Huh, this is one of my shortest chapters in a while…still vital to have happen, though. I hope you'll all enjoy Chapter 14!

Chapter 14

A Departure

"Hey, bring that pile of timber over here!"

"We're on it!" Clemont looked up at the call, seeing Ash and Hau approaching him from near one of the houses. Both of them were busy practically flexing their muscles at one another, as though testing each other. Their Pokémon were, at the very least, competing with one another. Pikachu and Pipi were running around digging new gardens with their tails for the townsfolk while Dartrix and Hau's Torracat were racing to see who could sprinkle the gardens with water the fastest.

"Hey, Clemont, we're ready!" Ash called out, waving his hand. Clemont smiled, pushing his glasses up on his face with a chuckle. "The townsfolk need the lumber up the hill."

"Fear not, Ash. The future is now thanks to science! Clemontic Gear on!" Clemont announced, whipping a white sheet off his latest creation, stationed at the bottom of the slope that was the road through Iki Town. "With my newest machine, the Lumber Lifter, I can hand you large amounts of timber for you to carry up the slope in no time."

"Awesome!" Hau exclaimed, his eyes wide and his mouth drooling a little bit. Clemont had to admit that it was nice to see someone so interested in his creations, but he was almost certain that Hau was really just hungry for some malasadas. The boy hadn't eaten all morning, and he and Ash had been working quite a bit. They all had been doing so in the wake of the damage done to Iki Town. It wasn't too substantial, but enough that Hala had said they should all wait until the following morning to even think about fixing it up.

"And here we go," Clemont demonstrated, pushing a button on his remote control. The machine started up, reaching over with a mechanical hand that shot twine around a stack of lumber and planks before using the hand to lift it upwards, just high enough for Ash and Hau to get underneath either end of it and lift it up easily. Seeing it happen, other townsfolk began making their way over to help out, and soon, the blond inventor saw his Lumber Lifter working at maximum speed. Best of all: it wasn't even blowing up.

"We've got snacks!" Serena's voice called from up the hill after Ash and Hau had taken their third load of lumber up to specific spots. That clearly designated a break time for everyone in the town. Most returned to their homes, but Clemont chose to make the long and exhausting trek up the hill to Hala's house, Luxray somewhat supporting him.

Ash and Hau were quick to make their way inside the Kahuna's house, but Clemont dawdled a little longer. Part of it was due to his usual poor stamina, but the other part had to do with the feelings gnawing away at his chest…feelings no doubt shared by Luxray and Grubbin, somehow. The former was a little harder to tell; only their long time together and the bristling of his fur indicated that Luxray's pride had been hurt. Grubbin was more obvious, as the little bug hadn't gnawed on any of Clemont's machines for almost twenty-four hours. Clemont heaved a sigh, patting his sweaty hands on his shorts and pushing the issue away, replacing it with a smile as he entered into the house.

"Wow, these malasadas are amazing, Serena!" Hau's voice was heard before being followed by a snarfing noise as the boy consumed them.

"Didn't I tell you, Hau! Sherena ish shomeshing elshe!" Ash responded, his own mouth full.

"Ash…" Serena called in her scolding tone; one that even Clemont shuddered from. He continued walking forward in time for Serena to change back over to her usual sweet tone. As he did, he saw Ash swallowing apologetically. "I'm not the only one who made them. Lillie helped me out quite a bit."

"I don't know about that," Lillie admitted. She was sitting on a couch, her leg resting nicely. The swelling from her ankle had certainly gone down and she was ready to start walking again, but Clemont wanted to make sure she didn't overstress it. "I just did little odds and ends. I don't exactly feel very helpful…"

"Hey, don't talk that way, Lillie," Hau encouraged her, flashing his smile across to the girl. "If you made them, then I'm sure you helped no matter what. And they're delicious! I could eat these all day…"

"So could I, but then it'd take away from training, right Pikachu?"

"Pika!" Pikachu said, some slight jelly smeared across his face. Pipi was no different, the two sharing a laugh at the look on the other's face. Hau flopped back on the couch, sighing in content. Clemont smiled softly at the scene, his mind starting to become content in all of their presences. Even if Bonnie slid through the room like a madwoman.

"Dartrix, Torracat, stop it!" she scolded the owl and cat, who were busy tugging at a malasada between them. Rotom was floating around them gleefully.

"In one corner, Rotom sees Dartrix, the Blade Quill Pokémon and master of projectiles," it was saying enthusiastically, having regained much of its spark from before the Team Skull assault. "In the other, Torracat, the evolved form of Litten. Which will win this-mmph!"

