Alola readers! Brav is back with another new chapter for A Hui Hou Kakou! This was supposed to be out in my two week interval, however the original chapter ended up getting lost. My apartment area had a power outage from high winds last week and I ended up losing a huge chunk of the draft. So I had to do some recreating on my part best I could with a thing or two added in.

I got this finished over the week, so I used the extra time to try and iron stuff out since this chapter is pretty important.

Especially since Elio now formally meets the major bae of Alola. Without further ado...


I'm not surprised to hear that Elio was amazed at Aether Paradise. Mister Faba likes to make everything seem way more interesting than it actually is.

But I can't deny that it is a huge achievement in engineering, grandeur, inspiration and a haven for pokemon conservation. Also the place where I was born and lived all of my sixteen years until I ran away several months ago. That's the part most people see. Not a lot of others see its true colors.

It's good to hear that Elio likes Wicke. She's caring and compassionate to most people. She is the closest thing I have to a mother besides Burnet …

Speaking of mothers, they also met her and it was funny and cute when he said that Hau thought he embarrassed her, only to make their conversation even awkward. I have a feeling he's going to ask me if I know her. What do I say if I have to deny it? I think he won't believe me there. I hate to lie to him.

It had been cut off when Sun said something like an Ultra Beast invaded the conservation area and he was forced to hold it off. How did mother manage to open a wormhole without Nebby?


It took another twenty five minutes of a calm ride before Faba had brought him out of his thoughts to point to a glow of lights ahead, citing it as their destination. The winds had picked up in speed just a tad bit, making the waves a little choppier, but the big structured ferry continued its journey seemingly into the open ocean, ignoring the relentless waves pounding on its hull. As far as he knew, they were heading south and slightly west which was actually going away from the island chain.

Onboard, they could feel the ship begin to steadily rock. It was almost unnoticeable at first, but Elio felt it dip before rising again and repeating the process every few seconds.

He was one to never get seasick, but the signs pointing to bags to contain passengers' vomit was well placed.

Just breathe if you get seasick.

Darkness of night surrounded them, only broken by a pinprick of a glow in the direction the boat was heading.

"So what are ya thinking about? Bzzt!"

Elio turned to see his Rotom Dex floating in front of his face, staring as curiously as a device possibly could.

"I thought I put you away."

"You know you can't get rid of me that eazzzily! Bzzt! My trainer alwayzzz lookz like he izzz deep in thought. Perhapzzz you are thinking about the rezzzort?"

"Yeah we didn't really get to explore much of it." He said. "Kind of a shame. I was hoping to maybe meet some other celebrities there."

"We met Mizz Kahili Driver! Bzzt! Doesn't that count?"

Actually yes it does. "I never would've thought of that. You're right."

"Who elzzze were you expecting? Bzzt!"

"I dunno. Brendan Maple maybe? Lucas Drake?"

"Well Brendan juzzzt had hiz wedding!"

"Yeah I know. Leilani was just giddy at that. She likes weddings and stuff."

"That izzz women for you!"

Elio shook his head. "How do you know so much about women anyway? You're a Dex."

"Apparently I know more than you! Bzzt! Did you know that eighty nine percent of unmarried women who vizzzit the Hano Grand Rezort and Beach immediately picture themzelvezzz being married there?! Bzzt!"

Elio shook his head at the rather random fact, but he didn't find himself disagreeing from the analysis. "I could see that. Amazing views, top notch staff and food. Probably not in the affordability department."

"You are correct! Bzzt! Provided they have an opening, the average cost of an entire wedding at the Hano Grand resort izzz sixty two thousand, five hundred and thirty five dollarzzz! Bzzt!"

"No way." Elio's eyes bulged at that number. "That's like almost as much Mom makes in a year!"

"Very expenzzive! Bzzt! Best be winning more and more trainer battlez! Hotshot!"

Hold up. "Why do you think I'm going to get married?"

"Becauzzze you're brave…dashingly handzzzome and you love to have fun right! Chickzzzz would be lining up to date you! I can zign you up to that zwiping dating app! Bzzt!"

"Oh that one? I'm pretty sure you have to be eighteen years old to legally use that without getting into trouble." Elio said, hoping to finally drop the conversation.

"That hazzz been noted. I will officially zign you on once your eighteenth birthday haz pazzed! Bzzt! I am a genuizzzz!"

Elio rolled his eyes at that.

"Hey, when you plan your wedding at the rezort, would you alzo put a rezzervation for the hot tubzzz? Bzzt!"

"If I do; I'm going to drown you in it."


"Ah yes boy." Faba greeted him curtly and puffed his lanky chest out. "Your loquacious friend Hau has told me that you are fairly new to the Alola region."

"Yeah. I've been here for what, a few months by now."

"Well you seem to be quite familiar with the island challenge and halfway through, judging by how I found you on Akala Island. Both of you do accept my congratulations for achieving such a feat."

"Thank you." Hau beamed with Elio nodding in agreement.

"And I imagine you will be deciding on your career choices very soon. The Aether Foundation is always ready to accept the next generation of the brightest minds and elite trainers! We have a leading work culture and drive to be the spearhead to the effort of pokemon conservation and balance for tomorrow!" Faba adjusted his glasses again. "Applications are thoroughly vetted for their accomplishments with only the best and most dedicated being handpicked for our line of work. Minimum requirements are a four year college degree with six additional years of experience of extensive working alongside a majority of pokemon species. Internships with other pokemon focused businesses is a must and letters of recommendation from professors and doctors certified by me and our president. Without the latter, I will personally throw your resume into the incinerator in my office and not bother to open them."

