AN: This chapter was updated/revised on November 20, 2019.
Arrival
"Dry lightning cracks across the skies
Those storm clouds gather in her eyes
Her daddy was a mean old mister
Mama was an angel in the ground
The weather man called for a twister
She prayed blow it down."
Carrie Underwood
Day 44
Jessie, James, Rumika, Lucy, Meowth, their children, friend-ish people, and Pokémon arrived in Alola about a week after the Cherryblossom Festival had officially ended.
They planned to spend their first morning and afternoon moving some things in, as the house was practically empty when they bought it, but for now, everyone was still airborne.
"So, where is your house?" Jay asked Jezz as the plane prepared to land.
"We reside on the next island over. It is called 'Ākala Island'," he replied.
"That's the one with the ginormous volcano!"
"Indeed."
"Volcanos are scary. I can't believe you live near one!"
"It's not like he chose the location," Soledad giggled from across the aisle. She had shared a row with Amber and Jocelyn. "Volcanos are fascinating and dormant ones are not dangerous."
"Well…I still get nervous about them."
"I wanna go up it," said Amber.
"Of course, you do…"
"Yeah, cuz I'm fun. Jezz, you like volcanos, right?"
"They interest me, but I can see why Jay would be afraid; they are the subject of many horror stories," Jezz replied.
"All the more reason to visit them."
"Are all the volcanoes in Alola doormats?" Jocelyn inquired.
"Fla?" Flaafy asked.
"Yes, all are 'dormant'," Jezz responded.
"How many islands are in Alola?" she asked.
"Flaafy?" her partner continued.
"Alola is composed of twenty-seven islands," Jezz responded. "The largest one is sometimes called the 'mainland', and that is 'Melemele'. The name means 'yellow' and that is because yellow marigolds are the most common flower that blooms there. Melemele has several meadows of yellow and golden flowers, including daffodils and tulips."
"That's so beautiful," Jay longingly sighed. "I can't wait."
"I want to make flower crowns," June said from the seat behind him.
"Me too," said Maya, who was between her and Lily.
"Totally!" Jay agreed.
"We will certainly have time for all of that," said Annastasia. She turned further in her seat in the front to see the children. "Jezz, was there more you had to say about the islands?"
"Yes," he replied. "To further respond to Jocelyn's question: Melemele, Ākala, Ula'ula, and Poni Island are considered the ʻEhā Nui' or 'Big Four'. Melemele is famous for its yellow meadows, caverns, shopping mall, and most significantly, the shrine of the Island Guardian Tapu Koko. Akala is known for its sweet pink patches of wild and domestic rocktrumpet, peach blossoms, and Butterfree bushes, its volcano, jungle, unique shops, and the shrine of the Island Guardian Tapu Lele."
"Do all the islands have a guardian?" Jocelyn asked.
"The ʻEhā Nui islands do. The other islands all have less than 1,000 residents and low Pokémon populations, which is why they are not as well-known. That is where many of the mansions are located. There are islets with no humans living there too, such as Exeggutor Island and Treasure Island."
"What is Ula'ula famous for?" Takeshi asked.
"Ula'ula has rich red meadows of crimson marigolds, roses, and deep magenta tulips, Mount Lanakila, Blush Mountain, the Haina Desert, the shrine of the Island Guardian Tapu Bulu, the four 'Kanto-style' gyms, and it has more uncommon Pokémon than any other island in Alola. It is also where the Pokémon League is located."
"We gotta go there."
"I wanna go to the gyms," said Jay. "What kinda gyms are they?"
"They are all mixed variety gyms."
"What does that mean?"
"It means in one gym you will face multiple gym leaders, each specializing in a different type: for example, I know one gym has one woman who uses flying, ice, and bug-type Pokémon, one woman who uses mostly dark, ghost, and fighting-type Pokémon, and a man who uses mostly fairy, psychic, and water Pokémon. Before you get your badge, you must defeat all of them."
"Wow," several of the children responded.
"It's sweet," said Amber. "I can't wait to face the ice, electric, and rock-type trainers. I'll give them a show for sure!"
"There's gotta be a catch though, dude…I mean, I've been to Alola and I don't remember those gyms…there was just one…it was in honor of Lt. Surge or something," said Tamaki.
"These gyms are mostly new," Jezz replied.
"And the downside is that I won't likely have time to do them all," Soledad sighed.
"Well, perhaps another 'downside' is that there are only four gyms and trainers must book their battles at least a week in advance."
"They make us plan?" Amber groaned. "I hate planning."