"You are not helping," Bonnie said, scolding the talking Pokédex. In the midst of her distraction, Dartrix's wing snapped out, lightly tapping Torracat and allowing him to consume the malasada. Torracat growled at him, but the Grass type simply preened at his hair smugly. "Oh, Clemont, you're here."

"Yeah, sorry. It always takes me a while," Clemont laughed out. He noticed a single malasada left on the table, but didn't bank on it. Seeing as Chespin popped out a moment later to take it, he was glad he hadn't. Serena just sighed and shook her head, moving to sit on the armrest of the chair that Ash was occupying. Clemont took the only remaining seat, sitting back and enjoying the comfort of sitting again.

"Ah, good to see you're all here," boomed Hala's voice across his living room. Hau waved lazily, not being bothered to move, while Ash turned in the Kahuna's direction. In fact, most of them watched him approach. "Not that I thought you wouldn't be…"

"What's up, tutu?" Hau asked, grinning his way through the conversation. Hala opened his eye a crack to look at his grandson while Clemont remained focused on the man, himself. He had been somewhat prickly since the attack on the town, and while that was no major surprise overall, it was still a little unsettling. Neither he nor Kukui had decided to speak about how they knew Guzma, the leader of Team Skull no less, but each of them had gleaned enough information from the people in town.

About how Guzma, Kukui and the woman Serena had referred to as Miss Akela were three students at the Pokémon School back in their days until going their separate ways and walking different paths. Kukui to be a professor, as far as they knew, Akela became the Ali'i ka Leilani, and Guzma seemed to fade away until emerging as the "Big Bad Boss" of Team Skull. It all sounded like a rather torrid affair to Clemont, and one he wanted no further part of, especially when any other details were scant beyond the three of them looking up to Hala as "master". The only other thing Clemont had found out was that before Guzma had faded, he was given a Z-Ring by Hala, but whether he had earned it or was given it out of pity remained unclear. In fact, much of that past was shrouded in mystery, with those directly involved refusing to share details.

"Ash, my apologies for our interrupted battle yesterday," Hala said, bowing low in apology. Ash just laughed and seemed to pass it off as nothing.

"It wasn't your fault!" Ash insisted. "Besides, it just means we'll have to have a rematch."

"About that," Hala grunted out. Ash tilted his head, and all of his Pokémon appeared to share in the reaction, except for Greninja, who looked to be keeping watch outside the home. "I'm afraid our battle will have to be postponed indefinitely."

"What? Why? !" Ash asked, bolting out of his chair. Serena barely stood from the armrest at his sudden movement. Hala sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Simply put, Iki Town suffered quite the damage," the Kahuna explained, looking out the window. Clemont could tell that he was overlooking the town. "Kukui and Ilima have already had to request help from Hau'oli City to get things patched up and while the damage isn't ridiculously extensive, it will take time to fix up. As Kahuna, I have to put all of my efforts towards that."

"Then we can stay here and help to fix up everything," Ash insisted. Next to him, Serena nodded, though the slight frown on her face said that she was also worried about things other than Iki Town. Hala shook his head at that.

"No, this is for Iki Town to fix. You've been a great help, Ash, but it will take a little time before we can hold another Grand Trial," Hala assured him carefully. "The Grand Trial is meant to be as a celebration, and I don't think the people are in a very celebratory mood."

"Oh…" Ash said. It seemed he finally understood just what the older man was talking about. Hala chuckled under his breath as he reached forward and put a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Don't worry. There's no need to be concerned about your Grand Trial here on Melemele. We'll battle again when the time is right, and I'll be looking forward to it."

"Okay…yeah…" Ash expressed. Pikachu left Pipi's side to go up to Ash, as if reminding him that he was there. "What should I do in the meantime, then?"

"I'd recommend going to Akala Island, the both of you." Hau sat up on the couch at his grandfather addressing him, trying to look like he'd been paying attention the whole time. "That is typically the next stop on the Island Pilgrimage, though I'll admit that some prefer to try their hands at other islands."

"Akala sounds good to me!" Ash said, quickly switching his demeanor back around to excited. Serena seemed to breathe out easily as well, happy with the decision that her boyfriend had made. "There's bound to be lots of great battles there between the Trials and new Pokémon, and Gladion said he'd be there as well, right?"

"Right," Serena said. Clemont smiled at their enthusiasm, though with a bit of sadness for himself. He didn't want to seem selfish, but knowing that he'd have to put his own task off for another island felt rather disconcerting. However, he didn't let it show. Not that he was the only one putting on a brave face; Lillie also appeared to look thoughtful. "I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunity for me to do some Leilani Ceremonies there, too."

"Oh, there definitely will," Hala said, winking. He wouldn't elaborate though. Neither Ash nor Serena seemed to let that deter them, though, both growing excited in the state of their current goals. Ash, in particular, decided to ask a rather pointed question.

