Pokémon in the ocean

"Because you accepted me. I have to be strong and smart. For Caitlin and Shikimi, who accepted me, and for Cynthia, who wants to stay by my side. I don't want to remain indecisive. I want to become someone who can stand proudly beside Cynthia."

It wasn't just for himself, but for Cynthia as well. From the public's perspective, Kaim's character was secondary; what they would consider first was what he did. He didn't know how the world would react to his actions. Even something that seemed admirable could, depending on the circumstances, lead people to say cruel things to Cynthia. That was why Kaim wanted to grow stronger-to protect her.

"You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

"Is that bad?"

"No. It's wonderful. I like that part of you."

"Thanks."

"I want you to like Kaim himself. I love him very much. So I'll work with you to help you accept yourself."

"Then I'll keep counting on you."

"Likewise."

Cynthia gently poked Kaim's cheek with her finger and laughed.

"By the way."

"Yes?"

Cynthia steered the conversation away from the serious atmosphere.

"What do you think of this swimsuit?"

She opened the front of her hoodie, revealing her swimsuit to Kaim. It was a black bikini with a very simple design, but that simplicity made Cynthia's beauty stand out all the more. There was a pure beauty to it, without any unnecessary decoration.

"Keep it covered. There are a lot of people watching."

"Oh, is it bad if people see me?"

"It's not bad, but I don't want you showing it off."

With Cynthia's good looks, there was nothing wrong with letting anyone see her. In fact, it would hardly have been surprising if her appearance led someone to mistake her for a model. Shirona wasn't well known here in the Isshu Region, so far from the Sinnoh Region. Thus, few people recognized Cynthia as "Cynthia," but her looks still drew attention.

From Kaim's perspective, however, it didn't feel very good. He was a little surprised by his own unexpectedly strong possessiveness, but the fact remained that he wasn't amused.

"So that's how you feel?"

"On the other hand, what if a woman nearby came up to me?"

"Not that it would ever happen," Kaim added under his breath with a vacant look. Unfortunately, his looks fell into the "average" category. Lately, he had started paying attention to things like his hairstyle and skin care, bringing him slightly above average, but he was nowhere near as handsome as Byron or Steven.

That was why Kaim had never been hit on. There was no need to worry about it, but there was no harm in asking.

"I wouldn't like it. I wouldn't mind if she wanted a battle, but if she approached you for 'that purpose,' I wouldn't like it."

"That's what I mean."

"Hehe, I understand."

"Well, considering where we are, there's nothing we can do about it, I suppose."

"Yes, I'll cover up."

Cynthia quietly zipped up her hoodie. She would have liked to hear his thoughts on her swimsuit, but she knew he cared about her, so she let it go for now.

"Oh, right. I don't want to forget and end up being unfair to you later, so I'll tell you now."

Kaim spoke without changing his pace or tone. Cynthia, however, had no idea what he meant, and a question mark floated through her mind.

"Hm?"

"You look wonderful in that swimsuit. You're the most beautiful of all."

Kaim turned his gaze toward Cynthia and spoke without changing his expression.

"Let's go home."

"Ah, come on!"

Kaim's slyness lay in saying things like that out of the blue. Cynthia's heart was mostly filled with happiness, but as she chased after him, her feelings were complicated by a trace of resentment.

Once she caught up, Cynthia smacked Kaim's back with all her might.

"We're home!"

After they returned to the villa, showered, and relaxed for a while, Iris and the others came back.

"Welcome back. How was shopping?"

"It was so much fun! I bought a new swimsuit!"

Cynthia smiled as she stroked Alice's head while the girl laughed.

"I bought lots of things too. It was fun."

"Hehe, it sounds like you enjoyed yourselves."

"How did your investigation go, Cynthia? Did you discover anything new?"

"Yes."

"What did you find?"

"We reached the deepest part of the Underwater Ruins."

"The Abyssal Ruins?! That's amazing!"

"Congratulations. I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Cynthia."

"There was a lot of luck involved. By the way, have you all had lunch?"

It was already past noon. It was just about lunchtime, but Shirona didn't know what the three of them had decided to do for lunch, so she asked.

