Wooloo and Ponyta were very happy to have their adoptive mother back with them along with Scorbunny and Yamper as their new siblings. Sarah and her family couldn't be happier for the two young Galar Pokemon. Now, they had their old family back and nothing would change that for them just as Rapidash loved having her two favorite younglings back. As for the Scorbunny and Yamper, the two of them adored their extended family very much with Yamper bounding over to Tsukumaro and James and happily tackling them to the floor and licking their faces when she brought them home.
Sarah decided to nickname the Scorbunny, Scorch, the little bunny loving the name as he cheered and ran around the house over it.
After the gang's real-life work experience at the Pokemon Center, Sarah decided to help Nurse Joy after school for about two hours each day, so that she could learn some more after going through what she did during the Work Experience as a small activity of her own. Nurse Joy was more than happy to have someone like her own Santa's Little Helper with her and Nikki and James agreed to the proposal since it would help her learn more on how to heal her pokemon and dragons should they get injured.
The next day, Sarah and all her friends, pokemon, dragons, and Solar were at the Pokemon School together with the gang. It was early in the morning and class wouldn't start for another few minutes until Prof. Kukui arrives.
"It's another beautiful day at the Pokemon School and everybody is up bright and early for another lesson with Prof. Kukui. So-hey, what's this?"
Inside the classroom, Riolu, Pikachu, Togdemaru and Popplio were having a little race together around the classroom with everyone else watching from the sidelines. Pikachu was in the lead with Riolu not too far behind and Togedemaru and Popplio picking up the rear. "Go for it, Pikachu!" Ash cheered.
"Faster, Popplio!"
"Go, go, go!"
"Keep it up, Riolu, you're doing great!" encouraged Lana, Sophocles, and Sarah.
"Pika, Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu taunted at Riolu, who was still trailing behind him.
Riolu just smirked, accepting his challenge. "We'll see about that!" she snarked, starting to pick up speed.
"Brio, Brio, Bri, Bri, Brio! Bri-Bri Brio Brionne, Bri-Brionne! BRI...ONNE!" chanted Aqua, her pom-poms at hand and cheering for Popplio and Riolu.
To the Pop Star Pokemon, it didn't matter whether Riolu or Popplio would win or lose but how fast they are compared to each other, Togedemaru, and Pikachu.
Ash's partner was doing well as he sped up but he was surprised to see Riolu charging up from behind him as she kept her eye on him and slowly closed the distance between him and her.
"Scorbunny, Scor, Bun, Bunny!" smirked Scorch towards the racers as he hopped in place, eager to race the winner next time.
Rapidash, Yamper, Wooloo, and Ponyta just chuckled at Scorch; between the Galar Younglings, he's the most competitive one.
"Pika-Pi, Pikachu! Pi, Pi, Pika, Pikachu!" replied Pikachu as he sped up to maintain his lead.
"Wow, look at them go!" Ash gawked in excitement.
"They race like the wind!" Silvally breathed in surprise at Riolu catching up to Pikachu leaving them tied for the lead.
"It's a virtual dead heat!" observed Rotom-Dex as they rounded around the classroom and Lillie's desk.
Then, without warning, Riolu shot forward with a small burst of speed, shocking Pikachu and leaving him, Popplio, and Togedemaru in the dust as they crashed into each other, leaving the Emanation Pokemon landing in Sarah's arms in first.
"I win!" cheered Riolu.
"First place for you, girl!" laughed Sarah.
"Good try, Pikachu, you were awesome," smiled Ash at his partner.
"Popplio, that was fantastic," congratulated Lana to Popplio.
"You know, I thought we'd finally win today. Oh, well, next time!" smirked Sophocles, knowing that he and Togedemaru will win eventually.
"Talking speed, both Pikachu and Riolu have a slight advantage. Especially since Riolu's been training hard to run like that, even without learning Agility," smiled Kiawe as he observed.
Sarah and Riolu turned to Scorch, who was still hopping in place and eager to race the little Emanation Pokemon. "Guess that means you'll get to race Riolu next time, Scorch," the princess smiled.
"Scorbun!" bragged Scorch as he pounded his chest proudly with a bright smile, causing everyone to laugh from his competitive nature.
"Yam, Yamper, Yam!" panted Yamper happily, also wanting to race and making everyone laugh harder.
Just then, Professor Kukui arrived to start class and he could see how well everyone's Pokemon were getting on, especially with Rapidash, Scorch, and Yamper having their first day of school since being discharged from the Pokemon Center and being accepted into Sarah's family.
"Well done, you kids have got playing nice down to a science," he complimented with a knowing smile.
"Oh, Professor!" said Sophocles as they all noticed him coming in.
"Alola!" they all greeted.
"Alola," replied the professor before he looked over them and their Pokemon for their next lesson. "All right, everybody ready? I want you all to trade your Pokemon."
Everyone was silent for a moment before Ash and the others gawked in shock over the news. Sarah and her family, however, didn't know what Professor Kukui meant by that as they tilted their heads in confusion.
"Trade our Pokemon...?" Sarah questioned.
"What do you mean, Mr. Kukui?" asked Riolu.
"You mean you want the kids and Mother to trade any of us for our next lesson... DID I MISS SOMETHING?!" screamed Silvally incredulously despite knowing everybody besides Sarah still can't understand Pokemon speak.
(Eye to Eye - Pokemon Version)
(The opening begins with Sarah, her pokemon and dragon family turning around and being faced with the Seven Sins and Sarah draws her Sword of the Sun Lion to confront them. Nebby's creators, Solgaleo and Lunala come by their side while UB-Black appears behind Team Eclipse, under their control)
Got myself a notion, one I know that you'll understand
To set the world in motion, by reaching out for each others' hand
Maybe we'll discover, what we should have known all along
(Yeah)
One way or another, together's where we both belong
If we listen to each others' heart
We'll find we're never too far apart
And maybe love is the reason why
For first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye
(Sarah is introduced next, wearing her royal attire, as she stands with her proud Nebby and Solar, her Beast Bot alongside her before they are shown getting in a battle stance together along side the Beast-X King Zord before they perform Searing Sunrise Smash together. Ash, Pikachu, Kiawe and Turtonator are introduced together as they perform 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt and Inferno Overdrive together against Team Eclipse. Lana, Lillie, Sophocles and Mallow are introduced next to their pokemon partners before they all perform Hydro Vortex, Subzero Slammer, Savage Spin-out and Bloom Doom together against UB-Black to protect Sarah and Nebby before Sarah eyes and the lion mark on her right cheek glowed and she unleashes a powerful Roar and the clouds behind her turn into roaring lions.)
If a wall should come between us,
Too high to climb, Too hard to break through
I know that love will lead us
And find a way to bring me to you
So don't be in a hurry
Think before you count us out
(Ohh)
You don't have to worry, I will never let you down
Nothing's gonna stop us now!
If we listen to each others' heart
We'll find we're never too far apart
And maybe love is the reason why
For first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye
(Nikki, James, Lusamine, Faba, Wicke and Professors Burnet and Kukui are seen using their pokemon partners against Team Eclipse's pokemon before Sarah, Winter and Nebby fly in and blast them away with a Focus Blast and plasma blast attack. Then, Absol, Zoura, and Zeraora appear and use Megahorn, Night Daze and Plasma Fists, blasting Team Eclipse away before Cresselia flies over the sky.)
Lovers always seeing it eye to eye
(Yes we are)
I knew I was seeing it
{Seeing it eye to eye}
Lovers always seeing it eye to eye
(Seeing it eye to eye, Yeah)
I knew I was seeing it
{Seeing it eye to eye}
Lovers always seeing it eye to eye
(I think we're seeing it eye to eye)
I knew I was seeing it
(Eye to eye}
(Sarah is then seen mega evolving Candy and her Lucario, Shiny Absol, Salamance, Latios, Latias, Houndoom at once, showing the powerful friendship they share together before she's seen saving a little Yamper, Scorbunny and Galar Region Rapidash from Melania's Kabutops and Lothor's Darkari by slashing them with her sword. Then, Sarah comes face to face with Lothor and his Darkari who tries to blast her but she's protected by Cresselia and Giratina, the Pokemon of Dreams and the Reserve World, who blasts Darkari with Moonblast and Shadow Ball together)
If you're ever lonely, stop
You don't have to be
After all it's only
A beat away from you to me
(Take a look inside and see!)
Yeah, Yeah!
(Tsukumaro, Absol's trainer and Doug and Deliah's royal advisor then appears and he's shown training Sarah to fully master her family's powerful sword with Zeraora and Zoura watching on the sidelines with Sarah's pokemon family, Winter and her dragon friends. Next, Sarah is seen holding the her sword in her hand before she raises her Sun Sword into the sky while her friends and family cheered and the seven gems come out before seven legendary pokemon appear; Cresselia, Giratina, Zygarde (Dog Form), Zacian, Zamazenta, Xerneas and Rayquaza and they all circle her and Nebby in their powerful magic along with more silhouettes of Legendary Pokemon appearing before the title screen comes up.)
If we listen to each others' heart
We'll find we're never too far apart
And maybe love is the reason why
For the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye
(Seeing it eye to eye)
Seeing it eye to eye, baby!
Pokemon - Alola Journey: Destiny of Princess Sarah
Taking time to wrap their heads around what Professor Kukui said to them, the gang returned to their desks, worried and stumped.
"Trade our Pokemon, what do you mean by that?" Mallow asked.
"You don't mean Popplio's going away forever now, do you?" Lana quizzed, concerned.
"I don't want to leave Ms. Sarah, Mr. Kukui!" begged Mai as she held Sarah tightly.
Kukui chuckled. "No, not that. That's not what I meant; I meant trade your Pokemon with each other temporarily. I want you all to get to know different Pokemon other than your own. And, so, what better way than to do that than to take care of each other's Pokemon?" he explained.
He turned to Sarah, smiling knowingly since she and her family were to be crucial for his lesson for everyone. "And, I can tell this won't be a problem for Sarah 'cause she has gotten to meet a lot of Pokemon other than Blitz already ever since she joined our school."
Everyone smiled with relief but they also felt a little stupid and embarrassed for jumping to such conclusions earlier.
"Oh, Professor, I understand now," chuckled Mallow.
"Well, that's a load off our minds," agreed Sarah.
"That does sound like a lot of fun," Ash admitted with a smile.
"You know, I always wanted to gather the data of Pokemon who aren't Electric Types," agreed Sophocles.
But, Lana wasn't so sure given how attached she was to Popplio. "I'm a little worried, I'll miss my Popplio," she pondered worriedly.
"True, but this could be a lot of fun. It would've been fun and a great learning curve for me to touch a Pokemon let alone get to know one," Lillie contended. "But, for me, as I am now, it would do me wonders to understand how other Pokemon react and become a part of me in more ways than one."
"Well, let's give it a go," Kiawe replied, already liking the idea.
Everyone turned back to Prof. Kukui, the lesson's million-dollar question in their minds. "Have you already decided whose Pokemon partner we're switching with?" Mallow questioned.
"Sarah will be the one to decide that given she has the most experience on that front," smirked Kukui as everyone turned to the princess. "Sarah, if you wouldn't mind?"
"Yes, Professor?" she asked.
"With all the Pokemon you have under your belt, I suggest that you do the trading and look after everyone else's Pokemon. In turn, you can choose which of your Pokemon goes with who and we'll see how it all goes when you all return."
Sarah was surprised but she smiled, knowing what he meant. "That's true, I don't mind having everybody else taking a few and seeing how they do with them," she agreed.
Kukui nodded before he addressed the others. "As your Pokemon are all going to Sarah, you'll switch with her for whichever ones you choose and she deems best for you to spend the weekend with," he finished.
Already eager to start, Ash agreed on behalf of everyone. "All right!" he declared.
Soon, it was time for everyone to choose their Pokemon from Sarah. Lillie was obviously the first one to choose who she wants to be with for the weekend so she ended up choosing her Pokemon Younglings and Nebby after giving her Snowy as a favor to her best friend for everything she did for her and her family.