"What's the Kahuna on Akala like?"

"Akala's Kahuna…?" Hala mused. Hau stood from his seat on the couch, looking just as excited. "Oh, I think it's best I not tell you until you meet her…she's really something else."

"She?" Hau questioned, but Hala still refused to answer. It seemed like even the Kahuna of Melemele didn't tell his grandson about all of these things. Instead, the Kahuna gave yet another booming laugh and began to walk out of the living room of his house.

"I'll call Kukui and let him know to get you all tickets! Then we'll see you off in grand Melemele style tomorrow!" he boomed out before disappearing into what was likely his office. Ash suddenly pumped his fist excitedly, Pikachu emulating him proudly.

"We'll finally be moving on to a new island!" Serena shouted out, clearly just as excited as her boyfriend. It reminded Clemont of what a good fit they were for each other. Made him think of Korrina, and how she was back in Kalos. Perhaps he'd call her when he had the chance…though at the same time, he sort of wanted to do it using his first call from the IRCS in order to make it something special. "Lillie, what do you plan to do? Stay on with the Professor?"

"I'm…not sure," the blonde answered. Nebby appeared to be resting in a corner of the couch, sleeping as he snuggled against the girl. "I've enjoyed traveling with all of you immensely. Like a dream come true, really; something I'd only imagined out of books, but…"

"We'd be happy to have you along, if you want to come," Ash told her. Lillie gave a slight start at that, looking over at the smiling couple before seeing Hau, whose grin seemed to encourage her. Then she looked down and smiled.

"Let me think about it just a bit, okay? I'll let you know tomorrow in Hau'oli City." Ash nodded, accepting the answer. Their declarative statements regarding Akala Island having been made, they also seemed to suddenly get Bonnie fired up as well.

"Yay! A new island. I hope it's filled with lots of cute Pokémon," she said before skipping over to Clemont, tugging at his sleeve. "Aren't you excited, Clemont?"

"Most definitely," Clemont assured her with a smile. She didn't seem to be fooled, however, puffing her cheeks out slightly. He just patted her on the head lightly, allowing his mind to go back to his work for the afternoon.

To his surprise, his Lumber Lifter managed to make it through the day, allowing more efficient work to be done. As they did so, Clemont came to finally understand Hala's words regarding the state of the town. The damage hadn't seemed very extensive, and wasn't grievous, but would take time to repair nonetheless, and to hold a celebration like a Grand Trial would have just seemed insensitive. Still, it kept his mind active for the rest of the day through dinner until at last they were all prepared to sleep. Ash and Hau appeared to fall asleep immediately, both of them tired from a day at work, but the inventor found himself unable to, and he stepped outside onto Hala's porch.

Iki Town seemed so peaceful at night, filled only with the humming of some nighttime Pokémon and the lamps that were strung throughout town. The moonlight shined down on the town, illuminating portions of the porch and Clemont sighed.

"Everything okay, Clemont?" Serena's voice called to him. The inventor turned to see his friend approaching, tucking some hair behind her ear.

"Yeah, it's fine," he answered. Serena joined him at the edge of the porch, looking out over the town. As they stood there, Clemont had this feeling that something was tickling Serena's mind, likely due to what had happened the day before. Even knowing that, though, he decided to indulge himself in a moment of selfishness. "Do you think I've grown…?"

"What?" Serena asked, as though genuinely surprised by the question. It made Clemont curb his tongue. If she had to ask, perhaps his own fears were unfounded. "Clemont, what's on your mind?"

"It's…it's nothing," he said, shaking his head. It really was nothing. In the face of installing the IRCS, Ash's trials and Serena's Ceremony, feeling like a drop in the bucket of his group's respective strength was meaningless. "So, excited about the new island?"

"Of course," Serena laughed out. The two friends eased into a moment of just standing there before the girl turned to him. "Thank you, Clemont."

"For what exactly?"

"You gave me some great advice," she told him. "You helped me figure out how…monotonous my routine is. So, I spoke it over with Braixen, and we both agreed that we're going to try and learn a new move. I'm thinking something like Psybeam or Psyshock. What do you think?"

"It sounds like a great idea. I'll help you, if I can."

"Sure thing. Just…no inventions." Clemont had to afford a laugh at her request before slipping into an amicable silence that lasted on through a portion of the night until they fell asleep. He felt lighter.

Like every morning before a new beginning, Ash found he and his friends quite busily getting ready for their departure. Hala had made them an extremely quick breakfast of melons, which Dartrix and Chespin both attempted to eat through before the smaller Pikipek stopped them and split it down the middle. Perhaps the biggest delay in their departure was finding Nebby, who seemed to have surreptitiously hidden somewhere in Hala's couch.

