Chapter 14 - Arc 1 (Melemele Island) Blind Faith
It was so hard for Selene to fall asleep that night.
She, Elio, Lillie, and Hau had all bunked together that evening at the Pokémon Center just across from Verdant Cavern. Ilima was staying there, too, but had taken refuge in a single room some distance down the hall of the hostel. Before turning in for the evening, however, Ilima had offered to pay for dinner from the café's surprisingly lengthy menu options downstairs, as well as sat down and spoken with them all on how to best proceed with the concerns over her and Elio's parents. The discussion had really mostly served to upset her more, the more the reality sank in that Alola simply didn't have the infrastructure to assist them (and, more disturbingly, most wouldn't even have the desire; it had dawned on her as Ilima discussed their options moving forward that her parents were Kantonian, hadn't participated in this Island Challenge since they had only just moved in and likely didn't think they needed to, and so, a lot of Alolans wouldn't even care, if anything Ilima had explained to her was true). Yet, she did find it incredibly relieving that Ilima and Hau both wanted to help them… Having some native Alolans to help them navigate the inverted world she found herself lost in gave her a small, fledgling sense of hope.
Of course, something bothered her, as she tossed on her back in that flimsy bunk and lightly scratched the top of her Rowlet's head. At some point during the discussion (in which they had decided heading to Iki Town the next day to see if anyone knew anything about her parents, and if nobody did, they could challenge Kahuna Hala and then move on to Akala to search for clues), Selene had gotten a little hot and snapped at Ilima, demanding to know if this was how all Alolans lived, in something akin to constant fear. The idea of an entire society built around fear was foreign to her, and she had lost her patience with it, unwilling to face the reality that this was the new normal she had to adjust to.
With a wistful smile that genuinely disturbed Selene, Ilima had simply said, "I completely understand that the Tapus can seem even malevolent at times, and that our reverence for them… is intimidating." Then, training his milky-eyed stare on her, making her cringe slightly, he sighed almost longingly. "The Tapus are finicky creatures and we've had to adapt to that. But they have given us so many gifts and take care of these islands. I've seen and understood more than most people would in their entire lifetimes… I will always be grateful for that no matter what happens tomorrow."
It had struck Selene then that, no matter how kind and sympathetic Ilima seemed, he was still fully enveloped by the twisted, fearful culture he'd found himself born into. That was a horrifying thought, honestly; despite his ability to understand various perceptions with a mere glance, the streets he walked day in and out still had shaped so much of his worldview. Part of that realization had also come when, after he explained that, he had eagerly turned to Hau and said something to him in Alolan, as if asking him to back him up. Selene and Elio had turned to him with bated breath and were surprised when Hau merely hugged Popper closer to himself and averted his gaze from Ilima. He had mumbled something beneath his breath, inciting something from Ilima that seemed shocked. Yet, that had been the end of their conversation, with Ilima casting Hau one last, practiced, sympathetic look.
Selene sighed and tilted her head at her Rowlet. He was fast asleep beneath her ministrations, blithely unaware of the dangerous world he was going to assist her through. With a wince, she had the thought that the real reasons Alolans kept their pokémon outside of their Poké Balls so much was because they had to. Still… peering over the protective banister of her upper bunk, she looked across the room and at Hau's sleeping form, on the opposite bed's lower bunk. Popper was curled over his hip and fast asleep, yet she had noticed that for the first hour or so after they had laid down, Hau had tossed and turned before it seemed exhaustion had claimed him. Although Ilima seemed borderline brainwashed, Hau somehow didn't. He understood Alola because he was still Alolan, yes, but he somehow seemed more aware and less like a blind Mareep following the flock. The way he tended to hang back and watch situations play out, rarely giving his opinion on them, and then boisterously act upbeat and happy… She had to wonder if there was something more to him. After all, she thought bitterly, there's been something more to everything else in this Arceus-forsaken place. So, what secrets are you hiding, Hau?