He beamed at his exclusivity towards the two boys, who had that "deerling in the headlights look"

"So what do you think? Are you boys interested? There is still time you can be highly educated enough to maybe even become my own personal interns. Once you finish your island challenges, I can have a contract waiver for both of you to sign and begin immediately. We will accomplish much together."

A contract? Yeah sure, sign my life away.

Of course Elio wasn't going to say this out loud to him, even though the principles and drive that the Aether Foundation stood for.

I want to work for them. But having to report to his guy? He's smart for sure, but also really full of himself.

"We'll think about it." He finally said, giving a hard glare at Hau who was moments away from opening his mouth, likely to accept the deal. "It sounds like it will be a rewarding line of work."

Faba narrowed his eyes. "We will discuss pay once you've signed the contract."

Okay. Is that the reason why you're probably understaffed?

Elio's head snapped up as people began to excitedly chatter to one another, all migrating to the windows on the far end of the ferry. He could see lights being cast from that direction in a beautiful reflection in the surrounding waters. Normally he would see the water beside the boat's lights a turquoise green, yet here they remained that same deep azure. There was no sign of anything unusual; no bits of debris or pollutants. Water was almost crystal clear.

That's amazing. Wish Kanto's oceans would be like this, but the only good place to go to the beach is on Cinnabar Island and Vermillion City; those places have really cracked down on pollution big time.

He saw Faba stand up, gesturing for him and Hau to accompany him to the window.

It didn't take long for them to marvel at their destination.

Oh my goodness. THAT. IS. HUGE!

Sun wasn't even sure there was a way to describe it. Aether Paradise was a massive platform in the center of the ocean that only got bigger as the boat approached. The lights beckoned all in a uniform gold color from the outer edges of the platforms and he could see that it was primarily white in color. The entire structure looked completely futuristic; sleek, modern and it was unlike anything Sun had seen before.

There were buildings erected all along its surface, some of them just a couple of stories tall, however they were all dwarfed by the massive center building. It had tall glass windows in a cube shape with a longer platform on top like a crown.

To the sides, the structure curved upwards, showing small buoys close by bobbing up and down from the waves.

He saw an outer barrier wall that was being lowered underneath the ocean's surface to allow access through. Up in the pilothouse above their deck, the driver was likely communicating with a designated harbormaster on arrival and docking procedures.

"Well, what do you think?" Faba beamed when he saw the blank awed expressions on both trainers' faces. "It is grand yes?"

"Ho!" Hau jumped up in joy. "It's even better looking than I imagined!"

There was a growing sound of jet engines as they neared and people immediately pointed to a light in the sky approaching them.

Elio saw it as it was illuminated by the Paradise's own lighting. It was a wide aircraft that looked roughly his size. The center was a bulbous section with two fan duct engines on its side for propulsion. Strange pair of devices was mounted to its chin on ball rotary sockets that looked to be retracted into its main chassis. As it lowered closer to the water, Elio could see the waves begin to ripple from the engine wash.

Faba let out a prideful chuckle. "Skydrop unmanned drones mark seven. Developed by the Galactic Corporation's Aerospace in Sinnoh for their military projects. They serve as our secure entry and exterior security. Highly maneuverable and can observe anything approaching for miles. We take our security seriously." He narrowed his eyes.

"Very seriously."

They watched as the drone hovered right alongside the ferry, matching its speed, but doing nothing out of the ordinary. A moment later, he saw a gold symbol flash twice on the center of body before it raised itself up in altitude and quickly flew back towards the Paradise.

"That's some serious hardware." Elio remembered hearing about the Sinnoh based company and their cutting edge unmanned aircraft industry. He had even watched a documentary on how some models could maintain high altitudes and use guided missiles to destroy faraway targets.

"Indeed. Before their introduction, we often had a lot of looters and pirates attempt to board and hijack our Paradise."

"Really?" Hau asked.

"Quite." Faba answered. "Being in an isolated location with either air or water being the only means of transportation makes us a target for people wishing to take what is not theirs."

A certain group came right to Elio's mind. "Team Skull."

"They used to have a boat and would harass us with distress calls, pretending to be stranded people. Common ploy to do that and then hold the rescuers hostage for ransom or pillage what they find. However the way those incompetent fools speak is often a dead giveaway to their intentions. So we went out our new fleet of Skydrop drones and the raid attempts had disappeared entirely. If I only could convince the President to use more than just nonlethal weaponry."

So they're armed with nonlethal weapons? That's good…I guess. But if they need more firepower, what is powerful enough to go after them? And why is he wanting things more powerful?

"Ah that slipped my mind!" Faba said. "The Skydrops are also armed with stun cannons that fire a paralyzing particle that can incapacitate even a massive wailord, aggressive gyarados or an approaching ship's engine. However I will state again that they are for security and safety purposes and not to deter visitors."

This place does not mess around.

A few minutes later, the ferry approached, changing its vector to a large wide door at its front and he could see a team of waiting workers around them with ropes in hand on raised platforms, ready to moor and handle the vessel. It appeared the ferry was ready to take another load of passengers leaving the station, judging by the crowd of waiting onlookers just behind them. At the far end of the wall were collapsible gangplanks that could be raised to meet the standards of a taller vessel.

