"Arven, are you sure this was where the titan was spotted?"

"There's no mistaking it, Momo. Even if it's just a rumor, that false dragon titan is definitely lurking here… somewhere. I think."

Casseroya Lake was biiiiig. Swimming Slowpoke, dreadful Drednaw, and vaulting Veluza spanned the lake for as far as Momo could see. It was a good thing Mirage didn't have to carry them far over the water, mainly because Arven didn't have much experience with fishing and Momo really didn't want to get jumped by a fish and end up soaked. Apparently the titan was spotted around one of the lake's little islands, which was where they took their search.

"Y'think maybe we got the wrong island or something?" Momo wiped at her brow, smiling down at the curious little fish Pokémon watching her. "All we're finding here are Tatsugiri. Don't get me wrong, they're really cute, but they're not exactly false dragons. Because they're actually Dragon types and stuff."

"Can't expect this particular titan hunt to be an easy one, you know." Arven crossed his arms with a stern frown. "Not a single person's caught a glimpse of what exactly it looks like, so it must be some kinda truly terrifying beast. We'd better take this seriously."

"Ar, ar, Ayeven!" Momo grinned at him with a saluting snicker. She couldn't help herself with how serious Arven was trying to look with all the colorful fishy creatures that had gathered around him. Like some audience meant to admire him. Maybe she was one of them too, she dared think.

"Come on, what's that look for, you scamp? I said serious, not… delirious." Arven rolled his eyes, stopping to tousle her hair. "I know how much you love your fun and games, but apparently this titan is real elusive. Sure would be handy if it just ran around crying 'I'm the titan!' or something—if only, right?" He chuckled alongside her.

"Taitaaan!"

"Heh." Arven looked to the orange Tatsugiri watching by the shore. "Yeah, like that."

"Ehehe…" Momo would've liked to continue having her laughs alongside him, but something about the smug look that particular Tatsugiri was giving that rubbed her the wrong way. She narrowed her eyes at it to make sure, and it narrowed its eyes back. "Is it just me, or is that one… slightly bigger than all the others?"

Waves suddenly crashed as a massive blue maw broke through the lake's surface, engulfing the Tatsugiri as it dove at it. The mighty whiskered beast gobbled the Pokémon down and quickly turned tail, disappearing back into the water with another mighty dive. Momo and Arven were just shy off of the splash zone, which was fortunate since the moment left them frozen in shock as the rest of the Tatsugiri floundered off.

"Did… did that little sushi guy just get eaten up by the actual titan?!" Arven cried out with a start.

"I think that was a Dondozo!" Momo's wide eyes turned to his. "And I think they… tend to do that, actually."

Arven footsteps were quick to follow as he peered over the water. "Yeesh, didn't expect to see the food chain in action today! Least we found our dragon… fish… sushi eater thing! It's time we follow that thing to see if it has anything else it'd want to eat!"

"Aye, aye! Seas are ours to seize, Mirage!" Momo threw a Pokéball ahead, with several more at the ready. Her devilishly confident smirk returned as she made revving motions on her Miraidon. "Let's make a bozo outta this Dondozo!"

Arven joined her on Mirage's back, and as he held on for the incoming speed boost, Momo knew it was go time. With how quickly the large figure swam away, Momo sent out Alti to have some eyes in the sky, and she had Mirage drifting over the water as she followed her Bombirdier's shadow.

"It's headed to that shore!" Momo exclaimed, eyeing the cave mouth. "Looks like there's our cave!"

Arven leaned forward to peer over her shoulder. "And is that… little sushi guy getting more herbs?"

Momo and Arven stopped by the shore to watch the bizarre feeding system unfolding before them. Sure enough, the orange Tatsugiri seemed to be carrying some sparkly herbs on its head before hopping back into the Dondozo's waiting maw. Its beastly form was boosted by the snack, and its fierce eyes moved to meet the pair of trainers.

The ground shook as the Dondozo roared, leading Mirage to retreat into his Pokéball. Momo stood her ground on the rough shore, calling her Bombirdier to her side. "Don't think this big whisker guy is too happy about us being here. Let's go all out for this one!"

Arven was quick to yell into action as he stepped forward. He flipped his hair with a confident stride as he sent his Pokémon out. "You said it, little buddy! I'm gonna dig in and make a meal out of this battle!"

Seeing how enthusiastic he was, Momo couldn't help but feel all the prouder of how far his spirit had come, even more so when she saw the way his Greedent stopped to groom its tail. "Ohohoho, are you certain you couldn't have come up with a better one liner?" Her smirk returned as she pushed her glasses up with a pose. "That wasn't a 'berry' good pun."

"Eyes on the prize, Momo!"

"Aye, ayes!"

Her Bombirdier and his Greedent rushed forth, and Momo knew just what to do. She used to worry about being careful for these encounters, but with how far she had come, she could afford to lose herself in the thrills of it all. Calling grand attacks, dropping rocks, swooping strikes, all while the Dondozo flailed to hurl watery waves at them. Right when the big beast looked like it was going to make a mighty leap, Arven's Greedent spat out seeds to knock it back into the water.

This Dondozo was mighty in all of its being, and it took a while with Momo needing to switch her Pokémon here and there, but she and Arven were able to leave it in shock and awe. With a terastilized Donny rolling forth, both her Iron Treads and his Greedent skimmed past raging waves, charging into the Dondozo from both sides.

"For Mabosstiff!"

"For Mirage!"

Their forcefully sentimental strikes landed, an impact as electric as it was coordinated. The great big blue let out a roaring spew toward the skies before it weakly bellowed, disappearing into the depths and retreating away.

"We did i—eep!" Momo suddenly found herself being wrested away from where she stood. She froze in her stare, and a lingering drizzle landed where she just was. "Oh… whew. I really owe you for that save, Arvie." She smiled up at her savior, in all his somewhat soaked splendor.

Arven sneered at her before chuckling. "Heh, it was either you or me, little buddy." His arm was still around her, and he paused to clear his throat as his eyes hovered over her for a moment longer. "S-So, we finally did it, Momo! Took care of that last titan! Put 'er there, up top!"

But rather than being up or top, his hand was low. Gingerly in his motion, just like his tone. Momo knew he wasn't usually so sheepish, but maybe the intensity of that battle and splash left him a bit quaked in the boots. She hoped that her giggling could help him loosen up.

"Heck yeah."

She returned the gesture, and as her hand met his, she let it linger there. Or maybe his hand lingered on hers. Whatever it was, neither of them seemed to mind.

The two returned their Pokémon, and with all that wrapped, there was only one thing left to do. Head into the cave, and-

"Wait!" Momo suddenly cried out, looking around. "I forgot to catch that titan! Gimme a momo, do you think I can still find it somewhere?"

"Ta… ta… taitaaaan!"

Furious cries bubbled out as the orange Tatsugiri squirmed back onto the shore.

