"Alright then, see you soon!" Naoki said, waving once before stepping into the golden halo, returning with Koraidon and Calyrex to Tree House Ranch.
Not long after, Ash and his friends also said their goodbyes to Hoopa, Baraz, and Meray, setting out toward the next city and the next badge on their journey.
Meanwhile, Hoopa, Baraz, and Meray returned to the Valley of Arche, their hometown.
This time, Hoopa, having regained all its power, didn't cause any disasters.
Instead, it summoned rain to help Grandpa Dan water the fields. Seeing the joy on the old man's face made Hoopa feel proud.
It also helped Grandma Mela carry the heavy baskets she couldn't lift alone. In return, the delighted old woman gave Hoopa a huge pile of donuts.
Every time Hoopa saw the happy smiles of the villagers, her heart felt full.
Mew, Victini, Zapdos, and the baby bear cub who had come with him were also sincerely happy for Hoopa. Originally, they had planned to invite her to join the Great Hero Expedition Team. But now it was clear, Hoopa had found her own home.
After staying in the valley for a few more days, the trio finally came to say goodbye.
"Miu!" Mew chirped, floating in the air. (We're leaving!)
Hoopa blinked in surprise and quickly asked, "Where are you going?"
Baby bear replied with enthusiasm, "Teddi!" (We're the Great Hero Expedition Team! We're going to keep traveling the world to help Pokémon in need!)
"Will Hoopa see you again?" Hoopa asked, a little reluctant to part.
"Miu~" (Of course!) Mew nodded, smiling.
That night, Hoopa curled up beside them, listening eagerly as they shared stories from their journey.
They told him about helping a forgetful Farfetch'd recover its leek, assisting a Ninetales in fulfilling its long-held wish with Naoki, and even resolving a fierce conflict between a Rhyperior and a Flygon, turning their battle into peace.
Hoopa's eyes sparkled. "So cool!" she gasped, hugging her donut-shaped cushion.
The Great Hero Expedition Team's adventures sounded incredible.
She wanted to go too.
But the Valley of Arche still needed her.
Later, Meray noticed Hoopa's quiet sighs. "What's wrong, Hoopa? Are you feeling down?"
Hoopa told her everything.
After hearing his story, Meray gave her a gentle smile and knelt down beside her. "If you want to go, you can. You're free to explore, just like Mew and the others."
Hoopa looked up at her, wide-eyed. "But... if Hoopa leaves, what about Meray and Baraz? Hoopa will miss you. Won't you miss Hoopa too?"
Meray giggled and tapped the golden halo hovering beside her. "Didn't you regain your power? You can pass through the halo anytime and come home to visit us."
"Oh yeah!" Hoopa beamed.
So, the next morning, as Mew, Victini, Zapdos, and Baby bear packed their bags and turned to say their farewells, they were met with a surprising sight.
"Wait for Hoopa!"
Hoopa came bouncing after them, dragging behind her an entire mountain of bags.
Mew tilted his head. "Miu?" (Are those all gifts for us?)
But before anyone could say anything, Hoopa grinned and shouted, "Hoopa has decided to go with you! Meray and Baraz said it's okay!"
"Teddi?!"
"Miu?!"
"Nini?!"
The Pokémon were completely stunned.
Baby bear blinked and voiced his lingering concern. "Teddi... Teddi?" (But if you leave, what about Meray, Baraz, and everyone else in the valley?)
"It's fine!" Hoopa summoned the golden halo hovering above her body with a grin. "As long as Hoopa has the halo, Hoopa can come back anytime to visit Meray and Baraz!"
Mew, Victini, and the baby bear all fell silent for a second.
Right. They had almost forgotten Hoopa's portals worked anywhere.
Just then, Meray and Baraz stepped outside. Seeing Hoopa with a mountain of luggage on her back, they smiled.
"Take care on your journey," Baraz said with a slight chuckle.
"Hoopa will!" Hoopa waved cheerfully. "Meray, Baraz, when you miss Hoopa, Hoopa will come visit!"
Meray smiled gently. "Go. Enjoy your journey."
"Yeah!" Hoopa nodded enthusiastically.
The sky was getting darker, it was time to leave.
After one last round of goodbyes, Mew, Baby Bear, Victini, and Hoopa took off riding Zapdos. The majestic bird soared into the twilight, carrying them toward the horizon.
Ahead of them lay a brand-new journey filled with mystery, wonder, and adventure.
October 15th, Year 203 of the Alliance Calendar. Winter.
As autumn faded, western Paldea entered a new cold season.
The gym circuit had concluded for the year, and Gym Leaders across the region were finally on break.
With that, the highly anticipated Alliance Conference drew near.
Before snowfall arrived, Naoki made a decision, this winter, they would spend the season in Alola.
The ranch's Pokémon were doing fine, but Naoki had purchased a second home in Alola: a fully equipped ranch with expansive grasslands. Perfect for both Pokémon and family.
He had already made arrangements with his old friend Zach: this winter, deliveries would pause. Instead, they'd focus on family.
Little Elara was now ten months old. After weeks of practice, she could clearly call out "Papa" and "Mom." Her next milestone: learning to stand.
But in chilly Paldea, she was limited to crawling in the living room. Alola's open skies, warm breeze, and soft grass were a much better environment for her to wobble, fall, and grow.
Thinking about it, Naoki smiled.
That settled it.
They would head to Alola the day after tomorrow.
...
That afternoon, Naoki and Iono began packing for their trip.
Iono's eyes sparkled with excitement as she folded baby clothes and carefully placed Pokémon toys into the suitcase. "Wow! I've never been to the Alola region before!"
As she tucked Elara's tiny sunhat next to a Pokédoll, she hummed cheerfully. "Golden beaches, sparkling seas… Iono is coming!"
Naoki chuckled from across the room. "Is it really that exciting? Don't we have beaches here?"
"It's different!" Iono turned to him with a grin. "Alola's made up of tropical islands! There are wild Pokémon right along the shoreline, unique ones you can't find anywhere else!"
"Ai~ ah!"
Even Indeedee raised her hand in anticipation.
Come to think of it, she and her brother had never seen the ocean before. Kosaji Town had a coastline, sure, but it was barely more than a quiet cove. Compared to the grandeur described by passing travelers at the Pokémon Tavern, it was a puddle.
Indeedee had often overheard guests reminiscing about vast, glittering seas and sun-drenched beaches. More than once, she had borrowed Rotom's phone to search for videos of the ocean, watching them with wide eyes.
Now, she'd finally get to experience it for real.
"Hehe, see?" Iono nudged Naoki playfully. "Even Indeedee is looking forward to it!"
Naoki smiled. Watching their joy, he knew he'd made the right decision.
The Pokémon at the ranch were just as excited.
Cyclizar had already started daydreaming the night before. The idea of sunshine, open plains, and colorful tropical flowers in the middle of winter had him wiggling with excitement.
Gogoats were overjoyed. In Paldea's winters, the grass dried up, and fresh pasture was hard to come by. But in Alola? Lush greenery grew year-round. It was practically paradise.
Wooloo, Miltank, Butterfree, and Combee were all happily bouncing around, whispering about sunny skies and ocean breezes.
The only one who looked a bit sulky… was Glastrier.
...
Bonus @500
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