"This is your captain speaking." A male voice spoke over the ship's PA. "We are now docked at the Aether Paradise. Please watch your step when disembarking and we thank you for sailing with the Alola Transit Ferry Service. Keeping you hoʻopiliʻia to all of Alola!"

Sun and Hau accompanied Faba, waiting until most of the others had left before taking a series of shallow ramps going back and forth onto a platform above the other ships. The air had the faint smell of seawater and he found himself looking up to a high ceiling stretched far above. No wind buffeted them since they appeared to now be indoors.

As they reached the top, their eyes widened and mouths fell open at the sight before them.

All around was a hive of activity. He could see dozens of people in stark white uniform shirts and baggy cargo pants rush around, moving pallets of cargo while some supervised the offload of another small boat that was bringing onboard freight of some kind. A couple other staff members were directing the other passengers off the boat towards an area that was a little more fashionable for guests. He could see a lit sign indicating a reception area that was…

Holographic?! No way!

Yes…holographic in bright gold lettering alongside another similar sign over a dark board with a directory from their present location. They pointed to various locations such as the research laboratories, arcology promenades and conservation sectors.

The entire area was surreal, as if he had entered a similar but unfamiliar world.

"This is so cool!" Hau practically screamed out loud. "I've never seen anything like this before!"

Sun was amused at his friend's excitement. At least the thoughts of Leilani's condition had been pushed to the back of his mind for now.

"Aether Paradise is a facility created for the conservation of pokemon." Faba started, leading them into the main area. Here they could see much of the shipping and logistics happening. Some employees walked around with datapads while Elio found himself dodging an incoming mobile cart that had big bright green shipping containers headed for a light freighter that was moored opposite their ferry. As it passed by, he saw four machoke accompanying the driver at the front and he even took a double take after looking and suddenly realizing that it possessed no wheels.

"You like our superior ground handling child?" That similar prideful beam was on Faba's demeanor again. "It is done by anti-gravity engines thanks to yours truly with a specialization the combination of repulsor technology and psychic-type telekinesis."

"What?"

"Those vehicles are powered by repulsorlifts." His tone grew slightly irritated and forceful as if he was explaining how to do something for the umpteenth time. "They use up to eighty-five percent less energy than traditional moving vehicles and have a far greater efficiency rate."

"Nice." Elio complimented. "I've never seen a hover thingy before in real life!"

"That's not a!" The scientist stopped himself from rebuking Sun before he likely was going to say something regrettable down the line. "Well yes. Thanks to my driving aspirations; the Paradise has been outfitted with both the latest and next generation technology for this purpose to lead the way forward. Here at the Aether Foundation; we want more than to lead the way forward, we want to surpass it. That is our motto here, sworn by all staff members upon the beginning of their employment."

Elio looked around. "So I take it this is sort of an import and export area?"

"Yes. It is very important we perform searches and proper inspections on every single shipment coming in. Our docks can hold everything including a monster Wayfarer-class containership where they are thoroughly inspected by our logistics staff. Back in Kanto, a single grimer stowaway could lead to an outbreak among the sewage system due to how rapidly they can multiply in sludge. Our procedures are of the highest priority."

"So you're super careful huh?" Hau asked. Elio listened closely too, knowing the invasive nature of the grimer and muk species in Kanto.

Faba nodded. "Like I said. We take our security very seriously." The boys saw a light flash on the device attached to his wrist and he frowned upon seeing that.

"Of course some incompetent thing requires my attention. Can't people see I'm trying to reach out and educate the youth for once?" Faba rolled his eyes at the "inconvenience" and tapped a couple of icons before turning back to face them.

"Beneath us are the laboratories where our elite team of scientists led by yours truly are creating advancements in poke balls and other technology to improve things for trainers of tomorrow."

"Oh cool." Sun said. "Maybe you'd do something like invent the next awesome pokedex. My Rotom here is supposed to be the newest type."

"We've probably done some research and assistance. Since we are a facility with wild pokemon; you will not be able to catch any of the wild pokemon within this facility. We have a jamming signal broadcast throughout to prevent this. Please respect that even though they are wild, they are protected under us and violating these rules can result in dire consequences. Understood?"

"Of course Mister Faba!" Hau said with Sun nodding in agreement.

"Excellent. This way."

The branch chief led them across the docks and Sun even had to do a double take at seeing his reflection off the floor's smooth surface that looked dutifully polished even in a high traffic and dirtier area by any other standards. There wasn't even as much as a gum wrapper left out. The place felt…sterile…spotless, even in an area where the labor demanding jobs of logistics could get dirty.

One of the employees passing by even told them that the reason it was so spick and span was that they took invasive species very seriously like rattata and spearow. Grimer and muk were another nuisance although the Alolan subspecies was generally less harmful than the virulent variant on Kanto, other than what was in the conservation area or with a trainer were forbidden to enter the grounds of the facility.

Personnel approached them, conversing with Faba who looked a little bit irritated that he was being stopped by a "lesser class" as they discussed some information. Elio saw that each individual had a clear plastic screen just above their left breast that held a badge with the person's name, an ID number with a photo and a date which the badge would expire. He also noticed a category of differing colors on certain employees with numbered levels on them.

