As they reached the door to Sun's home, Lillie faintly heard guitars and piano. "Does your mother have other guests?" she asked. "We could come back later."

Sun chuckled. "No, she's just playing some music, probably on her laptop," he replied. "C'mon let's go see her and Meowy.

Sun stepped inside his house with Lillie and his pokémon in tow. "Mama, Meowy!" he called. "I'm home and I've got some new friends I'd like you both to meet!"

"Welcome home, Sun!" Mrs. Ray said, looking up from her computer. "And Lillie, it's lovely to see you again."

"Meowth!" a non-Alolan Meowth Lillie presumed to be Meowy greeted cheerfully, coming up to nuzzle Sun.

Sun crouched to stroke her. "Good to see you too."

Prince, clearly jealous of this Meowth that wasn't him getting attention, headbutted Sun's leg until Sun began stroking him as well.

"Oh, is that one of your new friends, Sun?" Sun's mother asked. "He has a very regal air about him, doesn't he?"

Lillie's mouth fell open in shock. "Ma'am… forgive the question, but how can you tell that? Did you already know that Meowth in Alola used to be owned by royalty?"

But Mrs. Ray shook her head. "No, I've just got a special sense when it comes to Meowth," she explained. "Sun, did you-"

Sun chuckled. "I told her about your battling days, yes Mama," he answered. "I told you Lillie, my mom is a great Meowth trainer."

Lillie nodded. It wasn't that she hadn't believed him, of course. But hearing about his mother's skill and seeing it displayed so casually were very different things.

"Grimer!" Emperor cried tugging at Sun's shirt, as if to remind everyone he was still there.

"Don't worry buddy," Sun said, placing a calming hand atop the poison and dark type's head, "I didn't forget about you. Mama, this is my other new friend: Emperor! Check out the crystals he has in his mouth, they're almost like teeth!"

Sun's mother smiled warmly. "Hello there, Emperor. You know, I bet my husband would be fascinated by your differences from Grimer elsewhere in the world."

At the mention of Sun's father, it reminded Lillie of the conversation they'd had with Professor Kukui that morning. Lillie tapped Sun on the shoulder. "Sun, that reminds me, shouldn't we tell your m-"

She was cut off by the doorbell ringing, and a woman stepping inside with an Alolan Meowth in tow. She was slightly portly and looked to be in her forties if Lillie had to guess. She had the same gaze as her Meowth, both looked utterly convinced they were above everyone and everything around them. Lillie's hands clenched into fists; her mother had had the same look the past few years and the reminder wasn't pleasant. "I'm coming in!" the woman said imperiously.

"Mya-myaaawr!" her Meowth cried jumping up, and Lillie saw all Sun's pokémon stiffen.

"Easy guys," her friend said quietly. "They might be friendly, and even if not Mom and Meowy have got this. Just watch."

Sun's pokémon didn't seem pleased by their trainer's words, but they all pulled back without a fuss. Even Baron, Sun's fiercest fighter, and Prince, who looked straight up insulted, listened to their trainer, and perched on his shoulders.

But Sun's mom just chuckled, taking the whole thing in stride. "Ah," she said calmly. "The people in Alola are so delightfully casual about things, aren't they? What can we do for you, ma'am?"

"I am…" the strange woman began, "a certain lady known for loving Meowth. The people call me… Madame Meowth!"

Lillie looked at Sun, silently asking if he had any idea who this woman was, but he just shrugged looking as lost as her.

"It's lovely to meet you Madame Meowth," Sun's mother said, still smiling and still taking all of this in stride. "And you're here today because?"

"I heard that you had a Meowth here at your home," Madame Meowth explained, "so I came all the way from Hau'oli to visit. And here is my beloved Meowth. You may call her Lady Meow."

"How far away is Hau'oli?" Sun asked Lillie quietly, unwilling to interrupt the strange exchange his mother was having. "I thought it was close by."

She snorted. "Like… Ten to fifteen minutes if you're walking? Less if you use a Ride Pokémon. She's just trying to sound impressive."

Sun nodded, seeming amused. "Thought so," he said. "It didn't feel like it took that long to get here after we arrived at Hau'oli Airport."

"Meeee-ow," crooned Lady Meow imperiously.

Madame Meowth nodded pompously. "You hear that?" she asked rhetorically. "That mellifluous cry and take in that refined expression. The noble air that simply cannot be hidden… It melts your heart before you even know what's happening to you."

Prince nuzzled against Sun's cheek, seeking the same praise, and the young man chuckled. "Yes, Prince," he said with amusement. "You have a very noble air about you, too. I wanted you on my team as soon as I laid eyes on you, remember?"

Prince purred and relaxed against his trainer. "Meowth…"

But then Madame Meow took in Meowy with a disdainful laugh, and it felt like the temperature in the room dropped a couple degrees. "And this…" she mused. "This must be a Meowth from Kanto? What a vacant expression it has."

Sun's eyes narrowed, and his lips drew into a fine line. "Ma'am," he began dangerously, twitching slightly, "I'd thank you not to insult my mother's partner."

Lillie was surprised by how icy his tone was. Anger didn't surprise her, but having witnessed Sun's passion for battle, for helping people, she'd expected him to be equally passionate in his anger. But… there was no passion here. Just a cold anger directed at the woman in front of him.

"Oh, it's not a bad thing or anything," Madame Meowth said, tone implying that it most certainly was. "I was merely making an observation."

Lillie felt her temper rise. This woman really was just like Mother. The same condescension, the same superiority… Her hands clenched tighter. "Sun," she began, "maybe-"

"Mrawr?" Meowy asked, cuddling up to her and interrupting her thoughts.

Mrs. Ray spared a smile for Lillie and Meowy before addressing Madame Meow, still completely calm and relaxed. "Oh, of course…" she said agreeably. "It's true that the Meowth here in Alola have a very noble air about them! My son's Prince for example, is easily proof as Such."

"Me-owth!" Prince purred appreciatively, from his perch on Sun's shoulder. Sun's eyes softened, taking in his mother's calmness and his Alolan Meowth's happiness.

Lillie however was still angry and was now confused. "Sun," she hissed, "why is your mother just going along with this?"

Sun gave her a small, vicious smile. "Madame Meow is digging her own grave," he whispered. "If Mom is still calm… then I know where this is going, just wait." He winked.

