At Melemele International Airport, Lucas' flight was about to begin check-in.
Outside the airport, the landing of Dragonite and Braviary drew the attention of many travelers.
Lucas and Kukui had flown directly from Ula'ula Island on Dragonite and Braviary at full speed, just barely making it in time for this flight.
"Thank you for your hard work. Rest well in the Poké Balls."
After recalling Dragonite and Braviary, the two hurried inside and managed to complete the check-in process.
Before entering the departure lounge, Lucas looked at Kukui, thought for a moment, and said, "You have to work hard on building up Alola League."
Kukui nodded firmly. "I'll make full use of the suggestions you gave me on Mount Lanakila."
During their climb, Lucas had casually mentioned to Kukui that starting a Pokémon League from scratch required three essential things:
First, public support. Because Kukui had completed the Island Challenge and was acquainted with the island kahunas, this wouldn't be too difficult.
Second, finding strong trainers willing to join the League—Kukui's biggest challenge.
Third, funding. Lucas suggested seeking help from local tycoons or foundations.
Kukui would undoubtedly realize these things on his own in time; Lucas was just giving him a heads-up.
Lucas smiled. "Alola is a wonderful place. I look forward to the day when your own League is established."
"When that day comes, don't refuse when I invite you to vacation here," Kukui grinned, shook Lucas's hand, then let go. "Go on, your Pokémon are still waiting for you at the ranch."
Lucas was taken aback for a moment, then sighed, "Yeah, I still have Pokémon waiting for me at home."
Ten minutes later, the direct flight from Alola to Paldea took off. Watching the plane shrink in the distance, Kukui muttered, "First, I need to build my network. Becoming a Pokémon Professor might be a good step."
…
Paldea Region, outskirts of Las Platos.
A majestic, maned Luxray was steadily patrolling the edge of the ranch, its golden beastly eyes fixed on the fence surrounding the farm.
Luxray thought for a moment, slowly raised a paw, and gently touched the fence. The aged, weakened wood creaked ominously as if it might collapse at any moment.
Luxray looked at its paw, then at the fence, seriously doubting how this thing survived that recent storm.
It felt like it wouldn't even need to use force—a light scratch with its sharp claws would bring the whole thing down.
It would let Lucas know when he returned: they needed a new fence, or else even a Caterpie could ram a hole in this thing, much less contain the livestock they planned to raise.
It had been seven days since Lucas left the ranch. Today was the last day. Unable to sleep, Luxray had gotten up early to patrol the grounds.
As the starter Pokémon, Luxray wasn't competitive for Lucas' attention—letting Serperior and the others cling to him as much as they wanted. But when it came to welcoming Lucas home, Luxray wanted to be first.
Other Pokémon like Ceruledge and Swampert were also too excited to sleep. Luxray had often seen them sneak into the kitchen with Poliwhirl and Milcery, obviously preparing some kind of surprise.
Luxray was emotionally intelligent enough not to blow their cover, choosing instead to turn a blind eye.
Even Moltres had been relatively well-behaved these days, causing no major trouble—except for overeating, which often forced Luxray to lead food-gathering expeditions so everyone wouldn't go hungry before Lucas' return.
The wait was long and torturous. Luxray waited from sunrise to sunset, sitting by the ranch gate until suddenly, it looked up at the night sky.
An orange silhouette was speeding their way—Luxray recognized both the figure and the presence immediately.
Perhaps from excitement, Luxray's fur began to crackle with stored electricity, shining gold in the night—a beacon noticed instantly by Lucas, who was flying toward the ranch on Dragonite.
"That must be Luxray," Lucas muttered.
As they got close, Lucas patted Dragonite.
Excited, Dragonite dropped altitude, and—despite Lucas' shouted protests—plummeted like a cannonball, landing right in front of Luxray.
The rising dust couldn't hide Luxray's stunned expression. With a sound like something finally giving way, the fence near Dragonite's landing spot collapsed.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Lucas was choked by dust and wood chips, coughing hard with his eyes squeezed shut before finally recovering.
Rubbing his stinging eyes, Lucas glared at Dragonite, whose expression said, "I know I was wrong, but I'll do it again next time," leaving Lucas helpless.
"Lux~"
Luxray padded over to Lucas and rubbed its head against him, giving Dragonite a look to tell it to slip away.
Taking advantage of Lucas' distraction, Dragonite snuck off toward the house.
Lucas stroked Luxray's fur with a helpless sigh. "It's because you all spoil it so much that it's so bold."
Luxray ignored the complaint, its gently swaying tail betraying its thoughts—
Luxray had watched over Dragonite since it was a Dratini. Of course, it doted on it.
Back in the team, Dragonite's status was as special as Growlithe's is at the ranch now. Even Serperior wouldn't fight with Dragonite—instead, it took care of it.
After chatting with Luxray for a while, Lucas noticed it was now pitch dark—one disadvantage of a private ranch: no streetlights.
Only the little house in the distance was brightly lit, shining like a lighthouse in Lucas' heart.
Suddenly remembering old times, Lucas paused while petting Luxray and smiled. "Now's the perfect time for that move."
Luxray froze—then nodded as memories returned.
In the next instant, Luxray became the center of a bright, gentle golden light, illuminating a large stretch of road.
The move Flash—which had helped Lucas and Luxray in many cave adventures, and sometimes even let them defeat stronger foes with strategy.
With a slight smile, Lucas patted Luxray and whispered, "Let's go home."
"Luxray~"