Apparently the expiration date was irrelevant to the exact one, as Faba chastised one of them for not renewing it yet. Elio saw that the date compared to today was more than a week out.

Unless the badge takes like a long time to get renewed, it shouldn't be anything you need to condemn this guy to the "biological waste disposal" department. I've never heard that title before, but it literally sounds like a shit job.

Someone's gotta do it though.

The only time Faba sounded even remotely polite was when he interacted with him and Hau and the other was when a fellow scientist or researcher discussed data findings with him. Sun was kind of easily able to tell who they were since they wore long white lab coats and obscured their faces by large rounded gold visors.

He couldn't help but imagining an army of them with laser guns and marching in synchronization as if they were some empire on a conquest.

Elio saw at the main section that had all areas branching out was a massive triangular elevator that was guided by three long metal beams that extended into the ceiling. As they got closer, he realized that it could stay as one whole platform or unlock to use one or two sections. The one closest to them just appeared from the top, descending down.

The elevator's barriers lowered as it came from above. Its lone occupant; a woman strode off in front of the three and briskly turned to address them. She had long dark hair that looked purple as she stepped into the lights with horn rimmed glasses and wore a rather stylish white and pink long sleeved dress. Her face broke into a quick smile at seeing the three.

"Excuse me Mister Faba." The newcomer addressed him.

Faba's expression turned into one of scorn. "Yes, excuse you!" He haughtily replied, putting his arms on his hips. "What is the meaning of that form of address? I have a title of Branch Chief for a reason! How else will anyone know how important I am?"

Maybe they'll know by the way you strut around like you've got a golf club shoved up your ass.

The woman nodded in agreement, but the gesture seemed more passive than anything. "Yes of course. Branch Chief…or Lord Faba."

Faba smirked back, triumphantly after asserting his dominance. "I like that title. Now I must go and speak with the president about our progress on the conservation projects on Akala. She will be most pleased with our efforts." He gestured to Elio and Hau behind him. "Please show these two children trainers around and then take them to meet the president as well."

Faba looked back as he stepped onto the elevator platform. "Hau and Elio, regretfully I have some pressing business to attend to. Please enjoy your stay here at Aether!"

"Actually Mister Faba. Since you're going down to the labs," Sun found the egg and incubator case, presenting it out to him. "This egg moves on occasion, it was given to me at Kahananui Ranch. I was wondering if you would be able to tell me when it's hatching and what it will hatch into?"

"Could it be?" The Branch Chief murmured, "We've been looking for this since...I mean...of course. I can run some small tests on it. Do you happen to know what the parents are or were?"

Elio shook his head. "I don't. The family gave it to me for safekeeping and maybe even raise it when it finally hatches. I just know that Akela, my lycanroc is very protective of it since it used to belong to his trainer before he disappeared."

"I will have someone run some tests and give my own analysis before you leave."

"Thanks." He got a nod in return.

"Mahalo!" Hau and Elio cheerfully waved, him goodbye. "Nice to meet you Mister Faba!"

He waved over his shoulder before hitting a couple buttons, flashing a card at the panel before the protective barriers folded up and he rose back into the ceiling.

"Phew," the woman breathed out a sigh of relief. Elio immediately suspected that those two crossed swords often. The tension between them was undeniable right there.

I would breathe out a sigh of relief as soon as that guy leaves. Having to deal with that all the time? How about no?

She smiled again, a much warmer greeting than Faba's straightforward one. "Let me join our Branch Manager Faba in extending a warm welcome to the one and only Aether Paradise. My name is Naomi Wicke. I am the Assistant Branch Chief here. You must be Sun and Hau yes?"

"Hello Miss Wicke!" Hau greeted. Sun opened his hands and waved them in greeting. Assistant huh? No wonder Faba acts all like you're subservient to him.

"Alola!"

"I'm Hau Kealoha!"

"And I'm Elio Northstar! Lot of people call me Sun though."

He saw Wicke's expression change to that of surprise the moment he spoke his own name. She stared at him as if he was a recognizable face from long ago.

"Northstar?" She started like she didn't believe him. "Is that what you said?"

"Yeah." He realized it was a little too casual for a place like this and straightened. "Yes ma'am."

"Well pardon me for saying this, but you're Cal's boy…aren't you?"

Elio raised an eyebrow. How does she know Dad? He had no memory of nodding an affirmative either.

"You look just like him."

"Hang on a second," beside him, the kahuna's grandson took a shocked step back in apprehension. Sun was silently thankful for the interruption too, since he didn't really want to discuss his father right now. "You know who we are? How?"

"One of my staff members told me about your meeting on Akala Island and I heard how you both helped protect the pokemon there Mister Hau. Thank you so much for your assistance! The foundation extends its gratitude to both of you!"

"Although it should be the duty of every trainer." Sun said, as if it was any other thing. "You're welcome."

"Allow me to show you two around." Wicke smiled and gave a short bow. "The main entrance is a floor above us."

As if on cue, a section of the triangular platform descended back down, slowing to a stop when it was flush with the floor before lowering the barriers again and beeping musically.

"Shall we zip right up there?" Wicke waited until both boys were aboard before doing the same as Faba; punching in a code on the panel at the platform's front before scanning her own badge on the reader. A moment later, the rails came right back up surrounding the section.

"Please keep all limbs inside the confines of the elevator safety barriers while it is in operation," A smooth female voice came from the panel. "Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death."

