Alola readers! What's this? Brav actually gets an update out somewhat on time?! Is this too good to be true?!

No. It's not too good...but I hope the chapter is! Bad pun aside, this one had already been drafted by the time I published the last one. This was originally about 4k words in length and I'm very pleased that fleshing it out and adding some other parts has nearly doubled it in length.

Been a pretty good week, got to see part of the solar eclipse Monday. Sadly the totality didn't pass over northern California, but it was still pretty cool seeing the sun like a crescent! I can already imagine the eye doctors getting a bunch of visits too! :P A couple AA buddies of mine who work at BNA (Nashville International Airport) got to see it in full since it passed over that part of Tennessee and sent me some pictures. They look really neat!

This begins the Akala arc and features some action, more lore, a couple things not included in the standard games and of course some more Sun X Lillie stuff! I have to satisfy everyone for that because she will be leaving us (temporarily mind you!) for a while.

So why don't we get to the chapter?

Today we're headed off to Akala Island!

I wish we could've taken the ferry but instead we rode on Professor Kukui's catamaran. It's almost like he hasn't made an attempt to repair it ever since I noticed its hull integrity seemed a little…uneasy. Yes, the ferry would've cost money but it will be worth every dollar being on a sturdy boat. At least someone like Elio shares me thoughts as he didn't look the most comfortable, but enjoyed the ride nonetheless. It was still nice to feel the sea breeze and that sense of freedom the ocean brings!

Akala Island is a little different than Melemele. Alolans call it the Valley Isle and it's the second largest island in the region. Its cities on the southwest coast are tourist hotspots with world famous resorts, hotels and golf courses. I still remember that time when mother and father took brother and I to the Hano Grand Resort for a vacation that I wish would've lasted forever. I could play in a different pool every day!

Those were the days that I could freely wander around with brother and enjoy Heahea City. Now I have to avoid everyone because of Nebby and all those mean thugs from Team Skull not to mention the Aether people that mother has probably put on alert because of me. It still puzzles me why someone would just want to cause trouble and pain for other people. They've picked on everyone, from trainers to little kids and made them cry. I can't stand it! What if they find Nebby? I don't have another pokemon and I don't know how to battle. Do I have to stick by the Professor or find the kahuna for protection? I could ask Hau or Sun…I mean Elio to escort me around, but then it'd seem like I'd be such a hassle.

So we finally met the kahuna of the island. Her name is Olivia and she is just about the exact opposite of Hala. Both Hau and Elio seemed to be thinking the same thing. Next to her was one of the trial captains, I think her name was Mallow. I'm so surprised…and happy that everyone here in Alola has been so welcoming.

I was set to stay at the Tide Song Hotel instead of Burnet's place while they complete their island challenge and she was supposed to come and meet me. There are Team Skull thugs everywhere around here and luckily a pair of tourist looking trainers came to my aid! They made sure I was safe before going right back out.

I'm going to miss Elio. But I have to find some way to stop thinking about him all the time! He wouldn't want that!

"We are off!" Hau excitedly gripped the railing on Professor Kukui's catamaran as the boat sailed out of Hau'oli Harbor and into open ocean on a heading east for Akala Island. A massive cream colored sail blown in the wind while the older man was tightening ropes and pulling others slack in order to change courses while they sailed about.

A wide diversity of traffic was fairly light on the bay in the early afternoon. Sporty yachts were further out on the beachfront with its passengers snorkeling about, sunbathing. A couple of trawlers had several lines cast; one of which was reeling up a net of fish. In the deeper water were the enormous freighters, stacked high with a rainbow of colors on cargo crates. They were headed to the large cranes situated at the city's industrial district.

Kukui's boat looked a little worn, but it was seaworthy enough. Some of the fiberglass looked as if it desperately needed replacing and there was a tooth mark on the left side of the fiberglass hull. Sun had to guess that it must've been a curious fish pokemon.

Elio wouldn't let the boat's questionable integrity dampen his pleasant day. The sun was shining without a single cloud in the sky. Wingull cawed and circled around overhead with some others leading their flocks on hunt for food. The water was smooth, causing the craft to steadily bob up and down as it rolled on the waves. In the depths of the ocean, there were faint profiles seen of different sea pokemon species. No sense in letting himself enjoy the trip. Litten, Grimer and Rufflet all hopped next to him and closed their eyes, enjoying the moment.

"Hey Rotom," He asked his talking device and looking into the sea to spot more unique creatures swimming nearby. "Are those wingull?"

"That'zz right! Bzzt! New Pokemon has been detected!" He shuffled his screen after floating in front of Sun. "Wingull. Seagull Pokemon. Fishermen often head to areas where wingull circle due to it often being abundant with its preferred food of various fish. Wingull's light weight allows it to soar in the sky and on updrafts as if it were a glider. Wingull is a water and flying type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"I don't have a water type on my team just yet." Sun contemplated throwing a poke ball up and trying to catch one, but held back. They were moving rapidly and he'd likely lose the thrown ball. "Maybe we'll find some ashore. I can't wait to see what new pokemon are in Akala."

"Therezzz more Pokemon detected!" Rotom said, switching to the image of a fish that was wriggling around in one of the wingull's beaks who had swooped down to scoop it up.

