This chapter was updated/revised on October 27, 2019.

Hold You Up

"Brother we all see

You're hiding out so painfully

See yourself come out to play

A lover's rain will wash away

your envy and your fear

have no envy, no fear."

Joshua Radin

Back at the Morgan's house, Nolan, Lexi, and Ash discussed the Battle Frontier. June, Takeshi, and the other kids who had come for June's birthday listened eagerly.

"I was twelve when I made my first trip through the Battle Frontier here in Kanto," said Ash. "I didn't do the Battle Frontier in Johto until I was eighteen. After that, I did the frontiers in Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. Each time I competed I got better. The trials are hard but I bet you could handle it…if you've been training daily."

"We have been," Lexi said on her and Nolan's behalf. "Most of my Pokémon are fully evolved and the lowest level I have is a level-seventy Goldduck I plan on training one-on-one with Misty."

"With elbow grease, we can get your Goldduck up a few levels and teach her a new move or two in one or two sessions," Misty replied.

"If anyone can do that, it's Misty," said Ash. "She's great at teaching Pokémon new moves. Did you know she invented the move 'Splishy Splash'? It's the only water-type move a Pikachu can learn! Cool, huh?"

"And Ash's Pikachu was the first to master it," Misty added. "The second was S—um…never mind. The point is, I'm available to do some personal training sessions if you need me. All you have to do is make an appointment. I always do the first session free."

"I can help you train your dragon-types, or if you want someone with even more experience than that, you can ask your future mother-in-law," Lexi told Takeshi.

"What mean, 'mother-in-law'?" he queried.

"Iris, June's mother, is a dragon-trainer. Her father Cilan is excellent with grass-type Pokémon, as is our good friend Erika—who you know well—and grass is my other expertise; my VIPs are Venasaur, Vileplume, Salamence, Vibrava, Tropius, Mega Sceptile, Alolan Exeggutor, and Flygon. I always have at least four of them with me."

"Blastoise, Typhlosion, Lapras, Alakazam, and Skarmory are my VIPs," said Nolan. "I don't have an unshakeable type preference."

"You have soooo many Pokémon," said Nolan's younger sister Nadia.

Nolan pulled Nadia onto his lap. "Did you know there are over 2,000 known species of Pokémon?"

"No way!"

"Yes, way! That's not even counting fusion Pokémon, and there are hundreds of those, each one unique in type, nature, movesets, and personality."

"I want a whole team of fusions one day," said Takeshi.

"If you continue to travel, perhaps one day you will," Lexi responded. "But why fusion monz specifically?"

"Fusions can have three, four, even five types and because they aren't as common, my opponents will struggle to defeat them."

"It sure makes the game more complicated," said Nolan.

"And more fun," said Ash.

"Totally," said Takeshi. "So…I think I'll wait at least another year before I do any Battle Frontiers."

"Really?" June asked perkily.

"My team is great but I don't have that many Pokémon yet. I should have more variety."

"It's smarter to wait," said Ash. "Alola is one of my favorite regions in the whole world; I made some of my closest friends there and the Pokémon are unlike any other. Did you know that Alola is one of the few regions that have stark regional variations? You'll love it."

Ash continued to talk to the kids and teens about the pros and cons of different regions and (a little bit) of what they could expect in Alola. Misty interrupted them twenty minutes in.

"Where's Amber?" she queried.

The others looked around. Amber was present earlier but silently slid away when they got to discussing the importance of strategies.

"Maybe she went to look for Pokémon," Ash guessed.

"Amber is probably with Jay and Jezz. Those three are always together," said June.

"Always," Takeshi emphasized.

"I hope she's indoors," Misty murmured as she gazed out the window. "It's going to pour soon and I don't want Amber getting mud all over the place. Jessie will never let me hear the end of it, and I learned a long time ago that avoiding getting on her nerves is better for everyone."

"A's not here either," Lexi noted. "I haven't seen her in hours."