"Nebby…" Lillie breathed out, finding the little cloud underneath one of the couches. Nebby gleefully jumped into her arms, allowing the girl to stow him away in the bag. When that was finally all set, their group of six (eleven, if Pikachu, Pipi, Dedenne, Rotom and Nebby were included) exited the Kahuna's house to meet him in the still damaged square. He wasn't alone, however; several townspeople were standing with him.

"You all seem ready to go then?" the man said. All at once, they nodded, assuring him that they were prepared. "Good. Well, then, I'll walk with you all to Hau'oli City. But before then…"

Just as they had nodded, Hala and the townspeople all bowed low in a show of gratitude that surprised even Ash. "Thank you for all your help."

"And may the blessings of our guardian deity, Tapu Koko, be upon you," Hala finished for all of them. The show of gratitude was certainly a surprise to Ash. He felt like they hadn't really done much in terms of helping the town. He hadn't defeated Guzma, or driven Team Skull off. All he'd done was lift some wood; a task completable by just about anyone. It made him a little embarrassed to admit how useless he felt.

It did feel nice to get such a pleasant sendoff, however.

So, with a wave goodbye, all of the travelers at last turned their backs on Iki Town and began to make their way back towards the city they had first arrived in. Hala, who was going along with them on their short journey, took the lead of the group with his grandson, who was walking forward calmly with Pipi, his hands resting behind his head. Ash took the space behind them as they headed into the forest, his hands entwined with Serena's. Taking up their rear was the rest of their small group.

Casting his gaze backwards, Ash watched Lillie for a moment. She was smiling and laughing at some joke or funny story that Bonnie was telling her. He wondered what her decision had been, now that she'd slept on it. She certainly didn't seem upset or confused, but he couldn't tell whether she had made a decision or not. He certainly wanted her to come with. They had only been together a few short days since meeting in Melemele Meadow, yet Ash couldn't help but feel she was already inexplicably a part of their little family. Even looking at her now, she and Bonnie appeared to have the same kind of hat.

"Are you excited for going to Akala?" Serena asked from next to him. Ash jerked a little, forcing Pikachu to hold on to him. Her asking the question seemed to remind him of just how silent they'd been.

"Definitely," Ash said. Somehow, he couldn't say more than that. He was always excited to move on to a new location, but it still left a slightly bad taste in his mouth that he couldn't complete his Grand Trial against Hala. Looking at the large man's broad back, it made him feel incomplete in a sense. At the same time, however, his mind drifted towards the flute in his backpack, one he hadn't even though of using in the six months since he'd received it. He supposed he could always use it to get back to Melemele in a flash when the time was right. Shaking his head a bit, he pushed the thought away to talk to his girlfriend. "What about you?"

"For sure," Serena admitted. Ash gave a wry smile and squeezed her hand. He wasn't entirely sure, but she looked a little sad as she said it. Not that Serena would ever say anything; she'd grown rather reticent on certain topics over the last six months. He was even pretty sure he'd heard her speak of Reeree a total of maybe three times since then, preferring to deal with whatever promises and issues she'd had personally. It honestly broke him a little, since he just wanted to help her no matter what, but had no idea of how…

Or maybe he did…

"You wanna go on a date?" he asked. Serena blinked, as if surprised the question had come from him. No prompting. No reminding. Ash was even surprising himself.

"That would be lovely," she finally responded with a smile, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "But maybe we should do that when we get to Akala."

"Sounds good to me," Ash confirmed, and they continued their easy walk.

The forest was growing less and less dense and Ash and Serena both picked up the pace, drawing closer to Hau and Hala who appeared to be having some manner of farewell discussion, at least from where they entered in hearing.

"Make sure to take care of yourself. Akala is not Melemele, after all," Hala was rumbling out to his grandson. Hau just laughed a little, showing his usual disposition through and through.

"Come on, tutu, it's not like I'll be alone!" Hau insisted with his grin. "Pipi will take care of me!"

"Picha!" Pipi agreed, munching hungrily on a berry. Hala shook his head at that.

"Just make sure you check in from time to time," the Kahuna told him sternly. "You have the tendency to just run off and do whatever without regard for others. This old man would like a call once in a while."

"No probs, tutu. Pipi, remember to call after we've completed our first trial on Akala," Hau insisted. Pipi looked abashed at her trainer suddenly turning to her when she had a berry half stuffed in her mouth, but nodded nonetheless. "Man, I can't want to taste all the malasadas there! I wonder if Akala's taste any different…"

"We'll find out soon enough, right?" Ash asked, drawing his rival's attention. Hau nodded, not turning around, given his hands were behind his head. Hearing about more malasadas was only serving to make him hungry, but hearing about checking in made Ash think of something he knew he should do upon arrival in Hau'oli City.

