A Lavish Apology of Fate from the Great Cold Alliance!!**
[Pokémon: Mighty Thunder Drum]
[Strength: 1.24 (Mid-Excellent)]
[Type: Electric / Dragon]
[Ability: Ancient Vitality]
[Moves: Thunderbolt, Twister, Sunny Day, Electric Terrain, Calm Mind]
[Potential: Divine]
As Little Lei formally acknowledged Ethan, her information surfaced before his eyes.
Ethan narrowed his gaze slightly, falling into brief contemplation.
"Ancient Vitality… What kind of ability is that?"
Although curious, he didn't dwell on it for long.
He knew that, sooner or later, the answers would reveal themselves.
Return to Falling Thunder Valley
Under Metagross's guidance, Ethan and Little Lei safely returned to Falling Thunder Valley.
Today wasn't a day for Big Lei to absorb lightning.
Yet the moment he heard his sister was returning, the massive figure emerged early from the depths of the valley, standing silently at its center—waiting.
When Metagross streaked down from the sky, Big Lei saw Little Lei, fully recovered and brimming with vitality.
The anxiety that had weighed on him for days finally dissipated.
"Rui-gong——!!!"
A thunderous dragon-like roar echoed skyward.
The sound was so powerful it could be heard clearly even in Qin Family Village, kilometers away.
Metagross descended smoothly.
With psychic force, Ethan, Meloetta, and Little Lei were gently set down on the valley floor.
Compared to before, Little Lei was visibly taller, sturdier, and far more energetic.
Big Lei turned his gaze toward Ethan and released a low, grateful rumble.
"Rui-gong…"
"I told you—I wouldn't break my promise," Ethan said with a smile.
Big Lei nodded slowly.
"Go on," Ethan added.
"Spend some time together. I'll check on my partner."
He turned toward Lucario, who had already noticed his return.
A Difficult Choice
Once alone with his sister, Big Lei called out warmly.
"Rui-gong~"
But instead of rushing over, Little Lei hesitated… and shook her head.
She stood there, conflicted, before finally letting out a quiet sound.
"Rui-gong~"
She was telling him—
She wanted to leave the valley.
She wanted to see the outside world.
Big Lei froze.
Before he could respond, Little Lei eagerly described everything she'd experienced outside—
The food.
The cities.
How the world wasn't as dangerous as he feared.
She even explained how she'd grown stronger because Ethan cooked for her every single day.
Finally, she looked toward Ethan in the distance—laughing with Lucario like an old friend.
She had made up her mind.
Big Lei fell silent.
He wondered, briefly, if Ethan had influenced her.
But he knew his sister.
If she hadn't truly decided for herself, she would never say this.
Still… she was his only family.
Letting her go wasn't easy.
Ethan sensed the tension and stepped forward.
"Big Lei," he said softly,
"if you're worried, you can come with us."
"My Thunder Jewel is enough to sustain both of you."
"I can take care of food and everything else."
But Big Lei shook his head.
He didn't want to leave the valley.
After a long pause, he released a deep, steady rumble.
"Rui-gong."
Little Lei froze.
"…You agree?"
Big Lei nodded.
He trusted Ethan.
Because Ethan had saved Little Lei's life.
Because Metagross stood beside him, powerful enough to protect her.
Because kindness, to Pokémon, was reason enough.
Simple. Honest. Absolute.
Another Farewell
Big Lei gestured for Little Lei to follow him.
She looked confused—until Ethan smiled.
"Go on," he said gently.
"He has something important to tell you."
"I'll wait."
Little Lei nodded and followed her brother into the depths of the valley.
Shinx's Decision—and Evolution
Ethan turned to Lucario.
"You heard everything just now."
"We'll be leaving soon."
Then he looked at the small shiny Shinx beside Lucario.
"So… what about you?"
"Do you want to leave Falling Thunder Valley with us—
or stay here?"
Shinx fell silent.
She looked back at her tribe…
then at Lucario.
The answer was already written in her eyes.
"Mew-hao~"
Lucario beamed.
At that very moment—
[Ding! Detected: Purple Fate – Shiny Shinx]
[Fate Critical Hit…]
[Ding! 100× Multiplier]
[Ding! Upgraded to Golden Fate – Shiny Shinx]
Light burst forth.
Shinx began to evolve.
When the glow faded, a Luxio stood proudly in her place—less cute, more majestic.
[Pokémon: Luxio]
[Strength: 1.25 (Mid-Excellent)]
[Type: Electric]
[Ability: Guts]
[Moves: Spark, Charge, Leer, Quick Attack, Shock Wave, Electro Ball]
[Potential: Totem]
"Congratulations," Ethan said warmly.
"And welcome to the team."
Meloetta, Lucario, and even Metagross expressed their approval.
Luxio smiled.
She had found her place.
Departure
An hour later, Little Lei returned alone from the valley depths.
Her brother hadn't come.
"He said he was tired," she explained.
Ethan understood.
Some farewells were easier not to witness.
He faced the depths of the valley and shouted—
"Big Lei! Don't worry!"
"I'll take good care of her!"
"And I'll bring her back to visit—often!"
From deep within the valley came a thunderous reply.
"Rui-gong——!!!"
Ethan smiled.
"Let's go, Little Lei."
Back to Kyoto
After bidding farewell to Qin Yingying and her parents, Ethan flew back to Kyoto with Metagross.
Two hours later, he was home.
Little Lei and Luxio were introduced to the rest of the team.
Life quickly settled into warmth and comfort.
Plum blossoms bloomed despite the snow.
Little Lei adored them.
Luxio stayed close to Lucario.
And Ethan… finally rested.
A National Apology
A few days later, Victor Stone returned home.
And with him—
A massive "apology gift" from the Great Cold Alliance, sent under Donghuang's pressure.
Treasures poured in.
[Ding! Obtained: Top-Grade Dragon Fang]
[Ding! Obtained: Top-Grade Magnet]
[Ding! Obtained: Top-Grade Never-Melt Ice]
[Ding! …]
Ethan leaned back.
This trip to the northwest…
Had been worth every step.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/kakashiTL