"Ah, not yet. Caitlin said, 'Kaim will be cooking anyway, so let's head home without eating.'"

"Wasn't that the case? Knowing Kaim, I thought he'd be making some for us too."

"That's right. Kaim is making lunch now. Join us, if you'd like."

"Yes! Kaim! I'm hungry!"

Iris ran into the kitchen.

Seeing Alice act like a little child made Shirona laugh.

"When she acts like that, you'd never think she'd won the Isshu League."

"She really is still a child. Still, Alice's wholehearted attitude toward Pokémon is something I should learn from."

As they discussed how childish Alice could be compared with when she battled, voices drifted out of the kitchen.

"Hey, wash your hands before you come into the kitchen. You haven't washed them yet."

"What's for lunch, Kaim? Oh, there's fried chicken!"

"Listen when someone's talking to you! Hey!"

"Hehe!"

"Don't talk with your mouth full!"

The three laughed at Kaim and Iris's heartwarming exchange. They sounded just like siblings.

"Let's go, before Iris eats everything."

"After we wash our hands properly."

"You're an interesting person, Kaim."

The three headed toward the kitchen, chatting and laughing.

"What are your plans for the afternoon?"

Caitlin brought up the subject as she ate the lunch Kaim had made.

"I want to go swimming!"

In response, Iris eagerly raised her hand.

"I bought a new swimsuit, and the ocean is so beautiful. I just have to go swimming!"

"Yes, I'd like to swim in the ocean too, without doing any investigating."

"Yes!"

"Then how about the beach where we went for a walk yesterday? There aren't many people, the water is beautiful, and there's a place nearby where we can battle."

"I'd love to battle you. Since we have so many people here, of course I'd like to battle Cynthia too."

"Hehe, if my opponent is one of the Elite Four, I won't hold back either."

"I'm in!"

Kaim silently continued eating, ignoring the top Trainers as the women talked among themselves. Iris asked him a question.

"Kaim, you're Cynthia's student, right?"

The conversation had suddenly shifted to him, but Kaim answered immediately.

"Yeah. Technically."

"Then why don't you battle too, Kaim? It'll be fun!"

"Just don't expect too much from me, all right? I'm only a gym trainer, after all."

Gym Two's abilities were generally mid-level as well. Compared with the Elite Four members and Champions present, however, he inevitably paled in comparison.

"Kaim, you're a personal trainer?"

"Yeah."

"You're not a Gym Leader?"

"That's right."

"When I saw your Pokémon at the barbecue yesterday, I thought you were a Gym Leader because they looked so strong!"

"Well..."

Kaim had yet to defeat Sumo. He could manage a draw, but he couldn't win. Perhaps his abilities were on par with Sumo's now, but victory still wasn't within reach.

There was also a difference in how quickly Kai Mu and Sumo were improving. Plum was still developing. With further training, becoming one of the Elite Four wasn't merely a dream. Naturally, it would take considerable effort. Kaim, on the other hand, had no idea how much training he would need to attain the strength of the Elite Four.

"I think everything will change at once if I can get past one more wall."

"Then I'll battle you!"

"I don't know how we got to that."

"I'll do it! I'll do it!"

"Wow."

Kaim nodded helplessly, and Cynthia smiled faintly at the sight.

I'm sure Iris-chan will help you realize what you're lacking most right now. Simply telling you would be pointless. You have to realize it yourself. But once you do, you'll be able to grow stronger.

Kaim didn't know that Cynthia's plan would come to fruition just a few days later.

"The ocean!"

The five of them arrived at the beach Kaim had visited with Caitlin in yesterday's sunshine.

Just like yesterday, the beach was deserted, with only the sound of the waves echoing across it.

Kaim set up a beach umbrella, spread out a picnic blanket, and placed their bags on it.

"Yay!"

"Hey, warm up before you go swimming."

Iris stripped off her clothes onto the blanket, released her Pokémon from their balls, and raced toward the sea as fast as she could.

"They really do seem like siblings."

"For an older sister, she's far too carefree."

Cynthia said that beside him, but Kaim answered with a sour expression.

