The sun set in the west; night fell.
Snow drifted silently as the Blueberry-Naranja Academy exchange came to its end.
Alder, Briar, and the Blueberry Academy students didn't leave immediately. They were invited by Geeta to stay at a hotel in Mesagoza for the evening.
The next day, just as when Lucas and Nemona went to Blueberry Academy, the seven Blueberry students would tour Naranja Academy, experiencing different cultures and learning environments.
This part had little to do with Lucas; Director Clavell would oversee the arrangements.
As far as Lucas was concerned, simply winning the exchange again was enough.
…
Time sped by—November 18th, Tuesday.
Nearly two days had passed since the exchange.
Blueberry Academy's students had experienced much at Naranja Academy and were preparing to leave.
After several discussions between Geeta and Alder, a friendly partnership was established between the two schools.
Plans were in motion for more exchanges in the future, encouraging students' growth and deepening school pride. There was even talk of a formal student exchange program, though this would take time to iron out.
Behind the scenes, Naranja Academy and Blueberry Academy were on the verge of becoming true "sister schools."
Meanwhile, in the wake of this exchange, news coverage had exploded across Paldea and Unova.
The newly-documented Pokémon, Ursaluna, caused quite a stir in academic circles.
Unfortunately, very little information existed—other than that they evolved from Ursaring, had gained Ground-type in addition to Normal-type, were exceptionally powerful, could match the likes of Metagross, and some video footage.
Their origins and evolution remained a mystery.
Some tried risky stunts to dig for more info, but...
Given how much Geeta valued Naranja Academy, outsiders barely had a chance to contact Nemona, Arven, or Eri at the academy.
Even outside, Geeta's reach in Paldea made it nearly impossible to approach them.
As for Lucas: rumors spread that, as mentor to Nemona's trio, he might know the secret—and many gathered around his farm.
But most never even saw Lucas—driven off by an intimidating Houndoom that looked like it had eaten dozens of people alive.
Even avoiding Houndoom, it seemed to always track them quickly—leaving them unable to even cross the farm's fence.
Frustration was high.
That afternoon, the Blueberry Academy group prepared to head to the airport.
Lucas attended the send-off—though not just for farewells.
With Alder, Briar, and Lacey looking puzzled, Lucas led Kieran and Carmine to a corner—where Geeta was already waiting.
Meeting the legendary Geeta in private for the first time, even though he'd matured, Kieran was so nervous his hands were sweating.
Carmine wasn't much better.
Lucas stayed quiet, standing supportively beside them.
After all, this was really Geeta's "interview." Whatever was said, and any conditions raised, were up to the siblings to handle jointly.
Geeta sensed their nerves and smiled gently, "Relax—I'm here to learn about your wishes, not to eat you alive."
"I heard from Lucas you two are interested in transferring to Naranja Academy. I wanted to confirm that with you directly."
"Y-yes," Carmine and Kieran exchanged glances and stammered.
It wasn't just their own inclination or Lucas's encouragement.
The bigger reason was what was happening in their home, Kitakami.
After Lucas left, the mayor (still cursing) and some villagers built a statue of the Loyal Three in the square, even adding extra rumors based on Pecharunt—still painting Ogerpon as the "villain."
This was already too much for Yukito and Hideko.
Not to mention: Some villagers had started making life hard for them, picking petty fights and spreading gossip.
Even though Yukito and Hideko always told the siblings by phone, "Don't worry, we're fine," it was clear they were forcing a brave face.
Carmine, sometimes talking with younger friends back home in Kitakami, figured out the real story quickly.
All of this only steeled their resolve to move their grandparents out of Kitakami.
If he let his nerves blow Lucas's precious opportunity, he'd never forgive himself.
Word by word, Kieran and Carmine poured out their desire to transfer.
Geeta—though already aware—was delighted to hear it straight from two such promising students.
The more talent, the better.
Carmine and Kieran had narrowly beaten Paul and Joy Shizuka (relatively newer and less experienced). Even without Lucas's recommendation, she'd wanted to "poach" them.
Alder as Champion was harder to recruit, but Blueberry Academy's students were excellent too—if only she could bring them over...
Geeta sighed inwardly.
Still, she asked for appearances' sake—looking them over, "What makes you so passionate about transferring?"
At this, Kieran and Carmine fell silent.
Would they say, "For our grandparents"? That would seem disrespectful.
But if they were honest, besides wanting to help their grandparents, they also wanted to follow a role model.
Both looked at Lucas.
Of course, Geeta understood. "I see—you two can transfer, but not immediately."
"After all, our schools have just become partners."
Everyone understood the unspoken limits.
It would seem...unseemly to immediately poach talent after becoming "sister schools."
