Kai smiled, pride and reassurance filling his heart. "Welcome to the team," he murmured, before he reached for his Poké Ball. The sphere clicked open in his hand, and he threw it toward the massive Pokémon with a steady motion.
Iron Thorns tilted its head, its glowing eyes watching the Poké Ball with curiosity. It hesitated, then slowly stepped forward. The ball opened mid-air, the red light expanding as it made contact with Iron Thorns' body.
A sudden jolt of energy surged through the air. The Poké Ball wobbled once, twice — and then it clicked firmly shut.
The mountainside was silent again.
Kai took a deep breath, his heart steady, his hand resting on the Poké Ball now in his grasp.
He had done it.
"Iron Thorns... you're with me now," he whispered softly, looking at the Poké Ball in his hand.
Behind him, Chimchar cheered softly, as if he too recognized the weight of the moment. Kai looked down at his starter, his smile growing.
"You did great," he said quietly, and Chimchar beamed up at him.
Geeta and the Elite Four, who had been watching in stunned silence, exchanged glances. Rika finally spoke up, her voice tinged with awe.
"Well, Kai," she said, her voice tinged with admiration, "it looks like you've earned yourself an absolute powerhouse."
Kai gave a small chuckle, but his expression remained focused. "We'll have to work together," he said. "Iron Thorns will need time to adjust, but I'm confident in our bond."