"You helped my family and I so much, Sarah," she smiled kindly. "I don't know how I can thank you enough other than this."
"Don't be, Lillie. Just take good care of them for me until next week, okay?" nodded Sarah knowingly.
Lillie nodded before she turned to Snowy, "Snowy, we're going to be separated for a while but I know you'll be in good hands. So, be good and listen to whatever Sarah says."
Snowy was worried given how much she and Lillie had been through together but she didn't want to disappoint her so she reluctantly agreed to the switch. "Vul, Vulpix..." she sighed sadly.
As Sarah's younglings and Nebby joined Lillie, Snowy was comforted by Snowflake who nuzzled her gently with an encouraging smile which Snowy returned with a soft one.
With that, Snowy joined her temporary trainer to begin her short time with her new family.
Kiawe is the second one to have a go at picking whichever Pokemon he'd like to trade her with for Pyroar and Turtonator. With her approval, he decided to go with Mudsdale (after making sure to take off the Sun Sword from his saddle), Dusk, and Luna for the weekend.
"Guess I'll be stuck with your Fire Types for the weekend, Kiawe," smiled Sarah towards her fellow student.
"Yeah, not to mention, it'll be great for Mudsdale to see my family again and have Dusk and Luna over," agreed Kiawe. "He hasn't been there for a while and given Mimo's nickname for him, I can tell she'll be wanting to see him after all this time."
"I know you'll take good care of him and you'll do the same for Dusk and Luna. I just hope your family's Marowak is friendly if he's willing to just talk peacefully and not start any fights."
"We'll keep an eye on him and my family would be surprised to see a Dusk Form Lycanroc like Dusk, they'll probably want to hear that if they haven't, already."
The two friends laughed as they agreed to the trade leaving Mallow the next one to decide who's going with her in exchange for Tsareena.
"Sarah, would you mind if I look after Mulan, Houndoom, and their friends? I'd love to show them around my family's restaurant," she offered.
"I don't see why not," replied Sarah before she turned to the Pokemon in question. "What do you say, guys? Mind helping Mallow and her family out in the kitchen? You'll get a tasty reward if you do!"
They all chirped happily, eager to give her Grass Type friend a helping hand in Tsareena's place.
"That's that. Take good care of them, Mallow. I hope they'll do you and your restaurant justice."
"Thanks, Sarah. I know you'll take good care of our restaurant's beloved Poster Pokemon."
The two friends shared a hug agreeing to the trade and in the shared hope that the abused Pokemon will open themselves more to others with the arrangements for their staying with Mallow and her father.
Next, Sophocles lent his royal friend Togedemaru in exchange for Snowflake and her family. "I'd like to take care of Snowflake and her family for you if you want," he offered kindly.
"That's fine, you can learn a lot from them just as they would from you," she reassured before she turned to her oddball family. "Now, Snowflake, I'm gonna leave you all with Sophocles for the weekend. Be good and learn from him as much as you can but don't give him or his family any trouble, all right?"
"Vul, Vulpix!"
"Flygon!"
"Hy-Hydre!"
"Dra...!" they told her, knowing they won't make any trouble for their human trainer's fellow student as they joined him.
"Well, Togedemaru, you take care now. I hope you'll do fine without me for the next two days," he replied, concerned for his Roly-Poly Pokemon.
"Togede!" smiled Togedemaru, reassuring her partner that she'll have fun with Sarah.
This puts a smile on Sophocles' face as they shared a handshake of friendship between them before Lana came forward and lent her Popplio getting Milotic and Aqua in turn.
"I know Aqua was technically a Popplio beforehand but she's a really good sort and I was wondering if you could teach her to make water balloons just as Popplio could," she told her Water Type friend.
"No problem, Sarah, and I'll make sure Milotic is as comfortable as she can be, too," Lana reassured.
"I just hope your sisters don't go nuts over them, you know how they get about wanting to come to the school since the Open House and become trainers to have Pokemon of their own when they are of age."
"They'll be fine, at least, I think."
The two friends shared a hug between them as they sealed the trade. Unfortunately, for Silvally, he, the Eevee Squad, Eevee, and Sylveon were paired with the last trainer he wanted, Ash.
"The Kanto Turkey Brain, him of all people," he seethed angrily. "Out of all the people in this damn wild world, you had to pair me with the Kanto Klutz. He's not even the brightest bulb in this school's tree with what he does, for Arceus' sake!"
"It's just for the weekend and it's not gonna kill you if you give him a chance," she scolded him soothingly. "Besides, how else would you get to know Ash even if he doesn't understand you as I have? He's more than just an idiot and he might surprise you if you let him understand and take care of you just as he would with Sylveon, Eevee, and the Eevee Squad."
"Urgh...! Fine, whatever," groaned the Synthetic Pokemon in defeat. "Just don't make me regret it!"
Sarah nodded before turning to Ash. "Are you sure you'll be okay with Silvally? He's a hothead and a loose cannon if you make him go bananas nor does he think highly of you as a trainer," she warned.
"Hey, what's the problem? I'm sure it'll be fine, we'll have fun together, promise," Ash reassured confidently. "At least, Eevee, Sylveon, and the whole Eevee Squad will be hanging out with us."
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
"Ash and I will take good care of Silvally and all your Eeveelutions," added Rotom-Dex as he buzzed over to them. "Their food and habits data are all inputted into my memory banks as well as the data on Silvally Professor Burnet gave me months ago."
"Well, if you're sure... All right, I trust you. Just don't try to piss off Silvally, okay?"
"Thanks, Sarah!"
"Pikachu!" thanked Pikachu and Rotom-Dex as the Eevee Squad, Sylveon, Eevee, and Silvally joined them and Ash, the latter doing so reluctantly.
Before they would begin, Lillie and Sarah had finalized which of the younger Pokemon would go with her and Nebby: Riolu, Oshawott, Tepig, and Skitty along with Scorch, Yamper, Ponyta, and Wooloo.
Rapidash was anxious about leaving her children with Lillie but the Ice Type Trainer and Sarah promised her that she'll take good care of them.
With the trades all agreed upon, that left Blitz, Rapidash, Poipole, Noctowl, Goodra, Candy, and Lolita remaining with Sarah, Solar, and her dragons as the gang's Pokemon joined them for the weekend. Poipole was agreed upon by the seven students to stay with Sarah given her prankster nature could cause unnecessary trouble for everyone if she even stayed with one of them and Lolita chose not to be traded to stay be her trainers' daughter's side as the royal family's pet.
With that, Sarah sought off the Eevee Squad, Eevee, Sylveon, and Silvally as they prepared to leave with Professor Kukui and Ash for his cabin.
"I'll see you guys later and you all be good to Ash, Burnet, and Prof. Kukui," she told them before she eyed Silvally. "Especially you, Silvally, remember what I told you."
"I know, I know... Give the Kanto Turkey Brain a chance, yes, Mother..." sighed Silvally, still not liking the arrangements.
Sarah just nodded in approval, "Good, I'm counting on you."
Seeing their decisions being made and the trades being finalized, Kukui nodded in approval before he gave his final announcement of the week to them.
"Your exchanges with Sarah will be for the weekend and then, you'll switch all your Pokemon back this coming week," he explained to them. "I'm looking forward to seeing how you all get along with her extended family. Ready to go?"
"Yeah!" everyone shouted, feeling ready for the task at hand as the final bell rang.
With everyone set and ready to go with the new lesson, they and their chosen Pokemon from Sarah all departed for home. They were all very excited and they couldn't wait to see how they would bounce off of and bond with each group of their royal friend's Pokemon family.
"See ya later, Sarah!" called Kiawe, with Mudsdale, Dusk, and Luna in two from their Pokeballs she had given him.
"Okay! Good luck with Mudsdale, Dusk, and Luna when you're home, Kiawe!" she called to her fellow student.
"I will! Take care of Pyroar and Turtonator!"
With that, Kiawe and Charizard left for home to begin their time with Dusk, Mudsdale, and Luna, wondering what he'll learn from his eventual weekend with them coming up.
Mallow is the next one to leave with Mulan, Latios, Latias, Salamence, Houndoom, and Braviary as the little princess saw them off.
"Have a safe trip back to your family's restaurant, Mallow! And, look after Mulan and the others for me when you do!"
"I sure will, girlfriend! Do the same for Tsareena!"
Sophocles was the third to leave and he was still nervous about taking care of Snowflake and her family without Togedemaru being there for him.
"I don't know if I can do this, Sarah," he replied nervously, shaking in his boots. "I've never been away from Togedemaru after everything we've been through."
"Don't worry, Sophocles, I'm sure you'll do great with Snowflake and her family," she reassured him. "They're some of the sweetest Pokemon you'll meet, they wouldn't harm a fly and you can get home faster on Dragonite."
Sophocles was surprised by this. "Really?" he questioned.
Sarah just nodded as she helped him up on the back of Snowflake and Flygon's mother with said Fox Pokemon riding on her father's back happily and Flygon ready to fly alongside them.
"You'll do well with them for the whole weekend, buddy. Just have faith in yourself that you'll be a good trainer to them, be happy with them and they'll be happy with you. They'll do what they can to help you if you're not sure what to do. You might even make Togedemaru proud when you tell her how well you and your family got along with Snowflake and her own."
This lifted the Electric Type student's spirits and he nodded with renewed determination.
"All right, it's a deal!" he said eagerly before he turned to Dragonite. "Well, come on Dragonite, let's fly!"
Dragonite nodded as she and her family took Sophocles home to begin their weekend with him, the young boy showing them the way.
"Please take care of Togedemaru for me, Sarah!" he called.
"Don't worry, Sophocles, she's in good hands! Keep an eye on Snowflake and her family for me!" she called back.
With Mallow, Kiawe, and Sophocles having taken their leave with her Pokemon of their choice, the princess turned her attention to Lana who was already prepared to leave with Aqua and Milotic in tow. She was holding Popplio as the two exchanged their goodbyes for the weekend until they return to school the following week.
"Well, Sarah, it's time for me and Popplio to say goodbye, for now," sighed Lana as she handed her partner to her friend.
"I know it's hard, Lana, but you'll see each other again. Until then, you and your family will have Aqua and Milotic around to keep you company," she told her.
"Yeah, you're right... Well, I better get going. See ya later, Sarah, take care of Popplio for me, will ya?"
"She'll be all right with me, bye," she said as she and Popplio, still in her arms, left to see Lillie and Ash off with their own groups.
Lana sighed as she watched them leave, "Oh, Popplio, see you soon..."
It was Lillie's turn to head off as she prepared to get into the car waiting for her and her younglings for the weekend. "Well, guys, shall we all go, then?" she asked her group.
Riolu, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, and Skitty cheered as they jumped into the car while Scorch, Yamper, Wooloo, and Ponyta were sent off by Rapidash with a few final loving licks and nuzzles to them, telling them to behave while they're with Lillie. The four Pokemon agreed before they joined their fellow younglings in the car.
Nebby was set to walk with them as he nuzzled Sarah lovingly before he was to depart with his babysitter. "Bye, Mama..." he whimpered to her.
"You take care and listen to Lillie, Nebby," smiled Sarah as she held him. "She's your babysitter, after all."
"Always have, always will!" he nodded affirmingly.
She then turned to her younglings with Lillie, "You all be good while you're with Lillie and listen to what she says, okay, guys?"
They all gave happy, affirming cries, telling her that they'll behave around Lillie and make her proud. This left the two girls to happily say their goodbyes as Snowy joined them, still worried about being away from her trainer for the weekend.
"Well, Lillie, this is it," Sarah began. "I guess it'll be me and Snowy for the weekend."
"Take good care of her, Sarah. She's still really shy around strangers but she knows you well so you'll have no problems with each other," agreed Lillie with a smile.
"And, I know you'll have a lot of fun with my younglings, they'll need all the love and attention they can get. Please, take especially good care of Wooloo, Ponyta, and their brothers, Lillie. Rapidash is sure to miss them and worry a lot for their safety and wellbeing."