Like that's preventable. Sun thought, seeing nothing except the handrails between them and the open air. All you have to do is stick your arm out just before it reaches the ceiling to get it cut right off.

The elevator's ascent was quick, but he didn't feel anything unusual as it carried them to a big atrium that was the same sterile white ambiance as the docks. There were more trainers here, accompanied by many different pokemon following close behind.

"This is the main entrance to the archology where the staff resides." Wicke said. "You can have your pokemon examined and restored to full health at the reception desk if necessary. We have the latest medical equipment as any pokemon center to treat even the worst of any wounds suffered."

"I wish I came here first!" Hau shouted excitedly as he ran from the elevator to the main atrium. Just between the main entrance and the elevator was a large gold forked logo which Sun guessed to be the Aether Foundation's. "This is so cool! I'm going to bring Leilani here when she gets better!"

As Elio continued looking around, he approached one of the directories in another holographic panel. There was an advertisement of a rather high-end Galarian fashion brand with the image of a handsome man with his arms wrapped intimately around the waist of an equally beautiful brunette woman.

He thought nothing of it until he looked closer to see the tiny gold text at the bottom out of curiosity. His eyes went wide as the man's face started to blur indiscriminately and form into something else.

"Woah!" Elio had to take a step back, staring at a perfect image of his own face in place of the male model's. The strangest part was that the model's tanned skin tone changed to match his own. "How the?"

"Some of our generous donors," Wicke explained. "Of course this floor is open to the public and is grounds for advertisement at our president's choosing. These holo technology is tuned to facial recognition and reconfigured to your specific bio-metric signature. Fascinating right?"

She stepped forward next to him and the woman's face now blurred before reconstructing to an identical appearance to Wicke's. Hau had been too busy looking at something else to notice how entranced he was with the unique feature.

More like freaky. It sure was a step forward into making a fantasy that much closer to seeming like reality.

She continued as they kept looking around after checking out the advertisement pillar. "Sun, you and Hau are both trial-goers on the island challenge aren't you? Are you hoping to become champions? I suppose you may be, that must mean you're somewhere in your teens then?"

"I'm sixteen," Sun said, "And you can also call me Sun. That or Elio is fine."

"Yeah same here, I took the first chance I had to join the island challenge once I turned sixteen too!" Hau beamed. "'Cause someday I want to be able to beat my gramps and become the island challenge champion, but he's way too strong! So for now, I'll just enjoy my island challenge!"

"How lovely for you," Wicke said, smiling at their aspirations. "I suppose all wonderful children must yearn to take a journey of their own calling when they get to be about your age. Though you're almost adults! Trainers are like parents to their pokemon!"

"I can see that!" Hau said.

Sun nodded in agreement. "I see my pokemon as a family. We're all ohana."

"Truly heartwarming. Now would you two like to see the conservation area upstairs?"

"I'd love to!"

"We'll zip right up then!" Wicke hit a few more buttons and scanned her badge.

"Please keep all limbs inside the confines of the elevator safety barriers while it is in operation. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death."

That would get annoying, having to listen to that all day. Sun thought. Although it was; the fact that it had to be spoken out loud meant that something happened to prompt the safety measure to be inputted.

The elevator came right up to a lush green appearance of trees. Sun also heard the sound of running water and a chorus of different pokemon cries as if he was right in the middle of the wilds. Some he recognized right off the bat and others sounded quite foreign.

Aether's main conservation area was enormous, with a ceiling stretching up even farther than the other structures as the habitats differed from every angle of a vivid jungle to a sandy desert and rugged rocky sections. Although he could see the ceiling, he couldn't tell how far the building stretched in any direction.

"You are entering the Aether Foundation's pokemon conservation area. This is a safe haven for all pokemon inhabiting. For this reason, the use of pokeballs to catch the pokemon residing within the conservation habitat is strictly prohibited." The elevator's monotone said as they came to a stop.

"Wow!" Hau and Sun said at the same time coming to the top, amazed yet again. The lights were dimmed somewhat to simulate the day or night cycle and allow some species of pokemon to sleep. Nevertheless, they saw many different kinds behind the protective barriers eating food, playing around or being tended to by the staff members working. The floor looked to be made of a tile with patterns of white and gold. He could see more holographic signs that pointed towards different sections of the conservation area.

"Wow! Izzz it my birthday?! Bzzt!" Rotom buzzed as he flew over to the closest section with a dense jungle. He gazed eagerly at a trio of gooey slug pokemon that were a light lilac in color sitting in the shade of a tree.

"New pokemon detected! Bzzt! Goomy. Soft tissue pokemon. The weakest of all dragon type pokemon, it's unable to breathe if its skin dries out so it sticks to shady places. It uses the horns atop its head to check it surroundings. They're very sensitive so if you grab them, it will feel a strong shock and be unable to move. Goomy is a dragon type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"This is the jungle biome." Wicke explained. "We divide the pokemon inhabiting each to their home environment to make it as comfortable to them as possible. Temperature and climate regulators attached to each one closely monitor the pokemon and can summon our staff to a specific specimen based on their serial number for attendance. We keep a very close log on each and every specific pokemon that comes and leaves here."

Elio saw that it was all clear between him on the walkway and the habitat itself.

"You are actually able to feel the humidity in the jungle biome. Each one keeps its specific conditions within by the Ward technology, allowing large physical objects to effortlessly pass through."