"Nor is Michio," said Nolan. "Which isn't weird for him, since he likes his alone time, but A usually gives us a heads' up before she disappears on some adventure."

"But she knows better than Amb to not get caught in the rain," said June. "…Right?"

XO

As the couple approached, Michio forgot that he never really told Annastasia about Elsa and Hiro. He had mentioned them but didn't share details. He wasn't the type to typically share details—he kept facts about his life general, always urging for Annastasia to talk more about her past then his.

Michio was surprised to see Elsa herself driving the boat.

"You didn't hire a replacement?" Michio asked as Elsa disembarked the yacht.

She held the docking rope in her hands, prepared to do it herself, and Michio went to assist her. He quickly discovered that she was faster at tying knots then he was.

"I did hire a replacement," she said, smirking smugly. "But after several weeks, she got bored and ditched us. But I watched you long enough to pick up on some things, and I realized that I could get along just fine…So, is this her?"

"Me?" Annastasia inquired, pointing to herself.

"Pup, pup up!" Lil-G defensively demanded.

"Tar?" Bleu asked.

"Yes," said Michio. "Annastasia, guard-dog Lil-G, and Bleu, the giant fucking Altaria. Did Hiro ditch you too?"

"He's here, sleeping, as usual," Elsa replied. "That happens when you get old." She turned back towards Annastasia. "I heard you had a rough time in Toka."

"Yeah. 'Rough' is right," she responded. "It's nice to meet you. I'm—as you already know—Annastasia Morgan. A, for short."

Annastasia extended her hand and Elsa shook it. Her Popplio, Litten, Rowlet and Solgaleo came up behind her.

"We know a lot about you," said Elsa. "We managed to get a decent amount of information out of him, though it wasn't easy."

"Impressive," she replied. "Michio doesn't like talking about himself much, as you know."

"What are you doing here?" Michio asked, wanting to change the subject.

"We wanted to go to this year's Cherryblossom Festival, and we decided to get to Kanto early. We planned to sleep on the yacht overnight. Then we were going to check in at the Pallet House and do some touring around the nearby cities until it begins," Hiro explained as he climbed up the stairs.

Hiro was surprised to see Annastasia; it incontestably showed on his face. He shook Michio's hand and looked at him directly, which intrigued Annastasia because Michio rarely engaged in eye-contact.

"You got her already," Hiro remarked, gesturing to Annastasia. "The way you were moping we thought it would be years before you two were reunited."

Michio blushed. "I had no way of knowing…"

"Michio moped in my honor. That's so sweet," Annastasia chuckled. "Did you know that my family owns the Pallet House?"

"That's why we picked it," Elsa replied. "Odd coincidence to run into you down at this pier. Why are you two down here? Is this…your spot?"

"No, our romantic spot is in Pallet House room 315."

Elsa whistled. "That's a development."

"Not the kind of development you're thinking of, Elsa; I haven't changed," said Michio.

Annastasia nudged Michio. They briefly turned away from Elsa and Hiro.

"Did you come out to them?" Annastasia whispered.

"…Sorta," he murmured. "She infers…"

Annastasia turned back to Elsa and Hiro. "Michio came here earlier to pick up this car that his parents were sending over on a cargo boat. He took my bike to get here, and then he left it behind when he and my friend Rita left to bring the car back to my house. So, we came back to get it, but now it's gone."

"Michio, you fool!" Elsa scolded. "You better replace that bike. Destroying or losing a bike…that is unforgivable to many young women."

"It's fine. It's…gone with the wind I suppose…I'll get over it."

"Oh, 'Gone with the Wind', yes, that reminds me. I see you have some baby Plusle and Minun, but where is that famous Pikachu Miss Scarlett you talked so much about? You didn't leave her in Toka did you?"

Both teens looked at the ground. Annastasia started to talk, then closed her mouth, unsure of how to explain such an enormous disaster.