"I will," Lillie nodded before she turned to Rapidash and rubbed her gently. "Rapidash, your children will be safe with me. I promise I'll take good care of them until next week."
The evolved Unique Horn Pokemon nodded slowly with an approving neigh, trusting Lillie to look after her children and knowing that the young Ice Type trainer won't go back on her word.
Knowing that Snowy would have to say goodbye to her trainer for the weekend, Sarah picked up the timid Ice Type and held her close to Lillie so they can share a moment together before they begin their assignment.
"Well, goodbye, Snowy. I'll see you later," smiled Lillie, petting her partner. "Now, be good for Sarah, and remember to have fun while you're with her and the others."
"Vul..." sighed Snowy in agreement, giving a final soft smile.
And, with Lillie and her younglings and Nebby all set to head home for her family's estate, Sarah, Rapidash, and Snowy watched as they happily went their way to begin their short time together.
"Take care, Lillie! Good luck!" called the princess again.
Rapidash and Snowy sighed before they looked at each other; they could tell that the coming weekend was going to be an eventful one for everyone involved.
Finally, it was time for Ash to say goodbye and begin his time with her remaining group of Pokemon. Eevee, Sylveon, and the Eevee Squad were eager to begin having fun and living with Ash, his Pokemon, Prof. Kukui, and Burnet for the weekend but Silvally was still not fully on board for staying with the Kanto Trainer.
"Mother, I swear I'm gonna regret doing this," he grumbled as she came to him. "I wanted no part in this unless it's with one of your other buddies but you had to pair me with that bumbling sack of energy and awkwardness at the last minute."
"I'm doing this not only for my grades but also for you, Silvally," she told him firmly with a knowing glare. "This would prove to be useful for you; there's a lot that you don't know about Ash and you only see him as an idiot for his mistakes. Like I said before, you should give him a chance and you should allow him to show you that he can be a responsible and caring trainer."
"I know that but why can't I at least be with one of the others? At least, they're toleratable and I've no problems with them, mostly..."
"I don't know how their families would react to having you with them as a house guest let alone their temporary partners. Besides, you haven't even begun to realize how much of a great trainer Ash really is. He's been through so much more than we have and with all the adventures he went through with all the friends he made, he's got to be the most experienced trainer out of all of us. He might be better than us when we get to the Pokemon League when it's complete along with other trainers. Just don't be too proud and be loving and tolerable to Ash when you all go home with him, he might still surprise us."
Silvally didn't want to admit it considering how little he thought about Ash but he knew Sarah was right and he didn't want to disappoint her for Kukui's assignment to her and the others.
"...Oh, all right, fine. Just for the damn weekend but no more than that," he agreed reluctantly.
Sarah just nodded in approval as she rubbed his head reassuringly and hugged him, "That's all I want. I'll see you next week."
At that moment, Ash appeared with the Eevee Squad, Sylveon, Eevee, and Pikachu, ready to begin his, Kukui, and Burnet's wild weekend with her Eeveeltions and the Synthetic Pokemon. He was a little concerned about dealing with Silvally since the trade began but the Kanto Trainer brushed it all off knowing he'll have a blast with him throughout his short time with them.
"Silvally, time to go!" he shouted, calling the former BKP over.
Silvally sighed; for him, it was going to be a long weekend but he knew he'll have to make the most of it for his sake.
"Well, see ya next week, Silvally," Sarah said, rubbing him again. "Now, be good for him, Burnet, and Kukui and listen to everything they said..."
Then, when she least expected it, Silvally's eyes softened and he gently replied with much softness in him, "I won't like it but I'll try, Mother... Never forget this, you're mine, mine to me... No matter who else you're paired with, no matter where we go, you'll always be my mother and the only one meant for me..."
The little princess was surprised by his rare moment of sincerity but she nodded before Silvally gave her a gentle nuzzle as she hugged him again, knowing that they'll be together once more when the weekend is over. With their feelings out of the way, Silvally reluctantly joined Ash, his insecurities still prevalent for Sarah to see but he was now somewhat relaxed and ready for the next two days.
"Hey, buddy, don't zap Sarah in your sleep," Ash warned his partner.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed happily as he joined Sarah with the rest of the gang's Pokemon.
"See ya, Ash, take care of my Eeveelutions and Silvally for me," Sarah said to him. "And, remember, try not to piss him off and go easy on him, if you can."
"Have a great weekend!" Ash replied happily, making her nod before she turned to her group for the weekend.
"Well, Pikachu, guys, let's go," she replied, getting happy and affirmative cries from them.
She then got on Solar with Blitz, Pikachu, Snowy, Popplio, and Mai riding with her, Turtonator and Pyroar wanting to run alongside them, and Tsareena and Togedemaru riding on Rapidash as she prepared to head home with her remaining Pokemon and the gang's partners for what would be a wild and fun-filled weekend.
"I just hope they don't cause any trouble for us when we get back, Sarah," Solar pondered, concerned about the gang's Pokemon.
"It'll be fine, they'll be a lot of fun and it won't be too hard for us. I got plenty of experience with all kinds of Pokemon, I'm ready for them, too," she reassured her Beast Bot.
Finally, when they were all set, Sarah and all of her Pokemon for the weekend left for home as they all ran and flew their way back.
"See ya soon!" Ash shouted as they left and disappeared in the distance with the Eevee Squad, Eevee, and Sylveon happily waving goodbye to her, leaving Silvally to sigh as he started to miss his human mother already.
It didn't take too long for Sarah, her family, and the gang's Pokemon to return home and she and her remaining Pokemon and dragons immediately went in first with the others all chattering excitedly amongst themselves as they ran inside. They couldn't wait to spend the weekend with Sarah since they were still enamored by the young girl's original birthright and being their greatest friend.
"I'm back!" she called to her adopted parents and Tsukumaro.
"Princess, welcome-huh?" Tsukumaro began as they turned to her, only to find her and a few of her Pokemon remaining along with her dragons.
What threw the three adults off was when they saw Pikachu, Pyroar and Turtonator, Popplio, Tsareena, Togedemaru, and Snowy running into the house and getting themselves comfortable for the weekend.
"Honey... What happened to the rest of your Pokemon?" quizzed Nikki in confusion.
"You haven't given them away, have you, Ponchita?" asked James, raising an eyebrow at her.
"No, I haven't, it's all part of the Professor's new assignment for all of us involving our Pokemon."
"Assignment? Mind elaborating for us, Princess?"
"He wanted us to trade Pokemon with each other so we can get to know everyone else's other than our own. Prof. Kukui wanted me to trade some of my Pokemon for the others' partners for the weekend so they can get to know my own Pokemon as well as their own until next week since I had the most experience on that front."
Now, the three adults were intrigued by what she said about Kukui's new homework assignment for her and her friends.
"I see, and who did you send off the rest of your Pokemon for the weekend?" Tsukumaro questioned.
"I've sent Mulan and most of her friends to go with Mallow to help her and her father out in at their restaurant, hoping it'll help them be more open to strangers other than us and our own friends. Snowflake and her family are going to spend the weekend with Sophocles at his family's place. Lana will be looking after Milotic and Aqua in the meantime and Kiawe will be bringing Mudsdale, Dusk, and Luna to his family's place on Akala Island. Lillie will be taking care of the younglings and Nebby, which I've no doubt she'll do great with. And, as for Ash, well, I've sent the Eevee Squad, Eevee, Sylveon, and Silvally to live with him, Burnet, and Prof. Kukui and-"
"Silvally, with Ash?" the three adults chorused, sounding worried.
"Ponchita, you sure he can handle a loose cannon like Silvally without you around?" asked James, greatly concerned.
"He's actually really good with Pokemon and he's been through much more with them than I could ever be. If anybody can get him to open up more to others besides us and be more trusting to other people and Pokemon without me around, it's him. I won't deny Ash is a goofball but he's had his way with his Pokemon and everybody else so Silvally will learn to accept his company."
Nikki was unconvinced, "And, should he crack from going nuts under Ash's care?"
"I already talked it out with him, he's going to be just fine for the weekend. it won't kill him."
"Give or take an hour, in my mind," remarked James, still skeptical.
"He's not gonna suffer completely. He's got Sylveon, her fellow Eeveelutions, and even Eevee joining him for the weekend. They seem excited to spend time with him."
"Well, for your Friendly Frankenstein's sake, I hope you're right," sighed Tsukumaro, having doubts about the whole arrangement between her and Ash.
With Ash, he and Kukui had returned to their house with the Eeveelutions and Silvally joining them in their temporary home for the weekend. "We're here! Guys, Silvally, this is where I live," Ash said as he unpacked and began to relax for the weekend.
"Rrr..." groaned Silvally with a sweatdrop, knowing that he looked with Kukui since arriving in Alola.
The Kanto Trainer took out his two Pokeballs holding Lycanroc and Torracat and immediately brought them out to formally welcome them to his, Kukui, and Burnet's Alolan abode for their stay during the weekend.
"Come on out with our guests, everyone!" he shouted, bringing out his evolved Fire and Rock Types.
The Wolf and Fire Cat Pokemon barked and yowled happily as they greeted Sylveon, Silvally, and the Eevee Squad. Eevee, on the other hand, squealed in surprise and dashed behind Umbreon's leg, feeling shy about meeting the rest of Ash's team.
"You come out, too," Ash said to Rowlet as he unzipped his backpack and the snoozing Grass Quill Pokemon.
Rowlet, having slept through the whole lesson at the school, rolled out and he landed head first before he bounced on his side and continued to sleep, bewildering his trainer's house guests.
"Jolt, Jolte, Jolt Jolteon, Jolt, Jolteon, Jolte Jolt, Jolt?" asked Jolteon, unnerved from seeing Rowlet sleeping without waking up and feeling any pain from his fall.
Her sisters shrugged, not wanting to question it and expect the unexpected from Ash and his crew.
"K, guys, tell Eevee, Sylveon, the Eevee Squad, and Silvally 'hello'".
Silvally sighed, this was going to be a long weekend for him.
As for Lillie and the younglings and Nebby, they arrived safely back at her family's estate as Hobbes waited to greet them.
"Welcome home, Ms. Lillie, it's so good to see you again from school," he greeted.
"Thank you, Hobbes, we have a couple of guests over for the weekend," she told him, directing him to Sarah's younglings and Nebby.
Hobbes was surprised when he noticed that Snowy was absent and in her place were Riolu, Skitty, Snivy, Wooloo, Ponyta, Oshawott, Tepig, Scorch, and Yamper in the car and when he felt a shadow looming over them, he looked up and was amazed to see Nebby smiling down at him and Lillie.
"Hello, Mr. Hobbes!" greeted the Sunne Pokemon.
"Really...?" breathed Mr. Hobbes, his curiosity growing.
Lillie explained everything about Prof. Kukui's assignment and the switch that she and Sarah had agreed upon at the school. As they treated the younglings and Nebby (who had to stay outside again because of his massive size) to some tea and cakes, Hobbes couldn't help but feel intrigued about what he was told.
"I see. So, Snowy's staying with Sarah, eh?" he inquired.
"Yes, and I know Snowy's in good hands. But, still..." she began but soon started to feel down, much to Riolu and Skitty's confusion as they looked at her. "Riolu and her friends, and even Nebby, they're loved dearly by her because of how much she treated them like family and not just friends... I'm not sure if I can do a good job in keeping an eye out for them as she did. She makes it look so easy..."
The Ice Type trainer's worries can be justified; given how she's managed to get over her fear of touching Pokemon and how caring she could be to other Pokemon, she thought she was a capable trainer in her own right. But, after thinking about Sarah's endeavors and what she did to care for her Pokemon, she was worried about proving herself to her younglings that she could be loving and caring for them in her place and she didn't want to disappoint her best friend.
The Shiny Emanation Pokemon and Kitten Pokemon popped a few sugar balls from the cupcake and went over to their babysitter, offering them as treats to encourage her to do her best as they smiled. To them, she can be a great trainer to them even for the weekend and she wouldn't let their human mother down given how understanding she is about her current predicament.
"Miss Lillie," spoke Riolu, getting her attention.
