Pokémon Radiant Sun
Howdy folks. Happy Saturday to you all.
So not much else has happened since the update the other day. I'm still sick and toughing things out. But I start classes next week and that's hopefully going to be awesome.
Aside from that, not much else to say. I will however, reiterate the message from the last mini-update.
Ashton, Sun's father, is not Ash Ketchum. They're two totally different characters.
Just figured it should be stated, because I didn't say it last chapter and my update explaining this cleared up a bit of confusion amongst some readers. Again, my apologies for not making that clear by stating it outright, and I thank you all for bearing with me.
Shoutout to those who reviewed since the last update, which includes Madame Rodoshe, Gokan123, Cottonmouth25, a guest reviewer known as Pod, bigboy9969, BraviaryScout, BouncingFish, Ignaci0, as well as a new reviewer known as DarkestShade73. Thanks for everything, you all!
Oh, and if you reviewed the update that went up a few days ago (not chapter 31, the update that went up on Thursday), you're locked out of reviewing this chapter. So if you feel like reviewing but can't because you reviewed the update, just review last chapter instead.
On that note…
Enjoy.
Chapter 32: A Deity's Day Off
"And that's the story of how I saved Christmas!"
"You must be a riot at parties, Hau." Sun stated slowly as he looked at Hau, trying to process just what the hell he had heard.
"Zzzt…Hau, does Kahuna Hala know you've been smoking whatever the Alolan equivalent of weed is?" Rotom asked as he floated above the trio.
"I have no idea what that even is, Rotom." Hau stated, cocking his head in confusion.
"Stay innocent, Hau. For the love of Arceus, stay innocent." Rotom said seriously, floating in front of the child.
"Uh…sure."
"Hau, you have the weirdest imagination. I wasn't even around Iki Town last Christmas. And I've definitely never worn a green and red mini-skirt and sang show-tunes." Lillie huffed as she glowered at Hau, who was smirking and gazing into the sky.
"Ah, a guy can dream. Can't he?" Hau replied with a chuckle before he suddenly tripped and face-planted. Hau glanced back and saw Sun walk past him, looking back at him with a mischievous smile.
"Oh, it's on, Sunny boy!" Hau thought with a grin, hopping to his feet and chasing after his friends, both of whom broke out into a jog. Thankfully Hau was much more fit than his friends, making this an easy task.
"No fair! You tripped me!" Hau pouted as the trio slowed down, with Lillie and Sun panting slightly.
"That's for laughing at the Ride Gear I had to wear the other day." Sun replied, grinning at him.
"You looked more colorful than an Alolan rainbow, dude." Hau shot back, making Sun scowl at him before Hau suddenly tripped a second time, this time courtesy of Lillie.
"Owww. Why'd you trip me Lillie?" Hau groaned as he got to his feet, limping slightly to catch back up to his friends.
"That's for trying to look up my skirt a few weeks back, you jerk!" Lillie huffed, crossing her arms as Hau blushed bright pink.
"Sheesh. Excuuuuuuse me, Princess." Hau remarked, though he didn't refute her claim. Sun felt a small ripple of anger at his friend for violating Lillie's personal space like that, but then he realized he had done more or less the same thing when he was…cuddling with Lillie the other morning, so he kept his mouth shut.
The remainder of their walk to the Pokémon Lab of Alola was quiet, save for Sun's Pokémon fighting random Pokémon that wandered around in the grass. Oliver was a terror, horrifying everything within sight and downing Pokémon with glee with both beak and leaves. Penny was slightly more restrained, but also seemed to enjoy being able to demolish the weaker Pokémon in the area. Both of them were happy, which is what mattered to Sun, so he smiled at them whenever they looked his way or cheered when they made an exceptional move or dodge.
Brago was fairly calm, taking in his two teammates battling as he padded alongside Sun. The boy reached down and scratched the head of the dog, whose ears twitched in pleasure as he craned his neck in response.
"Soon enough you'll be able to battle again and we can get you trained up." Sun said to the Growlithe, who didn't reply as he was still enjoying being scratched, now behind the ears.
"Who would imagine that such an adorable Growlithe would be such a brave and fierce Pokémon?" Lillie said with a smile, remembering how the injured dog had battled alongside Sun against Amber roughly a week ago. The Growlithe barked a reply to that, making Sun laugh.
