A/N: So there was a delay in getting this chapter out, but I had a good reason. I spent my week packing for college. I actually moved in to my dorm yesterday. My classes start tomorrow and to be honest, I really am not prepared for the college life. It feels weird having so much freedom. Anyway, with how busy my schedule is going to be, be prepared for more delays in getting chapters out. I will try to write them weekly, but I can't make any promises.


Ch. 6: Setting Out

If there was one word that could describe the morning Moon and Sun set off, it would be heartwarming.

The day after the Full Force Festival, Moon spoke to Sun about the Island Challenge and told him she wanted to participate in it. Sun was ecstatic over Moon's decision and immediately went to Nashima to ask if they both could partake the challenge. Moon could tell Nashima was hesitant about it, but she gave in, understanding that it would be a good way for Sun and Moon to explore more of the islands.

After that, Nashima immediately went set to packing things in both Sun and Moon's bags that they would need for their journey including spare clothes and some food for them and their Pokémon. Moon was at first confused why Nashima would pack so much in their bags, but after an explanation from Sun, she learned that Nashima just wanted to make sure they would be prepared.

As Nashima prepared their things, Sun took Moon over to see Hau. She learned from them that ever since they were little, it had been their goal to take the Island Challenge right after they had received their starter Pokémon. They were happy that Moon would be taking the challenge with them, because now it meant they could share their goal with her.

"Isn't this great though?! We finally get to go out and see the other islands! Man, I can't wait to see what Pokémon we'll find!" Hau spoke in excitement as he raised his hand.

Sun chuckled as he tried calm Hau down. "We haven't left yet, Hau. Besides, we're still a long way ago from reaching our dreams."

"Dreams?" Moon questioned in curiosity as she looked away from Hau to Sun.

Sun turned towards Moon and smiled softly, as if he was remembering something fond that brought a sense a nostalgia in him.

"Years ago, after I just moved from Kanto to here with my Mom, I met Hau." Sun said as he turned towards Hau and continued. "We were kind of inseparable as my Mom liked to call it. One day, two trainers came to Iki Town from Kanto. They showed us all these amazing, strong Pokémon and even showed us a battle."

Sun paused, deep in thought and then continued. "They explained to me and Hau what was out there and how the journey you take with your Pokémon is something indescribable. Hau and I knew right then that we wanted to experience what they felt as they traveled with their Pokémon."

Sun laughed and looked up at Moon. "Really, our dream is to just travel around with our Pokémon and experience new sensations with them. And with you here, it just makes the dream more special to have."

"What is your dream, Moon?" Hau asked with a wide grin.

Moon opened her mouth to answer, but paused having no idea what to say. She was happy that they had included her in their dream, but she also felt guilty. While they wanted to do the Island Challenge so they could fulfill a childhood dream, she wanted to do it to explore the other islands to find the person she wanted to thank. She felt she could not give Sun and Hau a reason why she wanted to the Island Challenge. Her reason felt too selfish in comparison to theirs.

Sun and Hau were important to her, but she could not find the courage to explain who she was looking for and where she exactly came from in fear of how they would look at her after. She vaguely told Sun she had a home, but even then, she could tell that Sun knew that there were some things she was hiding, things she was too terrified of and she barely could understand.

So instead, she simply told them she didn't have a dream yet.

After talking some more and getting some more training in for their Pokémon, Hau went back home, but not before telling Sun and Moon to meet him at Professor's Kukui's the next day before they would set off. When Moon and Sun arrived back at Sun's house, they were welcomed by a succulent aroma of food that was placed out on the table with Nashima welcoming them in. Looking at the food, Moon realized that there was more food on the table than previous nights. It left her with a hollow feeling in her chest. It would be the last dinner she would have made by Nashima for awhile.