"It's complicated but…yes; I did leave her in Toka," Annastasia sighed.

"Oh, I see. The little critter didn't make it," said Elsa, picking up on the sorrow in her voice. She and Hiro turned to Michio. "Do you know what they say about electric Pokémon after they leave the Earth?"

"No, what?"

"That the electricity stays there," Hiro responded. "Call it superstition, but I say she's still around."

"That's a good thought. I suppose there is no way to know either way…" said Annastasia. "Do you want a ride to our hotel? You don't have to stay in the yacht overnight, not while we are here and can give you a ride. My parents will give you one night free".

"That's a sweet offer," Elsa replied. "You sure, Dear?"

"A friend of Michio's is a friend of mine, and besides, my parents can more-than-afford to give you a free night."

"Awe. I like her, Michio. I really, really like her."

"Great," he responded.

Hiro, Elsa, Annastasia, Michio and all the Pokémon headed towards the car. Annastasia climbed in the driver's seat and buckled herself in. Once everyone was settled, she got ready to pull away, but a little boy who looked to be about eight blocked her path. She rolled down the window and turned off the car.

"Can I help you?" Annastasia asked. "You aren't here alone, are you?"

"I'm not alone," the boy answered. "Are you looking for a bike?"

Annastasia got back out of the car immediately. "Yes. Do you have it?"

"Uh-huh; follow me."

Michio followed her while the others stayed behind. The boy led them to a cabin. Annastasia's bike was in the corner.

"My bike! I was so worried…I thought it was stolen," said Annastasia. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," the boy replied. He pointed at Michio. "My dad saw him ride it here and then leave it behind. He told me to bring it inside before it rained and it got destroyed. Then he asked me to look and see if anyone came back for it."

"Thanks again. That was so sweet, I truly appreciate it."

There was a coruscation of lightning, a clout of thunder, and a cascading of rain. Annastasia's heart fell as she looked out the window.

"We have a tarp you can borrow that will cover the bike," the boy offered.

"You're a lifesaver," Annastasia replied. "What's your name?"

"Jun."

"Thanks, Jun; I owe ya one."

Annastasia gave the boy her contact info, then she, Michio, Elsa, Hiro, and their Pokémon returned to the Pallet House.

Annastasia decided to check Hiro and Elsa in first and to give explanations to her family later. She handed the couple a set of keys.

"I put you on the fourth floor, on the end. The elevator is down the hall," Annastasia told them. "If you want you can come by my house across the street later. My family and many of our friends are celebrating a friend's eleventh birthday, and we'll all be hanging out for at least two more hours."

"Thank you," Elsa responded. "Perhaps we will."

XO

Realizing that they left Annastasia's phone and June's gift in room 315, Annastasia and Michio stopped there instead of going straight to the party.

"My dad, Jocelyn, and Jay sent me over twenty texts in the last forty-five minutes, asking where I went and if I was okay," Annastasia commented as she scrolled through her messages. "And I have seven missed calls."

"They're worried about you going missing again," said Michio. "Tbh, I don't blame them."

"Neither do I—this time."

Annastasia opened the door to her room and the Pokémon went straight to the bed, curled up, and pretended to sleep.

"I'm tired too, but we should be there for June. Let's at least bring her gift over," said Annastasia. "After we clean ourselves."

The humans showered, bathed the Pokémon, then got everyone blow-dried and bedazzled for the party. They grabbed their black, gray, white, and purple umbrella and the gift-wrapped box.

"Before we head over, we should check on Jezz," said Annastasia. "My dad sent me a text saying that he left the party without giving an explanation, and he wouldn't talk to Jay or Amber when they came over to see if he was okay."

"I don't mind but why would he talk to us if he wouldn't talk to Jay or Amber?" said Michio.

"I have no idea, but it's worth a try."

"Just, before we go—we should like, have a plan for what we're gonna say."

"Just…follow my lead."