Beside him, Cynthia wore a hoodie over her swimsuit, just as she had on their way back from the investigation.

"We're lucky to have such lovely weather today."

Holding her parasol, Caitlin looked up at the sky as she spoke. She, too, wore a jacket over her swimsuit.

"It's been ages since I swam in the ocean! Let's have fun!"

Like Iris, Shimi placed her jacket on the blanket, did a light warm-up, and ran toward Iris. Shimi wore a purple bandeau swimsuit top and denim shorts.

"I'll go too."

Caitlin folded up her parasol and took off her jacket. She wore a white one-piece swimsuit with a pink pareo patterned with white waves around her waist.

"Kaim."

"What?"

"Do you have anything to say?"

Caitlin smiled faintly, pinching the hem of the cloth that hung like a skirt. Kaim had a good idea of what she wanted him to say, and he answered expressionlessly.

"It looks nice. It suits you."

There wasn't a lie in it; he genuinely thought so, and Kaim gave her his honest opinion. Caitlin was a little disappointed that he could answer so calmly, but being told it suited her certainly didn't upset her. She decided to accept his words graciously.

More importantly, she felt she shouldn't stay there any longer and get in the way of Cynthia unveiling her swimsuit.

"Hehe, thank you. I'll give you a battle later."

"Don't you mean payback?"

"Well, then."

Without another word, Caitlin headed toward Iris and the others.

Left behind, Cynthia and Kaim looked at each other.

"Go on. I'll watch your things."

"Thank you."

"I'll do this."

He tossed four balls to release his Pokémon. They were free to challenge the other Pokémon to battles, nap under the umbrella, or rub their heads against Kaim's feet.

After checking on them, Kaim sat down and placed Kuroko on his lap.

"I'll go too."

"Yeah."

Cynthia handed Kaim the jacket she had taken off, and he answered briefly. She wore a white bikini, different from the one she had worn during that morning's investigation. The wrap around her waist was like Caitlin's. Everything complemented Cynthia's fine figure and beauty, bringing out a charm different from her usual appearance.

Completely unlike her usual predominantly black swimwear, the white swimsuit gave her a different air.

"What do you think? Caitlin bought this wrap for me."

Like Caitlin, Cynthia lightly pinched the hem of her pareo, then turned around to show Kaim her entire figure.

"Yeah. It suits you."

"Is that a swimsuit? Or a beach towel?"

"It goes without saying, but it's both."

"Could you be a little more honest with me?"

Though his way of putting it was a little twisted, even Cynthia's expression softened when someone dear to her praised her and said he wanted her all to himself.

"But thank you."

"I like swimming, but I still can't help playing in the sea like a little girl."

"...Right."

"I know. I'll go if someone invites me."

"All right."

With that, Shirona walked over to Caitlin and the others.

Left behind, Kaim sighed softly and lowered his head.

"This isn't good."

I can't get Cynthia's swimsuit out of my head. He realized he was completely captivated by Cynthia, his gaze following her without his noticing.

As he thought that, his eyes followed Cynthia in her white swimsuit.

"I'm a complete wreck."

Even he was surprised by how much he loved her.

He had had friends before and cared for them, but Cynthia was the first person he had ever felt so deeply about. And Cynthia was the only person who could personally share in those feelings.

"Well."

It wasn't a bad thing. He was lucky to have met someone who could connect with him.

"Here's hoping things go well for us."

Kaim murmured as he stroked the napping Staraptor beside Caitlin's Musharna.

"Hey, can we go diving without any gear?"

"Skinny-dipping?"

After the five of them finished playing beach volleyball and were resting beneath a beach umbrella, Cynthia suddenly brought it up.

Kaim had just responded to Cynthia's suggestion.

"Yes. Alice wants to try it."

"Huh."

"If we dive, we'll definitely be able to swim with all kinds of Pokémon!"

"That's true."

Of course, there were more Pokémon in deeper water than in the shallows or near the surface. If they wanted to swim with them, it would be better to go a little deeper.

However, the ocean was also a very dangerous place. They could be swept away by the current or even drown in the worst case.

"I don't think anyone with a Water-type Pokémon will have a problem."

"I have a Lapras, so I'll be fine!"