Wanting to groan in frustration but holding off for fear of waking anyone else up, Selene tossed her right arm over her forehead. Oh, how she wished she could have just turned her mind off and gone to sleep…
Lillie wished she could have done the same, but she was privately fuming. Nebby was nestled against her chest, fast asleep, but her mind raced. Earlier when Ilima had been speaking with them, Elio had interrupted to accusingly ask Lillie why she had asked if their parents were home when she and Hau had come to pick them up to head to the Verdant Cavern. Catching the implication that he thought she might have known something about their potentially missing parents, Lillie had felt a flash of betrayal; she had tried to show sympathy for them when she realized that something was more amiss about their disappearance than mere work troubles, because she didn't wish a fractured family on anyone, and so, Elio's sudden distrust of her had just been plain hurtful. Truthfully, she understood it and knew she shouldn't have blamed him for it… Even if there wasn't sound logic to his decision to accuse her, he had just realized he was stuck in something like a theocratic anarchy, with his parents gone without a trace, and that was certain to put anyone in a bad mood, but more than that, it wasn't as if Lillie had been forthcoming with information and she had even been outright combative to him. Because she felt like she needed to be.
Yet, she needed him and his sister, and now, she was certain they needed her, too. It pained her to think of them losing their parents so needlessly and callously… If anyone had done anything to them, she intended to make sure they were brought to justice, no matter what that would look like in the topsy-turvy world of Alola. Even so, it stung so badly to know Elio potentially thought she was involved somehow…
Perhaps she would have to swallow her pride and try to let him see she meant no harm. She had been playing the role of thorny loner for so long, thanks to her mother's maltreatment and Alolans' distrust of her, that she had apparently forgotten it made it difficult to maintain relationships with people she actually cared for… Of course, she knew even that line of thinking was stupid. She wasn't going to maintain their relationship—she only needed Elio and Selene as long as it took for Kukui to get through whatever it was he wanted with them. Maybe even before then, she would make some discovery with Nebby, and she'd have to make some decisions depending on that. Either way, she intended to become self-sufficient enough until she could disappear and never have to worry about Alola or Aether Foundation again. She didn't know where she'd go, but that was the plan.
She couldn't afford to build more than a fledgling relationship with Elio, not unless she wanted to inflict him and herself with heartache, and she was sure they had both endured enough of that. They were nothing more than mutual getaway cars; he and his sister would help her, and she'd help them with their parents, and then, they'd pass one another by and onto their next, individual hustles. After such an experience, she was sure he and his family would flee Alola the second they were reunited, and she wouldn't have blamed them at all. In fact, she'd have probably encouraged it. Indeed, it was no surprise there was no room for any 'maintained relationship' there.
Shuddering, she lightly touched a finger to Nebby's semi-gaseous form, and it felt as if exhaustion hit her like a ton of bricks. Being so on-guard all the time could just be exhausting.
The next day, Hau, Selene, Elio, Lillie, and Ilima made their way back to Iki Town. Despite his best efforts to cheer everyone up with jokes and Popper's tricks, Hau's attempts fell flat, and he eventually just fell back and brought up the rear of the group, a seed of dread growing in his abdomen the closer they drew to his hometown. His grandfather had explained to him more than a few times what happened when a Captain was demoted on their twentieth birthday, but that didn't mean Hau was excited to see it. He also wasn't looking forward to asking around town to see if anyone had seen what happened with Selene and Elio's parents. Not for lack of desire to help, but rather, because he was almost certain nobody would. Selene and Elio's home was a little ways away from Iki Town, and if Professor Kukui hadn't seen anything, then he was fairly sure they'd be out of luck. Not to mention, trying to carry casual conversations in Iki could be so… suffocating. That had become painfully apparent after just the few, precious conversations he'd had with Selene so far. Talking with her, however limited his Galarish was, felt infinitely more freeing than any conversations he could remember from others in Iki. The confusing net of social rules his grandfather and the people of Iki placed on him had all but melted away and they had just… talked. Actually talked. It had felt wonderful, the short distance they had traveled so far.
