Before the helicopter even touched down, Enterprise was already in love with Alola. The green hills, the cresting blue waves, and the white sand beaches sent a thrill of anticipation through her. The previous night's battle, still fresh in her memory, as well as the television shows she had watched; all made her very eager to begin her own Pokemon journey.

Enterprise was the first off the helicopter, running over to the beach. She closed her eyes and inhaled the warm summer air. There were no roars of gunfire, no smell of cordite, no screams of wounded sister ships. An air of peacefulness suffused her entire being. Kicking off her shoes, she raced towards the water, plunging her feet into the foamy waves. A laugh of pure joy bubbled up from her. "Prima?" a voice wondered from her left. Turning, Enterprise found herself face to face with what she recognized as the final evolution of the water-type starter: Popplio.

"I say, Enterprise, that's not very ladylike!" Belfast scolded, though she tried her best to hide a smile.

Enterprise looked at Belfast before locking eyes with the Primarina. She pointed at Belfast, "Primarina use bubble beam, but gently."

Primarina inhaled and Belfast managed a squawk of indignation before she was struck by a stream of bubbles, soaking her to the core.

Enterprise collapsed, dissolving into laughter, and even Primarina joined in the merriment. When she was finally able to contain herself, Enterprise sat up in the surf, smirking at Belfast.

With a humph, Belfast wrung out her hair and flipped it over her shoulder. "If you two children are quite finished, we ought to go and meet our host Professor Kukui." Turning on her heel, Belfast stormed off, her normally placid demeanor deeply ruffled.

Standing to her feet, Enterprise dusted the sand off, retrieved her shoes and her hat, and grinned at the Pokemon beside her. "Thanks! That was pretty great!"

Primarina let out a "pri!" in response, but paused lifting its head. A moment later, it began waddling through the surf to some local shrubs nearby. Primarina lifted its head and barked at Enterprise several times, clearly alarmed.

Approaching, Enterprise could hear the whimpers of some creature. Pushing back some of the limbs, she discovered a small puppy caught in the shrubs. It looked pretty roughed up and it whimpered and barked at her. She reached out a hand to comfort it but jerked it back when it snapped at her. "Hey," she said soothingly "it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you." She reached out and stroked its head gently. Once assured it wouldn't bite her, Enterprise reached in and untangled it and stood up cradling it to her. She hastened to the house and burst in. She immediately identified the man in shorts and a lab coat as Professor Kukui and hurried to him. "I think I found a Pokemon; I think it's hurt."

If he was surprised by the sudden arrival of Enterprise, Kukui hid it well. He looked and smiled, nodding. "Yep, that's a Pokemon alright, a Rockruff. I know that Rockruff too! One of the trainers at the Pokemon School had a Rockruff, he was having difficulty with it." He led her into the living room and gestured for her to sit. "Hold him while I get an Oran berry." He returned a moment later and placed the large blue-colored berry into her palm. "Here, let him eat that."

Enterprise held the berry out to Rockruff who sniffed it before quickly eating it. Once finished, it yawned, turned around in her lap three times, and snuggled down, closing its eyes. Looking down at the sleeping Pokemon, Enterprise gently stroked its head.

"My my," Professor Kukui mused, "you seem to have acquired your first Pokemon already." He rubbed his chin in thought, "I'll double-check, but I'm pretty sure that Rockruff has been set free. If that's the case, perhaps you can train him. Rockruff can be a very friendly Pokemon, but they can also be very difficult to train. But this Rockruff seems to trust you." He nodded and then chuckled. "Anyway, formal introductions. I'm Professor Kukui, the regional Pokemon professor. I'll be providing you with your starter Pokemon. As a trainer you can carry up to six Pokemon with you, so you can definitely keep Rockruff and get a starter too. A good friend of mine agreed to be your Pokeguide on your journey. I understand you met his Primarina."

At the other side of the room, Enterprise noticed a man standing there. He watched the goings-on through lidded eyes, leaning against the wall. He had a half-smile on his lips and looked rather ordinary. He wore a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a light windbreaker over the top. Sitting beside him, however, was a large gold fox with six fluffy tails floating behind it and three more curled around its paws. Its glowing eyes, solid red, regarded her with a bit of mischief.