"Magikarp. Fish Pokemon. Although widely considered to be the weakest pokemon in the world, a magikarp is actually quite fertile, hardy and are able to reproduce rapidly. It is a common food source for many others. Magikarp is a water type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"C'mon grandma!" He heard Hau shouted to the helm behind them. "Kick it up a notch!" As if it had a mind of its own, there was an rumble that was felt from within the vessel's frame that startled everyone on deck.

"If we push the boat much harder than this, we may end up at the bottom of the ocean!" Lillie protested. She held her hat with her right hand and firmly secured Nebby inside the bag with her left. Sun could tell that she too was not comfortable with the boat's structure either as it continued to creak and groan from the stress of their voyage. The wind whipped at all three of them, blowing their hair behind their heads. Sun welcomed, it closing his eyes and finding that it had a soft serene atmosphere. He felt free.

Hau's laugh brought him out of his relaxed state when he poked fun at Lillie's worry, "Yeah right! You're probably just worried about your silly hat flying off!" Without waiting for a reply, he turned to Sun, who was also holding his hat's bill to avoid it being taken from him. "Hey Elio, I wonder what kind of island Akala is huh? Seeing all of Alola for myself is half the fun of doing the island challenge!"

"You've never been to the other islands?!" Sun almost had to shout over the sounds of the wind and waves.

"Nope! I've spent just about my whole life on Melemele!"

"I wish we could've stayed on Melemele some more," Sun wanted to explore more of his new home, but he figured that there would be plenty of time. "There was a bay on the north side that I really wanted to check out! It looked really cool!"

"We should do that! Isn't this just the best Sun?"

He nodded, smiling. "You know, one day I'm gonna buy a boat and then we can do nothing but fish, tell stories, grill stuff and swim all day."

"You're thinking like an Alolan already!" Kukui piped up, leaning out from the pilothouse, "I'm totally in. Woo! You're free to use my boat whenever you like cousin!"

"Something a little more stable thank you." Sun said, quietly enough to escape the professor's notice.

Lillie couldn't help herself laughing at that.

About twenty minutes into the voyage, the boat came across two large islands that looked fairly close together, but in reality were several miles apart. The clouds overhead had begun to separate, allowing the sun to shine its warm rays back down upon them like a benevolent god that kissed their shiny skin.

"Is that Akala Island?" Elio asked.

"Nope." Professor Kukui responded. He gestured to the one on the right that had a large rocky facing that was dark brown and small sections of vegetation growing in various areas. "Both these islands are relatively uninhabited with maybe a couple dozen on each. There's not a lot of room on other one to develop towns, so most others avoid them with detect! They're chock full of rare pokemon just the same yeah!"

"So what's the one on the right?"

"That's Alani Island, where the best pinaps come from! Unlike the islands of Melemele and Akala; Alani and O'mao'mao Island on the left do not have specific guardian detities. However they can be freely roamed by any of the four whenever they please."

"Are there any trials on the islands?"

"Long ago yes, but not anymore." Kukui closed his eyes. "Trainers doing the island challenge had once gone through, seeking the Totem Pokemon that resided in the Mai'i Village over on O'mao'mao Island. It was home to a group of exiled warriors who had been banished by the Tapu due to a strange illness affecting them and their villages. They were confined to the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the far side of the island. Now it's an Alolan historic site that holds a lot of ancientpower oh yeah!"

"Woah." Sun cast another apprehensive glance at O'mao'mao. "Um…we don't have to go there right?"

"What? Not unless you want to! O'mao'mao and Alani are low-profile tourist destinations, although mass groups aren't welcomed by the people there yeah. You're ohana, so they will be happy to see you too cousin!"

"I meant the strange disease or dakine."

"Oh!" Kukui's face lit up and he grinned again. "That's all the stuff of legends that supposedly happened long time ago! Not exactly sure what it was, but it had also been present on Akala Island with tired warriors. They called it; Maika'i'ole. That's Alolan for unstable yeah."

Hau shook his head. "Should I get a surgical mask and gloves then?"

"You two worry too much like corsola over mareanie! There's no disease there! Trust me, the island challenge is supposed to be fun, not dangerous!"

"I remember the stories they told about Alani Island." Hau looked over to the one on their right. "The Tapus banished a kahuna there after he kept pulling up all the fruit bearing 'ulu back on Akala. There was rumored to be evil spirits there, but the kahuna outwitted them with the aid of good spirits and drove them away from Alani."

"You know a lot of Alolan mythology." Lillie commented.

"Yeah." Hau scratched his head. "Actaully Leilani's makuakane is a member of the Kapu and he keeps all those legends and stories alive."

"There are some really interesting stories." Elio agreed. "I'd love to hear more about them."

"Leilani's father lives on Akala Island. If we get a chance, I'll take you there and we can listen to others."

"It's definitely worth a visit on Alani." Kukui added. "I heard that some of the spirits that remain there are much more benevolent and are in the form of ghost type pokemon. There's one that is supposedly there in the shape of a sword yeah." Now they were passing the narrow strait between the two islands, where two more could be seen. The larger one dominated the horizon, compared to the smaller one, which looked just as bare as Alani. "Neither of those islands is necessary for you to visit in order to complete the island challenge, however you are free to go upon them whenever you wish. Just remember that there are little to no ride pokemon stationed there, so some parts may be impassable or treacherous."

