After that overdue talk with Colress, Grimsley took a leisurely walk in Seafolk Village. A few of the boats that were here earlier today had left. He didn't see Nanu and the others yet, so they likely were still on Exeggutor Island.

Grimsley tugged at his scarf, the air around him getting warmer. He passed by a few vendors and stopped when he saw Mina and another woman at the docks. She was much shorter and had darker skin. Her tan clothing and purple bonnet made her look like a humble farmer. It was a moment until she and Mina noticed him.

"Oh, hey Grimsley!" Mina beamed and waved to him. "There's someone I want you to meet!"

The woman with the purple bonnet approached Grimsley. "I'm Hapu, a resident of Poni Island. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Grimsley, and likewise," he said, and they shook hands.

Hapu grinned and had her hands on her hips. "Mina told me that you're a member of the Elite Four. What's a mighty strong trainer like you doing here?"

Grimsley hummed and said, "I'm supposed to be on holiday, but I did more battles than anticipated."

"Hapu's been traveling all over Alola to prove herself as our island's next kahuna," Mina said. "She came back here just now."

"The next kahuna?" Grimsley asked and blinked. "That's very ambitious of you."

Hapu let out a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of her neck. "My late grandfather was the last kahuna here and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Tapu Fini didn't choose me as the next kahuna, so I left Poni Island to do my own island challenge."

Grimsley lifted a brow, unsure what she meant by her own island challenge. He didn't get a chance to ask her when Mina gasped and pointed at the horizon.

"I think it's them!" she said, grinning.

A houseboat the shape of a Magikarp pulled next to the docks. Nanu, Wicke, Lillie, Selene and a middle-aged man with dark hair stepped out.

"Alola, alola!" Mina cheered as she approached them. "Looks like you guys made it back safely."

"Thanks so much for bringing us to Exeggutor Island, Chief Akoni," Lillie said, smiling.

"Not a problem at all, miss!" Akoni said. "Glad to see you have what you're looking for." He stopped and noticed Hapu, flashing her a grin. "Why hello there, Hapu! You're back from your long journey?"

Hapu beamed back. "Indeed I am, Chief Akoni. I had been away long enough, so it's great to be back."

Akoni chuckled with his hands on his sides. "I'm sure your grandmother will be overjoyed." He shifted his gaze at Grimsley and approached him. "Hm, never seen you here before."

"That's Grimsley," Nanu said dismissively. "He's a trainer from Unova."

Grimsley glared at him and folded his arms, unimpressed with his subpar introduction of him. "A strong trainer, I may add." He looked back at Akoni. "So you must be the Seafolk Village chief Nanu mentioned."

"Yup, that's me! I make sure the seafolk live peacefully here." He moved his head away for a second. "Well, I better check up on my boat. You all have a nice day!"

Everyone waved goodbye to Akoni as he stepped back inside his ship. Hapu faced Selene and Lillie, grinning at them.

"Lillie, Selene. It's been a while, you two."

"It's great to see you too, Hapu!" Selene said and grinned back. "Oh, do you like Lillie's new Z-Powered look?"

A slight blush formed on Lillie's cheeks, and a determined expression crossed her face. "I've finally figured out what I need to do, so I gave myself this new look."

Hapu's grin widened. "Ho, I like that! No one could call you lily-livered!"

"I think her new look is also lovely," Wicke said with a soft smile. She walked closer to Hapu and Mina. "I'm Wicke Santana from the Aether Foundation. It's nice to meet you two."

Mina grinned at her. "Alola! I'm Mina, the trial captain here. I heard some great stuff you did for that place."

"Oh, you're one of them Aether folks, correct? I heard you guys did good work." She and Wicke shook hands, and then she faced Nanu. "And greetings to you, Kahuna Nanu."

Nanu grunted. "Hello to you too, kid."

Grimsley stared at him. It shouldn't surprise him that Nanu wasn't the kind of person to give warm greetings.

"So, how was the trip there?" Mina asked.

"It was great!" Selene said, raising her arms in the air. "We got to see the Alolan Exeggutor and ride on them!"

"We stayed longer than anticipated because it was raining there," Lillie said. "But now we have the Sun Flute!"