"Oh, look." Arven proudly put his hands on his hips. "Guess we saved that little sushi guy from becoming that thing's lunch." His ease faltered. "It… doesn't look too happy about that."

"Arven…" Momo paused as she spoke, noticing the more potent, flaring aura around the Tatsugiri. "I think… that's the actual titan."

"Taitaaaan!"

It cried out once more, flailing its fins at them. With its attempt at a roar, winds rushed forth, chills turned into air freezing breezes that whipped up and engulfed Momo and Arven. The two yelled out in surprise as the frigid tempest stormed them, those icy winds starting to freeze over the ankle high water on the shoal they stood on.

"Momo…!"

"Arven…!" She gritted her teeth as she tried to step free. His protective hold on her was strong, but now it was her turn to return the favor.

With all of her might, she wriggled free from his grasp, glimpsing through her fogged up lenses at the angry orange blur. No time to lose, no time to freeze, all the time to see this through.

"O-Okay, eyes on the prize…"

She held an arm in front of herself as she stepped closer, and closer, and closer. The Icy Wind's embrace seeped into her very being, slowing her down, but no matter what, Momo didn't let that stop her.

The cold was scary. The cold was lonely. The cold kept her up at night. But she kept powering through. Kept fighting. Because she was strong and brave and ready. And all her hopes would all be worth it for those she cared about.

Her fingers may have been cold, but in those fingers she clasped greatness. Greatness in the form of a Great Ball.

She swung her arm forward, and the frigid winds stopped all at once. The warmth returned to her hands as she felt that ball in her grip shake once, twice, three times.

"Got it." Momo's face livened up with a smile. While she didn't have the energy to whoop, skip, or cheer, she was happy enough planting a kiss on Pokéball six. "Finally… sixth team member, final titan… obtained. Don't worry, little guy. I'll treat you good."

"Momo!" Arven was still rubbing his sleeves as he worriedly ran to her. "A-Are you alright? You took that whole Icy Wind head on… It saved us both, but still…"

Momo's pride was too strong for her to feel chilly, for the most part. "I'm as 'tastic as ever!" She tucked the Great Ball away with a smirking grin. "I'm lucky my jacket is as trusty as always! And I caught that final titan too! Now the Tatsugiri's on team Momo!"

Arven hesitated, that stern yet caring gaze of worry lingering for a moment before melting into a chuckle. "Glad to see you're as delightfully stubborn as always." There was that hair tousle she was kinda hoping for. His hand was warm. "Didn't expect you to be so stoked over a little sushi Tatsugiri, though. I thought you told me you wanted your Pokémon larger than life and all that."

Momo blew out a huff, placing her hands on her hips. "You know what they say. Big things come in small packages, sometimes the greatest effects can come from the smallest things, and I've learned that Tatsugiri are cool and epic in their own way. Even if it was… the hard way, ehehe…"

"Phew…" He patted at his damp vest with a relieved smile. The way he directed that relief at her made her feel warm. "I'm just glad that little thing didn't turn you into a popsicle. Don't know what I'd do if my hardworking little bud got iced like that."

Momo giggled, giving him a pat on the arm. "I can say the same for you, worrywart. If you got popsicle'd, I'd probably… lick you out or something. Actually, Diego should work."

"Let's hope it doesn't actually come to that. We won't exactly do ourselves any favors talking about keeping warm out here." Arven blew out a sigh, hiking up his backpack as he looked up. "Those clouds look like they're gonna rain on our parade soon."

"Hmm, you're right." Momo snickered after she got a good look at those clouds. "Looks like we'd better hurry up with sandwich time, then. You wouldn't wanna get cooped up with me in bad weather and all that." She gave him a cheeky nudge.

"T-True that. Ahem." Arven paused to clear his throat for some reason, directing his gaze ahead. "C-Come on Momo! That Herba Mystica isn't gonna sandwich itself!"

He was quick to run off without sparing Momo another look, which she found kinda odd. She hadn't seen him run that quick since, well, those times it looked like he was running for his life.

"Was… the idea of rain scaring him that much?" Momo pursed her lip, gazing up at the thickening clouds. "Must be a good thing I took that Icy Wind for him. Maybe he just doesn't like the idea of feeling that cold."

She stopped, rubbing her arms to ease her sudden shudder.

"I don't blame him."

One more roomy cave, one more miracle herb, one more sandwich time. Momo kept close to the lantern light Arven brought with him. At least it was warmer here. All was barren in the damp space other than footsteps and distant droplets. Then came the glow from the herb at the back of the room.

"That must be it." Arven crouched by the radiant red bunch. "The last Herba Mystica." He took out his Violet Book. "Spicy Herba Mystica. Helps with metabolism, flushing out toxins, and boosts circulation while expelling a ton of sweat."

Momo met his eye with a determined look, the sheen in her glasses emphasizing her smirk. "Let's give it our all for this final herb. Celebrate our victory with the hungriest of hurrahs!"

Although it was still a bit dark, that glimpse of hope was back on Arven's face. He closed the book in a decisive gesture. "Couldn't have said it better myself, little buddy. Are you ready to make sandwiches so awesome they'll make us cry beautiful tears of friendship?"

Steady in emotion and resolve, Momo maintained her gaze with a clenched fist. "I was born ready for this."

The herbs were plucked, the table was set, and it was time to get to work. Momo put on her apron, assessed the ingredients ahead of her, then looked to see Arven doing the same. He was hard at work grinding the herbs with some cranky grinder thing, looking pretty tense as he did that. She could smell the spice from where she stood next to him.

"Hey Arvie," Momo peeked towards his side. "Have you ever considered tying your hair up? Y'know, for food protocol and all that?"

"I… definitely could, yeah. If I knew how to." Arven sighed as he brushed a damp lock over his shoulder. "I'm usually self taught in a lot of things, but hair stuff isn't it. My… mom didn't hang around long enough to teach me that kinda stuff."

"Well… that's okay." Momo gave him a pat on the shoulder before proudly pointing to her tucked hair. "I've learned a lot keeping this do of mine in doodly delightful shape! Mainly also thanks to my grandma teaching me proper purple lady stuff and all that."

"Right…" Arven's raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Because you're definitely what comes to mind when I think 'proper lady'."

Momo socked his arm. "Aaaaanyways, maybe I could help you learn to tie your hair sometime. Think of it as me repaying you for your sammich tips. And you'd look good with a ponytail."

Arven chuckled with a fleeting glance. "Whatever you say." He reached over to tousle her hair, but rather than the usual ruffling, it was just a careful pat on her head. "If you ask me, I'd say you've already repaid me plenty, little buddy."

"Ehehe… okay, maybe when you feel like it." Momo nodded with a wink. "Consider it a bonus. I've learned from the best, and I want you to learn from the best too. Now, speaking of the best, is it sandwich prep time?"

He met her determined eye with a twirl of his knife. "You sure bet it is."

