It was late afternoon when the group returned to Hapu and her grandmother's house. Eli and her Machamp stopped pulling out Poni radish when they noticed them coming. Mina hopped off from Hapu's Flygon and everyone else from their Mudsdale.

"How was the Ruins of Hope?" Eli asked when she approached them.

"It was great!" Selene said, beaming. "The ruin's entrance was underwater, and that water drained itself when we arrived there!"

"This is the second ruin I visited, and the scenery inside was just as charming," Grimsley said.

"That's wonderful to hear." Eli turned to Hapu. "Do you have Tapu Fini's blessing?"

"Unfortunately, no." Hapu hung her head down and her shoulders slumped. "I went up to the altar and nothing happened."

Eli gasped and frowned, before exchanging sad glances with Machamp. Bricks went up to Hapu with a soft neigh, rubbing his head on her side. Hapu stroked his cheek.

"Perhaps Tapu Fini thinks it's not the right time yet," Eli said with a reassuring smile. "You just have to be patient."

"Mina told me the same thing." Hapu furrowed her brow, a determined expression spreading across her face. "Tapu Fini must be somewhere on this island, and I'm going to find them!"

"Woah there Hapu, are you sure?" Mina asked in a shocked voice. "The tapu tend to stay and go as they please."

"I don't care," Hapu said in a sharp voice, which made everyone including Grimsley flinch. "I won't rest until I find Tapu Fini." She returned Buttercup, hopped on Bricks, and they rushed off.

Grimsley gave a distant stare at that sight. He looked over his shoulder to see everyone else having similar expressions.

"Hapu must be taking this hard," Lillie said with a worried look on her face. "Should we go after her?"

Eli shook her head and sighed. "I'll give her a few hours to herself. I don't blame her, though. Becoming kahuna has been her life goal."

Grimsley hummed and crossed his arms against his chest. "That is a stark contrast to Nanu, who didn't want to become a kahuna but ended up in that role anyways."

Like a lightbulb switch, Eli burst out laughing with her hands on her stomach. "You're not wrong on that. I'm ever grateful though for him watching over Poni Island up to this point." She then said, "You guys want some lunch while you're all here?"

"Sure!" Mina said, her lips forming a small smile. "I'm kinda craving some spam musubi if you have any."

"Oh, that sounds awesome!" Selene said. "I eat those all the time back in Kanto!"

Eli chuckled. "That won't be a problem at all."

Grimsley considered Eli's offer for a moment. He had been out most of the afternoon and the walk back to the Pokémon Center was over half an hour. Some food would be nice.

"I can stay here a while longer."

Eli clapped her hands, a wide grin crossing her features. "Great! You guys relax while Bono and I make them quick." She turned to her Machamp Bono, who nodded and cheered

Everyone went inside the house, Grimsley following behind.

xxx

The rest of the afternoon Grimsley stayed inside and ate lunch with the others. The spam musubi was good if a bit salty for his taste buds. He was taken back how many of those Mina could eat in a minute, as if she was in a hot dog eating contest. Grimsley talked of Unova's Pokémon League and his wealthy upbringing. It wasn't a surprise that Selene got excited hearing about the Elite Four and Gym Leaders. Lillie was curious how Mina became a Trial Captain, to which the fairy-type trainer said she was chosen by Kahuna Sofu several months before he passed away.

"I was coming back from a trip to Kanto, and he wanted me to go against the Totem Kommo-o as a test," Mina continued. She chewed and swallowed another large chunk of the spam musubi. "Despite fairy-type moves being very effective on Kommo-o, that dragon was able to go against my Pokémon well and I barely won. Old man Sofu watched the whole fight and appointed me trial captain then and there."

"That's very cool!" Selene said excitedly. "I can't wait to go against it!"

"I agree, that was a nice story," Lillie said, nodding.

"You have a Brionne, don't you Selene?" Mina asked, this time with her mouth full. "I can help you train and perhaps he might evolve into a Primarina."

Selene beamed. "Yeah, that would be great!"

Eli chuckled and her face softened. "I'm glad my husband had chosen you as Trial Captain before he passed away."