"I don't know if he appreciates being called 'cute', Lillie." Sun remarked as Brago stuck his nose up into the air, drawing himself up to look even bigger.
"Well, I know he's a ferocious and brave Pokémon…but he's so cute too!" Lillie laughed as she patted the dog on the head, receiving a small sigh in response from the canine.
"The struggle is real, huh?" Rotom asked Brago, receiving a small growl in response. Five minutes later the trio and their Pokémon arrived at their destination. Sun knocked on the lab's front door and patiently waited for the eccentric man to show himself. Soon enough Kukui flung open the door, seeing his visitors.
"Hey there Professor Kukui. Uh, I mean Alola!" Sun greeted the young Professor, receiving a cheerful grin in reply. Sun waved his hands in the traditional Alolan greeting, making Kukui laugh joyfully in reply as he returned the greeting.
"Alola, kids. Come on in." Kukui waved them in and to their surprise, Doctor Colress was passed out on one of the couches in the living room, dressed in the lab-coat they had originally seen him in.
"Poor guy worked on research all through the night until just two hours ago. Passed out as he went to put his data-pad on the charger. But…I figured he needed a breather, so I turned off his alarm clock." Kukui remarked with a soft laugh, gesturing to an unplugged alarm clock nearby. Colress slept silently and calmly, his expression relaxed as always, even in sleep.
"He's also a deep sleeper. So don't worry about waking him up. Just don't be overly loud." Kukui warned the kids as he gestured to the other seats in the main room of the lab. Kukui poured each of the children lemonade and went over the plans for their departure to Akala Island. Sun spotted a great deal of Pokémon hanging out through the window, way too numerous and varied for them to be local Pokémon. Sun asked Professor Kukui about this.
"Ah yes. I'm in the process of changing around my team, so I've brought some of my Pokémon to the lab. I don't quite have enough room here for them, so I leave them with a friend who helps me look after them. My encounter with Miss Fontaine the other day convinced me that I should have more capable battlers on my team. So, I've decided that half of my team will be composed of League-level Pokémon while the other half will be composed of Pokémon I'm trying to train up and use to help me with my research." Kukui explained, pulling out a Poké Ball.
"For instance, this is one of my newest catches. She's pretty strong and will become invaluable for my research. Come on out Winter!" Kukui released the Pokémon within and after the light cleared, a small white fox with six tails was sitting on the floor in front of them, wearing a happy expression on its face.
"Vulll!" the Pokémon cried out, walking over to Professor Kukui and nuzzling the Professor's hand as he bent down to pat the Pokémon on the head. Rotom swooped down and regarded the Pokémon for a moment before automatically booting up the Pokémon's information.
"Vulpix. The Fox Pokémon. Alolan Regional Variant. In hot weather, this Pokémon makes ice shards with its six tails and sprays them around to cool itself off. It exhales air colder than -58 degrees Fahrenheit. Elderly people in Alola call this Pokémon by an older name – Keokeo." Rotom stated as it floated towards Sun.
"I don't have too many Ice-types, so Winter here is invaluable for my research. On top of that, I caught her on Mount Lanakila, so she's already at a very high level." Kukui explained as Winter eyed the three youngsters on the couch. With a small cock of the head, Winter padded over to Lillie and looked up at her. Lillie beamed at the Pokémon and bent down, picking her up and sitting her down in her lap next to Nebby. Nebby cried out a greeting to the Vulpix, which returned the greeting with a cry as the friendly Pokémon nuzzled Lillie's arm.
"She's adorable, Professor!" Lillie cooed as she hugged both the Alolan Vulpix and Nebby to her chest, a massive smile on her face as both Pokémon nuzzled her happily.
"Heh, I'm glad you approve. She's not only cute, but she's tough too. I'm looking forward to getting some training in with her later. Winter, how about you show the others here outside so they can play for a bit?" Kukui said to the Vulpix, who nodded and hopped out of the little girl's lap she had been sitting in and landed lightly on the floor. Hau released his Pokémon to follow as well, but Nebby remained in Lillie's lap, content where it was. Sun noticed that Brago stood where he was, watching the Alolan Vulpix transfixed for a moment before he shook his head slightly and followed the other Pokémon outside.