The ingredients and table ahead of them was their canvas, their battlefield, their stage. Colorful, culinary battle awaited them as the two of them took up their arms and got to it.

"Yeeeaaarrrt!"

"Hoowah!"

"Huwatcha!"

"Shupah!"

Powerful yells of declaration filled the cave, with every ingredient placed as if it was a signature attack. With such force, Momo found herself teetering often, but she wouldn't let her hazy senses get the better of her. She always did enjoy admiring Arven's hearty hustle, which had her relish this moment even more knowing she was getting this done alongside him. This final Herba Mystica sandwich was for all the marbles, and she wanted to make sure she was giving it her all with her favorite grumpy worrywart. She had to admit his vigor felt more fiery, more passionate this time, which absolutely helped in powering through the spicy air these herb flakes left in their wake.

"Whew, looks like that did the trick." Arven wiped his brow when that finishing flourish was settled, though he took a shocked step back after the fact. "Is it just me, or is the sandwich… on fire?"

"Um…" Momo rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things. "I'm sure that's… just a side effect of the Herba Mystica. Probably." Definitely something to do with that wafting aura.

Arven was doing the same. "Well… you know what's next. This has to work." He slowly picked up one of the plates. "Here we go! It's chow time! Trusty spicy chockablock-full-of-cheer-final-herb-super-sandwiches!"

Momo joined him in his peppy presentation. "By Arven and Momo!"

Arven pumped a fist. "Heck yeah!"

"Did… did you just say…" Momo blinked in brief bewilderment before her grin grew. "Anyways, heck yeah! Let's get these sammiches scarfed!"

"As long as you don't do it too quickly, you scamp." Arven gave her a pat on the back before she scampered off.

Momo giggled to herself as she made her way to her rock seat. She had no idea why these seat-sized rocks were always so spaced apart, or why Arven didn't pack any stools with his tables, but she didn't really mind. Mirage emerged with her call, caught the sandwich in his mouth, and took to a corner while Momo got a good whiff of her helping.

She was a bit hesitant to crunch right away, but she bit that hesitation back to bite what was ahead. While the sandwich wasn't actually on fire, her taste buds were quick to feel like they were. It erupted in taste like a raging storm, but burned out just as quickly, soothing itself into the calming warm aftermath of such a flavor.

"Hot… that's hot." Arven's eyes were just as wide as hers. "I feel like I just inhaled the entire spice scale top to bottom in one bite…" Even from her seat a ways away, Momo could see how red his face had gotten. "How're you holding up, little buddy? You've got cheeks like a Klawf right now."

"Never… never better!" Momo found herself sniffling. Even with her red hot face, she hoped that translated well to her red hot determination. "I'll have you know I've had spicy stuff before! You should… whew, you should see what I've had back home!" Continuing to subject herself to more bites mid-sentence wasn't helping her case much, but she couldn't help herself from wanting to fight through this fervent flavor. "Back me up, Mirage!"

The Miraidon simply gobbled his down like it was any other sandwich. "I can climb on walls now. I am going to nap on the ceiling now." He licked his lips, powered up with a wave of energy, and left to do just that.

"Whoa…" Momo craned her head to watch her crawling companion, though as she looked up, she suddenly felt the urge to sneeze. "A… Achoo!" She sniffled again and wrapped her sandwich up. There was still a good chunk left. "Think… that's enough spice for one day, yessiree. I oughta save this for later like the rest…"

"You say something, Momo?"

"Nothing, nothing!" She quickly tucked her sandwich away while Arven wasn't looking. She hoped her shiver escaped his eyes as well, he had enough to worry about right now. Still, seeing him crouched by his own companion, she felt the urge to join his side. "How's Mabosstiff?"

"He's… he's eating, at least." Arven's quiet sigh gave way to the low sounds of slow chewing. His caressing hands were gentle with Mabosstiff's scruffy fur, and his tender eyes looked up at her. "How's your Miraidon? Has that sandwich helped him recover?"

Momo looked back and up at the snoring coming from the ceiling. "He's definitely having a good time, that's for sure!" Her proud look stayed for a second before realization came. "Oh, right. Still no battle form yet. Not that I really mind anymore, but I'm sure he'll manage that on his own, definitely." She tried to keep her eyes steady, noticing the way Arven's stare stayed downcast.

"That's good, that's good." Arven kept up a chuckle, though it was short lived as he kept his eyes low. "Hear that, bud? It'll be your turn to get better, and everything is going to be alright, I promise. Momo and I—we really did our best to get all this done for you."

No response, only slow, effortful breathing from the mound of fur on the floor. Momo could only stay where she was on her seat as she saw what unfolded. The final bits of sandwich down the hatch, gulps gone silent, and all that was left was the strained smile as Arven continued caressing Mabosstiff's still form.

Momo desperately wanted to sprint to Arven's side, to keep that hope from dying out despite it all, but… Were the herbs really just…?

"C-Come on, bud…" Arven whispered softly with a wavering voice. "You're okay. You're going to be okay. I'm here… and Momo's here too. A-And once you get better, we're gonna play with your favorite ball as much as you want, y'know? Just like we used to. We're not alone anymore."

No response. The cave was quiet. Momo was quiet. Mirage was quiet. Mabosstiff was quiet. The cave only harbored a silence of rapidly diminishing hope, and the fleeting desperation that showed in Arven's tears could do little to fight back against the circumstances.

"We traveled through all of Paldea to get these for you… So we can see the sights together, do everything together, please… Please… get better… That's all I want, really…"

No response. Arven sniffled, Arven heaved, Arven shook, and then Arven stopped. Momo watched every ounce of his smile start to fade away. She wasn't ready to see this happen. There was no triumphant flair of recovery. The silence that took them said enough about the outcome of their efforts, and all she could do was restrain her sob.

Arven's eyes met the ground, his tears staining what crumbs were left of the hope he still held onto. His hand still lay on Mabosstiff's head, still taking in what motion was still there, while it was still there. He didn't want to believe it, but even after everything, the result spoke for itself.

"Mabosstiff… You did your best, bud…"

Momo watched as he got up after that final declaration. She wanted to go to him, to tell him everything is going to be alright, to tell him they're going to make some real miracles happen, anything. But she couldn't. Instead, all she could do was lower her gaze, watching in silence as Arven turned his back to the world and walked away. Away from Mabosstiff, away from the rock seat where his Pokéball was, and away from all the signs of his effort turned into sorrow. He faced the wall, trying and struggling to keep his head up after everything.

Not one word was spoken to break the silence of the cave or the looming sounds of the rain outside. There were only strained sniffles. Tears that joined the dampness of the earth. A Pokéball that had rolled onto the ground to join its Pokémon. And then, finally, a curious bark.

There was no mistaking it. That very bark emerged like a call through the despair and was enough to get Arven to look back. Right before his teary eyes, Mabosstiff stirred, finally picking himself up. Mabosstiff stopped to pick up his Pokéball in his mouth, his tail now wagging with life, his orange eyes perking up as he looked Arven's way.