Incidentally, they arrived on the outskirts near the school mere moments after he thought that. The children were playing outside, supervised by one of the teachers there. Hala offered the teachers a wave, but the children didn't even seem to notice that their group was walking by. Striking further back into the city, Ash looked around, noticing how it looked just the same as those couple weeks back when they first entered the region. Lost in his thoughts, Ash finally pulled to a stop when Hala did.

"The ferry to Akala departs around noon," the Kahuna explained, "which gives you a little over an hour to do whatever you need to in Hau'oli. Please make sure you're there on time…Hau…"

"Aw, come on, tutu," Hau said sheepishly. "I'm always on time! And I can always catch the next ferry anyway."

"Hau, you really should make sure you're there on time," Lillie spoke up, clutching at her bag strap. Said boy grinned at her sheepishly. Bonnie appeared to look between the two teens before placing Dedenne back inside her bag and walking to Clemont's side. Ash and Serena both had to sigh, because as she walked past, Lillie just so happened to stumble forward a little, allowing Hau to catch her arm.

"Up to some of her usual tricks…" Serena sighed out next to Ash, though only he could hear her. "Someday, I'm going to have to find her a keeper."

"Good luck with that…" Ash chuckled out. He wasn't sure there was a keeper anywhere for someone like Bonnie.

"Well, if we want to make sure we're there on time, how about we all have a malasada farewell to Melemele! I know just the place," Hau exclaimed. Without even thinking, his hand remaining on Lillie's wrist, he began to drag the poor girl off into town. Hala shook his head before indicating that they should all follow.

"Remember! Noon at the ferry dock!"

"Thank you!" Serena cried out, with Clemont offering a slight bow before they ran. Hau and Lillie weren't that far ahead of them, likely due to Lillie's own pace, but they soon turned a corner. Ironically enough, Ash found that the boy with the sunny disposition was leading them closer and closer to the docks, though not quite there. In fact, he went straight past the docks and to a shop that was brimming with color and life. Without a moment's hesitation, Hau flung open the double doors with one hand and stepped in. Ash quickly made to catch the door before it could accidentally hit Lillie before proceeding inside with Serena.

"Alola!" Hau's cheery voice called out. "Malasada buffet, please!"

"Hau, what a surprise. It's been a while…for you at least," giggled the girl that was standing there and taking orders from a customer. Said customer appeared to recognize Hau and chuckled while shaking his head.

"Yeah, I've been real busy in Iki Town saying goodbye to tutu and all that."

"Oh? Are you going somewhere?" the girl asked and Ash noticed that her cheeks were tinged pink. Serena giggled next to him while Lillie appeared to puff her cheeks out a little.

"I'm off to Akala with my friends here," Hau answered, taking out some money and putting it on the counter to pay for their joint meal. The girl shook her head and shoved it back over to him.

"I'm sorry I won't be seeing you again," she said sadly, taking one of her fingers and twirling her hair a little. "Guess I'll have to make sure you go out in style, yeah? Wait right here."

"Awesome," Hau responded. As soon as the girl turned to go into the kitchen, Hau was looking for a place to sit, quickly finding a booth for all of them to fit comfortably into. He slid into there and placed his legs on the table. When Lillie got in, she swatted at his legs, causing him to move them. Ash watched the pair for a moment; for a girl that was typically shy and demure in every way, Lillie appeared to be quite comfortable with scolding Hau. It was really a testament to how close the two of them must have been.

"So, Lillie…" Serena started when they were settled in, breaking the silence of their group, "I don't mean to pry, but, have you decided what you want to do?"

"I have," Lillie answered confidently. She nodded as she did so, her braids swinging forward. Placing her hands on the bag in her lap (presumably to both do something with her hands and stop Nebby from escaping), she looked directly at Serena before shifting her gaze along. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to travel with all of you."

"No problem," Ash said confidently. Lillie jerked back, her green eyes going wide. "You've already been with us for a few days now."

"We'd love to have you keep on with us," Serena confirmed.

"And Rotom can have the time to examine Nebby and add all sorts of data to Rotom's database," Rotom said, floating down like it was trying to do some sort of X-Ray scan on Lillie's bag. Bonnie scowled and reached over for it, Dedenne jumping out to weigh the Pokédex down.

"I'd like you to come along, too. That way, I can help you to take care of Nebby!" she insisted. Clemont only nodded with a smile, as if saying anything more would simply be reiterating what was already said. Lillie beamed, like sunlight shining on the sea, and tears came to her eyes. Hau nudged her.