Kukui chuckled for a moment before he said, "So tomorrow, we'll be making our way to Hau'oli City to assess the condition of the boat. Based on what we find, we'll either push through the night and get it up and running or spend a week in the city sorting out whatever the problem is with it. If that happens we'll arrange for you three to get rooms at the Pokémon Center."
Sun opened his mouth to speak when a new voice spoke up.
"Professor Kukui, you have an email from Professor Oak in Kanto." From the stairway that led below, a young man with dark skin and pale green eyes emerged from the basement of the lab. To Sun's surprise, the man was bald was garbed in a similar fashion to Colress, complete with glasses.
"Of course. Thanks Will. I'll get back to him once I get the kids sorted out and Colress wakes up." Kukui replied to the young man, who nodded in reply.
"William! I didn't know Doctor Colress brought you here from Kalos." Lillie said to the young man.
William smiled at Lillie and said, "Hey there, Lillie. And yeah, given his research, he asked for me to take a more direct approach in assisting him since things have been hectic for him lately. Hence why I'm here."
"That's neat. Sun, this is William. He's Doctor Colress' assistant. Just like how I help Professor Kukui, he helps Colress." Lillie explained as the young man sat down in a nearby wooden chair, smiling at them all.
"Yes, I help out the Doctor as much as possible. With as many projects as he has now to contend with, I try to help him manage it all. Somehow it works." William replied with a small laugh as he rubbed his head.
"Speaking of manage..." Sun turned to Lillie and asked, "Did you need any help getting packed, Lillie?"
"No, but thanks for reminding me, Sun. I'll just need a little while to sort through clothes and items up in my loft. It won't be but a few minutes." Lillie promised as she rose to her feet and walked over to the ladder that led above. Below, the group continued to talk of small things while Lillie prepared for their trip to Akala Island.
"Tag, you're it!"
"No fair! You're a cheater!"
"Oliver, it's not cheating if you can't dodge."
Oliver and Penny chirped furiously as each other before Oliver rushed at Penny, who dodged the large owl with ease. However, the Dartrix suddenly dived down at the ground and tapped a Torracat in the side, tagging the Pokémon and leaping back into the air with a laugh.
"Come and get me!" Oliver taunted the feline.
"No fair! You're a cheater for using your wings! How am I supposed to tag you from way up there?" Torracat whined, lashing its tail back and forth as Oliver giggled at the feline. Penny rolled her eyes before very unhelpfully slamming into Oliver from behind and knocking him to the ground, making him easy pray for the Torracat to tap him on the wing.
"Then it's war!" Oliver cried out as he flapped over the giggling Torracat. The two chased each other around the yard until Duke intercepted them, hitting Oliver in mid-air with a Quick Attack. Oliver tumbled through the air but caught himself after a moment, but glared at the Pikachu.
"That means you're it!" Oliver cried as the Pikachu blinked in surprise. He then looked over at a few of the other Pokémon and grinned widely.
"That does look fun, doesn't it?" Dusk the Absol said quietly, smiling slightly from the sidelines. Brago happened to be sitting next to the Pokémon, and looked at her with a bored expression.
"Tag isn't really my thing. If you want to join in, then by all means, go ahead." Brago said to the Disaster Pokémon, who's eyes widened.
"I…I couldn't! I don't want to bother them. They're having a good time without me." Dusk stammered, seemingly shrinking inward and crouching down to make herself smaller. The Absol then let out a yelp as Brago let out a loud snarl, stepping towards her.
"GO PLAY WITH THEM, NOW!" the Growlithe commanded, his voice leaving no room for the meek Pokémon cowering before him to argue back. With a whimper the Absol took off and joined the others as fast as it could. Within the next minute she was being chased around by Kukui's Rockruff with a wide smile on her face. Brago watched the Absol for a while before sighing and settling himself down on the ground, wincing slightly as his still-recovering chest ached for a moment. He hated how weak he had become since being injured, and was looking forward to being at full strength again.
"That was a little much, wasn't it?" came a curious voice from behind him. Brago sniffed the air and smelt cold in the air, and to his non-surprise found the Vulpix from earlier beside him. Brago looked at the strange Ice-type for a moment, memorized by the sun reflecting off of her shiny fur before he responded.