Yet, as they silently trudged back into Iki, he worried all of that would be over due to whatever had happened to their parents. He couldn't allow himself to think too hard about the possible explanations for what had happened, either, unfortunately… it was just too painful, given all he had experienced himself, so he hoped that they were simply wrong and their parents really were just having an extended stay in Akala with awful cell service. That thought at least helped ease the guilt he held… After all, they had potentially lost their parents, and there he was, mourning a relationship he'd barely had with them and blocking out the seriousness of the situation due to his own issues with his late family… He winced. There was a reason he tended to keep such thoughts and feelings buried. Hardly anybody wanted to talk to him to begin with, forget about all of his baggage.
Once they breached Iki Town's borders, he was unsurprised to find Kahuna Hala in the center of the town, chatting away to a group of people Hau vaguely recognized. The rest of the town was milling about and immediately turned to them as Ilima led them toward Hala. As if on cue, Lillie shuffled to a slower pace and cast Hau a curt glance before falling back and away from him and the rest of the group, banishing herself to the outskirts of town. Briefly biting his lower lip, Hau wanted to ask her to stay, but knew that if she didn't naturally distance herself, Hala would force her to—and he'd likely get an earful over it, too. With a shuddery sigh, he turned away from her and stuffed his hands into his pockets, lingering behind Selene and Elio as they whispered to one another.
At last, Hala noticed Ilima, and he threw his arms wide as if expecting a hug, though he instead patted Ilima firmly on the shoulder. "Captain Ilima, it's an honor to have you here today!" he boasted in Alolan. Adopting a suddenly much more sullen expression, Hala withdrew his hands and clasped them in front of himself, dipping his head toward Ilima. "You have been an excellent Captain for just under eight years and guided many trial-goers on the right path. Tapu Koko, too, has been pleased with your services, and all of us here on Melemele will do our part in helping you manage after today."
As they stood atop that wooden stadium in the center of town, the gathering crowd around them did the same as Hala, respectfully holding their hands ahead of themselves and somewhat dipping their heads. Even though Hau wasn't their target, it still made him feel anxious, and he backpedaled until he nearly fell off the platform, saved only by Popper nosing his calf to warn him.
"What is he saying?" Hau heard Elio hiss in irritation, as if he meant it to be a whisper, but it came off much louder.
"I don't know, but I'm not asking Rotom for help during what I'm guessing is another super important ceremony," Selene defeatedly whispered back at him.
Shuffling closer to them and daring to fall into step next to Elio, Hau hoarsely translated, "They… telling Ilima 'good job.'" Somehow, he knew that wasn't exactly the correct translation for what was going on, but he hoped it got the point across, nonetheless. Forcing a smile and scuffing his shoe against the wood below them, he added, "Tell him we help him after today."
Elio blinked down at Hau dubiously, his earlier contemptuous stare having been traded for confusion. "Help him with what?"
Before Hau had a chance to try to explain, Hala gave the group a disapproving look, and motioned with his hand for them to get off the stage. Immediately, Hau obeyed, waving his hand for Selene and Elio to follow, leaving Ilima and Hala alone there. The ripples of chatter in the crowd surrounding them died off as Ilima got to his knees following Hala's instructions to do so. Then, he released his Gumshoos, and the beastly pokémon took a moment to look around before relaxing next to him. Taking a step back from them, Hala clenched his right hand to a fist and hit his chest once with it, before calling out in singsong Alolan and stomping forward, "Tapu Koko, we call upon you to honorably discharge this Captain, as you see fit!"
There was a moment of reverent silence, then a clap of thunder in the distance. Hau cringed and, without thinking, shrank behind Elio so that he could only just barely see as Tapu Koko landed in a flash of crackling, yellow light in front of Hala and Ilima. The pokémon's shelled body created a dent in the stage that nearly made Ilima fall over from his knelt position, and the Gumshoos immediately flattened itself to the ground, chattering nervously. Hala stepped off the stage and motioned for everyone to move back.