She nodded at him to give it a try, so he put out his hand. At first, he felt nothing, but it seemed that a slight purple tint of light responded to his touch. It shimmered and rippled as if his hand was making contact with the surface of water.

He pushed farther and to his surprise, his hand entered through the Ward barrier. He could immediately feel a more drastic change in temperature and the spike in humidity caused it to almost sweat.

Elio glanced at the rustling of leaves to his right as a pair of mankey and an even larger version of them were jumping from the treetops, munching on gold bananas.

"Oh wow! New pokemon detected! Bzzt! Primeape. Pig monkey pokemon. It is the evolved form of mankey. Some researchers theorize a primeape remains angry even in its poke ball. It has been known to become so angry that it dies as a result. Its face looks peaceful in death however. Primeape is a fighting type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"Primeape huh?" Elio smiled at that. They weren't his favorite pokemon, not even close, but they did have a special meaning to him since that had been the mascot of his school. "Fighting primeapes."

Further perched on top of another branch opposite the mankey and primeape was a small green bird with gold and reddish feathers. Its eyes stared intently at the simians before darting down towards him.

"New pokemon detected! Bzzt! Natu. Little bird pokemon. Although it still can't fly, its jumping power is outstanding. It jumps its way into trees and plucks buds from the branches for food. A shy pokemon; if you approach it, natu will hop away. Natu is a psychic and flying type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"The jungle biome is one of our largest ones since the majority of Alola is humid with dense growth. A lot of species that come to the Paradise are put inside this one. Some of the other larger ones include woodland, grassland and desert." Wicke explained. "It's truly amazing at the diversity."

"How many pokemon do you treat here at the Foundation?" Hau asked.

"I'm honestly not quite sure. It all depends on what purpose. Some are here because they are lost from their trainers or abandoned. Others have sickness or conditions that need extensive care. We try to make sure that every pokemon we release back into the wild is properly nurtured so that it can conform back into either its native environment or however we found it."

"It's like my own dad used to say." Elio added on. "We always help anyone we can."

He even sounds just like his father. "We do keep pokemon that are targeted and harassed by Team Skull here." Wicke said. "And we also try to support pokemon that need a little extra protection, although it is best not to interfere with their natural balance. Take corsola for example."

Both boys looked up at her again before Hau spoke up. "Corsola needs protection?"

"Yes." Wicke nodded. "Corsola has many predators, both natural and can be endangered if pollution is rampant. They are quite terribly overhunted by a pokemon called toxapex."

"I've never heard of a toxapex before,"

"I hope you don't mind if I read a passage from my old pokedex." Wicke said, pulling a rather worn red device out of her coat pocket. Elio recognized it as a much older model with the only feature being able to catalogue pokemon species preprogrammed into its databanks. All the Rotom Dex needs to do is access the cloud database and then add new species as they are discovered. Plus he can make calls, take pictures, access the internet, annoy people and most importantly make memes.

"I traveled through Kanto before when I was younger, you see."

Makes sense. She could've run into Dad somewhere.

"A passage from my pokedex says that toxapex crawls along the ocean floor on its twelve legs. It leaves a trail of corsola bits scattered in its wake. Anyone who is attacked by toxapex's poison will suffer intensive pain for three days and nights. Even after recovery, there can be some painful aftereffects."

"Ouch," Sun made a nervous face. Suddenly the monster tentacruel that was killed just days ago seemed like merely another abomination that lurked in the ocean waiting to murder something. "Toxapex sounds like a pokemon you don't want to screw with."

"Yeah," Hau agreed. "Although it's sad; my gramps is always saying that nature has got its cruel side sure as it gives us blessings. Still, can the Aether Foundation really protect all the pokemon that are out there?"

"Mhmm," Wicke nodded again, "nature does have its own balance of course. It can be difficult to judge just how much we as humans should meddle with it."

"That's pretty amazing!" He took a look around again, "I love it here already! The Aether Foundation is awesome! But why did you bother setting up in a place like Alola?"

"It's hard to say. We don't always know what our president is thinking sometimes. Speaking of which; if you would like to meet President Lusamine, she should be here in the conservation area now."

"Okay!" Hau said, running up to the edge of the mountain habitat to look at a boldore and a second boulder pokemon that had a particularly large nose that was pink in color. "Hey Sun, I'll catch up with ya! Go find the President and say hi!"

"Before ya go, it's time to show the new database with a new pokemon! Bzzt! Nosepass. Compass pokemon. The magnet in nosepass' nose provides an unerring compass, making it an excellent partner for trainers going on a journey. It moves an average of less than an inch a year, but when it's in a jam, it can spin and drill into the ground in a split second. Nosepass is a rock type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"Sure…" Elio sighed to himself and headed down one of the pathways.

Lusamine. So that's the name of the president. I'm guessing it's a woman…since I've never heard that name for a man. It's the first time I've heard the name said at all anywhere.

Elio didn't really receive any helpful hints or description on finding this president. He passed many employees who warmly greeted him before returning to their tasks, but most were engrossed in their work. He didn't want to be a distraction or pass off as another tourist asking for directions. Still taking in the atmosphere, the conservation area was unlike anything he had ever seen and it felt so soothing.

Kind of hard to believe that this is all indoors.