"See, Lillie? It's awesome to have friends, isn't it?" he said. At the moment that she nodded happily, the girl from behind the counter approached them, a large plate of malasadas in her hand. She slid it across the table with a smile. Ash instantly reached for one at the same time as Hau. Bonnie and Pikachu did as well, the four of them all gratefully consuming their treats. Pipi was more reluctant, obviously still full from her berry meal earlier. After the boys had taken their third malasada, Lillie finally stopped her tears of joy and reached forward for one.

"Thank you," she said. "I hope to see lots of fun things with all of you on this journey. Right, Nebby?"

"Pew!" Nebby said in his muffled voice. Laughing lightly, Lillie daintily took her malasada, a piece of paper attached to it. On it looked to be a number with a smudge of what looked like lipstick. Ash turned his head in curiosity at it, but Lillie just pushed it across the table to Hau, who completely disregarded it.

"Just make sure you all don't eat too much," Serena said, eating her own food with a more delicate touch. Lillie appeared to emulate her, though found a hard time with some of the cream oozing out. "You don't want to get seasick."

"I'll be fine!" Ash assured her, continually snarfing down more until there was a single malasada left. Ash looked across the table at Hau and both lunged for it…only for it to be snuck away by one of Chespin's vines. Clemont sighed.

"I think the need for cooking is going to go up exponentially on this trip," he told them, returning the Spiny Nut Pokémon to his pokeball. Ash laughed and looked up at the clock, realizing that it was time to go. The others appeared to notice the same thing, and before long they were up and walking out the door, Hau bidding a hasty farewell to the malasada girl. Bonnie took charge, dashing ahead with a hand on her hat as they ran down the docks to the pier.

The entire area seemed bustling with people waiting to get to Akala via the ferry. From business men, to three vacationers that jumped when the doors to the ferry terminal opened, to a man that stood with a hat tipped over his face as he spoke to someone on a mobile phone. Seeing that, Ash quickly remembered his earlier idea and crossed the length of the terminal to reach the phones. Clemont hung back with Lillie and Hau to look for wherever Hala was, while Bonnie, Serena and Rotom approached the phones with him. Ash punched in the numbers and waited while the phone rang.

"Oh, Ash? This is a surprise! Serena, Bonnie and Rotom, too, it seems…" his mother suddenly answered, looking rather shocked that he was calling.

"Heya, mom, just calling to say hi before I depart to a new island in Alola," he said, waving his hand. Serena and Bonnie did so, too. "I've caught lots of cool Pokémon, too. So has Serena."

"Yup, I caught myself this great performer the other day," Serena said, suddenly holding up Popplio who created a bubble that splashed the phone. Ash hadn't even heard her call the sea lion out.

"And Rotom has collected much data to return to Professor Oak with!"

"It sounds like you're all doing wonderful, then," Delia said with a laugh. "I'll be sure to let Samuel know you're doing all right as well. Make sure you stay safe on your travels."

"I'll keep them all out of trouble!" Bonnie insisted. Dedenne nodded his head sagely in agreement. With a quick message of love, his mother signed off and the four turned around, Pikachu crossing from one of Ash's shoulders to another. The sound of the doors opening again filled the terminal, giving Ash a glimpse of who had just arrived.

"Professor!" Ash called, catching sight of the shirtless man now in the terminal with Lillie. He ran a little forward, only to notice something. Or rather, something missing. "Where's Rockruff?"

"Rockruff…?" Kukui asked, stroking his beard a bit. "Ash, I've been meaning to ask, what're your thoughts on Rockruff?"

"My thoughts?" Ash asked, surprised by the question. Bonnie twirled past him, walking up to Hau and Lillie, who still hadn't seemed to have found Hala. However, Clemont appeared to be speaking with Ilima, the captain having likely arrived with Kukui. Ash put his hands behind his head. "I think Rockruff is an awesome Pokémon. She looks playful, but from that time we battled against each other and then in Iki Town, I could tell she was a strong Pokémon. A real hard-worker that's always looking to get better. Someone I'd love to have on my team for sure."

"Something I'm sure she'd love," Kukui chuckled out. Suddenly, Ash saw the man reaching forward and clasping both of his shoulders, staring right into his eyes. It unnerved him a moment, but the kindness with which Kukui was focusing on him made him relax. "Ash, you are a kind and compassionate young man, and an excellent trainer. From the few moments I've seen you and your Pokémon in battle, I can tell. I mean, Rowlet already evolved under your care. I know that as a trainer, you have the possibility to bring out the full power of a Pokémon."