"I have Milotic, too."

"You two should be fine, but what about Caitlin and Shimi?"

At yesterday's barbecue, he had confirmed that Iris had a Lapras, and needless to say, he knew about Cynthia's Milotic.

Caitlin and Shikimi, however, were a Psychic-type specialist and a Ghost-type specialist, respectively. He wondered whether they had any Pokémon that could swim, let alone dive.

"With my own psychic powers and Lance's power, I can do anything. Besides, there's Jellicent."

Since Caitlin herself possessed psychic powers, she could levitate and move objects. Caitlin possessed particularly powerful psychic energy even among her family. Her powers were so strong that she had been unable to control them as a child and had once been forbidden from taking part in Pokémon battles. With Reuniclus's help, diving probably wouldn't be particularly difficult.

"Ah, I can swim, but I'm not very good at it. None of my Pokémon can swim."

"Then come with me."

"Really?! Thank you, Caitlin!"

"I'll be glad if my powers can be of use."

It was decided that Shikimi would manage with the help of Caitlin and Reuniclus.

Kaim was the only one without any Water-type Pokémon, but he had dived many times and had the greatest physical stamina and lung capacity among them. Just to be safe, he planned to stay close to Cynthia to put his mind at ease.

At that moment, Caitlin spoke.

"That way, you two will be happier, won't you?"

Those words made Shirona blush.

Kaim gave Caitlin a sour look, but Caitlin herself appeared perfectly composed, so it probably wouldn't do any good.

The conversation quieted down.

"Then let's go. Blaziken, sorry for the trouble, but please watch our bags."

After the others mounted their Pokémon or floated using psychic powers, Kaim left Blaziken in charge of their belongings and entered the sea. Blaziken would be working alongside Cynthia's Garchomp and Iris's Haxorus in the meantime, so there would be no chance of boredom.

"Unlike snorkeling, the only way to replenish your oxygen while freediving is to come up for air."

"Right!"

"I don't know how things will work for Caitlin and Shimi, so I'll leave that to you."

"We're counting on you, Caitlin and Reuniclus!"

"Yes, no problem."

"Then why don't we try diving?"

At Kaim's words, they dove into the sea.

The water was so clear that they could see all the way to the bottom.

Crabs walked along the seabed, while schools of crabs and lanternfish swam nearby. Several Lumineon also swam gracefully past, and they spotted some Luvdisc.

Wow, there are so many Water-type Pokémon.

The area near the Abyssal Ruins where they had dived that morning had also been clear, but for some reason there had been no wild Pokémon, leaving it rather desolate.

So this was Cynthia's first encounter with wild Pokémon in the sea since arriving in Shallow Wave Town.

When she glanced to the side, Kaim had already dived down to the seabed. She saw him being teased by a school of Tazu swimming near the bottom over there.

Even in a place like this, Pokémon like him.

Cynthia smiled at Kaim, who was the same as ever, then turned her attention elsewhere. Iris was swimming with Lapras and a wild Carracosta.

Caitlin and Shikimi had covered their bodies with something resembling barriers formed from psychic energy and were interacting with a wild Octillery.

Cynthia, too, rode through the sea on Milotic's back. She saw a large macaw and several smaller macaws there.

Wow, this is my first time seeing a wild Scyther.

Scyther were rare in the Sinnoh Region. That was because the land was relatively cold, and the climate did not suit Mantine.

As a result, aside from Scyther used by Trainers, this was her first time seeing a wild one.

Beautiful... The ocean was a very harsh world. Cynthia knew full well that it was a harsh natural world, filled with struggles for survival and against the weather. Yet "beautiful" was the adjective that best described the world before her.

A blue, endless world. This world was harsh and painful. But it was by no means a world of death and disconnection. People and Pokémon, people and people, Pokémon and Pokémon. Countless lives connected and built upon one another to create the world that existed now.

And all of them had begun in this vast ocean.

All the skies and seas were connected in one way or another. Witnessing the beginning of it all, Cynthia felt that it was "beautiful."

Ah, it's time to take a breath.

Feeling that she had reached her diving limit, Cynthia surfaced with Milotic.