Sun continued to wander down the walkways as they winded across various points of the conservation area. He was in between the mountain biome and another he had identified as more of a beach. The latter was much more open than the others with cresting sand dunes. At the center was a lake of water where several pokemon species gathered close by.

He could see slowpoke wading in the shallows while larger lumineon jumped gracefully from the surface. The pink quadrupedal pokemon were accompanied by one that stood on its two hind legs.

A slowbro!

"New pokemon detected! Bzzt! Slowbro. Hermit crab pokemon. It is the evolved form of slowpoke. Whenever the shellder on its tail bites down hard, it gives slowbro a flash of inspiration that is forgotten a moment later. It becomes a slowpoke again if the shellder on its tail ever comes off. Slowbro is a water and psychic type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

Okay, how EXACTLY do you de-evolve like that? Is it even possible?

Nearby, a starshape pokemon was resting on top of the sand.

"And here'zzz another new pokemon! Bzzt! Starmie. Starshape pokemon. It is the evolved form of staryu. Its unusual body shape, reminiscent of abstract art, led local people to spread rumors that this pokemon came from outer space. It is known as hoku umi in Alolan and giving a core to someone intends good fortune in long term. Starmie is a water and psychic type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

Rotom moved to another part of the beach, observing a tiny green and blue slug-like pokemon in the sand as it slithered back towards the water. It was noteworthy of the little "wings" that were on its back as if it could fly.

"Shellos. Sea slug pokemon. Shellos lives in the seas and feasts on microscopic plankton. The lovelier the ocean, the more vibrant the shellos' color becomes. Its color and form differ according to studies on its habitat and food quality. Shellos is a water type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

Elio had to admire the diversity of species all under one roof. It got him wondering about their upbringing too. Some were just endangered in the wild, others harassed by Team Skull. The one thing every pokemon there had in common was that they were cared for in some way led to this haven. They seem all happy. It's good to see that the ones targeted by Team Skull don't have to go through that terrible thing again.

The fact that Team Skull was willingly doing those kinds of things like to that unfortunate slowpoke with a dismembered tail he had rescued back at Memorial Hill made him clench his fists in anger.

I know there's twisted people like that in the world. There always has been and there always will be. But it makes me happy to know that people are actively fighting it like everyone here at the Aether Foundation.

"My sweet pokemon." He heard a woman's voice up ahead. Walking across to the big intersection, he saw one with incredibly long pale blonde hair leaning down to pet a group of happy looking buneary, meowth and grimer. Beside her were three of the Aether staff members. "I promise I'll keep you safe. I'll protect you with my love!"

Sun walked into the area and was immediately noticed by all of the humans and pokemon and he finally got a look at the woman.

"Ah." The blonde said, turning around to face him. The first thing he noticed about her was the bright green emerald eyes that sparkled in the light and then her long pale blonde hair that went almost to her thighs. It was perfectly combed without a single strand tangled or out of place. Her body shape was tall and fit, just like the models he saw on advertisements and magazine covers. Her attire fit right into the Paradise's motif wore a long white satin sleeveless dress with trim of black and gold around the edges. There was a rather expensive looking long green diamond in front that covered her breasts that matched the shade of her eyes. Her skin looked vivid and healthy, almost seeming to glow.

Sun couldn't quite pin down her age as there wasn't any evidence of cosmetic work, but at the same time; she didn't seem to be much older than him with a complexion that was the closest thing he had seen to being flawless. He wasn't an expert on fashion and easily could tell that her attire was worth several grand. Even the white leggings had a design pattern and high heeled shoes that she wore looked gilded.

And uncomfortable. He thought to himself. How women were able to wear those were a mystery to him.

Still, her reaction at his arrival and appearance were just…familiar. Blonde hair, green eyes. I've seen them before! Just where?!

"Hi," Sun snapped out of his daydreaming and suddenly felt a little hot from being the center of attention waving nervously to calm his own nerves. "I'm uh…looking for President Lusamine. Miss Wicke kinda sent me on a mission to go and find her or him…whoever they are."

"Of course." The woman said in her silky smooth voice. She turned to the employees around her. "Please take the pokemon back to their habitats and get the reports in to the supervisors as soon as possible."

"At once," one of them whistled, prompting the group to follow closely behind her.

"Hey Sun! Wicke said that the President should still be here!" Hau shouted somewhere behind as he bounded up with her in tow. "Oh…" His cheeks flushed, and he flashed a smitten goofy grin. "Hi there!"

The woman exchanged some words with Wicke before turning to address the two boys. "You must be Elio and Hau. Welcome to Aether Paradise; the Aether Foundation's own private island. I hope you have been enjoying your tour so far."

Her gaze immediately felt like a weight had been pressed into them. Sun felt as if he was being examined, but the woman's eyes radiated warmth and compassion that put him more at ease.

"Yeah that's us." Hau beat him to meeting her outstretched hand and shook it enthusiastically. Elio was next, a bit surprised by her gingerly squeezing. Her skin was warm and incredibly soft to the touch.

"I am the president of this foundation, but please just call me Lusamine." She put a hand on her hip after sauntering over. Elio was caught between a rock and a hard place as he tried to do anything to avoid staring creepily. Her eyes were such a rich green color he could've gotten lost on them. Her dress accented her curvy hourglass frame that he knew would probably turn the heads of both sexes. Not to mention those slender legs and hips. It's like hypnotic.

