The Hau'oli City Marina was just as Moon remembered it: cool air, the thick smell of saltwater on the breeze, and the shadows of nearby buildings cast long across the area. It was strange how nostalgic it felt as she disembarked from the ferry that had brought her here. She'd left from this point just two months ago, secreted away in the early morning on the boat of Professor Kukui, taken from Melemele Island to Akala so she might continue her Island Challenge. Hidden from the prying eyes and relentless hounding of those too interested in her strange abilities to give her a moment's peace.
Nowdays the eyes that settled on her were both contemplative and oft-cautious. Her display in Malie Garden, standing up to the Team Skull Boss Guzma with an array of Pokemon someone her age simply should not have, combined with her ability to perform Z-Moves without limit, combined once again with the strange sensation of her Bonds and Z-Moves – other Trainers with the sense for Bonds finding Moon difficult to approach, and the feeling of her Z-Aura frankly unnatural – had made Moon a target of caution. Children running around with one or two Pokemon were fine and normal. Teens and young adults with partners of greater strength notable but accepted. Those adults with full teams of power all figures of respect.
But Moon had a team that made her equal to adults at the age of eleven. And seemingly no restriction on her ability to perform Z-Moves. A child with such ability... caution, was the word. People felt they should be careful. Shouldn't provoke her. And that wariness often overrode sense. Prevented people from acting normally in her presence. Only those who knew Moon, those without any such sense for Bonds or concern for her abilities, or those with the wisdom to understand she was still herself, rose above that. In the end she didn't mind as much as she might have.
Pitaya had warned Moon. Had, in Moon's time with the Dragon Tamers of Alola, helped her find a measure of inner peace, enough to wrangle the power she held. And the other half of Pitaya's advice, that Moon would still have those truly important to her by her side, had been the key. Moon had returned to Hau and Lillie and they had still stayed by her. She'd gone on and been able to be friends with Hapu, with Captain Acerola, and have them treat her in no odd ways. The abilities she had may make people wary, but there were still plenty who'd reach out to her all the same.
But then that had already been proven again that very morning.
She'd been woken early by Poipole, the Poison Pin Pokemon active from the first light of day. Aether House's sleeping arrangements were large groupings of beds, both single and bunk, which Moon, Lillie, and Hau had all distributed themselves amongst claiming open spots that Acerola indicated. She had a bed she'd been using from the beginning and wasn't changing from that no matter what thank you very much.
To keep Poipole from disturbing the others in the room – Lillie especially as the Pokemon appeared intent on getting at her bed and the bag beside it with Nebby sleeping within – Moon had taken the Pokemon outside of the sleeping area, out to the main foyer of the building where it could make more noise. Actually she'd intended to take it outside entirely, but Jace, at the front desk looking as tired as could be for the early hour of the day, occupied her attention. He'd been interested in hearing everything Moon wanted to talk about – from her journey, to her Pokemon, to Poipole itself. Upfront and honest, the Aether Foundation employee had stated he could recognise the creature as an Ultra Beast. And also knew that somehow that hadn't been reported to the Aether Foundation because a lot of people would've come running if they'd known Moon had such.
Still, Jace had smiled and held a raised finger over his mouth, he knew Moon would be happier keeping out of that for as long as she could, so he wouldn't be the one to tell on her. She appreciated that. Spoke with him, for a little while, about each of their Island Challenges, and the journeys they'd had. Jace seemed wistful talking about his. Did he miss it? she'd asked. He'd looked surprised by her question.
And hadn't found a satisfactory answer before she left.
The boat leaving from the docks of Mahihinu had been an early one. A roused Hau and barely awake Lillie greeted Moon at the entrance to Aether House, reassured her they'd be there when she returned, and saw her off with Acerola. Moon got the feeling Lillie was heading immediately back to bed. She'd didn't blame her.
The ferry from Mahihinu made its way to the Hau'oli City Marina slowly: first stopping at Konikoni and Heahea City on Akala Island, then at the Aether Paradise for those working there to disembark – and those returning from night shifts to get their own rest – then on to the main city of Melemele. It had been on the way from Aether Paradise to Hau'oli, the only time the boat had been emptier the first leg between Mahihinu and Konikoni, that a young boy had leaned over a seat, stared for a moment at Moon sitting with Poipole resting in her lap – the Pokemon listening to her request for peace on the ride, mainly so Moon herself could rest – then hauled himself out of his seat and sat down next to her. Moon, shaken from her restful state, looked at the younger boy of perhaps six or seven sitting beside her. He smiled.
"Hey what's that Pokemon?"
Poipole, aware it had caught someone's interest, set to preening and showing off, posing while floating above Moon's lap now, before flipping upside-down and spinning in the air. The young boy laughed and clapped at the showoffish Pokemon as Moon gave its name and made sure she mentioned how much of a troublemaker it could be. Poipole didn't seem to respond to her barb.
For a minute Moon, though mostly it was Poipole doing so, entertained the child, the boy enraptured by the energetic Pokemon. He was looking forward to having his own one day! His mom had a Furfrou that was big and friendly and he wanted one too! Did Moon have a Furfrou? She did, she'd answered, talking about catching it outside of Hau'oli City, and the times she'd battled alongside it. Not many, though Moon didn't speak about this part, as her quickly rotating team had moved many Pokemon she'd caught to the Pelago, but Furfrou was doing well there too. It seemed to enjoy digging in the caves Mohn had discovered on one of the Poke Pelago islands. It had been a while since Moon had visited the Pelago too. She should go back there as well.
So many places to be...
"Excuse me, I- oh!" The voice of an older woman, standing up now after noticing her son had disappeared from his seat, came to a halt as she spied the boy sitting in the seat behind where they had been, next to another young girl. Older than her son, just enough to be on a Pokemon Journey, with a vibrant purple Pokemon out and about. That wasn't really the interesting part though. What mattered was who the girl was.
That was Moon.
"Please forgive my son," she quickly tried to excuse him, so as not to disturb the young girl racing across Alola, with Pokemon of incredible power and who – the Masked Royal had said – should be left well enough alone. "He didn't mean to disturb you." The shake of Moon's head and insistence it was fine didn't seem to assuage the woman's worries. She reached down to touch her son's shoulder, pushing slightly to move him to stand. He huffed at her.
"I wanna sit with her Pokemon!"
"You shouldn't hassle her!"
"We were just talking!"
The argument taking place quickly concerned Moon, who had actually been enjoying just talking without concern. But her attempts to placate the woman failed to cross over. She seemed determined to move her son back to their own seat.
An older man sitting in a seat nearby piped up.
"Ah let him be, love, I think the young miss was enjoying chatting!"
"But-" she looked at the man, shaking her head, "-he shouldn't be-"
"It's fine," a waved hand from him blew off her worries, the few others seated around listening in on the conversation, aware the girl sitting there was the Trainer Moon. "Hey you should tell her about your Furfrou, she was just talking about having one of her own!"
"Oh, I..." startled, the mother glanced back at Moon, who was now looking up at her with some measure of expectation. "Well, his name is Mr. Scruffs, and..."
The remainder of the trip to Hau'oli City was conversational. Moon listened to and spoke with those around. When asked what she was heading to Melemele for, explained she wanted to visit her mother after being away for so long. Immediately as she said that the older woman herself became more relaxed, warmer of tone, supportive of Moon and insisting that Moon's mother would no doubt be delighted by her return. A few other people with their own Pokemon spoke to Moon about them. One or two asked how her Island Challenge was going. No-one stopped talking or moved away when Moon expressed she'd finished her sixth Trial.
This was Alola as it should be.