Grimsley hummed and glanced at the clock on the wall, seeing it was almost three o'clock. He wondered if there was any more he and Nanu needed to do on this island. And if not...

"I think I'll head out to the Pokémon Center and see if Nanu is there. We're due to head back to Ula'ula Island soon."

"That's understandable," Lillie said. "I'll stay here and see if Hapu returns."

"Me too," Selene said. "That way we can discuss plans for tomorrow."

"A wise decision." Grimsley rose from his chair and smiled at everyone. "I'll take my leave now. I've enjoyed the hospitality here, Eli and Mina."

"I'm very happy to hear that," Eli said, grinning.

"Hey, not a problem at all!" Mina said and smiled. "Maybe I'll catch you two before you guys leave."

"I would like that." Grimsley wished everyone a good day, waved goodbye to everyone, and headed out.

It was still bright and sunny outside, the warm air being offset by the ocean breeze. Grimsley flipped his coin as he glanced around his surroundings, moving from the barren farmlands of Ancient Poni Path and into the lush greenery of Poni Wilds. Several Pokémon like Gumshoos, Exeggecute, and Inkay roamed around the tall grasses and trees while the Pelipper flew high above.

While walking, Grimsley briefly wondered if Hapu was here. He only just met her, but to him she was very ambitious and driven. He hoped she returned back home safely.

"Tapuuuuu."

Grimsley stopped when he heard that chant. He whipped his head around, but only saw a couple Pokémon on the trees. He pressed his lips, but then he shrugged and continued.

"Tapuuuuu."

Grimsley halted once more; he swore that sounded like "tapu." Could Tapu Fini be nearby?

As he pushed further toward the sound, the air grew much colder and the sunlight dimmed. A thick mist rolled in, and now Grimsley's vision was slightly obscured. He wasn't sure where he was now.

A chill shot through his spine when he realized this must be Tapu Fini's mist. Nanu, Hapu, and Mina had warned him not to pursue the tapu, and now he was trapped inside the mist.

"Are you here, Tapu Fini?" Grimsley shouted. He kept repeating Tapu Fini's name, but so far got nothing back.

"Grimsley, is that you?" a male voice asked. Grimsley turned around and stood there in stunned silence.

An older man in a dark grey suit appeared before him. His brown hair was in a neat cut and slicked hairstyle, just as Grimsley remembered when he had been younger. A grin stretched across his face, his blue eyes brimming with bright light. A moment passed until Grimsley spoke.

"Father?"

Xxx

Nanu returned to the Pokémon Center to see if his Interpol colleagues were there. When he didn't see them there, he headed to the Poni Wilds. Many of the Pokémon were playing or hanging on the trees, but Nanu was lost in his thoughts to pay attention to any of them.

Anabel's reaction to his and Looker's confession replayed in his mind. He knew that would happen, but it still stung him like a Beedrill's behind to see her upset like that. She was right that they should've told her long ago.

Nanu stopped when he saw Charlotte and Looker together, the former squeezing the latter's shoulder. They hung their heads down.

"Hey, you two," he said while approaching them. The two turned to his direction with surprised looks.

"Oh, hi Triples. Looker and I were talking about Anabel. How was your talk with that Team Skull girl?"

"It went better than expected. We talked about some personal stuff, that's all." He paused. "Where were you, Looker?"

Looker shook his head. "I slept on Poni Beach throughout the night, and then wandered off here. The Chief's wellbeing is still on my mind."

A deep frown crossed Nanu's face and his mouth twitched. "While I understand Anabel needing space, I'm worried about her."

"As do I," Looker said. "She and Pablo could be anywhere on this island. Alola, even!"

"Let's try to find her now then before it gets dark," Charlotte said, and both Looker and Nanu grunted in agreement.

"We can ask the seafolk if they've seen her around recently and go from-"

Nanu was interrupted when someone bellowed "Tapuuuu." He jerked his head around but saw only the rustling grass and roaming Pokémon. Looker and Charlotte exchanged worried glances.

"Did you two hear that?" he asked them, and they nodded.