"Where did it come from?" Hau heard Selene fearfully press from her brother. "I blinked and it was just there!"
Shaking his head, Hau tapped them both on the shoulder and then took a decisive few steps back, hoping they would catch on. Although she gave him a cautious glance at first, Selene followed suit, glaring at Elio when he stubbornly acted as if he didn't intend to move. Under her wordless warning, he mumbled something beneath his breath and crossed his arms, moving away from the stage.
With the new clearance around the platform, Hau swallowed hard as he watched Tapu Koko circle Ilima and Gumshoos. After a second or two, Ilima shakily held up an Ultra Ball, which Tapu Koko dispatched with a single flick of the sharp, bladed edge on the end of his shell-covered arms. Sliced cleanly in half, the separated halves of the Poké Ball rolled off the stage, smoking somewhat from where they had been broken. Turning his beady eyes to the Gumshoos, Tapu Koko let loose a loud, ear-piercing sound, a repetitive, "Ko-ko-ko-ko!"
Without so much as a glance back to Ilima, the Gumshoos scurried off the stage and bolted for Mahalo Trail, swallowed up by the shadow of the pathway in seconds. Tapu Koko's attention then turned to Ilima himself. Using one of those sharp hands, he lightly touched his chin and forced him to look up and at him. Electricity arced over his impressive, orange mohawk, coursing down his body and consequently, onto Ilima, and his eyes flashed a vibrant, blinding teal that forced Hau to clench his own eyes shut and look away. Yet, Ilima didn't seem capable of doing the same, and there was a single, high-pitched yelp from him before Tapu Koko's lightshow ended. With a fluid movement that was almost too fast for Hau's eyes to keep up, Tapu Koko jumped away from Ilima and cried out again, in something Hau swore sounded demanding, as if Tapu Koko were ordering Ilima to do something.
Yet, Ilima seemed unable to obey, as he failed to stand up. He weakly moved to try to do so and lost his balance, toppling over immediately, striking out with his left arm in a panic to catch himself before he reached the ground, but… he completely miscalculated the distance and ended up landing awkwardly on his elbow and hip. With a grunt, he struggled back to a kneeling position, which strangely seemed to satisfy Tapu Koko. He nodded in approval at the downed former Captain, and then slowly faced Kahuna Hala. It let fly another loud cry, and then bounced high into the air; more thunder rang out overhead despite the clear, crisp skies, and just like that, it was over.
Hau's mouth was sandpaper and he didn't realize he was panting as he overlooked Ilima, nor did he notice Popper clinging to his leg and whimpering for his attention, clearly frightened by the display. As he watched Hala climb back onstage and help Ilima to his suddenly unsteady feet, he felt a visceral fear rip through him. He knew even without approaching that Ilima was blind now, truthfully blind, not only in the sense that his ability had been taken, but his basic, human eyesight, too, and his Gumshoos had been forcefully freed as well.
That was the price of the Tapus' so-called 'gifts.' While everyone around him bar Selene and Elio converged on the platform, offering encouraging words and grateful praise to Ilima, Hau felt as if the town were closing down on him and like he was drowning. The Tapus offered godlike insight and abilities to Captains and Kahunas alike, but to maintain their power over the humans they 'served,' they made sure everyone knew they could wrench those abilities away in an instant. Looking down at his hands, Hau realized he was shivering.
To become a Captain, one had to have a run-in with the Tapu of their island, be gifted or find a Z-Crystal nearby, and then had to present with some sort of inhuman ability shortly thereafter. To become a Kahuna was mostly the same, except the person would also be granted the ability to speak directly to a Tapu (which, the Tapus didn't take kindly to those that lied about having that ability, so it wasn't as if there were often fake Kahunas). Still staring at his hands, Hau saw the tiniest spark of electricity arc between his fingertips, and he yelped, shoving his hands back into his pockets.
Unknown to everyone else in Alola, Hau met all the criteria for a Captain.
