"Looks like our luck is pretty good today," Rei said, glancing at Summer.
At that moment, Irida also noticed the two approaching figures. She strode over, spreading her arms wide as she called out, "Rei! So, how did things go in the Alabaster Icelands? Do you feel stronger? Wanna test it out right now?"
"Irida, we took care of it, but there's something more important. This is Summer—he wants to meet Ingo." Rei gestured toward his companion.
"Hmm, got it." Irida then turned around and shouted, "Hey, Ingo! You've got a visitor! Hurry up and come over!"
Ingo adjusted his worn-out cap before slowly walking over, his back slightly hunched and hands clasped behind him. His shadowed eyes studied Summer with quiet curiosity before his lips curled in interest.
"And you are?"
"My name is Summer, Ingo."
"I see… Summer, huh? From the looks of you, you must be a skilled Trainer." Ingo mused for a moment before adding, "A Trainer is someone who captures, raises, cares for, and lives alongside Pokémon." He paused mid-explanation, realizing it might not be necessary.
"I understand," Summer replied.
"Do you now?" Ingo adjusted the brim of his hat. "And what brings you to me?"
Summer exchanged a glance with Rei before the latter spoke up. "Ingo… this is about you."
"Hm…?"
"You should talk inside," Irida suggested, smirking. "I've got something to discuss with the Captain anyway." With that, she quickly left the training grounds.
"My own circumstances…?" Ingo muttered, puzzled. "Well then, let's not waste Irida's generosity—come inside."
Inside, Ingo played host, preparing three cups of strong tea and placing them on the table. Lifting his own, he blew on it gently before taking a small sip.
"Tea is an intriguing drink. It calms the mind. Not at all like the dark, bitter brew I once favored… a drink that heightened one's senses with its rich and powerful taste."
"Coffee?" Summer interjected.
Ingo's eyes widened in shock. "You…!" He stared at Summer as if he had seen a ghost. "You're not from this era, are you?! No… perhaps you simply hail from another region…"
He quickly shook his head. He didn't want to believe Summer had experienced the same fate as him. Someone so young shouldn't have to endure the agony of being torn from their world, separated from family with no hope of return.
"I'm not from this time, Ingo," Summer admitted, his gaze firm. "But I may be able to send you back to yours."
"What?!"
Ingo gripped his teacup tightly, his fingers pressing against the warmth. His thoughts immediately turned to the home and family he had longed for every day.
But then…
His eyes dropped to the floating tea leaves. If he truly left, the bonds he had formed here would fade, never to be revisited.
The kindness of those who had taken him in, the guidance of the noble Pokémon, the role he played in developing Pokémon battles here…
Memories of Jubilife Village flooded his mind—the time spent training young Trainers, the joy of seeing people and Pokémon grow together, the comfort he had found in Hisui's wild and untamed world.
"Ingo, you've already given so much to Hisui," Rei spoke up, his hands clenched into fists. "This era is on the right track, and you… you deserve to go back. Just like Akari."
"She disappeared, but the mark she left on us remains. We remember her contributions, just like we'll remember yours."
Ingo let out a breath, then closed his eyes.
"You're right… Bonds do not fade simply because time and space separate them. The traces of what we leave behind become part of the world itself."
He set his cup down, opening his eyes with newfound determination. "Summer, forgive me for being selfish, but before you send me back… I want to bid farewell to this land."
Summer hesitated before responding. "I understand, Ingo… but I need to be upfront with you."
He then explained the nature of his ability and the alternative—using Celebi's Blessing to return Ingo to his time.
"Celebi's Blessing… A remarkable power indeed." Ingo's lips curved into a wistful smile. "And you've experienced time travel yourself… That explains your keen eyes." He let out a chuckle before his expression softened.
"But don't worry, even if I can't return, I won't hold it against you. The fact that you've given me hope is already more than enough."
"After all, I had long accepted the idea of staying here forever."
"I understand," Summer nodded. "Actually, I was planning to visit the Diamond Clan's settlement next. Given the nature of my abilities, I need you to come with me."
"Of course. That works out well," Ingo agreed. "I also need to say goodbye to a certain noble Pokémon. And heading towards the Crimson Mirelands is right on the way."
He then stood up, gripping the brim of his hat before pointing forward.
"Let us… depart at once!!"
With his mind made up, Ingo first visited Commander Kamado, informing him of his upcoming journey—one he might not return from. If he did not come back, he asked that the Galaxy Team ensure the Way of the Lone Warrior continued.
Kamado, realizing what this meant, bowed deeply in gratitude, thanking Ingo for everything he had done for Jubilife Village.
Next, Ingo made several stops.
At the market, he purchased Hisuian specialties. At the crafting shop, he bought a handful of newly developed Poké Balls. He even visited the photography studio, having his picture taken with his Pokémon—though instead of leaving it with the owner, he carefully tucked it away himself.
As he walked through the village, he silently memorized the faces of the Trainers he had helped train—those who, in time, would carry Hisui's battles into the future.
Meanwhile, as Ingo completed his farewells, Summer and Rei stopped by The Wallflower, treating themselves to Jubilife's signature dishes—Galaxy Team-style roasted potato mochi, Jubilife muffins, forest honey jelly, and a bowl of mushroom rice.
Rei explained how, in the past, the only thing on the menu was potato mochi. But since it was always shared with Pokémon, no one ever got tired of it.
Apparently, the former owner of the stall had been a secretive ninja. A few years ago, he left for a warmer region, saying Sinnoh was too cold for his liking. Without much fanfare, he simply boarded a boat and disappeared into the horizon.
Commander Kamado had been depressed for days after that.
Just as they were finishing up, Ingo approached them, looking ready.
"I have completed my preparations, Summer. We can leave at any time."
"Got it," Summer nodded before turning to Rei. "Looks like this is where we say goodbye."
"Huh?" Rei blinked. "Who said I wasn't coming? It's been ages since I last visited the Crimson Mirelands!"
He grinned and mimicked Ingo's signature stance.
"So how does it go again? Depart at once!!"
"That's the spirit!" Ingo clapped him on the back before striking his own dramatic pose.
"The more passengers aboard, the livelier the train ride!"
And so, with one final call, they set off—toward their next destination.
(End of Chapter.)