"She needed a push. I dislike being so aggressive, but if it does the job, then I won't dwell on it. Besides, she's enjoying herself now." Brago explained as the Vulpix nodded, as if agreeing with him.
"I don't know her that well, but she's pretty timid, despite being so strong." Winter admitted as she sat down next to Brago. The two sat by each other for a time, watching the others play for some time before the Alolan Vulpix silently got up and began moving away. To Brago's surprise, however, the small fox thwacked him in the face with her tail as she walked past him. The Growlithe blinked for a few moments before Winter looked over at him with a wide smile. Brago grinned and quickly joined her as they walked away from the bulk of the group, ignoring Penny as Cassy tagged her in the sky by using bubbles to reach her.
"Hehe! Gotcha!" Cassy cheered as Penny chirped in annoyance. Cassy landed on the ground and bounced on her tail to avoid the Trumbeak swooping downwards, but instead Oliver soared alongside the Trumbeak, extending a wing to her. Penny smiled and slapped Oliver's wing, tagging him in. Cassy's eyes widened in horror as Oliver soared towards her with a piercing screech erupting from his beak.
However, just as the Dartrix caught up with the Brionne, the air exploded with a thunderous cry that made every single Pokémon freeze in surprise.
"Kokooooooo!"
All of the Pokémon in the field looked skyward, seeing a torrent of lightning swirl down from above, coalescing into the form of Tapu Koko as the Pokémon landed lightly on the ground, energy crackling around it in the form of electricity. Every single one of the Pokémon drew back, horrified and alarmed at the sudden appearance of the Guardian Diety of Melemele Island.
"Uh…guys. Tapu Koko's here." Hau stated, pointing out the window as Sun ran over to the window.
"Fascinating. I wonder what it wants." Hau let out a scream of horror as Colress suddenly appeared behind him, stretching his arms as William began tapping notes down on a data pad.
"As cool as you are, you're also mildly terrifying, Doctor Colress." Rotom noted as he landed on the scientist's head.
"I get that a lot. But I also find myself not caring all that much." Colress admitted as he accepted his data-pad from William and tapped his glasses, causing a red light to pop on them. The group watched on as Penny slowly flew over to the God Pokémon, chirping a few times at it as everyone else observed in awed silence. Tapu Koko nodded after a few moments and Penny tapped the Guardian Deity with her wing and soared into the air as Tapu Koko let out a loud cry, making all of the other Pokémon scurry around as Tapu Koko began bouncing around after them.
"Looks like Tapu Koko wants to play tag too!" Hau grinned happily as he moved over to the nearby ladder and looked up, a wide smile on his face.
"Recording data of Tapu Koko for later use…Hmm…Footage of Tapu Koko in a non-battling setting may just help us better understand its fickle and unpredictable nature. Has it come around here before, Professor?" Colress asked Kukui, who nodded.
Sun looked over at Hau, wondering why he was standing next to the ladder that led to Lillie's loft when the girl herself reappeared at the top of the ladder, carrying her signature bag filled to the brim with clothes and items.
"All packed!" Lillie announced as she began going down the ladder. Sun then noticed that Hau's current position right beside the ladder and his upward gaze gave him a view up Lillie's skirt as she slowly descended down the ladder. Sun's suspicion was verified as Hau's face turned bright red and he began to sport a nosebleed.
"That's it. I'm strangling him." Sun thought angrily, clenching his fists and walking over to Hau as Colress and Kukui continued to talk. William was watching Hau with a disapproving frown, apparently having caught on to what the child was doing.
Lillie reached the floor with a sigh, shifting her bag strap to her other shoulder. She then noticed Hau standing beside her with a dazed expression. She then noticed Sun stomping towards her before grabbing Hau by the shirt and wrapping his hands around the boy's neck and beginning to choke the life out of him.
"Oh my! Sun, what are you doing!?" Lillie yelped, moving over to Sun and attempting to try and remove the boy's grip from Hau's throat.
"Trying to punish Hau for being a creepy jerk." Sun stated as Hau rasped something intelligible. He then looked at Lillie, flushed even darker red as a trail of blood leaked down his nose.
"You're hurting him! Look at the blood!" Lillie said as she continued to pry away Sun's hands from Hau's throat.