"Got it." Elio pointed to the left. "I'm guessing that's Akala?"

"Yup."

"And the one on the right?"

"Same as the others. It's completely uninhabited as the kahunas decided that its hostile terrain was inhospitable. Lots more rare Pokemon can be found there yeah!"

"What's the name?"

"That's A'hinahina Island."

It took a little longer than an hour to get to Akala Island's port. Almost immediately as the lights of a city came in sight preceding a mound of green and brown with a tall mountain range in the center; Kukui adjusted the sails and turned the boat's heading to the group of taller buildings clustered around another harbor.

There were fewer ships here than in Hau'oli City, mostly speedboats, sleek lustrous yachts and bulky fishing vessels. No big freighters or cargo ships were in sight, even though there was a big green derrick at the end of a large concrete pier flanked by some warehouses. In contrast to Hau'oli's harbor port that seemed cramped and all in close proximity, Akala's port was wide open with a longer pier and more room for Kukui to maneuver around some very expensive-looking boats. Further east was the faint outline of a tall building that had already begun lighting up as the sun was beginning to finally set.

Hard to believe I just left home today. Also strange that it's part of an ocean away. I wonder if I can go back whenever I want? Can we fly there like we used to on Leana?

Elio certainly hoped so, since Leana had been very fun to ride on. He wondered how the Xatu was doing along with the others of Mom's pokemon team who had went into part-time employment as rentals at a battle facility in Saffron City. When they had time off, they'd come to Alola for the first time to spend time with their trainer.

The professor guided the boat alongside a marina close by the bigger docks and jumped aboard, tossing several thick ropes onto the deck. "Here, help me tie her up."

He gave both boys a brief lesson on the proper knot before the three of them got to work, mooring Pa'a quickly. Sun secured his own side first before moving over to help Hau, who was still a little confused since Kukui had done a fast demonstration that he himself, was barely able to follow.

The kahuna's grandson jumped off the deck onto the pier once they were finished, eyes shut and arms spread out. "Woohoo! Land ahoy! Alrighty! Akala Island, look out! Cause here I come! The great malasada loving Hau Kealoha, grandson of the kahuna Hala of Melemele Island has now arrived!"

Lillie looked a little puzzled at him as she climbed off the deck to join them. In contrast to everyone else, she looked quite relieved to be off the boat, but still gave Hau an embarrassed look at his grand proclamation and clownish stance. "Um…isn't it a bit late to declare land ahoy after you've already arrived onshore?"

"What?" Hau stared wide-eyed at her after nobody else had laughed at his antics, "Lillie c'mon! What a stick in the sand!" He pivoted towards Elio. "Help me out here Sun! It was funny right brah?"

Although it was a good attempt, Sun had to side with Lillie on this one. Plus he didn't really understand the joke. "Was it supposed to be funny?"

Really? Hau mouthed, putting his hands on his hips in disappointment. "What about you professor?"

"Well…the land is certainly ahoy, oh boy!" He gave off a big goofy grin that now incited a round of laughter from everyone except Lillie. It may have been the way he said it, but whatever it was made the three of them laugh hard enough for Elio to double over and clutch his stomach. Even Nebby had somehow made its way out of Lillie's duffel bag and jumped around with a smile on its face. The hysterical laughter died down momentarily before Sun and Hau glanced at one another and then busting up again. Lillie stared blankly at the three, shaking her head and muttering something under her breath about boys being boys.

A smooth voice drifted down to interrupt the conversation from further up the marina. "Ah so you still haven't managed to find a shirt that goes with your lab coat, hmm Emilio? I've told you before; you're going to scare off strangers like that."

Everyone looked up at the source to see a pair of women standing atop the deck's stairs, giving them intent gazes.

"Back into the bag please Nebby."

"Don't sweat it Lillie." Kukui reassured her with a calm gesture of his hand. "This one's okay."

The group made their way up the ramp where the professor flashed a pass to the harbormaster manning the watchtower and were waved through. Sun figured that since he was the regional professor of Alola, he had unrestricted access to all of Alola's registered harbors.

The first woman to greet them was dark-skinned with short black hair and grayish eyes. She was young; probably in her mid to late twenties…around the same age as the professor. There was jewelry all over her curvy body; bracelets, rings, earrings and a necklace of pink and purple gems that sparkled in the afternoon light. She wore a small pink shirt and a darker shaded magenta shorts.

It seemed that a lot of her body was…exposed. Even though Elio was a decade younger; it didn't escape him that she was strikingly attractive. He didn't blame her much either. As the weather on Akala was just as hot in the late afternoon as it was on Melemele.

The second woman was younger, more closer to his age and quite good looking as well. She had long green hair with a pink flower just over her right ear and curious green eyes. Her attire was a blue coverall with a short skirt.

Both ladies gave off welcoming smiles to the arriving party.

