Several days of travel slipped by amid the little ones' laughter.
As Milotic cut through the waves, Lin Mo finally saw the outline of Pacifidlog Town ahead.
It was an island town set along the coastline, looking from afar like a pearl smoothed by the sea.
It was nothing like Dewford Town. If anything, it reminded Lin Mo of the holiday resort of Sanya, which he had visited in his previous life.
Clusters of traditional wooden houses stood above the water, linked by plank walkways.
Whenever the sea breeze blew, wind chimes and shell ornaments hanging from the eaves rang out with a clear jingle-jingle, blending with the waves into a natural song.
Tall coconut palms dotted the island, their thick trunks reaching skyward and heavy coconuts crowding the fronds, as though one might drop into the sea with a plop at any moment.
The shore was livelier still. Tourists in bright bikinis sunbathed on lounge chairs, while children chased Pokémon along the surf, their laughter rising and falling.
By the time Milotic brought Lin Mo close to shore, quite a few people had spotted him.
"Is that... Milotic?"
Someone recognized Lin Mo and immediately pulled out a phone to take pictures. "Lin Mo's in Pacifidlog Town!"
"And Larvesta and those two ice and fire Vulpix! They're so cute!"
Lin Mo smiled and waved to everyone. Once Metagross landed steadily on the shore, he and his companions stepped onto the island.
He had barely come ashore when several familiar-looking fans gathered around with autograph books and cameras, quietly asking for photos.
Lin Mo agreed to each request. Seeing Larvesta strike that proud "general" pose again, he could only shake his head.
As planned, Lin Mo went first to check into the hotel he had booked.
It was no ordinary concrete