"Thanks for the compliment," Ash chuckled out, reaching up to try and scratch his cheek, "but, where are you going with this?"

Kukui removed his hands and quickly clapped them together. For a moment, Ash didn't know what to think, until he heard the scampering of claws across the floor. He didn't even need to see to know it; Ash could feel the energetic puppy approaching, wanting to burst forth and lick his face. Kukui began to shift his body. "I've never really been Rockruff's trainer. I think I told you before. I've really been more of a caretaker when she came to me, wounded on the beach where my lab is. I had to take care of her to make sure she recovered properly, but I never considered her my Pokémon, though she certainly enjoyed staying around…at least until she met you and started becoming restless. I don't think she ever considered me her trainer, you know?"

"Professor," Serena started, "are you saying…?"

"Ha ha, guess I am," Kukui laughed out. He finally stepped aside and Rockruff was there, visible, wagging her tail as she looked up at Ash. "Rockruff can't grow with me, but from the way she was sad every time you left, happy every time you arrived, and seemed to want to show off her strength in that battle against Pikipek, I know she could grow quite well under your training and care."

"But, Professor…are you sure?" Ash asked. He looked towards the puppy and could feel warmth from her, even at that distance, as if radiating a sense of happiness. Like a trainer and Pokémon that were bound to be together.

"Come on, cousin, do you know how many trainers Rockruff has seen since she's been in my care?" Kukui said with a grin. The doors to the ferry terminal opened and Ash saw the hulking form of Hala now striding in. "Yet when she met you and your friends, she was like a whole different pup. I know you can do what I and no other trainer could. Just looking at Pikachu and Greninja gives me the confidence of that."

Ash felt a well of joy in his stomach, yet it still felt so weird, just being given a Pokémon in a way, even if it wasn't quite the professor's. He knew he'd bonded with Rockruff over their many meetings, yet he still felt like just being told to take her with disregarded what she wanted, even if looking back on his battle with her, it was exactly how Kukui described. Feeling that way, Ash looked down to the puppy, while still taking a pokeball in his hands. "Rockruff…do you want to travel with me?"

Rockruff surveyed him for a brief moment and then immediately tackled Ash with a bark. The rocks on her collar rubbed against Ash's neck and he laughed, the stones tickling. "Rock! Rockruff!"

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Ash laughed out. Pikachu jumped to the ground as Rockruff leapt back. He reached his hand in greeting to the little dog who reached her paw up to slap it in greeting. Seeing the heartwarming sight of a new Pokémon interacting with his oldest, Ash leaned down. "Then let's grow together and have lots of great adventures."

"Ruff!" Rockruff barked out happily. Overhead, a bell dinged, signaling that boarding time for the ferry was to begin. Pikachu leapt back onto Ash's shoulder as he straightened.

"Leave it to me! Rockruff and I will be a great team!" Ash said, holding his fist out. Kukui smirked and met that fist with his own. "Next time we meet, we'll have grown lots together."

"I've no doubt of that, cousin," Kukui chuckled out. Their fists detached and Ash looked down a moment before holding out the pokeball. Rockruff padded forward and pressed her paw against the capture device. She was sucked inside, the ball rocking back and forth a moment until closing with a ding! It only took a second before he opened the pokeball again, to share the moment with his new Pokémon. Before he said anything, he made sure to grab Rockruff in his arms, stowing her pokeball away.

"All right! I got a Rockruff!"

"Pipikachu!"

"Ruff! Ruff!" Rockruff barked happily. Bonnie appeared to jump for joy, asking to pet the little puppy, though Serena was ushering her along to the ferry gate. Realizing it was time to go, Ash held Rockruff in his arms and made a dash after Serena and Bonnie. Hau quickly waved goodbye to those behind as he, Lillie and Clemont ran also.

"All right, Rockruff, welcome to the team. I'm sure we're all gonna work real hard and complete the Island Challenge together," Ash breathed out. Rockruff appeared to hear, licking his hand affectionately. Any doubts he had had in his mind were erased from that sole action and he grinned as he ran towards the ferry, bounding onto it along with his friends. Joining them were the three vacationers from earlier and the man with the brimmed hat. Some other stragglers were making their way to the boat as the chime sounded for departure. Walking to the edge, Ash and all of his current companions looked towards the dock while the boat pulled away. The farther they got, the more he could see the actual docks, with Kukui, Ilima and Hala standing on them, waving their farewells.

Rockruff dropped to the floor, causing Pipi and Dedenne to skitter up to her. Meanwhile, Ash cupped his hands. "Alola, Professor, Hala, Ilima! We'll be back again real soon for that Grand Trial! And Rockruff will have lots of stories to tell!"

