Moon and Lillie laughed while Gladion rolled his eyes. The four walked out and made their way to Malie Garden. Moon smiled as they walked through the archway. It had been a long time since Moon had been able to visit this place. The Champion spent much of her time in Malie City prior to her trip; it was close to the Pokémon League and she sometimes ran into Acerola in the library. Moon hadn't registered how much she missed her, and with a jolt, she realized she hadn't reunited with any of the Ula'ula captains at all. Well, there's the festival tonight, Moon thought to herself.
Moon led the group to a picnic table in the back of the garden. Hau leapt up immediately after spotting a cafe nearby. "Anyone want anything?"
"I could eat," said Gladion coolly, glancing up at Hau. He stiffened as a great rumble came from his stomach.
Hau let out a guffaw. "You could eat, huh? Trying to be cool for Moon, are you?"
Gladion coughed loudly, hiding his face in the crook of his elbow. "Shut up, Hau," he hissed.
Moon smiled. "Hau, I told you to give it a rest," she said. "Gladion, you know Hau loves his jokes."
Gladion snorted. "I've noticed," he remarked drily. He fished in his pocket and pulled out some money.
"Here," he said, giving it to Hau. "Just pick something good out."
"You got it!" said Hau, bouncing on his heels at the prospect of food. Moon laughed at her friend's excitement.
"I'll come, too. Lillie, want anything?"
"What?" Lillie asked distractedly. She had been looking back and forth between Moon and Gladion for some time with a troubled expression. "Oh, yes. I'll have something. You can pick."
"Sure thing," Moon said. "Everything okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," said Lillie. "I was just… oh, nothing."
"Okay, then," said Moon, turning to Hau. The two strolled over the bridges to reach the cafe. Moon peeked over at the sign.
"Hmm… Lillie would like a Casteliacone, right?" she asked Hau.
He shrugged. "I'm sure she'd like anything you get for her," he reasoned. "You saw the way she was looking at you and Gladion, didn't you? She thought Gladion likes you!"
"No, she didn't," argued Moon. "Even if she did, why would she care?"
"'Cuz she likes you!" said Hau in a sing-song way. Moon shoved him lightly to the side.
"Please," she said. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Will Gladion like a Lava Cookie?" Hau asked all of a sudden. "They look pretty good, right?"
"Sure," said Moon. "I think I'll have a Rage Candy Bar, or… wait, no. A Shalour Sable? Or…"
"You can take your time," said Hau. "I know what I want!"
"Let me guess," said Moon, smiling. "A Malasada?"
"Yes, indeed," said Hau. "I think I'm in a sweet mood, so that's what I'll go with!"
"I'll take a Lumiose Galette," Moon decided. The two stepped up to the owner and ordered their choices. Hau had turned to leave when Moon had paused.
"Oh, could I have one of those, too?" she asked the owner, taking out her money. "Thanks."
She pocketed the small, wrapped treat and walked to where Hau was standing. He looked at her suspiciously.
"What'd you buy?" he questioned. "Something sweet for Lillie?"
"Let's be on our way," said Moon, ignoring Hau. "Lillie and Gladion will be hungry."
To Moon and Hau's pleasure, both Lillie and Gladion enjoyed the snacks that had been chosen for them.
"Thanks," said Gladion grudgingly to Hau.
"Thank you, Moon!" Lillie said, taking the cone from her. She licked the cone, looking delighted.
Moon grinned and started on her own snack. The Galette was very tasty. It was perfect for keeping her energy up while they waited and prepared for the festival. Moon found herself unwinding in her friends' company. She really was at ease, finally enjoying some peaceful conversation with the people she cared about. Naturally, her luck had to run out.
"Why, it seems we meet again!" a man exclaimed. He was painfully familiar. "How are you, young trainers?"
"I think you should leave, sir," said Hau.
"And why is that?" Mr. Elio asked, his joyless smile unwavering.
"You see, you hurt one of our best friends," Hau informed him seriously. "And we're not in a forgiving mood."
"I assure you, I'm just here for a stroll," said Elio. "I'll be out of your way soon enough. I didn't expect to find anyone here. Everyone's off at that festival. Do you know anything about it?"
No one spoke. Moon willed herself to remain silent, rather than snap and scream at him. She felt a lurch in her stomach as his gaze slid from Gladion, to Hau, to her. "You," he said in a thoughtful manner. "I find myself perplexed. How was a girl like you able to best me?"
"Guess you're not as strong as you thought," said Moon, her fists clenched.
"It appears I'm not," he said with a sigh. "Oh, and who do we have here?"
Moon felt Lillie tense beside her. "A friend. None of your concern."
"Adam Elio," he said courteously. "If you didn't know."
Lillie was shaking. Moon brushed her fingers against her hand, a small, slight movement. She didn't want Elio to know any of her friends, but she needed to comfort Lillie. She felt Lillie relax, heard her breathing slow to a steady pace.
"You should go," said Moon firmly. Her hand found its way to her bag and she gripped a Poke Ball. She wasn't sure which one until she felt it shudder. That power, she thought to herself. It's Nebby. She felt stronger, like she was connected to her mighty Lunala.
"In due time," said Elio, politely but but just as firmly. "I wish to know your names. You are?"
