Entry into the Alolan Pokemon League was predicated upon completion of one's Island Challenge, the besting of the four Kahuna atop Mount Lanakila itself. To this end not one aspect of the Island Challenge would change. Trainers would embark upon their Pokemon Journeys, and those who completed them would secure their entry. It was the same as everywhere else. It was the same as it had always been here.
The Elite Four, the Kahuna of Alola, would be gateway to the League. Those who overcame their trials would be eligible for entry. And, at the end of each cycle, a Pokemon League Tournament would be held. That was how it would be.
Though the Pokemon League's tournament structure differed from region to region, cycle to cycle, one thing remained true: all eyes were drawn to it. From that arose conflicts, different Leagues in different regions struggling to avoid their tournament being distracted from by another. As more and more regions embraced the League model the challenge of scheduling magnified, until the point came where a cross-regional council was required.
The Pokemon League World Association is formed of representatives from every League-holding region, their sole intent to avoid clashes in scheduling that would draw attention from one League to another. For now that is the only role this association plays, but it is believed they will serve as the eventual foundation of the World League itself. That time, however, has not yet come.
For now their only responsibility was in ensuring no region's League imposes upon another's, and that was what Professor Kukui had approached them to do.
Before that time he had met with the Kahuna. Through them proposed the idea to the Tapu, who would tear down anything they did not approve of. With approval construction began upon the League, to be held at the peak of Mount Lanakila, and Kukui had gone to the World Association to plot out a time.
This was the conclusion they had reached.
The next best time given was within a year. That was unacceptable. If construction focused entirely upon a stage perhaps they could make that, maybe even stands, but the full League itself would never be finished.
The next time given was in three.
In three years Kukui knew the momentum behind the new League would not hold. The cultural swing towards it needed to strike while the iron was hot. It was impossible to hold a full League in one. And too late to hold one in three. A creative solution needed.
One he came to.
At the end of this year a Tournament would be held.
It was to be an Exhibition Tournament, a competition with reduced numbers composed of Trainers by invite. The Captains and Kahuna of Alola, of course. Legendary Trainers who had overcome their Island Challenges and gone on to do great things. A few Trainers from other regions, their entry secured by writ of passage from their Leagues. And those Trainers who had bested their Island Challenges in that time. That was the design he had settled on.
This tournament would capture the hearts of the people and ready them for the full Pokemon League Tournament in three year's time. For the crowning of Alola's Champion.
Knowing that, when giving Moon and Hau their Pokemon, Kukui had been sure they would lead the Tournament to come. He sensed in each great potential, was sure that even with such a demanding timeframe the two had a strong chance to complete their Island Challenges within it. The Exhibition Tournament at year's end would inspire them too. And, at the head of the youth of Alola, they'd lead the way into the Pokemon League and ensure it within the region's culture forever.
Now he knew different.
Where once he saw potential, now he saw impossible ability. Moon of course but Hau, he didn't realise it, but his own pace was beyond exceptional too. The two of them, they might very well make it by the end of the year.
Might stand on the stage with everyone else.
Less than a year remained.
"Hey Moon!"
Crisp dawn air, the light of the sun barely cresting over the horizon and none of its warmth reaching those gathered upon the Hau'oli Marina, cracked under the voice calling out. Reactions were quick – from Professor Kukui immediately and panickingly shushing Hau – to Kahili's eyes scanning the area for anyone to have reacted to the call – the morning thankfully as quiet as planned – to Lillie staring at the figure approaching.
Wait, really?
It was hard to tell anything about the one who approached.
In opposition to the usual bright colours Moon wore this outfit was muted. The long pants were a dark mono-colour, if not black close enough to look so from a distance. The shirt had a double layer, white trim under sea-blue fabric, mostly hidden by a darker blue jacket worn over it. It had taken just over three weeks for Moon to adapt to wearing light clothing that matched the Alolan weather, and now being up before the heat of the day forced her to dress far warmer.
The larger bag she carried, necessary supplies for her Akala journey stored within, would have to contain lighter wear for when the heat was out.
It was the hat that stood out most, wide-brimmed to match Lillie's own and covering Moon's face, a single orange flower accessory attached to it. When Moon did step aboard the boat the others had gathered upon, preparing to sneak off in the dawn before any attention could be drawn, Lillie gasped at what she saw.
"Oh Moon your hair!"
Moon's hair had changed. No longer tied in the ponytail her mother had once worn as well, now it was split into braids hanging behind her shoulders. Far more notably though, stunning to Lillie at the sight, was its new colour – as much an inversion from its previous black as Moon's outfit from her preferred vibrant colours. Moon raised her head just so to meet Lillie's eyes, a hand brushing strands of the caramel blonde away from her forehead. Lillie looked away, realising her staring had been rude.
Moon looked down, hat covering her face once more, as she moved on past.
"Okay we're casting off!" Kukui's call was for the group to be ready, the boat he owned now prepared to take the five aboard across the sea to Akala's shore. They'd be docking at Heahea City, meeting the Kahuna there, and continuing on their journeys. Kukui looked at Moon, who had gone to stand near to the stern. He sighed.
That just wasn't right.
The boat's engine hummed to life.
Three days. Three days of the world figuratively exploding around them. Kukui hadn't slept the night of the Grand Trial. He'd been musing on the day, caring for the Pokemon at his lab, and thinking perhaps about turning in when the call from his wife came in. Told him to check the news without delay.
And there it was, clear as day, Moon's name out there with all eyes upon it. Moon of the Alola Region, an eleven-year old girl with six Pokemon – some evolved, one a dragon, who could use two Z-Moves in a battle without showing a single sign of strain. Then the calls started. The emails. The knock on his door at one am in the morning.
It was bedlam.