"Why hello there and let me be the first to say Alola to the beautiful Akala Island," The dark skinned woman started, "Nice to meet you all. I'm Olivia. Olivia Rios."

"Hey," The second woman added, "Thanks for stopping by! I'm Mallow Lokelani, one of the trial captains here! I help my father run Aina's Kitchen! Let me join Olivia in welcoming you all to Akala Island!"

"Mahalo!" Sun, Hau and Lillie all said in unison.

"I was on my way to see Kukui, who was pulling into port and ran into Mallow while she was on a delivery."

"Yup!" She gave them an energetic grin. "My trial in the Lush Jungle will be the chance for all the fine ingredients that make up your team to shine!"

Mallow stepped forward and leaned forward to examine both Sun and Hau closely. The two boys shared an uneasy glance as it seemed that she was starting to invade their personal space.

"Yup!" She closed her eyes and gave a satisfied nod. "Especially you two! Your pokemon look ready to cook with gas!"

"Uh," Elio seemed uneasy at that remark. "Thanks? I guess,"

"Mallow isn't the only captain here on Akala." Olivia said, "It sure is quite different than Melemele?"

"Yeah!" Hau agreed, "It seems quieter. I like it!"

Akala looks different. I can't wait to explore it.

"What's the plan kids? Gonna shop? Go battle? There's plenty to do here on this island!"

"Well that's up to them," Kukui answered. "It's their island challenge after all!"

Olivia seemed satisfied with that answer, "I suppose so. Anyway, enjoy your stay here on Akala Island with your pokemon! I'll be waiting for my chance to face you in battle when the time comes. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got!"

"Sounds good!" Kukui shook both their hands. "Thanks for coming to see us here all right."

"Of course. Let's go Mallow. Please call me if you are in need of anything." Olivia turned to leave with Mallow, both casting one final wave at the group before they both headed down the street.

"They seemed nice," Sun said, watching them go.

"I'm sure she wanted to come and make sure you made it here all right yeah. That's Olivia for ya. She'll never admit it, but Olivia is a kind kahuna deep down."

Both he and Hau looked over at the professor in surprise at his reveal, "Wait a second; SHE is the kahuna?!"

"That's right."

Sun was definitely not expecting to hear that. The now known Kahuna Olivia was definitely different from Hala in almost every way. "You told me the kahunas look like…well kahunas. Olivia looks like she belongs on the cover of a magazine."

The professor nodded, "I know what you mean oh yeah. Anyways, there are three trials here on Akala Island. Mallow's being one of them. If you want to start, then take the route out of the city and keep going until you hit Paniola Town."

"Shoot, I know where I'm going first and that is straight to the pokemon center!" Hau said, "I'm tired and hungry. Hey Sun, you should use your trainer passport here too. It gets you a room at any pokemon center here in Alola!"

"Really?" Sun was worried that he was going to have to camp out on some nights and thus had brought some of his overnight gear inside his bag, "That's a relief."

"I wonder what kind of malasada they make on Akala?"

"The good kind?"

"Sounds about right!" Hau jumped in front onto the dark pavement, "I'm off! See ya guys later! Alola!"

"Alola!" The three of them greeted, watching their friend run down the street.

Lillie nodded and smiled herself. "Maybe I'll do some shopping of my own and I should find out about the ruins for Nebby's sake too."

"Good plan Lillie." Kukui agreed, "Sun? You gonna go with Hau or stick with Lillie?"

The boy shrugged, "I'm not hungry and it's still kind of early to go for a room at the center. I think I'll just have a look around."

"Yeah cousin! We're in no rush here! This is Alola time!" He walked down the street towards the city sprawl, "I've actually got to head back to Melemele Island for a little while. You kids behave yeah?"

"Professor, your boat is right here!" Sun gestured to the half-derelict sitting down at the dock.

"I need the keys!" With that; he too was off somewhere in the city, leaving a very confused Sun and Lillie standing together on the dock.

"The boat doesn't even have an engine…"

Lillie left for the apparel shops down the street as Sun decided to do a little bit of exploring. The tourist bureau was smaller than Hau'oli's but the staff was helpful nonetheless in giving him a general map of the city. Sure he could've used Rotom , but it just felt better in asking a local. There was even a small plaque at the side, showing that the city had been founded long ago by Kantoan and Johtoan people. Fifty years ago, it had only a population of a couple hundred, which was a big gap to the current estimate of a ninety thousand.

"You've made it to Akala big boy! Thizz meanzz a whole new Island Pokedex! Bzzt!" Rotom said as he popped out of the boy's bag. His screen separated the file for the Melemele dex in yellow before opening up a second box in pink. "I will try to keep you up to date on all the new pokemon you dizcover! Bzzt! You are now able to fill in pokemon found on Akala Island. Zome species like yungoos, pikipek and caterpie can also be found here in azz well! Data on pokemon found only on other islandzz will be limited until that island is vizzzited!"

"Neat." Elio said. "Thanks Rotom."

The pokedex's hand went up to its eye as a salute before diving right back inside the bag. "Zo thiz iz Heahea City? I can zee the zea! What zay you that we go and look around?!"

Sun stopped at a food stand to get a quick afternoon meal before heading down to the shopping district. Next to it was the ferry terminal where the sign claimed that taking a ship was clearly faster than swimming.