He just hadn't told anyone and, more ashamedly, didn't intend to. Even though seeing Tapu Koko in person set his heart pounding and made him sweat profusely in fear, he clung to the freedom he still had. Watching Ilima's demotion had just further proved to him that he had no desire to lead that life of piety. The only thing he didn't understand was why Tapu Koko hadn't done anything to him yet for his failure to commit to the path that had been so clearly laid out before him… Yet, that fear didn't push him to act in a way that would prevent any future holy retribution, did it?
All his grandfather knew was that he had met Tapu Koko when he was younger. He had believed Hau would present with an ability at some point, and in a way… he had been right.
The Tapus chose you.
Hau gnawed his lower lip almost until it bled. Truthfully, he hated that phrase, and it was a big reason he had panicked when he had first discovered his ability and refused to inform anyone. But I didn't choose them… Closing his eyes briefly to swallow the lump building in his throat, he winced. I know that's wrong… I don't know what's wrong with me… I don't know why I'd rather suffer in silence than just do what everyone else does, be normal…
It would be so much easier that way…
Really, nothing should have shocked her anymore, but Selene was gaping at the scene ahead of her in a mix of horror and fear. "What just happened?" she hissed suddenly, clinging to Elio closely. Vaguely realizing he wouldn't know either, she whipped her head around a few times, looking for Hau or Lillie. Lillie was nowhere to be seen, but Hau stood on the other side of Elio, back stiff as a board and hands plunged deep in his orange shorts' pockets. Popper clung to his leg almost pathetically, but Selene didn't blame him. Her Rowlet had practically burrowed himself between her neck and hair, and she had allowed him. Honestly, she enjoyed the comfort, too. Macho had forced his way between Elio's feet, all the fur across his back fluffed out and extended. Shaking her head, Selene growled, "Hau, what just happened? Why didn't Ilima warn us about, oh, I don't know, any of that?"
"Didn't want scare you," Hau answered in a strangled tone. She noticed then that his arms were shivering.
Didn't want to scare us. Yeah, like just seeing it firsthand isn't scary…
"So, I've been hearing a couple stray words in the crowd," Elio loudly chimed in. "Is he blind? Did that thing show up, release his pokémon, and blind him?" Pausing for emphasis, he incredulously blurted, "Just to clarify, that was to thank him for his service as a Captain? Man, I'd hate to see what you guys do to Kahunas when they retire!"
Hau cringed under Elio's sarcasm. "Had to take away ability," he answered almost… bitterly? Interest piqued, Selene sidestepped her brother and tilted her head at Hau. He jolted in surprise once he realized how close she was. Before she had a chance to ask him to clarify, his expression soured, and he took a shuddery breath. "Tapus strong, but can't take away ability. Stop you from use it, instead. Ilima have to see you to use ability. If Ilima can't see, can't use ability…"
"Wait, wait," Selene started, waving a hand obnoxiously at her brother to get him to shut up before he said anything that might throw Hau off, "so, the Tapus can grant these special abilities, but they can't actually take them away? So, they just have to… prevent you from using them, somehow?" Looking past Hau and after where the Gumshoos had ran off to, she gasped. "Is that why it released his pokémon? Because it can't take away the extra power it gave that… Totem Gumshoos, or whatever it was?"
Glancing over his shoulders a few times, Hau sighed and nodded at Selene. Perking up in a way that felt far too forced, however, he grinned lackadaisically and then crossed his arms behind his head. "But Tapus good for giving abilities at all. Powers helpful. Ilima help better island, uh… relates… rel…"
"Relations."
Selene jerked her head to see Lillie approaching them. "Ilima helped Alola learn a lot about the rest of the world as well as bettering relations between the islands. They haven't always gotten along so well, from what I understand…"
Clicking his tongue, Elio muttered, "Well, sorry, but it just seems a little sadistic to me for them to give some of you guys powers and then take them away in cruel and unusual ways. I mean, has it occurred to any of you that it just kinda seems like they're using you and then throwing you away?"
