455. The Night Banquet
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kai led Erika, Ash, Misty, and Brock toward the Sea Temple.
The night sky was scattered with stars, and the cool ocean breeze brushed gently against their skin, sweeping away the lingering warmth of the day.
The Sea Temple was just west of the tournament arena on the Island, perched atop a dramatic seaside cliff that overlooked the entire city. From its vantage point, one could see the glittering skyline and the vast, churning sea.
Most striking was the enormous whirlpool spinning just offshore a swirling vortex that roared endlessly, its current pulling ocean water into unknown depths like a bottomless drain.
The jagged rock formations nearby had been polished smooth by the rushing tide, and while the whirlpool's roar was sharp and relentless, it quickly became background noise the longer one stood there.
Though the banquet was formal, it remained surprisingly intimate. Besides Kai and the High Priestess Maya, no politicians or merchants from the Whirl Islands were invited. Kai was allowed to bring a few personal companions but that was all.
The intent seemed pure: a private celebration for the newly anointed Sea Warrior.
As they passed a few guards dressed in ceremonial attire inspired by ancient warriors, the group entered the temple.
Immediately upon arrival, they noticed the architecture resembled the coliseum's heavily inspired by Greco-Roman design. Towering pillars lined the entrance, and just beyond the threshold stood a massive stone statue.
There was no doubt about it this was Lugia.
Sculpted to scale, the statue was a perfect replica of the legendary guardian of the seas. Apart from its color, the likeness was eerily accurate, almost lifelike.
Everyone paused in front of it, marveling at the craftsmanship.
"We only caught a glimpse of it from afar back in the Orange Islands…" Misty said quietly, reaching up to gently touch the edge of one of its outstretched wings. "But seeing it like this, up close… It really is beautiful. And huge."
As a Water-type Trainer, Misty had always dreamed of someday catching a Lugia—or a Kyogre. For just a fleeting moment, standing before this monument, her dream didn't feel quite so out of reach.
"It's definitely massive," Kai agreed. Even though he was taller than most trainers his age, he still felt dwarfed standing next to the great avian figure. "According to records, an adult Lugia stands over five meters tall, weighs more than 200 kilos, and has a wingspan exceeding ten meters. Compared to this beast, even my Legendary Birds feel mid-sized."
They continued to admire the statue until the sound of footsteps drew their attention.
Maya approached, her smile gentle and elegant.
She stopped beside them, her gaze lifting to meet the statues.
"As you can see," she said, "this is the Sea Guardian—Lugia. For centuries, we've worshipped it as the divine protector of the Whirl Islands. It's said to have shielded our home from countless threats."
Kai briefly admired her poise and beauty. Misty, however, was still captivated by Lugia.
"Excuse me," she asked, "the whirlpools surrounding the islands—were those created by Lugia too?"
Maya smiled but shook her head.
"Well… that's unclear. The origins are lost to time. Some say yes, others believe they're natural formations. Scientifically speaking, it's believed they're caused by the deep-sea trenches and strong ocean currents around the islands."
Kai raised an eyebrow, surprised by the answer. A priestess being that grounded in science? That's rare…
He was used to clergymen attributing every natural phenomenon to divine intervention, but Maya clearly wasn't that kind of leader.
Before he could comment, Maya turned to the rest of the group. While she recognized Ash and Misty from the tournament, Erika and Brock were new to her.
Kai quickly made the introductions.
Upon learning that Erika and Brock were Gym Leaders from Kanto, Maya was genuinely surprised.
"Amazing," she said with a small laugh. "You really are full of surprises, Champion—ah, excuse me, Sea Warrior. To think even your companions include renowned Gym Leaders."
Kai scratched his cheek modestly. "It's nothing like that. They're on leave from their duties and just happened to be traveling with me. They didn't quit their posts just to follow me around."
"Still," Maya smiled, "it says something about you that people of their caliber would choose to journey by your side."
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8:00 PM – Sea Temple Banquet Hall
The long table was lined with fruit platters, delicate pastries, and exquisite dishes. Soft music floated through the air as attendants played ancient instruments, casting an elegant tone over the gathering.
It reminded Kai of a similar night on Ascia Island. Even Maya's serene presence mirrored the festival maiden from that time.
The music was peaceful. The room was warm. The atmosphere—joyful.
As the feast began, each of them released their smaller Pokémon. In no time, the hall was filled with lively movement and chatter.
Ash, Misty, and Brock devoured the food with reckless abandon. Even Pikachu stuffed its face without a hint of shame, much to the amusement of nearby attendants, who giggled behind polite hands.
In contrast, Kai and Erika dined with far more restraint and grace.
Kai had always prioritized comfort when traveling—he spared no expense when it came to food, both for himself and his Pokémon. It was no wonder he didn't lunge at the buffet like he hadn't eaten in weeks, unlike the others.
As he and Maya engaged in light conversation, the evening carried on smoothly—but beneath her calm exterior, Kai sensed something deeper.
Despite her smile, something in Maya's expression… troubled him.
He wasn't sure what it was yet—but it was there.
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