"Colton is a three-time Wallace Cup winner, and I understand you were watching the battle last night in the Galar region. His son is Connor, the Galar region's current champion." Professor Kukui smiled, he then clapped his hands. "Alright Lily, could you please bring the starter Pokemon?" He looked around the room. "You aren't limited in your choice of starter Pokemon. If all three of you want a Rowlet, we can accommodate that, or you can each choose a different Pokemon. Belfast, you said you weren't going to take a starter?"

Inclining her head, Belfast smiled. "Indeed not. Between taking care of Enterprise and helping Unicorn with her training, I think I shall have my hands full. Sheffield on the other hand has indicated she's interested in getting a starter."

A slim young girl with blonde hair, clad in a white summer dress, entered the room with a tray. She set the treat down On the coffee table. On the tray were three Pokeballs. Lily opened each and out emerged one of each of the starters. The Rowlet shook its feathers, hooted, and launched into the air, landing on Enterprise's shoulder. It hooted happily, settling down.

Enterprise chuckled and looked at Professor Kukui who looked stunned. "It's a good thing I wanted Rowlet anyway." She laughed, reaching up to stroke its soft plumage. Rowlet hooted happily and nibbled her ear affectionately.

Meanwhile, Litten, with an air of indifference, stretched, and casually sauntered over to Sheffield. Litten sniffed at her before sitting on her feet and grooming itself. Polpplio had hopped off the table and waddled over to Unicorn, and looking up at her, blew a bubble. "Pop! Pop! Pop!" It chirped.

Shaking his head incredulously, Kukui laughed. "Well, I think this Pokemon journey is heating up more than a Blast Burn! In all my years as a Pokemon professor, I've never seen a Pokemon choose its trainer like this. However, if you're happy…" He turned to Lily. "Well, give them their Rotomdex phones and their Pokeballs." He turned to the group. "We start you off with five Pokeballs, but more can easily be acquired at any Pokemart in the Pokecenter. Belfast, I suggest you and Colton go into town and pick up supplies for your journey. Enterprise, Sheffield, and Unicorn, why don't you head outside and get acquainted with your Pokemon? Your Rotomdex phone will identify any Pokemon you encounter."

Belfast departed the house with Colton and he began walking up the road. "Pardon me, but are we going to walk all the way to town?"

Turning to look at her, Colton gave her a warm smile. "Not at all, we'll ride." He pulled out a Pokeball and tossed it into the air. The red light materialized into a large white equine with a purple horn and a flowing mane of pink and green. Each leg also had a flowing pink fetlock. "This is Dusksong, a Galar variant Rapidash." Dusksong pranced about, clearly agitated by the stranger. Colton stroked its neck, making soothing noises and slowly it calmed. "The Galar Rapidash can be rather skittish, especially around strangers." He beckoned her closer and pulled a pink and yellow berry, that looked like a seed, out of his pocket. "This is a Qualot berry, the skin is spicy but the flesh is sweet and it's one of Dusk's favorites. Make sure you keep your palm completely flat, she might accidentally bite a fold of skin."

Belfast took the berry and approached Dusksong. Dusk's eyes widened, her nostrils flared, and she pranced about nervously but slowly calmed and approached Belfast, smelling the berry. Dusksong lapped up the berry, her velvety lips nibbled Belfast's palm. Belfast smiled, gently stroked Dusk's nose and Dusksong nickered happily, nuzzling Belfast.

"Now, to get on her back." Colton stroked Dusksong's neck, "Dusk, we want to go into town. Use psychic to lift Belfast."

Belfast found herself sounded by pink energy and lifted into the air, before being settled onto Dusksong's back. Colton swung up behind her and Dusksong took off at a gallop. Gripping Dusk tightly with her knees, Belfast closed her eyes, the wind in her face reminded her of the countless hours spent patrolling the waters around the Azur Lane base. When Dusk slowed and then stopped, she blinked her eyes open. She could see the town in the distance, but Dusksong shifted and whinnied, clearly nervous.