Kahili lent a hand immediately, forewent her own sleep to fly Moon out of the area, to get her to the other side of Hau'oli where people were far less likely to look. Ilima took Moon in without question, his mansion house easily accommodating her, and proceeded to lie with a straight face to every reporter who'd asked if he'd seen her. Moon? No, not since the night of her Grand Trial. You're being a little bit aggressive though, aren't you? She's only eleven. Have some decorum, please.
It didn't help.
Eleven years old and the entire world wanted to see her. Wanted her to stand on a pedestal so they could ooh and aah at the mysterious Trainer who seemed to possess no limits. Kukui attempted de-escalation. Ilima attempted de-escalation. Kahili and Jewellery gave not a single kind word to those plying them for knowledge and Hala, oh, the Kahuna rampaged his way into the central news network of Alola to decry the treatment of this girl. Show some sensitivity!
But it wouldn't last. Moon was too much, too exciting, for any amount of pleading for sanity to work. There really was only one way she'd be able to face Akala. To continue on her Trials. The Moon the world knew would have to disappear.
Kukui turned and looked back at the girl again, as the waves of Alola's sea lapped at the boat coursing over them. Jewellery had agreed immediately: Moon needed to continue her journey. Because if she didn't, if she were forced to hide in one place because of who she was, it would do damage that couldn't be measured. And Jewellery would never allow that to pass, tear down anyone who tried to hurt her daughter, no matter what. Words couldn't describe how relieved Kukui was to be on the same side.
Still, there was a cost. To travel in any location filled with people Moon must be unrecognisable. Even Kukui hadn't realised it was her until she boarded, amazed by Hau's perception. He leaned forward, hearing that discussion playing out now. Lillie had approached the young man. Their voices carried back by the wind.
"How did you know that was Moon, Hau? I couldn't recognise her at all."
"Really? I could tell right away!"
"How?"
"Dunno, I just could."
Well that sounded about right for someone with instincts as sharp as Hau's. Kukui shook his head. Kahili, seated within the cabin, caught the motion.
"When you invited me to help prepare Alola for the League, I didn't expect this."
"Who did?" Kukui's exclamation came with slightly more exasperation than he'd intended. He'd been fielding a lot of people over the last few days. "Moon though, I hope she's alright." Kahili watched as Hau walked past the windows of the cabin, heading from bow to stern. Considered.
"I think things will work out."
"Hey Moon!" Moon started from her thoughts, leaning against the back of the boat and watching Melemele Island in the distance behind them, looking to Hau as he addressed her. "Come check out the front!"
No real resistance to having her arm tugged at, Moon allowed Hau to lead her up to the bow, the distant Akala Island growing closer with each passing second. Wind rushed past her face, blowing her hair back and threatening to dislodge her hat, if she didn't raise a hand to keep it in place. Looking to Lillie as she passed her by, Moon noticed she was looking back.
Tentatively, Lillie smiled at her.
"Come on, leave your hat with Lillie and come to the front!" Hau's badgering pushed Moon to remove the covering, Lillie accepting it and motioning for Moon to go forward. For as much as Hau enjoyed the wind racing over him, she preferred being just a little bit back from the water thank you very much.
At the front of the boat the wind was at its fullest, cold air blasting over Moon's face, her eyes widening as it washed over her. Hau grinned, taking another step forward to the very peak of the boat. Moon mirrored him.
"It's the best!" His voice, whipped by the wind, reached Moon and she looked to him, his wide smile at the air and the water and the light of the sun falling around him as untroubled as ever. It was a relaxing sight. "I can't wait til we get to Akala, to see all the new Pokemon and all the new places! That's a super-important part of the Island Challenge, y'know! Seeing all of Alola yourself!"
Moon considered that. She'd seen so much on Melemele already. Quiet winding paths through forest. Bustling city filled with people and Pokemon. Lush rolling grasslands, mossy caverns, mountaintops and tunnels leading down to the most beautiful water she'd ever seen. Totems and Tapu. The people and Pokemon she'd met.
It had been good. It had all been good.
"You excited?" Hau drew her eyes back to him, grinning at her, "Ready to do your next Trials?"
She was. She nodded back. Smiled and looked forward.
She was ready to go on.
It was mid-morning by the time the boat of Professor Kukui made landfall at the docks of Heahea City, capital of Akala Island. With his usual excitement Hau jumped from the boat, declaration of "land ahoy!" hilariously mistimed. Kukui chuckled at it as he and Kahili followed after.
"Oh Nebby!" Lillie failed to stop the Cosmog's escape from her bag, noises of complaint about being cooped up when so much fresh air had been flowing by being made. She stepped off of the boat, attempting to coax the Pokemon floating above her head to settle down.
Moon, oversized hat secured upon her head once more, followed last.
Land ahoy indeed.
"Yet to find a shirt that suits you, huh Kukui?"
The voice greeting the group prompted Lillie's panic, a much sharper whisper for Nebby to calm down and get back in her bag given off. Kukui rested a hand upon her shoulder. "Don't worry Lillie, she's in the know." Lillie looked up at Kukui with a glance of concern.
The woman approached with a smile.
She wore pink, the colour of Akala, darker in her short-cut pants and lighter in the halter-top over brown skin similar to Moon's own. Decorations adorned her neck, ankles and one wrist, the other clasped by a Z-Ring. Her dark hair and eyes bore similarity to Moon's own as well – before the disguise Moon had employed at least. Lillie stared at her in silence.
"Good to see you," she descended the stairs to the dock one step at a time, careful paces as her eyes swept over the group assembled. "I am Olivia, Kahuna of Akala Island. I'd like to welcome you to its shores."
"And I'm Mallow!" The second voice came from a younger girl, racing down the stairs far faster to dash past Olivia and up to the group. A pink flower set amongst long green hair, she brushed a hand through it, a smile wide on her face. As with most residents of Alola she had arms and legs uncovered in these hotter months, a faint teal pair of shorts and overalls worn over a pink shirt. "One of Akala Island's Captains!"
