"Don't thank me, thank my dad. He used to run a motorcycle shop in Jinqing Port, and now he's back in Pyrite Town as the head of the mechanics team. He insisted I learn his skills, so I used your bike as a 'test subject'. I did a little modding while I was at it—if you're not happy, go find my dad, not me."
Ayana shrugged.
A short while later.
The minibus drove up beside the towering mountains, and Baimu got off and sent out all the Pokémon on his team.
"Guruh!"
"Rooar~"
Lairon and the Giant Steelix were the most excited, practically itching to climb straight up the mountain, while the other Pokémon quietly took in their surroundings.
Aside from the first four, the rest of the team was coming to Ore for the first time. After a cursory glance around, they all turned their eyes to Baimu.
"This is going to be our home from now on, and it's the territory Lairon's been thinking about nonstop. Anyone interested in this place can stay here for now—I'll come back for you tonight. If you're not interested, come along with me."
He looked over at the group of Pokémon.
The result was obvious: aside from the Giant Steelix, who hadn't gotten much close time with him these past six months, even Lairon refused to separate from its Trainer just for a momentary urge.
The Altered-color Milotic looked downright listless; the climate in Ore was far too dry, and after getting used to Hoenn's humidity, it really wasn't comfortable here.
The usually lively, playful Dreepy Siblings glanced at Hydreigon, then at the Altered-color Gengar. Seeing that neither of them was interested, they naturally gave up as well.
"Alright then, Big Monster and Steelix will stay."
Baimu looked at the conflicted Aggron and smiled. "Go on, it's fine. You've waited so long to come back—you should really go take a good look at your territory."
"Guruh…"
At his words, Aggron turned to stare at the towering mountain range, at the scattered greenery, then at the Giant Steelix, who was practically bouncing with anticipation and egging it on with its gaze.
It shook its head, walked to Baimu's side, and let out a low growl. "Guruh!"
Since it was his ace Pokémon, it couldn't leave its Trainer's side. The mountains were right here; they weren't going anywhere. Whether tonight or tomorrow, it would see them.
Rather than roaming alone over the broad mountains, it would rather stand with Baimu at the very top and look down over their territory together.
That's right.
This wasn't its mountain.
This was its and its Trainer's mountain!
"Idiot…" From those water-blue eyes, Baimu read so much. His heart was both touched and happy.
What Trainer doesn't hope their Pokémon can steadfastly choose them over any Temptation?
Blissey and the other Pokémon all broke into joyful smiles at this.
Seeing that no one was going, the Giant Steelix looked at the mountains, then back at everyone else, let out a helpless low rumble, and returned to Baimu's side.
It might not cling to Baimu as much as the others did, but it didn't want to go off on its own when all its teammates were of one mind.
They got back in the vehicle.
Ayana and the others all had slightly odd expressions. They'd said they were going to let the Pokémon loose in the mountains, so why had he brought them all back?
"Sorry to hold you up a bit. Let's get going."
Baimu smiled.
The minibus set off again.
At the same time.
Shanren glanced at his phone, then turned and said, "They're almost here. Are you all ready?"
"Ready!"
"Roar!"
The chorus of shouts and cries echoed up into the sky.
Looking out over the crowd, the responders were like a living sea of people, easily over ten thousand at a glance. People and Pokémon were everywhere, faces lit with excitement and exhilaration, each holding signs, banners, confetti cannons, and more.
Their hero was coming home!