The next morning, sunlight filtered through the windows of Professor Rowan's laboratory in Sandgem Town, casting a golden hue across the equipment-lined walls. The scent of old parchment, metal, and a faint trace of berries from the lab's snack tray lingered in the air. Kai stood near the door, his satchel slung over his shoulder, eyes lingering on the desk where Chimchar had curiously played the day before.
Professor Rowan stood beside him, calm and proud as ever, arms crossed behind his back. "You remind me so much of your grandfather," he said, voice gruff but warm. "He had the same fire in his eyes. The same instinct to listen before acting. I'm glad those two are back where they belong."
Kai nodded, clutching the Pokéballs of Lucario and Darkrai on his belt. "Thank you, Professor. For keeping them safe. For everything."
Chimchar leapt onto Kai's shoulder, tail flicking excitedly. It had been a meaningful stop — returning to the region where his own journey began. Where his Chimchar had been gifted. A full circle moment, yet also the start of something more.
"You've grown strong, Kai," Rowan said, his tone a mixture of admiration and quiet caution. "But remember: power like yours always walks with shadows. Stay grounded."
"I'll try," Kai replied with a soft grin. "That's why I have them." He gestured toward his belt, filled with his paradox Pokémon and loyal companions. "And friends like you."
Rowan's stern expression softened. "You're welcome in Sinnoh anytime. Don't forget that."
With a respectful bow, Kai turned. "Time to go."
He stepped outside the lab into the crisp morning breeze. The skies above Sandgem Town were clear, streaked with the last wisps of dawn. One by one, he recalled his Pokémon with practiced ease. The gleam of red energy whisked each one into their Pokéballs — Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Iron Thorns, Slither Wing, Chimchar, and the twin Charcadets.
All except one.
Dragonite emerged from behind the small grove near the path, wings fluttering as it approached. It had sensed Kai's readiness and was already prepared for flight. Kai patted the gentle giant's shoulder, its scales warm to the touch.
"Let's head out, big guy," Kai said.
With one swift leap, Kai mounted Dragonite's back. The powerful Pokémon took to the sky in a single beat of its wings, lifting them above the town, above the trees, above the familiarity of Sandgem.
Below, Professor Rowan stood outside his lab, watching until they vanished into the horizon.
The wind rushed past Kai's face as he adjusted his stance. The landscape of Sinnoh rolled beneath him in all its autumn glory — a patchwork of golden forests, glittering lakes, and distant peaks. He didn't rush Dragonite. The flight was not just travel, but reflection. The past, present, and future were beginning to converge in ways even he couldn't yet see.
His destination lay ahead — the Sinnoh Champions' Headquarters, nestled in the mountains beyond Jubilife. A place where he would meet the trainers who had earned their place at the top of this land. A place where his name might stir curiosity… or caution.
As Dragonite soared higher and the Sinnoh wind swept against his cloak, Kai's eyes fixed on the silhouette of the mountains in the distance.
The next step of the journey had begun.