"So hey!" Bounding forward into the group, Mallow's eyes settled on the quiet Trainer at the back. Up close she could tell. "You're Moon, right?"
"Easy there Mallow." Kahuna Olivia's voice contained the slightest hint of command, enough for the Captain to leap back with an apology. Olivia shook her head. "We're very pleased to meet you both." She looked from Hau to Moon, the latter finally looking up to meet her eyes. She'd heard enough from Hala about the last few days. He'd been downright kind in the degree he'd held back upon those interested in Moon.
She would have been far more... enthusiastic... in letting those intruding know just how unwanted they were.
"Yeah!" Mallow nodded excitedly, "I can't wait for you to do my Trial! Both of you! It's going to be awesome!" The energy of the older teen girl enthused Hau, who immediately started attempting to question her about it, though Mallow quickly became quite dodgy about the specifics. No spoilers!
Lillie, a little overwhelmed by the energy of Mallow and the... presence... of Olivia, held Nebby close to her. Olivia studied the Nebula Pokemon. Interesting. Then turned her eyes to Moon, who'd kept quiet so far. The girl was always quiet, she'd been told, but there was a difference between quiet and withdrawn. She was fearful of standing out.
It really set Olivia's nerves aflame.
"Okay!" Clapping her hands shifted some energy, helped her refocus on what mattered. "The two of you little Trial-goers, Moon and Hau, are now tasked to overcome the three Trials of Akala Island. These Trials are elementally themed: Water, Fire, and Grass. The order you can do them in is up to you, but since the two of you have starter Pokemon..."
"I'll do the Fire Trial!" Hau's hand shot up a bare instant before he announced himself, bouncing on his feet, ready to go. Olivia smiled at his energy. Good. She liked that.
"And you?"
Moon was quieter in expressing interest in the Water Trial, her starter Pokemon best suited to it. A Dartrix, an evolved Rowlet, Olivia knew. Beyond ahead of schedule. Perhaps impossibly so. But it would find challenges too.
The Captain at Brooklet Hill wasn't the type to let anyone have it easy.
"Aww," Mallow kicked at the ground, "that's no fair that no-one wants to do my Trial first." Olivia smiled at that too. Mallow had been filled with intense excitement about the upcoming Trainers ever since the video went out. She wanted to do her absolute very best for them both. A good Captain. A good person too.
"Well," Olivia found Mallow staring at her with starry eyes as soon as she began, "Hau and Moon will need introductions to Captain Kiawe and Captain Lana. Why don't you take them to Paniola Town, and then Moon on to Brooklet Hill?"
"Oh yes!" Mallow bounced, nodding rapidly, her pace exhausting. She whirled on the others. "Happy to be working with you," a quick salute, "I'll show you all the best of the best on the way to Paniola and beyond! The farms there produce some of the tastiest ingredients in Alola! I can make you something amazing!"
Kukui smiled, happy with the arrangement as Hau immediately started cheering at the prospect of good food. That'd help those two get back into their pace.
"Okay then you two," drawing their attention back, Kukui flashed them a grin. "How about you spend today checking out Heahea City, and then tomorrow you can head off with Captain Mallow? Sound good?" He needed to get the pair, Moon specifically, to his wife's lab before the day ended anyway. Three more emails since the first contact from Juniper had grown more playfully threatening each time.
He wasn't ready for the playfulness to drop.
"One moment, Kukui." Olivia stepped forward, voice dropping just a little. Serious time. Kukui looked at her in surprise. Mallow and Kahili moved up to complete the square. A different topic entirely.
"Okay Moon!" Outside the discussion, Hau found his energy peaking. Now that a plan was in mind, he needed to get out and run! He pointed out into the city proper. "Let's go exploring! We can check out all of Heahea if we go now! Let's move!" He didn't even wait for her to respond before dashing off, setting a pace that had to be followed.
Moon spent a moment, looking back at the group, and caught Lillie's eyes. She was hovering closer to the others, intending to go with Kukui to visit Professor Burnet. But she also waved to Moon.
"Go ahead," she called as those behind her spoke, "we'll catch up!"
Moon spent a moment more before turning and dashing after Hau. Out into the city.
Back to the other conversation.
"I received word from Captain Mina," Olivia spoke with a voice so grave Kukui felt his heart sink. Oh. He knew what that must mean. "Kahuna Koa's health has turned. His family and Tapu Fini are on vigil. They're saying he doesn't have long left."
"I see." Kukui spoke with a tone few rarely heard, lost of all his natural enthusiasm. Though Kahuna Koa's health had been in decline for some few years now, he'd been as jovial as ever in talks, and given the impression of still going fine even when Kukui had last spoken to him. He'd known the Kahuna for as long as he could remember. Looked up to him. He breathed out a sigh.
"That's part of why I came to meet you," Olivia shook her head, "I want to borrow your boat. We should head to Poni Island and see him. Kahuna Hala and Nanu are heading there too."
"Right," Kukui nodded, agreeing without question, "yeah, we'll head off. Kahili, can you-" and only now did Kukui see that beyond the group of four was only Lillie, whispering thanks and reassurances to Nebby in her bag that she'd let them out again as soon as she could. A muffled 'pew' answered back.
"Uh, where are Hau and Moon?"
"They went to explore," Lillie answered simply, Kukui's slight frown dislodged from his face with a shake of his head. He nodded again.
"Okay then, Kahili, can you take Lillie to the Dimensional Research Lab to see my wife? I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Of course," Kahili moved over to Lillie, "Please give Kahuna Koa my regards. And..." for a moment Kahili stumbled on the words. Faced away from the others so that she could say it. "My farewell."
"...right."
The sight of the boat departing the docks once more drew from Kahili a sigh. Lillie looked up to her.