Lillie pulled out a golden flute with the sun symbol like the drawing Grimsley had seen from the book. He, Hapu, and Mina took a closer look at it.

"So that's the Sun Flute from Exeggutor Island..." Hapu said in a low voice. "You plan to do something with it?"

Lillie hummed and nodded. "My mother disappeared off into some far-off world to face off a fearsome Pokémon called Necrozma. I must go after her!"

"Necrozma is the beast that the Ultra Recon Squad are looking after," Selene said. "That's why Lillie and I are asking for the Legendary Pokémon's help."

Hapu rubbed her chin and furrowed her brow. "That Necrozma must be what's weighing heavily upon the Ultra Recon Squad."

"All of this sounds like a lot of work for you two," Mina said. "You sure you're up to the task?"

Lillie and Selene exchanged brief uncertain looks. They nodded and held hands.

"We are," Selene said.

Grimsley regarded the girls a moment. Lillie and Selene, both so young and yet so determined. They were just like Hilda and Nate who took down both versions of Team Plasma. He glanced to see Nanu, Wicke, Hapu, and Mina having similar expressions. Grimsley chuckled.

"I would be surprised if you backed down."

"If that's what you want then I'll help you in any way I can," Hapu said, smiling.

"Same here," Mina said and smiled also.

"If you girls are in any trouble, don't hesitate to ask me or Kahuna Nanu for assistance," Wicke said. She cleared her throat and hit Nanu's elbow with her own.

"Hm?" Nanu blinked and scratched the back of his neck. "Oh, yeah of course."

Grimsley snorted. "For a second, I thought you were going to say no."

Nanu flinched and narrowed his eyes at him. "I care for their safety, at least."

"Looks like all of you are exhausted. Why don't I take you all to my place to eat?"

"Oh, I would like that very much," Lillie said.

"Me too," Selene said. "I'm super hungry now!"

Mina gave a single nod. "Sure. I just need to let my parents know I'll be late tonight."

"I'm curious to see what your place looks like," Grimsley said. "I'll join also."

"That's such a sweet gesture, but Nanu and I have to meet with a couple of our friends to discuss some important manners," Wicke said. She turned to Nanu, who grunted in agreement.

"Ah, that's a shame," Hapu said in a disappointed voice but still smiled. "Perhaps next time, then." She turned towards Selene, Lillie, Mina, and Grimsley. "Alrighty then, the rest of you follow me!"

Grimsley followed Hapu and others while Nanu and Wicke went a separate path. He had grown interested in Hapu, so he wanted to talk with her more.

Xxx

Ancient Poni Path led to Vast Poni Canyon. Ruins of stone walls and ancient buildings were mixed in with small clay houses. A small farming community lived here, with the Poni white radish the most grown vegetable on this island. Hapu had told Grimsley, Lillie, and Selene how while most people on Poni Island were seafolk and traveled overseas often, the farmers here enjoyed a more relaxing and mundane lifestyle.

Grimsley couldn't imagine himself living that lifestyle for long. He enjoyed the fast pace of being an Elite Four trainer and gambler. His stay in Alola taught him though that relaxing once in a while wasn't so bad.

The group stopped when they made it in front of Hapu's house. A middle-aged woman was pulling out several white radishes from the soil. A Machamp and Mudsdale were helping her out. Hapu called out "Grandmother!" to her, causing her to turn and beam at her.

"Hapu!" She rushed over to her, and they embraced. "I take it your journey went well?"

"Ah huh," Hapu said, nodding and grinning. "I'm now ready to prove myself to Tapu Fini."

"I'm sure you'll do wonderfully." When Hapu's grandmother noticed Mina, she approached her. "And how are you, Mina dearie?"

"I'm doing great, Eli," Mina said with a smile. "Also can't wait to see little Hapu give it her all."

"That's great to hear." The woman gazed at Grimsley, Lillie, and Selene. "Oh, and who might you three be?"

"I'm Selene, and this is Lillie," Selene said, beaming. "I'm taking the Island Challenge while Lillie tags along."

"And I'm Grimsley. A trainer who came to Alola recently."

"They're guests I brought here with me," Hapu said. "I met Lillie and Selene during my travels."

