The morning arrived quietly.
There was no dimensional alarm.
No mysterious rift.
No invading creature.
No ancient prophecy announcing the end of reality.
For once, Dimensional Island simply woke up.
Sunlight spread across the artificial sky surrounding the island.
The ocean beneath the dimensional barrier reflected the morning light.
Pidgey flew over the gardens.
Several Pikachu were already running through the central village.
A group of Bulbasaur were helping Venusaur water the plants.
Near the mansion, Chansey prepared breakfast while Mr. Mime carried trays toward the dining hall.
Everything felt ordinary.
At least by Dimensional Island standards.
Inside the mansion, Jin slowly opened his eyes.
He stared at the ceiling.
"…"
Silence.
Jin waited.
Nothing happened.
He sat up.
Still nothing.
He looked toward the system terminal beside his bed.
No emergency notifications.
No warnings.
No dimensional instability.
No unidentified entities.
Jin smiled.
"This is nice."
A voice came from the doorway.
"Pika."
[You're going to jinx it.]
Jin looked over.
Large Pikachu stood there with her arms crossed.
Jin laughed.
"Come on. Can't I have one peaceful morning?"
"Pika."
[You said that yesterday.]
"…And?"
Pikachu pointed toward the window.
Outside, a gigantic mechanical device was floating above the mansion.
Jin stared.
"…What's that?"
Pikachu shrugged.
"Pika."
[You jinxed it.]
Jin sighed.
"Fair."
The Astral Express Visitor
The strange object wasn't an enemy.
It was a drone.
A small, spherical machine floated above the mansion, scanning the island.
The system identified it immediately.
[UNKNOWN ARTIFICIAL OBJECT]
Origin: Astral Express
Function: Remote Survey Drone
Hostility: None
Purpose:
Environmental mapping.
Jin relaxed.
"Okay."
The drone suddenly projected a holographic message.
March 7th appeared.
"Good morning!"
Jin stared.
"That's a little creepy."
March laughed.
"Sorry! Himeko wanted a more detailed scan of the island."
Jin looked at the drone.
"Couldn't you just ask?"
March smiled awkwardly.
"Probably."
Jin sighed.
"Fine."
March looked around.
"Oh! And Stelle wanted to talk to you."
A second face appeared in the projection.
A young woman with silver hair.
She stared at Jin for several seconds.
Then she said:
"Hi."
Jin smiled.
"Hi."
She looked at Pikachu.
"Cute."
Pikachu's ears twitched.
"Pika."
[Finally.]
Jin laughed.
"This is Stelle."
March nodded.
"Our Trailblazer."
Stelle waved.
"Hello, Administrator of the weird floating island."
Jin raised an eyebrow.
"That's not my official title."
Stelle thought for a moment.
"Administrator of the slightly less weird floating island?"
Jin laughed.
"I'll allow it."
Breakfast With Strangers
The Astral Express crew eventually came down from the train.
Himeko suggested that everyone have breakfast together.
Jin agreed.
Soon, the mansion dining hall became unusually crowded.
Jin sat at the head of the table.
Large Pikachu sat beside him.
Aster and Astra sat nearby.
Across from them were Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle.
Several Pokémon moved around the room serving food.
Chansey brought plates.
Mr. Mime carried drinks.
A pair of Alcremie prepared desserts.
March stared at everything.
"This place is amazing."
Stelle was already eating.
"This is good."
March looked at her.
"You didn't even ask what it was."
Stelle took another bite.
"I don't need to."
Dan Heng sighed.
"Stelle."
"What?"
"You should at least know what you're eating."
Stelle looked at Jin.
"What am I eating?"
Jin checked the plate.
"Eggs, vegetables, toast, berries, and something Mr. Mime invented."
Stelle nodded.
"Excellent."
Dan Heng closed his eyes.
March laughed.
"You're impossible."
A Different Kind of Adventure
After breakfast, Stelle walked around the island with Jin.
Unlike March, she wasn't constantly taking photographs.
She simply observed.
She watched Pokémon playing.
She watched Machoke carrying supplies.
She watched a group of baby Pokémon from the island's Pokémon communities learning battle techniques.
Eventually she asked:
"Do you ever get bored?"
Jin looked at her.
"Sometimes."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"You're the Administrator."
"So?"
Stelle shrugged.
"I thought being an Administrator meant you'd always have something important to do."
Jin laughed.
"That's the problem."
He looked toward the beach.
"There's always something important."
Stelle understood.
"You don't know how to stop."
Jin was quiet.
She continued.
"That's why you made the vacation."
Jin smiled.
"Maybe."
"You needed it."
Jin looked at her.
"You sound like you know what you're talking about."
Stelle shrugged.
"I'm pretty good at doing nothing."
Jin laughed.
"Really?"
"Yes."
She looked completely serious.
"It's an important skill."
Jin nodded.
"I'll remember that."