"I wonder," Lillie's words were paced, deep with thought as she spoke, "how Kahuna Koa's family are doing. Losing a family member can be..." a long pause, "damaging."
Kahili looked at Lillie. Heard enough to make a well educated guess. It wasn't like she knew but... some things were obvious just hearing them. She shook her head. "In Alola we all work together to hold one another up. Share joy and suffering both. No matter how hard it is, we will always have others who are there for us. That's what it means to be a part of Alola. They will make it through."
Lillie looked back to the boat in the distance. Being a part of Alola, huh.
Three groups went in three separate directions from the docks of Heahea.
Upon his boat Professor Kukui headed west, Kahuna Olivia with him on their way to Poni Island. Their discussion wavered, from the situation with Kahuna Koa, to the work Kukui had done so far with the League, to the two young Trainers that had alighted upon the shores of Akala that morning. So many things to be aware of and to face. Olivia commiserated Kukui's exhaustion. He really was giving it everything he had. He appreciated her understanding just how much it was to handle.
It really was almost too much for any one man.
Heading east across Heahea City, Kahili led Lillie, Captain Mallow walking with them and plying the older legendary trainer with questions. Yet word of trouble within the city, the presence of Team Skull more active today than those few past, drew Mallow away, requiring her to see to her duty and chase the local boneheads out. Left to their lonesome, Kahili and Lillie continued on to the Dimensional Research Lab and the awaiting Professor Burnet. It would be good to see her once more.
Dashing through the city every which way to hear every rumour, sample every food, see every store and person and Pokemon, Hau led Moon on a whirlwind tour. His laughs brought smiles. His indication of things of interest turned Moon's eyes to them. His energy kept her focused. And the two raced on.
An hour passed by before they slowed, dropping their wandering to get food instead. Hau's natural instinct for wherever malasada could be found came in handy, the two each acquiring some. Enjoying it. Slight whispers, identification of Hau at least, lurked about the periphery, but the two children found themselves unapproached for the moment. Other whispers in the town coming to ear instead.
"Did you hear Team Skull has been seen in the north of the town?"
"Ugh, yes. They've been skulking around Heahea City for too long as it is, but now to be so brazen?"
"I was hoping the Kahuna would chase them out but I haven't seen her today."
"Captain Mallow has been helping but there's simple so many of the thugs!"
"Is there really no-one else who can help?"
"No-one at all?"
Hau, finishing his malasada, gave Moon a grin.
"Hey Moon," she looked at him with curiosity, following the slight tilt of his head to the roads leading north, "Why don't we go check that out? If we find Team Skull we can show 'em who's boss, ya?"
Moon considered for a moment. The words 'dumb hat' floated through her head alongside the remembrance that her most visible trademark was not on her person, as flashy and obvious as the Rotom-dex sequestered within her bag. She nodded at Hau with a look most intent.
It would be good to bust some skulls.
Heahea City was different from Hau'oli, built not nearly as tall, nor as wide. But the roads stretched long, and the population along them was dense. Racing ahead Hau briefly lost Moon, who wandered at a slightly slower pace. It was good to see who was about. Ride Pokemon on the roads. Stalls selling all manner of product. People in discussion. And no-one looking at her at all.
She continued on.
"Oh, excuse me! Please consider helping development of a new region in the Alola Islands? Please excuse me! Could I talk to you about the Poke Pelago? Can I- nevermind."
A voice calling for attention drew Moon's eyes to a stall, a hastily assembled structure of wooden boards with 'Poke Pelago Island Development' written across it. Standing behind the stall was a man in a white shirt and wide straw hat, heavily built body toned from field work. The hair peeking out from beneath his hat was light blonde, and reminded Moon of Lillie. She approached him.
"Oh, hello young lady." His voice was despondent, tired after hours of being ignored by all passing him by. "I don't suppose you'd like to hear about the Poke Pelago?"
Moon's nod restored life to his eyes in an instant. He straightened up and launched into his pitch.
"The Poke Pelago is a series of small islands to the north-east of Akala," he gestured as he spoke, enthusiasm in his voice, "and a future haven for Pokemon! I'm working to develop it into the ultimate place of rest for Pokemon, and am seeking people willing to lend their Pokemon to the effort! Just one Pokemon would make a world of difference and, well," his speech teetered off, the man slumping back down upon his stand, "I guess asking you wouldn't really help, would it? I mean, you'd only have one Pokemon."
Moon shook her head. The man looked at her and was surprised by the intensity she looked back with. Really?
"Uhm, do you mean that? You'd be willing to let me borrow a Pokemon to help develop the islands? Should I... speak to your parents? I, uhm, oh forgive my manners I didn't even introduce myself. My name is Mohn, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Moon considered a moment before giving her name. Made sure no-one was listening in. She watched the eyes of the man widen for a second. Then focus.
"I see."
There was a moment of silence between the pair, Moon waiting for his reaction, Mohn considering. Then he shuffled with a pocket and withdrew an item. It might just be worth a shot.
"This is a Ride Pager," he held it out to Moon, who took and examined the small machine in curiosity. It was white, with a golden symbol embossed upon it – a stylised trident by appearance. Moon considered it. Mohn explained. "It's used to summon a Ride Pokemon – a Charizard, specifically. Unlike regular Ride Pokemon, that Charizard will only fly you between your current location and the Poke Pelago, but it will always take you back as well. You can use it to come and go whenever you want."
A personal Ride Pokemon? Moon looked at Mohn to make sure he was sure. He nodded.
"I owe you this much for believing in me. I can find my own way back to the Poke Pelago by boat, come by in a few hours and I'll show you the place – you can decide if you want to help me then!" Moon nodded. Placed the Ride Pager within her bag. Mohn smiled. "I'm really dedicated to this, to creating a place Pokemon can be free and safe. I can't wait for you to see it! And to make my dream come true!"