Colton slid off and turned to Belfast. "If you don't mind, we'll walk the rest of the way. Dusk is rather nervous among so many strangers, so it's best to keep her in her Pokeball."

Belfast slipped off Dusk, landing daintily on her feet. She walked beside Colton, hands clasped before her, surprised that she chose to walk shoulder to shoulder with him instead of her customary six inches behind.

Hau'oli City; Belfast had no words to describe the beauty of the city in the heart of a tropical paradise. Sadly, the beauty was marred by destruction. Yet, even in destruction, there was hope. She watched people and Pokemon working side by side to repair the damage.

"The Sirens, as well as the Vichya Dominion, thought that our world would be easy prey," Colton commented in response to her unasked question. "we quickly disabused them of that idea. Now, we are rebuilding. It was quite a battle, but we succeeded in driving them off."

Belfast bowed her head. "I am sorry we were unable to aid you in your war. We had no idea your world even existed until the battle was over. There was no reason for you to get involved in our fight."

Colton chuckled, "Don't be silly Belfast. The Sirens brought the war to us. As I said, we're not as defenseless as we may seem. No one would dream of holding Azur Lane accountable for what happened here. That falls squarely on the shoulders of The Sirens." He stopped at a stall that sold flowers. He purchased a flower and tucked it into her hair, behind her ear. "There, now you look a bit more like one of the locals."

Feeling her cheeks redden, Belfast reached up and touched the flower gingerly. The aroma, sweet and heady, almost made her dizzy. "Thank you, good sir, your kind gift means a lot to me." They continued their walk through the streets of the city and Belfast marveled at the simplicity and the humanness of everything. Finally, they walked into an outdoor supply shop. They browsed through the store, examining various supplies. "Colton, how do you carry everything you need? Some of these supplies are rather elaborate." She looked at a rather large tent that looked as if it could hold at least six or seven people.

"Oh, that's easy. Specially designed Pokeballs. There will be times when we will spend days if not weeks out in the wilderness before we reach a town with a Pokemon Center. So it's a necessity to be able to carry adequate supplies. Food, tents, sleeping bags, clothing can all be stored in these special Pokeballs that allow you to carry a wide range of supplies without taking up a lot of space." Once they had finished their purchases and arranged for them to be delivered to Professor Kukui's house, they resumed their walk through the city.

"Come on Belfast, how about we take a break?" Colton led Belfast into a small shop where he purchased a selection of local foods, and then took their snack to an outside table. "So, tell me about how you decided to head out on a Pokemon journey?"

Belfast helped herself to a malasada, delighting in the sweet pastry with a jam filling. "If I'm not careful, I'm going to end up getting fat.

"As for our Pokemon journey," she closed her eyes and sighed. "I suppose it all began with the battle against the Orochi. At the time, the Eagle Union and the Royal Navy were at odds with the Iron Blood and the Sakura Empire. Every one of us is forged from the will of humans and the technology of the Sirens. Enterprise has always struggled with her humanity. She thought that she had little value beyond her ability to wage war. The Royal Navy's leader, Queen Elizabeth, asked me to intervene. I took it upon myself to care for her and to try and help her to embrace her humanity. And for a while, she did. Then, the Sirens attacked again. This time they were even more powerful. We, also, had been busy improving our technologies. Enterprise decided that we would wipe out the Sirens once and for all. We knew the war was widespread, but we had no idea that it would reach this far.

"In the weeks and months that followed, I do believe Enterprise slipped into depression. She had lost her purpose. There were no Sirens to fight, the camps were all united, there was nothing for a warrior born in fire and honed in combat. We tried...all of us tried to talk to Enterprise, but she shut herself away. She refused to speak to anyone. Then, not long ago, Enterprise tried to scuttle herself. It broke my heart to know my friend had been pushed so far as to want to harm herself. Fortunately, for all of us, I was able to convince her not to end it all. I believe two ships were the most instrumental in pulling her back from the brink. A light cruiser by the name of St. Louis and a light carrier by the name of Unicorn. I believe you've met Unicorn. It was their love for their sister ship and leader that drew Enterprise back.