"Yes, they just ooze nobility," Madame Meow agreed with a nod. "I'm so glad you can see that for yourself." She was smirking now, clearly certain that she'd won whatever strange fight she'd come over here to pick.

Sun's mother closed her eyes thoughtfully. "Hmm… I have to say though, my Meowy is the most beautiful when she's fighting in battle. Don't you think so too, Elio?"

"That's right!" he agreed easily. "Meowy is at her best when facing an opponent!"

Lillie giggled and patted Meowy. Ohhh… I get it now, she thought. Sun's mom is as mad as we are, but she wants to win in her territory. Battle.

Madame Meow lost her smirk and looked momentarily thrown. "Oh! Well, Lady Meow is not only beautiful in battle but also exudes a most undeniable grace and nobility while fighting," she said, trying to retain the pompousness she'd previously had and failing somewhat. "I'm sure there is no real competition, but would you care to make a test of exactly how Alolan Meowth and Meowth from Kanto compare?"

Sun's mom nodded enthusiastically. "What an excellent idea!" she agreed with a smirk. "Sun would you serve as referee, dear?"

Sun grinned. "I'd be happy too," he agreed. "Lillie, you might want to take a step back, this'll get wild."

She did as instruct and whispered, "There is absolutely no way your mother will lose, is there?"

Sun smiled mischievously, and whispered, "Lady Meow was clearly not raised as a battler, Meowy was. Just watch."

And then, in a louder voice, "The battle between Madame Meowth and Andrea Ray will be a one-on-one battle, with each side allowed only one pokémon each. Are both combatants ready?"

"Let's get on with it," Madame Meowth said, with bored condescension.

"Ready to go," Mrs. Ray replied.

"Then… Let the battle begin!" Sun declared.

"Lady Meow, use Fake Out!" Madame Meow declared.

Lillie recognized the move; it had been both a huge help and a detriment to Sun in his battle with the teacher at the Trainer School.

"Meow, mrar!" hissed Lady Meow, clapping her hands against Meowy's face.

Meowy flinched, but she didn't seem very hurt or even displeased. She seemed almost… bored.

"Ho ho ho…" Madame Meowth chortled, clearly convinced her victory was guaranteed now that she'd gotten the first strike. "It would seem that Meowth of yours is about as dull as that lackluster fur it has."

Lillie glanced at Sun, but he was still smirking. Still utterly convinced that Meowy and his mother would defeat these two.

Mrs. Ray chuckled, vey unimpressed. "Oho… What a terribly orthodox attack!"

"Mrawr!" Meowy cheered, equally unphased by her opponents.

Madame Meow shook her head disdainfully. "How unattractive it is to see one trying to act clever despite a face that is criminally simple!"

Lillie wondered if the woman realized how foolish she sounded.

"Oh, I think you'll find my Meowy has this well in hand," Mrs. Ray replied. "Meowy, use Iron Tail!"

Meowy's tail glowed silver, and she jumped at Lady Meow. She struck her opponent so hard that Lady Meow was sent flying into her trainer's stomach knocking the Alolan Meowth out instantly.

As Meowy landed, the charm on her forehead gleamed in the midday sun. "Mewhehehe!" she cackled.

"Good going Meowy!" Sun said, reaching down to stroke the Scratch Cat Pokémon. "You won!"

Cradling her Meowth, Madame Meow looked at Mrs. Ray incredulously. "Wh-Who are you?!" she demanded. "How were you able to defeat Lady Meow so easily?"

Sun's mother gave Madame Meow a catlike smile. "Oh, just a humble trainer," she replied easily. "Who was once known as the Scratch Cat Girl."

Madame Meow's eyes widened in shock. "Th-This cannot be!" she exclaimed. "The infamous Scratch Cat Girl of Kanto?! Wh-Why would you be here in Alola?!"

Mrs. Ray turned and looked at Sun fondly. "Oh, I just thought my family could use a fresh start," she replied. "I've been wanting to visit for years, and it seemed like the perfect time with my boy of age to begin his travels."

"I-I see. W-Well we would be delighted to come and pay our proper respects at a later date! L-Lady Meow, we will return home now!"

And much to the amusement of everyone else in the house, the previously haughty woman ran away looking utterly shamed.

"Fantastic!" Sun's mom called after them, looking as if she found the whole thing hilarious. "I'll be waiting!"

"Mrawr!" agreed Meowy.

Sun chuckled. "It's nice to see that even in Alola, some people recognize your old name, Mama."

Lillie was awed. "That was amazing!" she cried. "You defeated her like she was nothing!"

"I told you my mother was amazing, didn't I?" Sun asked with a wide grin.

Prince was staring at Meowy. "Meowth?" he asked.

"Mrawr, mrawr!" Meowy agreed.

Sun crouched down to be eye level with both. "You want to learn Iron Tail, don't you Prince?" he asked knowingly.

"Meowth!" Prince agreed with an emphatic nod. "Meeowww…"

But Sun's mother shook her head. "I'm sorry, Prince, but you can't learn it yet. You'll have to get more experience fighting first."

Sun looked thoughtful. "When we clear the first trial on this island, will you and Meowy help him learn it?" he asked.

"It's a deal," Mrs. Ray agreed. "We won't be able to help him master it, though. You'll have to figure that out as you go."

"Does that sound good, Prince?" Sun asked, settling his Meowth onto his shoulder. "We'll work our way up to the top, right?"

"MEOWTH!" Prince agreed emphatically.

Mrs. Ray suddenly hugged her son. "Oh your father would be so proud of you," she said. "I wish he could be here to see the trainer you're growing up to be."

After mother and son had parted, Lillie decided now would be a good time to bring up what they'd discussed with Professor Kukui earlier. She rested a hand on Sun's shoulder. "Sun," she began, "don't you think now would be a good time to tell your mother about that?"

"Oh, right!" he exclaimed. "Mama, we've got big news. You better brace yourself? You ready? You braced?"

"Fire away," Sun's mom said, looking between them both with knowing eyes.

"Professor Kukui said he'd try and get Dad transferred to working under him!" Sun exclaimed.

Sun's mom blinked. "Wait… What?" she asked, clearly whatever she'd been expecting, it wasn't this.

"Isn't that great?!" Sun cheered. "If it goes through, Dad will be in Alola! With us! And Kukui's lab is like… five minutes' walk from here so there's no crazy commute!"