"That blood isn't from me. Hau got a nosebleed after he looked up your skirt. He moved over here just to do that." Sun explained angrily as Hau finally kicked Sun in the chest, making the boy let go of him and stumble away in pain. Hau gasped for breath, rubbing his nose and wiping away the blood as Lillie stared at Hau with an unreadable expression, though her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.
"Getting choked sucks…" Hau panted, straightening up as his face returned to normal. He then noticed Sun had recovered and was now giving him an annoyed look. He then looked at Lillie. Her expression was mask-like, but he knew that he was in trouble now.
"Hey, I…Well, no getting around it. Yeah, what I did was kinda disrespectful. Upon further reflection, I-" Hau began to say before Lillie stepped forward and kicked Hau in the crotch with her heeled shoes, sending the boy to his knees with wide eyes and a cry of pain.
"Hau, did you learn your lesson?" Lillie asked quietly. Hau fell to the floor with a groan as Sun watched on in amazement as Lillie crossed her arms. Nebby flew around, laughing in its peculiar way at Hau.
"I'll be good from now on…I'm sorry…" Hau sobbed as Lillie bent down, patted the boy on the head and he writhed in pain, and walked over to a stunned Sun.
"Holy crap, Lillie." Sun stated, still amazed that the girl just did what she did.
"I just don't understand Hau sometimes. He's so nice and cares so much, but then he goes and does something like that." Lillie huffed, clearly not happy. Hau groaned from the ground but otherwise remained silent.
"Guys do stupid things around girls, Lillie. It doesn't make what he did okay, but it's the only explanation I've got until Hau can speak full sentences again." Kukui remarked as William and Colress both shook their heads at the display.
"While we ignore Hau trying and failing to deal with hormones, let's return to the present topic. Around how many times has Tapu Koko come around the Lab, Professor?" Colress asked Kukui.
"A few times. Three if I remember right, and all pretty far spaced out. No discernible pattern to its appearances, though I think a certain Trainer here is what drew its interest to the lab today." Kukui gave Sun a smirk as he turned back to Tapu Koko, who was now running away from Oliver as he soared after the legendary Pokémon.
"It's a fascinating subject, that's for sure. It makes for a pleasant deviation from my current studies within Alola." Colress admitted as he set aside the data-pad and smiled over at the Pokémon playing tag just outside.
"Speaking of that, sir, you should be leaving for Akala Island within the next fortnight, based on what our friends from Kalos said earlier." William said to the scientist, who nodded in reply.
"Yes. Hopefully with their help we can begin working on the magic bullet needed to end our Cipher problem. One of them, anyway." Colress murmured as he crossed his arms, thinking.
"One of them?" Kukui asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Professor, while my primary research goal has been helped along a great deal thanks to my collaboration with you and Professor Burnet, that is not my true reason for coming to Alola. Not the main one, anyway. No, I came research the disappearance and reemergence of the legendary Pokémon Zygarde, and I hope to recruit its help in our eventual battles with Cipher once we return to the frontlines of battle. I also plan on enlisting your wife's help to possibly track down Shadow Celebi by tracking down noted temporal distortions within the world, which some of her equipment is capable of doing. Shadow Celebi hasn't been seen for quite some time and I'm worried about where it could pop up next." Colress explained as he turned around to face the Professor, who seemed surprised for a moment before his expression turned thoughtful.
"Zygarde huh? And you think it'll help you take down that icy dragon back in Unova? From what little I know of it, it doesn't exactly have a good type match-up against Kyurem." Kukui asked, but Colress shook his head.
"No, not alone. As I said, I'm researching several things at once to try and give us the best chance possible. Truthfully, I believe that the best chance of victory lies within finding the Snag Machine, but…that's impossible." Colress relied with a sad smile.
"Why is that?" Lillie asked, confused.
"Because the last person who had it was Wes, and no one knows where he went. And we suspect Aria was eliminated by Shadow Celebi, so we are at an impasse. Everyone else who was involved in creating or managing the device ever has been dead for quite some time. You see, the Snag Machine that Wes used for so long against Cipher has proven incredibly effective against them and their army of Shadow Pokémon. If we could retrieve it, wherever it may be, we would be in a much better position." Colress explained as he sat down on the couch.
"If this Snag Machine is so great, why don't you just make one? Actually, didn't Cipher make the Snag Machine originally? Why don't they make more? I'm really curious as to why there only seems to be one of this device around." Sun said to Colress, who shrugged.