"Bud!"

All at once, Arven let the tears on his face fall, the hope on his face show, the overwhelming relief he felt take him as he rushed back to his buddy. He stumbled to the cave floor, but he didn't care. He was willing to crawl against the roughest gravel to see his bud well and alive again, and that was exactly what he did. The vigor in Mabosstiff's eyes was telling, and as he dropped the Pokéball back into Arven's hands, he sat down with a quieter bark, one of reassurance as Arven's tearful grin only grew.

"I know, bud! Me… me too!"

The genuine relief in Arven's voice poured out as he held the Pokéball close, right before he shuffled closer to hug his bestest bud. All the while, Momo stared with her own tearful gaze, sniffling to herself, but sniffles filled with joy and pride. She had Mirage by her side to hug as well, the memories of those sandwiches and titan battles still fresh in her mind, but after everything, this was what made it all worth it.

It felt even better when he looked her way with the biggest smile on his face. Her face lit up instantly at the sight, and she was quick to get up and run at him with outstretched arms as he did the same.

"Momo, we did it! We really did it!"

"We absolutely did it, Arvie!"

As soon as she ran into his arms, she was ready to lean into him, but as she did, her feet left the ground. Arven's embrace had scooped her up as he leaned back, spinning with her in a brief moment. A brief moment that was filled with sudden thrill, their shared relief, and the soaring heights of happiness that Momo felt being caught in his arms like that.

Her pulse raced as the air rushed around her, the cave filled with their cheerful and tearful smiles and laughs, the kind of joy that extended into the warmth they shared in their embrace. It quickly slowed down, and when Arven gingerly put her back down, Momo still felt a bit breathless, but in the good way.

"Oh, uh…" Arven still looked a bit red in the face. "... sorry about that. Was just… a real spur of the moment thing."

"Ehehehe, don'tcha worry." Momo giggled. She still felt a bit red herself. Must've been the spice. "I actually liked it a lot." Being lifted by him felt different somehow. "Made me feel warm."

She hugged him again, a calmer gesture this time. It was an enjoyable moment all the same, especially when Mabosstiff came up to them and yipped with a fresh round of licks.

"Heh, it was like nothing happened…" Arven chuckled, though there was a soothing relief he still carried in his voice.

"Mmmm… you bet." Momo let out a sigh of relief as she wiped at her face. The world still felt like it was spinning, but she was content enough to stay leaning into Arven's side for stability. "And that was… all thanks to us… You're warm, Arvie…"

"You're pretty warm too, little buddy…" Arven gave her a pat on the back mid-hug, though he paused with a tone of urgency after the fact. "Wait… you're a bit too warm. Momo? Momo, are you alright?"

Maybe she was warm. Maybe she was cold. Those senses seemed to fade as she started going dark, melting in his hold. She couldn't really hide her shudder anymore, or how sweaty she felt when he put his hand on her forehead. While she couldn't speak it, the bliss in her heart wasn't all too different from the happiest moments she dreamed about. Taking a moment to dream after all this didn't seem so bad, she spent enough time staying strong.

It was only natural for Momo's happiest memories to be the ones that stuck to her. Being enthusiastic in binging all she did left her clamoring for action, for drama, for fluff, the works. With her usual Pawmot dreams by her side, she expected to be greeted by the sights of her Plasma posters in her room, but her slowly returning senses weren't met by that. Instead, she was greeted by the gentle glow of a nearby lantern. This wasn't her bed she was lying on, either. She rubbed her eyes and groaned as she sat up on the blanket she was on, a blanket which lay on a familiar cave floor.

"You really gave me a scare, little buddy."

Momo looked around some more and managed to make out the sight of her Pokémon team gathered around a table. She recognized Arven's Pokémon there too. And speaking of him, he was approaching her with a plate in hand, carefully looking down and stepping in such a way that he avoided kicking a pebble on his way to her.

"Oh, hey Arven." Momo felt groggy in sight and tone alike as she rubbed at her elbows. "Was I out?"

"Like a light, little buddy." He had a lighthearted smile as he knelt to her side. "Some of your Pokémon were real worried, you know. I made them a bunch of sandwiches to keep them occupied since we're stuck here. Still, I thought a capable trainer like you would've been more responsible for their sakes."

"Oh… ehehehe, guess you got me there… I still feel kinda loopy…" Momo felt sheepish in her shuddering state, but she still maintained her stare. "I may have… taken a bit too much of that Icy Wind, but it was me or you, alright?"

Arven sighed. "Not sure if following my example is something I'd recommend, y'know." He gently ruffled her hair, though as he did, his hand stopped to rest on her forehead. "Still warm… Well, it's a good thing I had a picnic blanket of my own lying around. It's no sleeping bag, but I hope it'll do for you. I have a feeling we're gonna be here for a while."

Momo hesitated as his touch left her, and in her silence, she caught the sound of rainfall lingering outside. "That harsh storm outside's been going on for a while, hasn't it?"

"And it hasn't really shown any signs of letting up." Arven sat next to her, handing her the plate he was holding. There was a sandwich on it, but next to it was a cup of something. "I was out of cold medicine, so I made an improvised blend using different berries like Lum and Yache, fresh from the Greedent. Hope this alongside all the Herba Mystica you've eaten will at least do something about your cold self."

Momo gave him a smile before tilting her head back as she gulped the mix down. It was very bitter and sour, and she couldn't help the face she made.

Arven quietly chuckled. "Yeah, it's a bit of a fixer upper in terms of taste."

"You think?" Momo sniffled and shot him a cheeky smirk. "Well… I think I feel a little bit better after that, at least. You sure know how to take care of people, Arven."

"Don't mention it. I've had to learn most of what I know on my own." Arven looked down on his spot on the blanket to see Mabosstiff curled up by his lap. "Parents were too busy, so I had to be the one keeping myself busy most of the time."

"Ain't that the truth…" Momo slowly nodded, twiddling her thumbs. "I was lucky my grandma was around, she never let that flashy theatrical magic in me die out. Still tried to keep those joys alive while supporting me in doing my own thing. Even if enough time had passed to the point where I started to sound completely different from my parents."

"Having relatives must've been nice. I'd have taken having a family over… whatever Pokémon my parents were studying any day." There was a curiosity that shifted in his stare. "Were there… any other fun things you did with your family?"

"Oh, we'd do plenty." Momo swayed in place with a giggle as she spoke. "We danced a lot, and by dance, it mostly just involved me being lifted, but it was really fun. Oh, you know, we had this pretty big TV at home. It made it real cool to binge all my favorite stuff on, but back in the day, my parents liked to watch a lot of Pokémon battling stuff. When I was really young I even remember watching some of their battles on that big screen."