And as Moon disembarked the ferry onto the docks of the Hau'oli Marina, Poipole clutching onto her back, as the others who'd travelled with her wished her a good day and the best of luck in her endeavours, Moon had smiled. Smiled because even though that current of caution and wariness lurked about her, the true spirit of Alola was stronger still. She knew now, in her heart, that that worry would fade. But the warmth of this region would not.
She was happy.
As Moon walked she looked for a point in the ground, the place where three months ago a crater had been, left by the Z-Move Ilima had used to scare a pack of Team Skull Grunts off, the first Z-Move she had ever seen. Experiences since then, seeing other Captains using Z-Moves, had told her that Ilima's had been a little more forceful than regular, given how winded he had been in its wake. Maybe he'd needed to go overboard to get Team Skull to back off.
Maybe he'd just been showing off for her sake.
However it may be, where that damage had been was paved over and repaired long ago now, and there was no sign of anything having happened in its place. Just the memories Moon could superimpose over this location, seeing Ilima standing there with the Yungoos before him, performing the Z-Pose for the Normalium-Z. Moon had used that pose time and time again, both in battle and in training – her experiences with the Dragon Tamers an extensive daily volume of Z-Moves – and traced her knowledge and appreciation for it back to this moment. She was thankful for Captain Ilima having taken the time to show her such.
He grinned wide to see her wandering down the street.
With the seven Captains of Alola being in constant contact with one another, and all taking on a significant intent in being responsible for Moon, Ilima had been informed the night before by Acerola that Moon would be returning to Melemele. So he'd known the ferry she was catching's schedule, known when she would be here, and moved to greet her in turn. Moon, looking up and seeing the brown-skinned and pink-haired Captain ahead, called out his name and moved faster towards him. Ilima smiled gently at her excitement.
The last time he'd seen her she'd been under such stressful conditions. Now there was vibrance and life to her. It was incredibly pleasing to see. He couldn't help his smile.
Not that he wanted to.
"Greetings, Moon, it is good to see you again. I see your Island Challenge has treated you well." In response to Ilima's words Moon nodded immediately, surprised he'd come to see her. Poipole stuck its head over her shoulder, Ilima gazing into the bright blue eyes of the Ultra Beast. Captain Sophocles had told everyone about that too. Ilima waved a hand absently. "What one Captain knows every Captain knows – and I would be remiss to not welcome you back to Melemele Island. I understand you wish to visit your mother, so took the initiative in retrieving a Ride Tauros for you to take across the city. Please do go ahead – I would hardly wish to get in the way of such an important reunion."
Moon bowed her head and gave her thanks, Ilima appreciating her manners. Sophocles, after Moon's first attempt at his Trial, had broken down the entire event and thoroughly shocked the four Captains to have overseen Moon before. Her treating others rudely, not properly caring for her Pokemon in battle, and losing herself as explosively as she had, came as a surprise beyond measure to each and every one of them. They'd never seen it coming, and each of their prides had taken a hit realising that. There was a genuine sensation, in each Captain and Kahuna to have come before this moment, of failure to properly understand what Moon was going through as she took her Island Challenge.
Then immediately after a solid resolution to never let her or anyone else down in such a way again.
If Moon stayed on Melemele for long enough, Ilima considered as he directed her to the Ride Tauros waiting nearby, he would enjoy occupying her attention for a moment. Testing her Pokemon and her training, and giving what advice he could to help her prepare for her third Grand Trial. But Acerola had mentioned clearly that Moon would likely only go so long before being driven to return to Lillie and Hau, and in the time she was here her time with her mother was first priority. As much as he'd missed his chance to test her in the beginning of her journey, Ilima had found some measure of patient acceptance that his moment would come. And the more able Moon grew, the more joyous that moment would be.
He'd still try to get a battle while she was here though. He couldn't be blamed for that much, right?
With her thanks to Ilima given Moon set off across Hau'oli City, reliving the moments she and Hau had completed the Ride Pokemon Safety Course together those few months back, earning the right to rent and ride those Pokemon across Alola. They'd simply been enjoying growing, and exploring, and seeing new things. She really had fallen from that mindset as her Island Challenge continued.
Maybe after taking Lillie to the Ruins of Hope they could all go back to Malie City. Hau still had his fifth Trial. And Moon had never had the chance to explore the city proper. The three of them going about it together... that would be nice. She'd enjoy that.
She'd mention it when the chance arose.
From the southern marina of Hau'oli City Moon rode, Poipole holding onto her back and letting the racing wind rush over it, up through the city centre, then east, past residential houses and a beach-front overlooking golden sands, shimmering blue seas, and countless people and Pokemon taking it all in. Out along the road leading to the Trainer's School of Melemele Island, closed today for the weekend had begun. Then further beyond into the Hau'oli Outskirts, that region between city and Iki Town that wasn't quite either but wasn't quite neither either. Her house was close to the sea, the path leading from it down to the waters where the laboratory of Professor Kukui could be found. Moon was unsure who had been looking after it while Kukui and Lillie were gone these past months. But she didn't focus on that for now.
She focused on home.
The Ride Tauros had been returned to a station at the city's edge, Moon heading on foot from there. And now she was here, before her home, a place she had only lived in for a little while in total. She'd gone on her Island Challenge soon after arriving in Alola. The house wasn't familiar to her in the way a home one lived in for years was. But there was still a feeling to it, a presence, that made it home. Moon made her way to the door.
Children often struggle to think of their parents' lives as their own, and so as Moon reached out to the door she fully expected her mother to answer. She'd spent time considering whether to knock or simply enter – no warning given so she might surprise her mother – and chose in the end to knock. For now Moon's belief that her mother would always be there remained true. An echoing "Just a minute!" answered the rap of her knuckles. The sound of her mother's voice in person struck Moon deeply just hearing it.
Ah, she was home.
The door opened. For the briefest of moments Jewellery looked forward, before angling her eyes down, meeting her daughter's. Recognition filled in an instant as her mouth widened and the first notes of absolute delight formed in her voice. Moon smiled at her.
Jewellery embraced her daughter without a second thought.
"Moon!" The cry of her name in her ear Moon answered by tightening her own grip back, her own hug of her mother, feeling Jewellery give her all into holding her daughter close. They stayed like that for moments that stretched together, one length of time just holding on to one another. Poipole mirrored the motion and pushed its head against Moon and Jewellery's as well. Happy to call anywhere Moon did home.
When Moon slackened her grip as sign to let go Jewellery drew back, but first planted a kiss upon her daughter's forehead. One of Moon's hands found one of her own and squeezed it tightly.
Jewellery nearly cried right then and there.
"Why didn't you tell me you- oh you just love surprising your mother don't you? Come in come in, let me make you something, oh Moon tell me everything I want to hear absolutely everything!"
Wasting no time Jewellery guided her daughter inside, the Kanto-native Meowth that lived alongside Jewellery eyeing off Moon as she returned. The Scratch Cat Pokemon did not make nearly as grand a show of welcoming Moon as Jewellery had, but it did approach and butt its head, cool metal coin set within it, against her leg. Moon smiled down at it and said hello. The Pokemon made a noise of approval back and stayed close to her. Poipole watched from where it stayed hanging on to Moon's shoulder.
Immediately Jewellery set to preparing a meal, one made of all her daughter's favourite foods – the ingredients for such always kept fresh within her house. A surprise beyond surprises her daughter had returned, unannounced once more, as she seemed wont to do. And with a new friend as well! Looking out from the kitchen Jewellery watched as Moon spoke to the purple Pokemon with her, an affectionate, if high-pitched, sound coming from it in response to her daughter's words. It was the picture of a Trainer with great love for their partner and a partner who clearly loved them back. Jewellery couldn't stop smiling at the sight. She'd been considering being a homebody today, not quite in the mood to head out and greet the friends she'd made around the area. Her reward for that? Her own beloved daughter showing up on her doorstep. She couldn't believe her luck.