Lillie was surprised by their genuine act of kindness and seeing their encouragement, she nodded with determination as she accepted the sugar balls.
"Yes, Sarah would still want me to do the best she can," she mused confidently. "I've already proven that I could handle myself as a worthy trainer to other Pokemon by looking after Nebby and Snowy, so the logical thing for me to do is to take care of and love all of you in my own way as she would've wanted!"
Later, the young girl brought her borrowed Pokemon to a nursery playground in the backyard, the younglings looking around in awe by the sheer amount of Pokemon her family has as they played around the equipment and are having fun including a female Cinccino and a male Minccino, a Trapinch, a Spinarak, a Fletchling, a Petilil, a Bonsly, a Metapod, a Psyduck, and a Cottonee. They even had fun with Nebby acting as a makeshift Pokemon jungle gym and took a shine to him despite his giant size.
"Okay, everybody, go ahead and play as much as you want!" smiled Lillie to the younglings' delight as they joined in.
The Pokemon in her backyard were all excited to have new playmates over for the weekend and they played games like Tag, Hide and Seek, Pretend, and Hopscotch as they clambered up and down the playground equipment around them. Even if Oshawott tried and failed to swoon the female Cinccino at one point, much to Snivy's annoyance as she smacked him, hard.
Tepig sighed at his brother feeling embarrassed for him but Scorch couldn't help but laugh at the Sea Otter Pokemon as he rolled on his back.
Riolu was annoyed from seeing Oshawott trying to swoon another female Pokemon again as she gave a knowing stink eye at him and her plams were stuck to her hips.
"Uncle Oshawott, what did Mommy say about finding true love after your little episode with Pheromosa?" she scolded.
Oshawott sighed; he knew what Riolu was talking about regarding his bad habits of finding love nor did he forget about how his love for Pheromosa went wrong for him.
Hobbes even made and brought along some homemade Pokepuffs that Nebby and the younglings would snack on while they were playing, which got amused smiles out of him and Lillie.
As Lillie officially began her time with her borrowed Pokemon in the backyard, she took out her notebook and a pen to start taking notes and make observations on what she needs to do for and with them for the weekend.
"First off, I'm going to make a few observations," she declared as she started writing.
"First things first; a good first start to getting to getting to know each other," concurred Hobbes as they watched the younglings and Nebby continue to play happily with their new playmates.
She watched Yamper playing with her family's Trapinch, Cottonee, and Petilil as he bounded around them before he tagged the Trapinch and they laughed as the Ant Pit Pokemon chased him as the four Pokemon played a game of Duck, Duck, Goose.
"Yamper's moves are so quick and agile, so full of wonder and a puppy's energy and curiosity."
Lillie took her first notes on Yamper and she felt like she was truly ready to kick off her weekend with her best friend's younglings and Nebby.
At her family's restaurant, Aina's Kitchen, Mallow and her brother, Ulu, were taking and placing orders for their current flux of customers coming over to eat.
"Order's up, Mallow! Come and get it while it's hot," Ulu called as he finished a plate of fries and a burger.
Hearing her brother, Mallow served some finished plates before running over to him, "Right, coming! Be right there!"
But, she didn't need to pick up the order as she was surprised to see Latias using Psychic to take it in her hands before she looked around to see who placed the order for the burger and fries.
"Laa..." she pondered, looking around for the customer in question.
"Right here, Miss!" called a man at one of the middle tables.
Latias smiled as she brought over the meal to the man and she carefully set it down for him to eat. "Thank you!" smiled the man, causing her to coo bashfully and hide her face from the praise she was given.
Ulu was surprised and amazed by what he saw as he laughed while he continued working. "Wow, Mallow ha-ha! Your friend's Legendary Pokemon is such a delight! Looks like Tsareena's about to have some competition for the role of our restaurant's Poster Pokemon!" he chuckled heartily.
"Thanks, Latias, you're the best," Mallow thanked before she turned to her brother, hearing him giving confused and frustrated grunts from a table at the front of the restaurant.
Mallow chuckled as she saw Latios try to write down the order using Psychic to use the pad and pen after two customers made their orders so she quickly came over to give him a hand.
"Here, let me help you, Latios," she offered kindly, taking the pad and pen in her hand and turned to the customers. "Now, watch me very carefully. May I take your orders, Sir, M'am?"
"Yes, I'd like the Hot and Sour Curry with Alolan Sweet Bread and Rice, Mallow, dear," replied the middle-aged woman with them.
"And, I like the Oranguru Curry Gravy and Fried Rice," added the middle-aged man. "And, we like two glasses of ice-cold Lemonade for drinks."
"You got it! Now, Latios, take the order and give it to my brother at the counter for him to prepare the meals in question for these two customers here," coached Mallow as she took the order and handed the slip to Latios.
The older Eon Pokemon nodded as he quickly brought the slip to Ulu, who was already preparing another dish for another customer.
"Laa, Laa!" he said as he delivered the slip.
Ulu took the order and looked at it before he clipped it on the order wheel next to him from above on his left. "Thanks, Latios, I'll be right there!" he called.
Mulan, Braviary, and Houndoom took charge of helping with cleaning out the tables that had been used by satisfied departing customers and preparing them for the next customers coming in to eat, making the guests coo and look at them with bright smiles on their faces. It could be because they were helping Mallow in Tsareena's place as well or they could be here for the Pokemon themselves or both.
Salamence, meanwhile, decided to take the dirty dishes to the back and assist Mallow and Ula's father, Abe, with cleaning them after customers had finished eating. The Dragon Pokemon even took time to help sort out the clean utensils and supplies to have them be used again or sorted out once they're no longer needed for the day.
"Thanks, Salamence, it's a wonder how your trainer can lend you to us for the weekend for my daughter's assignment. But, after hearing what you and your friends had been through prior to meeting us all, I think you made the right choice by staying with her," Abe said kindly. "If I were you, I'd keep your trainer close and spend as much time as you can with her. Trainers like her are many but they can be few and far in between."
Salamence growled in acknowledgement; Abe didn't say much but he said enough to make the Dragon Pokemon know what he meant even if he didn't understand human speech.
As Mallow helped her temporary Pokemon with their tasks around the restaurant, she felt glad to have them assisting her after the trade she made with Sarah. "You guys are sure something, Latias!" she told Latias happily, who cooed at her in delight.
With Snowflake and her family, they were helping Sophocles with an experiment on non-Electric Types with Flygon being the guinea pig as he stood on his Pokemon testing wheel with a test sticker on his face.
"Okay. Ready, Flygon? Start running and flying!" Sophocles called as he manned a control computer for the test wheel.
"Fly...?" the Mystic Pokemon cawed, tilting his head in confusion at his family and Charjabug, who was left to be Flygon and Snowflake's playmate for the weekend.
"Huh, don't you understand, Flygon?" Sophocles questioned, noticing Flygon's confusion before he demonstrated what he meant by turning the wheel he's in. "Like this."
Flying walked on his stubby legs first after his family's temporary trainer began his tests on him. He looked towards his and Snowflake's mother wanting her to clarify what Sophocles wanted, prompting her to do Charades of running and flying as she ran in place and flapped her wings and hovered for a moment. Charjabug nodded in agreement as he buzzed at the Ground/Dragon Type, telling him that's what his trainer wanted.
"Fly... Flygon!" nodded Flygon, finally realizing what Sophocles meant from Charjabug and his mother's Charades.
He then quickly picked up speed inside the wheel before he started to take flight and fly, being careful not to shoot off from the wheel and the wind and flying motion from his beating wings turning it in place. This allowed the Electric Type student to work out the kinks in gathering data for his running and flight speed that he felt could be of use for Togedemaru and Charjabug.
"Hmm... Interesting, by the looks of the data I'm gathering, your speed and endurance are both incredibly high for a Ground Type and a Dragon Type," he calculated as Flygon stopped flying.
Sophocles was satisfied and impressed by what he examined as he joined the Mystic Pokemon and took the test sticker off his face. "And, it's also peculiar that Dragon Types such as you, Hydreigon, and Dragonite are extremely versatile in using other attacks besides your normal Dragon, Flying, and Ground Type attacks. That's really something!"
Flygon cawed proudly, finding what he said to be true for him and his parents.
He then turned to Snowflake, wanting to know what she's capable of. "What about you, Snowflake?" he asked the Fox Pokemon.
"Vul?" puzzled Snowflake, tilting her head at him.
"I know for a fact that you used Ice Beam, Protect, and Powder Snow. But, do you know any other attacks besides those? Like your Iron Tail, how's that getting on?"
Vulpix tried to remember or think about what other attacks she could be capable of using but when Sophocles mentioned Iron Tail, she suddenly remembered that she was supposed to learn it from Oshawott and sagged, looking depressed.
Sophocles realized that she had forgotten to keep up with her training on it and she still hadn't learned it nor was she able to keep up with her own family.
"Oh, that's too bad... Hey, maybe I can help! While you and your family help me with my research, I'll do what I can to help you learn Iron Tail and another move, Snowflake. What do you say?"
This brightened up Snowflake's spirits as she barked and jumped with joy, her family unable to hold back their amusement at her, understanding what she wanted in terms of being a better Pokemon. They had noticed her training hard ever since they evolved to protect her from the Revengers and Carmen's Galarian Articuno and she was determined not to fall behind than she already had which was more than enough to get them inspired to assist her without Oshawott's help.
As for Milotic and Aqua, the two of them met up with Lana's baby sisters as they gushed at the sight of the two Pokemon, especially since they thankfully didn't mistake the Pop Star Pokemon for Popplio given that Lana's partner hadn't evolved yet.
"Wowee!" they cried in delight, their eyes sparkling with wonder at them. "A real Milotic and Brionne, from your friend, Sarah!"
"Careful, you two! Don't play tricks on Aqua and especially Milotic, okay?" Lana warned them.
"Okay!" replied the twins.
Aqua tilted her head but Milotic sweatdropped, wondering what mess she and her sister got into.
With Kiawe, after arriving back home, he immediately released Mudsdale, Dusk, and Luna to get a feel for their temporary home for the weekend and started to get to work on his chores.
While Dusk and Luna walked around to get a better feel of Kiawe and his family's farm, Mudsdale slowly walked around as he took in the sights and smells of it. It had been a long time since he last came to the farm, not since many months ago when he and his family arrived at Akala Island for his human mother's Akala Grand Trial with Olivia.
To him, memories of his time being on the farm as the energetic and mischievous little Mudbray he once was flooded back in his mind as he smiled with a sense of nostalgia, wondering if much had changed since he left with Sarah and during his time away.
"All right, how are you getting along here, guys?" asked Kiawe to his temporary Pokemon.
"Roc!" barked Dusk and Luna.
Mudsdale just gave a soft neigh, his nostalgic smile still on his face. Kiawe had to smile back at him; he knew it had been a long time since Mudsdale had seen his family and his old island homeland after becoming Sarah's Pokemon so it made sense for him to take the Draft Horse Pokemon as well as Dusk and Luna in for the weekend.
"It sure has been a while since you've been here, huh, Mudsdale? You've changed so much since you became part of Sarah's family and after all that training and all those adventures with you, you'd still consider our farm a part of you..."
The Draft Horse Pokemon nodded warmly at the Fire Type student, he knew what Kiawe meant by that.
"Muddy!" cried his little sister, Mimo, happily as she came and bounded up to him, making him nuzzle her happily. "Play with me, please! Please, pretty please?"
Kiawe smiled again, knowing what he had in mind to help Mudsdale get into his lifestyle and get acquainted with his family again.
"Hey, Mimo, Mudsdale, I got a great idea. Why don't you two go get some fresh Moo-Moo Milk and you can drink it together?"
Finding the idea fun, his sister and Mudsdale agreed.
"Mm-hmm! Let's go, Muddy!" she said, running ahead while Mudsdale trodded after her.
Kiawe sighed warmly as he watched them get the Moo-Moo Milk; his family had been excited to see him bring new Pokemon over as their houseguests for the weekend involving Kukui's assignment. But, seeing Mudsdale again after he brought him, Luna, and Dusk over left his parents and Mimo overjoyed to see their old friend after so long and being a far cry from the mischief-making Mudbray he once was.