"I'll help keep you on track," Annastasia assured her. "And you may be too busy with other activities to have the energy for more battles. We'll have to see how once we get there."
"Which is now," said Jay. "Look, they just opened the doors! Thank Arceus! This airplane air is destroying my skin. I need exfoliation and moisturization, stat."
"But I wanna know about Poni Island too," Jocelyn said as they grabbed their personal items from under their seats. "Jezz, how many ponies are on Poni Island?"
"Unfortunately, Lelen are rare, so the only horse-like Pokémon you may encounter are Mudbray and Mudsdale, though those are also relatively uncommon," he replied.
"Rats!"
"Fla!" Flaafy added with equal disappointment.
"Then why would they call it 'Poni' Island? They got me all excited for no reason!"
"Flaafy Flaaa!"
"'Poni' is the traditional Alolan word for 'purple," Jezz explained. "Poni Island is adorned with luscious purple fields of violet, aster, and bellflower. Lavender can be found on the upper Plateaus as well."
"What's a plat-toe?" Amber asked, not meaning to say her question allowed (she was getting tired of asking Jezz questions). She coughed. "I mean, I know what that is, never mind."
Jay smirked. "So, what is it, Amb?"
"It's a type of league, duh."
"Amber…I hate to… 'correct' you, but a plateau is an area of highland, usually consisting of flat terrain, that is raised significantly above the surrounding area. In addition to vast gorgeous fields and the shrine of Tapu Fini, Poni has several plateaus, an immense canyon, and the best surf spot in Alola. There are four floating villages with a small population of just about five-hundred people each, but no shopping centers, gyms, or leagues."
"I really wanna go there," June breathed. "And look ahead, it's beautiful."
"Where are all the stores?" Jay asked, squinting in the distance. All he could see was undeveloped land and a turquoise sea.
"There many shops that Hauana enjoys on this island, but we must travel southward to get there," Jezz replied.
"Ooh, Mommy, I wanna go to the shops today!" said Jocelyn, tugging on her mother's purse.
"Feee..." Flaafy said nervously, not wanting to shop.
"That's why I chose this location," Jessie replied. "All the shops, little boutiques, cafes. What more do you need from a vacation home? This is perfect. Obviously, I only buy the best."
"Obviously, Meowth and I helped her find this place," Lucy added.
"How many vacation houses do you have now?" Amber asked Jay.
"Um, uh, well...there's one in the northern woods of Sinnoh, one in the capital of Hoenn, one on Limon Island in the Orange Archipelago, one near Courmarine City in Kalos, one on One Treasure Beach in the Sevii Islands, and now there's one here," he sheepishly replied.
"Wow," several of the children gasped.
"Ah yeah, ha…I suppose."
"Does anyone live there while you are away?" Jezz asked.
"Kinda..."
"We have people there who help to take care of the local Pokémon at each location," Annastasia clarified. "Not real nurses and doctors, just people who like Pokémon and like that kind of work. It's what my great-grandparents used to do, so when we got each house, my father decided to uphold that tradition."
Sandshrew looked at Annastasia pointedly. She noticed this and glowered back.
"I'm not making this up for your satisfaction," she told Sandshrew after a few moments of silence.
"Humph," it snorted, turning away.
"So, Anna-chan, Michio, when do you plan on leaving for your meeting?" James asked.
"What meeting?" asked Jocelyn. "Are you two going away? But we so much work to do getting the new house set up!" Jocelyn complained. "You are going to make us do all the work!?"
"Flaafy!" her Pokémon scolded.
"We're going to Michio's house so that I could officially meet his family, but that can wait until tomorrow. We didn't specify when we'd be visiting and there is a lot to do. I will help you make up all the beds, stock the kitchen, carry over some of our clothes, all of that stuff," Annastasia assured them. "Jocelyn, all you will have to do is move your stuff into your bedroom. Sound fair?"
"Yes, Onēsan," Jocelyn mumbled, still irritated that Annastasia was spending less time with her and more time with Michio.
"Feee," Flaafy sighed.
After they put their suitcases on a trolley, Rose began wailing. Jay lifted her and cooed while patting her back. Squirt Gun offered assistance with a mini water show, and all that together cheered her up. Jezz's Deerling made himself available for petting, and Rose took advantage while Silver clung to Komala the whole drive home.
"We need a plan," Jessie sighed as they pulled into the driveway.
"I can babysit the twins with Amb and Jezz," Jay suggested.
Jessie grimaced. "…You can do that only if Maya, Lily Jezz, and your Pokémon help."
"Okie-duke."
"Never say that again," Amber whispered to him. "It's for your own good, trust me."
"Kk."