"Yes," Looker said. "The voice shouted 'tapuuuu', if I recall."

Nanu gave a sharp nod. "It seems like Tapu Fini is close by."

"Tapu Fini is one of the Alolan guardians like Tapu Bulu, right?" Charlotte asked.

"Yup. This island's guardian is bad news, especially if you accidentally get inside their mist."

"Mist?" Looker's face jumped, his eyes growing wide. "Like the one coming out now?"

"What?" Nanu turned his head and noticed some mist began to form. His stomach dropped. "We have to get out of here now!"

"How about Anabel?" Charlotte asked. "Will something happen to her?"

Nanu's jaws clenched. He wasn't sure if Anabel had lost a loved one from her world, but if she did and stumbled upon Tapu Fini...

Before he could respond, someone was approaching them. She was a dark figure at first due to the mist but became more visible the closer she got. She wore a dark suit and bluetooth behind her ear. Nanu thought that was Anabel on his first guess, but she had darker hair and skin than her. His heart almost skipped a beat.

"It's been a while, Chief," Sana said, flashing him a grin.

xxx

The last time Grimsley saw his father was at his wake the night before his burial. He was inside a coffin with his face pale as snow and resting peacefully. And now Finn Thomas was in front of him, his grin stretching across his face.

At the back of his mind, Grimsley knew that wasn't his father and that he was in Tapu Fini's mist. But as soon as Father pulled him into a warm embrace, he melted inside his arms and didn't care.

"You've grown so much!" Father said after they let go. "What you've been up to, my son?"

Grimsley felt the back of his neck burning and rubbed there. "Oh, well I became both a professional gambler and one of the members of the Elite Four."

"One of the Elite Four?" Father let out an impressed whistle. "I take it the Pokémon League has changed since then?"

Grimsley hummed and nodded. "There were a lot of young wildcards like our current champion Iris Bailey, but they have great potential."

His father chuckled. "You sound like your mother. Speaking of which, how is she?"

"She's doing wonderful. Right now she's living in Mistralton City and is good friends with Skyla the gym leader there."

"Oh, Miles's granddaughter is the gym leader now?" His eyes grew wide and he chuckled. "I remember her wanting to follow his footsteps at a young age."

Miles was the former Mistralton City gym leader before Skyla took over, and a legendary pilot. He and Finn were good friends, and when his mother moved to Mistralton City she and Skyla spent a lot of time together. Grimsley mused how Skyla and Hapu were alike in taking the same paths as their grandfathers.

"I've seen her battle a few times and she's quite good. She's also a great pilot."

"That's great to hear!" Father then asked, "Are Queen and Raz still with you? I would love to meet them!"

Grimsley's face softened. "Of course."

He pulled out Queen and Raz's pokeballs and released them. Queen stood still while Raz stretched her whole body. When Grimsley's Pokémon noticed his father, they approached him and his father grinned.

"Oh wow, they both evolved and got a lot stronger!" Father said as he scratched Raz's chin, the feline Pokémon purring under his touch. Queen smiled and nodded in acknowledgement.

"I had a full team by the time I was in the Elite Four, but Queen and Raz were with me the longest."

"You must tell me about your Pokémon and how you became an Elite Four!"

Grimsley hummed and told him about his Pokémon journey. On occasion Father gave commentary or chuckled, but he mostly listened. The longer he was with his father, the more he didn't want this moment to end.

xxx

The last time Nanu saw Sana was when his UB Task Force did their last mission together. They pushed through the cave in Poni Meadows and confronted Glutton. After their Pokémon did some good damage, the bulky Ultra Beast grabbed Sana and sunk its jaws into her.

Nanu kept having that nightmare, sometimes playing differently but always ending the same way. But here she was now, thanks to Tapu Fini's magic.

"Hey, Sana," he greeted her, his mouth twitching. "Long time, indeed."

"Are you still working with Interpol? You usually wear a nice suit and all, but now you're dressed like a homeless man."

Nanu narrowed his eyes while Charlotte giggled behind him. Might as well humor her.

"Nope, recently retired from there. I'm now a kahuna and a police officer."