The night was not easy as well. It was hard for Moon to fall asleep. Cold green eyes continued to haunt her dreams, while odd sounds were continuously whispered to her ears. Moon tried to ignore it all, but as the hours slowly ticked by in silence, Moon found herself deeply terrified. She forced herself to stay awake as she tried to understand the dreams and sounds. She must have dozed off because in the morning, she found Mikio snuggling against her chest cooing softly.

Despite being so tired, Moon tried to shake it off and got ready. Once she had washed herself up and changed, she exited her room with Mikio to find that a large amount of food had been placed on the table with Sun helping himself into some of the food. He noticed her and waved her over to eat. Below him was Kuro eating Pokémon food out of large green bowl. As Moon seated herself at the table, Mikio dove to the floor and began eating at a rapid pace.

However, that was not the case for Moon. She tried to eat, but she realized the lack of sleep was not giving her much of an appetite for anything. Sun noticed this and asked her if she okay, but Moon was quick to deny anything that suggested she was not feeling well. She did not want to worry Sun especially since it was suppose to be a special day for them.

It was only after Sun and their Pokémon had finished eating that Moon realized Nashima was not in the room. Just as she opened her mouth to ask Sun where she was, Nashima exited from her room carrying their bags. She handed the bags to them with a weak smile. Moon quickly realized that Nashima was shedding tears.

"M-mom?" Sun asked, his eyes widening with worry.

Nashima simply shook her head and enveloped both Sun and Moon into her arms. Moon remained still for a moment, surprised at the embrace, but returned the hug. She was still not use to Nashima's warm embrace, but always tried to return it.

"Sun, please take care of Moon. I don't want her getting hurt again." Moon heard Nashima say as she felt Nashima's arms wrapped tighter around her.

"And Moon, please take care of my son. When he has his eye on something, he can get rash sometimes. But despite that, he is all I have left."

Moon felt Nashima embrace disappear as she and Sun now gazed into her beautiful dark eyes that seemed to shine with absolute love, yet were overflowing with tears. Nashima shook her head as she smiled softly.

"No, you two are all I have left. Please be safe and do not lose each other. I love you two so much, so please come back to me in one piece."

Sun blinked, but nodded and gave a confident smile back at Nashima. "I love you too Mom. Don't worry, I promise we'll come back safe and sound."

Moon nodded in reassurance. "I..I promise too." She stuttered as her mind continuously began to replay the words Nashima had just said.

Nashima truly thought of her as her child along with Sun. It made Moon's tiredness wash away as a warm feeling began to settle inside her chest. Nashima loved her just as much as she loved Sun. Moon was filled with happiness at knowing this. In comparison to HER love, Nashima's love was very much different. It was so welcoming and warm. It made Moon feel less afraid of things. In fact, it made her feel accepted. Nashima's love made it seemed like it was okay for Moon to simply be herself.

"Now you two should get going. Call me whenever you can and please keep together. Do not go anywhere alone without each other." Nashima said as she began to dry away the tears in her eyes. When she was finished, she embraced Sun and Moon one last time and sent them off with her blessings.

After leaving Sun's house, Sun led Moon to Professor Kukui's lab, where Hau had told them to meet up at. As Sun led her, he began explain to her how he and Hau would always go to the lab to learn about Pokémon from Kukui. It was Kukui who actually helped Sun and Hau learn some battling techniques. Since Kukui studied Pokémon moves, both Sun and Hau were able to understand at an earlier age the importance of moves a Pokémon would use in a battle.

"Although now that I think about it, Professor Kukui did teach us the strangest of ways." Sun finished as he turned towards Moon and slightly laughed in embarrassment.

They both continued to walk until they saw Hau standing by a house, waving at them. Like them, he had his backpack on ready to set out on a long adventure. Moon had to guess that like Nashima, Hala made sure Hau was well prepared for their journey.

"Sun! Moon!" Hau called out towards them cheerfully.

Moon smiled at Hau's lively energy and followed Sun as they walk towards Hau. They stopped in front of him as Hau smiled in absolute glee.