And she couldn't be happier.
It had been just over five weeks. Just over five weeks since the call came in the early evening, Professor Kukui on the line. He'd checked in before, now and again, the same as Moon had: to let Jewellery know how things were going on. Because of that receiving a call from him wasn't a surprise or cause for concern.
Because of that what he said shocked her as deeply as it did.
To hear her daughter had undergone what was essentially an emotional breakdown brought on by failing a Trial in her Island Challenge had Jewellery prepared to march to Ula'ula Island herself with hellfire in her eyes for those responsible. Kukui, constantly apologising and accepting he had to take blame in this, succeeded in staying Jewellery for a moment, her attention refocusing upon Pitaya, Guildmaster of the Alolan Dragon Tamers, who had taken Moon in. So Jewellery spoke to Pitaya.
Jewellery spoke to Pitaya for a very long time indeed.
"She feels ashamed," the Guildmaster had said clearly, "though it is in no way truly her fault. The pressure upon her, and our ignorance of it, created this moment, and it is the responsibility of everyone who has taken a role in guiding her to shoulder that blame. Nonetheless seeing those she values, those she cares about, is too much for her now that she believes she has failed them all, and let them down. I will do my utmost to help her recover from this. I am sorry that I must ask you to trust me with your daughter's care."
Few times in her life had Jewellery felt as impotent, as powerless, as she did hearing Moon's voice that day. Pitaya had passed the call to Moon, who had answered with few words. Just that she was training with the Dragon Tamers now. Didn't want her mother to worry. How could she not? All Jewellery could do was worry. Only the voices of others stayed her hand. Kukui firstly, promising that Pitaya knew how to care for Moon. Then Hala, the Kahuna seeking out Jewellery later that day. Still she'd worried, and stressed, and fretted, and nearly boarded a ferry to Malie City the next day.
Living with that stress had been some of the worst few days of her life.
Yet in the days and weeks to pass Pitaya did as she had promised. Each time Jewellery called, or Moon called her, there was news her daughter was feeling better. More stable. Understanding that the demands she'd placed upon herself, that had been placed upon her by everyone's unintentional expectations, had pushed her too far. Call by call Jewellery felt her fear and concern melt away. In the end she struggled to express how thankful she was to the Guildmaster.
Pitaya had been unwilling to accept her words.
"I too am at fault," the woman had said when they finally met, Jewellery travelling to Malie City to join the Guildmaster for a meal and speak to her face-to-face. "For I too assumed Moon's progress was made with head-held high, as unaffected by the stress of this challenge as she is by the power of her Bonds. When I first approached her it was with a flawed mindset intending to entice her with further challenge. That only drove her further to that point. I cannot accept thanks, for my actions are my apology. I hope that you will forgive me."
She would. As long as Moon did first.
Moon, sitting at the table of her home, happily dug into the food Jewellery provided her, Poipole similarly enjoying what was on offer as Jewellery watched over her daughter with a feeling so jubilant it felt as if her heart would burst from her chest. Moon's Pokemon Journey was so different to so many, staying away from home so long after first heading out, that it had left Jewellery wholly unprepared for the silence of the house. She knew, in her heart of hearts, that she would not have her daughter for long before Moon returned to her journey but while she did she...
"I'm so happy to see you."
Moon stood up and moved to hug her mother again. She really was going to cry!
"Moon, you..." looking down at her daughter, Jewellery realised what stood out to her, "you've gotten taller!" When Moon stepped back her mother was quick to raise a hand, holding it out to rest upon Moon's short-cut hair. Yes, Jewellery was sure, her daughter was a little taller! Just a bit, in these two months past, but still! Actually more than that, now that Jewellery looked at her daughter closely and with focus, she saw slight other differences too. There was slightly more sharpness to her face. And from her journey across Alola, so often trekked on foot with Pokemon beside her, Moon glowed with health as well. The first images of the woman her daughter would grow up to be.
Oh now she was definitely going to cry!
Pokemon Journeys were deeply interlinked with the growth of children, their first steps on the path to adulthood. Taking responsibility for their partners, learning to care for others and see the world around them: it was the nature of this world as it was to support such. For many children the length of a Pokemon Journey would be same as their own growth, times spent away from home learning more about being a part of this world, and time spent at home preparing to face their next challenges. But Moon's difference, her inexhaustible pace, kept her away for so much longer than most. Her journey, by the definition of its end, would be over so much sooner.
But these beginning moments of her growth, of her first steps into maturity, Jewellery would miss. She did not regret Moon's ability. She did not regret Moon's journey. She did not regret anything about Moon at all.
But she did regret she wouldn't be able to be there as much as she wished she could.
"Now Moon," with the food served eaten, Jewellery settled Moon with an excited look, "tell me everything! All about your journey and about your partners too! I want to know everything!"
So Moon told her.
One by one Jewellery was introduced to Moon's partners, Poipole first of course, but Decidueye, Shelgon, Sylveon, and Larvesta too. Compared to those five Milotic was slightly too large to show off inside the house, and so when Moon and her mother later walked down to the beach Moon unleashed the Tender Pokemon then. Jewellery had seen all of them – besides Poipole – in the recording of Moon's battle with the leader of Team Skull – something else that had nearly given her an attack! – but meeting them in person was an experience all of its own. Jewellery, though not a battling Trainer for many years now, still had stood on the League stage herself. She could sense a Trainer's Bonds, not well but ably enough. So she could sense the impossibility around Moon, the sheer wall of presence to her Bonds that could not be told apart. But she saw her daughter too and her daughter she loved with all her heart.
So Jewellery just embraced her and heard her story instead.
Moon told most of it. In the end there were pieces she kept silent, things she did not want to discuss. Tapu Koko challenging her in Verdant Cavern. Tapu Lele grabbing her at the Ruins of Life. Tapu Bulu's destruction of Tapu Village, and her striking of the Guardian. No words of Team Skull's Plumeria threatening her. Nor of the Aether President Lusamine's hurting of her arm, the woman's presence felt all across Alola, whether in advertisements for the Foundation or the work the Foundation did itself. Moon spent little details on the early days of Ula'ula Island, where she'd lost herself to the pressure she felt. And spoke absolutely nothing of the illusions of Tapu Village, or the meeting with Kahuna Holei and her words.
But even keeping all those moments silent, times Moon struggled with understanding how she felt about them, or did not want to worry her mother with, there was still so much to the story as to enrapture Jewellery. Her daughter talked freely and for hours, happy to discuss all manner of things. It was, without question, the most life and light Jewellery had ever seen in her. Moon was, truly, happy beyond measure.
The feeling of that was so intense Jewellery almost couldn't bear it.
And so for the rest of that day the two stayed together, talking and sharing their experiences and their love for one another. The happiness Moon felt with the mother she loved, it helped her. She'd needed this, truly needed this. And so she stayed. And the first of these two nights back with her mother passed joyfully on.
Captain Acerola had left Mahihinu shortly after seeing Moon off, taking the two Ride Mudsdale she had borrowed from Samson Oak's Research Expedition east, through Tapu Village, then Haina Oasis, and into the Rocklands back to that camp. She had her own Pokemon for travel, and could easily return to Mahihinu using her Drifblim, though the Blimp Pokemon often took roundabout ways depending on the currents of the air. The total journey would still be a good few hours. While she was away, Lillie and Hau took charge of entertaining themselves.
"Come on Lillie let's head out!" Hau's call was agreed to quickly, Lillie following him outside of Aether House's enclosure, making no eye contact with the Aether Foundation worker at its desk. She'd never been particularly exposed to the regular members of the Foundation, kept separate to them in the majority of her lifestyle, and so hoped this was one who would not know her.
But she'd still rather not press her luck.
