Volcan is now faced with a new life challenge after adopting the Rockruff, who now goes by the name Ignus. But as Volcan must come to grips with fatherhood, Luke makes important announcements to the rest of the teams about what they need to do...

PREVIEW:

A few days had passed since the teams had left Hadleigh, drifting through the skies over the sea of trees between the city of art and Port Azure. Everyone enjoyed the time to relax and unwind from the long mission, but it was clear that the desire to be home was present in the minds of nearly everyone aboard.
The teams found ways to pass the time together, to try to make the trip go by faster. For Luke and Volcan, that time was spent bonding with their newly adopted son; it had taken some time to settle him down but a full stomach did wonders and now the Rockruff was fast asleep on Volcan's lap, while the Blaziken lounged on the deck, his back to the railing as Serena and Minato looked on with pride at their Captain.
"I'm so proud of you, Volcan," said Serena. "You're adopting a little boy, giving him the best chance at a good, healthy life."
"Was hard not to fall for the little guy. Have you seen those eyes?" Volcan asked, his hand caressing the Rockruff’s back as he slept. "I just hope I'm the right one to do this… Luke has experience as a father but I'm totally green to it." He looked up at Minato. "You lived on Arc around the time I was born, right? Did you ever meet my dad?"
“I think I only saw him once but from a distance, and I was a Riolu at the time.” Minato answered with a shrug. “I don’t recall much, but I do remember hearing that he… Wasn’t exactly the friendliest of men.” He added, then rolled his eyes to the side. “Guess we know who Lighris takes after in that regard.”
"Lighris is stubborn and hot headed but give him some credit," Volcan spoke up in defense of his sibling. "He isn't malicious, for one."
"And most of the time when he does lose his temper, it's for your sake," Serena added. "Although his zapping Katsu in Azure was definitely uncalled for."
“Yea, I heard about that. I’m honestly surprised Katsu lived through a zapping that bad.” Minato added with a shudder. “Lighris really lays the pain down when he’s pissed…”
"Lighris was heavily malnourished at the time, nowhere near his full power. But Katsu is strong," Serena replied. "Still, I hope Lighris apologizes to him. He could have been seriously hurt if Lighris hadn't been so weakened."
Volcan sighed. "I'll have a word with him about that," he promised, looking back at Ignus. "Right now I hope I'm doing what's right for this little guy."
“You’ll do a fine job, man.” Minato said encouragingly. “Hell, you’ve done a hell of a job looking after my boy, when you babysat for Linda and I and when you took care of him before rescuing me. He practically looks up to you as a second father.” He then smirked and jabbed Volcan’s arm with his elbow. “I’m starting to wonder if I should have just gotten hitched to you instead.” He joked.
"You're as straight as an arrow, buddy," Volcan countered, giving Minato an incredulous look. "Besides, don't pretend you've ever regretted having Caulin."
“Not once.” Minato answered. “That boy is my pride and joy… I’d give anything for him if it meant he gets to live a long, fruitful life.” He then pointed to the Rockruff in Volcan’s lap. “Just as I know you’d give anything to see that he lives his best life possible.”
"I will certainly try," the Blaziken promised. "At least he'll have a friend when we get there. Not many others in Azure for him or Caulin to hang out with. Hope they can be friends."
“If that little guy’s as hyperactive as my boy, I’m sure they’ll be fast friends.” Minato assured Volcan. “Just make sure to have him burn his energy before his bedtime, or else you’ll be in for a loooooong night.”
"I remember that much at least, when I looked after Caulin," Volcan said with a chuckle.
"Azure ahead!" Lashanne called over the rumble of the engines. "We'll be there in ten!"
“Oh thank Xerneas,” Minato muttered, straightening up and stretching his back a little. “Gah, I feel as stiff as a board. How does anyone manage to sleep properly in those cramped cots?”
"You get used to it," Lashanne called back in answer to his question, making the Lucario go rigid as he realized Lashanne heard him. "Especially as a sailor."
“...That woman’s hearing scares me sometimes…” He muttered more quietly, popping his neck as he rolled it back and forth. “We better tell the others we’ll be arriving soon. I’ll help Tristan unload Doug when we touch down, so that he doesn’t rattle him for the millionth time.”
"Good idea," said Volcan.