"A-lo-la! It's about time you two got here! I've been waiting so long now."

Sun shook his head knowing that Hau was exaggerating. "Alola to you too, Hau. And sorry, my Mom took some time to send us off."

Hau nodded as his mouth formed into a wide grin. "I understand. My Gramps took some time as well. It seemed like he didn't want me to leave just yet."

"So, what is Professor Kukui going to talk to us about?" Sun asked looking away to the building that they standing right next to.

Hau shrugged. "He told me after the festival that if we decided to take the Island Challenge, we should come over to his lab. But man am I excited! It's going to be so awesome taking on those Trials!"

Sun laughed. "Slow down, Hau. We're not there yet. Let's just head inside for now."

The three walked towards the door and knocked on it and waited for a response. What they didn't expect to hear was a loud thump that came from inside.

"Professor Kukui!" Both Sun and Hau called in immediate worry.

Not even thinking, they flung the door open and ran inside with Moon behind them. They found themselves inside a large spacious room. By a ladder that led to a loft, sat Kukui rubbing his head. On his chest, trying to lick his face, while whimpering softly was a Rockruff. Kukui looked up from his Rockruff and waved at the children.

"Oh hey there you guys! I didn't expect you to come so early! Since you are here, I'm assuming you want to take on the Island Challenge?"

"Um yes, but are you okay, Professor?" Sun questioned as he turned to look at the stools that were knocked over right by Kukui. Kukui noticed what he was looking at and laughed.

"Haha, I'm fine you three. Rockruff''s moves were just so stylin', and I was making good progress with my research that we didn't see those stools by us."

Hau laughed with a wide grin. "That seems just like you Professor."

Kukui chuckled in slight embarrassment at Hau's comment and turned towards Moon. "Say, Moon, can I see the Pokédex for a second?"

Moon nodded and took out the Pokédex out of her bag and handed it to Kukui. Kukui thanked her for it and carried the Pokédex to the table that was nearby them, which had a small white box sitting on it. Kukui leaned down and took out a small part out of the box and began outfitting the Pokédex with it. The three children watched Kukui in curiosity as he worked. They walked towards him as Hau asked a question.

"What are you doing to the Pokédex, Professor?"

Just installing with new parts," Kukui said as he installed another part into the Pokédex. "Anyways, do you know anything about a Pokémon called Rotom?"

"It's a Ghost/Electric-type Pokémon that can take residence inside machines, right?" Sun answered.

"You got it, Sun! And it to put that crazy skill of Rotom's to work... It's the next generation of Pokédexes, but it's only complete once Rotom has gone into this body specially developed for it. Why it's a whole new way for people and Pokémon to communicate!" Kukui explained in excitement.

"But Professor, aren't Rotoms rare?" Hau asked as he looked closer at the Pokédex in Kukui's hands.

"That they are, Hau," Kukui said. "But I have a buddy of mine who is helping me locate Rotoms that are willing to assist us. In fact, I have one of them right here."

Kukui took out a Pokéball out of his pocket and pressed the white button. The Pokéball shook and released a Rotom, which cried in surprise at being released. Kukui chuckled and apologized to the Pokémon.

"Sorry about that Rotom. Didn't mean to surprise you."

"Whoa!" Hau yelled in excitement as his eyes shined with delight. "So cool! A Rotom! Isn't it amazing, Moon?!" He asked as turned towards Moon, who had been silent the whole time.

She was surprised at Hau's question, but responded to it with a smile. "Yes, it is." She answered shyly.

"And I'm finished." Kukui called out turning towards the three children with the newly updated Pokémon in his hands. He held it out towards Rotom.

"Rotom! Here, little guy! I have a brand new body here for you to try out. Jump into this 'Dex and give these kids a Helping Hand."

Rotom let out a cry of delight and dove into the Pokédex. The device shook for a few seconds before it suddenly floated into the air. A pair of eyes appeared on the Pokédex as a voice happily greeted the three trainers.