To Lillie's shock, Sun's mother began crying, she was still smiling but tears were streaking down her face. "Sun, that's… that's wonderful! Did you… Did you help with this, Lillie?"

She opened her mouth to downplay her involvement, but Sun cut in before she could. "It was her idea, Mama! And she helped me bring it up with Professor Kukui!"

Sun's mother crushed the teenage girl in a hug. "Thank you," she sobbed. "Just… thank you!"

Lillie was startled but hugged her back. "You're most welcome," she replied. "But… But like Sun said, this is only a possibility, no guarantees. I-I don't want to get your hopes up for nothing."

Mrs. Ray pulled away and gave Lillie a watery smile. "Dear, this is more of a chance for my family to be together, regularly at least, than we've had in a very long time. So, thank you. If you ever need anything, anything at all, just ask."

Lillie didn't really know what to say to that, so she just nodded.

Then suddenly her phone began ringing. "Hello," she said.

"Hey Lillie," said Professor Kukui. "Listen, me and Hau are just about done at the Trainer School, so come on over, yeah! I'm assuming Sun is still with you, so make sure he comes too. It's time you kids make tracks for Hau'oli City, yeah!"

She nodded, before realizing the professor wasn't there to see her. "Of course, Professor. We'll be on our way soon."

"Time to rock and roll?" Sun asked, eyes sparkling with excitement. Receiving a nod, he whistled and all his pokémon became alert. "Alright guys, time to get this adventure rolling!"

His pokémon cheered, and Baron and Prince left their places on his shoulder to fly and walk beside him respectively.

"Mama," he said, turning to his mother, "I'll keep you posted on anything I hear about Dad, okay?" The two hugged and then he squirmed under his mother's ruffling of his hair.

"I hadn't unpacked it when you left earlier, but this is for you Elio," Mrs. Ray said, pressing a phone into his palm. "Make sure to call me sometimes, okay? A mother worries."

Sun kissed his mother's cheek. "Thanks Mama," he said. "I'll do my best to keep safe, so that you don't have to worry."

And with that, Lillie and Sun said their goodbyes and departed to catch up with the professor and Hau.

As they walked past the pokémon center, Sun was sweltering in the midday heat. Ugh, he thought. I need to get some new clothes if I'm going to survive living here.

"Hey Lillie," he began, "are there any places I can get some fresh clothes in Hau'oli? The clothes I brought in the move were good in Kanto, but it's a bit too hot for them here."

"Oh yes," she confirmed. "In fact, I believe it will be one of the first stores we come to when we reach the city proper. I'll show you."

Sun grinned. "Excellent! Thanks for that Lillie, you've been a huge help."

She giggled. "Oh, please!" she said. "It's just helping you find something I'm sure you'd have found on your own. No big deal."

Sun shook his head. "Not just that," he said. "Healing up my crew, trying to help get my dad here, explaining about the pokémon center… You've done a lot and we've only known each other a couple days. I know Mom told you, but I'll reiterate it: If you ever need anything, anything at all, just ask."

Lillie looked thoughtful, but then she gave him a very warm smile. "It's an Admin's job to help the Boss, right?" she offered. "But seriously you've helped me out too, saving Nebby, keeping my secrets. It works out about even, Sun."

"Fair enough," he agreed. "But either way, we're still friends, so if you need me just call and we'll come running with bells on, right guys?"

His pokémon gave cries of agreement, and Baron landed on Lillie's shoulder, offering an Oran Berry. Sun smiled at the sight, and mused, Even Baron couldn't stay mad at Lillie for long.

"Thank you, Sun," she replied. "Speaking of your pokémon, I was really impressed at how in sync you and your mother both battle with your pokémon. Is that something she taught you?"

Sun took a deep breath. That was a complicated question. The short answer was "Yes," because she had taught him that, but the truth was a lot more complicated. The truth involved training at his uncle's gym, and he wasn't ready to explain that complicated family history yet.

"Remember, Elio," his uncle had said as a much younger Sun panted on the floor of the Viridian City gym after taking a Horn Attack from a Rhyhorn while shielding Meowy. "Although most people think that the mark of a good trainer is their command of pokémon, to be truly elite the trainer's power, speed, and abilities are just as important. Especially the ability to understand."

"'To understand'?" Sun had asked. "What does that mean?"

"You have to understand your pokémon, and your opponents," Sun's mother had piped up from the stands where she watched them train, stroking one of her other Meowth. "If you understand your pokémon, you'll know how to guide them properly. If you understand your opponents, you'll know how to exploit openings in their strategy."

"Exactly," Uncle Gio had said. "Now, get up Elio! Come at me!"

"It's… It's a long story, Lillie," he replied. "She did teach it to me, but…" He sighed. "Only when someone else was trying to beat how to be a trainer into my brain."

Her eyes widened. "Did… Did this other person hurt you?" she asked, horrified.

"Not on purpose," Sun replied, and that much was true. Uncle Gio had never tried to hurt Sun. But when Kanto's strongest gym leader went all out, and encouraged you to train along with pokémon, you occasionally walked away a little bruised up. "The training there was just brutal."

"But you're always so kind to pokémon, yours and your opponents," she said in confusion.

Sun shrugged. "Mama did teach me that," he replied. "'Put everything you have into winning, but don't be cruel.'"

"I don't think you have a cruel bone in your body. Even back when you weren't a pokémon trainer, you rushed out to save Nebby," Lillie said.

Sun scratched his chin awkwardly. "It wasn't that big of a deal," he mumbled. "Tapu Koko had to save both of us in the end."

Lillie rested her hand on his shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short," she said kindly. "You're a kind person. That's why pokémon take to you so well."

Sun blushed. "Thanks Lillie."

He would've said more, but something cut off their conversation. "Moo-arrr!"

"Oh," Lillie said in surprise, "I forgot about Tauros!"

"No big deal," Sun said. "Look Kahuna Hala and Hau are with him. Come on!"

The two dashed over. "Heya, Hau! Hello, Kahuna Hala!" Sun greeted.

"Ho!" Hala said cheerfully. "If it isn't Sun and Lillie. Sorry if Tauros scared you, friends. I guess it's time I get him back home."

"It was no trouble," Sun replied. "I've never seen a Tauros in person before today!"

"Well then," the Kahuna said, "why don't you give him a little pat before I take him home, Sun?