Yeah you could say that again.

The stores lined the street that extended further down the cityscape and featured a small roof covering a sidewalk just in front. Behind it and some larger buildings was a big silver colored hotel.

He was about to start looking for the route that led to Paniola Town, seeing if he could get there by nightfall when he spotted a familiar figure standing on the side thanks to her long blonde hair and signature white hat.

Lillie was in front of the boutique with a nervous look on her face and arms close around her. She constantly glanced around, as if she felt like she was being followed. Beside her, Nebby floated about; just as curiously looking at the assortment of dresses displayed behind the shop's window.

Shouldn't Nebby be inside Lillie's bag? I thought she didn't like it out and about.

By now, Sun knew that a familiar presence might calm her down a little and feel more relaxed, so he decided to see what she was up to.

"Hey Lillie!" He waved from the other end of the street when the girl glanced over. She returned the gesture back and he made his way across to stand in front of them.

"Oh Sun!" The arms had returned down to her sides and her tense posture seemed to fade. Her legs moved her body right next to him and the fearful glances at the passerby had also halted.

"Pew?" Nebby chirped, floating over to the boy and circling his feet in excitement.

"Hey, there Lillie!" Elio knelt down and scratched Nebby's top, causing the cosmog to pew in delight. "Saw you looked a little lost. Are you uh going to go and look for new clothes?"

She nodded. "Well yes, I was doing that, but this little one will hardly sit still. Nebby's all excited going to a new place from Melemele Island. Just hope that it doesn't get back into trouble again. I really don't want your island challenge to be interrupted because you have to have to come to our rescue."

Elio waved a dismissive hand at her first statement. "It's okay Lillie. I take care of all my friends. Anyway, you said you were going to see the ruins while we were at the docks. I bet you that's what got Nebby so excited."

"Yeah. I think Nebby might be interested in visiting the Ruins of Life. Apparently they house the sacred guardian goddess of Akala Island."

"Oh!" Sun brightened up at the mention of the deity, "Like Tapu Koko?"

"Yes, but Akala's guardian is called Tapu Lele. She's considered the embodiment of all life that spans the Alola region." She paused, as if considering another one of her countless requests. "Um Elio…I wondered if you'd like to come with us when we go to the ruins. Little Nebby seems to like you quite a bit."

"Pew!"

Sun bent down and gently scratched Nebby's body, earning a hum of delight from the mysterious pokemon, "Sure. I'd love to come to the ruins with you."

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a distraction from your island challenge. After all, you don't want Hau to get ahead right?"

Another dismissive hand. "I'm not particularly picky on who comes in first. The island challenge isn't a race to beat the other person, even though you have four full years to complete it. Besides; I enjoy your company. I've never really had many friends that are girls anyway. Really in all hindsight, you and Leilani are the first."

"Friend?"

"We've been over this Lillie," Even though it sounded a little stern, Sun kept his easygoing smile. "We're friends! Well, we kind of have to be if you're going to keep holding my hand like this."

"Huh?" She glanced down, finally realizing absentmindedly that she had reached over and grabbed his left palm, gingerly squeezing as if some form of comfort would come from it. Immediately, a blush formed on her cheeks that she prayed to the Tapus that he didn't notice.

Phew. Okay, for the most part. It looks like he didn't. Why does he have to point out things like that?!

"Okay." She nodded, smiling back, "I'll be at the Tide Song Hotel if you want to come and visit. I'm supposed to be meeting someone there. Someone very important to me."

Someone important? Sun thought to himself. He couldn't place a finger on why that irked him, but it just did.

I hope it's not a boy.

"Alright. So you want to go when you're done meeting this person? If you're going to be there for a while, I was going to try and finish at least one of the trials."

"I honestly don't know how long I'll be and I think that a lot of the trials are on the other side of the island."

"Well I'm sure I have to come back here soon. That or we can meet up at the Ruins, wherever they are. I hope there's no rope bridge. How about I come to the hotel tomorrow morning and see what you want to do?" He looked up at the sky; noticing the sun was beginning to set to the west, "It's getting dark out. Do you want me to walk you to the hotel?"

"I'll be alright." Lillie agreed. "And yes, please some tomorrow. I'd like to have you there! I can see the building from here, after all. Even I shouldn't be able to lose my way. I think."

"Pew!" Nebby excitedly jumped up again.

"And you!" Lillie sounded like a mother talking to her child. "I'll have you stay in your bag!"

The pokemon looked a little sad to part ways with Sun, so he drifted up to him and gave his leg an affectionate nuzzle. Despite making a pouty face in front of its "mother" Lillie shook her head sternly, "Go say goodbye to Elio now. Don't worry, we'll see him again!"

"Pew!"

"I'll see you later Nebby. Take care of Lillie for me."

They decided to part ways at the main street in downtown Heahea City where Sun had quickly went to the closest pokemon center to reserve himself a room.

Lillie headed north, even with a good sense of direction of where the Tide Song Hotel was located at; she felt as if she really was alone.

Kukui had gone who knew where…Hau and Elio were at a pokemon center likely turning in for the day. Kahuna Olivia had already left somewhere, taking that trial captain…with her.