Mahihinu was a different place to anywhere else in Alola, for even after ten years it was still a location struggling to define itself. It was no city like the largest of Alola. It was no ancient town like Iki, or Wahiola either. It stretched wide like Konikoni City, curving around the western coast of Ula'ula; held a population more like Wai'oli, buildings spread out with space between each; and remained disconnected in so many ways to the rest of the island itself. Go too far north and the territory of Po Town would block the way. East was Tapu Village's remains, then the Rocklands, barriers on the journey to Malie City. And the mountainous landscape bisecting Ula'ula Island wasn't fit for any sort of travel at all. No, Mahihinu's main connection to other locations was by boat, and a life lived by boat was the most common for its residents.
Fields grew vegetable produce, boats fished in the clear waters off of the coast, and the town lived a quiet life, no grand motions made to turn it into anything more. Maybe the actions of Tapu Bulu, destroying the last residence of so many of Mahihinu's people, had afeared them to the concept of change. Maybe so many people had decided the best way to continue on was to just live quiet lives from beginning to end.
Maybe this was just the way it should be.
But even in this quiet town, the people about friendly and welcoming to Hau and Lillie, each keeping a Pokemon close – Hau with Pancham out and holding onto one of the legs of his shorts, Lillie with Nebby in the bag she always held tight – there were still sparks to be found. Little seeds that might one day blossom. Today, as the two friends spent the time before Acerola returned just exploring the local area themselves, loud voices and a rush of younger children drew their attention. Something was going on down by the beach.
So of course they followed along.
"There he is!" The voices of not only children but a number of adults filled the air, people gathered at the shoreline down from the Aether House and other housing around, a crowd watching out over the water as a figure atop a Pokemon cut a line through crashing waves. It was an elegant and stylish display, the group greatly entertained by the action. Hau watched riveted, the sight of someone easily surfing over the water capturing his full attention. He wanted to try that!
"I want to try that!"
Lillie, who while aesthetically appreciated the show very much did not want to attempt riding a Pokemon amongst surging waters, made some form of non-committal noise when Hau looked at her. He looked back at the man surfing, and whooped as the figure closed into the shore, joining the crowd of children and young adults swarming down around him.
The man, tall and wrapped in a kimono of white with black lining, the similarly dark long scarf he wore matching the spiked hair styled back behind his ears with a crop of it hanging over his face, came to a stop just before the shore, remaining atop the Brutal Pokemon Sharpedo, a four finned Pokemon with three blue atop head and from sides, one white from below, and cavernous mouth lined with sharp teeth. He smiled and waved to the gathered group. Up close Hau heard a name amongst the people gathered.
Grimsley.
Hey hadn't he heard that name before?
"Man oh man, you're all bustling today, huh?" The smooth voice of Grimsley stretched over the waves to the shore, those gathered folks waving with delight to see him. He waved back with a lazy motion. Held a lopsided grin. "It hasn't been more than a week since I went out on my surfing trip, did you all miss me that much?"
"Uncle Grimsley!" One of the younger ones amongst the crowd shouted out. "You promised you'd teach us how to surf Pokemon when you got back!" Various other voices agreed with that. Grimsley paused.
Oh heck he had too hadn't he?
"R-right!" Nodding his head, Grimsley gave a smile slightly less natural, "that's no problem then, do you all have Pokemon to try and surf with? A Mantine is best, but there're plenty others you can try with too. Who here has a Water-type Pokemon with them?"
Mutters amongst the crowd, voices confused and sure that Grimsley had mentioned he'd prepare the Pokemon for surf class, failed to eclipse Hau's loud voice, raised hand, and the relief Grimsley felt in having someone bail him out for forgetting entirely about his promise. He'd need to move quick after this to get a bunch of Ride Pokemon together for lessons. For now Grimsley waved Hau forward.
"Alright alright, step forward young man, I'll start off by teaching you the basics and everyone else can watch you learn. Then tomorrow we can try proper – I'll go find some Ride Pokemon we can use for those who don't have their own." Continued muttering amongst the crowd didn't stop Hau from bounding forward, or from the other young ones excitedly agreeing and nodding along. Grimsley, internally, breathed out a sigh of relief. Phew. That could've been embarrassing.
He really should have remembered that.
"Your name?"
"Hau!"
Oh, Grimsley nodded, showing little reaction, so this was Hau, huh? Grandson of the Melemele Kahuna, one of the two Trainers going beyond one-hundred percent speed on their Island Challenges. Look at that Pancham clutching tight to him, cute as a button little girl, she clearly trusted him fully. What an astounding boy.
A brief look over Hau's head, scanning the crowd gathered, showed no signs of the second young one known to be journeying beside him. Grimsley had followed all the news, knew full well the entire Moon deal – as much as was known in the public sphere at least – and would admit he had his curiosity. No sightings today though. He focused back on Hau.
"I like your partner there, but I don't think she'll be able to help with surfing lessons."
"Oh!" Realising, Hau turned to the Pancham and knelt down, talking to her for a moment, patting her head, before returning her to the Luxury Ball he used for her. Grimsley grinned at the sight. Hau was the doting sort. Well he didn't mind that either. A moment later Hau had pulled out a different Pokeball, and activated it to manifest a Pokemon that would do well in the water. The Pop Star Pokemon Brionne, a blue seal-like creature with ruffled rings of white and teal along its body, strong flippers and a bright pink nose, appeared right in the water, balancing up on its tail and clapping its fins together happily. Well alright then.
"Not too bad, not too bad," Grimsley nodded, well aware that for the amount of time Hau had spent on his Island Challenge, having evolved a starter Pokemon to this level already was completely unreasonable, "they're definitely ready for a swim. But if you want to ride, the only way they're going to bear your weight is by going at speed. This won't be an easy learning experience, still want to try?"
"Yeah!" Hau nodded, Brionne joining the motion. Look at the two of them so in sync. Seems there was no way this wasn't going down. Grimsley tapped a foot upon his Sharpedo's back, the Pokemon beginning to retreat from the shore with its Trainer atop it.
"Alright then, lose the shoes and come join me out in the water."
"Okay!" Hau quickly turned to find Lillie, who agreed to mind his shoes and bag while he was out on the water with Brionne. Others around, many recognising Hau, wished him well with trying out Pokemon Surfing, receiving smiles and thanks from Hau in return. Shortly after, holding onto Brionne's back, Hau was brought out by the Pokemon into the water, paddling with his own legs while clutching tight, looking up at Grimsley on his own Pokemon before him. Grimsley nodded. Lesson time.
"Since you're a Trainer and this is your partner, here's an advanced lesson to get you started," the tall and pale-skinned man advised. "Because you have a Bond together, because you can share your thoughts, you can move together as one and maintain better balance than someone trying to react to the Pokemon they're riding. So that's lesson number one, rely on your Bond to keep pace and balance. That's not really something I can tell a bunch of kids who don't even have their own Pokemon yet you know."
"Right!" Hau nodded, before attempting to haul himself up onto Brionne's back, the blue-furred Pokemon dipping under the water from his weight. Brionne was strong enough, but carrying a person on its back was still an issue. Hau struggled to find balance before slipping back into the water with a loud "ack!" Grimsley just smiled.
"Let's try again."
From the shore the gathered crowd watched as Hau continued attempting to ride his Pokemon: after a little while figuring out his balance, trying to move over calmer waters and keep his footing, failing a few times more before accomplishing that, and eventually working up to keeping even on Brionne's back as the Pop Star Pokemon zoomed across the water. Then right into a wave and the two wiped out hard. A collective vocal flinch from the crowd sounded out, before shouting encouragement across the water as Hau, soaked thoroughly but as happy as could be, popped his head back above the water and tried again. He was relentless.
Voices praising him sounded out around Lillie.