The Pokémon Research Exchange
Welt and Aster had become interested in each other's technology.
The two spent hours inside the Dimensional Research Laboratory.
Aster showed Welt the Administrator Core.
Welt showed Aster several pieces of technology from the Astral Express.
Their conversation became increasingly technical.
Jin eventually walked past the laboratory.
He heard:
"Dimensional resonance."
"Quantum stability."
"Path energy."
"Dimensional compression."
"Administrator authority."
"Reality anchors."
Jin slowly backed away.
"Nope."
Astra walked past.
"Why are you leaving?"
"Those two have entered a language I don't understand."
Astra smiled.
"You're the Administrator."
"Exactly."
He pointed toward the laboratory.
"I manage an island."
Astra laughed.
"I'll remind you of that the next time you activate dimensional authority."
Stelle Meets the Pokémon
Stelle's next destination was the central village.
She walked slowly.
Pokémon watched her.
A curious Eevee approached.
Stelle crouched.
"Hello."
Eevee sniffed her.
"Vee."
Stelle held out her hand.
Eevee touched it.
Then suddenly—
"Eevee!"
It jumped into her arms.
Stelle caught it.
She stared down at the Pokémon.
"…You're coming with me."
Jin laughed.
"You can't just adopt every Pokémon you meet."
Stelle looked at him.
"Why not?"
"Because they have homes."
Eevee immediately shook its head.
"Vee!"
Stelle looked victorious.
"It wants to come."
Jin sighed.
"You're going to be trouble."
Stelle smiled.
"I've heard that before."
Large Pikachu watched them.
"Pika."
[She's dangerous.]
Jin nodded.
"I noticed."
A Friendly Battle
Later that afternoon, Stelle visited the Battle Frontier.
She watched several Pokémon battles.
Eventually, she looked toward Jin.
"Can I try?"
Jin blinked.
"Battle?"
"Yes."
"With a Pokémon?"
"Yes."
Jin smiled.
"Do you have one?"
Stelle looked at Eevee.
Eevee looked back.
"Vee!"
Jin raised an eyebrow.
"You're serious?"
Stelle nodded.
"Let's try."
A small training arena was prepared.
Stelle stood on one side.
Jin stood on the other.
The audience consisted of Pikachu, Ash's Pikachu, several island Pokémon, March, Dan Heng, and the others.
March raised her camera.
"This is going to be great!"
Ash had returned to the island for the afternoon.
He looked excited.
"Go, Eevee!"
Stelle smiled.
"Eevee, let's do this."
Eevee stepped forward.
Jin selected a Pokémon.
"Lucario."
Lucario entered the arena.
Stelle looked at Lucario.
"That's a tough opponent."
Jin smiled.
"You don't have to win."
Stelle looked surprised.
"What?"
"This isn't a tournament."
Jin pointed toward the field.
"Just have fun."
Stelle smiled.
"Okay."
She looked at Eevee.
"Let's have fun."
The Battle
"Eevee, Quick Attack!"
Eevee disappeared.
Lucario reacted immediately.
"Lucario!"
It blocked the attack.
Stelle smiled.
"Nice."
Jin watched carefully.
Stelle wasn't trained as a Pokémon battler.
But she adapted quickly.
"Eevee, circle around!"
Eevee moved behind Lucario.
"Now!"
Eevee used Tackle.
Lucario was pushed back.
Ash's Pikachu cheered.
"Pika pika!"
Stelle grinned.
"Yes!"
Jin smiled.
"Lucario, Aura Sphere."
Lucario formed a glowing sphere.
Stelle's eyes widened.
"Eevee, dodge!"
Eevee jumped.
The Aura Sphere struck the ground.
BOOM!
Dust filled the arena.
When it cleared—
Eevee was still standing.
Stelle smiled.
"Again."
Jin nodded.
The battle continued.
It wasn't a serious fight.
There was no victory condition.
No prize.
No ranking.
Just two Pokémon enjoying themselves.
Eventually, both Pokémon became exhausted.
Jin raised his hand.
"That's enough."
Stelle nodded.
"Good battle."
Eevee jumped into her arms.
"Vee!"
Stelle hugged it.
"You did great."
Jin smiled.
"You two work well together."
Stelle looked at Eevee.
"Maybe I'll learn more about Pokémon."
March immediately shouted:
"YES!"
Everyone turned toward her.
March held up her camera.
"We need to document this!"
Dan Heng sighed.
"March."
"What?"
"We've been here for less than two days."
"And?"
"You're already trying to recruit her."
March smiled.
"She's perfect."
Stelle looked confused.
"For what?"
March pointed toward the camera.
"Future adventures."
Stelle smiled.
"Maybe."
A Call From Home
That evening, Jin received a communication request.
The system displayed:
[INCOMING COMMUNICATION]
Origin:
Pokémon World
Sender:
Ash Ketchum
Jin accepted.
A holographic image appeared.
Ash stood somewhere near a forest.