"I suppose I can relate to having a big screen around." Arven cast his gaze down, petting his sleepy Mabosstiff's scruffy head. He looked at ease doing that. "Can't say I really watched anything fun on it, though… I usually just stuck to the books. Mostly cookbooks, but some stories here and there."

"Oh, you read?" Momo replied with a mouthful of sandwich. "Before I got into the super cultured stuff I'm into now, I got my fix with bedtime stories. Stories let me go to all sorts of places, but of course the real deal is worth shooting for. Can't beat how much there is to sightsee, as I'm sure you know by now." She nudged him with a wink.

Arven rolled his eyes at her with a smile. "Wasn't it just the one time? We haven't even been to that many sights of Paldea."

"Yet." Momo snickered.

Arven raised an eyebrow. "Good to see you're still as chipper as always, you shivering scamp. Though I can't help but notice how insistent you are on having me tag along for this. Not that I'm complaining."

"Well, yeah. We have fun, don't we?" Momo tilted her head at him. "Besides, I like doing things with my friends. I got a ton of battle things to get back to with Nemona, more anime talk and balk next time I run into Penny, all that stuff. I… don't see why it'd be any different with you."

Arven chuckled, letting a bit of his smile show. "Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to that." His calm smile was directed downwards once more. "Mabosstiff and I have a lot of catching up to do around Paldea. Can't stay cooped up here forever, y'know."

"Ehehehe…" Momo's smile softened as she looked up at him. "True that."

She watched as Arven continued petting Mabosstiff, even hearing coddling whispers as he took Mabosstiff's face in both hands. It kinda reminded her of how she was with Mirage, and thinking of that got her hankering to hug a Pokémon of her own. Just as the thought crossed her mind, she felt some small flippers nudging by her crossed pant legs.

Momo spotted her Tatsugiri sneering up at her. "Oh, hey… Sami. Can I call you Sami?" His stare didn't look all too pleased. Maybe that was just how he looked. "Do you wanna be held and pet too?" He looked like he was trying to nudge her from her space on the blanket, so maybe he just wanted a spot. "Maybe… miss your Dondozo buddy?"

Sami shook his head, narrowed his eyes at Momo, and started pushing her aside forcefully. The suddenly very insistent prodding and headbutting caught Momo off guard, her already groggy self staggered off balance, and she was pushed to stumble all the way to her side. Momo's eyes shot open with flustered surprise when her head landed on a shoulder.

The smug Tatsugiri assessed the sight of the two trainers before him before him, eased into a satisfied nod, and hopped away.

Momo shuddered, and her flitting eyes darted everywhere before they met the one looking back at her. "Hey there, Arv… Arven." She was really close to him now. No biggie, all she had to do was just lift herself away from his side. "Don't mind me, just… just chilling here." No good. Her emotions flared with her temperature, but she couldn't bring herself to move.

"Hey there, Momo." Arven didn't seem to mind, at least. "You feeling cold?"

"Oh? M-My Tatsugiri just…" Momo found her flustered self wringing her hands together. They were pretty cold. "Sure."

A chill ran up her spine as he put his arm around her, though it was quick to ease as he pulled her closer to his side, shoulders touching. He even made sure she was sitting up straight, offering her head an easier spot on his shoulder. This was nice.

"Hey, Arven? Thank you." Momo looked up at him earnestly. "For taking care of me and my Pokémon, I mean."

Arven gave her another gentle pat on the back. "Pleasure's all mine, little buddy. Don't sweat it."

"Kinda late for that, don't you think?" Momo snickered, wiping at her brow. She looked down at Mabosstiff, joining the petting effort. She could see why Arven felt so at ease with such a loyal Pokémon, because she was starting to feel it too. "Have I… ever told you how nice you are?"

"What do you mean by that?" Arven's fringe brushed against her. His tone was skeptical, but she could tell he had a hint of a smile in his voice.

Momo felt more relaxed, which made it easier to speak about what she felt. "You know, you make all these sandwiches for me, teach me how to make 'em, and all that other stuff. You stop me from tumbling off cliffs, getting squished, even tried to protect me from being put on ice." Memories resurfaced, and as she spoke the words, she felt her heart soothe with each reminiscing second. These were definitely a far cry from that initial impression at the lighthouse. "And you hear me out and put up with all I do and let me lean against you. You're a good friend, Arven."

"A-Aw, come on, when you put it like that, you're really making me blush." Arven's response was flustered, and Momo giggled for it. With a slight nudge, he continued. "You're giving me too much credit. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to help Mabosstiff here. You're an even better friend, Momo. The 'cool' and 'epic' one even. You were willing to put yourself in danger and even get sick to help us." As if to emphasize his point, he lovingly ran his hands through Mabosstiff's fur. "Without my little buddy, I wouldn't have been able to help out my best bud. My best bud wouldn't have been cured if it weren't for my little buddy."

"You pitched in plenty, you know. More than you realize." Momo wanted to cross her arms and huff, but she couldn't help the smile that returned with her flourish. "You can't deny it, Arvie! This path of legends was a team effort! Curing grievous injuries with the power of friendship!"

"Sure, sure." Arven gave her a pat on the head, then let out a long sigh. "You're still feeling pretty feverish there, little buddy. I have to admit I feel kinda bad that you're still cooped up here with me in such a state. Being sick in this dusty cold cave without a proper bed and all that…"

He wasn't wrong about the dusty and cold parts, Momo's urge to shudder spoke for itself. Still, Momo assured that she was glad to be here, nestling against him. "You don't have to change a thing, Arven. I'm perfectly happy right now."

With a surprised blink, Arven looked back at her, then at Mabosstiff, and eased into a smile as well. "Heh, looks like that makes the two of us."

Admittedly, the scenery could've been better. In the moments where their conversation was put to rest, Momo wondered what there was to stare at around here. Mabosstiff. The cave wall. Arven. The drops dripping off the stalactites. The spot where the table used to be. Arven. Checking out what their Pokémon were up to. Mirage and Brawn trying to stop Alti from picking on Donny. Arven. Momo's wandering eyes caught that smug, spicy look Sami was still giving her.

No biggie. A quick glance towards the relentless drizzle behind quickly reminded Momo she was better off staying where she was. And why wouldn't she be? There was nothing that could possibly go wrong when it was just them, their Pokémon, and the rain.

That didn't stop her from feeling the chill when a stray drop landed on the back of her neck. "Eep! That rain really doesn't wanna let up, does it?"

"Not to mention it's been like that for hours…" Arven shared her sigh. "I was thinking of holding out 'til the storm stopped, but at this rate I'm not sure it will. We might just have to spend the night here."

"Ehehehe… If I'd known I was going to stay this long, I would've packed my jammies." Momo giggled to herself despite her raspy voice. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe her jacket wasn't the best thing to wear while she was sick. She was soothingly warm enough as it is. As she slipped it off, she looked down at her yellow vest, then at Arven's yellow vest, and grinned. "Hey look, now we match!"