"Lily, Logan, Jocelyn, and I can you take care of our personal items and bring in the stuff for the bathrooms, kitchen, and bedrooms," Annastasia proposed.
"Yes, do that," Jessie replied. She turned to the twerps and twerpettes of the twerps. "You help Annastasia."
"Uh, okay," Soledad replied.
"I suppose it's something to do..." Tamaki mumbled.
"I don't mind at all," said June.
"I do," said Takeshi, but everyone ignored him.
"I'll get the new washer and dryer over here," James suggested.
"Michio can help with that," said Jessie.
"I can too," Rumika offered.
Amber placed her bow and collection of arrows on the ground and awkwardly lifted Silver.
"I'll try to help with this babysitting thing, at least until your parents or A gets back," she murmured as the others left to commence their designated tasks.
"I am sure Silver would love to have you help take care of him," said Jezz.
"Yeah…maybe…"
Jay gazed at the bungalow, then at the twins and his friends.
"Let's go," he asserted, leading the way inside.
XO
After a long day of hauling and organizing, Jezz's guardians provided pizza for the worn-down humans and Pokémon.
"Sorry again for not being around to help out with all the work," Hauana said as they sat to eat. "We work from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm most days."
"It's no big deal," James responded. "We appreciate the pizza."
"Jezz was a tremendous help," Annastasia added. "He helped feed, change, nap, and entertain the twins all day, made all the beds himself, folded every towel we own, and much, much more."
"Oh, Jezz, you don't surprise me," Hauana sighed.
"He surprised us," said James.
"Just because we didn't expect a kid to be so efficient and generous," Rumika added.
Jezz bowed his head, embarrassed.
"It was no trouble," he murmured.
"We have a guestroom, so…can ya stay?" Jay asked Jezz.
"May I?" Jezz asked his guardians.
"You have moved between our house and the Morgan's home about a dozen times since the Indigo Plateau. Are you sure the Morgan's want to host you again?" Perry asked Jezz.
"May I please stay here so that I can be with Jay and Amber longer?" Jezz asked Jessie and James.
"Sure," they responded in unison.
"You're one of the only mini-twerps I like," Jessie added.
"Thank you," Jezz responded, bowing. "I appreciate this so very much."
"We have enough room for our family and several guests," said James informed them. "Jezz could stay here for as long as he wants."
"I will come home and stay for a whole day before I commence my next journey, I promise."
"We want you to do what makes you happy, but at the same time, we miss you. We hardly ever see you now, and we would love to do something special for you before begin traveling," said Perry.
"You want to do something for me?" Jezz was incredulous. Perry and Hauana nodded. "Your kindness and generosity are very much appreciated."
"Chill pill, Dude," said Amber.
"They're your parents...I mean...you know...they're supposed to do stuff for you," Jay whispered in his ear.
Jezz and several of his Pokémon hugged the couple and thanked them a few more times.
"Geeze, you'd think they just saved his life," Amber whispered to Jay.
"He's just like that, Amb. He has been with the Hales for a while now, and they are the only family he ever lived with that actually cares about him. Of course. he's grateful for it," Jay whispered back.
Michio pretended not to listen in on their conversation. Everyone seemed to always forget about his impeccable hearing, and he had gotten to the point where he almost never reminded people of it. Unlike most of the kids and adults, he didn't want to pity Jezz. He wanted to be like Annastasia, who never showed pity for Jezz even though she felt very sorry for him. Annastasia had told Michio, Amber, and Jay that Jezz's energy changed whenever someone pitied him, and it made him feel very distressed. Jezz clearly didn't want people to see him only as the quirky homeless kid who looked way too much like the Morgans.
"Where should I sleep?" Jezz asked Jay.
"There are two beds in my room. You can have one of them…if you want to," Jay shyly suggested.
Jezz beamed. "Thank you."
When they were finished eating, Soledad, June, Tamaki, and Takeshi returned to Kanto via the Morgan's recently-installed teleporter, Maya and Lily went exploring, and the others went to their bedrooms.
"I thought I was going to sleep with you," Amber said to Jay as they walked down the hall, away from the others. "Then you just gave my spot away to Jezz."
"Well, we could…" Jay stopped, not sure about what to say.
Amber would get angry if he suggested that she sleep on the floor, Jezz would probably feel hurt but not say anything about it, and he personally was looking forward to sleeping on the brand-new mattress that his parents had purchased.
"We could share," Jezz suggested. "The beds are big enough for that."
Amber snickered. "Jay, you could share with Jezz. I know you'd be very comfortable with that."