Her name was Mallow right?

Thinking back to their encounter, she should've paid more attention to the stares that both boys were giving Olivia. There was a lot of…skin visible.

She had never met Akala Island's kahuna in person, only hearing that it was someone who had been chosen at a very young age almost a decade ago. Now looking, it wasn't hard to tell that she was constantly admired by members of the opposite sex.

Does Elio have a crush on Olivia?

Further down the roads were some more shops as she moved away from the downtown section that lined the coast. By now, she had come upon a long slope that overlooked the ends of the city to where many homes were placed. About halfway in the span of the urban area was the Tide Song Hotel, set in a road plaza of its own. All along the side, other people gave her friendly smiles along with the occasional "Alola!" She smiled back and continued being wary, but it was hard seeing how approachable and easygoing people were on this island.

People are so welcoming here no matter where you go. She thought to herself. Of course there's Team Skull, but to be honest, Nebby and I haven't really met anyone unfriendly here.

Lillie felt her body hit something stiff as she kept walking, causing a drink to spill over the concrete sidewalk. She let out a startled squeak as the fallen glass cup shattered upon impacting on the hard floor, sending slivers everywhere that glittered in the evening light.

"Oh my gosh!" Lillie felt her body heat up in complete embarrassment. "I am so so sorry!"

It had been a young couple whose table she had knocked over while daydreaming. Thankfully, the spill narrowly missed the legs of the purple haired woman. She had orange tinted sunglasses on top of her head and wore a white and purple tanktop. Sitting opposite her was a sandy blonde haired man sporting a touristy hat with a yellow T-shirt and that athlete High Endurance shorts colored blue with white trim along the sides. Both looked to be in their mid-twenties.

"Oh ca va!" The woman said, giving off an easygoing smile and leaning down to pick up the various shards. A waiter was summoned by her partner to bring a bag to collect the pieces. "No harm no foul."

"Oui." The man agreed. "Faites attention next time."

"I am so sorry again." Lillie apologized. "I'm just trying to find the Tide Song Hotel and not get lost."

"Ah oui." The lady responded. "Tournez à gauche a rue de Palani."

Lillie's eyes widened. She knew the language distinctly, but nothing about how to speak or understand it. "That's…that's Kalosian!"

Instantly, the demeanor in the woman changed. Her male partner chuckled to himself at the girls' surprise. "No worries. We speak Basic too. Apology has been accepted for the spill. Luckily for us we just finished eating, otherwise it would've been a bigger mess."

He gestured down the street. "Just go left on Palani Avenue a couple blocks down and keep heading in the right direction. If you see the long beaches, you've gone too far."

"Oh thanks." Lillie said. She reached into her duffel bag, praying that Nebby would stay inside. Her fingers felt a couple of bills and she reached out with them. "Once again, I'm terribly sorry about that."

The two glanced at her before chuckling again to themselves. The blonde felt the heat of embarrassment rising in her cheeks once again.

"Hey. Don't feel bad about that. There's far worse things to worry about." The woman said. "Everything is fine."

"Oh okay." She felt relieved at that. Noticing the time, she wanted to get somewhere safe in the Tide Song Hotel before it got late outside. "I have to get going. Alola!"

"Alola!"

Lillie mentally slapped herself over the head at that fiasco. First off she ruins their night by thinking about Elio and Olivia being together and then it ends up costing her to have to experience some humiliation and then finally the two Kalosian foreigners turned down a couple of money for the trouble.

Mother always told me that offering money from favors means they would take it. Why didn't they?

She continued walking along, not noticing that it was getting later and the people outside were fewer. By now, many of the vendors and businesses were starting to close down, whittling out traffic on foot, ride pokemon or cars themselves.

Why would I even think of Elio liking Olivia? I mean, he gets to like whoever he wants, but she has to be ten years older than him!

Lillie was unaware as she passed one of the intersections, there were a pair of masked shadowy figures noting her by herself. One of them nodded at his partner and they briskly took off trailing the lone girl.

She sighed, cursing herself for making an assumption right off the bat. Elio was going to be alright.

STOP! THINKING! ABOUT! ELIO!

"Pew!"

"Not now Nebby." She automatically said.

"Pew!" This time, the cosmog's cry came more urgently.

"Ayy!" A male voice sounded from behind her. "Whadda we got here?!"

"Ooh dayum!" The two Team Skull thugs came out of the shadows, revealing themselves. Lillie felt her insides turn into oil.

Oh no, not Team Skull! Heahea is supposed to be a safe city like all of Alola.

"She is just fine bro! Total ten outta ten!"

"Say hot stuff, why don't ya just hand over ya money and whatever else ya got on ya! We'll make dis quick!"

By now, the few other people out this late were quickly taking their attention to her and the two.

"What the hell y'all lookin at?" The second grunt angrily addressed everyone, causing them to all take a fearful step back. "We just telling this fine piece of ass all the hot stuff she's got!"

No…please. Lillie's knees threatened to give out underneath her. She wanted to scream. Scream for one of the bystanders to come help. For Elio to come dashing right to her rescue.