"Zzrt! He wantz you to pat that big ol' Tauroz?" Dexter asked. "If I were you, I'd be headed for the hillz right now."

Lillie giggled. "Oh, that ornery Tauros… Well, at least it's nice that the pokémon in Alola are so lively and such a big part of everyday life."

Sun walked closer to the normal type and stroked Tauros' mane. "It's good to meet you, Tauros," the teen said, gently stroking the Wild Bull Pokémon. "You like running around too, huh?"

"Boh!" Hala's Tauros cried, enjoying Sun's affection. "Tauros!"

Hala chuckled. "Ha ha ha! You see? This rascal already loves you!" the kahuna said proudly. "Pokémon are happiest when we show some care."

Sun smiled. "I learned about how to care for pokémon from my mother," he said. "It was a lot of fun, growing up in a house full of pokémon."

Hala smiled. "I'm glad to hear that," he said. "I'd best be getting Tauros back to Iki Town now. You children go on to Hau'oli now!"

"No problem, Tutu!" Hau cheered. "I'll help them find where they need to go!"

Hala smiled. "Oh, the places you children will go," he mused with a faraway look in his eyes. "And as you do, you three will surely meet more pokémon and people who will enrich your lives. Goodbye for now."

After his grandfather was out of sight, Hau turned to his two friends with a bright grin. "The kahunas sure are something, eh? Able to calm a raging pokémon without even needing to battle… Now that's something!"

Sun nodded. "For sure." Just going by his tone, Sun was pretty sure Hau idolized Hala as much as Sun idolized his mother.

"I mean," Hau continued, "I like Tauros plenty and all, but it is pretty scary! I don't wanna ride it!"

Sun chuckled. "I dunno," he replied. "Sounds like fun to me, as long as Tauros was up for it at least."

"Sun, do you have any idea how fast Tauros go?" Hau asked. "You're really up for that?"

Sun shrugged. "As long as Tauros let me, I don't think I'd be in any danger."

Hau conceded his point. "Fair enough. Onto Hau'oli City now, right?"

"Yes," Lillie agreed. "I was planning to show Sun around a bit. He wanted to get some new clothes. He says the ones who wore in Kanto are too warm here."

"Sounds like fun," Hau said. "Let me join you guys. I wanna get something good to eat!"

"Come on Hau," Sun joked, "you don't eat clothes!"

"I don't think that's what he meant Sun," Lillie laughed. "But alright, let's all go together!"

"Then what're we waiting for?" Hau asked, bouncing up and down. "This way! Come on!" The energetic teen dashed ahead of them without even looking back.

"Wasn't it his idea to stick together?" Sun asked with amusement. "'Cause I'm pretty sure we've lost him."

Lillie groaned. "I've only lived on Melemele for three months, but this is nothing new, trust me. We should probably go catch up with him before he gets too far ahead though. Hau'oli City is the biggest city all Alola so if we don't catch up to him soon, we'll be trying to for quite a while."

"I don't know about you all," Dexter piped up from Sun's pocket. "But I'm ready for a nice stroll through Hau'oli City!"

"Let's make sure we're all here first," Sun replied and then he whistled. "Roll call!"

"Litten!" cried Nero, rubbing up against Sun's leg.

"Pikipek!" Baron tweeted, perching on Sun's arm.

"GRIMER!" crowed Emperor, oozing in front of Sun.

And finally, Prince mewed, "Meowth!" as he settled himself on Sun's shoulder opposite Baron.

"Looks like we're all here!" Sun cheered. "Let's get going, Lillie."

But before they could a quiet "Pew!" came from Lillie's bag.

"Don't worry little one," Sun said. "We're glad you're here too."

"But," Lillie chided with fond amusement, "you have to stay quiet, okay? We'll get into trouble if anyone finds out you're in there."

Figuring his friends would catch up soon enough, Hau ran down to the beachfront. "Beach time!" he cheered, bouncing up and down. "Yeaaahh!"

"Row!" Bowtie agreed, flying beside him.

"I am absolutely gonna surpass Tutu!" the energetic young man shouted to the sea. "I'm gonna travel the region, see everything Alola has to show me alongside my friends and pokémon, eat malasada from every island, complete the Island Challenge, and when I've done it all I'LL CHALLENGE MY GRAMPS TO A SERIOUS POKÉMON BATTLE, MY BEST AGAINST HIS BEST, AND THEN WE'LL BEAT HIM!"

"ROW!" Bowtie hooted with as much energy as his trainer.

"PI-CHU!" squeaked Puka from next to Hau.

There was the sound of footsteps on sand and suddenly Sun and Lillie were beside him, Sun's pokémon sticking close to their trainer. "I'm gonna travel the entire Alola Region with my crew, people and pokémon alike!" Sun shouted to the sea, trembling with excitement. "We'll experience everything Alola offers! We'll complete the Island Challenge! And when we've done it all and experienced everything, all together…" The newcomer to Alola took a deep breath. "I'LL BECOME THIS YEAR'S ISLAND CHALLENGE CHAMPION, SIDE BY SIDE WITH MY POKÉMON!"

"LITTEN!" Nero roared to the ocean, staking his word next to Sun's.

"PIKIPEK!" Baron screeched in approval, flying about wildly.

"GRIMER!" Emperor cried, giving Sun a gooey hug which his trainer happily returned.

"MEOWTH!" Prince proclaimed, standing atop Sun's head to stand higher than everyone else which was their ultimate goal, just from a much higher height.

And, as Sun's pokémon cheered, Lillie's bag shook.

Both boys looked at Lillie, clearly expecting her to join in. "I… I will…" she began, timidly at first. "I will travel this region with my friends experiencing so many wonderous things, I will make countless memories, I will visit the ruin of all four tapu, and I will learn everything the Alola Region has to teach me!" she shouted.

Hau, Sun, and all their pokémon roared their approval.

"Zzt! You're all zo excited!" Dexter cheered, floating out of Sun's pocket and into the air. "Let me get a picture of you all! Zzt! Zay cheeze!"

There was a flash of light, and Dexter had a picture of all three friends, plus their pokémon on its screen.

Hau chuckled. "Nice, Dexter!" he cheered. "Can you make sure to send that to Lillie and me?"

"No zweat," Dexter chirped, sliding back into Sun's pocket. "It should be on your phonez any zecond now! Zzt!"

"How do you have my number?" Lillie asked, slightly concerned.