"Bzzzt! Nice to meet you, pals! Be careful to this body, okay?"

"I-its talking." Hau stuttered, stunned at the new Pokédex's appearance. Like Hau, both Sun and Moon were stunned as well.

"Haha! Now Rotom can talk to you guys. Since you three will be traveling far, I decided to give this special Rotom Dex to you guys to help you navigate around." Kukui explained cheerfully as he placed the parts he did not use back inside the box.

"Wow, thanks so much, Professor." Sun said politely.

"Yeah! Thanks a lot!" Hau added.

"T-thank you." Moon quietly added as well.

"It's no problem. Just want to make sure you three will be in good hands. Now Rotom can activate a couple of added features in your Pokédex including a map of all the islands. Just ask and he'll be happy to help. Right, Rotom? " Kukui said, winking at Rotom.

"Bzzt! Of course, Professor!"

"Now for the other reason why I wanted to see you three. See, there are some important things you need to know first about the Island Challenge before you leave." Kukui explained.

"What things?" Hau questioned, looking away from the Rotom Dex and back at Kukui.

"Alrighty, first the Island Challenge is your chance to become the strongest trainer around- the Island Challenge Champion. It's a great adventure for you and your Pokémon to go together!"

Kukui paused and continued speaking: "There are four main islands that make up Alola, with Melemele Island being one of them. There is a Kahuna for each of them. If you wish to be recognized by the Kahunas as someone who is worthy, you must clear the seven Trials."

Kukui's mouth formed into a large grin as he looked at each of the children.

"Sun, Hau, and Moon, I want you three and your Pokémon to go out there and give it your shot. It is clear from the battling I've seen you guys have with each other that you are bringing your Pokémon's strengths to the fullest. I think with the bonds you have with your Pokémon, you can definitely achieve greatness!"

Kukui chuckled and dug into his coat pocket taking out three amulets.

"Here." He said as he he handed one to each of the children. As Moon, Sun, and Hau fasten the amulets on their bags, Kukui explained what the amulets were for.

"What I just gave to each of you is an Island Challenge Amulet. Everybody who participates in the Island Challenge gets one."

"Thanks, Professor," Sun said as he looked away from his amulet and back to the Professor. "Is that everything?"

"Yeah! Now you three get along. Head to Hau'oli City, where you'll find information about your first Trial. And contact me when you can. I want to keep updated on your adventure. It may help me with my research. Oh, and here, Kukui said as he took something else out of his coat pocket.

He took out several Pokéballs and handed a few to each child. Sun and Hau stared at the Pokéballs with excitement clear in their eyes, while Moon just stared at them with an indifferent expression. While she was not clearly excited about what Kukui gave to them, she still was grateful that he would give something to them without expecting anything in return.

"Consider this as a personal gift from me, so you can catch more Pokémon," Kukui explained with a cheerful grin as he gave a wink at the three trainers. "Now get out there and do your best!"

"You got it, Professor!" Both Sun and Hau said loudly to the Professor in gratitude.

Once again, Moon, Sun, and Hau thanked Kukui for everything and bid him farewell. It was only after they left Kukui's lab did the three began to realize that they were finally setting out. They stood silently on the route as the Rotom Dex floated right next to them. It was finally time for the three friends to take the first step to their journey.

"Are you ready, Moon? Hau?" Sun asked with eagerness as he looked at the others.

"As ready as I will be!" Hau answered, his eyes beaming with overflowing excitement.

Moon simply nodded. "O-of course."

And with those final words, the three settled off on their new adventure together not knowing that it was an adventure that would change each of them forever.


A/N: Next chapter will feature one of the three main characters catching a Pokémon. You're free to make guesses though. As always, many thanks for reading!

Current Teams:

Moon: Mikio (Rowlet)

Sun: Kuro (Litten)

Hau: Azura (Popplio)