Chapter 115: Storms of the Heart
"All right, Green, that's enough about Caitlin," Logan sighed, rubbing his temple slightly. "She couldn't travel or battle much in the past because of her health. But even then, she managed to train her Pokémon and become a capable Trainer. That kind of effort deserves respect."
He had a headache just thinking about it. Caitlin—this sheltered heiress—was no match for the sharp tongue and quick wit of Green. According to Professor Oak, Green had been kidnapped at the age of five, and yet here she was, ten years later—alive and well, seemingly thriving. Only she could know how much pain and hardship she had endured during those years.
When it came to social experience, even Caitlin couldn't compare to her. Heck, Logan himself probably couldn't either. Green didn't grow up in an orphanage, nor did she rely on government welfare—she survived entirely on her own. It was heartbreaking, yes, but also worthy of admiration.
That's why Logan was more inclined to comfort Caitlin. Not out of favoritism—but because Green didn't need comforting. Her mental resilience was in a league of its own, while Caitlin was far more emotionally fragile.
Sure enough, as soon as Logan finished speaking, Caitlin—who had been sulking—immediately lit up with a bright smile. For all her emotional volatility, Caitlin was surprisingly easy to cheer up. A few kind words were all it took.
"So biased... You found someone new and now you forget the old flame,"
Green said with a teary pout, her voice laced with sorrow. Her sly, foxy eyes shimmered with a heartbreaking vulnerability that could melt any man's heart. But Logan remained perfectly still, eyes focused, heart steady.
He wasn't fooled. He knew Green wasn't genuinely upset over something so minor. That sad expression? Pure Oscar-worthy acting.
"Hand it over."
Suddenly, Green extended her fair, delicate hand right in front of Logan's face.
"Huh? What?"
Logan looked at her, confused.
"My wallet!" Green snapped. "I saved your life last time and even shared a bed with you. And how do you repay me? By stealing my wallet!"
Just remembering it made her furious. She had always been the one stealing from others—when had the tables turned? It was an insult to her reputation!
"Don't make it sound so scandalous," Logan protested. "And besides, that's on you. You took my wallet first, so I just took yours to get even."
With a sigh, Logan rummaged through his belt pouch and pulled out a pink wallet, slapping it into her palm.
"Here. I didn't touch anything inside."
To Logan, taking her wallet had been nothing more than petty revenge. He certainly didn't lack money. Just three days ago, he had made tens of millions on the S.S. Anne. In this world's economy, that amount was equivalent to two or three years' income for the average middle-class family.
He also knew that despite her tragic past, Green hadn't developed any antisocial tendencies. If she had, with her skills, she could've committed countless crimes. But she didn't. Her tricks and thefts never caused serious harm to anyone.
Underneath that fierce exterior… was an unexpectedly gentle heart.
"Here's your wallet,"
Green replied as she handed back the wallet she had stolen from Logan earlier.
"Didn't touch anything either."
"Because there was nothing in it to touch," Logan chuckled.
Green gave him a glare full of embarrassment and frustration. Then, with a dramatic flourish, she stepped onto the rail of the ship and leapt into the sea. Moments later, a hot air balloon shaped like a Jigglypuff floated upward, carrying her gently into the sky.
She winked at Logan and blew him a kiss with a sweet, seductive giggle:
"I'm off, handsome! Just remember—like I said before—we'll probably be seeing each other again real soon~"
Her laughter echoed through the air, mischievous and flirtatious. Before vanishing completely, she even winked at Caitlin with her enchanting eyes, then drifted higher into the night sky—eventually disappearing like a distant star.
Green admitted to herself that she did have feelings for Logan. But she wouldn't let that distract her from her goals.
Just then, a golden sunrise crested over the eastern horizon, casting a soft orange hue over the sea and sky. A breathtaking sight—one that, just days ago, would've been admired by the S.S. Anne's upper-class passengers.
But today, no one had the heart for such beauty.
The Trainers were still busy helping with repairs, trying to save what was left of the cruise ship. The elite passengers quietly stood aside, no longer bold or arrogant. The loud, troublesome ones had either fled or gone silent. True aristocrats knew when to speak—and when to stay quiet.
Green had arrived quietly and left the same way—without disturbing even a single cloud.
Logan turned his head and noticed Red feeding Ivysaur some snacks from his backpack. The boy had the calm, still expression of a meditating monk. As soon as Green left, Red let out a long breath of relief.
"That girl... Green... she's gone, right?"
"You know her?"
"Nope."
"Then what are you so scared of?"
Logan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
"She just felt scary... you know? Better to say as little as possible around girls like that."
Red wiped imaginary sweat off his forehead and chuckled nervously.
Sensitive little guy, Logan thought. Red really did have good instincts. Green was scary. She could twist you into knots before you even realized you'd been played.
"So what's your plan, Red?"
"Figure out a way to get back to Kanto. Then head for the next city."
Red thought for a moment, then answered.
"Well, looks like we're thinking the same thing. I've already found a way back to Kanto, so... guess this is where we part for now."
Logan stood slowly. The meds had finally kicked in, dulling the pain from his injuries.
"You're leaving, Logan?"
Caitlin had sensed his decision. She didn't try to stop him. She simply stood still and lowered her head.
Whether it was Green or Logan, Caitlin could feel it clearly: they were both chasing something. They had their own goals—clear, unwavering. No one could stop them until they reached what they were striving for.
That unyielding determination was something Caitlin lacked.
Despite the intense battle earlier, Caitlin's lovely face had only a few smudges of dust and minor scrapes—all thanks to Logan's efforts.
He smiled gently and reached out, pinching her soft cheek.
"We'll meet again, Princess. I've taught you everything I could these past three days. I even helped you untangle that chaotic psychic energy of yours. What you do next is entirely up to you. I've—"
Before he could finish, her lips were already on his.
It was soft. Unlike Green's fierce, stormy kiss—Caitlin's was gentle and fleeting.
What is with these bold girls lately? Logan thought, barely even getting the chance to react before she pulled away.
Caitlin calmly adjusted her dress, her smile refined and elegant. Somewhere along the way, her innocence had begun to fade. Now, she carried the lazy beauty of a sleeping princess.
"Next time we meet, I won't be the same Caitlin I am now."
She lifted her skirt slightly and crossed her legs with practiced grace—a perfect display of a noblewoman's manners.
Logan touched his lips, saying nothing. Then he turned, grabbed the railing, and leapt into the open sea.
A mighty dragon's cry echoed across the water. As clouds gathered once more in the sky, thunder rumbled in the distance and wild winds churned the sea. The ship erupted in startled panic.
But there was no danger this time—it was just Dragonair summoning a storm at Logan's command.
Standing on the beautiful dragon's head, Logan soared into the sky. His silhouette faded into the clouds and disappeared from view, carried away by wind and rain—just like in the ancient legends of Dragonair's power.
And so, he flew onward—with the storm.
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