The grin on Eli's face widened. "Ho! You all sound like nice people. Let's go inside and I'll cook something for everyone here."

Eli returned her Pokémon and everyone followed her inside. Two couches sat in between a table, and a flatscreen television stood on a counter. Several paintings of beautiful Alola scenery hung on the wall.

"Those two paintings there are mine," Mina said as she pointed to two paintings together. One was of a sea lion creature bathing in the low sunset. Another painting had blue and purple crab-like Pokémon playing in the snow.

"Oh wow, they're so cool!" Selene said, her face lighting up. "That one is a Primarina, isn't it?"

"Yup. Lana came to visit here some weeks back and let me paint her Pokémon. I gave her a copy, and then Eli asked if she could have one too."

"And what of those Pokémon?" Grimsley asked, still gazing at the one with the crab Pokémon in the snow.

"Those are Crabrawler and Crabominable. I was climbing Mt. Lanakila and saw them playing. I thought it would make a cute painting."

"Mina has a great eye on detail, doesn't she?" Eli asked and chuckled.

"She does, indeed," Grimsley said with a small smile. He approached a small table with a few framed pictures on it. One picture was of Eli with a man, which Grimsley assumed to be her late husband and Hapu's grandfather. The other picture was of a young woman with a Mudsdale surrounded by barren land.

"Is that you and your Mudsdale?" Grimsley asked, and Eli nodded.

"Mindy and I lost one of the island challenge trials. She got so upset and ran away." A nostalgic smile pulled on her lips. "I caught up to her and comforted Mindy, telling her we would do better next time."

"Grandmother told me that story numerous times, and I never got tired of it," Hapu said as she approached Eli and Grimsley.

"I get that," Selene said. "I lost Mallow's trial and Franz didn't like that one bit. After some more training, we were able to beat that Totem Lurantis in our rematch!"

A stunned expression flashed on Eli's face for a second. "A Totem Lurnatis? Ho, that's impressive!" She then said, "Hapu and I will get dinner ready. Selene, Lillie, would you two like to help?"

"Sure!" Selene said, beaming. "I enjoy cooking sometimes."

Lillie wore a similar expression and said, "I would love to help also."

"Wonderful. All right, come with me."

The next hour or so Hapu and Eli were teaching Selene and Lillie how to cook one of their dishes while Grimsley and Mina watched the television. Sometimes he glanced over his shoulder to see Eli guiding the girls' hands when they cut the Poni radish. Lillie and Selene often giggled and grinned, enjoying themselves there. Grimsley smiled a little, reminiscing about the time when the family cook happily taught him several dishes.

When the food was finished, everyone gathered around the dining table and ate dinner. Grimsley's mouth twitched at the Poni radish's spiciness, but he found himself enjoying the rice and chicken. Lillie and Selene first talked about what happened in Exeggutor Island in more detail. Grimsley was surprised Wicke and Lillie had Pokémon with them. After that, they mentioned how they met Hapu, first on Akala Island and then on Ula'ula Island. Upon hearing the phrase 'Ruins of Abundance', Grimsleys' eyes grew wide as he heard of that before.

"Wait, so you must be the trainer that helped Lillie get to Ruins of Abundance," Grimsley said.

"Oh, so Lillie mentioned me before, did she?" Hapu said and chuckled. "I wanted to go to the Ruins of Abundance myself, so we went there together."

That piqued Grimsley's interest. He swallowed his food and raised a brow.

"You talked about being away from your home to prove yourself. Is that why you went to the Ruins of Abundance?"

Hapu nodded. "I went to the other three islands' sacred ruins to battle the tapu."

Grimsley, Lillie, and Selene let out surprised gasps. Mina and Eli's faces were calm, as if they knew this already.

"Kahuna Hala told me that the tapu are like crazy strong," Selene said.

"They are, indeed. Tapu Koko managed to get through my Ground-type Pokémon, and Tapu Lele wasn't any easier."

"How about Tapu Bulu?" Lillie asked. "They didn't appear before us when we went to the ruins."

"Tapu Bulu came to me at Blush Mountain a day or two after that. My Pokémon were no match against them, but they seemed to acknowledge me having potential."