"I'm so glad that we got to meet. It makes me joyful to hear that there are people like you who travel the islands to learn more about the amazing creatures we call pokemon. But there are those who harm and exploit pokemon for their own selfish reasons and for profit."

Having confirmed that she was indeed the Foundation's president, it immediately commanded respect from him. He subconsciously stood up just a little taller.

"Like Team Skull?" Sun asked.

"Yes," The Aether President cringed slightly at the mention of the well-known group of thugs. "They are but one of the many people."

"They're not the first unfortunately." He said, reminding the obvious. "And they certainly won't be the last."

Lusamine made to reply, but they were abruptly cut off by a catchy ringtone from a device on her. Elio recognized it as the Five-0 theme.

She has good taste in TV.

"Oh pardon my rudeness. People seem to call me at the most odd of times!" She pulled a rather modern-looking phone out of her dress pocket on her side and turned away. She spoke to whomever was on the other side for roughly a minute before turning back to the boys.

"I apologize for that. Where were we? Oh yes! And that is the reason why I am here." Lusamine spread her long arms out after slipping her phone away. "I shall be like a mother to all those poor pokemon and shower them with love and care! Even pokemon from distant worlds, far from the Alola region are worthy of my love!"

Distant worlds? Sun thought. Are there even pokemon on other planets?

There were pokemon like deoxys that seemed to have extraterrestrial origins. The discovery of it in a potentially catastrophic disaster was actually in recent news. And his Rotom Dex had actually given some information on the belief that starmie came from outer space due to its odd characteristics.

"Wow Miss Lusamine!" Hau brought him out of his thoughts again. "I don't know how you do all this! You're like not even that much older than either of us!"

Lusamine laughed sweetly at his words; not too loud and nasally, more like fine china clinking together, but the compliment made both boys glance at one another.

Sorry, Hau mouthed wordlessly. Just came out.

"Oh you sweet boy!" She gushed, at the praise "I'm already forty one!"

Well…this should be good.

"Wait, you are?" He paused again, recoiling back with wide eyes. Sweat was already starting to form at his brow despite the cool air conditioning. "Wait a second…WHAT?!"

"Oh you!" Lusamine repeated, "The right style does wonders, you know. Hau…your style is a bit…wanting yes?"

Next to a perplexed boy; Sun stared at this woman, still trying to figure out where this conversation had started and where it was going.

"I will have to take you out sometime and help you pick a smashing outfit!"

"What?" Hau glanced over at him again in a desperate plea to get out, only to receive a shrug of helplessness from his friend. On the inside; Elio was about to bust up laughing as he imagined Hau in that type of designer regal clothing. It was the fact that he couldn't see it happening that made it amusing.

Sorry Hau; you're on your own on this one.

"Like-like what you wear?!" Just as Sun had thought; Hau looked a little scared at having to change out of his very casual Alolan attire of shorts and a T-shirt. "I don't think anyone else could pull off that kind of look! Well…except maybe Lillie, but…you never know."

The change was just ever so subtle and nobody else appeared to notice it.

But Sun did.

Upon mentioning the name of their pretty blonde friend, Lusamine's demeanor darkened almost immediately. "Oh don't you worry," he felt the warmth in her voice vanish and the President put her hands on her hips. Her easygoing smile had also faded away. "You just leave everything up to me."

"Um…okay?"

"Trust me Hau." She assured him. "Children would be so much happier if they'd only listen to the adults around them."

What? First we were talking about pokemon conservation, then outfits and suddenly the subject changes to obedience when Hau mentions Lillie?

Sun was about to question that when a low rumble struck the conservation area. He had barely heard it at first before it began to grow louder. It started to become more noticeable as Hau, Wicke and Lusamine abruptly terminated their conversation.

"What was that?" The dark haired woman asked.

Whatever it was, I just know it's not good.

Sun felt the rumbling grow even louder and intensify. The ground began to tremble underneath his feet, immediately making his stomach do backflips inside his body.

The next thing he knew; Elio stumbled right towards the handrail of the walkway. Reaching out just in time, he steadied just inches away from giving himself a contusion. The rumbling still kept on.

Earthquake?!

Another violent tremor struck the Paradise; this time in the opposite direction. Elio was practically flung to the floor, head smacking into one of the metal poles holding the rails.

Pain flared right into his temple and he clutched it while staying low to the ground.

"What is going on?" Lusamine asked, a slight hint of uncertainty weaved into her voice.

Elio was just hoping something like this was going to stop soon enough. He felt a bit of relief as the vibrations began to reverberate through the structure less so.

Still dazed, he grabbed the rail and began to pull himself to his feet. Already moving to help Hau; Sun couldn't help but flinch as the Ward barriers around each biome flashed a bright purple and solidified into massive domes, concealing each one and their pokemon out of sight.

An unseen earsplitting klaxon alarm began its shrilly howl overhead, causing adrenaline to pump its way into the boy's frame.


And this chapter is done! Wow! I must say that it's been one I've been looking forward to doing for a long time! I'm definitely excited for the grimmer and more dark turns the next parts involving the Aether Foundation will be bringing! Those of you who've played the story definitely know what's about to happen and those that don't are in for a big cliffhanger ending for sure!

And no I haven't forgot about the egg. Next chapter is a big hint at what it's going to be!

Translations:

Hoʻopiliʻia - Connected

As always, mahalo for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose. I'll see you all for the next chapter.

Brav