She listened with interest hearing others speaking of Hau, about his pace, mentioning that he and Moon were often seen together, some even asking her about both. Lillie attempted to handle their interest, but was better saved by other members of the crowd telling those curious not to be rude in prying. This supportive wave of people, this spirit of Alola, Lillie found it comforting.
Even she joined in yelling out reassurances for Hau as he continued to practise upon the waves.
By the time the afternoon was setting in proper Hau had found his pace, he and Brionne working together, leaning into each turn and wave in perfect synchronisation. It was exactly as Grimsley had said: by relying on his Bond with Brionne Hau was able to match his partner in every way. This closeness, this focus, it would manifest again in Hau's next battle, his ability to focus on and direct through Bonds honed by this act. Grimsley, watching over the boy's growth, shook his head at its speed.
He'd been years older before he'd gotten nearly as close to the ability Hau was showing here. Honestly, ridiculous.
This younger generation really was prepared to shine.
"Alright then," when Grimsley returned to the shore, a tired but happy Hau paddling after while holding onto Brionne's back, the tall man addressed the crowd. "You can see that learning to Pokemon Surf is going to be a lot of falling into the water and starting by just figuring out how to stand. We can start tomorrow whether you have your own Pokemon or not, so come meet me here in the morning and I'll teach you how, alright?"
Appreciation from those still around, the riveted children especially, relieved Grimsley that he was going to get away with this after all. He reached down a hand as Brionne passed his Sharpedo by and patted Hau on the head. "You're a fine student," he nodded his appreciation, "and an excellent Trainer. Good luck with your Island Challenge."
Hau, surprised by the compliment, let his mouth hang for a moment before a wave pushed seawater into it and he spluttered and coughed, an almost immaculately dry Grimsley laughing at the motion as Brionne hauled its Trainer ashore. Lillie greeted the soaked Hau, standing just a few paces back so he wouldn't get her wet himself.
When he bounded to his feet and shook like a Herdier to throw as much water off of him as he could she still ended up splattered by seawater all the same. Huffing and complaining did nothing to shelve his smile. So she just gave up with a sigh and smiled at him too.
"You did very well."
He grinned as wide as he could.
Kahili and Acerola both caught the two for the night's meal, the four enjoying one another's company for it. The stories of the day for Hau and Lillie had both Kahili and Acerola nod. That sounded about right. Acerola went first.
"Uncle Grimsley came out to Alola last year, he's waaaay popular with everyone because of his Pokemon Surfing!"
"He's also an exceptionally strong Trainer," Kahili added on, "a former member of Unova's Elite Four, and a registered competitor in the first Alolan Pokemon League."
"That's where I heard his name!" Realising in an instant, Hau slapped a closed fist against an open palm, "from the dinner in Heahea!" Kahili nodded. That was right. Hau huffed that he hadn't remembered that sooner. If he'd known Grimsley were that cool he would've had loads of questions about ways to improve as a Trainer. Little did Hau realise Grimsley had already taught him one of the most important. He still contemplated it as he turned and looked at Brionne, asleep before a plate of food he'd served. The heavy exercise of the day had worn his partner out, and they were sleeping deeply indeed. He smiled at them. They'd done well.
Moon had evolved her partner to its final level, Decidueye, evolution of Dartrix, evolution of Rowlet, so quickly. But Hau understood well that had taken something maybe no-one else could do, he could just tell when looking at it. So the fact Brionne hadn't evolved, the fact they wouldn't for a good while yet, didn't worry him too much. They were still getting stronger together. Still doing their best. And that was what was most important. Doing their best.
And continuing to take part in Alola as they went.
The next morning of Moon's visit to her mother on Melemele dawned with the two sharing another meal – Jewellery too intent on cooking for Moon all her favourite foods to fall prey to the desire to go out together on the town. Poipole and Meowth had reached less of an understanding as much as a division of space – the floating Ultra Beast to remain always above the ground, only landing to hold on to Moon or sit on taller furniture, the Scratch Cat disapproving Poipole descending below table height. Moon and Jewellery both fussed with their respective Pokemon, but the two remained at odds for the moment. Jewellery would suggest taking both out for a walk around later on – her partner Meowth more diurnal than most just by the life it lived with her – but for now they all had to wait.
After all, they had a guest incoming!
It wasn't long until the knock on Jewellery's door had her call out and stand to welcome the woman inside, one of many friends she'd made living around the area! Jewellery was at heart a socialite, and far moreso in Alola than back home in Kanto it proved easy to greet others and make a new friend. She'd even travelled out to see the other Islands too! Yes, Alola had welcomed her readily and she was thankful for it. Today the woman she greeted was one of the first to approach her. On the grounds to discuss her daughter initially, but as opposed to the vast majority she was not an individual Jewellery had to reprimand for their interest.
After all, her interest was for the proper care of Moon going forward.
"Moon," Jewellery introduced the woman stepping into their household, "this is Asuka, head of the Pokemon Schooling System in Alola."
Asuka was a woman of dark skin and blue-black hair, slightly taller than Jewellery, a few inches between them at her full height, though that was rarely seen as so often she leaned upon a cane she always carried with her – an old leg injury that didn't quite heal right not enough to stop her going about her day, but enough that if there was an option to reduce the strain when out and about she'd take it. The highlight colour she preferred was blue – evident in the large and round earrings hanging from her lobes, the necklace resting atop her clavicle, the colour of her nails, the shirt beneath her dark grey jacket, the lines along the hem of that jacket, and the rolled back sleeves revealing the same colour within. Blue wasn't Moon's own signature colour – the girl preferring brighter reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks, her disguise when upon Akala composed of colours that least suited her – but looking at Asuka she still found the woman's styling impressive.
She was clearly someone who took pleasure in the appearances she could create.
"Alola, Moon," Asuka spoke with a nod of her head, a calm and steady voice that implied years and years of focus and control. Moon had heard her name before, mentioned as one of three significant figures in Alola invited to take part in its first League. Given the impact Jackson and Pitaya had each made upon her, Moon immediately felt a swell of respect for this woman too. She greeted her in the same terms. Asuka smiled to hear it.
"Asuka and I became friends soon after you left for Akala," Jewellery filled in the story for Moon as she waved Asuka in to join them, the family Meowth deciding this was one too many people and disappearing to go sleep on Jewellery's bed, Poipole seizing the opportunity to go and upturn the Meowth's own kitty-bed out in the living room. Moon caught the motion and tsked at her partner, Poipole floating over and grabbing onto her leg with a tight hug. It seemed to have picked up on the gesture from watching Moon and Jewellery both.
Moon rolled her eyes and reached down a hand to rub its head. Asuka studied the display with interest.
"For many trainers it can take months for a partner to trust them fully, opening their hearts enough for true power to flow through their Bonds and allow them to fight at full force." Accepting Jewellery's offer of a seat, Asuka sat down at the table, resting her cane across her legs. "I wonder if your ability to connect with your partners so innately is another part of your gift, or another gift entirely. I suppose it doesn't matter. I just cannot help my own curiosity meeting you in person at last. I am sorry I did not get the chance when you visited my school at the beginning of your journey – I was indisposed at the time. Though by what she told me, Ms. Emily did a fine job caring for you in my place."
Moon nodded, remembering the day she had visited the Pokemon School just nearby. So long ago...
If she returned again their 'Elite Four' would be ducking for cover to avoid her challenge. Asuka laughed at Moon's joke. Then shook her head.
"Stronger or not, they would still benefit from challenging you and enjoy the act. You shouldn't place yourself above others just because you have power, correct?" Moon's eyes widened as Asuka casually recited a precept of the Dragon Tamers. The Principal smiled. "I've had my own education."
"Principal Asuka and I," Jewellery spoke up in the silence to follow, "have been discussing the plans for your education, Moon." Moon looked from her mother to Asuka in confusion. Asuka nodded her head and explained.