Hau looked as if someone might have slapped him, with the way he recoiled, and his eyes widened. Looking around wildly, he seemed to only calm down when he realized that Kahuna Hala was still busy with Ilima, walking him off the stage and talking animatedly with him. When Hau turned his attention back to the group, he grinned falsely again, tucking those arms behind his head once more. "Why not ask around about parents?" he asked innocently, silently telling them they were done with the previous topic.
"I'll go see if Kukui saw anything," Lillie offered in a surprisingly gentle voice.
"If two come with me," Hau started, gesturing at Selene and Elio, "can help with Alolan." Snickering, he shrugged, "I not only one bad Galarish." The tension in his form seemed to ease. "All be celebrate Ilima for while… Gives lots time to talk to everyone."
"I do like that," Elio conceded, sighing. "I guess how the Tapus do things isn't important right now, all things considered…" He went to move and seemed to realize Macho was caught up in his feet. Bending down, he retrieved the Litten, cradling him against his chest. Sounding a little more hopeful than before, he softly said, "Yeah, let's ask around… maybe someone saw something…"
I hope so, anyway, Selene thought sadly. "Yeah…" Smiling easily at Hau, honestly still so grateful for his help, she nodded. "Yeah, let's go, Hau. Thank you."
That seemed to brighten his day, given the way his smile became so genuine in an instant.
"Lillie?" Elio called. Selene realized that she had started to wordlessly walk away, headed for Kukui's home down the way.
Halting, but failing to turn to face him, Lillie reluctantly asked, "Yes?"
"…Thank you. For going to talk to Kukui, I mean…"
There was a short pause, then a soft laugh as Lillie started to walk off again. "No problem, Torchic."
Selene wanted to roll her eyes at the way Elio's expression melted into a kind, almost longing smile at Lillie's taunt. "You done?" she groaned. "C'mon, let's go with Hau to ask around…"
Although he nodded at her and affirmed with a, "Yeah," Elio was entirely distracted until Hau led them to the first townsperson. Only then did he seem to snap out of it. Selene wished she could understand what his obsession was with Lillie, especially considering the night before, he had nearly accused her of having something to do with their parents disappearance.
…Suddenly, Selene didn't feel so good about leaving Lillie alone to question Kukui.
Overlooking the enclosures on Aether Paradise's conservation deck, Dr. Wicke frowned at the grasslands terrarium, where a Kantonian Meowth was curled atop a rock and sunning itself in the heat lamp hanging above the glass. She had been tasked with checking over the enclosures that day to ensure all were up to par, but she didn't recognize the Meowth. Noticing two employees hurrying behind her, discussing paperwork between them, she waved, recognizing one, and called after them, "Wait! Um, Huey, is that you?"
One of the employees stopped on a dime and turned a quizzical look on her. "Oh, yes! Dr. Wicke, is there something you need?"
"No, I was just wondering, when and where did we get the Kantonian Meowth? I don't recall us having one yesterday…"
"Oh," Huey frowned, leaning over the banister of the pristine, white walkway they stood upon. "I'm not sure. Must have just been brought in… I'll go check the records and see if I can figure out who brought it in, Dr. Wicke."
"Thank you," she nodded and then smiled warmly after him. As she waited, she watched the pokémon for a few more minutes. Frowning, she noticed that when the Meowth woke, it paced the length of the enclosure as if lost, and the food and water placed for it inside was untouched and looked stale.
How odd. Then again, she supposed most pokémon that arrived at Aether Paradise tended to be confused and disillusioned anyway… Shrugging off the feeling that something wasn't quite right, she checked up on some of the other enclosures as she awaited Huey's return.
aaaaa this chapter was fighting meee
so turns out I actually managed to win against my college! and so I am not going to be lumping my fanfiction work under my "2 weeks early on P*treon" rule. Because I actually really love sharing these ASAP after I finish them lol.
I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I know it took me a while to figure out how I wanted to present it. So, now we understand more about Kahunas, Captains, Totems, even the Tapus themselves, and (to nobody's surprise) there is way more to Hau than meets the eye...