"Profezzor Kukui put the numbers for you and Hau in my data bankz before he gave me to Zun. Zzt!" Dexter explained.

"All that shouting has made me hungry!" Hau declared. "I'm gonna go grab some food. If you guys don't catch up before I'm done, I'm putting it on your tab!" He settled Puka on his shoulder and dashed off with Bowtie trailing behind him.

"He… He was kidding, right?" Sun asked, staring after the cloud of dust his hyperactive friend had kicked up.

"I hope so," Lillie replied. "Trust me, you never want to be footing the bill when Hau has unlimited access to food. Besides, you wanted to get some new clothes, right?"

Sun nodded, and Lillie led him to the apparel store. They split up after they were inside, Sun making a beeline for tank tops and Lillie looking over articles of clothing in the woman's section. He grabbed a couple in various colors, and a few shorts to replace the longer pants he'd traditionally worn until now. He was about to have his wares rung up, when he noticed a black baseball cap with the same colors as his Grimer printed on the brim. "I'd like this too, please," he said politely, adding it to the checkout counter.

The clerk chuckled, ringing his things up. "New to Alola, kiddo?" she asked.

Sun nodded. "I just moved here a few days ago," he replied. "It's a lot warmer here than Kanto so the clothes I brought are way too warm."

"I see you've caught quite a few pokémon already," she nodded at his quartet crowding around him, "planning to catch a lot more?"

Sun shrugged. "I don't know yet," he admitted. "Nero, my Litten, was a gift, and it just felt right with the others. The only other pokémon I'm definitely going to make an attempt for is a Rockruff. I've been in love with those little guys since the first time I saw one."

"Well," the clerk said, "I hate to disappoint you, but you'll be waiting a while to catch one. The only place they can be found around here is Ten Carat Hill and rockslides have it blocked off at the moment. They should be cleared up in a few days, though."

Sun took it in stride. "That's fine," he replied easily. "I'm still going to be on Melemele for a while, so I can't see how I'll miss out on catching one."

"Well, here's the stuff you bought," she said. "Our men's changing room is over there." She pointed to the left.

"Thank you," Sun said.

Sun got changed quickly, tossing on a red tank top and switching his hats, not wanting to keep Lillie waiting. He looked around the store but didn't see her. "If you're looking for the young lady you came in with," the clerk said, "she told me to let you know she'd be waiting for you outside."

"Thank you," he said, and he dashed out with his pokémon on his heels.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, Lillie," Sun said, when he saw her.

She smiled at him. "Not at all," she replied. "You're fine. Your new clothes suit you."

"Thank you," Sun replied. "Didn't end up buying anything for yourself?"

"No…" Lillie said awkwardly. "I did but… Well, do you normally pick out all your own clothes?"

"Normally, my mom does," Sun said. "I never really cared about clothes or fashion, so it didn't matter to me much. I picked these out, obviously."

Lillie nodded, looking thoughtful. "Oh, your mother must have a great sense of style then," she mused. "I love the way that you dress."

"I don't know much about how she thinks when it comes to style," Sun replied. "But I don't think she'd mind giving you suggestions if you're curious. Not that how you're dressed looks bad or anything! But if you wanted to change it up, I doubt she'd mind helping."

"I…" Lillie began quietly. "I've always just worn the clothes that my mother wanted me to wear." She fiddled with her hat. "So, I don't really know what kind of things would suit me…"

Sun stared at her thoughtfully. "You don't like that hat, do you?" he asked.

Lillie blinked. "How could you tell?" she asked in surprise.

"You only mess with it when you're upset," he replied. "And it hides your face. I like being able to see your face."

"It's true I don't like it very much," Lillie acknowledged, "but I've grown used to wearing a hat so I'm still wearing it."

Sun reached in his bag and pulled out his old hat, grey with the weird design at the front, and dropped it into her hands. "Here you go," he replied. "A different hat, one you don't hate."

Lillie looked at the hat, then at Sun, and then back at the hat. "U-Um…"

"You don't have to if you don't wanna, but the way I see it we're on this journey through Alola, so if there's any time to figure out what works for us, it'd be now."

Lillie stared at the hat a bit more, before nodding. "Thank you, Sun!" she said with a smile. She pulled the oversized hat off her head and tossed it in her duffle bag. Gingerly, almost like she was afraid it would burn her, she settled his old cap on her head. "How do I look?"

Sun said the first word that came to mind, "Beautiful."

Lillie turned crimson and so did Sun. "Th-Thank you," she stammered. "W-We should probably catch up with Hau now."

"Y-Yeah," Sun agreed shakily. "Do you know where he is?"

"There's only one place he would go," Lillie replied. "Come on, let's go make sure he hasn't run our tab too high."

Lillie led Sun to the Malasada Shop. If Hau wasn't at the beachfront, he'd be here, and sure enough there the young man was, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Howzit, Sun, Lillie!" he greeted cheerfully. "You two sure kept me waiting, but if you're looking for good eats, you've found 'em!"

"Good eats?" Sun asked. His stomach rumbled in time with Lillie's. "Yeah, I think I could go for some right about now.

"Plus, malasada make your pokémon like you," Lillie pointed out. "And pokémon do better in battle when they like the trainer they're battling for.

Hau chuckled. "Who could resist giving their pokémon a few malasada, eh? They're just so cute when they're chowing down!"

Sun grinned. "Tell you what then, buddy," he began. "Since I kept you waiting, you and your pokémon can get some on me. Lillie, do you want to join us? Your share will be on me too."

Lillie looked over at Hau. "Sun, didn't I warn you not to treat Hau to any unlimited amount of food? Maybe I should've included 'especially malasada' in that…"

"Hey, hey," Sun protested. "I'm not promising anybody unlimited anything."

Hau grinned. "If you're paying, I'm eating!" he cheered. "C'mon Bowtie. C'mon Puka. We've got someone willing to treat us for once!"

"Row!" Bowtie cheered, but Puka just seemed confused, probably because he hadn't been on Hau's team long enough to have tried malasada.

"Come on, Lillie!" Sun said. "Let's get some good eats!"

It seemed when she wasn't being pulled about by Nebby's whims she was being pulled about by Sun's. "Yes, Boss," she joked following the boys and their pokémon inside.