"Traditionally the structure of a Pokemon Journey is done in cycles – times spent close to home resting and training, then times spent further afield pushing forward, exploring new locations, and overcoming new challenges. A Pokemon Journey begins after completion of the first round of schooling, with the second round being done in blocks during those rest times." Moon nodded, understanding Asuka's explanation. She'd finished her initial schooling in Kanto, and had the record from it transferred to Alola when she'd arrived. Asuka nodded back and continued.
"However as opposed to many Pokemon Journeys that take years and have large time blocks between ventures, you have already completed a significant portion of the Alolan Island Challenge, the Pokemon Journey of this region, and – correct me if I am wrong – I believe you intend to continue with it to finish before the League begins next year?"
Moon confirmed that. She wanted to stand on that stage. Asuka showed nothing of the intense feeling Moon gave her in that moment. The power of the Bonds swirling within her, impossible to understand the full or true shape of. Just nodded and went on.
"Because of that, you haven't attended any education blocks since your previous graduation, and I would not expect you to in the near future either."
Asuka's words were calm and direct, without judgement or complaint. Still, Moon couldn't help but feel a little put off by them. Was she expected to? Asuka shook her head in response.
"It is simply a matter of planning otherwise. Your mother and I have discussed studies she can assist you with, as well as tasking and information you can be provided with that you might do on your own time – perhaps resting after a day's exertion, or when the weather prevents you from travelling afield. I am glad that I have had this chance to meet you directly, and explain this to you myself. And, of course, to see you for myself as well. Again, forgive me my curiosity. I hope you understand."
Moon nodded, but slower this time. Asuka wasn't pressuring her, or being forceful. Nor was she acting fearful in any way. In that case, wasn't this best? She thanked Asuka. For the first time the Principal showed a little raw emotion – a surprised expression. She hadn't expected that response. Jewellery rested a hand on Moon's shoulder and smiled. Asuka nodded to them both.
"That is the core of what I wished to express," the Principal began to stand, though Jewellery quickly moved to ask her to stay for a little, to share some food as well. Seeing what the woman had prepared that morning, Asuka obliged. "And I would like to say that should you feel you require any help with your own studies, please ask for me or any member of our school. We too practise Alola. Reach out to us as you need."
Moon smiled wider then, hearing the concept of Alola always drawing from her a sense of happiness. Nowdays more than ever.
Asuka settled into the food Jewellery offered before fixing Moon with a different expression entirely. One slyer, and more entertained. "'Stand on that stage', was it?" She chuckled at Moon's slight jump to be addressed like that. "You will see me there too then. Even with your abilities it will not be an easy journey to make in so little time. But then you have already come so far in so much less. I look forward to you surprising us all, again and again, Moon."
Moon, taking a honey tart her mother had served, smiled before biting into it.
She fully intended to.
Red flowers swayed in the breeze, currents of air eddying the thin mist that carpeted the Ula'ula Meadow, a thick forest of trees surrounding the area creating the cooling point that transformed the humidity soaked air of Alola into this vaporous fog. Bug and Grass-type Pokemon thrived within the waves of red flowers, wooden boardwalks built above the plants and pools of water allowing humans to cross the field without disturbing its natural residents. The avian Oricorio, specifically transformed by the nectar of the unique red flowers that only grew in this one location, held back their new-found powers of flame, so as not to torch the environment they hunted in.
Many who caught the Baile Style Dancing Pokemon soon discovered it possessed far more power than it displayed within its native territory.
Acerola grinned as she led Hau and Lillie over the boardwalks, pointing out every Pokemon she spotted, telling them all about this locale. The Ula'ula Meadow, renowned for its beauty across Alola and even beyond, proved a popular location to visit despite its closeness to the territory of Po Town and Team Skull: the very few attempts made by members of that gang to try and take over or at least extort visitors to the meadow ending poorly for them thanks to a combination of the Captain and the local policeforce around. So visiting here was all good all good! Acerola spun around, shifting into the steps of dance mirroring the movements of the red Oricorio, a traditional Alolan form. She was having fun playing tour guide for Hau and Lillie, showing them all the places in her territory as Captain of Ula'ula's south. Getting to show off the Alola she loved, she hadn't done that nearly enough!
Maybe she'd get more into the habit of showing Trial-goers the beauty of this Island before throwing them headfirst into the ghosts of Tapu Village's clutches.
"So all the mist comes down from the Lake of the Duske, which is oooover..." spinning as she was, Acerola had to stop, steady herself, and wait for the brief dizziness to cease before she could properly point east, showing the path leading upwards into the mountain range of Ula'ula. "That way!" Hau and Lillie followed the Captain's gesture, nodding at the direction shown. Hau stuck up a hand, playing along with Acerola's newfound occupation.
"What's the Lake of the Duske?"
"Good question!" Acerola pointed decisively at Hau. "It's a probably unnatural lake, perfectly round, with a big ol' stone disc sticking out of the middle and an old tunnel going under the water leading to it! Waaaay ancient, we have no idea what it was before! But! Cause of its name, which survived all the way from the past, we definitely have reason to think its related to the Altar of the Dawne on Poni Island!"
Lillie, similarly taken with Acerola's high energy show, raised her hand as well. Acerola immediately continued.
"The Altar of the Dawne is built high high hiiiiiigh up at the very back of the Vast Poni Canyon! It's one of the highest places in Alola after the mountains here and Wela Volcano on Akala, and is known as 'The first place the light of Alola touches each day'. Pop quiz! What is the Lake of the Duske known as?"
Lillie, quick to apply logic, raised her hand with a guess. "'The last place the light of Alola touches'?"
"Correct!" Acerola pointed at Lillie with full drama, Hau politely applauding her success. "Neither is objectively true, but both are very relatively true! Because of its position up above the forest on this side of Ula'ula Island, the Lake of the Duske can see the sun as it goes over the horizon! And similarly the Altar of the Dawne can see the sun as it rises in the east! So we have these two locations, both with similar names and titles, that we don't actually know anything about! Mysterious, huh?"
Hau and Lillie both nodded in response to this, moving into clapping as Acerola took a bow. Then, as she raised her head with a giggle that turned into a laugh, the other two joined in. That had been ridiculous.
She'd done so well though! Acerola led them on.
As they walked along the boardwalk, heading to the path that would lead them to the Lake of the Duske, Hau stopped, hearing a sound in the fields below. Watching, he observed a red Oricorio dashing through the swaying sea of flowers, a cloud of red pollen disturbed in its wake, the Pokemon clearly on the hunt. Lillie and Acerola stopped and watched too.
"It's a beautiful Pokemon," Lillie remarked, the entire location of Ula'ula Meadow strikingly wondrous to behold. Hau nudged her with an elbow and a smile.
"Want to try catching one, Lillie?"
Lillie's response was to quickly shake her head and step back, clutching the bag containing Nebby tighter to her.
"Oh no no no no, I'm not- I can't form Bonds... or I would have... with Nebby already."
Hau and Acerola both tilted their heads and considered that. It wasn't like the age of eleven was a cut-off 'you either have it or you don't' type of thing, it was just the age by which most people had developed the ability to maintain a Bond. There were stories of those who'd go years more before developing the ability, and even some tales of those who never did. Hau didn't quite buy into that though.
"Are you sure though?" He seemed to be thinking deeply on the topic. "Nebby's special, right? Maybe it's them who can't form Bonds. Or maybe a Bond with them takes soooo much you keep trying to start one without knowing and it never sticks." Lillie frowned in response to Hau's words. Then looked down at her bag, wondering. Maybe. But...
"Still," she looked back to Hau with a determined expression, "I would like to wait."
Well that was fine then. Hau nodded and turned back to watch the Pokemon going about. "Moon's definitely going to try and catch one," he decided after a moment. To that Lillie immediately agreed.