"Kahuna? That's one of those Alolan traditions, yeah? That's actually great."

Nanu grunted and crossed his arms. He didn't think the same, but kept it to himself.

"Sana, honey!" Charlotte rushed to Sana and they twirled around in an embrace. Sana grinned with her hands on her hips.

"Wow, look at you now! You've always been a bombshell, but this is a whole new level."

Charlotte's cheeks blushed and her hands touched there. She batted her eyelashes and said, "Why, thank you."

Nanu frowned throughout their conversation. He turned his head when Looker tapped on his arm.

"Is that really Sana?" Looker asked, and Nanu shook his head.

"This is all Tapu Fini's doing. They're able to make spirits of our late loved ones."

"Spirits? So she's like a ghost?"

"You can say that." Nanu glanced at Charlotte and Sana, the two still talking and laughing. Looker regarded his words for a moment.

""Even so, this is a good opportunity for me to say a few things off my chest." He cleared his throat. "Sana?"

That caused Sana and Charlotte to stop and blink at Looker. Sana smiled at him.

"Hey, I didn't forget you, KR. What's up?"

Looker's face tensed. He looked back at Nanu, who gave him a single nod. The agent inhaled and locked his gaze at her.

"I want to apologize for what happened ten years ago. I hesitated because I felt bad for Glutton.

If it wasn't for my soft heart, you would've still been here today."

"This is partially my fault, too," Nanu said, his frown deepening. "I knew you were a Faller for a while but didn't say anything. I should've warned you early on."

Sana's face fell, letting both men's words sink in. She pressed her lips and her eyes narrowed, but there was some softness in her expression. Charlotte frowned at everyone.

"To be honest, I already had an idea I was being used with the way Interpol treated me. I stuck around because I wanted to help the Ultra Beasts any way I can." Sana shrugged. "I would've gone through the mission with Glutton anyways."

Nanu furrowed his brow while Looker lowered his head. Just as expected.

"I've been collecting data on the Ultra Beasts since then," Charlotte said with a proud smile. "That way all your hard work didn't go to waste."

"That's great that you picked it up, sweetheart!" The smile on Sana's lips widened. "I'm so glad to meet the whole Task Force. I didn't regret my time with you guys."

Nanu's heart sank. A part of him felt that he didn't deserve Sana's kindness there. Nonetheless, he appreciated it. Charlotte and Looker grinned, feeling the same way.

"Shadow Punch!" a new voice called out.

A Golurk blitzed through Nanu's sight and punched Sana with their fist. She was engulfed in purple flames, making her mist however didn't clear. Charlotte shrieked in surprise while Looker's mouth fell open.

Nanu stood in stunned silence for a second before he turned around to see Hapu on her Mudsdale. Mina, Selene, and Lillie were behind her also. Looker and Charlotte exchanged confused looks.

"Are you three all right?" Hapu asked.

"Yeah we're fine," Nanu said. "What are all of you doing here?"

"The three of us noticed the mist going around, and we came to find Hapu," Mina said.

"After we found her, Hapu noticed you guys and we followed her here," Selene said. Lillie responded with a nod.

"You all were under Tapu Fini's mist, so I knew I had to act." Hapu hopped off Bricks. "Who knows what would happen if you stayed longer."

A disappointed look came over Charlotte's face. "So the Sana we saw was Tapu Fini's doing."

Mina bobbed her head. "Ah huh. That's the power of Tapu Fini."

"Nanu warned us about that Pokémon earlier," Looker said. He whipped around his head in panic. "Speaking of which, where is it?"

Hapu's forehead was squished into a furrowed brow. She clenched one of her fists and shouted, "Tapu Fini, show yourself!"

A moment passed until Tapu Fini came out from behind a tree and appeared in front of everyone. Nanu and Mina stared at them with great focus while everyone else gasped in shock. Hapu stepped forward.

"I'm Hapu, granddaughter of Sofu. I've traveled through all of Alola so that I may become stronger and be ready to face you. I challenge you to become the next kahuna of Poni Island!"

