----
Before Kai could speak, Quackenpoker had already stepped forward.
"What else is there to do?! Of course, we need to start emergency treatment immediately!"
Without hesitation, he rushed back to the wrecked campsite, rummaged through an overturned supply box, and pulled out several medical kits before hurrying over to the injured Gyarados.
"These Gyarados have suffered severe injuries, especially Kai's Gyarados it's on the verge of collapse! We need to treat them now! Hey, you—yes, you, the young Pokémon Watcher! Stop standing around and come help me!"
Tracey blinked in surprise before realizing Quackenpoker was talking to him. "Oh! Right!" He quickly ran over to assist.
No one had expected Quackenpoker to have medical skills, but in hindsight, it made perfect sense. A Pokémon Watcher who spent years in the field had to know how to treat injuries.
After all, travelling through remote locations, observing and caring for Pokémon it was only natural he'd pick up these skills.
Kai glanced at his Gyarados, and at that exact moment, Gyarados lowered its gaze to meet his.
"You did well," Kai murmured.
Gyarados slowly swam toward him, its massive body covered in deep wounds, some so severe that bone was visible beneath the torn flesh.
Even with treatment, the scars would remain forever.
But scars, scars were a testament to battles fought and survived. They would serve as proof to the world that this was a Pokémon forged in combat, a warrior among warriors.
With Tracey's assistance, Quackenpoker skillfully cleaned the wounds, applied medicine, and carefully bandaged the injuries. Each movement was practised and precise, showcasing his years of experience.
—
Meanwhile, Kai, Ash, Misty, and their Pokémon were busy retrieving their scattered supplies.
The storm-like aftermath of the battle had sent their belongings flying all over the place. It was time-consuming and exhausting to track everything down.
Luckily, after thoroughly searching the area, they confirmed that while everything was in disarray, nothing valuable had been lost.
As time passed, the sun rose higher in the sky.
Kai checked his watch it was already 10 AM.
And at that moment—
Everyone's stomachs growled in unison.
The fatigue from the sleepless night, the aftermath of the battle, the sheer drain on their stamina it had all caught up to them. Even Quackenpoker, who had stubbornly pushed through, was barely staying on his feet.
With the last of the wild Gyarados treated, Tracey finally had time to start cooking breakfast.
Ash clutched his empty stomach dramatically, groaning, "Ugh, I'm starving! I could eat an entire Tauros right now!"
"Then stop whining and go help build the fire!" Misty snapped, rolling her eyes. She was just as hungry, but hearing Ash complain only made it worse.
Realizing she was right, Ash begrudgingly rolled up his sleeves and went to help Tracey.
Soon, the rich aroma of food filled the air, stimulating everyone's appetite.
By the time Quackenpoker finished treating the last Pokémon and washed the blood from his hands, Tracey was bringing a tray of freshly cooked food to the group.
This time, knowing how drained everyone was, Tracey had gone all out, preparing an especially hearty meal to help them recover.
Quackenpoker collapsed into a folding chair, mechanically shovelling food into his mouth. As he ate, his exhaustion finally hit him all at once.
"Ugh…" He sighed heavily. "One all-nighter and I'm already falling apart. Guess I really am getting old… No use pretending otherwise."
He glanced at the group around him, a rare look of genuine gratitude in his tired eyes.
"…Thank you. Really. If it weren't for all of you, I don't know how I would've handled this crisis."
Kai said nothing, simply offering a small smile But deep down, he knew the truth...
If Ash hadn't been involved, neither would Team Rocket. And if Team Rocket hadn't interfered, this entire disaster wouldn't have happened in the first place.
In a way, they were the reason Quackenpoker and the Gyarados got dragged into this mess But, at least it was finally over.
"Come on, no need to thank us!" Tracey waved his hands, embarrassed.
To him, Quackenpoker wasn't just a researcher he was a legend among Pokémon Watchers, someone he had always deeply admired.
And now, he had the chance to work alongside him, to help him firsthand. That alone was reward enough.
By now, the wild Gyarados had fully recovered.
No longer enraged, they submerged beneath the water, joining the remaining Magikarp that hadn't yet evolved.
One by one, they swam away, following the river out of Rind Island and disappearing into the vast ocean.
Thus, the annual Magikarp evolution migration had officially ended.
After finishing breakfast, everyone knew what came next.
It was time to say goodbye.
Quackenpoker planned to stay on the island a little longer, collecting more data and finally getting some well-deserved rest.
As for Kai, Ash, Misty, and Tracey, they had no reason to stay.
As Quackenpoker secured his tent, ready to sleep, he suddenly paused, as if remembering something.
He turned back toward Kai.
"Kai…"
There was a hint of hesitation in his expression, but after a moment, he made up his mind.
"I have something for you."
Kai blinked in surprise. "For me?"
Quackenpoker dug into his bag, pulling out a small, round, crystal-like stone and handing it to him.
The moment Kai saw it his eyes widened.
"That's—!!"
Quackenpoker nodded. "I found this while travelling through other regions," he explained. "It holds mysterious power in battle, it allows Gyarados to evolve beyond its normal limits."
Kai studied the stone closely before nodding. "I know what this is."
"It's a Gyaradosite."
"…Mega Evolution?"
Hearing the unfamiliar term, Ash, Misty, and Tracey all gathered around, eyes filled with curiosity and amazement as they examined the stone.
"Wait, hold on!" Ash exclaimed. "You mean… this thing lets Pokémon evolve even further?"
Kai nodded. "Yeah, but the transformation is temporary. Once the battle ends, the Pokémon reverts back to its original form."
Quackenpoker raised a brow in surprise.
"Oh? You already know about it? Well, that makes things easier I don't have to explain it." He chuckled before pushing the stone toward Kai again.
"Take it."
Kai asked. "Why give it to me?"
Quackenpoker looked at him for a long moment, as if measuring something unseen.
Then, finally, he said: "Because you are a Pokémon Trainer."
"And your Gyarados…"
His voice lowered slightly, filled with awe and certainty.
"Your Gyarados is… different. Very different."
"I truly believe that only in your hands only with your bond and your training this Mega Stone will reach its fullest potential."
----
Don't forget to drop the powerstones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!