"Mareep! Mareep!"
"Mareep!"
Now that the danger had passed, the three Mareep ran tearfully toward Ampharos, rubbing their wool affectionately against it and bleating in joy.
After the harrowing encounter with Seviper, the trio saw Ampharos as their savior, awestruck and grateful for its timely rescue.
"Huh? Fluffy... you evolved?"
Rex had just arrived, drawn to the scene by his Pokémon's alert. As he looked between the muddy, worn-out Mareep and the fried Seviper nearby, he pretty much had his answer.
Ampharos beamed at Rex and waved, its previously tense expression now replaced with the familiar gentle smile. The relief of finding the Mareep safe allowed it to relax again.
After all, Ampharos had waited a long time for this. Among Rex's team, it was one of the earlier additions. Watching others evolve before it had stirred no small amount of envy in its heart. But now, it had finally reached that milestone.
"Jumpluff, treat their wounds with Grassy Terrain."
Rex crouched beside the middle-parted Mareep, giving it a gentle pat before calling out one of the Jumpluff to cast healing energy over them.
He was a little disappointed he hadn't witnessed Fluffy's evolution himself, but the important thing was that everyone was safe.
"You three better remember this lesson, alright?"
Once the Mareep had been healed, Rex stood before them and spoke firmly.
From the tracks and the unconscious Seviper, he could tell how close they'd come to disaster. Had Ampharos not arrived in time, these three would have ended up as Seviper's lunch.
"Mareep!"
The trio nodded vigorously, ears drooping and expressions sheepish. They'd clearly realized their mistake.
"I'm not trying to keep you trapped here forever. If you want the freedom to roam, that's fine—but only if you have the strength to survive in the wild."
Though Mareep wool was one of the farm's valuable products, Rex didn't believe in confining them if they longed for something more. If any of them wanted to train and grow stronger, he'd support them.
"Mareep!"
The middle-parted Mareep's eyes lit up. It bleated eagerly, clearly inspired.
But its two companions weren't quite so bold. They'd had enough of the wild, thank you very much, and were perfectly happy returning to the peaceful safety of the flock.
That was more in line with a typical Mareep's temperament—they preferred tranquility over confrontation.
Just then, a ripple ran across Rex's shadow. Moments later, Gengar popped out, unable to contain its excitement at seeing Ampharos evolved.
It pulled a few silly faces, causing both Ampharos and the Mareep to laugh out loud. The tension in the air melted instantly.
"Let's head back."
Before leaving, Rex had Jumpluff heal the unconscious Seviper as well. With the crisis over, they made their way back toward the farm.
"Mareep!"
The flock lit up at the sight of home, renewed appreciation in their eyes. Though they'd only been gone a short time, it had felt like an eternity.
By the time they arrived, the setting sun had cast its golden light across the farm, making everything glow with warmth and peace.
The middle-parted Mareep didn't let the experience fade. It began training hard every day, determined to grow strong like Ampharos.
Watching it reminded Rex of Fluffy back when it was just a Mareep—training daily to protect its friends.
Unova, the next chapter of his journey, awaited.
Split by rivers into central, eastern, and western regions, the Unova region was connected by five massive bridges: Skyarrow Bridge, Driftveil Drawbridge, Tubeline Bridge, Marvelous Bridge, and Village Bridge. Most of these were too high for water travel underneath.
Indeed, Rex was finally heading to Unova.
Originally, he should have gone right after becoming a Fighter, to visit the All Star Fitness Club. But out of concern for Yuli handling the farm alone, he'd delayed.
Now that Diancie had proven itself a reliable helper—capable of making high-quality Pokéblocks and using telekinesis to multitask—Rex could leave with peace of mind.
Unlike Shaymin, who preferred staying in the Gracidea flower field, Diancie actually enjoyed the life of a helper. It found comfort and satisfaction in its new routine.
"Rex, please send my regards to Rocky."
Yuli handed Rex his pack with a soft smile.
"I will. Time for me to go, then."
Rex waved goodbye to her and Diancie, then took off on Swellow, flying toward Slateport City.
His destination: the All Star Fitness Club in Icirrus City, Unova.
Located in the northwestern corner of Unova, Icirrus sat beneath the towering Twist Mountain and near the legendary Dragonspiral Tower. Most of its buildings were built on elevated land, due to the surrounding wetlands and Pokémon-populated ponds.
Windmills turned in the city's south, and in winter, thick snow blanketed the landscape. Shallow rivers froze over, creating new paths and shortcuts as the terrain shifted with the seasons.
Rex had booked a flight from Slateport, and the plane landed in Mistralton City—one of Unova's major airport hubs.
From there, he would ride Swellow to Icirrus. The distance wasn't far.
He'd contacted Rocky before departure, and his senior was thrilled—after all, Layton had been pestering him nonstop about Rex's arrival.
Given the long flight from Hoenn to Unova, Rex didn't arrive in Mistralton until close to noon the next day.
Looking around at the plant-covered airport terminals and open skies, Rex couldn't help but smile. The city felt alive, bathed in greenery.
Mistralton was also home to a Flying-type gym led by Skyla—a Gym Leader known not only for her skill, but also her beauty, rivaling even Winona.
The mention alone sparked Rex's curiosity.
(End of Chapter)