"You're going to improvise?"

"When I'm closer I'll be better able to discern his feelings."

"You're not psychic, so you won't know for sure."

"No, I won't, but I can try my best. He's been staying with us for weeks and we know his patterns and quirks."

"You do, and you speak only for yourself."

"That's a lie and you know it."

"…Sure…"

"Yes."

Before they knocked on Jezz's door, Annastasia took a few silent moments to predict the room's energy. She could read people best when they made eye-contact, but Jezz hated making eye-contact. He did it, but when he did, it took a great deal of energy from him. It seemed everyone adored him, particularly the adults, because of his maturity, politeness, and charm, but this didn't satisfy him. The more space they gave him the more he seemed to distance himself. Jezz needed something more and no one wanted to find out what that was more than Annastasia.

Michio noted Annastasia's 'philosophy' face and knocked on their behalf.

"Jezz, are you in there?" Annastasia called out.

"…Yes," said Jezz, his voice timid and enervated.

"This is Annastasia. Can Michio and I come in?"

"…Yes."

Jezz's Vileplume opened the door and greeted them warmly. Annastasia and Michio looked past it to see Jezz lying in bed. The shades were down and his smaller Pokémon were snuggling close to him.

Jezz's Delcatty, Furfrou, Deerling, Chimecho, Komala, Xatu, and Porygon shifted so that Annastasia could get closer. Jezz sat up just enough to make his face and torso visible.

"What's going on?" Annastasia queried.

"I am unwell," he replied.

"Physically?"

"Yes."

"What are your symptoms?"

"I do not want to discuss that."

"Do you need anything?"

"No. My Pokémon are taking care of me."

"Are you sure you don't want me to get you anything?"

"Yes."

"We probably have something on-hand that can alleviate your symptoms."

"That is kind but I do not need that; I have my own medicine and Chimecho's Heal Bell helps me."

"Can I feel your head?"

"…Yes..."

Annastasia pressed the back of her hand to his forehead, then to the side of his face "You're boiling. Have you been sick all day?"

"This isn't unusual. I get sick often."

Annastasia thought back to one of her first conversations with his foster parents. The Hales didn't know at the time that Annastasia was the most responsible Morgan in Pallet, so the Hales were talking to her parents, but she listened in and absorbed all the details. The gist was that Jezz was a hard kid to help simply because he didn't know how to accept help.

'He's the sweetest, most intelligent, and perceptive child I can imagine,' Hauana Hale had said. 'But helping him is hard because doesn't want help, even when he needs it. The idea of getting closer to someone scares him and at the same time, the more space we give him, the more worried we get that he'll indulge in distancing himself.'

But he wasn't always like this; Jay and Amber took care of making sure the 'distancing episodes' were few and far between, though they still occurred.

"I left because I was uncomfortable," Jezz defended. "I was hot and almost fainted."

"It's a good idea to rest."

Michio gestured for Annastasia to lean away from Jezz and closer to him.

"So, you're just gonna leave him like this?" Michio whispered.

She nodded and signed that she 'knew what she was doing' in sign language.

"Jezz, if you don't get better by the end of tomorrow, I'll take you to see a doctor," said Annastasia. "I know a realllly good one."

"I don't want Hauana and Perry to worry about me," Jezz replied. "If they find out …they might want to pick me up. I want to stay will you all so that we can go to Alola together."

"I think they would want to know, but if you don't want us to tell them, we won't."

"Thank you. "

Annastasia, Michio, and their Pokémon left Jezz alone. They waited until they were in the stairwell to start a conversation.

"That poor kid," Annastasia sighed. "He's burning up in there. He's had at least four fevers since we've known him, and it hasn't been that long. He also was deeply disturbed by something; I perceived it through his aura."

"Doesn't Gary have Pokémon potions that can help?" Michio inquired.

