Where the Dream Began

The fortieth day since returning to the Orange Islands, sunny.

Early morning, the rain had stopped and the skies had cleared...

Yu Hai slowly woke up in the villa bed. Sunlight poured unreservedly through the window, dazzlingly bright as warmth instantly enveloped him. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, slipped on his slippers, and walked toward the balcony.

As he pushed open the door, fresh, moist air rushed over him, carrying the distinctive fragrance of grass and trees after the rain. He took a deep breath, immediately feeling refreshed, then stretched contentedly as his joints gave a series of soft cracks.

The sound of him getting up woke Umbreon. The little fellow ran over from the bed and onto the balcony, first shaking out its fluffy fur. Then it crouched on the table, stuck out its pink tongue, and carefully licked its paws to wash its face.

Seeing this, Yu Hai reached out and gently stroked Umbreon's head. Umbreon lifted its head and rubbed against his palm before returning to its grooming, licking its fur after washing its face.

This morning, he would say goodbye to Luo Yan and the others, leave Jinggan Island, and return to Mikan Island. Once his Pokémon had recovered from their tournament injuries, he would set off on their advancement journey.

As for where the first stop would be?

He had not decided yet. He had no idea when his Pokémon would break through to Elite Four level, so even if he did not travel around, he could simply stay home and wait.

But that kind of life was far too boring. He had been transported to the Pokémon World for so long, yet he had not properly explored it. His previous two trips had been for the tournament and to treat Zapdos. This time, he