"Heh. You certainly make it look better than I do." Arven took a second to ruffle her hair before getting up. Mabosstiff perked up and followed suit. "Get yourself comfy, little buddy. Mabosstiff and I are gonna find a spot to get some rest by. Come on, bud."

"H-Huh?"

Arven whistled for Mabosstiff, and as he did, Momo felt her crossed arms wrapping around herself. The soothing warmth by her side had left, and the chill she felt was quick to sweep over her being. She laid on her side, hoping her shivering would seep into the blanket she leaned against, but she found no such solace. In an attempt to find something to hold on to, she reached out, but she found nothing.

"My jacket…"

From the corner of her eye, she noticed that her Pokémon have taken to huddling around Diego for a warm cuddle pile. Atop his snout, right by his little torchy wisp bird, she made out the orange form of her Tatsugiri, who had somehow snagged her jacket and was embracing it. If Momo still had the energy, she would've absolutely shaken her fist at Sami, because other than that the only nearby source of warmth that came to mind was…

"Arven…" Momo muttered the name, but she wasn't sure what to ask, or if she was even ready to. Was she supposed to ask him to keep her warm? All night? Lying like this? She's watched and read and dreamed enough to feel sheepish at the thought of asking something so daring, but yet…

"I'm here, Momo."

Somehow, her call had reached him, and he had kneeled down to meet her eyes. The lantern nearby cast a warm orange glow over his even warmer face. There was that soft, genuine look of worry again.

Still, Momo felt the smallest of hopeful smiles on her face as soon as she saw him. "Arven… I'm cold."

"Say no more, little buddy."

With a reassuring nod, Arven stepped around her. After a moment, he took his place, lying down on the blanket, right next to her. Momo turned around and was met with immediate surprise as she saw how close his face was to hers.

Just as her face was suddenly feeling very warm with thoughts very loud, Arven's eyes seemed to dart away for a moment as he cleared his throat. He extended his arm to carefully place a hand on her shoulder, gently caressing it as he did. "Is… is this better?"

From a teal eye to fiery orange ones, Momo was suddenly made very aware of the cuddly fur doggy that took his place between them. Mabosstiff gave Momo and Arven a lick each before moving away and getting comfortable by the latter's back.

Momo giggled. At least Arven's face was still visible even if Mabosstiff's tail wagged into his hair. "Y-Yes. This is better." The soothing warmth of his touch on her shoulder and his presence ahead relaxed her into a yawn. "Thank you, Arvie."

Arven looked back at her with a faint smile. "Just don't get me sick in your sleep, alright? But… if you're still feeling cold, then I'm here. You don't deserve to shiver yourself to sleep."

"I…" Momo felt the chill again, and as she shuddered, she felt the grip on her pull her closer.

"I got you." Arven's arm was around her while his other hand rested on the back of her head. "I'm no Diego, but… I hope this is enough to keep you warm."

Feeling herself relax in his protective hold, Momo took a deep, steady breath and gladly returned the embrace as she nestled her head against his arm. Arven plucked off her glasses as she did, carefully setting them aside in a gesture Momo greatly appreciated. Even if she couldn't see him as clearly, his face was still very close, and the shape of his face, his eye, and his hair was distinct enough for her to make out. As in, she could see him good. Not that she intended to keep staring. Was his gentle expression always so dreamy up close? Was he staring back?

Ahem. No biggie. All she had to do was close her eyes and drift off to sleep. Maybe pretend that this was one of those sleepovers that she had definitely been on. Keeping each other warm for the night in an embrace is a normal thing to do. Maybe if she closed her eyes hard enough, it'd be like he was never there. But he was always there, in her thoughts, and now in her hold.

Another stray drop, another shiver, and the warm embrace tightened. His presence was enveloping, but so gentle at the same time. Momo had never felt so relaxed by his presence, so touched by his gesture, in such a way that left her heart racing. The air did smell of rain, but as she sniffled, the scent of homey pepper was close, very close.

This was very nice. The quiet sound of rain and breathing, the soothingly comforting presence embracing her, it all carried a level of fondness she only saw in her dreams. For all she knew, maybe she was still dreaming. With her eyes shut, it was hard to tell.

Before she knew it, her thoughts started speaking for her. "You're sweet, Arvie."

It took a second, but he replied with a whisper. "Is… is that so?" Must've been in her dreams.

Her thoughts continued. "And bitter. And spicy. And sour. And salty. You're all of those things."

"Oh. I get it. Like the sandwiches." There was a quiet chuckle. "Does this mean you're hungry?"

"Mmmm…" Momo wasn't hungry. She wasn't sure if she needed to eat, to blink, or do much else at such a calm moment. Still, sincerity spoke in the faint scent of pepper. "Thank you for taking care of me."

"After all you've done for me, I'd gladly take care of you for as long as you needed it." The enveloping presence's arms still held her tight, and Momo felt a gentle stroking on the back of her head. "I could even go on another adventure for five more herbs just to make sure you'd feel better."

All these mentions of herbs and sandwiches had Momo smiling to herself. "So many good memories…"

"Very good memories," the presence whispered, yawning even. "Keep those proud memories close to you as you snooze off to dream land, okay?"

"Mmmm…" She liked these words. She liked this warmth. Maybe this time this loving embrace wouldn't grow distant. She held on and didn't want to let go. And she liked holding those proud memories close too.

The warmth almost seemed to beckon to Momo despite her drowsy eyes. It almost seemed like there was a light, a blurry light too splendiferous to behold. She looked up at that mysterious light in the dark, the moon, and instead found Arven staring back at her. She was happy at how close she was to the moon.

Momo fondly remembered the falls her Rotom Phone saved her from. She remembered the praise of getting answers correct and achieving good grades. She remembered how proud she felt for each and every one of her Pokémon, and all the good night kisses she was glad to give them. Of course, throughout this whole journey, she also grew so proud of Arven. So proud that it only felt natural how often she ran into him in her dreams. The shape of his face was so unmistakable, so real, like she could actually reach forward and… and…

She had never been this close to him in her dreams before. Maybe this was just her feelings telling her just how much prouder she was this time. Seeing him like this, so close, so warm, so dreamy. Her feelings, her racing heart, the fuzziness of her dreamscape, it all beckoned her. Perhaps, Momo thought, she was ready to soar even a little bit closer towards that beautiful moon.

Storms swirled by Casseroya Lake, but in that hidden cove, things were cozy. The rain may have left the air frigid, but Arven wasn't cold. Of course he was warm, given the ray of sunshine he was holding on to.

Arven hoped he was doing this right, being delicate with her. Getting Momo's jacket back from that moody Tatsugiri was an option, but he ended up being threatened by a cold flipper when he tried that. So much for giving good night kisses on Momo's behalf. Without a jacket… a night-long hug was the only other thing he could think of. He had never held someone this close before, or even knew what it was like to be on the receiving end. Still, he was willing to do this much to keep his little buddy warm. Judging from how happy her sleepy mumbling sounded, he was doing good. She was mumbling a bunch in her sleep earlier, too.