"In my time as a maid, I've had the pleasure of interacting with various staff officers. It was through one of these officers that I first learned of the world of Pokemon. What fascinated me the most, was the battles. In my efforts to learn more about Pokemon battles, I came to realize that this would be a wonderful outlet for Enterprise's yearning for combat. It wouldn't be the same as doing the fighting herself, but I felt it would be a wonderful substitute. So, I arranged a year-long leave of absence and invited Enterprise to join me...without going into any details. Enterprise, encouraged by Unicorn, agreed. I had already recruited Sheffield to assist me and was the more delighted when Unicorn agreed to tag along. We went to see a match in the Galar region, which is where we met Professor Burnet, and Enterprise's response to the battle was more than I hoped for. The rest, as they say, is history."

A shiver rippled through Belfast when she opened her eyes and found Colton had been listening intently. The intensity of his gaze brought a blush to her cheeks again and for the first time, she was unable to hold a gaze. She turned her head and stared up the street.

"Thank you for telling me that Belfast. It really does help me to understand what you four are looking for. A Pokemon journey can go in many directions and it helps to understand what your underlying goal may be. But I am curious, how come you didn't want a Pokemon of your own?"

With a sigh, Belfast turned back and was happy that he had shifted his gaze elsewhere. "Well, when I first arrived, my initial goal...or focus I suppose...was on Enterprise. In truth, I still don't want to battle but," she hesitated.

"Go on?" He said, turning his gaze back towards her.

Bowing her head, Belfast sighed deeply. "I was wondering if perhaps, you...might...possibly...have a Pokemon for me?" She blurted out the last part in a rush. "I don't want a starter, I'm not looking to train...but maybe a companion?" Colton was silent for so long that Belfast feared she had offended him. But when she looked up he was grinning. The look on his face made her giggle and he laughed and soon they were laughing together. Relief washed over Belfast and she realized that the tension that had been there, the tension of being out with someone unknown to her, had faded. "I do apologize." She said at last. "I do know it is a bit presumptuous of me, but I was thinking of Unicorn's friend who gave her the Vulpix."

Colton shook his head, "Not at all Belfast. Look, I understand how new everything is to you. Most start a Pokemon journey at the age of ten and by your age know pretty much where they are going and what they want to do. But you and your friends are just starting. So it's okay if you ask for something you need or want. I do want to help you and your friends to succeed and find what you're looking for. Even if I have to give you one of my Pokemon. So please, don't hesitate to ask. I promise we'll work something out. Okay?"

Resting a hand on her collarbone, Belfast nodded. "Alright, and thank you. I'll leave the choice of Pokemon up to you, but I would like one that can assist me in my duties."

Finishing his drink and standing, Colton gave her a silly grin. "Why don't we walk over to the Pokemon center? On the way, we can pick up groceries for dinner tonight, and then we can stop in and get you a Pokemon. I think I have the perfect one for you."

Going grocery shopping was no new experience for Belfast. She had made the trip many times, either alone or with other maid ships. Shopping with her new friend, however, was a novel experience. She found herself warming to him and as they walked the aisles, they joked and teased each other. She found a new boldness and could walk directly beside him, instead of demurely walking behind him. Her association with Eagle Union ships had apparently rubbed off on her.

Standing in the check-out line, an elderly lady in front of them, turned at their chuckles and smiled at them. "My, it certainly is nice to see such a lovely young couple. You two look so happy together."

Belfast flushed brightly, "Oh...no...miss you're quite mistaken. Colt and I...we're...we've only just met."

Colton waved his hand, "She's quite right. We're only just acquainted."

"And yet," the woman added slyly, "you grocery shop like an old married couple. Perhaps you should consider deepening your friendship?"

The trip from the grocery store was painfully awkward. Colton was silent, and Belfast slipped back into her maid mentality and faded back behind Colton. She half expected him to walk past the Pokemon Center, but was heartened when he stopped. She decided, however, to wait for him outside instead of joining him in the Pokemon Center.