He could tell that he was going to have a great time looking after the Lycanroc Brothers and Mudsdale for Sarah during the weekend.
Dusk had finally rolled in on the Alola Region as at Professor Kukui's lab and cabin, the Eevee Squad, Eevee, and Sylveon had finally settled in with Ash and his team and they were starting to relax for their weekend with him. Silvally, however, wasn't fully convinced that he was going to enjoy being with Ash during this time without Sarah being with him and he made his discomfort known as he just stared outside one of the front windows, thinking about her and his family.
"Hey, Silvally, come here," Ash called as he reached out a hand to him with Lycanroc joining him.
Silvally looked back to him and grunted, turning away as he kept looking outside, much to his and Lycanroc's surprise.
Rowlet and Torracat paid no attention as they both dozed off for their bird and cat naps. The Kanto Trainer, though, was persistent to have him be his friend as he didn't waver from the Synthetic Pokemon's rejection.
"Aww, come on, come over here!" he begged, still smiling as he came beside him.
"Rrrrr..." growled Silvally before he swatted him away with his head scales.
This caused Ash to see stars and circling, tweeting Pidgeys for a brief moment before he shook them away. He started to realize how much of a difficult Pokemon Silvally had become without having Sarah over to make him more tolerable around him.
"Ya kiddin' me?" he moped, not knowing what to do as he sat down.
Even Rotom-Dex was concerned when he noticed how much of a pain Silvally was becoming without Sarah around. Some of the Eevee Squad like Leafeon, Vaporeon, Espeon, Flareon, and Glaceon looked around their temporary home for the weekend while the small scuffle between Silvally and Ash was going on but Umbreon, Jolteon, Sylveon, and Eevee noticed and they couldn't help but have doubtful and worried frowns on their faces.
Sylveon took it upon herself to soothe the Synthetic Pokemon as she rubbed him with her feelers, telling him that speaking and bonding with Ash without having Sarah around wouldn't hurt him but he was still stubborn, much to Ash's dismay.
"Aww, man... Now, what?" he groaned.
"Communication's been challenging, at best," admitted Rotom-Dex, also not expecting bonding with Silvally to be so hard.
"Sylve, Syl Sylveon, Syl, Sylve, Sylveon, Syl, Sylveon, Sylve..." coaxed Sylveon towards Silvally.
"Rrr..." Silvally growled softly with a groan.
"Jolt, Jolteon, Jolte Jolt, Jolt, Jolteon, Jolt-Jolt-Jolt, Jolte, Jolteon, Jolte," replied Jolteon snarkily as she looked at Ash.
"Umbre..." spat Umbreon warningly at her.
"Jolt, Jol...!" whined the Lightning Pokemon as she pouted.
Silvally just chuckled at them; Ash gave a sheepish chuckle of his own, Jolteon and Sylveon obviously did better speaking and bonding with Sarah's Synthetic Pokemon than he did so far.
"Hey, everybody! Your dinners are all ready!" Kukui called as he and Burnet finished preparing their meals.
"Come and get 'em while they're hot!" Burnet added.
All of the Pokemon and Ash perked up from the mention of dinner but Silvally just remained stone-faced as he watched them line up for their meals for the night.
"AWESOME!" Ash cheered as he got the bowls and brought them over. "Okay, everybody, eat up!"
The Eevee Squad, Eevee, and Sylveon all ate their meals happily but Silvally didn't feel the same way.
"You too, Silvally, eat up," Ash replied, giving him his bowl.
Silvally just stared at him before he turned away and continued to look out the window, still wishing he hadn't gone with the Kanto Trainer and agreed on the deal with Sarah, earlier.
Ash sighed sadly as he watched him stare out from the open window again, thinking he hasn't even been doing enough or did nothing that would make Silvally trust him or be a friend to him. He was now starting to realize how hard it must've been for Sarah to start out with having him in her family after she took him in.
"That's strange, I know he's a picky eater at best and he likes that particular kind of Pokemon Food thanks to Sarah and Burnet giving us tips on his diet so why won't he eat?" Rotom-Dex pondered, still stumped.
Burnet and Kukui noticed this as they set up the table but they looked at each other and smiled knowingly, knowing for sure that Sarah was still the only thing on his mind given what happened when the trades were made. They knew it would only be a matter of time before Silvally would open himself more to Ash and they hoped it won't be too soon before he does.
That night, when his and Snowflake's family's first day together was done, Sophocles tried his best to go to sleep without Togedemaru around to help him do so while Snowflake, Dragonite, Flygon, and Hydreigon did so as they snuggled together beside his bed.
However, he was having a bit of trouble as he couldn't bear to sleep completely in the dark without a night light of some sort. When Togedemaru was still with him and whenever they would go to sleep, she would always act as his night light to help him sleep more easily. Now, though, he realized just how much he took his old partner for granted as he tried and failed to go to sleep with the lights off.
"Phew... I-I'm, I'm just fine. No fear, no fear," he coached himself before turning off his desk lamp.
Then, he panicked and turned on the light again, still unable to go to sleep.
"IT'S TOO DARK!" he screamed with fright as he huddled in his sheets, his screams waking up Snowflake with her family undisturbed. "Oh... No matter how hard I try, I can't sleep without Togedemaru... And, I'm tired."
"Vul..." Snowflake cooed softly as she jumped up and snuggled with him.
"Huh...?" pondered Sophocles, surprised and confused.
Snowflake looked at him again and gave him a soft smile and a gentle nuzzle with her nose, "Vul Vulpix!"
Sophocles was so touched by her kindness that he realized what she wanted to do for him. "Oh, I get it..." he realized, now knowing that Snowflake wanted to be a security blanket for him to help him forget his fear of the dark even for a moment.
"Thank you, Snowflake, you're a cutie," he sighed blissfully, getting one final coo from her before the two of them went happily to sleep as he finally turned out the light.
The next morning, at Aina's Kitchen, Mallow was up bright and early, getting busy cleaning and prepping the place up for the next flux of customers coming for the day. Houndoom, Mulan, and their friends had also woken up with her and were helping to open the place before they would have breakfast and be ready for the customers coming.
Latias and her brother were using their Psychic attacks to sweep and mop up the entire place to make sure that not one speck of dirt and dust is left anywhere while Salamence and Braviary used their wings to dry everything up until each bit of Aina's Kitchen is squeaky clean.
The Grass Type student couldn't be happier with the three Dragon Type Pokemon and the Valiant Pokemon lending her a hand with her chores for the day before her family's restaurant would open.
"Thanks, you guys, you're the best!" she praised them, as they cooed, cawed, and roared happily at her.
She turned to Mulan and Houndoom who at an empty table pouring over her family's cookbook. "What's up, you two?" she asked as she came over.
Houndoom and Mulan had found the open cookbook while they were cleaning their bits of the restaurant and they wanted to find what they and everyone else want to eat for breakfast before opening the place up.
During their short time with her, as they helped them during their work shifts, the abused Pokemon were taught how to work in and operate their restaurant and to attend to their customers with Mallow, her brother, and their father coaching and helping them whenever they got stuck. By the end of their first day at Aina's Kitchen with her, they learned what they had to do and they were able to satisfy their customers the previous day.
The Shiny Disaster and Dark Hound Pokemon suddenly stopped at a picture and description of what looked to be a medium-sized cake with strawberries on one half of it and Pokepuffs on the other. This piqued Mallow's interest as she stared at it in surprise.
"Oh, a Strawberry Pokepuff Blissey Cake? Is that what you want for breakfast today?" she quizzed.
The two Shinies nodded with eager smiles on their faces, making her laugh. "All right, I'll make some for you all once we're done."
She then turned back to Salamence, Latias, Latios, and Braviary as they were nearly finished cleaning the place. "What do you say, guys? Would you like some Strawberry Pokepuff Blissey Cake?" she called.
"LAAA!" cheered Latias.
"La, La..." said Latios, knowing they still had work to do.
"La, Laaaa...?" begged Latias, pulling off the sad, pouting puppy eyes trick on him.
Now, since Latias was his responsibility, Latios had to do what he can to make sure his little sister is as happy as she can be. But, whenever she finds something she can't resist, he had to put his claw down until he would fall victim to her puppy eyes to make him do whatever she wanted. More often than not, he couldn't refuse and would relent for her sake and happiness.
This was no exception as he let out a sigh of defeat. "La, La... La, La, Laaaa..." he groaned.
"LA!" Latias cheered again.
She kept on cheering until she flew around Mallow and pulled off the puppy eyes on her this time, wanting to help her bake the cake.
Mallow immediately gushed as she laughed again. "Okay, okay, Latias! We'll make it together," she smiled heartily.
The morning drew on and at Kiawe's farm, Dusk and Luna were helping the Fire Type student do his morning chores as they followed him while carrying small haystacks carefully tied to their back and head. Kiawe, in the meantime, was carrying a Moo-Moo Milk container as he headed for the Miltank field. Mudsdale was off on his morning gallop to find and spend time with Mimo for a little bit before he would come over to lend a hand but he was also off on a morning errand to pick up an order of fresh Moo-Moo Milk and cheese for Kiawe's parents from the town market.
"Lycan?" Dusk asked.
"What is it, Dusk?" Kiawe asked.
"Lycan!" barked the younger brother as Luna shared a knowing smile.
Already, Kiawe could tell want they want to do when they finished his chores. "W-well, if you want to play, there's actually a-huh?" he started before he heard Mimo screaming for help.
"HELP! Big Brother! It's an emergency, the Tauros are fighting again!" she called.
"What?!" gawked Kiawe as he left the milk container and the trio rushed with her to find two Tauros already butting heads with each other.
To his shock, they were also in close proximity to two Miltank who were frightened by the sight of them fighting as they huddled together and shivered with fright, hoping to not get caught in the crossfire between the Bull Pokemon.
"You two stop that right now!" Kiawe demanded.
But, his demand fell on deaf ears as the Tauros continued to fight, leaving him, Dusk, Luna, and Mimo unsure of what to do before their fight would get worse.
"Kiawe, what are we going to do?" Mimo pondered worriedly.
"We've got to stop them. Turtonator-!" he responded before he gasped, remembering his trade with Sarah. "Turtonator's not here-huh?"
With no choice given to them, Dusk and Luna decided to run out to them to see if they can stop the Tauros from fighting.
"Dusk, Luna! Look out!" Kiawe called.
But, the two Rock Types didn't listen. As they got close to the Tauros and figured out what they have to do to stop them by peaceful yet forceful means, they nodded and began to enact their plan.
Dusk went first as he used Rock Throw to create a line between the two Tauros to separate them, allowing them to be distracted before Luna came in to break up their little spat.
This irked the Tauros as they charged over towards the older Lycanroc brother as he braced himself for the charging Bull Pokemon.
"Luna, oh no!" Kiawe cried in horror as Mimo closed her eyes, not wanting to watch.
Luna didn't move as he kept his eye on the Tauros before he held out his arms and, when they were in close range, grabbed their heads and started to match his own strength to theirs. He growled as he held the angered Bull Pokemon at bay before he slowly enveloped himself in a red aura and his fists shone in red and white light before he threw them off him and threw a double punch at them soon after.
The sight of it drew Kiawe and Mimo's attention as they stared at Luna in awe by his new move used to stop the Tauros and break up their fight. Even the Tauros couldn't help but feel floored by the display of power from the older Wolf Pokemon, both of them baffled as they looked on at him, goggle-eyed.
"Wow, Kiawe, what kind of move is that?" Mimo gasped in amazement.
"I remember that move, that was Counter. The same move that Nanu's Krookodile used during Sarah and Ash's Ula'Ula Grand Trial," breathed Kiawe, staring in awe before a big smile broke out on him. "YEAH! Awesome, Luna, you and Dusk did it! You stop the Tauros and learned Counter!"
"Lycan..." blushed Luna as he rubbed his head bashfully.