Tapu Fini looked down at Hapu, as if regarding her deity screamed and raised their arms, a whirlpool swirling around them. The mist around them changed color, now a glittery light pink-Nanu recognized this as Misty Terrain. Hapu grinned in satisfaction.

"All right Emet, you're up first!" Hapu thrust her arm, and Emet her Golurk stepped forward.

Tapu Fini released a blast of water at Emet, who countered with their ghostly infused fists. The Golurk went for a straight punch, only for Tapu Fini to withdraw themselves inside their shell. Emet did a second punch on the shell to no effect.

"Let's force them out with Stone Edge!"

Emet grunted and slammed one of their fists on the ground. Several rock pillars popped up and one struck hard at Tapu Fini. That caused them to open their shell and fire high-pressure water at Emet, who launched off like a rocket to avoid the Hydro Pump. Tapu Fini surrounded themselves in a liquid shell and let loose controlled water at Emet, the golem weaving through them easily.

"Oh wow, didn't think Golurk can be that fast in the air," Selene said in awe, not tearing her gaze off of the sky.

Mina nodded and hummed. "Little Hapu uses Emet often when she wants to go to the other side of the island quickly. Her Flygon is quite fast, too."

Nanu pressed his lips hard. Each tapu could control the environment around them: Tapu Koko with electricity, Tapu Lele with psychic energy, Tapu Bulu with plantlife, and Tapu Fini with water. Hapu had guts going against the guardian of Poni Island, especially with the type disadvantage. Her next command pulled him from his thoughts.

"Great! Now, Heavy Slam!"

After dodging a few more of Tapu Fini's waters in the air, Emet dived down and slammed Tapu Fini into the ground. The water guardian picked themselves slowly, bruises and dirt all over them. The liquid shell that was covering Tapu Fini glowed, and all of the dirt and wounds disappeared from their body.

"Looks like Tapu Fini used Aqua Ring," Lillie said with concern. That meant Tapu Fini would heal themselves little by little, Nanu mused to himself.

Hapu gave a displeased look. "That's not good. Okay, Stone Edge once more!"

Emet slammed their fist on the ground and the tall rock pillars burst out once more. Tapu Fini released large amounts of water that blasted each of the rock pillars except for one that poked through them. The water guardian regrouped and fired another Hydro Pump at Emet, soaking and pushing the golem back. Emet retaliated by having their fist surrounded in a ghostly aura and launching it at Tapu Fini. The Automation Pokémon threw several punches and landed each one, but Tapu Fini healed themselves thanks to Aqua Ring and shot out manipulated water that were shaped like hands at them.

"Get away from those!" Hapu urgently called, and Emet launched themselves into the air once more. Her Pokémon was able to keep away from the swirling waters for a while, but eventually Tapu Fini caught Emet's leg with their powers and slammed them down on the ground like a hammer.

Tapu Fini didn't wait for Emet to get up as they raised their arms and a raging whirlpool sucked them in. Hapu yelled for her Pokémon to launch themselves out of the whirlpool, and they did by shooting themselves back into the sky. Unfortunately Tapu Fini acted quickly by releasing a blast of pink energy and shocking Emet while they were in the air. Emet stiffened and dropped on the ground, a cloud of dust picking up.

When Emet didn't get up, Hapu rushed to their side. Everyone but Nanu gasped in shock.

"That's a technique I've never seen before," Looker said, rubbing his chin.

"Nature's Madness." Nanu furrowed his brow. He had experienced that move firsthand. "The tapu used it when they're very upset. Hapu definitely needs to watch out for that."

"Emet are you all right?" Hapu asked, and Emet made a low grunt. Hapu sighed in relief. "You fought well there, you deserve some rest. Hapu returned Emet into their pokeball and pulled out another. "Come forth, Maybelle!"

A flash of light poured out, revealing the green-and-blue East Sea variant of Gastrodon. Maybelle squealed and lifted half of her body up.

Tapu Fini immediately fired off a Hydro Pump at Maybelle, who stood still and absorbed all of the water. The tapu glared while Maybelle jerked her head and gave a small cry.

"That's Gastrodon's ability, Storm Drain," Charlotte said, grinning. "I took care of some Shellos and Gastrodon in Aether Paradise."