Colton emerged a few minutes later and gave her a silly grin. "Come on Belfast, walk with me and let's clear the air between us. You and I are going to be together a lot and I don't want there to be any discomfort between us."

Belfast nodded, relieved, and returned his smile. "Yes, let's. We're going to be together for at least a year so we should probably resolve any issues quickly."

"That being said," Colton agreed, "I would like to firstly state that Agatha is a nosy busybody and likes to stir things up. I would, for the record, like to say that I am not adverse to but will not actively pursue any type of relationship with you. I made a promise to Kukui to get you started on your Pokemon journey and I would not make any presumption upon the trust you have placed in me. Since we are, for the moment, still relative strangers."

Brightening, Belfast moved to walk beside Colton as they continued back towards Professor Kukui's home. "I am grateful for your consideration and very thankful that you have decided to continue to assist us and travel with us."

Colton held a Pokeball out to her and nodded. "I do believe you asked for an assistant?"

Accepting the Pokeball, Belfast opened it and a large golden-brown mouse-like Pokemon materialized. The creature hovered in the air, standing on its tail. "Rai rai raichu!" It declared. Belfast giggled and stroked its head.

"Raichu, from now on you'll be traveling with Belfast. I want you to help her out." Colton smiled. "Well Belfast, I hope you like him. This is the Alolan Raichu, he's an electric/psychic-type Pokemon. He's seen plenty of battles, and you should have no trouble getting him to listen to you."

The ride back to Professor Kukui's house was a pleasant one, but when she returned Belfast was overwhelmed by her friends. Unicorn took an immediate interest in Rapidash and Raichu and Enterprise dragged her off to discuss travel ideas and to show off her newly acquired battling skills against Sheffield. Amid the ruckus, Colton quietly slipped away, further down the beach, where he could sit and enjoy the sounds of the waves.

Belfast noticed Colton slip away but focused on her friends for a while. Once dinner was ready, Belfast made certain her friends were busy eating before grabbing two plates and walking towards Colton. She was stopped abruptly when the nine-tailed fox got in her way. "Nine!" It growled.

"Asahi, behave yourself! You can let Belfast approach." Asahi whined and moved out of the way and Belfast approached.

"I apologize for disrupting your quiet time, but I thought you might like some dinner." Belfast held out a plate and gave him a soft smile.

"Thanks, Belfast," Colton replied, returning the smile "Asahi is very protective of me and she doesn't like me being disturbed. I apologize for her behavior."

Sitting beside him, Belfast shook her head. "It's wonderful to have such a protective companion. Usually, I am the protector of ships like Enterprise and Unicorn. Asahi must really care for you to be so diligent in protecting you."

Together, with Colton, Belfast enjoyed the quiet, and dinner, with her new friend Once the food was finished, Belfast set the plates beside her, and drew her knees up, and wrapped her arms around them. A cool evening breeze made her shiver. When Colton scooted over and draped his windbreaker over her shoulders, she smiled gratefully. "Enterprise told me that she's given her Rowlet and Rockruff a shakedown and is ready to set sail. Would it be alright if we left tomorrow morning?"

"Depends, do you want to head to one of the other regions? Or do you want to stay here and do the island challenges with the Kahunas? If she takes on the challenges, she could earn herself a Z-ring and learn how to use Z-moves. It's really up to you when you want to leave and what you want to do."

Belfast sat for a while, staring out at the water before finally getting up. "I'll go talk to Enterprise and see if I can't persuade her to stay here and do the challenges. Don't worry about making plans for tomorrow. Goodnight Colt."

"Good night Belfast, sleep well, and see you in the morning."

"She is a very interesting person," Asahai's telepathy was a gentle growl, "I do not fully comprehend the concept of a human warship, but she is very genuine."

"But does she like me?" Colton wondered, but Asahi remained stubbornly silent. After a while, he stood, "Let's head back and get some sleep."

"Ninetails!" Asahi agreed, standing and walking beside her trainer.