"We'll count on it!" Kukui shouted. "I've no doubt we'll be seeing each other sooner or later, maybe even on Akala, itself!"

"And Hau, make sure you keep yourself well," Hala insisted. Hau crossed his feet in his usual grinning pose. "Practice your Z-Moves."

"No problem, tutu!"

"Byyyyyyyye!" Bonnie called out, her legs dangling as she waved. The boat soon pulled away from the docks and Ash turned with Serena to look out over the ocean, towards the next island of Akala. Sucking in the sea breeze and hearing the cries of Pikachu and his newest friend, Ash smiled. It was time for the next phase of his adventure in Alola.

"Well, there they go…" Kukui commented, lazily shoving his hands in his pockets as he watched the boat pull off onto the horizon. Hala grunted. Around them, all the others that had seen passengers off were dispersing, leaving the three men alone on the docks.

"You sure about this, Kukui?" Ilima questioned, tapping his Z-Ring restlessly. "Letting Rockruff go off with him like that."

"Oh, I'm very sure," Kukui insisted. "Couldn't you tell, Ilima? Rockruff wanted battles and adventures. I know Ash understood that from the few short minutes we battled before you interrupted. He's most certainly the trainer for her. I can't wait to see how the two of them grow."

"I suppose…" Ilima commented with a sigh. "Your grandson's no slouch, either."

"Not at all," Hala grumbled. He crossed his arms across his chest and Kukui saw him turning back towards Iki Town…no, towards Tapu Koko's shrine. The professor's eyes narrowed sharply. "Both Ash and Hau will have their own paths to walk on the Island Pilgrimage, each with their own lessons to learn. Learning Z-Moves will be the start of that, I'm sure."

Kukui nodded; he'd already seen Ash struggle with the mastery of Z-Moves, and judging by his battle against the old Kahuna and…Guzma…the raven-haired trainer had likely not yet mastered it. Part of him had to wonder why, considering the skilled trainer that he was, but the other part had faith that he would. That made him grin and laugh, even if the old Kahuna didn't share the sentiments.

"Ash and his friends are certainly notable," Ilima commented.

"That they are," Hala said, his voice lower, deeper, and altogether more frightening. Kukui knew the man was being fully serious now. "I'll have to make a call to a fellow Kahuna…I'd heard she was on business in the city. But either way, things are moving on the islands once again…Team Skull…Tapu Koko…and Lillie's story about Nebby."

"And that strange ripple that appeared during Team Skull's attack. None of the townsfolk noticed it, but I caught sight," the captain said. Kukui nodded, absorbing all of the evidence presented to form his own conclusion regarding the happenings on Melemele.

"Makes you wonder if the other guardian deities plan to get involved, huh?" Kukui chuckled out humorlessly. Neither of the other two men responded, and Kukui moved his gaze in the direction Hala was looking. Tapu Koko had chosen Ash…just as he'd chosen Hala…just as he'd chosen a knight, or a champion, rather, so many centuries ago. The guardian deity of Melemele was an odd one for sure, but it made one thing very clear: something was happening on Alola. He didn't know what or when or why, but he did know one thing. "Well, let's just hope that whatever it is doesn't happen before the first Alola League, huh? I want to see both Ash and Hau make it there to battle in grand style."

"Yes…" Hala once more grunted out. He began to walk forward, leading the entourage of men in the direction of Iki Town again. "But regardless…let us gird ourselves and prepare, for the islands and all the life we hold dear. We will not let Alola nearly fall to the darkness again."

Author's Note: Again? What is this of which Hala speaks? Ominous times are brewing in Alola for sure, but should we expect anything different when Ash is there? Naturally, that last scene is meant to make you wonder just what is going on in this region (as if you don't know) but there are some surprises thrown in. However, beyond that, we had some fun stuff, I think. Yes, Ash will have to battle Hala later, but at least he now has Rockruff on his team! And all of this is kind of important, some of the statements said. Beyond that, we're getting a glimpse into Clemont and Serena's mind while Lillie has finally and officially joined the group! Next time, we head to Akala at long last!

Now, as my parting words this chapter, I'm thanking the people who have been an integral part of this: headchief14 for favoriting; and the nice heap of big thanks to AdvancedAlto, Armorshippingfan, Vivian Gray, FantasyLover88, Gehatik, Leaflame, aliensinnoh, MisterLooneyTune, Tenzalucard123, Cottonmouth25, Kagamine Arimonori, WayoshiM, jlogan2748, ultimateCCC, potat lasaro, David Wilsberg, AmourshippingCanon, CommanderAwesome3 and 1 guest for reviewing. Thanks for all the lovely words as we head to the back half of this first book. Until we meet again, please Review and Dare to Be Silly.