"I'll handle the Gym when the time comes," Naoki said, his voice soft and reassuring. "You stay home and rest properly. Indeedee, will help look after you."
"Yeah…" Iono wrapped her arms around him, smiling sweetly. "But don't forget to start a livestream when you're hosting battles, okay?"
"Livestream?" Naoki blinked in surprise.
Iono nodded eagerly. "That way I can still watch you from home!"
Naoki was caught off guard, then laughed. "Alright, sure."
Iono sat up and gave him her streaming account credentials. "Here, use my channel when you go live."
Naoki chuckled and nodded. "Got it. No problem."
The two snuggled into bed while Koraidon and Pawmot, curled up beside them, were already fast asleep.
Then a thought suddenly struck Naoki.
"Wait… have you told your parents yet?"
Iono's eyes widened. "Oh no, I totally forgot!"
Naoki gave a long sigh. "Well, it's pretty late. They're probably asleep. Let's tell them first thing tomorrow."
"Actually…" Iono tilted her head. "I doubt they've gone to bed yet. Dad's been obsessed with that new Pokémon League simulator. Mom says he's been grinding Gym battles all day trying to be Champion."
She picked up her phone and dialed.
After a couple rings, her dad answered.
"Iono? It's late! You're not asleep yet?"
She put the call on speaker so Naoki could listen in too.
The couple exchanged a glance before Iono said brightly, "Dad, we have some exciting news!"
"What, did Naoki finally become Champion?" her father joked. "That would be a proud moment for the family!"
"Even better," Iono said. "You're going to be a grandpa!"
"WHAT?!" Her father's voice boomed through the speaker.
There was a rustling sound, and then her mother's voice came in, "What happened? Did you confirm it?"
"Yes," Iono beamed. "Naoki and I went to the hospital today. The doctor said everything looks good. The baby's healthy! You're both going to be grandparents!"
There was a pause on the other end, followed by more shuffling sounds.
"Wait there, we're coming home now!"
Iono's parents had been vacationing in the Galar region, but the moment they heard the news, they didn't hesitate. They booked the next flight out and returned to Paldea overnight.
By morning, they arrived at Tree House Ranch with suitcases in tow, not even stopping by their home in Levincia.
Naoki greeted them at the entrance and took their luggage.
Iono's mother smiled warmly at him, but her eyes quickly dropped to Iono's belly.
"Is it true? Are you really pregnant?"
"It's true," Iono said, nodding with a big grin.
Her mother gasped and covered her mouth. "Oh my. I'm going to be a grandma!"
"Come on in," Naoki said, ushering them into the house.
Once inside, they hadn't even sat down yet when Iono's mom opened one of the suitcases.
"We brought back some gifts from Galar for you two!"
Naoki gratefully accepted them while she turned her attention to her daughter.
"How are you feeling? Any discomfort? What cravings do you have? I'll cook whatever you like!"
Iono laughed and glanced at Naoki. "I'm fine, Mom, really. I've been eating well and feeling great. Whatever I want, Naoki cooks it for me!"
Her mother seemed satisfied but gave her a gentle reminder. "Make sure you stay healthy the whole way through. Ten months is a long journey. Have you requested leave from the Gym yet?"
"No! But Naoki's going to take over for me!" Iono said proudly.
Her mother paused, staring at the two of them in quiet awe.
It was clear their daughter had found happiness, and in that moment, any worries melted away.
Naoki invited Iono's parents to stay for lunch at Tree House Ranch. After the meal, the couple got ready to return to Levincia.
Before leaving, Iono's mother reminded them, "If anything comes up and you're not sure what to do, just call me, alright?"
"I know, Mom. Don't worry," Iono said with a smile.
"Seeing the two of you so happy really puts me at ease," she said warmly. "Alright, we'll head back now. No need to walk us out, go home and get some rest!"
With that, the couple waved goodbye and left the ranch.
Naoki watched them disappear into the distance before gently taking Iono's arm and walking her back toward the house.
That afternoon, the ranch was calm. Pokémon lounged about peacefully, enjoying the warm sunlight.
Koraidon lay under the eaves, tail flicking lazily as it kept one eye on the horizon.
Suddenly, it stirred. Its ears perked up, and it raised its head sharply to look in a particular direction.
Naoki noticed. "What is it, Koraidon?"
"Agah," Koraidon rumbled softly, alert.
Naoki and Iono turned—and there, in the distance, three majestic Pokémon were approaching.
The one in the center had a flowing crimson mane, a proud and regal stance, and smoke-like wisps trailing from behind its head.
On the left, a sleek blue Pokémon moved gracefully. White crystalline markings gleamed on its body, and twin ribbon-like tails floated behind it like mist. Its crest shimmered like a glacial gem.
To the right, a hulking beast with golden fur and saber-like fangs stalked forward. Electric arcs pulsed along its spiked blue tail, and its piercing eyes radiated primal strength.
They approached silently and stopped just short of the grassy field, all three facing Naoki and Iono with unwavering gazes.
Naoki's breath caught. Iono, equally stunned, leaned in. "Are those…?"
"The Legendary Beasts," Naoki answered, voice quiet with awe. "Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, the loyal guardians of Ho-Oh, the King of Phoenix."
Now it made sense, the message Ho-Oh had sent last night.
Iono's mouth fell open slightly in wonder.
"They must've come on Ho-Oh's orders," Naoki murmured.
Iono looked at the three Legendary Pokémon, then gently tapped Naoki's arm. "Go on. I'll wait for you inside."
Naoki nodded and walked her to the house before turning back to the trio.
Koraidon stretched, stood up, and followed him.
The three beasts observed Naoki intently. Each wondered: why had Ho-Oh sent them here, to this human?
Naoki met their gaze. "Did the King of Phoenix send you?"
Then, in his mind, a deep, resonant voice echoed like a flame crackling through a canyon.
"Yes. Ho-Oh sent us to find you."
Naoki recognized it—it was Entei, speaking through telepathy.
'But why? Why had Ho-Oh asked them to come to him?'
For a moment, Naoki hesitated. Then, with quiet determination, he spoke.
"In that case, I'll take you to see Ho-Oh."
The three beasts blinked, surprised.
Ho-Oh was here?
Before they could ask anything more, Naoki and Koraidon were already moving, leading the way.
The three Legendary Beasts exchanged glances, then quietly followed behind.
As they crossed the calm lake and stepped into the Reverse World, a sudden wave of overwhelming pressure washed over them.
Raikou's fur bristled instantly, lightning crackling faintly around its mane. Entei and Suicune both tensed, their eyes narrowing as they stared warily at the shadowy figure not far off—Giratina.
"That Pokémon… what is it?" Raikou growled under its breath.
"Relax," Naoki said calmly, sensing their unease. "Giratina isn't dangerous."
The Legendary Beasts blinked in surprise. Raikou glanced at Naoki, then back at Giratina. Slowly, the electricity around its body faded, and its fur lay flat once more.
Naoki gave Giratina a small nod, then turned toward a glowing green passage ahead.
The three Legendary Pokémon followed, still alert, but no longer hostile.
As they stepped through, the world around them shifted dramatically.
Sunlight filtered through a thick canopy of leaves. The air was fragrant with the scent of flowers and damp earth. Sparkling lakes mirrored the sky above. Wild Pokémon played freely in the distance, and dewdrops glistened on emerald grass.
It was… like something out of a dream.
"Where… is this?" Suicune asked softly, voice tinged with wonder.
...
Bonus @1.5k