At Melemele International Airport, the boarding process for Kai's flight was about to begin.
Outside the terminal, Dragonite and Braviary's landing caught the attention of several travelers.
Kai and Kukui had flown directly from Ula'ula Island at full speed on their Pokémon just to make it in time for this flight.
"Thanks for your hard work. Get some rest in your Poké Balls," Kai said, recalling Dragonite.
The two then jogged through the terminal, successfully completing the check-in process just in time.
Before entering the departure lounge, Kai turned to Kukui, pausing for a moment before saying, "Keep working hard on building Alola's Pokémon League."
Kukui nodded firmly. "I'll make good use of the advice you gave me on Mount Lanakila."
During their climb, Kai had casually shared his thoughts on what was essential for establishing a Pokémon League from scratch.
First, public support. Fortunately, Kukui had already completed the island challenge and was well-acquainted with the island kahunas, making this step relatively easy.
Second, recruiting strong Trainers willing to join the League—a challenge that would require the most effort.
Third, funding. Kai had suggested seeking support from local business magnates or foundations.
These were things Kukui would eventually realize on his own, but Kai had simply pointed them out a little earlier.
Kai smiled. "Alola is an amazing place. I'm looking forward to the day your Pokémon League is officially established."
"When that day comes, don't turn down my invitation for a vacation," Kukui said with a grin. He extended a hand, giving Kai a firm handshake before letting go. "Now go. Your Pokémon are waiting for you back at the farm."
Kai was momentarily taken aback before chuckling. "Yeah… I've got Pokémon waiting for me at home."
Ten minutes later, the direct flight from Alola to Paldea took off.
Watching the shrinking silhouette of the plane, Kukui murmured, "First, I need to build connections… Maybe becoming a Pokémon Professor isn't a bad place to start."
---
Paldea Region – Outskirts of Cortondo
A large feline Pokémon with a thick, majestic mane strode confidently along the edge of the farmland, its golden eyes fixed on the fences surrounding the property.
Luxray paused in thought before slowly raising a paw, pressing it lightly against the fence. The moment it touched the weathered wood, a creaking sound echoed—it was clearly weakened from age, looking like it could collapse at any moment.
Luxray glanced down at its own paw, then back at the fence, wondering how on earth this thing had survived the recent storm.
It didn't take much strength—just a single swipe of its sharp claws, and this whole fence would come crashing down.
Once Kai returned, Luxray decided it would bring up the issue. A new fence needed to be built as soon as possible. Otherwise, even a Caterpie could probably crash through this thing, let alone any future farm Pokémon.
It had already been seven days since Kai left the farm. Today was the final day.
Unable to sleep, Luxray had gotten up early to patrol the perimeter.
As Kai's very first Pokémon, Luxray never fought for attention, letting Serperior and the others cling to him as much as they wanted.
But when it came to welcoming Kai home, Luxray was determined to be the first.
---
Late-Night Anticipation
Luxray wasn't the only Pokémon having trouble sleeping.
Ceruledge and Swampert had been sneaking around the kitchen for the past few days, always whispering about something secretive. They even roped in Poliwrath and Milcery.
Luxray had a pretty good idea of what they were up to. But being perceptive enough not to ruin their surprise, it simply chose to turn a blind eye.
Even Moltres had been relatively well-behaved these past few days—though its appetite had been a different story. The Legendary Pokémon had been eating far more than usual, forcing Luxray to lead multiple food-gathering trips just to make sure they wouldn't run out before Kai returned.
Waiting was always the hardest part.
From sunrise to sunset, Luxray had been keeping watch at the farm's entrance, eyes fixed on the horizon.
Then, just as night fell, Luxray suddenly lifted its head toward the dark sky.
A familiar orange figure was speeding toward the farm.
Both its silhouette and presence were unmistakable.
A surge of emotion made Luxray's fur crackle with stored electricity, golden sparks flickering across its mane.
The glowing light stood out vividly in the darkness, immediately catching the attention of Kai, who was flying in on Dragonite.
"…That must be Luxray," he murmured.
Realizing they were close enough, Kai patted Dragonite's side.
Excited, Dragonite abruptly dropped into a steep descent.
"DRAGONITE, I SWEAR—"
Before Kai could finish his furious yell, Dragonite crashed straight into the ground like a cannonball—right in front of Luxray.
A cloud of dust billowed into the air.
And then… CRACK.
The already fragile fence nearby finally gave up, collapsing completely from the impact.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Kai waved away the dust and wood splinters, hacking violently for a few seconds before finally catching his breath.
Rubbing his irritated eyes, he shot a glare at Dragonite, who had the audacity to look guilty but also completely unrepentant.
"Luxray, you spoil it too much." Kai sighed as Luxray brushed against him, affectionately nuzzling his side. At the same time, the feline Pokémon shot Dragonite a look—one that clearly said: Run while you can.
Taking the hint, Dragonite wasted no time sneaking off toward the farmhouse, trying (and failing) to look inconspicuous.
Still petting Luxray's fur, Kai shook his head. "See? This is why Dragonite's so reckless—because you guys always let it get away with everything."
Luxray pretended not to hear him, its lazily swaying tail betraying its real thoughts.
After all, Luxray had practically raised Dragonite from an egg. It was only natural to be a little lenient, right?
Back when Dragonite was still just a Dratini, its status in the team had been just like Growlithe's current position at the farm. Even Serperior, who usually tolerated no nonsense, had always been extra patient with it.
After catching up with Luxray for a while, Kai glanced around. It was so dark now that he couldn't see his own hand in front of his face.
That was one of the downsides of living on a private farm outside city limits—no streetlights.
In contrast, the farmhouse in the distance was brightly lit, its warm glow cutting through the darkness like a lighthouse guiding him home.
A memory surfaced in Kai's mind, making him pause mid-pet. Then, he chuckled. "Actually… this is the perfect time to use that move."
Luxray blinked before realization dawned.
A second later, a soft golden light spread out from Luxray's body, illuminating the road ahead.
Flash.
A move that had once guided them safely through countless dark caves.
A move that had sometimes even helped them turn the tide in battle.
A move that, in this moment, felt like it was lighting the path home.
Kai's smile deepened. He patted Luxray's side and said softly, "Let's go home."
"Myao~" Luxray purred in response, falling into step beside him.
And together, they walked toward the farmhouse.
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