It smelled heavenly inside, the scents of cinnamon, sugar, and baking dough blending harmoniously. Lillie's mouth watered. She was very glad Sun had insisted she join them, because she would've dearly regretted missing this. Hau and Lillie found a booth for the three of them, plus their pokémon, while Sun ordered enough to satisfy them all.

"Nice hat," Hau said, pointing to the baseball cap that had used to belong to Sun on her head. "You bought one to match Sun's, huh?"

Lillie laughed a little. "No, Hau," she replied. "This is the hat Sun was wearing before, didn't you notice he was wearing a new one?"

"Wait… he was?" Hau asked in shock. "I guess I was too focused on getting some malasada…"

"I can't say I blame you," Sun said taking a seat next to the other boy. "If they taste half as good as they smell, they'll be delicious."

"Oh, trust me," Hau said, "they taste even better. All jokes about running your wallet dry aside, thanks for treating all of us!"

Sun smiled. "No problem, buddy," Sun assured him.

Not long after they were all munching away, too busy eating to talk. All of the pokémon had happily eaten the malasada Sun had gotten for them, except for Prince that is. He'd stuck his nose up at it. Deciding that if his Meowth didn't want it Nebby might, Sun had looked at Lillie and then down at her bag. She nodded an affirmative to the unspoken question and Sun had dropped it into her bag when Hau's attention was occupied on cooing over Puka trying to eat something almost as big as his head.

"Woo!" Sun patted his belly. "Those were yummy!"

"Litten lit!" Nero agreed, licking his paw.

"See?" Hau said. "Told ya."

Sun grinned. "Well, now that we're all charged up, let's go do our first trial!" he cheered.

Sun stretched as he stepped out of the malasada shop into the afternoon sun. It was such a beautiful day.

Then he noticed Ilima standing in front of three identically dressed strangers. "Whenever, wherever we meet you," one said, "Team Skull don't even greet you!"

"So, Cap, just give us your pokémon yo!" another said.

All three released Zubat, clearly intent on beating Ilima with a numbers advantage and Sun saw red. "Nero," Sun said, "let's get in there." The newcomer to Alola dashed in.

"Ah, Sun," Ilima said, seemingly without a care in the world. "Lovely to see you again. Mind helping me deal with these troublemakers?"

"Hey, don't forget about me!" Hau said. "We're not interested in letting Team Skull do whatever they want either."

"You Team Skull guys itching for a fight?" Sun asked, and Nero spat fire next to him with a hiss. "I'll take you on."

"Why are you trying to act hard when I'm already hard as bone, yo?" one asked. "Zubat, use Absorb!"

"What does that even mean?" Sun asked no one in particular. "Nero counterattack with Ember!"

"Homie, let's check these fools!" another member of Team Skull said. "Zubat use Bite!"

"Oh my… How terrifying…" Ilima deadpanned. "Smeargle, use Water Gun!"

"Ooooh a battle against these Team Zkull numbzkullz?!" Dexter asked. "Count me in! I'll take pictures of your victories!"

Sun focused purely on the opponent he was fighting. "Pokémon thieves rub me the wrong way," he growled. "Nero jump up at his Zubat and use Scratch!"

"Fly up higher and get outta the way!" the member of Team Skull he was opposing shouted. "I've never even seen you in Alola before, kid. Were you flew here or were you grew here?"

"I'm from Kanto," Sun snapped. "What's it to you?"

"What's a kanto?" the would-be thief asked. "Well, if you're not from Alola you gotta have some rare pokémon! When you lose, I'll be takin' 'em off your hands!"

"Take your best shot," Sun said coldly. "You don't scare us!"

Ugh, these guys were bringing back emotions he'd rather forget.

"A free hit?" the jerk asked. "Don't mind if I do! Zubat, swoop down and use Bite!"

This was a battle with real stakes, so even though Sun didn't want to he instinctively fell back on his uncle's brutal teachings.

"Meowy, use Iron Tail!" Sun had shouted, and his mother's Meowth lashed her tail at his uncle's Rhyhorn, seemingly staggering it. "You did it Meowy! We got the Rhyhorn before it could hit you!" the six-year-old had cheered.

"Andrea's Meowth are fast Elio," his uncle had affirmed. "But be careful, sometimes an opponent will let you strike first so as to use your speed against you! Just like this! Rhyhorn use Horn Attack at close range!"

Meowy had crashed back into Sun, knocking the wind out of the boy, and sending him sprawling.

The Zubat rushed at Nero, fangs gleaming in the sunlight.

Nero glanced up at Sun, and the teen did his best to smile for his partner. "It's okay, buddy. We just need to wait until…" The Zubat was almost on top of them. "NOW! Jump on top of Zubat!"

"LITTEN!" cried Nero, leaping atop the poison and flying type.

"Zubat, try and shake him off," the guy from Team Skull called desperately.

"Yeah, I don't think so," Sun said viciously. "Nero, use Scratch to dig your claws in and hold tight!"

"Litten," Nero hissed and all four of his claws glowed simultaneously, digging into the Zubat which was flapping about wildly. Flames begin to gather in his mouth.

"Yeah," Sun encouraged, "that's the way! Blast Zubat with Ember!"

With no way to hit Nero, and no way to dodge, Zubat took a full powered Ember to the face. As the Zubat was going down, Sun reached out to grab his partner and Nero leapt into his arms. "Great job," Sun praised. "You were awesome, Nero!"

"Does kanto make you a great trainer or something?" the guy from Team Skull asked. "How was a noob like you able to fight like that?"

Sun took a deep breath to steady himself. Hau and Ilima seemed to have beaten their opponents down to, so they didn't need his help. These Team Skull guys were no threat. "Have you jerks ever heard of the Rocket Syndicate?" At blank looks from three different members of Team Skull he continued, "Y'know, Team Rocket? They ran crime in Kanto. They got crushed by a couple of kids, just like you just did."

"Ohhhh… Team Rocket," one of the Skull guys said. "Weren't they always getting blasted off?"

Sun couldn't help himself, he actually chuckled at that reminder. "Yeah," he agreed. "Couple kids from Pallet Town were always beating them down and blasting them into the sky. The heroes of Kanto. But seeing as we beat you, and you seem to at least have two braincells to rub together, you're going to leave now, right?"

The Team Skull guys flinched at his tone. "Uh… Yeah! We don't need your whack pokémon anyway, Ilima!" one shouted.

"Great!" Sun said, throwing them all potions. "Make sure to heal up your Zubat!"