The two Tauros looked at each other and nodded, smiling. They now have full respect from Luna and Dusk after what they did to stop them and went over to the two Wolf Pokemon before offering their hooves in a bro-hoof, which Luna and Dusk accepted.
A loud neigh broke out as they all turned to find Mudsdale looking on at the scene, smiling at his wolf-like brothers and the Tauros as he had a dairy cart attached to him.
"Muddy!"
"Hey, Mudsdale, glad you made it back," Mimo and Kiawe smiled, the little girl running over to give Mudsdale a hug.
Mimo saw the dairy cart he was pulling and she smiled brightly. "Kiawe, Mom and Dad's order of fresh Moo-Moo Milk and cheese is here!" she cheered.
Kiawe smirked, knowing that everyone could have a snack after a wild morning. "That's great, I'm starving!" he replied before he turned to the Tauros, Luna, and Dusk.
"Would you fellas like to join us for a little snack?"
The four Pokemon cheered with delight as they were a little hungry after what they had to go through earlier and joined them. Mudsdale just smiled; even though he knew he would return to Sarah once they're all back in school, it felt good for him to be back on his old home of Akala Island.
With Milotic and Aqua, they were swimming around the perimeter of the ocean bordering the small area of land surrounding Lana's family's house and playing with her sisters. While Milotic was singing a soothing melody to them, Aqua, in turn, blew small water balloons that she proceeded to juggle with, making them laugh and clap from their little performance. True to her word, Lana did take some time to teach her Pop Star Pokemon how to blow and use water balloons other than for self-defense and battling and she was already having a blast creating them for fun.
"Milotic and Aqua are so cute!"
"And, so funny!" they gushed again.
"Girls, I'd be careful with those balloons if I were you," Lana warned as she came out and saw them playing with some of the balloons. "We haven't perfected them yet and there are a lot of them so-AH!"
Her warning came too late as her sisters caught and stacked several small water balloons before they suddenly all popped without warning and drenched themselves, Milotic, and Aqua.
The twins didn't mind as they were having too much fun to care if they were all wet.
"Wow, Aqua and Milotic are great!"
"Surprises are fun, ha-ha-ha!" they cheered once more.
"Oh, Aqua, I'm so sorry about that," Lana apologized as she came up to her and Milotic. "Are you two okay?"
To her surprise and relief, the two Water Pokemon smiled at her and cooed, already finding their sisters to be as much fun as she and Sarah were. But, she was also intrigued by how well the Pop Star Pokemon was able to do water balloons so well after the short time training on how to use them for other means.
"Hmm... Well, it looks like we'll need to work on those balloons, too. But, it looks like you're handling them well. You can become a real Water Pokemon Ballerina for a Pokemon Ballet if you do that."
"Bri-Bri, Bri!" barked Aqua, clapping her fins happily.
"Milo..." smirked Milotic, shaking her head at her little sister in amusement.
"Please! One more show for us!"
"Please, pretty please?" begged Lana's sisters again.
Lana smiled after hearing that from them. "All right, Aqua, Milotic, ready to give it another go?" she asked.
The two Pokemon nodded as they resumed their performance as the three siblings laughed and cheered as their little show went on with all the water balloons floating around them.
Meanwhile, back at Kukui's cabin, Ash's crew, Sylveon, Eevee, and the Eevee Squad had all finished their breakfast but Silvally didn't even touch his food as he still stared outside the window with his back and back fins toward the Kanto Trainer.
"Man, he still hasn't eaten," sighed Ash sadly.
Silvally looked at him for a brief moment but turned his gaze back outside as Sylveon rubbed him gently with her feelers again. It was clear to everyone watching that he was still missing Sarah and he was starting to go mad from within himself wanting her back.
Then, Ash had an idea pop into his head, "I know! Why don't we go for a walk, you always like to do that with Sarah."
This caught Silvally's attention as he finally turned and looked at him fully and with a sense of curiosity. "Rrr...?" he questioned.
Ash's team agreed as they gathered around him and encouraged him to come with them and the rest of his family with him.
"Um, Umbre, Breon," complied Umbreon with an approving nod.
His daughters all agreed as well along with Eevee and Sylveon, all of them already liking the idea to go out and get some fresh air.
Silvally wasn't sure if he wanted to given his reservations over Ash but when Eevee looked at him and started to pull off the puppy eyes trick, he started to stammer at her, not wanting the Evolution Pokemon to beg him to come with them.
"Rrrr...!" he started, unable to look away from Eevee's puppy eyes.
"Syl, Sylveon, Sylve, Syl, Syl Sylve-Syl, Sylveon, Syl?" reminded Sylveon with a warning glare, telling him how Sarah would be disappointed in him if he acted like a brat.
The Synthetic Pokemon gulped; he didn't want his human mother to turn her ire on him once she heard how much of an idiot and how selfish he was being towards Ash and her being disappointed in him was the last thing he wanted.
With a reluctant sigh and finally giving into Eevee's puppy eyes and Sylveon's glare, he wilted and accepted to go with them. "Rrr, Rrr..." he conceded.
"Yes! Let's go!"
"Ash, wait! I'm coming, too! Wait!" Rotom-Dex called as he joined the group, all of them heading out to town happily with Silvally trailing behind.
They quickly arrived at the market district where they saw the townsfolk and some tourists visiting Melemele Island purchasing their food and produce, as usual, taking the sights and smells of everything that was being sold as they passed by. Even Silvally couldn't help but take in the sight of the market district again despite trying to keep up with his family and Ash and strangely enough, he started to unwind and relax. This continued until they came across a familiar elderly woman at her berry stand.
"Alola!" called Ash to Ms. Anela.
"Well, well, Alola! Torrie, it looks like you're doing well," she greeted the Fire Cat Pokemon as he smiled at her.
"You're right, Litten's doing great!" Ash replied.
"Tor!" agreed Torracat, still smiling at his oldest friend.
She then noticed Silvally, Eevee, Sylveon, and the Eevee Squad, unable to help but chuckle at them with a knowing smile. "Hello, dearies, so nice of you to drop by today though it is unusual to see you without Sarah," she said to them.
Umbreon, his daughters, Sylveon, and Eevee cried happily to her but Silvally growled quietly in greeting as he scratched his front left claw leg awkwardly which Ms. Anela noticed.
"I see, Silvally. Not used to being away from your mother for a period of time, right?" she chuckled again, catching the Synthetic Pokemon off guard.
"Rrr...?!"
"I always saw how you would react and bounce off of her like you were her own child, dearie. And, I suppose this weekend was already wearing you down even if you're just getting into it. You'll be back with her soon, I assure you. In fact, I have some of Torrie's favorite berries here for all of you."
She prepared and set down a large plate of Sitrus Berries for them to eat as Silvally joined Torracat for their group snack. "Here, you two, eat up," smiled Ms. Anela.
Torracat and Silvally immediately dug in but while Torracat thanked her for the berries, Silvally declined to do the same but Ms. Anela wasn't bothered by it since his eating was his way of thanking her and that was good enough for her.
"You eat up, too!" she called to the Eeveelutions, Lycanroc, and Rowlet, who immediately joined them for the meal.
"Fresh Sitrus Berries are known for being exceptionally nutritious, you know," Rotom-Dex noted.
"It's great that you all like them," Ash said to the Pokemon.
He especially looked towards Silvally; he felt like he did a good first step towards bonding with the Synthetic Pokemon even if it was just a small stepping stone.
Then, Ash went back to the beach near Ten Carat Hill and Prof. Kukui's cabin as Ash and his team wanted the Eeveelutions and Silvally to train with them including doing practice battles.
"Hey, Silvally, guys, we always trained together. So, why don't you join us and get in on the fun, too?" Ash offered.
"Rrr...?" Silvally asked, tilting his head skeptically.
"Torracat, use Flamethrower!" Ash called to his Fire Cat Pokemon.
"Torrrawr!" Torracat complied, firing Flamethrower at a nearby rock as it exploded.
"You see that? Using moves like that can really help you relieve stress."
"Rrr..." Silvally growled in thought.
He had been looking for a means to blow off some steam over the fact that he hated spending time with Ash despite knowing from Ms. Anela that he'll be back with Sarah sooner than he thinks and if it meant doing practice battles, that would suit him just fine.
The Eeveelutions already caught on to the idea and they prepared themselves to join Ash and his group in their training regime with Silvally eventually joining them at the back.
"Okay, guys! Attack, now!"
"Jolte!"
"Vapor!"
"Flare!" shouted the Kanto Eeveelutions, wanting to go first.
Together, the trio converged Pin Missile, Water Gun, and Flamethrower as the combined attack shot towards the water and blasted a small pillar of water into the air.
"Leafe!"
"Glaaaaaa!"
"Espe!" cried Espeon, Leafeon, and Glaceon.
As the second group to take part, they converged Energy Ball, Psybeam, and Shadow Ball to form a shadow energy comet with psychic power and shot it at the same rock Torracat fired at before.
"Umbreon!"
"Sylve!"
"Uei-Uei!" bellowed Umbreon, Sylveon, and Eevee, the last three of the Eeveelutions.
The remaining Eeveelutions converged Sylveon and Umbreon's Dark Pulse and Copycat attacks for a Double Dark Pulse combo combined with Eevee's Helping Hand to strengthen them and blast them into the sea.
"All right, Silvally, Air Slash!" Ash called to the Synthetic Pokemon.
"Rrrrrrr...!" howled Silvally, relieved to finally start fighting.
This garnered a group sweatdrop from the Eeveelutions, all of them feeling embarrassed from his reaction to start anything that involved fighting.
He charged up his Flying Type power from his head scales that built up into a bright blue orb on them before he howled again and unleashed numerous supersonic air blades that blasted several of the nearby rocks and shooting bits and pieces far out into the sea.
Ash and Rotom-Dex gawked in shock while Torracat, Lycanroc, and Rowlet let out impressed howls, coos, and meows at him.
"Whoa!"
"Magnificent, he must be stronger than everybody else combined!" they breathed.
"Silvally, you were really something else!"
Silvally just scoffed with a proud smirk, knowing that he's currently the strongest out of all the Pokemon between them right now. He did start to feel strange after earning Ash's praise but his pride prevented him from noticing what that feeling is.
That's when Ash got another idea for their training regime as he turned to Eevee and Umbreon's daughters. "I know! Let's make you all stronger, Sarah will think it's so cool!" he decided, leaving them confused until they also agreed to the idea.
"How about it, Silvally? You'll join us, too, especially for practice battles," Ash said to Silvally, who grunted proudly and with a firm nod.
This was what he wanted to take his mind off of Sarah until their return to school and he was going to make the most of it until then. Umbreon and Sylveon noticed this and nodded to each other with knowing smiles, glad to see Silvally agreeing with Ash on something.
"All right! Let's start training!" he declared, leaving everybody else to cry out in affirmation.
As for Lillie, she was having the time of her life with Sarah's younglings and Nebby. With all the time given to her to look after them and after getting over her fear of touching Pokemon long ago, she couldn't be any happier than she is now.
She thought back over everything she did ever since meeting Ash and Sarah at the Pokemon School including the wild adventures she had with her best friend and Nebby while he was still a Cosmog as she took several prepared bowls of Pokemon food and berries and a large tray carrying a large apple pie and a big container of strawberries to her best friend's guests. The Ice Type trainer had grown and changed so much from the shy and timid little girl she once was after the whole incident involving Nihilego and Gladion's masked Silvally and she felt like she came a long way to become the trainer she is now.
Her life took even more wild and crazy turns for the better with all the Pokemon and many new friends she and Sarah had met along the way along with the others and she was grateful for that. She had to admit that if everything from her first meets with her two friends didn't happen, her life could've turned out more differently and a lot more boring.
As she made it to the backyard, where the younglings and Nebby were waiting at their own private table, she had to smile at them again for the joy they brought upon her despite their short time together.
"Okay, everybody, eat up! There's plenty for everyone!" she cheered.
The younglings hollered happily as they crowded around the bowls and ate away at their meals with Lillie rolling the apple pie and strawberries to Nebby.