Jay knew right away that Amber was scheming. Now that they were super close, her favorite game seemed to be making him feel extremely awkward. She always managed to win. He rubbed his temples anxiously.
"Are you experiencing a headache?" Jezz inquired. He put one hand on Jay's shoulder and used the other to carefully lift his chin. "Your eyes seem frazzled."
Jay blinked a few times while Amber tried to hold in her laughter. It didn't work. Jezz let go of Jay and looked between him and Amber, confused; he didn't have any clue as to why a few words would make one of his friends embarrassed but give the other a laughing fit.
"I'm fine, Jezz," Jay recovered. "So how about you and Amb? We spend too much time together anyway. You two can bond more."
Amber stopped giggling. She loved teasing but hated it when Jay used his defeated voice.
"Whatever you think is best," Jezz responded.
XO
Later that night, Jezz, Amber, and Jay played with the two-dozen firefly Pokémon who decided to tag along on their trip to Alola. Jocelyn groomed Flaafy with the special brush she received for her last Child's Day, Sandshrew stole Michio's nail filer and Lily's nail polish and was experimenting with his claws, and Lily, Maya, Logan, and Squirt Gun were too busy chasing bugs to notice this. Michio, Lucy, and Meowth fell asleep inside the hammocks they had placed in the backyard. Inside the home, Hauana and Perry requested a meeting with Jessie, James, Annastasia, and Rumika.
"Is there something wrong?" James asked as they all sat down in the kitchen.
"Not exactly," Hauana responded. "I just think that we need to discuss Jezz. It's been a while since we talked about him."
"It's hard with everyone always around," said Annastasia.
"We know. Which is why now seems like a good time, while they are all distracted," Perry replied.
"What did you want to talk about?" asked Rumika. "I told you that I still haven't found anything out about Jezz's original family, minus the fact that they really want to cover themselves up."
"We know, but I think that it is pretty clear that he is somehow related to you, even if we are unsure of how," said Hauana. "I don't think we even need a DNA test to prove it. Besides, that won't tell us who he is or where he came from."
"Sorry we can't be more of a help," Rumika responded. "Though I lived under her roof for most of my childhood, my mom and I weren't close. If she did have a sister other than Jessie's mom, I never met her or even heard about her. I lost touch with my own sister for a while, and it's like we discussed earlier, I'm hesitant to bring her into this."
"What about you?" Perry asked Jessie.
"I don't remember my mother much at all," she replied. "Except for a few little things. I don't remember her having any siblings or cousins. I was so young when it ended."
"Do you think you could have another sister or first cousin?" Hauana asked Rumika.
"Anything is possible…I didn't know Jessie existed for a while," Rumika responded.
"I don't want to be insensitive, but why does this matter so much to you?" Annastasia queried. "I suppose everyone wants to know their origins, but I think that this is something Jezz might not want to think about right now. He's a little kid and while might care a lot about this stuff, this is something he might be better off waiting to tackle when he is older. Right now, I think he just wants a safe place to crash. You might never be able to find out everything you want to know about his original family, but that might not be such a bad thing. Not when he has you two to rely on."
"We're trying to adopt Jezz. And now he has you all, and we think he might be happier living with one of you instead," Hauana confided.
"But you know Jezz and he seems to love you a lot."
"It may be easier for him to settle down with a distant cousin or aunt who has easier access to a group of friends he knows accepts him than to stay on this island with us."
"Are you saying that you no longer want to adopt him?" James asked incredulously.
"No, it's not that. We want to adopt him, but only if we can be sure that it is what is best for him. We don't want to make everything official only to discover that he would be happier living somewhere else."
"That's crazy," said Annastasia. "Jezz looks up to you. He really believes that you want him. Of course, he wants to spend a lot of time at our house. It isn't because we might be related, it's because he has Amber and Jay and everyone else to hang out with. That is how kids are. They would rather be with their friends than with their parents. It isn't personal."
"And it's not that we don't like Jezz, but right now we are not willing to adopt him. Not unless it was an emergency," said James. "We have our hands full."
"And I live a good distance away from this crew," said Rumika. "Even though I visit often if he were with me, he would be bored while I did things for Team Rocket. Even with my tenants there, the mansion I occupy can get very lonely, especially for a child."
"I will be watching Jezz these next few months. From what I understand, the kids want to spend about fourth months here," Annastasia responded. "That's a long time to think about this. I think you should wait before you mention this to Jezz if you decide to mention this at all. Jezz will be really upset if he thinks you don't want him anymore."
"Then perhaps we are wrong. It's just that if you try to see this from our perspective, things look different. I just don't want to separate him from the people he may have been looking for since he was a baby," Hauana replied.
