Chapter 334: Chapter 335: Arrival in Alola
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Rex!"
Shortly after Diantha left the terminal, Koi came jogging up to him, clearly not wanting to delay Rex any longer than necessary.
"No need to rush, Mr. Koi. I'm not in any hurry right now."
Seeing Koi slightly out of breath, Rex offered a reassuring smile.
The two left the airport together and took a cab to the bustling heart of Kiloude City.
Kiloude was a coastal city, well-known for its Psychic-type gym, which attracted countless Trainers looking to challenge it. These visiting Trainers also boosted the local economy.
On top of that, Kiloude's scenic ocean views and pristine white beaches fulfilled many people's vacation dreams, making it a popular tourist destination.
Though it was already nearing 9 p.m., the streets were still lively with pedestrians and Pokémon alike—the city's nightlife was just beginning.
Rex and Koi found a well-known local restaurant and sat down for dinner. Since Koi was footing the bill, Rex let him order while he focused on eating.
The meal was satisfying, and during their conversation, Rex learned that Koi had once taken second place in the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference. However, an unexpected incident forced him to halt his travels and take on the role of an escort trainer to support his family.
Rex deeply admired Koi's decision. After all, many people in this world abandoned everything—including family and friends—for the sake of so-called dreams.
They chatted late into the evening, parting ways a little after 10 p.m. But they agreed to keep in touch. Since Koi lived in Slateport, the two weren't all that far apart.
After saying goodbye, Rex found a hotel and checked in. He had already booked his flight to Alola online—it would depart at 10 a.m. the next day, with an estimated arrival time of around 7 p.m. at Melemele Island Airport.
The hotel room was spacious, and as soon as he entered, Rex released all his Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
After spending nearly a day confined, the Pokémon eagerly burst into play, darting around the room to burn off pent-up energy.
Bagon, especially, made a beeline for the window, seemingly ready to leap out. Thankfully, Rex was quick to react and caught it in time, averting disaster.
It wasn't Bagon's safety that worried him—falling from the upper floors wouldn't seriously harm it—but rather the safety of the pedestrians below. If someone got hit, Rex could be in serious legal trouble.
If Bagon accidentally killed someone, even unintentionally, Rex—as its trainer—would be held accountable. He could very well end up behind bars for years.
Unless, of course, he chose to forsake his identity and disappear into the shadows—a fugitive hidden from the light.
After scolding Bagon for a full ten minutes, Rex finally relented when faced with its pitiful gaze—but not without issuing a strict order: no jumping from heights without permission.
With Bagon settled, Rex resumed his daily All Star Fitness Body Training Technique until he was completely exhausted. Only then did he wash up and go to bed.
The next morning, Rex was woken up by Chimchar and Bagon's roughhousing. They were clearly still bursting with energy, having not burned it all off the day before.
Unable to stop them, Rex gave up and got ready for the day. After breakfast at a nearby café featuring Kalos-style dishes, he recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls and headed toward Kiloude Airport.
Since he had plenty of time, Rex strolled leisurely while letting Combusken out for a walk. The Fire-type had grown far more mature and disciplined—no longer the reckless fledgling it used to be—and could be trusted not to wander off.
As they walked, Rex spotted many Pokémon native to Kalos, including Fennekin and Chespin. Sadly, his favorite—Froakie—was nowhere to be seen.
In his opinion, Greninja was the only Kalos starter truly worth raising—especially its Ash-Greninja form, which had captured the hearts of countless fans.
That said, Rex understood Ash's bond evolution with Greninja was a unique phenomenon. It wasn't something other Trainers could easily replicate. For most, Mega Evolution via a Key Stone was the only path forward.
By the time Rex reached the terminal, his flight was less than 30 minutes from takeoff. He quickly checked in and boarded.
The cabin already held several dozen passengers. Judging by their attire, most were tourists headed to Alola for vacation. A few, like Rex, were clearly Trainers.
This flight's escort trainer was a stern-looking man. He didn't release his Pokémon, so Rex couldn't identify them.
As the plane soared above the ocean, scattered islands dotted the endless blue below.
"You heading to Alola for vacation, kid?"
A calm voice pulled Rex from his thoughts.
"I'm Rex. I'm planning to stay in Alola for a while."
Turning, he saw the man in the neighboring seat—a middle-aged gentleman who seemed eager to chat.
"Oh, so you're a Trainer, huh? My boy's one too. Ever since he got his license, he's been out and about year-round. I hardly get to see him these days."
The man's mood lightened as he vented about his troublemaking son.
Rex didn't mind. He listened patiently and offered the occasional reply.
As the conversation warmed up, other older passengers began sharing stories about their kids. Soon the entire cabin was filled with cheerful chatter.
Time flew by in that relaxed atmosphere, and before long, a vast tropical island came into view.
Rex knew they had arrived: Melemele Island. Right on cue, the plane's announcement chimed in, confirming they had reached their destination.
(End of chapter)