"Here you are, Nebby, one hot apple pie with a side of strawberries!"
"Mmm...!" hummed Nebby as he sniffed and ate his meal. "Thanks, Lillie!"
Lillie giggled; even after Nebby had evolved into a Solgaleo, he was still the same little Pokemon who had the biggest sweet tooth out of all her and the gang's Pokemon.
She sighed blissfully as she watched everyone eat before looking into the heavens, continuing to reminisce on all of her adventures with the gang and Sarah.
"Things have never been the same for Gladion and I since we met Ash and Sarah. If it hadn't been for them and the others, Sarah especially, I wouldn't have been able to touch Pokemon again and get over the incident involving Nihilego. And, I wouldn't change it for the world."
Later, after they finished eating and another long day of bonding and playing as evening came, she and Nebby watched Riolu, Oshawott, Snivy, Scorch, Tepig, Skitty, Wooloo, and Ponyta all training together with the rest of her family's Backyard Pokemon Gang watching on as spectators for the training matches. Yamper was sitting on her lap as she petted him and he panted happily, eagerly waiting for his turn to take part in the training battles as Hobbes joined them to watch as well.
Skitty was the first to begin the training match with Iron Tail, forcing Oshawott to counter with a Razor Shell attack, leading them to trade blows for a few seconds.
Tepig and Snivy were paired up as the Fire Pig Pokemon as he unleashed a Rock Tomb attack to which the Grass Snake Pokemon dodged and countered with her Leaf Blade attack, putting herself on the offensive and Tepig on defense as he dodged with diligence.
Wooloo and Ponyta obviously paired up with his sister as he charged forward with Tackle attack and Ponyta doing the same with High Horsepower before they ended up in a friendly deadlock.
Finally, Scorch teamed up with Riolu for his mock duel as he began by shooting Ember with Riolu prepping and using an Aura Sphere.
"Looks like they're all trying to get in shape for when they return to Sarah," Lillie smiled.
"They're definitely diligent and are willing to go above and beyond for Miss Sarah, Miss, Lillie," agreed Hobbes.
"I wonder how else you all got so close with Sarah," thought the Ice Type student as she looked at the eight younglings training before everyone.
Then, she thought back to how her best friend trained with her Pokemon including the practice exercises she came up with for them to make the most out of whatever attacks they are capable of in terms of attack and defense.
Soon, a lightbulb went off inside her head as she looked towards Yamper. "Yamper, would you like to get in there and start training?" she offered.
"Yam, Yam! Yamper!" cheered Yamper.
Soon, as the eight younglings had finished their training and moved to the sidelines, they eagerly watched as she and Yamper prepared to do battle with Hobbes and his Pokemon partner, a Pom-Pom Style Oricorio, on the battlefield. They were interested to see how he would fare in battle.
"Now, Hobbes, please don't hold back one bit!" Lillie told her butler.
"Now, Miss Lillie, are you sure about this?" he asked, concerned for her and Yamper.
"I'm sure! Now, Yamper, please help me. Will you lend me your strength in this battle?"
"Yam, Yamper Yam!" barked Yamper, eager to battle with his new partner.
Lillie thought about everything she had in mind for her and Yamper's practice battle, keeping an open mind to be prepared for anything that can happen as they trained.
"When Sarah and her Pokemon were battling together, they were perfectly in sync," she thought carefully. "It's the trust between them and their family love that both make it possible. If I can gain Yamper's trust by doing some battling coupled with what I did for him, the other younglings, and Nebby earlier, even just a little bit..."
With Lillie's affirmation, Hobbes rolled up his sleeves and prepared to do battle alongside Oricorio and Lillie focused herself and her mind to do what she can to earn Yamper's trust and battle alongside the Galar Puppy Pokemon.
"Yamper, use Fire Fang!" she began.
"Yam!" barked Yamper with determination, charging forward towards his opponent as his fangs emitted flames.
"Quick, Oricorio, dodge him!" called Hobbes to his partner, who quickly dodged at the last minute to throw Yamper off.
"Uh-oh!" gasped Lillie.
To her relief, Yamper skidded to a halt and braced himself when he faced Oricorio again but not without a reassuring nod thrown her way.
"Revelation Dance, now!" ordered Hobbes.
Oricorio proceeded to dance very hard as she built up electricity within herself before she shot a powerful Thunderbolt, shocking her Galar opponent as he gave a pained yelp.
"No!" cried Lillie.
"Baby Brother Yamper!"
"Yamper, oh no!" shouted Nebby and Riolu worriedly as Yamper took the Thunderbolt but lost some energy trying to withstand it.
The Backyard Pokemon Gang and the other younglings looked on, greatly concerned to see the Galar Puppy Pokemon already struggling in his practice battle.
"All right, use Teeter Dance," commanded Hobbes as he and Oricorio danced together, the Dancing Pokemon emitting soothing soundwaves and the wobbly dance they're doing preparing to confuse Yamper.
"Look out, Yamper! Don't look at what they're doing!" called Lillie.
But, it was too late; when Yamper looked at Hobbes and Oricorio's dance, he became dazed and confused giving his opponents the opportunity to strike again.
"Use Double Slap!"
"Ori...Co! Co!" shouted Oricorio as she slapped the dazed Yamper hard and threw him back.
"Yamper!" Lillie gasped, horrified by how it's all going south for them.
"Double Slap, again!" Hobbes said, permitting Oricorio to attack once more until Yamper was literally backed into a corner.
"Oh... What'll I do now?" Lillie fretted as she watched Yamper get up, not wanting to let Lillie and his family down.
"...Y-y-y-y-Yam, Yam, Yamper, Yam!" he declared to Oricorio, who smirked as she prepared to attack upon Hobbes' orders again.
"Oh, Yamper..." Lillie wasn't sure what she'll do now and was about to call it quits until...
"Don't panic, Lillie! Keep fighting!" called Nebby, getting her attention. "Don't give up, you were off to a strong start but you can't let Baby Brother Yamper fight alone here! This is not just his fight, it's also yours! Fight with him, lend him your strength, your strength of heart! That's what Mama always did with us!"
"She's right, Aunty Lillie! You need to fight alongside Yamper with your heart!" Riolu agreed. "*You and Yamper are a team, you need to work together to beat Mr. Hobbes and Oricorio! You have to fight as one if you're both going to win!*"
Lillie gasped as her eyes widened, remembering how Sarah and her Pokemon and dragons always fought together as a team and a family and not as individuals. Their teamwork allowed them to come back stronger than ever and in her haste, she had forgotten that and it nearly made her lose faith in herself and Yamper.
"Right, I remember now. A Pokemon battle is something that a trainer and Pokemon must do together. Not as individuals but as a team and a family," she realized.
"Sarah always did her part to help her Pokemon and Yamper won't be able to fight on his end if I don't do mine. Right now, I'm Yamper's partner, not Sarah. I have to go through with this in her name and honor, but can I...? No, if I run away now, I'd accomplish nothing! I'm here because I want to be just as Sarah would be and if Snowy were here, nothing will change that!"
Yamper panted happily as he stared at her and listened to her speech. And, feeling her confidence growing and permeating within him, he jumped back on his paws and barked with a determined smile and renewed vigor.
"Yamper, Sarah always believed in you and your family! Will you believe me in her honor?"
"Yam, Yam, Yamp Yamper!"
"All right! Yamper, use Wild Charge!"
"Yam!" smirked Yamper, liking Lillie's new plan as he charged forward, powerful electricity flowing through him as he sped up.
"Dodge it, quick!" cried Hobbes.
But, Oricorio was now taken aback by Yamper's fighting spirit from Lillie as he bashed at the Dancing Pokemon and knocked her back, hard. He took recoil damage from his Wild Charge but he still smirked, knowing it was worth it thanks to Lillie trusting him and lending him her strength of heart.
"Now, Yamper, use Play Rough and Fire Fang at full power!"
Yamper gave a devilish smirk as he rushed forward and started roughhousing on Poor Oricorio as she screamed in panic and pain, the whole scuffle almost like it was coming out of a Tom & Jerry cartoon before he bit her with a powerful Fire Fang.
That did the trick as the insane assault left Oricorio knocked out once he was done and ended the battle in Yamper's favor, the Galar Puppy Pokemon letting out a proud and happy victory howl from his win. His fellow younglings, the Backyard Pokemon Gang, and Nebby all cheered for him and Lillie was left amazed by what happened.
A big smile grew on her face as she realized what she was able to do after putting her faith and full trust in Yamper, she was able to win and come out on top despite the odds stacked against them after their rough start.
"...I did it! Yamper!" she cried happily, the Puppy Pokemon running into her arms and howling happily as she hugged him.
"We did it, Yamper! We really did it, I now know fully well why your family and Sarah were able to come out on top of your enemies! You all are amazing as long as we fight together as a team and most of all, a family..."
"Yam, Yam!" panted Yamper as he happily wagged his tail while sharing her joy.
The Younglings and the Backyard Pokemon Gang joined them as they took Yamper and gave him three cheers as they tossed him up and down, the Electric Type son of Rapidash enjoying every single moment of his victory.
Hobbes had to smile as he wiped away a tear, seeing how much Lillie had grown as a trainer in her own right and knowing that her mother would be proud if she could see her now. As night fell, a party was held for Yamper's first victory despite it coming from a practice match and to make a toast to the Younglings and Lillie's everlasting friendship. It was the beginning of something special as their bond strengthened and they became a family in their own right, making the most of what remaining time they have left together before the inevitable reunion.
Finally, the weekend had ended and everybody returned to class with all of their Pokemon, present and accounted for. The others were all delighted to see their Pokemon again just as Sarah's Pokemon were all delighted to be back with her.
"Tsaree!" Tsareena shouted with glee as she and Mallow shared a hug.
"Tsareena, all right! You're back, I knew Sarah would take extra good care of you!" Mallow cheered.
"You sound like you haven't seen Tsareena in years," Sophocles said.
"I know you missed Togedemaru a lot while she and all our Pokemon were having fun with Sarah," she retorted, smirking. "Come on, spill the beans! I'm right, aren't I?"
Sophocles couldn't deny it given how much he missed having his personal partner and night light. "Yeah, you're right," he confessed.
But then, he noticed Togedemaru nuzzling Sarah happily and lovingly. "Uh, Togedemaru, what's with you? Why is she acting like this, Sarah?" he questioned his partner and friend.
"Well, I think Togedemaru's been a big help around the house along with Tsareena. And, your partner's really taken a liking to my mom's cooking while we ate throughout the weekend," Sarah replied, much to Sophocles' horror.
"Oh, no..." he moped miserably.
Kiawe and Lana noticed Turtonator and Popplio looking sparkly clean and dancing the Alola Hula with boundless energy as his back shone like gold and she danced and sang her heart out. Even Pyroar was looking spiffy as he showed off his neatly brushed mane and had a fruit basket with him for Kiawe's family. They were quite impressed by what went on with them while living with Sarah for the weekend.
"Wow! Is it just me or do Turtonator and Pyroar's fur coat and color look especially great?" admired Kiawe.
"You look like you've been through a dancing marathon and won First Prize, Popplio," smiled Lana.
"Well, I have been helping them with their looks and I gave her some small dancing lessons with some help from the internet, really," replied Sarah modestly.
"Well, well. It looks like exchanging partners has really proven productive," smiled Kukui, satisfied with what he's witnessing from everyone and Sarah.
"But, how did you all fare with the Pokemon I gave you?" quizzed the princess to her friends.
"It was great! Houndoom and his friends were all a big help and we got rave reviews from our customers!" Mallow cheered to her.
"It sure was productive, to say the least!" agreed Sophocles proudly, getting over Togedemaru's attitude towards Sarah. "And, Sarah, you'll be glad to know that not only are Snowflake and her family are in tip-top shape but I also made a few improvements to Snowflake with fantastic results."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll show ya," he winked before he took out a small target and threw it up high for Snowflake. "Okay, Snowflake, let 'er rip!"
"Vul!" smirked Snowflake, jumping and making her tails glow and become like iron before she struck the target and destroyed it.
