Chapter 41: The Arrival at the Summit

The winds of Sinnoh whispered across the landscape as Dragonite soared through the pale morning sky. On its back, Kai sat steady, his cloak fluttering behind him, his gaze fixed ahead. Below them, a vast stretch of pine and snowy hilltops unfolded—Sinnoh's unique and storied geography. But today, Kai's path led straight to the Champions' Headquarters, nestled on a high plateau east of Celestic Town.

The facility stood like a fortress—white walls gleaming in the sun, blue-tinted windows reflecting the clouds, and the Sinnoh League insignia embossed on its tallest tower. It was a symbol of power, tradition, and discipline—yet today, something else swept through its courtyards.

Panic.

As the shadow of Kai's Dragonite descended over the compound, League officials, guards, and trainers looked up, eyes wide with alarm. A powerful Pokémon descending with no formal clearance, and worse—emitting a heavy, unmistakable aura. Some reached for Poké Balls. Others stumbled backward. A few began radioing to the internal command.

Then, the Dragonite landed with a soft thud, and the tension only grew.

Kai dismounted with a slow, deliberate motion. He wore a neutral expression, calm despite the stir around him. Dragonite stood tall behind him, wings folded, presence imposing.

"Stand down," a composed yet unmistakably authoritative voice rang from the large double doors of the HQ.

All heads turned.

Cynthia—Champion of Sinnoh—walked forward with her hands in her coat pockets, her signature black attire flowing around her like shadows in motion. The League officials instinctively cleared a path.

Kai offered a small nod. "Shirona."

The reaction was immediate. Even the wind seemed to pause.

The guards stiffened. Some looked confused, others shocked. Cynthia, however, came to a gentle stop just in front of Kai. Her eyes narrowed slightly, then softened.

"No one's called me that in a long time," she said, a faint smile on her lips. "Only my closest friends ever did."

Kai didn't smile, but his eyes flickered with warmth. "I never stopped thinking of you that way."

She looked him over. "You've changed."

"So have you."

Without another word, the two champions shared a silent understanding. A bond beyond battle—born of history, trust, and long-standing mutual respect.

Behind Cynthia, the tall glass doors opened again, revealing her Elite Four: Lucian with his ever-present book, Flint with his fiery hair and smirk, Bertha with a wise gaze, and Aaron with his youthful energy. They'd been briefed on the incoming guest, but most didn't expect this presence.

Cynthia turned slightly. "Everyone, this is Kai. An old friend. Please treat him as one of our own."

Lucian adjusted his glasses. "The one you mentioned in your reports?"

Flint raised a brow. "Didn't think you were serious about the 'more powerful than champions' part."

Kai said nothing, but the pressure his Dragonite gave off was more than enough of an answer. Cynthia gestured toward the doors. "Come on in. You've caused quite the stir already."

As they entered the headquarters, the tension lifted, replaced by curiosity and reverence. Inside, the corridors were sleek and lined with portraits of past champions and historic battles. Kai recalled Dragonite in its pokeball before walked beside Cynthia.

"You came for the League archives?" Cynthia asked.

"Among other things," Kai replied. "But first, I wanted to see you."

Cynthia stopped in front of a lounge area, large windows overlooking a distant mountain range. "This is where we prepare for major conferences. You'll have full access while you're here."

He nodded, gaze drifting to the landscape. "Sinnoh hasn't changed much."

"No," she said. "But the threats have. And so have the expectations."

"I won't be here long," Kai said, sitting down beside the window. "I'm just passing through. I wanted to check on the League's understanding of Paradox Pokémon."

She sat across from him, folding her hands. "That topic's been growing…especially after what happened in Paldea. I assume you had a part in that incident."

"I handled it," Kai said plainly.

She smirked. "Of course you did."

A quiet settled between them. Outside, the wind howled over the snow-dusted peaks.

Cynthia finally broke the silence. "I can authorize you for the restricted archives. Anything we have on Paradox Pokémon. And if you need access to the battle arenas—"

"I'll let you know," Kai interrupted. "Right now, I just want some quiet. I've been flying for days."

"Then rest," she said. "Your room will be ready shortly. If there's anything you need, just ask."

He stood and looked at her one last time. "Thank you… Shirona."

She smiled again, softer this time. "Welcome back, Kai."

As she turned to leave, the others nodded at him in passing—some in curiosity, others with a newfound respect. Kai walked toward the guest quarters, but not before he turned his gaze one last time to the mountains outside.

Somewhere in the distance, a storm was gathering.