Gladion raised an eyebrow as he looked at the outstretched hand in front of him. "You think I'm interested in getting friendly with someone who attacked me without a Pokémon?"
The man winced. "I… regret my actions. I was caught in the emotion of the battle."
Gladion shrugged. "I've met plenty of intense trainers who can hold themselves back from injuring a trainer."
Elio looked to Hau. "Then you? You seem like an honest boy."
"I am!" said Hau brightly. "So I'll be honest when I tell you the next time you hurt someone, I'll-"
He was interrupted by a sharp elbow in his ribs. Moon shook her head, her eyes warning him.
"Go ahead," Elio invited. "Say what you were going to say."
"I'll battle you myself," finished Hau, glancing gratefully at Moon as he said so. Moon looked ahead gravely, but was immensely relieved on the inside. She didn't want Elio to hold a personal grudge against Hau. Not like the one he surely had for her, had he known who she was.
"You are the strongest here, are you not?" Elio asked Moon. Moon considered every answer she could think of carefully.
"Yes," she said. "I am." The target would be painted on her. It was unfortunate for her, but the best choice for her friends. She was the threat, not Hau, not Gladion. Not Lillie. She hoped Elio would lose all interest in her friends, but she was disappointed.
"And you three accept that?" he asked with genuine curiosity. "You are content to be second, third, and fourth?"
Moon's eyes widened. He was trying to get them on his side. It was a ridiculous thought, really. Hau had never let her down in the four years she'd known him. He wouldn't start now. It was the same with Gladion. She would never believe he would willingly help such a despicable man. And Lillie? She was the strongest person Moon knew. She stood by the people and Pokémon she cared about. Moon had complete confidence in her friends.
As Moon had expected, Hau burst into laughter. "Of course I'm second to her!"
"As am I," agreed Gladion.
"I'm not even fourth," said Lillie quietly.
Hau grinned at Elio. "You think we're going to turn on our friend?" he asked incredulously. "That's hilarious!"
"Very well," said Elio. "It appears you value friendship more than the chance to better yourselves. Then I'll offer this opportunity to you," he said, eyeing Moon. "Join Team Skull. Your skills will grow beyond what you can imagine."
"I can further myself as a trainer without you," shot back Moon. I've been doing it for four years.
"As you see fit," said Elio, studying her. "I think I'll take my leave, now. Good day, young trainers." He tipped his porkpie hat and strode off. Moon waited for a count of five until she trusted herself to speak.
"Well," she said finally. "Is everyone done with their food?"
Hau stared at her. "Arceus, Moon. How are you so great when your dad's… that?"
Moon laughed. "You can thank my mother. She never let me forget that my father was to blame and we were better off without him. She never let me think it was my fault and she never pushed me away. Not even when I had questions."
Hau whistled. "You and auntie are tough, Moon!" he said. "I'm so proud of you!"
"Thanks, Hau," said Moon, smiling at him. "Thank you, all of you."
"For what?" asked Lillie. "I haven't done anything." She sounded so down Moon wanted to hug her. Instead, Moon shook her head adamantly.
"Of course you have, Lillie," said Moon. "You help me each time you talk to me. Thank you for being there for me."
Lillie looked down, her face a deep red. "Thank you, Moon. I… I-"
"Aue!" cried out Hau. "That Elio took up so much of our time!"
"You're right," said Gladion, scowling. "We have less than half an hour left."
Moon sighed. "Leave it to my dad to screw everything up." She turned to Lillie, saying, "I'm sorry our time was cut short. And this was your first festival back, too."
Lillie shook her head. "No, no," she said hurriedly. "I had a wonderful time! I couldn't ask for better friends." Friends. The word hung between the two of them, like neither Moon nor Lillie knew what to do with it.
"We don't want to be late," said Hau. He called his Charizard as Gladion called his out as well.
"Lillie, can I talk to you?" Gladion asked. He caught Moon's eye and smirked. Moon narrowed her eyes.
Watch what you say, she mouthed while Lillie's back was turned. His smirk widened.
Hau sidled up to her. "Whaddya think they're talking about?"
Moon shrugged. "Hope it's not me," she said. She sent out her own Charizard and climbed on. Hau mirrored her as the two waited for her friends to finish talking. When the blonde siblings walked towards them again, Moon noted Lillie was bright red and Gladion wore a satisfied, smug smile.
Gladion clambered onto his Ride Pokémon and offered his hand to Lillie. She glanced at Moon and took her brother's hand. He told her something over his shoulder that made her smile.
The three Charizard launched into the air and took flight. Moon soared in between Hau and Gladion. She looked to her right and saw Hau grinning; he gave her thumbs up and she giggled when a lock of his dark green hair fell into his eyes. On her left, Gladion's hair was not holding up well under the pressure of the wind. Lillie, on the other hand, looked stunning. Moon couldn't help but wonder how she looked in the wind.
Moon waved for the other two Charizards to land at Iki Village. As they did, Moon surveyed the preparations underway in the quaint village. She saw people and Pokémon alike working together to get ready for the night. A woman and her Rockruff were gathering children to help out. An elderly couple with a Raichu were bringing food down to the long tables by the stage. Moon smiled; this was the nature of the people of Alola.