"Another for the Pelago, huh?" Acerola laughed. Then in the time it took Hau and Lillie to turn to her with looks of question on their faces, clapped her hands over her mouth with a wide-eyed expression staring through. Oh no.
"'Pelago'?" Lillie asked it. "What is that?"
"Nothing!" Acerola answered back far too fast and forcefully for it to be nothing at all. Both Hau and Lillie took a step forward. Acerola moved to take a step back and ended up on the edge of the boardwalk. Dang it!
"Captain Acerola?" Lillie tilted her head, "Do you know something about Moon and the Pokemon she's been catching?"
"Nope nope nope!" Acerola shook her head and her outstretched hands in a clear display of someone absolutely terrible at lying, "I don't know anything and if I did I definitely promised not to tell anyone and am going to be in a lot of trouble if I do!"
"So it's where she's keeping all her Pokemon, right?" Hau asking this cut right through Acerola's weak defenses, the Captain's shoulders slumping, arms dropping to her side as Hau nodded at the clear answer. "It's cool though. I mean, I already knew."
Lillie and Acerola both turned to Hau. Both asked. "You knew?"
"I mean yeah?" Hau shrugged, seemingly nonplussed. "Not like, what it was called or where it is or anything but I knew she had somewhere all the rest of her Pokemon were staying."
Acerola, the faintest shocking suspicion starting to form in her mind, took a step forward. "How did you know that, Hau?" Maybe he'd just figured it out because Moon had never once worried about the two week release system. Guessed there had to be somewhere looking after Moon's Pokemon properly. If he thought that deeply on it. Hau had good senses, but he always seemed to take the world as it came to him. Had he really spent that much thought on it? He answered with exactly what Acerola was unprepared to hear.
"It just feels like she's connected to a lot more than just the ones with her."
Okay.
Cool.
Acerola's head was spinning. Hau could sense Moon's Bonds? She barely had the sense yet and that was just because she saw Trainers on the regular as a Captain! So how did Hau? Was it because of his Psychic-type bias? He had an Espeon with him, was that enough for his own sense of Trainer's Bonds to have already developed? Or was Hau just that special himself? Of course he was, look at what he'd done over the past three months. Moon had obscured him, time and time again, but Hau was... not impossible so much as at the very edge of possible. Wait but literally everyone else, from the Captains to Kahili and Kukui, said that they couldn't tell Moon's Bonds apart! Could Hau? Acerola shook her head. Hang on-
"Hau, can you tell how many Bonds Moon has?"
"Nope," Hau answered easily enough, "There's a bunch but I can't like, picture them. It's just a feeling that she's got a lot." Acerola's shoulders slumped again. This was too much. She spends one day without Moon defying sense and then Hau comes along and does it himself!
Lillie, last to catch on, glanced between Hau and the Captain. "Moon has more than six Bonds?"
Acerola flinched.
"Please please please don't tell anyone!" She clapped her hands together, bowing her head. "Moon specifically asked us all to keep that secret because she's worried about being treated even more weirdly, we know it's not going to last but also we shouldn't be the ones giving it up!"
Hau rubbed a hand against his head. "I didn't say anything to her yet but does that mean I shouldn't?"
Lillie frowned. More than six Bonds? Moon defying a cardinal rule of Trainer's Bonds? Lillie hadn't expected that. But now that she thought about it... she should have. When Moon described meeting Poipole, she'd said the Pokemon had bonded with her immediately. But there was no way Moon didn't go into her fifth Trial with six Pokemon already on her. Lillie should have realised then. She frowned harder. She'd completely missed that.
"If you can feel them, in some way at least," speaking slowly, Lillie put together the idea, "then you can say that alone to Moon without mentioning anyone else. And I think... if Moon is worried about being treated strangely, having you tell her you know and aren't concerned would help a lot."
Immediately Hau nodded. "That's a great idea!" He smiled at Lillie. "I'll bring it up when she gets back."
Acerola, watching these two formulate a plan for Moon's sake, felt some form of pride just in the way they clearly cared for Moon, and a lot of relief knowing she wasn't going to get dragged for not being able to keep her mouth shut. Not that the other Captains would do anything but forgive and understand but... she'd still end up feeling like she'd disappointed them and Moon both. At least this way she didn't have to feel that.
She hoped.
Few other people were out and about in the Ula'ula Meadow that day, the current time being the beginnings of afternoon, Acerola aiming to spend an hour or so around the Lake of the Duske so they might see the sunset from it. A view that absolutely should not be missed. Yet before they could make it there, two things coincided. Firstly, the closer Lillie got to the path leading to the lake, the more her bag began to shake, repeated noises coming from within. The touch of her hand against its side, whispered reassurances to Nebby, even opening the bag slightly – not enough to let the Pokemon out, just enough so Lillie could see it and it could see her back – did nothing to calm the Cosmog down. Something was up with Nebby. By the time they were near the edge of the meadow, Lillie was struggling to even keep hold of her bag.
The second thing was the member of Team Skull wandering into the meadow from the path leading to Po Town in the north.
"Ayy!" The snap call of his voice had Lillie flinch deeply, curling around her bag with it pressed against her stomach, Hau and Acerola moving to stand between her and the Team Skull Grunt approaching, his hands moving in the rhythmic pattern the gang members were so proud of. He didn't stop doing it even as he came to a halt before them. "S'in the bag, yo?"
Before Hau could even open his mouth in response Acerola had stepped forward. The Grunt narrowed his eyes as she shrugged. "Does it matter?" She spoke in a cheery tone, "It's her business not yours."
"Hey now Captain A, don't be like that." The Team Skull member worked a shrug into his elaborate routine of hand movements. "You and me we practically grew up together, let a brother in on a secret for old times' sake yeah?"
"Sorry," Acerola smiled wide, "I can't tell who you are with that bandanna over your face."
"Yo!" Hands outstretched as if to hold off the weight of Acerola's words, the Grunt reeled backwards. "That's savage, yo, straight up a harsh beating! I see this moving bag and think hey maybe there's a rare Pokemon to check out and you straight up hash me like that? Uncool, C A, uncool."
"You should go." In a flash of red a Pokemon appeared over the group, the Blimp Pokemon Drifblim floating ominously above them. The Grunt took a step back. Acerola held her smile. "Let's not make a mess in the meadow, okay?"
"Yo okay okay!" Hands raised, the Grunt back-pedalled, "'scuse a guy for a bit of curiosity, I ain't a Meowth to be got in by it but I guess I'll go take a catnap anyway. Gotta say C you really shoulda picked different. Playing Captain after all that? Not cool."
Acerola took a step forward, the smile sliding off her face as she began to raise a hand, Drifblim moving with her. The Grunt took that as his cue to beat feet, sprinting off before making a sharp turn on his heel, racing back along the path to Po Town. Acerola, left behind with frustration simmering just beneath the surface, breathed out deeply, Hau and Lillie watching over her. Hau watching over her.
Lillie was still struggling with her bag.
"Nebby!" Her short tone did nothing to still the Nebula Pokemon's movements, "Look at the trouble you're causing! What's wrong with you?" Hau moved a little closer to check too. That bag was really shaking. It was kinda worrying.
"Is Nebby okay?"
"I-" Lillie, unsure of what she should do, simply kept hold of the bag, Nebby within struggling still. "I don't know." She'd promised to care for Nebby, but once again was faced with her inability. She couldn't connect to Nebby. She couldn't sense their wants and moods the way Trainers easily could with their partners. She had no Bond. And as the struggling finally slowed, Nebby exhausting themself with the heavy activity, Lillie could not help the feeling that she had just failed the Pokemon in a significant way. She felt awful.
Hau patted her shoulder.