Pikachu was beside him.
"Hey, Jin!"
"Hey, Ash."
"How's the new world?"
Jin looked toward the stars.
"Strange."
Ash laughed.
"Sounds like an adventure."
"Definitely."
Ash looked around.
"Are you coming back soon?"
Jin smiled.
"We will."
"Good."
Ash looked at Pikachu.
"We're heading toward our next destination."
Jin nodded.
"Have fun."
"You too!"
The call ended.
Jin remained silent for a moment.
Stelle stood nearby.
"You miss them."
Jin smiled.
"Yeah."
"You can go back."
"I know."
"Then why don't you?"
Jin looked at the return gate.
"Because they have their own journey."
Stelle nodded.
"And you have yours."
"Exactly."
Jin smiled.
"That's what makes meeting again special."
The Journey Continues
The next morning, Dimensional Island received new coordinates.
The Astral Express was preparing to depart.
Himeko approached Jin.
"We're heading toward our next destination."
Jin nodded.
"Thank you for visiting."
Himeko smiled.
"Thank you for welcoming us."
March hugged several Pokémon goodbye.
She hugged Eevee last.
"You take care of Stelle!"
Eevee looked at Stelle.
"Vee."
Stelle nodded.
"I will."
Dan Heng handed Jin a communication device.
"If you encounter anything unusual, contact us."
Jin looked at him.
"Define unusual."
Dan Heng paused.
"Anything that threatens an entire world."
Jin nodded.
"That's actually helpful."
Welt smiled.
"Perhaps our paths will cross again."
Jin extended his hand.
"I hope so."
They shook hands.
Finally, Stelle approached Jin.
She looked at the island.
Then at the Pokémon.
Then at the mansion.
"You know…"
"What?"
"I think this place is going to become important."
Jin smiled.
"It already is."
Stelle nodded.
"Then I'll visit again."
"You're welcome anytime."
She looked at Eevee.
"And maybe next time…"
Eevee's ears perked up.
"…I'll bring more friends."
Jin laughed.
"Please don't bring an entire army."
Stelle smiled.
"No promises."
Departure of the Astral Express
The Astral Express began moving.
March waved from the doorway.
"Bye!"
Jin waved back.
"See you!"
Himeko waved.
Welt nodded.
Dan Heng raised a hand.
Stelle stood near the rear window.
She looked at Jin.
Then at the island.
Then at the stars.
The train accelerated.
Slowly becoming smaller.
Until it disappeared into the distance.
Jin stood silently.
Large Pikachu sat beside him.
"Pika."
[You like her.]
Jin looked at Pikachu.
"Who?"
"Pika."
[Stelle.]
Jin smiled.
"She seems nice."
Pikachu narrowed her eyes.
"Pika."
[That's not what I meant.]
Jin laughed.
"Don't start."
A New System Function
Back inside the mansion, the Administrator Core activated.
[NEW RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED]
Astral Express:
FRIENDLY
Stelle:
ALLY
March 7th:
ALLY
Dan Heng:
ALLY
Himeko:
ALLY
Welt:
ALLY
Jin smiled.
Then another notification appeared.
[WORLD CONNECTIONS]
World One:
Pokémon World — HOME
World Two:
Honkai: Star Rail — CURRENT
World Three:
Original World — STABLE
World Four:
Unknown — UNEXPLORED
Return Network:
ACTIVE
Jin stared at the display.
Four worlds.
Four possible journeys.
And one island connecting them.
Aster walked into the room.
"The dimensional map is expanding."
Jin looked at him.
"How far?"
Aster smiled.
"We don't know."
Jin looked at the enormous map projected above the Administrator Core.
Countless points of light were appearing.
Some were close.
Others were unimaginably distant.
Some were stable.
Some were flickering.
And several were completely unknown.
Jin smiled.
"Then we'll take it one world at a time."
Large Pikachu raised her paw.
"Pika."
[And preferably without another apocalypse.]
Jin laughed.
"I'll do my best."
The system responded.
[ADMINISTRATOR REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGED.]
[APOCALYPSE PREVENTION PROTOCOL: ENABLED.]
Jin blinked.
"Wait."
Aster looked confused.
"What?"
Jin pointed at the system.
"Did it just take my joke seriously?"
Pikachu looked at the screen.
"Pika."
[Yes.]
Jin sighed.
"This system is becoming too intelligent."
From inside the Administrator Core, the dimensional echo quietly answered:
"You're welcome."
Jin smiled.
"Good to know you're still there."
"Always."
Outside, the stars continued to move.
Dimensional Island continued traveling.
The Pokémon World remained safely connected behind them.
And somewhere far ahead…
another world waited.
But this time, Jin wasn't afraid of what he might find.
Because Dimensional Island was no longer merely a place.
It was a family.
A home.
A bridge.
And perhaps—
the beginning of a journey that would eventually connect worlds that had never been meant to meet.