Sitting by the window, Rex watched as the islands of Alola gradually shrank into the distance, then vanished completely from view.
His month-long journey through the Alola region had brought more than he ever expected. Not only had Swellow evolved into a Totem Pokémon, but he'd also gained new friends and caught two new Pokémon.
Thinking of those memories, Rex reached into his bag and pulled out a parcel filled with parting gifts from Kukui and his classmates.
Inside were snacks and souvenirs—clearly picked out by Kiawe and the others. But as he dug deeper, Rex spotted something tucked between the other items—a Z-Crystal.
It was nearly missed, hidden beneath a layer of wrapping. Holding it up to the light, Rex recognized it as a Normalium Z. He smiled softly—this could only have come from Professor Kukui.
With this and his Z-Ring, he now had everything he needed to use a Z-Move.
Kukui must've thought ahead, knowing Rex had no Z-Crystal yet, and gifted him one before he left. Touched by the gesture, Rex felt warmth rise in his chest.
Alola slowly faded from view, replaced by the endless ocean below, dotted with scattered islands like stars on a deep blue canvas.
Rex found himself relaxing at last. The hum of the engines, the vibration of the cabin—it was all soothing. He hadn't rested properly since arriving in Alola. Most of his time was spent training outdoors. Now, with no goal pressing down on him, sleep came quickly.
He didn't know how long he'd been out when a sudden clamor jolted him awake. This wasn't the usual ambient cabin noise—there was shouting, heated voices rising.
Still groggy, Rex rubbed his eyes and checked his phone. Half the flight had passed already—he'd slept for five or six hours straight.
"Excuse me, sir… what's going on?" he asked the middle-aged man beside him.
"Oh, you're awake? Seems like those two over there got into a shouting match over something trivial. They've been getting louder, but the onboard security trainer is mediating now."
The man glanced at the arguing passengers, then back to Rex.
"Honestly, I was wondering when you'd wake up. You passed out almost as soon as we took off—slept like a log! Not that I blame you, but I had no one to talk to for most of the flight."
Out of courtesy, the man had been careful not to disturb Rex, despite the boredom.
Eventually, the security trainer managed to de-escalate the situation. One of the passengers was moved to another seat, and quiet returned to the cabin, with only occasional whispers floating through the air.
"So, kid, are you heading to Kalos for a vacation?" the man asked casually once things had calmed down.
"No, sir. I'm actually from Fallarbor Town in the Hoenn region. Kalos is just a layover for me."
With his nap behind him, Rex felt fully recharged and was happy to chat.
The man introduced himself as Melchio, a native of Melemele Island. He was heading to Kalos on a business trip. The rest of the flight passed quickly in their easy conversation.
Soon, the plane touched down at Couriway City Airport in Kalos.
"Well, Rex, maybe we'll meet again someday!" Melchio waved cheerfully before disappearing into the bustling terminal.
After seeing him off, Rex made his way to the ticketing counter to book his connecting flight to Slateport City in Hoenn.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir. The next flight to Slateport is expected to depart in about… two weeks," the ticket agent said apologetically.
"Huh? May I ask why? I thought flights between Kalos and Hoenn usually run at least weekly."
Though surprised, Rex remained calm and asked politely.
"There's a major thunderstorm system projected to cover much of the flight route. According to satellite data, this unusual weather pattern is expected to last for quite a while. For safety reasons, flights have been suspended."
Impressed by Rex's respectful attitude, the attendant explained patiently.
"I see. Then please go ahead and book me for the next available flight."
Rex had experienced enough natural disasters to understand that human stubbornness meant nothing in the face of nature's fury. Better to wait safely than take a deadly risk.
After leaving the airport, he stood for a moment, looking around—suddenly unsure what to do with the next two weeks.
"Wait… Mai's in Kalos too!"
He pulled out his phone and called her.
"Rex? I was just about to call you! I got the Key Stone—and I've got your share too!"
Mai's voice was full of excitement on the other end.
"You've been doing well, huh? Actually, I already got a Key Stone myself. I guess I forgot to tell you—been caught up in everything."
There was a pause. "Ugh, you! I was going to use this to pay you back for that Aerodactyl fossil!"
Mai had never forgotten the favor Rex did for her, gifting her a rare fossil. She'd planned to return that favor with the Key Stone.
"Alright, alright, no need to be mad. Where are you now? I just landed in Kalos. My connecting flight got delayed for two weeks."
"You're in Kalos? Awesome! Come to Shalour City—I'm training at the Tower of Mastery, working on Mega Evolution!"
And just like that, Rex had a new plan.