"I really think you should take Jezz in, officially. It would make him very happy. And we won't lose touch with you or him. And we will be close like family, if that is what he wants. In the meantime, we know a lot of spies who can keep searching, if that is what he wants."
"Thank you. And it is what he wants. Jezz really does want to know his origins. He told us that. Even though he might seem nonchalant about it."
"So, I suppose this is settled, at least for tonight," Jessie said as she stood from her chair. "I'm going to find my babies."
"Me too," said James, scuttling after her.
Rumika, Annastasia, Hauana, and Perry stayed in the yard while Jessie and James went inside. In just a few minutes Perry and Hauana were going to return to their home, but first Rumika had things to discuss with the three of them.
"I think I am going to retrace Jezz's steps," Rumika started. "Go to his last foster home, see what they know, find out as much about them as possible, and then go to the one before it. I truly believe that if I try hard enough, I can find anything. I found Jessie. I found the monster fusion. I found you, A. And those were cake compared to some of the other things I have dealt with since becoming a professional spy. I gotta do this the hard way cuz I'm not getting anywhere by searching through electronic databases; as far as the system goes, Jezz doesn't exist."
"We're grateful to you for doing this," Hauana responded.
"Jezz will be grateful for it too if you decide to tell him about it," said Perry.
"I will keep him updated on everything," Rumika vowed.
Annastasia watched the couple. They seemed very nervous, and she could tell by their auras that they were deeply distressed.
"He wants people to just be there for him. If you do that then you are already doing a lot," Annastasia assured them.
"Thank you. The reason we dragged you into this is because you can read people. You understand Jezz," Perry replied. "You're wise."
"Annastasia is not your typical young adult. And you are right about reading people. She's excellent at that," Rumika responded.
"Thanks for taking the time to talk with us about this," said Hauana.
"It is no trouble at all," said Annastasia and Rumika.
"Good luck with settling the adoption," said Annastasia. "And please don't worry about Jezz. Everything will be fine. He is in good hands now," Annastasia promised. "I swear I will take care of him."
"This'll be great for him. I can't even imagine how he must feel on a regular basis, not sure about who he is or where he belongs," Hauana sighed.
"He is Jezz, and we will make sure he knows without a doubt where he belongs. I know we will figure this out. It is only a matter of time," Rumika replied.
Hauana and Perry left to go say goodbye to Jezz for the night. Rumika and Annastasia walked together for a while.
"So, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Rumika asked Annastasia.
"Tomorrow, I go to Michio's house, this time with Michio present," she replied.
"I bet he's happy about that."
"Not at all. The only reason I'm going is because I insisted on it and his parents bribed him with that car. He keeps saying they won't like me because I am not one of them."
"That's bullshit. He is probably just afraid of going back and embarrassed because he took his parents' advice and was better off for it."
"Some of his claims seem somewhat legitimate. He says that they will like the concept of me, but not actually take me seriously and later resent the fact that I exist. I get that."
"I don't. Explain."
"They would say that the concept of him going out and meeting someone is great. But because I am not Alolan, they are hesitant to accept us getting close to one another. Once they realize that our relationship is serious and not a joke or a phase, they are going to become resentful. They will see me as an intruder. They are the kind of people who care about that sort of thing, so he says. I don't know, it sounds old-fashioned. I am not going to let those assumptions stop me, regardless of how much they might dislike me."
"I know these people. You would be surprised at some of the things these people say and do. I was thinking that you could be the one to maybe bridge the gap a little, add a window to that closed-up Kapule corner. It makes sense that he would be anxious if that is on his mind, with no hope that things could end up in your favor."
"Why do you think they are like that?"
"People like what is familiar and comfortable. When you are super wealthy, powerful, and isolated from the rest of the world on some island, you start to realize that the best way to keep your status the same is to be very cautious of who you let in and out of your inner circle. Hence, the reason arranged marriages are still a thing among the Alola upper-class."
"They are? I didn't know that."
"They definitely still are; it's considered trendy around here. Parents don't arrange the marriages alone though. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older cousins who are already married all help." She noticed Annastasia's look of disgust. "Yeah it's weird alright. If Michio didn't tell you then it's because it's irrelevant to your situation."
"I feel bad for those people. I wonder if they run away."
"I am sure some of them do. Most of them like it though. It's how they were raised. I remember with my sister it was such a positive thing. She liked it, her friends who had arranged marriages liked it, and everyone seemed to think it was the perfect solution. Meanwhile, preteen me was not having anything of it. And as you know I wasn't the only one."
