she decided to put aside her pride and make the request. The quality of Pokémon food made a huge difference, which was why many trainers sought professional breeders or elite researchers.
"No problem. I can prepare a special batch just for you. Although Energy Cubes will soon be available on the market, they'll only be the standard versions. I can craft a custom batch tailored for Skarmory's growth."
Aoki naturally agreed.
This was an opportunity to strengthen his relationship with Naqi—a chance sent to him on a silver platter. It would be foolish to refuse.
"Thank you, Mr. Aoki," Naqi said sincerely, her respect for him growing.
Kamizlei, sitting beside Aoki, remained silent, but she continuously added food to his plate, subtly asserting her position.
While they were eating, Naqi suddenly paused. Her sharp eyes caught movement in the distance, and a look of excitement flashed across her face.
"That Taillow… it's different from normal ones."
Aoki turned his head and immediately noticed a green-feathered Taillow.
It was a Shiny Taillow—the very same one that would one day become Naqi's ace Pokémon.
Name: Taillow (Shiny)
Abilities: Guts, Scrappy
Strength: Advanced-tier
Potential: Elite
Good find.
Not only did it have two abilities—Guts, which increased its Attack when afflicted with a status condition, and Scrappy, which allowed it to hit Ghost-types with Normal and Fighting moves—but its potential had already reached the Elite level. If trained properly, it could easily evolve into a Swellow and become a powerhouse.
"See? You're in luck," Aoki said with a smirk. "Shiny Pokémon usually have special abilities. Go and catch it."
Although the Shiny Taillow was excellent, Aoki didn't feel the need to take it for himself.
After all, he already had a Shiny Greninja and a Shiny Beldum—both of which had extraordinary potential. There was no need for him to compete with Naqi for another Pokémon, especially one she had spotted first.
"Really?! Skarmory, go catch that Taillow!"
Hearing that the Taillow had dual abilities, Naqi became even more excited.
She immediately commanded her Skarmory to intercept it.
The Taillow, arrogant and fearless, held its ground as Skarmory approached. It let out a sharp cry, flapping its wings, which gleamed silver.
It knew Steel Wing.
"This Taillow is even better than I thought," Naqi muttered, eyes sparkling.
Excited, she prepared to battle.
Kamizlei, sitting nearby, felt a pang of jealousy. She didn't particularly care about Shiny Taillow, but she was annoyed that Aoki had encouraged Naqi to catch it.
Noticing Kamizlei's expression, Aoki smirked and, while Naqi was focused on the battle, gently pulled Kamizlei into his arms.
"Jealous?" he whispered. "I know you like me. And I like you, too. I promise—no matter what, I'll always choose you."
Kamizlei, who had been sulking, suddenly smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest.
"I'm not jealous. I just don't think that woman is a good person," she huffed, though her face betrayed her emotions.
Aoki chuckled.
On the battlefield…
"Skarmory, use Steel Wing!"
The steel-plated bird Pokémon rushed at Taillow, wings shining silver.
Taillow didn't back down. It flapped its wings aggressively and charged at Skarmory, also using Steel Wing.
Boom!
The two Pokémon clashed in midair.
Taillow let out a cry as it was knocked backward. Due to the strength difference and Skarmory's superior size and armor, it had taken the brunt of the impact.
However, despite the damage, Taillow struggled back to its feet, determination burning in its eyes.
"You've got guts, huh?" Naqi said, admiration in her voice. "I want you even more now. Taillow, you're coming with me!"
Taillow let out a defiant chirp. It wasn't going down that easily.
"Naki, you have to defeat it properly," Aoki reminded her. "Taillow is too proud. It won't accept a weak trainer."
"Right!" Naqi nodded, refocusing on the battle. "Skarmory, Steel Wing, one more time!"
Skarmory launched another powerful attack.
Taillow, determined, soared into the sky and charged forward, using Steel Wing again.
The two Pokémon collided once more.
Bang!
Taillow was sent flying, landing on the ground. This time, it couldn't get back up.
"It's time!" Naqi pulled out a Poké Ball.
"Go! Poké Ball!"
She threw the ball—but just before it made contact, another Poké Ball flew in from the trees, knocking hers away.
"What the hell?!"
Naqi turned sharply, anger flashing in her eyes.
She had almost captured Taillow—who dared interfere?!
Aoki narrowed his eyes.
He had a bad feeling.
In the distance, a blond-haired man stepped out from the trees. His posture was cocky, his smirk irritating.
"This Shiny Taillow belongs to me now," the man sneered.
Aoki's eye twitched.
He had a sinking feeling this guy was about to say something ridiculously cliché.
"Since you asked the question sincerely…"
For a split second, Aoki was genuinely concerned that Team Rocket was about to jump out of the bushes.
But no.
It was just some random thug with an attitude.
"What kind of person just barges in and steals someone else's Pokémon?" Naqi demanded, fury in her voice.
The blond man, completely unbothered, flipped his hair dramatically. "The name's Dafei, and if you know what's good for you, you'll back off."
Aoki almost laughed.
Dafei?
That was a name more suited for a low-level street punk than a trainer.
This guy had no idea who he had just picked a fight with.
Naqi, however, wasn't laughing.
She clenched her fists.
This was her Taillow.
And she wasn't going to let anyone take it from her.
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