Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door—sharp, musical, and unmistakably dramatic.
Steven sighed, smiling. "Only one person knocks like that."
Before Kai could respond, the door swung open and in stepped Wallace, the Champion of Hoenn, dressed in his signature flamboyant cape and aqua-blue ensemble. His silver hair shimmered in the sunset light as he spread his arms theatrically.
"Steven! I heard a certain elusive friend of yours landed near Mossdeep and I simply had to see it for myself!"
Kai blinked. "You still know how to make an entrance."
Wallace beamed. "And you still know how to vanish from the world, Kai! Hoenn's oceans haven't seen you in years. You must tell me everything!"
Steven chuckled. "Come in, Wallace. Tea's still warm."
Wallace floated in like a tide, his sharp eyes softening as he noticed Chimchar curled up on Kai's shoulder.
"My, my... a Chimchar?" he cooed. "A rare sight in these parts. And adorable."
"Don't let the face fool you," Kai said. "He's got a fire to match."
They all laughed and moved to the open lounge, where Wallace wasted no time prying into Kai's journey. Talk flowed like a gentle current—stories of the ranch, hints of the paradox Pokémon, and vague references to the recent Paldean incident that Wallace tried to extract more details about, unsuccessfully.
"Still the enigma," Wallace said with a fond sigh.
As the sun dipped fully below the horizon, Wallace clapped his hands. "You must join me for dinner before you vanish again, Kai. I'll take no for an answer only if you're fleeing from a Gyarados."
Kai hesitated, but Steven nodded. "One night won't delay your flight."
"…Alright," Kai said at last.
Dinner was held at Wallace's private villa overlooking the ocean—a long marble table under an open sky, where soft lamps lit their meal. Roaring Moon was recalled in its pokeball, while Chimchar and the two Charcadets feasted on Pokéblocks from Kai's own stash.
Kai remained quiet for most of it, but smiled as Wallace and Steven talked old League tales. It reminded him of easier days—before titles, before burdens.
When dinner ended and the stars had taken their place above, Kai stood quietly.
"I should go."
Wallace clasped his shoulder. "You're always welcome here, Kai. Hoenn still remembers."
Steven walked him back to the edge of the villa, where Roaring Moon awaited, wings stretched and ready.
Kai turned to both of them. "Thank you. For everything."
Steven gave a nod. "Safe flight."
Wallace waved dramatically. "Fly safe, mysterious dragon-rider!"
Kai leapt lightly onto Roaring Moon's back and whispered, "Let's go."
With a deep roar, Roaring Moon beat its massive wings and launched into the night sky, leaving behind the laughter of old friends and the shimmer of Hoenn's shores—headed east, toward Kanto.