Chapter 14: A Big Haul! A Common-Grade Sharp Beak!
"This is..."
Kenji's eyes widened, his mind reeling.
As a top student who had aced his theory classes for years, Kenji's knowledge of Pokémon lore was extensive. He instantly recognized the beak-shaped item in Marcus's hand. It was another Treasure.
A Sharp Beak. Just like in the games, it boosted the power of Flying-type moves.
But more importantly, this was clearly a higher quality item than the Quick Claw. Based on its appearance, he could tell it was at least a Common-grade Treasure. An item like this would easily sell for hundreds of thousands of Pokédollars.
"The Quick Claw is the official reward from the police. This Sharp Beak is a personal thank you from me for saving Melody," Marcus explained, his tone even.
"I... I can't," Kenji hesitated. To say he wasn't tempted by such a priceless item would be a lie, but accepting it felt wrong. He hadn't done enough to deserve it.
"Take it. Compared to my daughter's safety, what is a simple Sharp Beak?"
Hearing that, Kenji didn't protest any further. He accepted the item with both hands. "Thank you, Gym Leader Marcus," he said, his voice full of sincerity.
Marcus just waved a dismissive hand. And it was true; while a Common-grade Treasure was expensive, it was a manageable expense for a Gym Leader of his standing.
"Take this card as well. It will grant you unrestricted access to the Edgecliff Gym. You can learn any of the moves we teach here, free of charge," Marcus said, handing over a sleek black card emblazoned with the gym's official logo.
The sheer generosity of it all left Kenji feeling dizzy, like someone who had just won the lottery. The sudden flood of good fortune was overwhelming.
By the time Kenji stepped out of the Edgecliff Gym, the sky had begun to darken. He looked down at the black card in his hand, took a deep breath, and slid it into his pocket. He then pulled out his phone and sent a message to his best friend.
Kenji: Where you at?
Leo: Getting worked to the bone by my old man. You finally awake? What's up?
Leo: [Hard-life-smiling-emoji.jpg]
Kenji: It's a secret.
After sending the reply, Kenji pocketed his phone and started walking toward Ben's Grill.
Back inside the Edgecliff Gym.
"Dad, why were you so generous today?" Melody asked, eyeing her father with a suspicious, guarded look.
Marcus's eye twitched. He reached out and ruffled her hair. "When have I ever been stingy? Besides, the boy saved my precious daughter's life."
Melody pouted. "Cut the act, Dad. What are you really after? I'm warning you, Kenji is my classmate. You're not allowed to have any weird ideas about him."
Seeing his daughter so fiercely protective of another boy, Marcus felt an unfamiliar pang of jealousy, and his favorable impression of Kenji dropped a few points. "Alright, alright, fine," he said impatiently. "I just heard you say the kid has a special ability, and I have an appreciation for talent, that's all. What other ideas could I possibly have about him?"
Melody huffed twice, but seemed satisfied enough with the answer. She turned, scooped up her Charmander, and skipped away.
A short taxi ride later, Kenji arrived at Ben's Grill.
He pushed the door open and was immediately hit by a wall of noise and the delicious smell of grilled meat. The restaurant was packed, and the kitchen was a whirlwind of activity. Servers rushed in and out, balancing loaded trays.
"Kenji!" Leo, who was working as a server, spotted him immediately. He handed his tray to another staff member and pulled Kenji outside.
"The exam is right around the corner. Why are your parents still making you work?" Kenji asked, confused.
Leo shook his head. "They're not making me. I wanted to come in."
"You? But you hate working here," Kenji said, surprised.
Leo took off his work uniform. "Eh, I needed a change of scenery. I'm so stressed about the exam, I can't think straight."
Kenji, on the other hand, was no longer feeling that pressure. His Weedle had become a Beedrill—and not just any Beedrill. He might not get a perfect score on the exam, but getting into a top-tier Trainer Academy was now well within his reach.
"Anyway, what's up? Why the secret message?" Leo asked.
Instead of answering, Kenji simply reached into his pocket, pulled out the Sharp Beak he'd been given, and handed it to Leo.
"What's this...?" Leo took the item, turning it over and over in his hands, at a loss for words.
Watching him, Kenji couldn't help but laugh. "See? This is what happens when you don't study. It's a Sharp Beak. It's perfect for your Pidove. It should help you out on the exam."
Leo's eyes went wide with shock and disbelief. His theory grades weren't bad; he knew exactly what this was. He just couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe he was actually holding a Treasure in his hands.
"K-Kenji... where... where did you get this?" he stammered, swallowing hard.
Kenji shrugged. It wasn't a secret. He briefly recounted what had happened at the Edgecliff Gym.
"KENJI! I FREAKING LOVE YOU, MAN!"
Leo threw his arms around him in a crushing bear hug and planted a loud, wet kiss on his cheek.
Kenji shoved him off with a look of pure disgust, vigorously wiping his face.
"Thanks, man! You're the best friend ever! With this, the exam will be a piece of cake!" Leo said, his confidence soaring. "I'll give it back to you as soon as the test is over."
Kenji shook his head. "Your parents have taken care of me for years. And we're best friends. It's a gift. You don't have to give it back."
Hearing this, the ecstatic expression on Leo's face suddenly turned serious. He shook his head firmly. "No way. This is too valuable. I can't accept it."
"Don't be like that," Kenji argued. "My Pokémon is a Beedrill. What am I going to do with a Sharp Beak?"
But no matter how much Kenji tried to persuade him, Leo was resolute. He stubbornly refused to keep it, even starting to argue and trying to force the Sharp Beak back into Kenji's hands.
Finally, Kenji sighed in defeat. He agreed to take it back after the exam was over. Only then did Leo relent and gratefully accept the item for the time being.
With the matter settled, the two friends slung their arms around each other's shoulders and walked back into the bustling restaurant.