She would. Taking her leave, Moon considered. Maybe. Just maybe...
"Oh Moon!" A voice she knew drew Moon's attention, Lillie appearing behind her. She smiled to her and Lillie smiled back. The interaction relieved each. Without thinking Moon ran a hand through her now blonde-brown hair. Lillie didn't miss seeing it. "I'm sorry." Moon's attempts to refute her apology failing, Lillie insisted upon giving it. "You've... been through a lot, haven't you?" Another moment of seeing in Moon's body language something the girl never said with words. Lillie shook her head and indicated the way. "Shall we?"
Making her own way forward, Lillie took the lead, Moon following after. She turned, just once, to see the stall Mohn had been in empty now, the man having taken off for the docks as fast as he could. She'd follow up on that later.
It might just be everything.
"I was..." Lillie spoke as they walked, looking down the road at the building towering in the distance, "heading to the Tide Song Hotel. There's someone I wanted to meet there... someone very important to me." When Moon looked at her in interest, Lillie shook her head. Refocused. "But I wanted to tell you!" She looked back at Moon, "about Tapu Lele."
A distant crack of thunder in Moon's memories surfaced. She tilted her head.
"Tapu Lele is the guardian deity of Akala Island, just like Tapu Koko is of Melemele," Lillie continued, running a hand over the bag she carried to calm Nebby within. "It's said to live in the Ruins of Life, to the south of the island. I can't go there on my own but... I hope to visit when Professor Kukui and Ms. Kahili make their way down there. To help Nebby get home I need to learn more about those Ruins. That's what Nebby told me."
Moon smiled at that. Lillie didn't realise why.
"And if... if you happen to make it there as well," Lillie glanced away, fidgeting with the strap of her bag, "I'd like it if you could come with me too. Please."
Moon waited for Lillie to look back at her before nodding with a smile. She would. Lillie smiled back.
The two continued on.
Ahead at the Tide Song Hotel they broke apart, Moon hearing rumours about a battle with Team Skull reminding her she'd lost Hau, Lillie seeming uneasy at the mention of the group. She insisted she'd be fine to meet up with the person she was waiting for here, then come find Moon and Hau after. Moon nodded to her and headed off.
To the edge of Heahea City where a Pokemon battle was just concluding.
"Hmph," the victor closed his Pokeball, the one green eye visible beneath his crop of blonde hair narrowed at Hau, "and here I thought you might actually give me a fight."
"Seriously!" Hau remained jovial, "You're super-strong! Why're you with Team Skull? You should be doing your Island Challenge like us!"
"Don't act like you understand me," the voice of the boy was derisive, as cutting as the red slash stitched into his jacket."I don't intend on taking advice from Trainers who aren't even trying to win. What were you even doing?"
"Just having a good time?" Hau shrugged, "When you're battling you've gotta enjoy yourself! Otherwise what's the point?"
"That's pointless," the blonde shook his head, "all that matters is growing strong. Wasting your time not even trying... I have no interest in it."
Moon's approaching footsteps drew attention. The blonde boy looked up at her, eye-contact between them filling Moon with a third wave of deja-vu. She wondered why. Then Hau turned to see her.
"Oh hey Moon!" He waved without a care, "Come check this Trainer out! I saw him ordering Team Skull around and then we had a battle – he's seriously strong! Like seriously!"
The boy's eye narrowed further.
"Moon..." he said her name just so to show he clearly knew what it meant, "so you're the one." Coming to a stop, Moon stared him down, posture cold. He smiled and there was no warmth in it either. "My name is Gladion. Battle me and my partner. You, at least, should help us grow."
Hau jumped back. "Get 'em Moon!" She nodded.
Withdrew a Pokeball as Gladion raised his own.
At the edge of Heahea City, especially with the rumour of Team Skull's presence, the number of people was significantly reduced. Still some did lurk at the edges, and perked up seeing a second Pokemon battle begin. The last one had been exciting. This one would be too.
Moon chose her Meowth, back with her after her Grand Trial's conclusion. Pokemon that she hadn't used in her Grand Trial were best now, making it harder still to identify her. Dartrix and Bagon remained with her but she'd avoid using them as best she could.
She desired no attention at all.
"I hope you're ready." Gladion clutched his wrist, steadying his shakiness before unleashing the Pokeball. It opened to release the Pokemon within.
It stood taller than Gladion, taller than Moon, honestly taller than most anyone she'd seen. It was strange, a fin-tail but four clawed feet, a mane and crest of grey locked down by bronze metal. Silver eyes stared out from slits in the construct wrapping its head. Gladion gave the order, tightening the muscles in his leg to keep the shaking from growing. It was time to fight.
"Null, go forward!"
Moon gave an order, a command for her Meowth to dodge, moments before the Pokemon Null with speed far more than its size implied slammed into and sent the Scratch Cat flying. Its landing was hard, the Pokemon slowly returning to its feet, before Null rammed it again. It didn't stand a second time. Moon called it back.
"Really?" Gladion huffed the word, chest heaving. "That's the best you've got? You? What are you doing?"
Moon stayed silent and unleashed her second choice.
"Null go!"
A heavy thud was the helmeted Pokemon's head meeting that of a Pokemon smaller but no less determined – Furfrou, the poodle Pokemon, pushing back against its attacker. Gladion smiled at this, a muscle in his face twinging when he did. Ugh. Still not enough.
Moon gave sharp orders, Hau watching the battle and considering how different she sounded within it. The Furfrou's natural resilience let it fight, and it beat back Null, before the larger Pokemon pushed it down again. The difference in strength was still far too much.
Moon pushed the Normalium-Z into her Z-Ring and performed its pose.
"Null! Crush it!"