"Hapu told me Maybelle's ability will come in handy when she challenges Tapu Fini." The smile on Mina's lips faded. "That won't stop the tapu, though."

Hapu gave Maybelle a command, and she shot out purple sludge from her mouth. Tapu Fini weaved around and avoided most of the sludges saved for one that landed on her eyes. Pulsing blue light surrounded them, and the goo disappeared.

"Mud Bomb this time!"

Maybelle opened her mouth and shot out multiple balls of mud at Tapu Fini. The tapu dodged each one and lashed out controlled water at her. Nanu noticed that the water attacks sprouted out from the ground, so he realized the tapu was trying to trap Hapu's Gastrodon instead of hurting her.

"Freeze each one!"

Whenever Tapu Fini's manipulated waters got close, Maybelle inhaled and blasted ice-type energy at them. One of Maybelle's Ice Beams missed, and a liquid thread wrapped around her waist and lifted her into the air. Maybelle made several pleading squeals, but Tapu Fini ignored that and slammed her on the ground. The Gastrodon picked herself up and winced.

"They can still use their powers to hurt Maybelle," Selene said with a frown. "Should we help her?"

Mina shook her head, wearing the same expression as Selene. "This is little Hapu's battle she has to face on her own."

As if hearing their conversation, Hapu narrowed her eyes. She asked Maybelle to use Sludge Wave at Tapu Fini, and the sea slug Pokémon spat out large amounts of goo. Tapu Fini retreated into their shell and spun around, making Maybelle's sludge bounce off. Nanu and everyone else ducked and scrambled whenever one of the goo clumps headed their way.

"Tapu Fini is getting out of control!" Looker complained as he ducked his head from another sludge.

"That's the tapu for you." Nanu also did the same when one sludge almost hit him.

Tapu Fini opened their shell and released shimmering pink energy straight at Hapu's Pokémon. Maybelle took the hit, screaming in pain. While Maybelle tried to catch her breath, Tapu Fini used their water manipulation powers to grab Maybelle's waist once more and flung her into a nearby tree. Maybelle collapsed upon impact, and Hapu dashed to her side.

"You fought valiantly, Maybelle," Hapu said in a low voice as she nuzzled her Pokémon's cheek. She returned her and turned towards Bricks. "It's all up to you now, bud."

Bricks stepped forward, raised his head, and screamed. He stomped three times, kicking dirt behind him. Hapu grinned.

"Double Kick and make it quick!"

Bricks swung around and used his back legs to kick Tapu Fini on the chest twice. Tapu Fini flinched and then fired high pressure water at him. The horse Pokémon was soaked but he shook it off, and an orange aura surrounded him.

"Oh, that's Mudsdale's ability, Stamina," Lillie said, her face lighting up. "I read their defenses get stronger with each hit."

"Tapu Fini seems to favor long distance attacks, though." Mina said. "Don't know how much that'll help."

"Okay, now for Heavy Slam and then Earthquake!"

After Tapu Fini blasted another Hydro Pump, Bricks avoided it and launched himself at Tapu Fini. He pinned Tapu Fini down with his front legs while his back legs stomped on the ground and caused the earth to crack. Everyone on the sidelines almost lost their balance when the Earthquake happened. Tapu Fini spat some water onto Bricks' face and was let go from his grip.

As Tapu Fini and Bricks continued to exchange blows, Nanu found himself reminiscing the time he had battled Tapu Bulu. His Pokémon pulled off a variety of attacks, but Tapu Bulu's grass and fairy-type powers were too overwhelming for them and were taken down one by one until Persian was left. He was grateful Tapu Bulu stopped there.

"So that's the power of the tapu," Charlotte said in a low voice. At that moment, Bricks threw several rocks at Tapu Fini, who countered each one with blasts of water.

Nanu snorted and a crooked smile pulled on his lips. "When I battled Tapu Bulu, they showed no mercy. Tapu Fini is doing the same here."

"Hapu is gonna do her Z-move now, watch out!" Mina pointed out, and everyone backed away as fast as they could.