"I am not going over there to start a revolution, I am just hoping for Michio to feel accepted. He never felt all that comfortable around his family. I personally don't care if they decide not to accept me, I can deal with that, but at the same time I am quite sure I will liked by at least a few of the people there who I have met before. I think he is paranoid that they will scare me away. But I don't scare easily."
"If you and Michio screw up the parent-to-SO relationship, it won't be that big of a deal, I am sure. If all goes to hell, keep that in mind. You got us, and we aren't so bad…But I can still look into things for you, see if I find any juicy secrets that his family might have that can help you out."
"Thanks, but I'd prefer you to use your energy and resources to help Jezz."
"I can do both. I already have files on the Kapule Klan. Getting some helpful information on his family won't be too hard. Plus, I'm going to try to get Rita in on this. She has an affinity for Jezz. More importantly, she is a hard worker and a good person to put your trust in."
"I can't say I disagree with that. Of course, she'll want to continue working on the assignments given to her by Giovanni, but something tells me she is going to do both."
Annastasia and Rumika ended their walk in the backyard. Jocelyn, Jay, Amber, Jezz, and the Pokémon were playing with sparklers. Michio was awake but still resting in the hammock. He got up and walked over to where they were standing when he saw them arrive. Peruva, Mienshao, Bleu, and Lil-G followed him as usual. He yawned and cracked his back.
"I want to go to bed. How about you?" he asked tiredly.
"I'll go too," Annastasia replied.
Rumika sat on the edge of the back porch while they headed inside. Jocelyn and Flaafy followed them.
"Why do you look so sleepy Oniisan?" Jocelyn questioned Michio.
"Flaaafy?" Flaafy asked.
"I've just been thinking a lot…"
"But you were just asleep," she pointed out.
"Flaa," Flaafy asserted.
"It just all caught up to me. I'll see you in the morning," he told Jocelyn before entering the bedroom.
"Goodnight. If anyone asks, tell them we decided to turn in early," Annastasia told her sister.
"Okay. Goodnight Onēsan, Oniisan," she replied.
"Fla, fee," Flaafy added with a salute.
Annastasia shut the bedroom door. Then she turned around just in time to watch Michio flop headfirst onto the bed.
"Lieparrrd?" Peruva asked as she hit him with her paw.
"Pup pup!" Lil-G barked in his ear.
"Aren't you going to get washed up? What's the matter?" Annastasia asked as she took the hair tie out of her long blond hair.
He momentarily lifted his head up off the pillow. "I will."
He dragged his feet to the bathroom and shut the door. A few seconds later she heard the shower starting to run.
"That, my friends, is dread. He's dreading something," Annastasia whispered to the Pokémon.
"I can hear you," Michio called from the other side of the door.
"You know I'm right!"
Annastasia heard something moving on the other side of the room. Investigating, she discovered that Plusle and Minun had once again snuck into their quarters. They both jumped onto her side of the bed and chanting their names.
"You don't belong here," she told the electric rodents.
The Pokémon moaned and groaned.
"Lil-G, Bleu, can you bring them back to the nursery?" Annastasia asked.
Bleu and Lil-G carried the two small Pokémon out of the room while Annastasia unpacked one her bags. A few minute later Michio came out of the shower.
"The bathroom is all yours," he mumbled.
"Before you fall asleep, tell me what you're dreading," Annastasia replied.
Michio sighed and sat down next to her. Peruva shifted so that her head was resting in his lap, and he looked down at the Liepard as he gently stroked her head. Mienshao sat in the corner and eyed them jealously.
"I may be over reacting a bit, but I am just really kinda pissed that we are going over there," said Michio.
"Do I embarrass you?" Annastasia asked, though she was almost certain that wasn't the answer.
"It's nothing like that at. Just before we go in there and talk to them, I have to warn you."
"Michio, you've told me dozens of times. I told you that I met them already, and that I am prepared for the worst."
Annastasia put a hand on his shoulder to help reassure him that she was serious. He put his hand over hers. They intertwined their fingers then slid their hands down their sides. Peruva softly headbutted them.
"I can take whatever they give me," said Annastasia. "I'm tougher than I look."
"I know you are, but I am not," Michio retorted.
"Woe is you."
He lied back onto the bed. "Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you."
"I won't." Annastasia reached for the light. "Goodnight."
When Michio didn't responded, Annastasia lifted the covers.
"Oh, geeze," she sighed. "He's already asleep."
XO
Jezz contently sat on the bungalow's veranda, watching Amber chase Jay with a sparkler. He heard someone behind him, and jumped when the person revealed herself.