Eli hummed and closed her eyes. "Sometime last year Tapu Fini was about to choose Mina as the next kahuna. Hapu and I then convinced them to wait and they agreed."

Grimsley finished chewing on the Poni radish and stopped. He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes.

"Really? Kahuna Nanu mentioned he didn't have a choice in becoming a kahuna."

"It's probably because Tapu Fini liked Kahuna Sofu and made an exception," Mina said with a small smile. "I didn't want to become a kahuna anyways, so it all worked out."

With a blinking stare, Grimsley mused that Mina would make a decent kahuna after the way she taught him Z-Moves. His mind jumped to how Tapu Fini could make spirits appear, and a burning desire to see them returned.

"I read that Tapu Fini can bring the spirits of those who had passed on. Do any of you know how much of that is true?"

Everyone on the table gave out stunned faces. Hapu and Eli exchanged hesitant looks, and then the younger woman fixed her stare at him.

"There have been stories of Tapu Fini bringing in the souls to their loved ones," Hapu said. "Those that stayed inside Tapu Fini's mist though never returned."

"I remember reading the same thing," Lillie said. "You've also read that one book on the tapu?"

"I did. It was what got me interested in both Tapu Bulu and Tapu Fini."

"I haven't lost anyone important to me yet," Selene said, lowering her head. "If I did and then they came back as spirits, I'm not sure how I would react."

Grimsley frowned, feeling the same way. Upon first reading Tapu Fini's powers he wanted to see his father one last time. And now, he wasn't sure if he was ready for that.

"Nanu told me I should stay away from that tapu for that purpose."

"Old man Nanu is right," Mina said. "I've seen Tapu Fini's powers firsthand, and they're not to be taken lightly."

After finishing her meal, Hapu said, "That aside, I plan to visit Tapu Fini and challenge them to a battle. I wouldn't mind some company."

"I want to join!" Selene said, grinning. "Would be cool to see you as a kahuna."

"I'll come too," Lillie said. "Nebby isn't feeling good now, so maybe Tapu Fini might help."

"Of course I'm going," Mina said. "I don't want to miss this big moment of yours."

"I'm curious how the Ruins of Hope looks compared to the Ruins of Abundance," Grimsley said, rubbing his chin. "I'll come also."

With a grin, Hapu said, "Great! We'll all go to the ruins tomorrow."

Grimsley hummed and resumed eating his food. A part of him was interested to see how strong a tapu was. He would just go with everyone to the Ruins of Hope tomorrow, nothing more.

Xxx

After being separated from the other group, Nanu contacted Looker to let him know that he and Charlotte would meet him and Anabel at the Pokémon Center soon. Charlotte kept in pace with him as they headed there.

Looker decided that they need to tell Anabel the truth tonight.

"So you believe telling her now is a good idea?" Nanu asked.

"Positive, I am," Looker said through the phone. "Interpol will send her to the frontlines the instant the UBs reappear. Anabel will have an opportunity to act on her own accord before that happens."

"You're right. Those suckers won't think twice in doing that." Nanu sucked in a breath. "I know you said you'll take the blow for me, but that doesn't feel right. I'll be here for support if you need it."

There was a pause on Looker's side, and then he said, "I appreciate that very much, Nanu."

"No problem, Jean." Nanu's mouth twitched. Again he called Looker by his real name, but there was an air of dread between them. "Charlotte and I will see you two in a bit."

He hung up and put his phone back in the pocket of his short sleeve jacket. Charlotte gazed up at him, frowning.

"You two are going to break the news to Anabel."

"We have to, or else Interpol will send the girl to her death." Nanu sighed and dragged his fingers through his hair. "I'm not looking forward to her reaction."

"Maybe so, but at least you're doing the right thing," Charlotte said, smiling and patting his shoulder.

Doing the right thing. Nanu couldn't remember the last time he acted based on the good of his heart. Well, helping out in Po Town probably counts, but he went there to get some insider info on Guzma for his friend. Either way, this had to be done.

It was several more minutes until they made it to the Pokémon Center. Anabel and Looker sat on the stone bench and greeted them with warm smiles. Nanu could tell Looker was a nervous wreck with the way his lips and fingers twitched.

"How was your guys trip to Exeggutor Island?" Anabel asked.