Everyone gasped in amazement while Sophocles, Flygon, Hydreigon, and Dragonite looked on proudly; Snowflake now knows Iron Tail thanks to Sophocles' help and training.
"And, that's not all," remarked the Electric Type student before he took out another target and went to one of the open windows before he threw it out. "Aurora Beam, Snowflake!"
"Aurora Beam?!" gasped the others in shock.
Hearing Sophocles' next command and seeing the target flying away, Snowflake jumped up to the balcony railing and shot a carefully-aimed and timed ray of luminous Northern Lights at the target. When it hit, the target shattered, leaving Sarah's Fox Pokemon to coo happily.
"...No way!" Lana gasped, the entire group and her being left speechless from what they saw.
Kiawe soon recollected himself and recalled his experience with Mudsdale, Dusk, and Luna being with him and his family. "I sure had fun with Mudsdale and the Lycanroc Brothers, Mudsdale especially. He sure was glad to be in his old home, even for a little while," he smiled.
"Sure must've been wild for you given how much things would've changed with him gone," Sarah smiled back. "Your family must've been glad to see him again."
Kiawe chuckled, "It's as if he never left Akala Island, at all. Mimo was very happy to see him. You should have him visit us every now and then, Sarah."
"I'll make a note on that."
"By the way, Lillie, how were you and Sarah's Younglings and Nebby? Did you get close with them?" Mallow asked Lillie.
"Get close with them? It's fantastic, I've never had so much fun with so many Pokemon before then and I now know how exciting it must've been for her to take care of these cuties!" gushed Lillie as Riolu and the other Younglings joined her, Yamper happily jumping into her arms as she petted him and he panted in delight. "It's like if the whole incident with Nihilego all those years ago never happened!"
"Wow, Lillie, that's great!" Ash said happily.
"We're so happy for you!" Lana agreed.
"I'm jealous! I wish I could have some baby Pokemon of my own, now!" Mallow replied with a knowing smirk.
"I'm glad to hear that," Sarah smiled. "Good to see they haven't given you any grief while they were living with you."
"You should be proud of yourself after having come so far, Lillie," commended Prof. Kukui with a proud smile.
"Thank you! And, you know what, Sarah? I'm gonna keep working on it until I can achieve my dream of being able to care for and love all the Pokemon who are in need of my help, one way or another."
"I'm sure you'll do great, Lillie. No doubt about it," Sarah smiled, the two of them sharing a hug.
Then, she turned to Ash, knowing how Silvally was bound to react when she sees him and his initial reaction to the Kanto Trainer.
"Where's Silvally and what happened to my Eeveelutions?" she questioned.
"We hit a snag throughout the weekend and he was going bonkers for you but we finally got through to him," he smiled reassuringly before he pointed her to see Silvally training with the Eevee Squad, Eevee, and Sylveon at the beach.
"Come on! Is that all you got, Wolf Man?" taunted Silvally to the smirking Lycanroc, his voice once again heard fluently only to Sarah. "Don't hold back, show me everything you got!"
"Ly, Canroc!" shouted Lycanroc before they continued their training while the others watched.
"Sounds like you found the one thing Silvally needed to get him to finally trust you, Ash," chuckled Kukui.
"Yeah, he's always one for the old saying 'Less talk and more action'," Sarah admitted. "But, how was it for you with all of them?"
"I'm just glad I remembered and came up with it as I did. And, besides that, it was awesome! Your Eeveelutions, Silvally, and I trained lots. Sarah, you want to join Lycanroc and Silvally in their battle?"
"I had a feeling you'd say that... But, I hope you're all ready to lose since I've been doing the same with all your partners!"
The others all smirked, knowing what was coming when Sarah made the bet. "Oh, is that a challenge?" smirked Kiawe.
"We're ready for you, too, Sarah!" agreed Sophocles, Snowflake cooing with a determined smile.
"You'll be surprised to know what we and the Pokemon you gave us learned!" added Lana.
"So, our top cat trainer's asking for a challenge, right?" snarked Mallow, sharing everyone's smirks.
"In that case, challenge accepted!" Lillie finished with a determined nod, leaving the entire gang to cheer happily as they got on the school's battlefield and took their places with the rest of Sarah's Pokemon and dragon family, Pyroar, Charjabug, Lycanroc, Torracat, and Rowlet taking their place as the audience for the match between their trainer friends and their human mother.
"Pikachu, Turtontaor, Popplio, Tsareena, Togedemaru, Snowy, let's show them what we're made of!" said Sarah to her friends' partners on the field, all of them giving determined cries in response.
"Let's do it, Silvally!"
"Go for it, Mudsdale!"
"Freeze them good, Snowflake!"
"Time to fly, Latias!"
"Let's go, Aqua!"
"Do your best, Yamper!" shouted Ash, Kiawe, Sophocles, Mallow, Lana, and Lillie to their Pokemon of choice, all of them eager to battle as well.
"Silvally," called Sarah, looking at her Synthetic Pokemon with Ash. "You better not hold back on me or the others!"
"I don't plan to, Mother! The Kanto Turkey Brain and I have a few new tricks made just for you!" he smirked.
Kukui smiled brought as he also took his place on the field to be the gang's referee. He was now more eager to see how the gang's bonding with Sarah's extended family had enabled them to become better trainers.
"All right, class! It's time to show me what you all are made of! Battle...BEGIN!" he commenced.
"GO!" shouted everybody happily, their Pokemon charging forward to show the results of their time with each other's Pokemon.
Their Pokemon and the dragons cheered and roared happily as they watched the twelve Pokemon on the field trade and dodge blows and showed how much they've learned about each other and a valuable lesson on the true importance and the value of their own partners and families.
"A temporary swap with Sarah has given Ash and the others a much-needed chance to learn about and bond with her growing Pokemon family. And, in the process, they learned just how precious their own Pokemon really are and how much they originally took them for granted. It looks like Prof. Kukui's unusual class was a rousing success as the journey continues!"
Sarah's Team:
1. Pikachu
Moves - Thundershock, Tackle, Thunderpunch, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Electroweb,
2. Lycanroc (Dusk Form)
Moves - Rock Throw, Bite, Tackle, Rock Slide, Protect, Accelarock, Outrage,
3. Lycanroc (Midnight Form)
Moves - Rock Throw, Bite, Tackle, Protect, Rock Slide, Outrage, Counter
4. Silvally
Moves - Crush Claw, Air Slash, Hyper Beam, Swords Dance, Dragon Claw, Multi Attack, Tri Attack
5. Mudsdale
Moves - High Horsepower, Double Kick, Mud Slap, Bulldoze, Iron Head
6. Wooloo
Moves - Wild Charge, Tackle, Electro Ball, Volt Tackle
7. Ponyta (Galar Form)
Moves - Dazzling Gleam, Moonblast, High Horsepower, Heal Pulse, Psybeam, Mystical Fire
8. Meowth (Alola Form)
Moves - Thunderbolt, Scratch, Iron Tail, Dark Pulse
9. Brionne
Moves - Pound, Water Gun, Icy Wind, Bubblebeam, Aqua Jet
10. Milotic
Moves - Dragon Pulse, Ice Beam, Twister, Mirror Coat
11. Ampharos (Shiny)
Moves - Thunderbolt, Confuse Ray, Power Gem, Signal Beam, Discharge, Iron Tail, Thunderpunch, Dragon Pulse
12. Sylveon
Moves - Tackle, Tail Whip, Copycat, Shadow Ball, Light Screen
13. Goodra
Moves - Water Gun, Protect, Tackle, Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse, Rain Dance, Aqua Tail
14. Noctowl
Moves - Wing Attack, Foresight, Air Slash, Confusion
15. Meowstic (Male)
Moves - Helping Hand, Psyshock, Light Screen, Future Sight, Dark Pulse
16. Meowstic (Female)
Moves - Heal Pulse, Psyshock, Dark Pulse, Future Sight
17. Snivy
Moves - Vine Whip, Leaf Storm, Twister, Leaf Blade
18. Oshawott
Moves - Water Gun, Razor Shell, Icy Wind, Iron Tail
19. Tepig
Moves - Flamethrower, Flame Charge, Solar Beam, Rock Tomb
20. Vulpix (Alola Form)
Moves - Protect, Powder Snow, Ice Beam, Iron Tail, Aurora Beam
21. Dragonite
Moves - Dragon Rage, Iron Tail, Ice Beam, Hyper Beam, Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw
22. Hydreigon
Moves - Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Wing Attack, Flash Cannon, Dragon Rush, Tri Attack
23. Flygon
Moves - Crunch, Dig, Rock Slide, Steel Wing, Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw
24. Solgaleo (aka Nebby)
Moves - Sunsteel Strike, Focus Blast, Teleport, Flamethrower, Wild Charge, Cosmic Power
25. Riolu (Shiny)
Moves - Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Aura Sphere
26. Poipole
Moves - Venoshock, Fury Attack, Peck
27. Mimikyu
Moves - Shadow Claw, Drain Punch, Wood Hammer, Psychic, Mimic
28. Umbreon (Shiny)
Moves - Dark Pulse, Psychic, Moonlight, Shadow Ball, Iron Tail, Flash
29. Jolteon
Moves - Thunder Fang, Thunderbolt, Double Kick, Shadow Ball, Pin Missile
30. Vaporeon
Moves - Water Gun, Swift, Iron Tail, Shadow Ball, Dive
31. Flareon
Moves - Fire Fang, Flamethrower, Double Edge, Shadow Ball, Ember
32. Espeon
Moves - Psychic, Psybeam, Iron Tail, Shadow Ball, Light Screen
33. Leafeon
Moves - Synthesis, Energy Ball, Solar Blade, Shadow Ball, Leaf Storm
34. Glaceon
Moves - Shadow Ball, Ice Fang, Icy Wind, Ice Shard, Iron Tail
35. Eevee
Moves - Helping Hand, Protect, Dig, Double Edge, Swift, Iron Tail
36. Skitty
Moves - Doubleslap, Ice Beam, Iron Tail, Copycat, Double-Edge, Play Rough, Shadow Ball
37. Braviary
Moves - Superpower, Sky Attack, Brave Bird, Close Combat, Steel Wing, Aerial Ace
38. Absol (Shiny)
Moves - Night Slash, Psycho Cut, Shadow Claw, Hyper Beam, Flamethrower, Shadow Ball
39. Houndoom (Shiny)
Moves - Thunder Fang, Solar Beam, Sludge Bomb, Flamethrower, Crunch, Stone Edge
40. Latias (Shiny)
Moves - Safeguard, Psychic, Mist Ball, Dragon Pulse, Steel Wing, Recover
41. Latios (Shiny)
Moves - Steel Wing, Psychic, Giga Impact, Dragon Pulse, Luster Purge, Charge Beam
42. Salamance (Shiny)
Moves - Incinerate, Hydro Pump, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Rush, Protect, Steel Wing
43. Rapidash (Galar Region)
Moves - Psycho Cut, Mystical Fire, Megahorn, High Horsepower, Heal Pulse
44. Yamper
Moves - Wild Charge, Fire Fang, Play Rough, Double Edge, Dig
45. Scorbunny
Moves - Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flame Charge, Ember, Headbutt
Sarah's Dragon Companions:
1. Winter - Light Fury (F)
2. Shadow - Night Fury (M)
3. Skystorm - Deadly Nadder (F)
4. Mist and Spark - Titan Wing Hideous Zippleback (M)
5. Inferno - Singetail (M)
6. Sunflare - Monstrous Nightmare (F)
7. Starfire - Stormcutter (F)
8. Silver - Razorwhip (F)
9. Venom - Triple Stryke (M)
10. Camo - Titan Wing Dramillion (M)
11-15. His pack of five - Dramillions (3 F and 2 M)
Yellow Dramillions: Mimic - F, Violet - F, Sunflower - F
Red Dramillions: Ocean - M, Tidal - M
16. Melody - Death Song (M)
17. Echo - Slithersong (F)
18. Twilight - Deathgripper (F)
19. Dawn - Deathgripper (M)