As outgoing and hardy as Momo was, Arven knew how tender and delicate she could be at times. He knew all too well how much her usual stare made her look like she was scheming something, how much she liked to ramble on being loud and proud about anything and everything, and how sometimes she'd start sounding flustered out of nowhere. Sometimes he was the flustered one.

Did she just call him sweet? She was the sweet one. Bitter, spicy, sour, salty too. It only felt right for someone as cute and bite-sized as her. Not that he'd ever tell her that, she had enough of an ego to the point where his encouragement was probably redundant.

He felt every shiver, every shudder, every shaky breath Momo had, and continued to hope his presence would help as he caressed her in his hold. Maybe he really was good at taking care of people. It wasn't as if he had a choice, he and Mabosstiff were on their own for so long. Yet, ever since he recruited this little maniac into this Herba Mystica rescue effort, he found himself being able to appreciate his skills even more when there was another skilled person actually acknowledging them.

He meant it when he said he'd go on another adventure for her. Momo was definitely on the blazingly excitable side, the kind that sizzled and sometimes stung, but her energy was radiant. Bright and dazzling in such a way that he couldn't help but look forward to getting roped up in whatever antics she had in store for their perilous adventures.

Arven caught on to how she worried often about rambling too much, but despite that, he still enjoyed hearing about her eager interpretations on life each time. He wished he was told more of those kinds of stories growing up, and hearing Momo's joy made him feel that youthful energy he yearned for. Especially in Alfornada.

He went on that long hike in hopes the extra trek would give his Pokémon some extra 'oomph', but that Gym Test with Momo changed things in a way he didn't expect. Alfornada held the ticket that strengthened the yearning in his heart and left him with a heartfelt realization that kept him up at night. Not that he could act on that or knew how to. As if she'd even want that, even.

"So many good memories…"

"Very good memories…" Arven whispered back, smiling down at her as he relaxed into a yawn. "Keep those proud memories close to you as you snooze off to dream land, okay?"

He was so proud of her. As if being eternally grateful for helping him save his best bud wasn't enough. They got to see a lot on this grand adventure together, and in a way, he was going to miss doing more of that with her. Of course, if her stories were anything to go by, he knew what other kinds of adventures she was itching to go on, and he didn't want to keep her from those either.

There were other things he was going to miss. The way she bit into her sandwiches. The way she always seemed to be trying to catch his attention or make him smile. The way she always saw the wonder in everything. The way she'd sometimes stroke at her hair while speaking. There was the shared meal prep, the shared hugs, the shared encouragement, the shared nicknames, and getting to see that wonderful smile that always brightened up his day.

And now here he was, keeping her sick self safe and warm. She was nestled against his arm, close to his shoulder. He had to admit, seeing her so peaceful, so pretty, and so close to him, it left his thoughts and heart alike racing. He could even see that adorable little fang of hers peeking out. But right now he had to focus on making sure his little buddy was alright. And that she slept well. Whatever it took to keep this reckless rascal safe.

From behind him, the curled up form of Mabosstiff started breathing out in heavy snores. Arven couldn't complain. He missed that snoring too. The storm may have been strong, stranding them in this cave, but Arven was happy. For once, he didn't have to spend the night alone, this time spending it sandwiched between his two favorite people. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"Mmmm…"

Was Momo still awake? Arven looked down to see her sleepy eyes still slightly open. Against the light of the lantern, the smile on her face shifted into something warmer. Was she… looking up at him?

Those purple eyes were entrancing up close. He felt her hands slowly glide up to rest on his shoulders. Momo was blinking slowly, eyelids low, as she started to lean closer to him, and closer, and closer. Arven froze with a mix of rushing emotions, and before he knew it, he felt the brief contact of her soft lips against his cheek. It lasted for less than a second, but it was there, and then Momo drew back quietly. A few breaths later, all fell silent.

Arven hadn't blinked. Arven hadn't moved. All he could feel was his beating heart and the blush on his face that intensified right where Momo kissed him. She kissed him? She kissed him. She wouldn't… actually kiss him, right? Momo was too good for him.

The thoughts were rushing. His heart was fluttering. Yet, all he could hear was the peaceful snoring of the little daring buddy resting near his shoulder. It was like nothing ever happened. Maybe nothing did happen.

At this point, he was too drowsy to get his thinking straight. Losing out on sleep must've made him start seeing things. Maybe this was a sign that he should join his favorite people and actually get some rest before he started hallucinating even more.

Slowly, carefully, he let his ease take him, giving Momo a kiss on the forehead before closing his eyes. He hoped it felt nice, real or otherwise. He certainly felt nice, being with her and holding her close at such an intimate moment.

"Good night, Momo. Cacaw, cacaw." Arven quietly chuckled to himself as he gently caressed the back of her head.

Her smile was at blissful peace, and so was his. With how good this all felt to be true, maybe he really was the one dreaming here.

Morning was nice. And very warm. But it was the good kind of warm that Momo really liked. All wrapped up in her blankets like a hug, as if she was some Momo burrito. She must've gotten some thicker blankets, because her arms were hugging and holding onto the source of that warmth. There was a sort of muffled ringing somewhere that felt like a distant buzz.

"Mmmm…" With how long she slept, she had a feeling daylight was rearing its rays through her window, but she wasn't in any rush to leave her comfy spot in her comfy bed.

"Mmm…" And then her blanket hummed back.

Momo's senses came to, she realized this wasn't her bed or her room or her blanket, and her eyes shot open. So did Arven's. She blinked. He blinked. It took a second for her to realize they were still holding each other.

"Good… good morning, Arven." Momo's eyes were big and her voice was small.

"Good morning, Momo." Arven was the same.

Without a word, Momo carefully drew her arms back, and so did Arven. She sat up, suddenly finding herself really flustered with how they were close enough to feel each other's breaths seconds ago. Not that she didn't like it, but still! He might start thinking she was weird for hugging him all night, or if she was sleepwalking even, or—

"How're you feeling, little buddy?"

And yet, Arven's tone was casual as he sat up, so was his smile, as if everything was still okay. Maybe everything really was still okay. It was just a hug. A sleeping night hug that may or may not be considered a cuddle, but definitely just a hug, nothing more, nothing less. That was all they did.

On that thought, Momo felt herself ease into a relaxed sigh. Her breathing felt clearer now. "I'm doing good, Arvie. Think I'm feeling better after last night, actually. Guess your mix really worked." She reached to put on her glasses and felt at the side of her noticeably unkempt hair. "I also slept really well, if that's what you were wondering. I had a really nice dream."

"Is that right?" Arven chuckled, looking up as his fingers brushed at his fringe. "I'm glad to hear you've recovered. I had a pretty nice dream myself, too."

