Jacob remembered that during his time with the Patrol Team, Antonio had once said with a quiet smile that if things worked out, he hoped to stay with the team until retirement — teach the children for a few more years, and then, when age finally caught up with him, return to the Imperial Capital to live out his remaining days in peace.
But then Roger died. A sudden, accidental death — and it changed everything.
The incident brought Green Mountain Town and the Patrol Team to the attention of the Pokémon Association and the wider public. A new captain was appointed, additional personnel were dispatched, and several trained teachers were sent to support the school in town.
Cade had told Jacob about what happened after things began to stabilize. Once Antonio saw that Green Mountain Town had proper teachers and the Patrol Team was back on steady footing, he invited the whole team out for drinks.
He drank more than anyone that night. He said he wanted to do something — something that meant something — for Roger, and for the team.
The next morning, Antonio submitted his resignation as vice-captain of the Patrol Team. He left a personal letter for every member before packing his bags and quietly departing.
And now, here he was — just one victory away from becoming a Four Heavenly King.
Antonio's sudden rise naturally caused quite a stir. The story drew widespread attention, and with it, the Patrol Team found itself in the public eye once more. Roger's name came up again too — spoken by people who had never met him, who now learned for the first time what he had done and what he had meant to that small mountain community.
Perhaps that had been Antonio's intention all along.
Roger was, without question, a good person. He deserved to be remembered.
Sunday.
A warm sun climbed slowly over the ridge, burning away the thin morning mist that clung to the slopes.
Jacob and Nina arrived at the entrance of Thousand Mountains Forest Park dressed for the cold — matching outdoor jackets, face masks, thick hats, gloves, and sunglasses. They were fully prepared.
A year earlier, the two had made their first visit to the park together. That trip hadn't gone as planned. Nina had pushed herself too hard helping Jacob revive his Axew, and the weather had turned against them — the two had been forced to abandon their attempt at the summit, leaving with nothing but a promise to try again the following winter.
That winter had come.
"I'll get the tickets," Jacob said, glancing over at Nina.
"I'll come with you," she replied, her eyes soft as she fell into step beside him.
The park was far busier than usual that day, likely thanks to the clear skies. The mountain boardwalk was thick with tourists stopping to take photos, and flocks of Pidgeotto swept across the steep cliffsides in formation, their sharp cries cutting through the cold air as the wind from their wings sent hair flying in every direction. Children squealed and cheered at the sight of them.
Flying-type Pokémon were what Thousand Mountains Forest Park was known for. It wasn't unusual to spot several different species gliding overhead throughout the day. There was even a rumor that a family of Dragonite had taken up residence deep within the park — though as far as anyone knew, no visitor had ever actually seen one.
What was certain was that the park was a protected no-capture zone. No one was permitted to catch Pokémon within its boundaries.
"There are so many people today," Jacob muttered, eyeing the crowded path ahead.
He would have liked to let his Pokémon out and climb with them, the way they had done the last time. But looking at the press of tourists around him, he let the thought go.
"The Imperial Capital is always packed," Nina said, nodding. "And on a day like this, of course everyone's going to be out. But once we get past the halfway point, it thins out a lot."
"True enough."
Jacob reached over and took her hand naturally, and the two continued climbing toward the summit.
The path grew steeper and quieter with every hundred meters they gained. Warning signs appeared at regular intervals along the boardwalk.
The road ahead is dangerous. Please proceed according to your ability.
After nearly four hours of steady climbing, they reached the halfway point just before noon.
The transit station sat at the midpoint of the park — a well-appointed hot spring resort hotel that served as both a resting place and the last resupply stop before the final push to the summit. Jacob guided Nina inside.
"Let's take a break," he said. "Eat something, pick up water and food, then keep going."
Nina nodded, grateful for the pause. Even with all her composure, four hours of uphill walking had left her breathing a little harder than usual. "I haven't done anything like this in a while," she admitted, accepting the bottle of mineral water Jacob handed her. "I'm a bit out of practice."
"Rest as long as you need." Jacob patted her lightly on the back.
They had lunch, let their legs recover, and then set off again.
From the halfway point onward, there was only one route to the summit — and it began with a staffed checkpoint.
The staff member on duty looked them over carefully before speaking. "The road ahead is steep, and wild Pokémon in that area can be aggressive. It's not recommended for Trainers below Gym Leader level to continue. Are you sure you want to go on?"
"Yes," Jacob said.
"Please be careful." The staff member reached under the counter and produced two items resembling signal flares, handing one to each of them. "If you run into serious trouble, fire one of these. Our team will move the moment they see the signal."
"Thank you."
Beyond the checkpoint, the crowds thinned dramatically. Most visitors chose to stay back — the hot spring hotel was comfortable, and the risks past the halfway point were real. Wild Flying-type Pokémon in the upper reaches were no joke. Serious incidents happened in the park several times a year, and no one with any sense walked into that without being prepared.
Climbing, though, was its own kind of reward. It tested the body and steadied the mind — and done with the right person, it had a way of bringing two people closer together that few other things could.
Jacob held Nina's hand and kept a steady pace along the winding boardwalk as the cliffs dropped away sharply on either side. He could feel the height, and honestly, he didn't love it. If he were being truthful with himself, he wasn't a fan of climbing at all — he was too comfortable in his habits. Given the choice, he would have happily had his Charizard fly them both to the top in minutes.
But Nina was beside him. And so Jacob climbed.