The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, casting golden rays across Dawn Valley. A faint morning mist hovered over the fields, and the air was filled with the gentle hum of waking Pokémon. Kai stood quietly at the edge of the berry orchard, taking in the peaceful view of his ranch one last time before his journey.
His Chimchar scampered up onto his shoulder, letting out a cheerful chirp, while the two Charcadets stood proudly on either side of him—burning with excitement for their first real adventure beyond the ranch.
Nearby, the massive form of Iron Thorns powered up slowly, its metallic body catching the light. Roaring Moon stretched its wings with a low growl, casting a long shadow across the grass. Iron Valiant, ever silent and composed, adjusted its arm-blades, and Slither Wing buzzed softly, wings twitching with anticipation.
Kai gave a soft nod. "This team should be enough."
He turned back toward the ranch. The remaining Pokémon—Chansey, Indeedee (male and female), Gardevoir, and the rest of his powerful paradox team—stood assembled, watching him with quiet understanding. Scream Tail bounced in place, waving goodbye with enthusiasm. Flutter Mane floated gently beside Iron Jugulis, both glowing faintly with ghostly light. Brute Bonnet stood planted like a sentry near the orchard gate.
Gardevoir stepped forward and bowed slightly, her eyes glowing with psychic energy. She had already received instructions from Kai to coordinate the others in his absence, using her telepathy to communicate and keep things running smoothly.
"Keep the ranch safe," Kai said, placing a hand over his heart. "Watch the Miltanks. Don't let Chimchar eat all the snacks while I'm gone," he added with a playful smirk.
Chansey nodded vigorously, her pouch full of prepared medical supplies, ready for any small mishaps. The Indeedee pair saluted like loyal butlers, ready to handle chores and care for younger Pokémon.
Kai turned and gave one last look at his team. "Time to go."
He reached for his belt, recalling Iron Thorns, Iron Valiant, Slither Wing, and the two excited Charcadets into their Poké Balls with a series of sharp flashes. Chimchar gave a soft chirp, hopping down from his shoulder and into Kai's arms before nestling into the inner pouch of Kai's travel cloak—his usual spot for long flights.
Only Roaring Moon remained outside, its wings unfurling with a low rumble. The dragon-like Paradox Pokémon lowered itself, and Kai smoothly leapt onto its back with practiced ease.
"Alright, Roaring Moon," Kai said, glancing toward the eastern sky where the sun now rose in full. "Let's fly—toward Kanto."
With a powerful roar and one mighty push of its wings, Roaring Moon took to the sky, soaring high above the Paldean landscape. Below them, the ranch slowly disappeared into a patchwork of green fields and winding trails. Kai looked down once, briefly—then forward, toward the distant mountains that marked the start of his journey.
The wind rushed past them, cool and sharp, as the dragon cut through the air like a shadow from the future.