"But," she added with a smile, "soon, the exchange student program will launch. You can join Naranja Academy as exchange students, then transfer formally after...though it will require some waiting."
Geeta's words made them a bit disappointed.
Would their grandparents have to endure Kitakami for even longer?
At this, Lucas finally spoke:
"Grandpa Yukito and Grandma Hideko live far away in the countryside, while the kids are at Blueberry Academy in Unova. That can be worrying."
Kieran and Carmine turned to Lucas instantly.
Geeta responded, "That does sound troubling. Where exactly are they living now?"
Lucas: "Kitakami, Mossui Town."
"The apple-producing Kitakami? That's really remote."
"Well, if you like, and if your grandparents agree, I could help you with relocation issues in Paldea."
"Housing, subsidies, paperwork..."
"Don't judge me by appearances. Besides being the Naranja Academy Chairwoman, I'm also the Chairwoman of the Paldea League."
Just like that: generous offers.
Carmine gaped, "You're—?"
Geeta smiled, gloved hand on her chest, "Don't be surprised. This is just my personal effort to retain true talent."
"Because you are worth it. That's all."
Later...
Kieran and Carmine, reeling from the "incentives" Geeta promised (after Lucas revealed Grandpa Yukito's craftsman status), left the meeting a little dazed.
It was clear: all those benefits were to recruit their whole family.
Household registration transfer, housing, tuition, special talent stipends, league grants…
The conditions floored them—could they possibly deserve all this?
…
Back with the group, Carmine's close friend Amarys noticed her disquiet and asked, "What's wrong, something happen?"
"N-nothing," Carmine replied guiltily.
She couldn't just blurt out she was considering transferring.
She'd have to pick the right time.
At this moment, she felt just like someone hiding a forbidden secret.
Once everyone had gathered, Alder called out, "Let's move out—back to Unova!"
Casting a proud look over his students, he was fired up.
Even after this loss, the gap was narrowing; he was sure, with his guidance, these children would become the pillars of Unova—maybe even his successors.
His rivalry with Lucas in teaching was far from over!
Briar, smiling at the rear, carefully took out a well-packaged box—the gift from Clavell on behalf of Naranja Academy:
A fully charged Tera Orb.
Recalling the moment Penny's Terastal Eevee overwhelmed Lacey's Excadrill, Briar blushed.
Once home, she'd apply to Director Cyrano and research artificial Terastal environments.
If successful, she could restore the reputation of ancestral marine kings—meticulous planning would be needed.
After the Blueberry group left, Lucas and Geeta, having finished their "poaching," snuck out from the corner.
Both were very satisfied.
Especially Geeta; she even hummed a bit on the way, out of character for her usual persona.
She hadn't forgotten business, though.
"For Yukito and Hideko's relocation paperwork, I'll have Larry rush it through the local immigration office in Mossui Town this week."
"I'll also have Larry prepare a home for them. In less than half a month, they can move straight to Paldea."
Lucas shuddered in admiration, glad he'd never joined the Paldea League.
Larry must be juggling a million jobs, he thought.
Truly terrifying.
…
November 21st, Friday.
Lucas, just arrived back in Los Platos from Levincia Airport, strolled the snowy path with Luxray towards his farm.
By now, Nemona, Paul, and Shizuka should be on a plane to the Hoenn region—across sea and continent—challenging the "Battle Frontier" and the "League Conference."
Nemona would hone herself at the Battle Frontier, preparing for the Champion Assessment—a plan decided long ago.
Paul was ready to journey around Hoenn, aiming to sharpen his skills in real battles, growing into his talent as Lucas had noted.
It was all but certain—he'd encounter Ash at the Hoenn Evergrand Conference.
That encounter, a league earlier than in canon, filled Lucas with nostalgia.
Shizuka, on Lucas's advice, would improve her skills, traveling with the other two—hoping to catch her fourth team Pokémon in Hoenn:
Skarmory—the same Pokémon that Blueberry Academy's Amarys had used to push Eri to the brink in the exchange match.
With excellent typing, a deep movepool, and the ability to cover the team's weaknesses (setup, hazard spreading/clearing, taunt, recovery, output, Sturdy, Whirlwind), Skarmory was the perfect fit for Shizuka's squad.
As the outline of the farm came into view, Lucas idly wondered if Delibird had finished crossing the ocean yet, when he suddenly paused.
There, sneaking around by the symbolic front gate, was a shifty-looking man peeking in.
Strangely, at his feet was what looked like a duck, gripping a mighty leek.
Lucas's curiosity was piqued. He told Luxray not to reveal themselves, crept up behind the oblivious man, patted his shoulder, and asked:
"What are you doing?"