As the Z-Aura transferred from Moon to the Furfrou, the Pokemon's fur shining blindingly white, Null tensed and flexed, its forepaws expanding in size as power flowed through it. Breakneck Blitz, a tackle filled with Z-Power, surged towards Null and struck it head on, the Pokemon making no move to dodge.
Every move to counter.
When the Z-Aura faded away, light disappearing into nothingness, Moon stared, her Pokemon pinned under the claw of the one opposing. Null roared, the noise muted within its sealing helmet, the metal rattling as it shook its head from side to side. Gladion was breathing heavily.
"Z-Moves," he pushed out the word with scorn, "can't compare to Null. Don't think using one means you've won anything. Now why don't you really show me what you're worth."
Moon called back Furfrou. Unleashed her third.
Gladion's preparation to attack the Inkay, which wouldn't be able to dodge Null's speed, came to naught as it did just that, stunning him just long enough for the illusion-clad Zorua to score a dark-infused blow to Null's side. The immediate reaction of the far-stronger Pokemon, flexing its muscular frame and blowing Zorua back, dispelled the illusion and allowed Gladion to understand. So that was it.
"If you're just going to play tricks," ignoring Hau's 'hey are you okay' through gritted teeth, Gladion swept an arm through the air, "you won't do a thing." Null lunged again, this time prepared for superior speed. Zorua dodged, was pursued, and a heavy head slammed down upon it. Moon quickly called it back. Gladion showed teeth. "You're not doing nearly well enough."
Dartrix emerged from a jet of red light.
Hau, watching the battle, heard the voices around them now identify the Pokemon. Glanced at Moon in concern. She wasn't paying attention. Was focused only on the fight. Gladion was swaying, knee momentarily bowing before he shook his head and straightened back up, giving another order to Null. But the gaps between his response time were growing wider, and Moon's orders to her Pokemon remained as sharp as ever. The speed of Dartrix wasn't something the larger Pokemon could keep pace with. Time and time again it failed to land attacks and each time Moon made sure Dartrix landed its.
Gladion, vision wavering, clamped his eyes and grit his teeth as he raised the Pokeball he held. So this was as far as he could go.
The end of the battle was anticlimactic. With Null called back Gladion forfeited, breathing heavily and staring through narrowed eyes. Moon stared him down.
"I may..." he panted, exhaustion at maintaining the incredibly powerful Pokemon clear, "have lost here, but that's only because... I wasn't strong enough. We'll fight again. And I'll beat you." When he took a step back he nearly tripped and fell. Hau raced to him.
"Hey, come on," the picture of concern, Hau held out a hand, "do you need help? Let us-"
"I don't-" Gladion wrenched his arm away from Hau, nearly falling again as he stumbled to the edge of the city, "need help from you. Someone who doesn't even bother trying to use their full power, who just takes it easy and accepts being weak. Who doesn't even care. You're pathetic. Compared to her."
Hau fell silent. Gladion struggled on.
"Hmph. And here I was... supposed to meet someone... ha... she'll be upset at me... for this..."
Left alone Gladion made his way to the city's edge, disappearing into the tree-lined path beyond. Hau watched him go.
Moon turned her head to see the crowd of people gathered nearby.
"'scuse me! 'scuse me! Make way make way!"
"Beautiful lady coming through!"
The crowd, beginning to approach what they were sure now was the mysterious Trainer Moon, were quickly broken apart as two voices and their owners shoved their way through, two figures stumbling out in front. Immediately they swung back on the group. Hands to hips.
"Hi there, you know it's rude to stare, right?"
"Yep!" The black-haired woman agreed with the man, raising a hand to lower the sunglasses over her face just a little. "If you want to meet a Pokemon Trainer, we'll be happy to give you all a battle."
"I'm all ready to go now that I'm off that plane!" The man raised an ultra-ball, giving it a little shake. "Who wants some?"
Quickly breaking apart, the crowd scattered away from the rowdy trainers. Moon watched as each extended a fist to the other and tapped them together. Before they rounded on her.
"Ah ha ha!" The man lifted a sun-hat to reveal a crop of brown hair, flipping off his sunglasses and slotting them into his yellow Alolan Exeggutor-print shirt. "We didn't meant to surprise you so sorry about that. The name's Dexio!"
"And I'm Sina! A beautiful name for a beautiful lady!" The woman wore a shirt similar to Moon's, though it was white over black compared to her blue over white. Moon blinked, staring at their wrists. Z-Rings? No...
"And we are-"
"We are-"
Each struck a pose.
"On vacation!"
Silence reigned. Hau walked up beside Moon to stare as well. The two held their pose just a little bit longer.
Then straightened back up.
"Ahem," Dexio coughed, "actually we're Pokemon researchers! We work with Professor Sycamore in the Kalos Region."
"We're here in Alola learning about its culture and Z-Moves," Sina nodded, "and it'd be great to talk to some trainers doing their Island Challenge."
"Honestly I'd love to battle you," Dexio spun the ultra-ball he'd shown before on a finger, "but after the fight you just had I think you'd probably rather get some rest."
"You saw that?" Hau's question was met with a nod. Sina smiled at him.
"You did well!" She clapped her hands together, "Way better than I would have at your age."
"You're both skilled young Trainers!" Dexio nodded, "I can tell. You know how strong Trainers can recognise each other? I can definitely see you're both full of potential! You should be proud."
The double-punch of compliments helped Hau perk back up a bit. He smiled. "You hear that Moon?" He nudged her with an arm, "We're really cool!"
"Moon," when Dexio said her name, Moon's eyes shot to him, hearing recognition in the tone. She took a step backwards.
"Ah wait wait wait!" Sina held up her hands, taking steps forward at the same pace Moon took them backwards, "We're not weird or anything! But we did want to talk to you! It's important, please hear us out!"