"You've come to visit," said Jezz. "I thought you were too busy with work."
"Not that busy," Rita shrugged. "So, what's up? Why aren't you out there running around?"
"I don't feel well."
Rita felt his forehead. "You feel hot. When's the last time you took your temperature?"
"An hour ago. I was at one-hundred degrees."
"You did a lot of work today."
"Yes."
"Well, as usual, drink loads of H2O and rest. Don't hesitate to tell the Morgans if you need something more."
"Oh, yes, I understand."
"Good. So, I hoping to visit A, only to discover that she and Grumpypants have already gone to bed. But…Rumika told me about her… 'little project'."
"You mean about finding my parents?"
"Yep."
"You are going to help me? But why?"
"Why not? Jezz, you shouldn't be so shocked to find out that people want to help you. That's what friends do for each other."
"I didn't realize that you considered me a friend."
"I sure do, kid, and I'm proud to say it."
Jezz bowed. "I am grateful to you."
Rita giggled and ruffled his hair. "We are all here, just like we've been saying all along. Me, the Hales, Morgans, Ketchums, Gaulles, Harrisons, the other kids, Annastasia, the Pokémon, even Grumpypants. So even if we don't get you the answers you are looking for, you can still turn to us for help. Maybe one day you'll find out your roots all by yourself, who knows. Just relax for now, you are on good company."
"I will. Thank you so very much. Are you going to stay?"
"I can't. I must return to my job and to my partner. But you'll see me again."
"I think I am going to go sit on my bed for a while and read."
Rita offered her hand to help him stand. He accepted and they walked to his room together.
"One last thing," Rita told Jezz before he waved her goodbye.
"What is it?" he asked.
"People around her are rough…I don't know if you will run into any trouble, but I just want you to know that you can do whatever you want. This is your chance to be who you want. Discover who you are and be that person. I found out what kind of person I was several times over. You still have plenty of time here on Earth. Think about all the people who care about you, and do what you think is best for you sometimes without think about whether or not it is polite."
"I will. Thank you very much."
Jezz clutched the door handle. He got ready to open the large door, but before he could do so, someone placed their freckled hand on top of his. He turned around and discovered that the hand belonged to Amber. Jocelyn, Flaafy, and Pip were standing in the hall behind her.
"I thought I heard you," said Jezz. "Is something the matter?"
"Nope. We just wanted to say goodnight," Jocelyn replied.
"Fla," Flaafy agreed.
"Pikaaachu," Pip added, patting Jezz's shin.
"Thank you. Goodnight to you all as well," Jezz responded.
"'Night. Let us know if you need anything", Jocelyn sang before she and Flaafy danced back down the hall.
"You going to sleep now?" Amber asked.
"I am going to read, then try to sleep," he replied.
"Oh. So…then, you probably don't wanna hang out…"
"Hanging out is also good."
"Great!"
Pip contently jumped onto Jay's bed, assuming that to be Amber's destination. She sat down on the bed across the room instead, the one with Jezz's suitcase situated atop the comforter.
"Where is Jay?" Jezz asked as he sat beside her.
"Getting punished," she sniggered.
Jezz gasped. "Oh my, what did he do?"
"Chill, Jezz. He lost a bet with his mom so now he has to give her a foot massage."
"Oh." Jezz sighed. He didn't realize that getting punished by Jay's parents was a lot different from getting punished by normal parents.
"I have a present for you," Amber murmured. "Because you like soccer…"
Amber handed Jezz an envelope from her pocket. Jezz stared at it in astonishment. He cautiously took it in his hands.
"I have never received a gift from a friend before," he whispered.
"Really not even for Christmas? Or your birthday?" she questioned.
"Sometimes the adults do, but never any children that I have met."
"Oh, well this is for your birthday. It's late because, well frankly, because you didn't tell us that you celebrated your birthday on January 1st. Hauana and Perry told us about it later that night, but we didn't have any gifts ready."
"I very much appreciate this."
"You didn't even open it yet."
"It is the thought that counts anyway."
He delicately opened the envelope, careful not to rip any part of it. Inside was a gift card.
"Twenty-five dollars to buy whatever I want at the World Wide Soccer Shop?" Jezz read.
"Yep. I would've gotten you more, but my mom said I could only spend up to twenty-five. Money is kind of tight right now. Normally my budget for presents is ten dollars, but she made an exception for you."
"Amazing. Thank you…May I hug you?"
"Sure…you don't have to ask permission to hug someone, fyi."
"Sometimes people do not like hugs."