I can't be thinking about Elio right now! I can't get mugged and have them take Nebby! Somebody please help me!

"Are ya okay?" The first grunt asked. "Ya look like ya seen a ghost! We ain't no ghosts dat's for sure. We Team Skull, da group hard as bone out here dat nobody messes with!"

"No!" She cried out. "You're not taking anything!"

"Arete!" She heard a familiar voice call out. Before she could process it, two tall figures stood in front of her, blocking her view of the harassing Team Skull hooligans.

"Woah there!" Her eyes widened as she recognized them as the same two she had literally run into at the restaurant.

"Ayy! Is everyone comin to join da party or what?"

"This party's over." The woman said. "Why don't you fuyez out of here while we're still in a good mood?"

"Dis lady's crazy." One of the thugs gestured towards the man. "Can ya talk some sense into ya partner? We don't wanna turn ya puny pokemon into scrap!"

"Once she's like this, there's no stopping her." Her partner said. "Don't look at me. I've tried before. It doesn't work."

"Fine then! Don't cry cause we didn't warn ya!" The grunt threw out a poke ball, revealing a drowzee. His partner had a small squat pokemon that looked crustacean with two mushrooms that seemed to be growing out of its back.

"Are you okay mademoiselle?" The man asked gently, still not refusing to back down alongside his partner.

It took Lillie just a brief moment to realize they were addressing her.

"Yes."

"We will deal with these two."

"They're part of Team Skull." She said. "I don't think you should bother with them unless you're good trainers."

The two turned back to her. She glanced down to see that both of them held a poke ball in hand.

"I think we're good." He threw out his pokemon. "Espeon!"

"Glaceon!"

In an instant, two quadruped pokemon leaped gracefully down from their confines and stretched out their limbs, eyeing their opposition warily.

The lady's was light blue with vapors of frost gently wafting off its body. Two long tails came down on the sides of its head as if it were a pair of glass braids.

The man's was more of a soft lilac purple color, with eerie soulful white eyes and a long forked tail that flicked about as if having a mind of its own. Both of their pokemon seemed to be similar, yet drastically different from one another.

The two Skull grunts pointed at the twin foxlike creatures. "Paras…drowzee use-"

"Espeon, protect Glaceon with light screen!"

The purple creature jumped forward, eyes glowing to form a long rectangular barrier of light. As it did, the drowzee fired a psybeam that it had completely absorbed, leaving the other side undamaged. Paras' mushrooms branched out in leeching roots for an absorb that was similarly deflected.

Lillie could only watch in awe at the two trainers she had bumped into, easily coming to her aid.

Woah.

"Glaceon, use frost breath on paras!"

"Gla!" Now its partner, known as glaceon jumped out from the protective barrier and blew out a frosty stream of energy that sent Lillie's skin on edge in a wide contrast to the warm Alolan night. The drowzee was caught in the attack as well, but it shook most of the damage off. The paras pokemon couldn't withstand the frigid assault and fainted almost instantly, collapsing where it stood.

"Drowzee, use pound!"

As the tapir pokemon rushed forward, the man snapped his fingers. "Shadow ball."

His own pokemon quickly generated a dark blob of energy and launched it with astounding speed, giving the opposing psychic type virtually no time to avoid it at all. The orb slammed into it full force, sending the drowzee hurtling back right at the feet of the two Skull goons with a loud crunch and next to its partner who had met a similar fate five seconds earlier.

"Wha?" One of them looked around wide-eyed incredulously at the growing throng of onlookers. "Ya not gonna say nothing? They were clearly cheating!"

"Yeah! We weren't even ready and all!"

"That's funny." The man said as Espeon crouched low in front of him, ready for its next orders. Beside him to his left, the woman and Glaceon were in a similar posture. "You're so bad at battling we don't even need to cheat to win."

The dry remark incited a round of laughter from everyone watching, followed by a growing applause and loud whistles as they praised the two trainers for standing up to the group that had been harassing Alolans for some time now.

The woman stepped forward with the glaceon. "Now why don't you two dechets go and fuyez out of here until you learn it's not right to pick on the helpless?"

"Uh right. Whatever dat means! Just so ya all know yo! Dis ain't over by a long shot! Don't screw with Team Skull!"

The two delinquents rapidly moved their arms in their strange thuggish dance, likely amusing nobody except themselves before running through an opening, disappearing somewhere inside the city.

There had been another round of applause and compliments from the crowd as they began to disperse from all the action. Tourists had been snapping photos and videos on their phones, remaining around to possibly talk with the two trainers themselves, but the furtive glances by the two told everyone that they were going to be treated as a hostile threat as the two Skull grunts they had handily defeated minutes earlier.

"You did excellent Glaceon." The lady gently said, ruffling its fur. It gave off a coo of affection before being allowed back inside its ball.

"Nice work Espeon. Return."

"Es! Espeon!"

"Are you alright mademoiselle?" The lady asked gently as she stood back up and her partner turned to address Lillie.

"Y-yes." She managed to squeak out. "Thank you so much."

I owe these two a lot. Don't even know their names, but they pointed me to the Tide Song Hotel and saved me from Team Skull…just like Elio. Am I going to be in debt to everyone?

