The golden sun neared the edge of the sky as Kai and Roaring Moon glided down toward the eastern coast of Hoenn. The sea sparkled below, cradling small islands and gentle inlets. Ahead, nestled on the coast like a quiet secret, stood Mossdeep City—a serene town of stone paths, clean sea breeze, and gleaming white buildings atop cliffs.
Roaring Moon released a low, steady rumble as it banked into a gentle descent. With practiced grace, it landed on a grassy clearing just outside the city's edge, near a quiet grove overlooking the ocean. The sound of waves echoed softly below.
Kai stepped down, his cloak catching the ocean breeze. Chimchar peeked out from inside it, wide-eyed at the new surroundings. The sea wind carried a scent of salt and pine, and far above, a few Swablu drifted lazily across the sky like clouds.
Kai stretched his arms and glanced around. "Hoenn hasn't changed much," he murmured.
Roaring Moon gave a low huff, settling into the grass behind him. Kai pulled out a Pokéblock and handed it to Chimchar, who chattered excitedly before munching down on it. He tossed another to Roaring Moon, who caught it mid-air with precision.
The peace of the moment lingered. Mossdeep's lighthouse pulsed faintly in the distance, and the sea beyond shimmered like polished stone. Here, everything was calm—quiet in a way only coastal towns could be.
Kai reached into his satchel and tapped his Pokégear. One contact glowed: Steven Stone.
After a brief pause, he tapped the call button.
The line rang once. Twice.
"Kai?" came Steven's voice, warm and surprised. "This is unexpected. Are you… in Hoenn?"
Kai's lips quirked into a slight smile. "Just landed outside Mossdeep."
Steven chuckled. "Figures you wouldn't use the airport like everyone else. Come by the house—I'll be waiting."
The call ended.
Kai returned the device to his cloak. "Let's head in."
Roaring Moon rose smoothly as Kai climbed onto its back again, Chimchar clinging securely to his cloak. A short glide later, they landed near the eastern outskirts of Mossdeep. The streets were quiet at this hour, bathed in gold from the setting sun.
Kai approached Steven's seaside home—modern, clean, lined with stone and steel. As he stepped through the garden gate, the door opened.
Steven Stone stood in the doorway, his silver hair tousled slightly by the breeze, a fond, knowing smile on his face.
"Kai," he said simply. "It's been too long."
Kai nodded. "Good to see you too, Steven."