Jezz leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her torso. The Pokémon laughed at them. The two of them quickly pulled away, a bit surprised by the sudden feelings.
"Jay probably got you something more expensive, but this is all I had," Amber coughed. "It should be enough to get a really cool soccer ball though."
"I imagine it will be. I am so very grateful," he responded.
"I get it. Jezz. One 'thank you' is good enough. I'm glad you like it."
"And you don't mind me taking up half this bed?"
"Do you kick?"
"I am not sure."
"I don't mind, but if you kick, I will kick back…I'll let you read now. Goodnight, we'll try to be super quiet when we come in later."
"Thank you."
Jezz climbed under the covers as soon Amber left. As usual, all his Pokémon were surrounding him within a few moments. Xatu landed on the edge of his bed.
"Please, Xatu. I know you hate taking orders, but please, please, please, do not give me anymore nightmares," Jezz begged.
"Xaaatuu," it responded sternly.
"Chi?" Chimecho asked Xatu.
"Xa."
"Anyway, goodnight my loves," Jezz sighed.
XO
Jay and Amber returned to the bedroom close to midnight. The adults assumed they went to bed around nine, forgetting that the bungalow had a small attic perfect for hiding out.
"Be super quiet, Jezz is probably asleep," Jay told Amber.
"I know. II know," she responded.
Jay carefully turned the handle and pushed open the door. Jezz was asleep, but he was tossing around and groaning.
"Xatu, are you giving Jezz a nightmare?" Jay asked the Pokémon.
Xatu was sitting on the far end of the bed and staring directly at Jezz. Jay snapped his fingers in front of the bird but he did not move.
"Hey!" Amber yelled. "Stop it now!"
Xatu ignored her. Jay and Amber went up to Jezz and shook him awake. He woke up panicked and confused. Before speaking, he ran to the window and pulled the shade aside in order to get a good look at the backyard.
"It was just a nightmare," said Jay.
He took Jezz's hand and led him away from the window. Amber climbed onto his bed and they all sat down together.
"That one was terribly realistic," Jezz whispered in disbelief.
"You should leave. Jezz takes care of you and all you do in return is scare him! You're a lousy, sucky Pokémon!" Amber scolded.
"Pikaaa!" Pip added, brandishing his electricity.
"If you go stay with Professor Oak, he will take good care of you," Jay told Xatu. "You will get unlimited food and you wouldn't have to do any work."
"Xatttttuuuuuuu," he hummed.
"I am very sorry. I hope I didn't wake you," Jezz told his friends.
"We were already awake. We just walked in and that's when we noticed," Amber explained.
"What was your dream about?" Jay asked.
"I was dreaming that we were lost, in the woods, and then we were attacked," Jezz replied.
"At least we know that can't happen in real life. We may not know our way around Alola, but if worse comes to worst, then my parents will send Acorn and Aliyah out and they will find us and teleport us home."
"That could have been delusive. Occasionally, Xatu sends me fallacious visions."
"That explains why they sometimes mess up the weather predictions," Amber muttered. "Stupid birdbrains."
"Xu", he retorted as he turned away.
Jezz lied down and pulled the covers up to his neck.
"Aren't you afraid that Xatu is going to continue to give you nightmares?" Jay questioned.
"Yes, but I don't have any other choice. You see, Xatu is a very strong Pokémon, and he can break out of his Pokéball whenever he chooses. He also knows Teleport, which is strong enough to teleport me and a few others across short distances. I know because Xatu would sometimes teleport me places when I didn't want to go, and sometimes he would take some of my temporary siblings too."
"Oh…sorry."
"It is not trouble you caused."
"Ha, yeah, I guesso."
Jay climbed into his bed across the room while Amber sat down next to Jezz. She pointed to Xatu.
"Is he going to give me nightmares too?" she queried.
"Hopefully not," he hesitantly replied. "I don't know if he can still affect your dreams if you are in a different room. I don't think he can. I am so sorry Amber, Jay, I am a horrible friend. I should go to sleep in a different part of the house while you and Jay stay here because that might help…"
Jezz started to get out of bed, but Amber barred him with her arm.
"You aren't going to go anywhere," she asserted.
"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Jezz asked.
"No. Just go to sleep, Jezz."
XO
In the Next Chapter:
- Rumika learns some stuff about Michio
- Michio and Plusle have a long-awaited heart-to-heart
- Pistachio gets a family blessing, curse, or something in-between maybe
XO
Trivia:
- The lyrics at the top are from the song 'Blown Away' by Carrie Underwood and that could possibly eventually become relevant to the story:)
AN: Please review! Those messages help me to become a better writer. I'd love that:)