Hau stepped back to stand by Moon, who stopped once he was by her. Sina lowered her hands. Dexio stepped forward.
"See in the Kalos Region," Dexio held up his arm, showing the ring around his wrist to the pair. There was a small jewel affixed within it, "we have this thing called Mega Evolution. Have you heard of it?"
Moon nodded and Hau shook his head. Dexio grinned.
"So Mega Evolution is kind of like a Z-Move, but instead of your Pokemon doing a powerful attack instead it turns into a muuuu-," spreading his arms out as he held the word, Dexio smiled as Sina joined him, holding out her arms as well, "-uuuuch stronger Pokemon! For a little while, at least."
Hau's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's so cool! How does it work?"
"Well," Sina held out her arm, allowing Hau and Moon to inspect the ring up close, "You have to have a Key Stone to help Pokemon Mega Evolve, and then your Pokemon has to hold the right Mega Stone too."
Hau tilted his head. "Mega Stone?"
"That's right!" Dexio nodded, "You need the right Mega Stone to make the right Pokemon Mega Evolve. Not every Pokemon has a Mega Evolution, but more Mega Stones are being found all the time, so maybe one you have now will be able to Mega Evolve one day!"
Hau nodded with excitement. That was so cool.
"So we've been studying Mega Evolution, and how it interplays with Z-Moves!" Sina's words drew both Moon and Hau's eyes to her, each's interest now well and truly piqued. She smiled at the sight. Such curious children. How wonderful.
"And that includes working with Ms. Kahili Hano herself!" Dexio grinned, the two young ones' heads swinging back to look at him instead. They were enthralled now. Good. "She helped us test Mega Evolution and Z-Moves, and it helped us understand a lot more about them. She really did us a huge favour by lending a hand."
Curiosity now driving him, Hau had to know. "What happened?"
"So here's the thing!" Sina announced the results, performing a Z-Pose neither Moon nor Hau recognised. "When you do a Z-Move, it puts as much power into your Pokemon as it can, leaving you all tired out and bleary, bleh."
"And the same with Mega Evolution," Dexio continued, the two pinging from one to the other. "It takes a huge amount of power from the Trainer, and so you can't do it twice without rest. It's just too exhausting to keep up beyond that."
"The best Trainers can reduce the amount of time between their Z-Moves and their Mega Evolutions, but there's still a limit that we know of." Sina. "Which is part of why a Z-Move performed by a Mega Evolved Pokemon has never been seen! Even Ms. Kahili wasn't able to – she raised a Pidgeot in the Kalos Region, and learned to Mega Evolve it, but couldn't perform a Z-Move while it was in that state. It's the same as when you try to do two Z-Moves, or two Mega Evolutions, you just fizzle out! Poof!" She waved her hands indicating the cloud of exhaustion that came off of Trainers run dry by the powers they could provide.
"But we still got to test a lot with her, about the energy Mega Evolution and Z-Moves create. They're different, but similar, and maybe incompatible? But we just don't know. Cause trying to do them together is the same as trying to do either of them twice."
Dexio's pointed look at Moon after saying that did not go unseen. Hau caught it as well, glancing at the girl by his side. "Uhh..."
"A gift!" Fumbling with his bag, Dexio failed to find what he was looking for before Sina stuck her hand into it and pulled out a pendant with a small rainbow orb affixed within it. Offered it to Moon instead.
"This is a Key Stone!" Holding it out to Moon, Sina jiggled the chain a little until the young Trainer warily reached up and took hold of it. Dexio held out a larger stone.
"And this is a Salamencite, a Mega Stone for Salamence!" Hau was looking from Dexio to Moon, unsure as to the gifts being given so freely. Moon stared at the orb. There was a feeling to it, like it was sparking. Kind of but not quite like a Z-Crystal. She held out a hand. The orb felt heavy within it. Her fingers closed around it.
"Alright!" Dexio clapped, "now you're a Trainer who can Mega Evolve! Once you have a Salamence, just give it that Salamencite and wish with all your heart through your Key Stone. You and your Pokemon working together, wishing together, that's how you'll become even stronger!"
"And Hau!" Sina didn't make any mention of how she already knew Hau's name, "if you get a Pokemon that can Mega Evolve, we'll give you a Stone too. We're going to be here for the Pokemon League, so you've got plenty of time. Hey you might even battle us there!"
"Oh cool!" Distracted from his thoughts Hau nodded, excited at the thought of his own Mega Evolution. "Okay I'll let you know! Uh, if I find a Pokemon that can Mega Evolve? How do I know that?"
"Just check in with us next time you see us, we'll be around." Dexio gave a pose ending in an elaborate thumbs up. Sina positioned herself to fit into it and put up her own next to his.
"Okay then," Dexio nodded, "it was nice meeting the two of you. Good luck on your Island Challenges!" Hau nodded and waved. Moon gave one less enthusiastic, still kind of thrown out by the two Trainers who had approached her and given such gifts unprompted. Dexio and Sina took off. Contact made.
But even still.
"Hey," Dexio shifted an arm, nudged his elbow against Sina as they walked, "pretty crazy huh?"
"Yeah," Sina nodded back, rubbing the arm for show more than Dexio having done anything. "Just looking at her feels like running into a brick wall. Anyone practised enough to have the sense is gonna know who she is the moment they see her."
Dexio chuckled, continuing to roll the ultra-ball between his hands. "And you say that without having a single Psychic-type on you. Because apparently biases are for chumps."
"I like Ice-types," Sina stuck her tongue out at her partner. "And you are a chump."
"Guilty as charged."
Technically, she hadn't lost three children in Heahea City's limits. That was what Kahili Hano reminded herself of as she entered the Pokemon Center on the north side of the city, hoping to find even one of the trio. She'd accepted Hau and Moon had gone exploring. She'd had Lillie with her when visiting Professo Burnet and both Kahili and Burnet had agreed it was fine for Lillie to head to the Tide Song Hotel.