"We had to deal with some wild Pinsir harassing the Exeggutor and stay in a cave for a bit due to the rain. Otherwise, we got what we needed."

With a smile and a nod, Charlotte said, "Lillie and Selene have the Sun Flute with them. They're away with a friend of Mina's at the moment."

"That's great news!" Looker said, beaming. "Now the Legendary Pokémon of Alola can be summoned."

The smile on Anabel's face faded. "A part of me still worried something might go wrong."

"As long as we monitor Ms. Selene and Lillie's whereabouts, it should be fine," Charlotte said with a reassuring smile.

Sensu-style Oricoro began singing just as the sun was setting, and the ocean breeze grew bitterly cold. Usually Nanu would be annoyed at the Oricoros' shrieking, but right now he couldn't bring himself to care. He stared at Looker, and they shared heavy nods.

"Anabel, there's something Looker and I have to tell you."

Anabel blinked. "Hm? What is it?"

He and Looker exchanged distant stares, and the other agent spoke in a grave tone.

"How much do you remember from ten years ago, Chief?"

Anabel's eyes grew wide, and she gasped. Her fingers touched her lips.

"Not very much. You and Officer Nanu found me on this very island, and I was recovering at the hospital. I could only remember my name, that I was from Hoenn, and a large tower."

Looker's frown deepened. "Recently you uncovered another part of your memory. Brendon is the man's name, correct?"

Nanu pursed his lips. He had heard of the Battle Frontier facility. It had been around for quite some time in Sinnoh and Johto, and recently in Hoenn with plans for expansion soon. The Brandon in Anabel's world was probably more of a hot shot than the one here.

"Yes! I vaguely remembered him from when I was a teenager." A small smile formed on Anabel's lips. "I'm getting closer to figuring out who I was."

When a hesitant look crossed Looker's look, Nanu furrowed his brow at him. No, don't back down now you fool.

When Looker inhaled and said his next words, Nanu wished he had backed down.

"Anabel… You are not from this world."

Anabel's head flinched back and her brow squeezed together. "What does that mean?"

"Interpol referred to those that come from an Ultra Wormhole as Fallers. They've been used as bait for the Ultra Beasts."

Anabel grew pale, the color draining on her face.

"Has there been any other Fallers before me?"

Looker opened his mouth, only for Nanu to beat him to it.

"Looker and I worked with one before. She got killed by one of the UBs shortly before you came along."

"That Faller was someone special to me," Charlotte said, bowing her head as if in mourning. "I was heartbroken when that happened."

Anabel still visibly shaken, Looker approached her and stretched a hand toward her.

"An... Anabel, I'm deeply so-"

"No," Anabel snapped as she slapped Looker's hand away from her. She raised her voice. "Is this why I wasn't able to trust myself? That everything I've done in Interpol was so I can be bait to these monsters?" She gave both Looker and Nanu a wild glare, tears streaming on her face. "What hurts the most is how you and Officer Nanu kept this from me all this time! Why?"

Nanu's stomach lurched and twisted in a knot. Looker grimaced and turned his head, unable to look at Anabel in the eye. Charlotte frowned at them out of sympathy.

"We didn't mean to keep you in the dark this long," Nanu said. "The higher ups threatened your safety if word gets out."

"You could've warned me at least!" Anabel shouted. "I… I trusted you two!"

She slapped both Looker and Nanu's faces and rushed off sobbing.

"Chief, wait!" Looker was about to follow after her, but she released her Salamence who stomped on one leg and let out a roar. Anabel glared at Looker for a moment before turning to her Pokémon.

"I need some time alone." She hopped on him and they took off, the beat of the dragon's wings releasing a gush of wind at Looker and pushing him over. Charlotte rushed to him.

"Are you all right?" she asked while helping pick Looker up.

"I'm not hurt, but I appreciate the concern." Looker dusted off the dirt on his jacket, frowning. "I too need to be away for a while."

As they watched Looker leave, Nanu sighed and lowered his head while Charlotte rested a hand on his shoulder. He rubbed his cheek where Anabel had given him one heck of a slap, still feeling the sting there.

He had been ashamed of himself for a long while, but now more than ever.