Hau looked at him incredulously. "You're seriously giving these guys items to heal their pokémon after they tried to steal ours?"

"These guys might be thugs, but there's no such thing as a bad pokémon," Sun said. "Just pokémon loyal to bad people." Sun turned to the Skull guys. "Plus, you boneheads know that we weren't going all out, don't you? I mean we've got the one and only Captain Ilima, Hau who will surpass Kahuna Hala, and me, Hau's rival. We all beat you, and we weren't even going all out. You don't want us to get serious, right?"

"Yeah, let's get out of here homies," the third Skull guy said.

The trio fled, and Sun realized that Lillie was staring at him like he'd come from another planet. "Where did… all that come from?" she asked. "I think you scared them."

Sun's body shook slightly, now that he and his friends were completely out of any possible danger the reality of what he'd just done set in. "S-Sorry," he stammered, "that was more lessons kicking in. I didn't mean-"

"Hey, look at me man," Hau gripped Sun's shoulder, a compassionate look on his face. "You got them off our backs and you gave them stuff to heal their pokémon. So what if you got a little intense, it's okay man."

Nero licked Sun's face trying to reassure his trainer. "Litten!" he cheered reassuringly.

Lillie gave Sun a reassuring smile. "Sun, I wasn't saying you did anything bad," she assured him. "I was just surprised. Impressed, even."

Sun closed his eyes, trying to calm himself back down, to still his twitching. No one here was angry at him for drawing on his uncle's teachings. No one was claiming he didn't care about pokémon or that he didn't respect his opponents. Deep breaths. In… and out.

"Thanks guys," Sun said. "I… Just… Thank you." He wants to tell them. Tell them about his uncle. About the training he underwent until his mother found out exactly what it entailed. He can trust them, he's certain. But moving to Alola was supposed to be a fresh start. Leaving the past behind. For now, at least, he should stay quiet.

Baron lands on his shoulder and offers him an Oran Berry. "Pikipek?"

Sun laughed. "Thanks buddy," he said to his Pikipek, nibbling on the gift. "You guys are all way too nice."

Ilima chuckled. "You and your pokémon are certainly interesting, Sun," he mused. "I must admit, I've been wondering about you since I saw you at the Trainers' School. Professor Kukui brought you along, and you and your pokémon seemed to defeat our teacher effortlessly!"

Sun scratched his chin awkwardly. "Did it really seem that way? Her Popplio gave us some trouble."

Ilima shrugged. "Considering you were battling it with no knowledge of its abilities, I think a misstep or two is fair. I stand by my assessment: You and your pokémon are impressive."

Hau chuckled. "Hear that, Sun? Sounds like you've got a fan!"

"I would like to battle you, Sun, if you don't mind," Ilima said. "I find my curious about how you'd fare against me. And this will be a good way to see if you're ready for my trial. Does a one-on-one battle, with two pokémon for each of us sound good?"

Sun beamed. "Absolutely!" he replied. "Just let me heal up Nero, he took a little bit of damage in the last fight."

But Lillie was already pulling out her potions. "Let me handle it, Sun!" she said cheerfully. "I'll make sure he's ready to go.

After Nero was healed up, he took a position in front of Sun only for his trainer to shake his head. "Not this time, buddy," Sun told him. "We have to let the others get some work in before the trial."

"Lit-ten!" Nero complained, despite stepping back as asked. That last opponent had been no trouble at all! He hadn't gotten to display his awesomeness even slightly.

Sun petted him gently. "I know buddy, and I promise we'll train together some more before the trial, but for now let the others have a turn. Emperor, you're up!"

"Grimer!" cheered Emperor, oozing over in front of Sun. He raised his fist to Sun and the teenager crouched to bump fists with the poison and dark type.

"Behold!" Ilima declared, striking a grand pose. "The splendid pokémon of the one and only Captain Ilima. Yungoos, come on out!"

He tossed a great ball into the air and out came a brown mongoose pokémon with noticeable fangs. "Yungoos!" it screeched.

Sun recognized the pokémon, he'd seen some kids playing with one on the day of the festival. A normal type, if he remembered correctly. In that case…

"Yungoos, use Leer!" shouted Ilima.

"Yungoos…" hissed the normal type, staring down Emperor and causing him to shrink back slightly.

Sun grinned. "As expected of the Trainer School's star pupil! You know how defensive Grimer are. We'll have to make an opening of our own Emperor, so use Poison Gas!"

"Gri-mer mer," belched Baron, poisonous gases spewing from his mouth and engulfing Yungoos.

"Clever Sun, but will it be enough?" Ilima asked. "Use Leer and then Tackle, Yungoos!"

"Yunnngoooossss!" the Loitering Pokémon hissed, rushing at Emperor.

Knowing his Grimer didn't have the speed to dodge the fast-moving normal type, Sun gave a different order. "Use Harden to protect yourself and then Bite when Yungoos makes contact!"

"Grimer!" Baron agreed, crossing his arms and taking a solid stance.

Ilima's Yungoos slammed into Baron, who was knocked back by the blow, but he followed his trainer's directions with absolute faith. "GRIMER!" he roared, biting deeply into the Yungoos with his gem teeth.

"Go for it, Sun!" Lillie called. "You can do it, Baron!"

Looking at the Yungoos, Baron's attack along with being poisoned had taken a lot out of it, but by the way Sun's Grimer was wincing Emperor had also taken a lot of damage because the Leers Ilima had had his Yungoos use had lowered his defensive capabilities quite a bit. Sun rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, it worked once!" Sun declared. "Emperor throw Yungoos at the ground!"

Ilima smiled. "I think not, Sun!" he declared. "Yungoos, use Bite on Emperor so he can't throw you and then jump away!"

As Emperor made to throw the Yungoos it sank its fangs into his gooey arm, clinging on for dear life. Even with lowered defenses, the dark type attack didn't do much to Emperor, but it did make throwing Yungoos impossible. After Emperor ceased waving his arm about in a desperate attempt to get off, the normal type jumped into the air with a flip, landing back with its trainer. "Yun…" it groaned suffering from the poison, but it still stood proudly.

Sun whistled. "Your Yungoos is impressive," he told Ilima sincerely. "You've clearly trained it really well."

Ilima smiled, pleased. "Why, thank you Sun! I'm afraid flattery won't win you the day, though."