Hapu did her pose for the Z-move Tectonic-Rage, in which she had her left fist over her right one, dropped on one knee, and slammed the ground. She and her Pokémon were engulfed in a golden aura, and then Bricks stomped on the ground several times. The earth shook, stronger than the Earthquake Bricks used earlier; Nanu and Lillie fell on the ground, but Looker and Selene picked them up. A chasm opened up, and Bricks leapt up to stomp on Tapu Fini and have them fall within the hole.

Everyone waited with bated breath. A moment passed until a storming whirlpool shot up like Poni Coast Break's geysers and both Bricks and Tapu Fini burst out. Bricks was still standing but took deep breaths and his legs shook. Tapu Fini took this opportunity to trap Bricks inside another large whirlpool.

Hapu yelled out for Bricks to get out, which he did by pushing through the waters and ramming into Tapu Fini's chest. Tapu Fini recoiled from that hit while Bricks fell on one knee and barely kept his eyes open. The two gave each other long stares…

...And Tapu Fini smiled and clapped.

"Is this the end of the battle?" Selene asked, furrowing her brow in confusion. Looker wore a similar expression while Lillie and Charlotte tilted their heads.

Before anyone could respond, Tapu Fini approached Hapu and a sparkling crystal appeared between them. Everyone gathered around them just as she grabbed the crystal and opened her palm. A yellow crystal with the Alolan guardian symbol engraved on it. Hapu's eyes grew wide and she inhaled.

"Does that mean…"

"It is," Nanu said, and Mina nodded in agreement. He grinned at Hapu and put his hands on his sides. "You're the new kahuna, kid."

Hapu's face brightened up at the news. She wrapped her arms around Bricks's neck and nuzzled at his cheek.

"We finally did, Bricks." Hapu held the new z-crystal in front of him, and Bricks made a joyful neigh.

"That's a cool z-crystal there," Selene said, beaming. "What is it?"

"That's the Tapunium-Z. Each kahuna receives that z-crystal as proof of their connection to the tapu." Hapu faced Nanu. "You have one yourself, don't you Kahuna Nanu?"

"I do," Nanu said. "I haven't used it in a long while, though."

"Well a hearty congratulations is in order!" Looker said, grinning. Lillie, Selene, and Charlotte also said their congratulations.

"You deserved it, Hapu," Mina said, and her smile faded. "Oh, looks like the mist is clearing."

Indeed the mist around them disappeared and the late afternoon light in Poni Wilds came back. Tapu Fini floated to the sky, heading somewhere far away.

"I should head back to my house and let my grandma know," Hapu said. "You all can come if you want."

"I'm sure that'll make her very happy," Lillie said, her grin widening.

Charlotte poked Nanu's arm, causing him to look over his shoulder at her.

"Should we go look for Anabel now?" she whispered, and Nanu's stomach dropped. He was so distracted with Hapu and Tapu Fini's battle that he completely forgot.

"Yeah, we should." He cleared his throat and faced Hapu. "You guys go ahead, My colleagues and I are in search of a missing friend. You don't happen to stumble upon a woman with purple hair and in a dark suit, have you?"

Hapu shook her head. "No I haven't, sorry. If I do see her, I'll let her know you're looking for her."

Nanu frowned. "Thanks, I appreciate it." He turned to Looker and Charlotte. "Come on, let's go."

He, Charlotte, and Looker headed out. Nanu hoped that Anabel was still fine out there.

xxx

After Grimsley finished talking about being in the Elite Four, he and Father talked about the many trips overseas they had together; his family used to have several villas across different regions, so they would visit those during the summer and winter season. During their conversation, Raz lay down next to Grimsley's feet while Queen stood still and listened. He wasn't sure how long he had been with him, but it felt like hours.

"You remember how I was away for a bit when we were in Hoenn? Well, me getting your mother a gift was half of it. What really happened was a Wingull stole my ring and I chased it for almost half an hour! Thank goodness Mr. Brine helped me or else."

"That actually happened to me several days ago. A Murkrow stole your ring and I chased it down to an abandoned store. I managed to get the ring, but another Pokémon blocked my path and I was forced to battle it. Right, Raz?"

