Debt Paid in Full, a Peach with a Sweet Scent

On the third afternoon after leaving Sunyshore City, a sweep of golden desert appeared beyond the sea. The cargo ship slowed as it approached a Wharf at Distant Village.

The village lay on an oasis in the southeastern Almia Region. Its unusual scenery had made it a fairly well-known tourist destination.

Kitakami lay about 150 kilometers southeast of Distant Village. There was no direct road; they would have to cross mountains and jungle to get there.

"Let's get off here!"

After thanking the captain for making a detour, Mingyou spoke to the Pokémon aboard. Bloodmoon Ursaluna and Ursaluna would lead them through the jungle straight to Kitakami.

The job had originally been Bloodmoon Ursaluna's alone. But when they stopped at Peat Island yesterday, Ursaluna had heard about the Ursaring and immediately decided to go along.

"Take care on the way. You should be there the day after tomorrow."

Mingyou trusted the two bears. Bloodmoon Ursaluna had made the trip before, too, so there was nothing to worry about—unless a Groudon sprang out halfway there. That clearly wasn't going to happen.

"Roar~"

Bloodmoon Ursaluna nodded as if to say it had everything under control, then set off with the Ursaring, Arcanine, and the others. Lio followed, still a little worried and wanting to travel with everyone.

A few Turtwig and Elekid had joined the group as well. Yesterday, Mingyou had promised Torterra and Electivire he would check on their companions. After a video call on his Rotom Phone, these few had agreed to go to Kitakami to find them.

Once they were gone, Mingyou climbed onto Latias and flew back to Kitakami with Ogerpon. He still needed to straighten things up at home and make a trip to Verdant Town for something important...

Meanwhile, at the Manor in Kitakami.

As winter