"Hey," he didn't really know at all what to say, or how to reassure Lillie that things would be okay, "if we head to the Lake, we can let Nebby out of the bag safely there, right?"
"That's right," Acerola, who'd calmed down from her moment – that Team Skull member had really said the wrong combination of words to set her off – finally rejoined the pair. "The Lake's high up enough that most people don't go there, and the centre disc is in the middle of the water, so nice and self-contained! We can fly up, Drifblim'll get us there quick."
The Lake of the Duske wasn't too high up in the Ula'ula mountains, but the climb on foot was still a decent one. Ride Tauros would easily make it, but the Pokemon weren't allowed through the Ula'ula Meadow in order to avoid disturbing the environment, and there were no Ride Pokemon stations on this side so close to Po Town. So the Lake of the Duske was reserved solely for Trainers with Pokemon of their own to climb the mountain or the most determined of hikers.
Acerola was most definitely not the second.
Her Drifblim was larger than the average of its species, and did not complain as not only Acerola, but with her prompting Lillie and Hau each grasped on to one of the four ribbons hanging from its balloon-like form. Lillie glanced at the Captain.
"Uhm, Captain Acerola, is this alright? I've read about Drifblim and-"
"No worries no worries!" Acerola spared a hand to show her signature 'V', "Ghost Pokemon with partners are totally safe! Just hold on and we'll get up there no problems!" Nodding back, Lillie did so, the ribbon tendril curving so she could stand on it as well as grasp it with her hands. With a jet of black air emerging from its base the Pokemon lifted, Hau giving a whoop as they rose up above the meadow. Acerola pointed east.
"Let's head out!"
And the Blimp Pokemon began its ascent.
Lillie had experienced flight with both Professor Kukui and Kahili in her time travelling with them, and while it was unnerving had grown accustomed to it enough not to panic when in the air. To Acerola's credit, while Drifblim continually ascended, so too did the path, and the Blimp Pokemon never strayed too far above ground-level. Hau, who had experienced far less flying than Lillie and Acerola, laughed and cheered and was very enthusiastic about this all. He needed to get a Flying-type Pokemon so he could fly as well!
He said, despite having five Pokemon at age eleven already. Acerola just shook her head. Honestly he was just as bad as Moon when it got down to it!
Moments later Acerola remembered everything that had happened over the past few days with Moon and decided no, that wasn't true at all.
It really was impossible to disturb sense as well as Moon could do.
Through steady ascent the trio arrived upon the entrance to the Lake of the Duske, the crumbling ruin at the beginning of the path leading into an underground tunnel stretching beneath the clear waters, surfacing again in the middle of the lake where a grass-covered disc of stone awaited. Acerola skipped dismounting here to fly right out over the lake and land upon the central structure itself. A circular rock platform, fields of grass grown over what were once trimmed gardens, trees growing wildly across it. But its centre ring, the raised platform and symbol indicating the passage of sun to moon, remained there. It was a sight worth seeing.
That was why she'd timed this part of the trip so they might see the setting of the sun from this point.
"Welcome to the Lake of the Duske!" With proud announcement Acerola hopped off of her Pokemon first, Hau following, Lillie waiting for it to lower her to ground level before disembarking. She thanked the Pokemon when she was on the ground. It made a noise like wind rattling dry leaves against a window in response. Lillie moved closer to Acerola and Hau.
"It's so quiet here." Gazing about, Lillie took in the environment. It appeared empty. "Are we the only ones here?"
"Yep!" Acerola nodded, "No-one else in sight! You're safe!"
Taking that as reassurance, Lillie opened her bag and began to lower it so she could make sure Nebby was alright. The small and blue wispy Pokemon was still clearly exhausted, but conscious, giving a weak 'pew' as Lillie lifted it from the bag and held it in her arms. Hau, halfway across the disc already, was loudly telling Acerola about how cool this old place was. Lillie shook her head at the sight. How did he have so much energy still? The flight alone had taken so much out of her. She huffed and Acerola pattered her on the back in understanding. She was a little tired too. Hau was just... unstoppable.
"The fact you're keeping up with him and Moon at all means you're amazing," the Captain smiled at Lillie, who couldn't help the giggle she gave in response. Hau and Moon were amazing. And so was being able to be with them. She wouldn't deny that at all.
"It's still..." Acerola struggled for the words, so much to express warring inside her mind, "so much." To that Lillie nodded as well.
"They're incredible."
Yep, Acerola could agree with that. They were.
"You doing okay?" Her question surprised Lillie, who was focusing more on Nebby in her arms. She reassured Acerola she was fine, but in an absent way that said she was brushing off the question more than anything else. Her almost single-minded focus on helping Nebby find a way home, it had filled all her thoughts for months now. Failing to help, especially now when Nebby had seemed so intent on telling her something, hurt. Mixed into her other worries. About Gladion, her brother. About Team Skull apparently looking for Cosmog. And about...
That moment of thought, her briefly slackened hold on Nebby as Lillie considered Acerola's question only after answering, gave the Nebula Pokemon its chance. With a surge of movement Nebby launched itself out from Lillie's grip, arcing a wide leap from her arms across the grassy fields of the centre of the lake. Lillie yelling its name did not dissuade it as Nebby bounced upon landing and scurried up the stairs to the central platform of the structure, high-pitched cries coming from it as exhaustion and further exertion warred with determination. Lillie caught up with the Pokemon just before it reached the platform's peak.
"Nebby! What's wrong?" Scooping the Pokemon up into her arms, Lillie struggled with it fighting to get free once again, one of the two star-speckled blue 'arms' stretching from its main body gesturing constantly towards the centre point. Lillie, shocked by Nebby's constant movement and vocalisation, stepped forward. Realisation finally hit.
"Nebby?" The Cosmog was still fighting against her grip, but lacked any of the power to escape her arms wrapped around it. Lillie frowned. "Were you... trying to come here?"
Bringing Nebby to the highest point of the structure on the lake, the centre piece where the symbol of Duske was carved into the platform of stone, even kneeling down so Nebby could be closer to it did nothing to calm the Nebula Pokemon's gesticulations. It seemed intent upon communicating something, but Lillie did not know what. Hau and Acerola each joined her at the peak.
"Hey, is this what Nebby was-" Hau's trailing question was met with a shake of Lillie's head, an 'I don't know' of answer. Acerola frowned.
"It's trying to tell us something."
The specific message Nebby failed to communicate, the small Pokemon waving its arms again and again, crying out in a piercing voice, but achieving nothing of its desire. In frustration it glowed brightly. Lillie gasped and tightened her grip around the Pokemon. It didn't help.
A moment later she appeared just above one of the grassy fields at the outer ring of the structure, dropping only the slightest distance but unbalanced by it all the same, toppling backwards onto the grass. Nebby, held tight against her chest, was breathing laboriously now, the act of teleportation incredibly draining for it. Cries of shock from Hau and Acerola, who'd just seen Lillie disappear, changed into calls asking if she was alright as they spotted and rushed over to her. Lillie stood up, a gasping Nebby in her arms. Her own heart was beating like a jackhammer too. She shook her head again.
"We should get Nebby away from here."
In response Acerola and Hau, once close enough, nodded as well. Though she'd been looking forward to showing these two the setting of the sun from the lake, Acerola would not allow a Pokemon's distress in her presence. And Nebby, this place was clearly affecting it in a way it was not prepared for. So she called upon her Pokemon again to help carry the three of them back down from the mountain. They could use this height to coast all the way to Mahihinu, and get Nebby food and rest away from this place.
Moon had already called and said she'd be back tomorrow. So they'd see what tomorrow brought them. Together, these three took off, and left behind the Lake of the Duske for the moment.
Never saw the tiny crack in the air above its centre, faint rainbow light beginning to pour forth.