"There's a very good reason for that. The Snag Machine is a outrageously dangerous device, capable of great good and evil depending on whoever wears it. Those of Team Snagem used them for evil. Wes, and later Michael, used them for good and to negate the evil of Cipher and Team Snagem. However, no one should have the power to steal Pokémon from others."
"Due to the destruction of Team Snagem's hideout all those years ago, all of the Snag Machines and mobile variants, such as the one Wes stole and became famous for, were destroyed. And because of how much havoc Wes unleashed upon them, Cipher was hesitant to try and recreate it ever again. They didn't want another agent of theirs abusing the powerful technology they created…in short, they're afraid of what may happen if more people with the power to steal Pokémon from others runs amok. I'm sure if they could have managed it, they would have destroyed Wes' Snag Machine instead of keeping it for themselves."
"And as to why I haven't tried to recreate it, it's because the technology involved is not something I have delved into before. It may take months or even years for me to be able to attempt to recreate the technology that the entirety of Cipher spent over a decade researching. Time we don't have to dedicate to the project, if Cipher continues to grow in strength at the rate they do…and I admit to having the same reservations that they do. The power the Snag Machine gives someone is not to be trifled with. I don't think it should be something that I should try to recreate even if I could. I'll admit…I'm not comfortable with the idea of toying with power that's so easy to be abused." Colress admitted with a frown, sighing slightly.
"It's a shame you can't find the old one. But I'm sure you'll work out something in time." Kukui said bracingly to Colress, who smiled at Kukui's cheer. Colress opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Huh? Wonder who that could be?" Kukui said aloud, taking a step towards the door. He was, however, saved from the task of opening it himself when the door was suddenly kicked inward and an irate Laura stormed into the lab. Laura marched towards Kukui with a furious expression on her face, making the man take a step back in worry. When she reached the man in sunglasses, Sun's mother drew back her right foot and kicked the Alolan Professor in between his legs, dropping the man to the ground with a strangled cry.
"Now Professor…what did we learn about watching our language around sweet little girls who happen to be under your care?" Laura said in a tone that reminded Sun of honey poured over a bunch of broken glass. Kukui groaned and looked up, trying to fight back tears as Laura glared down at him.
"E ke akua, kaʻeha! Loaʻaʻo ia i kahiʻili maikaʻi…" Kukui groaned, clutching his…well, you know.
"Mom…You scare me sometimes." Sun said to his mother, whose smile became much brighter at the remark.
"It's a talent, dear. I'm not just a pretty face." Laura smirked as Kukui somehow managed a standing position, though he fell backwards onto the floor again with a gasp of pain, rocking back and forth on the floor.
"Professor…I totally feel your pain…" Hau huffed as he finally got to his feet, limping over to the couch and sitting down. Hau looked over at Lillie and said, "Sorry about that Lillie. I really am."
"Did you learn your lesson? I don't want to have to hurt you again like that, Hau." Lillie said to Hau, who flinched.
"Y-yeah. You don't have to worry about this kind of thing happening again. I'll make it up to you later. I swear." Hau promised, giving the girl a weak smile. Lillie nodded, but didn't return the smile.
"Sorry to you too, Sun. I kinda deserved to get choked out a little. Sorry I kicked you." Hau said to the other boy, who smirked at him.
"Hey, as long as you learned your lesson, we're cool." Sun said to his friend, who smirked ruefully at him while Sun chuckled. Laura observed the exchange and shook her head, having heard enough of the conversation to sort out the details. She was glad Lillie could handle herself around the boys.
"So while the Professor is trying to recover from me kicking him right in his Kukui's, and Hau seems to have recovered from the same thing it seems, what all did you sort out while I walked over here?" Laura asked the children as she sat down on the couch next to a horrified Colress.
"Well, we learned about some of the stuff that Colress is doing and learned that it'll take about a week of repairs and fixing up to get the boat in order. Oh, and Hau got wrecked by Lillie." Sun summed up as Laura smirked at the last remark, shooting Hau a look that made him flinch in fear.
"It's good to see you escaped Celadon City unharmed, Laura. I assume you're enjoying your time in Alola?" Colress asked politely.
"Absolutely. I love Kanto, don't get me wrong, but this place is paradise. I never did get to ask you, but what on earth brings you here?" Laura asked the scientist.