Sun grinned. "Oh don't worry, we wouldn't want to win without a good fight, right Emperor?"

"GRIMER!" his Grimer bellowed in agreement pounding his fist into his palm.

"Very well then," Ilima agreed. "Yungoos use Tackle once more!"

"Use Harden and wait for the right moment," Sun warned his Grimer and took a deep breath. If this works, Emperor wins… he thought. If it doesn't, I'll only have one pokémon to Ilima's two.

Yungoos came closer… closer… "Now!" Sun shouted. "Use Bite, Emperor!"

"Yungoos, dodge!" Ilima commanded, but it was no use. Yungoos was moving too quickly to change directions and Emperor's gem teeth came down hard.

"Yun… goos…" Ilima's Yungoos groaned, going limp in Emperor's mouth.

"Yungoos is unable to battle!" Lillie declared. "The winner is Emperor!"

"You did it Emperor!" Sun cheered, crouching down to fist bump his Grimer. "Great job!"

"Grimer!" Emperor cried happily.

"Do you want to take a break?" Sun asked his poison and dark type.

"Grimer gri!" Grimer replied nodded his head vigorously.

Sun smiled. "Okay, buddy. Let Lillie heal you up, okay?"

"Gri! Grimer!" Grimer cried in agreement, oozing over to the girl wearing his trainer's old hat.

"Prince," Sun said to his Meowth, "you're up buddy!"

"Mewhehehe!" Prince giggled taking his place in front of Sun.

"Come on out Smeargle," Ilima said, loosing the Painter Pokémon from its pokéball.

"Prince, use Fake Out!" Sun shouted.

"Mewhehehe!" Prince giggled evilly clapping his hands against both sides of Smeargle's face causing it to flinch.

"Now, Prince use Bite and then jump back!" Sun declared. So far this part of the battle was going similarly to the one he'd had with the teacher lady.

Prince dashed back to Sun's side, still giggling like the adorable troublemaker he was.

"Nicely done Sun, Prince," Ilima complimented. "But you can't use Fake Out to get any further openings, so allow us to make our move! Smeargle, use Water Gun!"

Sun watched in confusion as Smeargle lifted its tail and blasted the paint at Prince. "Dodge it, buddy! Quick!"

Prince tried, but the blast still hit him, and it splattered all over his coin charm. Prince's face contorted in a vicious snarl and Sun groaned, "Oh no…"

"What's wrong?" Lillie asked, staring at the scene in confusion. "Prince has done far more damage than he's taken, clearly."

Sun pointed at the paint that had splattered on Sun's coin charm. "Prince is descended from royalty. His coin is his crown and he's very proud of it. And Smeargle just got paint alllll over it."

"MEOWTH!" Prince screeched, lunging at the Smeargle who had dared to taint his crown.

"And Alolan Meowth get fierce when their crownz get dirty! Zzt!" Dexter chirped from Sun's pocket.

"Prince, please listen to me," Sun begged. "I know you're mad, and I don't blame you, but if we're going to win, we'll have to work together so please use Bite!"

Prince bit down hard on the Smeargle, but even Sun wasn't sure if that was because Prince had listened to his trainer or if the scorned royal had just lashed out with the best attack he had.

"I'll admit, that wasn't our goal but if we've made him less likely to obey you, that is a great benefit," Ilima mused. "Let's see which it is! Use Tackle at close range Smeargle."

Prince has gone berserk, Sun thought. Trying to tell him to dodge would end just as well as when I told Baron to dodge Bowtie at the festival, so… "Prince use Scratch to counterattack!"

"Smeargle!" cried Ilima's acting on his trainer's commands.

"MEOWTH!" roared Prince, claws already gleaming and striking against his opponent holding the normal type off.

Deciding to take his luck that Prince was still listening to him for all it was worth, Sun made a major play. "Alright Prince," he declared, "let's claim our victory! Use Bite one more time!"

The enraged Prince leapt atop the Smeargle and bit down hard on his head, which caused the Smeargle's eyes to roll up with a groan. "Smear… gle…" it choked out, slumping down. "Smeargle…"

Ilima quickly returned his Smeargle, just in case Prince grew too wild and Sun dashed over to his dark type and quickly rubbed the paint of his face. "All better, see?" Sun said. "No more paint! And you won!"

"Sun," began Ilima, "that was most impressive, but you should probably work on getting your Meowth's temper under control. It worked out today, but eventually that'll get you both in trouble."

Sun nodded, looking slightly chastened. "I know," he agreed. "I haven't had Prince too long, so we haven't worked on it yet. I didn't want to make his charm dirty just to upset him when we trained to work past it."

"Meowth!" Prince protested, angry at the idea that Sun would deliberately dirty his crown.

"Prince," Sun said gently, looking his Meowth dead in the eye, "I would never do that on purpose. That wasn't what I was saying. All I mean is we'll have to find a different way to work on your temper and I haven't come up with one yet."

Prince crossed his arms and nodded his assent at that. "Meowth mew," he mewed in agreement.

Lillie offered Prince a potion. "Can I heal you now?" she asked, and the little dark type nodded.

"Still, all that being said Sun," Ilima said. "You've impressed me. You and your pokémon make a most interesting team."

"Thank you," Sun replied offering him his hand to shake. "That battle was a lot of fun!"

"I do hope you and Hau will both come to Verdant Cavern and attempt the trial," Ilima said. "The one and only trial of Captain Ilima!"

Hau and Sun exchanged excited glances. "We'll be there as quick as we can," Sun promised.

"You can get there from Route 2," Ilima explained. "I'm sure your Rotom-Pokédex can show you the way Sun. And with that, I bid you Alola!"

"Alola!" the three teens said in farewell.

Ilima walked away and Hau high-fived Sun. "Our Trial is just up ahead!" Hau cheered.

Sun beamed. "I know! It's gonna be so cool! Our Island Challenge has officially begun!"

Lillie giggled at her two friends geeking out over their upcoming trial. "Sun," she teased, "didn't your Island Challenge start as soon as the professor gave you that amulet?"

Sun blushed. "I mean yeah," he admitted. "But then I had to go to the Trainers' School and then there was that whole thing with the Madame Meow Lady… It feels like we kept getting sidetracked until now."

Hau shrugged. "Nothing's stopping us now," he said. "Why don't we head for Route 2 and begin our trials already?"

And with that, the three friends began the trek to Verdant Cavern.