The fact Kahili had enacted no follow-up plans whatsoever to find the three didn't mean she'd lost them, per se.
She just felt like she had.
"Oh hey! Ms. Kahili!" The voice of Hau served as relief, Kahili spotting him and then Lillie with him a moment later. If the two hadn't met up by coincidence exploring the city, likely one had stopped in at this Pokemon Center to find the other already there. She approached them hoping to see one more lurking nearby.
No such luck.
"How have you two been today? And have you seen..." she paused for a second, considering the busyness of the Pokemon Center. Some eyes were on her now. She was notable, after all. "Your third?"
"She went out," Hau shrugged, "I think she wanted to find somewhere a little quieter."
Hmm. Moon wasn't the type who'd be in any danger wandering on her own, especially not with the Pokemon she had, but Kahili still couldn't help but entertain some doubts. Hopefully it wouldn't be long before she returned.
"So hey!" Hau's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing Kahili's eyes back to him. Lillie, sitting at the same table, had her bag across her lap and was running a hand over it. Hau grinned. "Can you tell us about your Mega Pidgeot?"
A moment of surprise before Kahili felt herself smile. Well... she pulled out a chair and sat down.
"You've done your research," memories of her time in Kalos, the path that led her to take part in its League, floated up from within her head. It had been good. "She's not with me now though I'm afraid." A moment of concern on Hau's face and horror on Lillie's made Kahili realise just how poorly she'd phrased that. She quickly waved her hands. "No no, not like that-" the two calmed, "just that I left her with a friend I made in Kalos. Something of a promise to the both of them, that I'd come back no matter what."
Lillie's look of intense focus upon the legendary Trainer she'd grown up following the exploits of showed she simply had to hear more. Kahili smiled.
"I guess I'll tell you about her."
Wind whipped across Moon's face as the Charizard she rode atop the back of flew through the orange afternoon skies of Alola. As soon as she was beyond the city's limits, wishing to avoid attention in the act she was undertaking, she'd used the Ride Pager, released the Flame Pokemon in much the same way she would from a Pokeball. Once boarded, it took off into the sky.
Soaring out over Akala, winding her way past the massive volcano towering up from its centre, Moon made her way to the north-east, across the land and then out over the ocean. It took time, the Charizard following a straight line to its destination, but soon enough a small set of islands nestled amongst the waves resolved into shape.
Until the Poke Pelago came into view.
Mohn, having arrived back by boat slightly earlier, jumped in surprise at the roar of the Charizard. Was she really... yes she was! He waved enthusiastically to Moon as the Ride Pokemon came in for a landing, the young girl almost tumbling off of it. Mohn smiled at her. She seemed slightly harried. But she was here! How wonderful!
"Welcome to the Poke Pelago!" Mohn spread his arms wide, indicating for Moon to look around. She considered it. Flat land for the most part. Dense growing vegetables. A giant tree-like vine growing out overhead. The place was rather... "It's a bit rough, I'll admit."
Mohn, despite lost memories he wasn't worrying about, had retained quite a significant degree of his abilities. The solar panel and network array he'd set up allowed the PC he'd found to function, connecting him to the Pokemon Storage System, but the real crowning jewel of the setup was the hack he'd installed upon it.
By tradition, once keyed to a Pokemon Trainer's registration, the Pokemon Storage System automatically stored Pokemon beyond a Trainer's sixth. It was for safety reasons, as having more than six Pokemon caused any Trainer to quickly lose control of them, their Trainer's Bonds decaying under the stress of managing that number. It still wasn't understood why six was the hard limit. But it was. And the system had been built to handle that.
Mohn had disabled that check entirely.
"So in the Poke Pelago," he instructed Moon, showing her the computer, "you can leave Pokemon you've caught to help out. Once you're far enough away the Trainer's Bonds between people and Pokemon fade, so if you leave one Pokemon here you can go back to Alola proper and then withdraw another from your account!"
Mohn smiled, pleased with the setup he'd created. "This way, many people can contribute to the development of the Poke Pelago, each of them leaving a Pokemon or two while not affecting their team. I know it seems like a huge task, especially with not many people having shown interest yet, but I'm sure that with time I'll be able to get plenty of Trainers' attention! Then with everyone's Pokemon working together, the Poke Pelago will become-"
Mohn's spiel fell on deaf ears, Moon's attention focused on the PC. One by one she had selected each Pokemon she had caught, activating their retrieval. One by one each Pokeball opened, the Pokemon within free to stretch and stand before their Trainer. It took only a few minutes to empty her account entirely. To be surrounded by Pokemon caught by her.
Pokemon bound to her.
Mohn had not a shred of the necessary experience, at least not remembered, to be able to sense a Trainer's Bonds. Looking at Moon, she looked like just an ordinary girl to him. But the sight of her surrounded by some dozen-odd Pokemon, each of them looking at her like she was the world and she showing only happiness in their presence, that sight still reached him.
Well... maybe he wouldn't need to ask anyone else for help with the Poke Pelago after all.
Moon spent the remainder of the day here. Night falling in Heahea did not see her return, and unaware of the stress she was creating Moon continued happily on. Helped her Pokemon work with Mohn, get used to following his directions, and begin development of the island. Though Mohn offered her his house, the shack he'd constructed as a place one could sleep the night, she didn't need it. Her Pokemon all curled around her when it was time and Moon slept soundly amongst them. Safe and at peace.
The auto-release timer, forcing her to juggle her Pokemon, weighed no more. They had a place. And while it was fully believed all Trainer's Bonds would decay with distance, no understanding or belief applied to her. She'd leave that morning and they'd remain bound to her.
Every Pokemon left here would.
So yes, this was perfect indeed.
There was nothing left to hold her back.