"I thought Alola was relatively safe." The man sighed. "And for the most part it is, until we started seeing these Skull people recently. Now nobody really wants to go anywhere when they come around."

"Can you blame them?" The lady asked. "They pick on weak trainers or those who can't fight back. Like this mademoiselle here. What is your name?"

"I'm Lillie."

"Ah." She looked back at him again. "Elle a tre belle, oui?"

"Oui." He flashed a wolfish grin. "So if my memory serves me right, you were headed for the Tide Song Hotel?"

Lillie absentmindedly nodded.

"Tre bon! That also happens to be where we are staying while here in Alola. Why don't we escort you there in case those two decide to come back for another round? We'll make sure nothing happens to you."

"Are you sure?" She glanced up at them nervously. "I don't want to be an inconvenience and all. I did almost spill a drink on you ma'am."

"Accidents happen!" The lady laughed. "And it was just water. Nothing that stains! It looked like you weren't really a trainer and we were headed back in the same way when those two decided to jump you. Glad we were there, otherwise you might've been robbed."

Yeah. I'm so grateful they were. Team Skull was so close to finding Nebby…if they did…

"I owe you two so much." She softly said, thinking about how again she had been in distress and may have been able to get back out of it if she had been a trainer.

"You don't owe us anything Lillie." The man softly said. By now, they had reached the entrance of the Tide Song Hotel. "Just remember to be aware of your surroundings. You seemed a little distracted."

"Ah yes." See what thinking about Elio does?! Why does he never leave my head? Argh! Stop!

She turned to ask another question to the mysterious Kalosian couple, but glanced around the hotel lobby when their presence was no longer detected. They had disappeared, nowhere to be found.

At least I'm here in a safe place.

With the rest of the night fast approaching; Lillie quickly checked into her room and changed into her nightgown. Nebby was let out and it playfully bounced around the room for a little while before tiring out and curling up on the padded chair across from her bed.

The sheets felt silky smooth and cool to the touch. She fell on its pillow with a relieved sigh from everything that had happened before closing her eyes.

Would things have been different if I had pokemon to use in battle? I know that both of them came to my rescue with those…eon pokemon and all, but even Elio would've easily defeated them. Could I do that too? The only thing that would make me feel more safe and happy here is Elio right behind me, sleeping with me in his arms.

What? No! Stop thinking those!

Lillie's further thoughts were lost in her sleep as she continued to dream about a certain trainer with the last name of Northstar.

So that will wrap up our kickoff of the Akala arc. We've made it over and the story is about to go full throttle with the next part depicting of getting to Paniola Town and all!

So Lillie meets to very familiar Kalosians in a less than stellar way, but it ends up benefiting her since they're there to her rescue from more of Team Skull! Looks like they're not just on Melemele Island either!

We've got a mix of French! I also happened to take French language courses in my freshman and sophomore year in high school. That was years ago, so I apologize if mine is a bit rusty. I'll keep it separate.

As for the lore in this chapter. Alola's islands are based off of Hawaii and their names are based off that island's specific color. Aside from our two main ones, I also put in three smaller islands around Akala that the game did not mention or feature. There are still four main pokedexes and all, but it won't be necessary to complete the island challenge by visiting any of the three mentioned. That doesn't mean that Elio won't be going to one in the future.

Melemele Island is based off Oahu. The most populous island in Hawaii. The capital Honolulu is on the southwestern side of the island. The Isle nickname for Oahu is the Gathering Isle.

Akala Island is based off Maui. This island that we're about to explore is a very popular tourist destination. The Isle nickname for Maui is the Valley Isle.

O'mao'mao Island is based off Molokai. Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula used to be home to a leper colony, hence the sickness quarantine I had put in there as well as the old Mai'i Village mentioned. The Isle nickname for Molokai is the Friendly Isle.

Alani Island is based off Lanai. This island is widely known for its massive pineapple plantations. Thus it's Isle nickname is the Pineapple Isle.

A'hinahina Island is based off Kaho'olawe. The smallest island of Hawaii is relatively young compared to the rest of the archipelago. It has no permanent population and used to be a training ground for the US military for island invasions during the Pacific campaign of World War II. Its Isle nickname fits it well; Target Isle.

Hawaiian Translations:

Mai'i - Sickly

Da kine - Da kine literally means "the kind" in pidgin. It is usually used as a placeholder for something. A similar analogy can be like; thingy, whatchamacallit. It can refer to anything from a person to an object to a concept. Basically the word you use when you don't know the word. If that makes sense.

Maika'i'ole - Insane/Unstable

Makuakane - Father

Kapu - Guardian

Aina - Meal

French Translations:

Ca va - Okay/It's okay

Oui - Yes

Faites attention - Pay attention/Be careful

Tournez à gauche a rue de Palani - Turn left on Palani Street

Arete! - Halt/Stop

Fuyez - Run away

Mademoiselle - Miss/Single woman (A married woman would be addressed as Madam)

Dechets - Pieces of garbage

Elle a tre belle, oui? - She is very pretty, yes?

Tres bien! - Very good!

Whew, that took longer than I expected. Until then; mahalo for reading and reviewing, you give my writing purpose.

Brav