"I asked the last time he was sick. Though his fevers are frequent, they typically have been clearing up after several hours of rest. Gary says everything he has is too strong for Jezz to take."

"And you're going to make it a mission to find an alternative."

"Of course."

XO

When Michio, Annastasia, and their Pokémon returned to the house, they discovered that June and the other kids had all left to go play with their Pokémon. Only the adults, Rita, Nolan, Lexi, and some of the youngest children were still there.

"What took you two so long?" Jessie asked Annastasia and Michio as they entered the room.

"Michio left my bike down by the pier," Annastasia explained. "We went to go get it before it got stolen or the rain destroyed it. And we also met some old friends that will be staying at the Pallet House. We'll introduce them later."

"We got June's present too," Michio murmured.

He placed the gift on the coffee table in front of the couch where everyone was sitting.

"The same bike with the Jigglypuff bell?" Misty asked.

"Yep," Annastasia responded.

"You got it back, I assume," said Jessie, eyeing Michio menacingly. "Otherwise you'd be crying."

"Does the bike really mean that much to you?" Michio queried.

"She rode that bike all around Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Unova, Alola, Sinnoh, and the Orange Islands. It went on every single one of our missions," said Rita.

"If you knew that bike so well, then why didn't you say anything when I left it on the bike rack?"

"I didn't see it; I didn't think Annastasia would lend it out."

"Who drove you down there?" asked James. "You couldn't have done it yourself…"

"Everyone's asking a lot of questions here," Annastasia quipped. "This is supposed to be a party. June's party. Michio and I should look for them."

Annastasia took Michio's hand and started to pull him towards the back door.

"They're running around the Pallet House," said Cilan. "They didn't want to get all wet."

"Right…" Annastasia replied.

"Sit," James requested as he patted the spot beside him. "Chat with us."

"We've hardly seen you since you married Michio," said Rita.

"Huh? What?" said Ash.

"She's being sarcastic," said Misty. "Though it's true, A, that I haven't seen you much at all lately."

Annastasia sat between her father and mother while Michio stood in front of them apprehensively.

"You can sit here," May offered as she moved from her spot beside Acorn and Aliyah.

"Thanks," Michio mumbled as he took a seat.

The adults took turns explaining the kids' most recent travel plans.

"And we can trust you to watch over all of them just as you did last time…right?" Iris inquired.

"Definitely," Annastasia agreed. "And I'll do everything in my power to make sure this next journey is just as or more fun, safe, and educational as the last."

"I wish I spent more time in Alola. I'm going to visit June while she's there. Speaking of which…"

Everyone turned to Jessie.

"What?" she huffed.

"We know you'd like to visit Alola. So why not get a teleporter that goes from the Pallet House lobby to say…. a beach bungalow in Alola?" May asked. "Please?"

Jessie sneered. "As if I would do anything to please you…but I did want a vacation cottage in Alola to add to the collection."

"I have plenty of teleporters available. I've already started to market them," said Clemont. "They are going for $25,000, because that is what an agent recommended, but I will donate this one if we get to borrow it too."

"They can pay for it," said Misty. "They're millionaires now. Besides, you already donated the other ones."

"I tried to donate them, but Delia ended up paying for them in the end…"

"I don't want to share my beach bungalow with a bunch of twerps," Jessie emphasized. "So, if I buy a teleporter and you all use it, it's going in the garage. I'm not giving you a key to the house."

"Fine," they agreed.

"Just don't buy anything near the capitol," Michio mumbled.

"Why not? Is there something we should know?" James asked.

"That's where he lives," said Rita, smirking.

"Oh, I see, you think we're going to embarrass you and Anna-chan."

"Then James, let's get something near the capitol!" Jessie enthusiastically suggested.

"Michio, where is your estate?"

"Let's go find our kids," Annastasia said as Michio started to fume. "Bye, fam, see ya later."

In the Next Chapter:

-The twins!

- Ships

- Jezz being weird again

AN: As always, review if you can please.