Sunlight slanted across the northern training deck, glinting off the holo-panels and the faintly humming glass walls. Cyrus and Kina were the first to arrive at the Bloodmoon briefing room, a circular chamber with floor-to-ceiling screens and a central holo-projector that displayed a topographic map of Bloodmoon Mountain.
Maren and Joseph were already there, standing beside Kellan and several engineers, scientists, and security personnel. The atmosphere carried the weight of both excitement and careful calculation.
"Good morning," Maren said, voice steady. "Today we finalize your strategy and equipment for the expedition."
Kina nodded, taking in the maps. Peaks twisted into jagged spires. Red zones marked dangerous Pokémon activity, gray shaded areas indicated unstable terrain, and blue indicated survey paths that had been partially scouted.
"Bloodmoon Mountain isn't forgiving," Joseph said evenly. "Any misstep can cost you more than just a battle. Every decision—every Pokémon pairing—must be considered."
Kellan leaned against the table, scanning a portable holo-slate. "Gear will help, but your sync with each other is what keeps you alive. And I gotta say…" He smirked at Cyrus and Kina. "After yesterday, I'm cautiously optimistic."
Cyrus felt a jolt of pride, though he hid it behind his usual half-smirk. Kina's expression mirrored his: alert, focused, but already forming mental checklists.
After the briefing, engineers wheeled in the prototype equipment:
Multi-purpose climbing harnesses with embedded sensors for avalanche detection.
linked scanners that tracked Pokémon aura and condition in real time.
Portable energy shields designed to dampen environmental hazards for both trainer and Pokémon.
Emergency beacon drones shaped like small Arceus statuettes, programmed to activate if a trainer went down.
Kellan took the lead. "These aren't just tools. They're extensions of your Pokémon bond. You use them to predict, to protect, and to coordinate. If you trust them—and each other—you'll make it out alive."
Kina ran her fingers over the scanner interface, impressed by the seamless link between the device and her Pokémon. Sliggoo squirmed happily as if testing it with her, and Growlithe nudged the emergency beacon drone, tail wagging.
Cyrus tried the energy shields with Gengar, practicing phasing through while the shields detected his movements. Meltan and Tyrunt were tested in tandem with terrain sensors. Ceruledge and Ditto ran mock obstacle courses.
By the end of the session, both Cyrus and Kina were breathing hard—but exhilarated.
Lunch on the garden terrace was quieter than usual. The scent of sun-warmed herbs and faint ozone from the training equipment mingled in the air.
"Tomorrow's climb," Kina said softly between bites, "we'll need to stick to the schedule exactly. But… we also need contingency plans for each segment. And I still want to run doubles drills with the team before the first ascent."
Cyrus nodded. "Ditto versus Sliggoo and Growlithe again?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "And then Tyrunt and Meltan against their real obstacles. We'll keep practicing until it's instinct."
There was an unspoken rhythm between them—a shared understanding, a partnership forming in the quiet moments before the storm.
After lunch, the packing began. Cyrus's room looked like a tech lab exploded: harnesses, Pokémon care items, portable scanners, and holo-maps sprawled across the bed. Kina meticulously organized her gear, double-checking each Pokéball, each Pokémon item, and the emergency kits.
Maren and Joseph stopped by, each offering brief advice:
"Trust your instincts," Maren said, brushing a hand over Kina's braid. "And remember—your Pokémon feel what you feel."
Joseph nodded at Cyrus. "Stay alert. No shortcuts. And no heroics unless absolutely necessary."
Cyrus swallowed, a mix of nerves and excitement settling in his chest. Kina placed a hand on his arm. "We've got this. Together."
He looked at her, eyes bright. "Yeah. Together."
Sliggoo slurped up a stray puddle of water from the garden floor, Growlithe barked softly, and Gengar floated above the balcony, grinning. Their teams were ready.
By late afternoon, the King Estate gates opened. The armored expedition vehicle waited: reinforced walls, climate control, and compartments for Pokémon travel.
Cyrus climbed in first, ensuring his equipment and Pokémon were secure. Kina followed, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder, Pokémon in tow.
Joseph and Maren waved from the balcony. Kellan gave a final thumbs-up from the gate.
The engine hummed, tires rolling over the estate's driveway. Cyrus and Kina exchanged a brief glance—both knew the next hours would be a true test. Not just of skill, but of trust, strategy, and the bond they'd been forging since Kina arrived.
"Bloodmoon Mountain," Cyrus muttered, eyes scanning the horizon. "Here we come."
"Here we go," Kina said softly, tightening her grip on Sliggoo's leash.
The vehicle rolled out, leaving the comfort and warmth of the estate behind. Ahead lay jagged peaks, unknown dangers, and the ultimate trial for the team that had just learned to fight as one.
And in that quiet, tense drive, both trainers felt the same pulse of excitement and fear.