His special connection to Pokémon, a power that allowed him to communicate on a deeper level, was the only tool he could use to understand what was driving Iron Thorns into such a state.
With a steady breath, Kai focused, closing his eyes. He extended his senses, reaching out to the chaotic energy around him. His mind connected with the wild storm of emotions and thoughts that surrounded Iron Thorns, feeling its anger, confusion, and… fear.
The creature's thoughts were fragmented and distorted, like a shattered mirror. It was as though something was overriding its instincts, forcing it into a frenzy. Kai's power allowed him to touch the surface of those emotions, but the deeper connection was blocked by an intense, dark energy.
"Iron Thorns, listen to me," Kai spoke softly, his voice reaching the creature despite the distance. "You don't have to be this way. What's happening to you?"
For a moment, there was silence. Iron Thorns paused, its body stilling as though it had heard him. The creature's sharp, glowing eyes flickered with uncertainty. But then, a dark force seemed to surge, and the wild energy that had been controlling it took over once more. It let out a deafening roar, the ground beneath them cracking and splintering as it charged forward.
"Get ready!" Geeta ordered, her voice sharp with urgency. "We need to contain it now!"
But Kai raised his hand again, his expression firm.
"No," he said, his tone resolute. "It's not just attacking because it wants to. There's something else controlling it, something dark. We need to find out what it is before we can act."
Geeta frowned but nodded. She trusted Kai's instincts. "Then we wait. But we need to keep our guard up."
Kai didn't back down, his gaze never leaving Iron Thorns. He closed his eyes again, trying to focus on the energy that surrounded the creature. It was difficult, like trying to see through thick fog, but he could feel it — something or someone was pulling at Iron Thorns's will.
Suddenly, the presence became clearer — a dark force that Kai recognized all too well. It was an energy of distortion, of time and space itself being twisted. Something had disturbed the balance, and Iron Thorns was caught in the middle of it. But Kai couldn't pinpoint exactly what had caused this disruption.
"We need to stop it before it causes more damage," Geeta said, stepping forward cautiously. "Can you control it, Kai?"
"I'll try," Kai answered, his voice barely above a whisper.
With a focused breath, he reached for his Chimchar, releasing the fiery little Pokémon from its Pokéball. Chimchar immediately stood by Kai's side, its tail blazing with fire as it awaited instructions.
"Chimchar, stay close. We're going to try something," Kai said, his voice steady.
As Chimchar nodded, Kai's eyes glowed with a faint, ethereal light. He extended his powers once more, trying to connect with the heart of Iron Thorns. It was harder now, as the creature's aggression had reached a peak. But Kai was determined.
He had to understand what was causing this.
"Please, Iron Thorns," Kai muttered, his voice almost a plea. "I need to understand… what's controlling you?"
For a brief moment, the creature's movements slowed, its glowing eyes flickering with something resembling hesitation. But then, as if a veil had lifted, the dark force pushed back against Kai's power, and Iron Thorns let out a roar so powerful that the ground beneath them trembled.
It was no longer just a battle of strength. This was a battle of wills, and Kai knew that he had to find the source of the disturbance before it was too late.