"It's a long story, but one I'm sure I can fill you in on later. Essentially I am trying to find a way to allow us to rejoin the battle against Cipher with as many advantages on our side as possible." Colress answered with a shrug. "Hugh and Noah are looking into gaining strength and exploring said strength through the Island Challenge. Vivian is trying not to make a bigger mess of things than usual. Meanwhile I'm looking into options and trying to prevent more people from dying when we eventually confront Cipher once again." Colress explained, making Laura frown.
"Well, I'm sure you all know what you're doing. I'm know you all are more familiar with them than I am, but if I can help in any way, be sure to let me know." Laura said to the doctor, who nodded.
"How do you two know each other?" Sun asked his mother.
"He's a friend of Mister Oliver, actually. I met him during one of Erika's Gym Leader socials a few years back. I believe your father helped donate to some of his research into understanding Pokémon behavior's and such." Laura said as she tried to recall, but Colress nodded in agreement.
"I was surprised that learn that you were capable of using Mega Evolution, Laura. I myself mastered it only a short time ago, but you were an expert at it when you battled Erika at the party." Colress said to Sun's mother, but the child himself interrupted with surprise.
"You can use Mega Evolution, Mom!?" Sun yelled out, amazed. He had known that his father had been interested in the idea, but was astounded to learn his mother could do it.
"Of course. Your father gave me a Key Stone for a wedding gift. I later found a Pokémon and a Mega Stone that worked for that Pokémon, again because of your father's considerable resources. Even after I divorced him I kept the gifts. Jace enjoys it, and it's really cool using Mega Evolution in battle." Laura cheerfully explained as she ruffled Sun's hair, making her child laugh in reply.
"Mmm…I may have to request that we have a battle sometime Laura. A clash between two Mega Evolved Pokémon would be fascinating to say the least. I'm sure Kukui would love the chance to study them as well, wouldn't you?" Colress asked the man as he rose to his feet with a wince.
"Sounds…radical…"
"Professor, if it makes you feel better, you might be able to convince Tapu Koko to battle or something if playing tag with everyone puts it in a good enough mood." Sun suggested to Kukui, who managed a weak smile as he slowly sat down on the ground and laid down on the floor.
"Tapu Koko is playing tag outside?"
"Yep. See!" Sun pointed out the window in time for them to see Oliver smash into Tapu Koko's head, tagging him rather roughly. Tapu Koko let out a cry and kicked off into the air, swiping at Oliver and missing.
"How'd I not see that…?" Laura asked, amazed at the sight of the legendary playing with the other Pokémon.
"Blinding parental rage?" Rotom suggested.
"Oh yeah. That's right." Laura laughed as Kukui sat upright once again, wincing. Kukui whimpered in fear as Laura looked towards him, a fierce gleam in her eye.
"So…Did you learn your lesson?" Laura asked Kukui, who nodded frantically.
"Y-y-yeah! No more cursing in front of impressionable young girls." Kukui said in a placating tone, waving his hands in front of himself. Though he muttered, "Hopefully the Kahuna doesn't have to deal with the fallout too…He swears even worse than I do…"
"What was that? You said the Kahuna tainted Lillie's mind with profanity too!?" Laura growled, parental fury making her face scrunch up with anger. Kukui flinched and curled into a ball in response.
"She only started saying anything at all after she got back from staying at the Kahuna's place for a weekend with Hau while I was off doing League stuff!" Kukui cried out as Laura drew back her foot for a second time, she lowered it to the ground thoughtfully.
"Is it a crime to assault a Kahuna?" Laura asked William, who was watching the display from the couch in mild horror.
"Yes, usually it is. But in this case I think he'd rather take your punishment than risk letting word get out that he's cursing around little girls." William said after a moment, with Laura nodding in satisfaction a moment later. She turned around and beheld the sight of Tapu Koko bouncing away from Brago with a white Vulpix bounding alongside him, with all of the Pokémon wearing happy expressions.
"That's so adorable." Laura said with a wide smile as she crossed her arms, watching the Pokémon frolicking outside without a care in the world.
"Even deities need a day off, yeah?" Kukui replied with a shrug, rising to his feet with a wince. Maybe he'd invest in a swear jar or something.