Momo giggled, briefly wondering what Arven was dreaming about that left him with that calm and happy look she liked looking at. Probably wasn't as great as her amazing dream, which had talks of sandwiches and her looking at… the moon. Not that she could tell him that, because it was just that great a dream.

While Arven patted at the creases on his sleeves and adjusted his tie, Momo got up and stretched, and as she did, she noticed Sami hopping back to her side. The Tatsugiri was holding her jacket in his flippers, offering it back to her. His usual look seemed more surprised, satisfied even. A quick look around her had her noticing the rest of her awake Pokémon looking at her similarly, some even excitedly.

"Aww, did you guys miss your goodnight kisses?" Momo was immediately ready to follow through on that front. "I hope you're all ready, because I'm comin' at'cha!" And now she was chasing them, Sami in particular being the most reluctant.

"Nice to see you up and at 'em, at least." Arven chuckled. He was plucking berries out of his Greedent's tail. "I've used up all my sandwich ingredients last night, so if you want some breakfast, you're gonna have to look somewhere else."

Momo looked back at him with a shining smirk as Sami squirmed out of her hands. "It's just like you to think of meal prep first thing in the morning. But you're right. Now that the rain has stopped, I've gotta get back to my dorm, because I've got a hankering for a freshening!" Although her tucked hair was staring to come loose, she still held her proud look as she slipped her jacket on. It was damp. "This smells like fish."

"Don't forget to brush your teeth while you're at it." Arven was fanning his hand in front of his cheeky face. Momo shot him a sneer. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!"

Momo wanted to throw her jacket at him. She was about to, though as she reached to take her bag off, she felt the buzz of her ringing phone inside it. Momo unzipped it open, expected her Rotom Phone to float out and jab her, but this time she wasn't greeted by Cassiopeia's voice.

"Oh, hi professor."

Arven's stare widened at that. So did Mirage's.

"It seems that Miraidon has regained all of its powers, except for the power to battle." Professor Turo's voice spoke from the phone. "I knew you were the right one to entrust it to, Momo. With that said, your Iron Treads is still damaged, and if you want to know more about it, there is something I need your help with…"

Arven's face fell. "Wha…?" His frown deepened as he crossed his arms and scoffed. "Pah, listen to you. Like you had anything to do with helping out on this adventure."

The harshness in his tone caught Momo's attention, as well as her phone's.

"That voice… Arven?" Professor Turo's tone shifted subtly. Was that… urgency? "Are you there? I have been searching so long… for a way to reach you. Because… because no one else can get into my lab but you."

"... Excuse me?" Arven's stare was offended. "You've been trying to call me after all the times you've ignored me?"

"Arven…" The professor's voice seemed to cut off at that. There was that interference again. "Please… when you have the time, take Momo back to the lighthouse with you. To the lab on Poco Path. I will reach out once more when you arrive there."

"Wait, you-"

And the call cut short, with Momo's phone zipping back into her bag. Momo's cluelessness was left with another frustrated grunt by Arven. He gritted his teeth, reared his foot back to kick at something on the floor, then stopped himself with a sigh.

All Momo could do was gingerly fiddle with her fingers. "That… sounded pretty important, huh? You really got a bone to pick with that professor…"

"Yeah…" Arven's shoulders slumped as he looked back at her. "I guess you've probably already pieced it together, but that's… that's my dad."

His stare was defeated, and he took to lowering his head as he sat on a nearby rock.

Momo joined him there. "So… that's your dad. The professor. He's been calling me frequently to ask about Mirage and Donny, but I didn't know…"

"Sounds about in line with his priorities…" Arven slowly shook his head. "Always buried under his work, off pursuing his own research. That's the first time I've even heard his voice in years, you know?"

"Arven…"

"And now what? The first thing I get instead of a greeting is being treated like some kind of errand boy?" His hands stroked his furrowed brow as he sighed through gritted teeth. "He's seriously… unbelievable."

Momo's pitied frown was apologetic as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "We don't… have to go. We've done all we needed to, haven't we?" There was a softness in her smile as her eyes landed on Mabosstiff worriedly standing by. Mirage was watching by her side as well.

Arven paused and blinked. He closed his eyes and sighed. "N-No. It's alright. If he was trying to talk to me now of all times, then whatever he's up to must be really important. Or his coffee machine broke or something." With his self-made breath of a laugh, he turned his stare back to Momo and Mirage. "Besides, I'm guessing you and that brute probably want to go check what that's all about. The Miraidon especially. Not gonna lie—I feel like my blood's boiling, but… Sure, fine, I'll get you into the lab. What's the worst that can happen with a little more adventure?"

"Arvie…" Momo reached her arm further so that it rested on his other shoulder, and she leaned closer to him. She was mainly more worried about him rather than the professor, but she couldn't find the right words, so she hoped her lingered presence would do.

Arven's arm was around her too. The faintest of reassuring smiles was on his face. "Don't worry about it. The lab is off Poco Path. That's where the lighthouse is."

Momo nodded with a softly growing smile. "I remember. That's where we first met." And a smirk. "And where I crushed you in battle."

"Heh, least you got that part right." With a lighthearted scoff, Arven gave Momo a pat on the head before heaving himself back onto his feet. "Come on, let's get moving and clean up so we can get outta here. We can make plans to head to the lab some other time, I've got some things to take care of, and I take it you do too."

Momo perked up and followed after him. "Got that right."

It took a bit to round up all their Pokémon, but after they did that, things seemed to quiet down as they got to work, putting away what supplies were left on the table. As Momo bent down to pick up the blanket they slept on, she still found herself with a look of concern as she made her way back to Arven. She had a hunch he was mustering his smile. Growing up the way she did, she could relate to missing out on a family's love, but she didn't expect Arven to have it as bad as he did.

As the two stepped out into the sunlight of the shoal, it was time to part ways, one through water and one through a Flying Taxi. During that brief wait, Momo gave Arven a nudge.

"So… that professor guy. He's the guy that made you, right?"

Arven raised a very confused eyebrow. "I mean… yeah? Of course my parents… made me, don't know why you put it like that."

Momo giggled with a growing grin. "My parents also made me. Somehow. Well, even if we're kinda missing the people who made us, at least we got each other."

Arven breathed out a chuckle. "And I'm glad we do." He looked up at the sounds of flapping and squawking. "Well, there's my ride. It's been fun, but you better get a move on before I change my mind about this lab trip, alright?"

"Aye, aye."

Momo waved Arven off, but before he stepped away, she bumped her shoulder with his.

"Grumpy worrywart."

With a faint smile, he bumped her shoulder back.

"Little buddy."

And off he went. With that all well and done, the cargo of disappearing Squawkabilly left Momo with a lot of lake for Mirage to swim through. All the while, her Miraidon kept looking back at her with a peculiar sneer, as if he and maybe some of her other Pokémon knew something that she didn't. Momo wondered why that was, but simply shrugged it off.