The night sky had faded into dawn by the time Roaring Moon soared over the calm, green fields of Kanto. Morning mist blanketed the hills, and the familiar outline of Pallet Town came into view—small, peaceful, unchanged by time. The gentle wind carried the scent of damp soil and blooming apricorn trees.
Kai leaned forward slightly, eyes scanning the quiet rooftops below.
"This place," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "Still feels like home."
Roaring Moon dipped low, gliding over the narrow roads before settling softly in the open field behind Professor Oak's laboratory. The dragon's wings sent dust swirling into the air as it landed, waking a few nearby Pidgey.
Before Kai could dismount, the lab door burst open.
"About time!" came a familiar voice.
Professor Oak strode out in his lab coat, looking only slightly older than the last time Kai had seen him, though the streaks of gray in his hair had grown more prominent. His face wore a grin, though his eyes shimmered with something between relief and concern.
"Kai, my boy!" Prof. Oak called. "You didn't even stop for tea in Hoenn, did you?"
Kai jumped down from Roaring Moon with practiced ease. "Had dinner with Steven and Wallace."
Prof. Oak chuckled. "That explains the delay. Come, come. You look like you've flown across generations."
Kai gave a rare smile. "Something like that."
As they walked inside, Prof. Oak studied him with a sharp but kind gaze. "How are the others? The ranch? Chimchar?"
"Safe. I left most of them to manage the ranch. Took the younger ones with me." He tapped his belt gently, where the Pokéballs for Chimchar and the two Charcadets rested.
Prof. Oak nodded approvingly. "You've done well. I've read some… discreet reports from Geeta. I know you didn't want recognition, but she sent me everything."
Kai exhaled through his nose. "I expected as much."
The professor led him inside to a wide research bay, where clean metal surfaces gleamed under warm lights. In the center was a containment platform prepared specifically for one guest.
"Iron Thorns," Prof. Oak said with excitement. "You brought it?"
Kai released the Pokéball.
With a flash of red, the metallic form of Iron Thorns emerged, rising tall and still as its crimson eyes scanned the room. Unlike before, it looked calm—aware, but no longer on edge.
Oak's eyes sparkled. "Magnificent. So this is the one caught between timelines."
Kai stepped forward and laid a hand gently on Iron Thorns' arm. "He's stable now. Trusts me. But we'll need to be careful."
Oak walked around it, studying every detail. "I've waited so long to meet a true paradox Pokémon from the future. Not just theories… but living proof. You've given me something incredible, Kai."
Kai stayed quiet. He wasn't here for praise.
"Let's run some scans," Prof. Oak said, gesturing to his assistants. "We'll start slow. Observation only."
Iron Thorns gave a low hum of acknowledgment and moved into place.
As the machinery activated, Prof. Oak placed a hand on Kai's shoulder.
"I'm proud of you. And grateful you came."
Kai looked at him, expression steady. "Just don't make it public."
Prof. Oak grinned. "Your secret's safe. For now."