"Luna, Luna please wake up!"
At these words, I opened my eyes to find my mother and Finn hovering over my body. I had been moved to the barn in my unconscious state.
Quickly I sat up and gasped, "Momma, Finn, where's Hali?"
"Luna, it's okay, she's…"
Before Mom could finish, I leapt up and began to search the barn for any sign of Hali.
"Hali, Hali where are you!?" I shouted out, but there was no response.
"Luna, Hali's going to be okay," Finn said, "She's with a good Trainer now."
"WHAT!?" I exclaimed, shaken.
Mom hugged me and explained,"The boy and his Stunky already caught Hali when that sudden storm hit. He took you both to the Pokemon Center where Nurse Joy took care of you."
"But what about Hali, mom?"
"Nurse Joy explained about our farm and the boy apologized for his mistake. However, Hali decided to join their team to become a stronger Pokemon. She has grown admiration for that Stunky and wants to become strong like him."
"No, no that can't be, I don't believe you!"
"Luna, please listen," Finn pleaded, "Hali's going to catch up with us later, we'll see her again."
"I-I couldn't protect her!" I cried out.
"It's not your fault Luna," Mom soothed, "the trainer didn't know that he was near private property. Besides, he's a good boy, he went through that thunderstorm to protect you and Hali."
My mind raced too fast for me to pay attention, I just wildly flailed my paws and cried out "I couldn't protect Hali, I couldn't protect her! I'm so sorry, I'm sorry!"
I became dizzy, then succumbing to exhaustion, I fell asleep once more.
The next time I woke up, my siblings were gathered around me with relieved looks on their faces.
"Luna, please don't ever scare us like that again." Aurora and Finn cried as they both nuzzled my cheek.
"Don't worry Luna, you're lucky to have strong siblings to watch over you!" Rekka said, proudly tapping his chest with his front paw.
I finally got the strength to sit up and said, "So, will Hali be okay?"
"We're sure of it Luna, Hali's going to grow strong like how Selene is doing now." Soleil said, and gave the signature nod when she felt absolutely sure about something.
Sage gave me a basket of fruit, while Aurora gave me ice cold MooMoo Ice Cream.
"Eat up Luna, you haven't eaten almost anything all day." Zeus advised.
I nodded and ate, but my mind was focused elsewhere.
. . .
Two days later Hali contacted us, saying that she's having a good time with her new trainer. She told us about visiting Sandgem Beach and playing in the water. Her trainer learned how to fish and Hali helped him catch a Finneon at Level 21! She's also learned a lot from her new friend Stunky.
Not long after that, Selene contacted us again. She and Hotaru had their first battle with the Hearthome City's Gym Leader, Fantina and won the Relic Badge!
"Luna, I'm sorry for not telling you I was leaving." Hali said when we got a chance to talk to each other over the T.V. phone.
"It's okay, Hali, I'm just relieved that you're okay." I said.
"When we meet up again, we'll battle Selene and then each other!"
"I-I'm looking forward to it." I stammered, a bit sad.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing Hali, I'm looking forward to seeing you again and battling you!" I said, feigning enthusiasm.
"Okay! I love you, Luna, let's do our best!"
"Yeah, I love you too! Let's do our best!"
"GOR FOR IT, HALI!"
I felt the weight of Rekka on my back as he showed up.
"Do your best Hali!"
Another weight sat on us, this time from Aphrodite.
"Be the best you can be!" Zeus cried out as he added his weight.
"Don't strain yourself, there's always tomorrow to get better!" Sage added, along with her weight.
"We love you all so much! Also, if you go to SnowPoint City, send me a souvenir!" Aurora added with her weight.
"We'll be here for you no matter what." Soleil said, this time on the side of our dogpile instead of on top of it."
Hali, embarrassed, laughed "Okay everyone, I'll do my best, I love you all! Bye-Bye!"
Hali ended the call, and our dogpile crumbled down as we fell onto the floor.
"I'm going to get stronger now!" Rekka exclaimed.
"Let's see you try to beat me at training!" Zeus yelled back.
"Hey, wait for me!" Aurora called.
"No need to rush everyone." Sage said.
"No time like the present to train, Sage." Soleil smiled.
I was left alone with much to think about. When I remembered Hali getting caught, I couldn't do anything about it. Of course I was glad she was okay, but I felt mad. Not at the trainer or even the Stunky, but at myself. I wasn't strong enough to protect my little sister. What if something bad had happened to her? How can I protect my other loved ones if I get beaten like that again.
"Hi, Luna I'm home!"
Celia's happy voice chimed into my ears as she entered the living room. Finn was tagging alongside her with his bell jingling happily. I remembered my own bell, and that gave me an idea.
I ran to Celia and spoke to her.
"What is it, Luna? Do you want to train with Finn?"
I nod enthusiastically.
"Okay, let's do this!" She exclaimed.