Grimsley gazed down at Raz, who looked up and growled. He chuckled and scratched her chin.

"Well I'm happy to hear that you still have my ring at least," Father said with a hearty laugh. His smile faded. "You and your mother probably had a hard time adjusting after I died.

Grimsley frowned, his heart sinking. "It was rough for a little while, but then after going to several world poker competitions and joining the Elite Four we're much better off."

"I still feel bad for leaving you two." Father hung his head down and his shoulders slumped. "If I wasn't so sick, we could've been happier together much longer."

Grimsley's face fell when he heard that. He moved closer to his father and squeezed his shoulders, offering him a sad smile.

"Don't blame yourself for that. There were times I wished I could go back and choose a different card, but I'm pleased where I'm at now." Grimsley shifted his gaze away for a second, his sad smile turning into a genuine one. "I'm proud to be called your son."

A wide grin stretched across Father's face. "And as your father, I'm proud of you."

Grimsley and his father shared another embrace. He was reminded of how warm his body was and how safe he was in his arms. When they let go, the mist surrounding them cleared and Father began to fade in gold glitters. His Pokémon noticed too, Raz getting up and growling while Queen frowned.

"I guess my time's up," Father said, his expression softening.

Grimsley frowned at first, but then he smiled back. "I'm glad that we've gotten to talk once more."

"Same here. Maybe we'll meet like this again someday."

"I would like that." He reached for his hand, and his father fully disappeared. His hand on his heart, he gazed up at the sky and whispered, "Goodbye, Father."

Grimsley's Pokémon went to comfort him. Raz rubbed at his side and Queen touched his shoulder. A small smile was pulled on his lips.

"Grimsley?" a familiar male voice asked. Grimsley turned around to see Nanu, Looker, and Wicke approaching him. When they stopped, he blinked at them.

"What are you three doing here?"

"We were trapped inside Tapu Fini's mist for a while and only now were free from that. Did the same happen to you?"

Grimsley's eyes widened, surprised the three were caught in that mist also. "Yes. I was heading back to the Pokémon Center, and then the mist happened." A beat. "I met my father."

Nanu flinched and his shoulders jumped. His colleagues reacted the same way.

"The three of us were also reunited with a lost loved one," Wicke said with a small smile. "A nice girl named Hapu saved us before we were in the mist too long, though."

"Hapu?" Upon Wicke saying her name, a realization hit Grimsley. "Wait, did she battle Tapu Fini?"

Looker hummed and nodded. "Indeed, she did! After a tough struggle, Tapu Fini chose her as Kahuna of Poni Island!"

"Really?" Grimsley chuckled and smirked. He folded his arms against his chest. "I guess that gamble of hers paid off."

Nanu stared at Grimsley, the corner of his mouth twitching. After a brief moment, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"At least you're okay in the end. We've got a bigger problem, though. Anabel hasn't returned yet."

"She hasn't?" Grimsley asked with a raised brow, and Looker shook his head.

"We're about to go searching for her now. Since our paths crossed, would you help us?"

Grimsley pressed his lips and his eyes narrowed. After some pondering, he nodded.

"I'll help. And so will my Pokémon, right?" He turned to them. Raz lifted her head and growled while Queen hummed and bobbed her head.

"Good," Nanu said. "Come on, we should try to find her before dark."

Everyone did just that, Grimsley and his Pokémon following behind. His reunion with his father was on his mind, but his smile faded. He needed to focus on finding Nanu's friend.

Author's Notes

Tapu Fini's mist was inspired by the Sun/Moon anime episode Memories in the Mist, regarded by many as one of the most heartfelt episodes in the whole series. While there are similar beats, I make Nanu and Grimsley's versions of being under Tapu Fini's mist still their own thing.

Also! For those that are fans of Fire Emblem: Three Houses and like the pairing of Felix/Bernadetta, I recently posted a short fic featuring them! For the Ffnet version you can check it under my profile.

Thanks to bobandbill for betaing as always. Something came up so there might be another delay, but will try to get the next chapter in next month. See you then!