Author's Note: Hi, so got new chapter here! As you may noticed, I have this titled "Pursuit, Part One". Originally this was going to be one chapter and only Grimsley's POV. His first few and latter scenes don't seem to flow together, so I separated them. And that's before I decided to add a couple Nanu scenes for good measure oops.
Camp Nano was going fairly good, wrote 11K so far. Then after that, kinda ran out of gas lol. Counting Chapter 10, I probably have 5 chapters of backlog, but they're very rough so updates might be on a monthly basis still.
Besides that, at Grimsley and Molayne's scene yes I came up with game knockoffs for Mario Kart, Smash Bros, and Mortal Kombat. Funny enough, Smash Bros did their Persona 5/Joker update some days ago, and MK 11 was just released. I watched a playthrough of MK 11's story mode recently, and oh man it's wild haha.
As always, thanks to bobandbill for the great betaing! Also thanks to illustrious-rocket for giving me permission to use Antimony as Colress's surname!
xxx
Behind the observatory there was a smaller building that was Molayne's office and living space. Everyone slept there for the night including Grimsley, and this morning he woke up early to read Professor Burnet's extensive research on Ultra Wormholes.
Apparently the Ultra Wormholes were a very special occurrence and believed to lead to a different dimension. There were some studies from Sinnoh, Unova, and Hoenn that supported that theory. For instance, there was an incident that occurred a few years ago involving the legendary Pokémon Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina. Burnet also mentioned how in Alolan folklore there would be tales of fearsome Pokémon, the Ultra Beasts, coming from the Ultra Wormholes and fighting with the guardian deities.
While reading, Grimsley sat on the couch with coffee and toast on the table. After another bite of his toast, he scratched the back of his neck and sighed. Someone tapped on his shoulder, so he turned around and flinched upon seeing Professor Kukui grinning at him.
"What do you think of Magnolia's research so far?" he asked.
"To be honest, I don't understand almost half of the words she used in her writing." Grimsley rubbed his eyes, and Kukui chuckled.
"Well, she's a scientist, yeah! You got an idea of what she's trying to say, right?"
"I think so. When Burnet says there are different dimensions, does she mean like the world Zossie and Dulse of the Ultra Recon Squad come from?"
"Most likely, yeah. According to her, the Ultra Beasts come from worlds different to ours, hence why they're considered different from Pokémon in our folklore."
Grimsley made a slight bob of his head. "How about the Ultra Recon Squad? Does she know them?"
"The Dimensional Lab and Aether are collaborating together on researching Ultra Wormholes, so yes she's already aware of them." A wide grin stretched across Kukui's face, and he had his hands on his sides. "The offer still stands, cousin."
Grimsley raised a brow. "Huh? What offer?"
"Meeting my wife, of course! If you want, I can have her explain more of her research to you through videophone, yeah!"
While considering Kukui's offer, Grimsley gulped his coffee. The brow on his forehead knitted. Originally he had told him it wasn't necessary, but now he was reconsidering. Besides her research, there were a few other questions he had for her. He set aside his cup on the table, and looked up at Kukui with a small smile.
"Sure, why not? I've got nothing to lose."
"Awesome! I'm sure she'll be thrilled talking to you!"
"Are you two talking about Ultra Wormholes?" Kahili asked as she approached them. She held her own cup of coffee with one hand.
"Grimsley will be talking with Professor Burnet later today so that he can learn more about them from her, woo!"
Kahili sipped her coffee, a small smile tugging on her lips. "I swear, you get all lovey-dovey each time you mention her."
"What can I say, I'm still Captivated by her!" he said with a wink. That made Kahili groan, and even Grimsley rolled his eyes at that pun.
"How about you, Kahili?" Grimsley asked her. "What are your thoughts on this?"
"I'm not sure, to be honest." Kahili put her cup down on the coffee table, crossed her arms, and raised her chin. "I've heard tales of strong Pokémon not from around here. And now a possibility of them being real and a threat? I hope I'm prepared for that."
Kukui grinned. "Are you kidding? You're a former island champion, so you're more than prepared!
Grimsley blinked, also taken aback by her response. Kahili seemed like a confident person from the way she battled. Nonetheless, he hummed in agreement.
"I was impressed with your battle skills yesterday. You should be fine."
Kahili gave them an appreciative smile. "You're right! If it comes to that, my Pokémon are capable of handling them!"
"That's the spirit, woo!" Kukui said, pumping his fist in the air.
Kahili chuckled. "I better get going now. Can't skip out on my daily training exercises!"
She waved them goodbye before departing. As soon as she was gone, Kukui faced back at Grimsley.
"We can talk to my wife during her lunch break, which is a few hours from now."
"That's fine. I don't mind waiting." Grimsley leaned against the couch, his arms over his head. He hoped talking with Professor Burnet would make more sense of the Ultra Wormholes.
Xxx
It was late morning when Nanu woke up and took a shower. He hadn't had one in a few days, and both Persian and the Meowth cringed at his presence, so he made himself do some basic hygiene practice.
He stood still for several minutes, letting the hot water rain down on his face and skin. Steam started to build up around him. On the few occasions he forced himself to take a shower, it actually felt nice. He started thinking about what had happened yesterday.
He was at his desk, playing with his kendama as a way to destress himself. A couple of his Meowth tried to catch the ball on the string, but he told them not to do that. He left the television on, which was broadcasting the afternoon news. When the news began reporting the Aether Foundation's press conference, he stopped and watched.
The video of a young trainer with a Brionne facing against UB Symbiont was shown. His stomach sunk, shocked that a child would go against such a dangerous creature. The Ultra Beasts were supposed to be classified, so Interpol most likely had a field day with that.
Charlotte was with Faba and Lusamine, though the newscaster had said her real first name and not her middle one. Lusamine announced that the Ultra Beasts were coming, and that her organization would protect Alola from them. After that, the reporters bombarded her with questions and the photographers kept flashing pictures.
Back in the present, Nanu let out a deep sigh and his shoulders slumped. Looker and Anabel had already informed him of the Ultra Wormhole in Aether Paradise, but he was still stunned when it was on the news. He couldn't stop thinking about that press conference ever since. He turned the faucet off, dried himself with a towel, and stepped out of the shower.
After Nanu put on some clothes, he walked to the front office. Two of the Meowth were playing with his Z-ring bracelet he had left on the desk. He shooed the cats away and put the bracelet on his wrist. He sat down, turning on his computer.
He pulled up Aether Foundation's website. The main home page had several pictures of the employees with various Pokémon. On the right side was the news bulletin with the latest post being about the press conference. He clicked on the "Read More" link, and he was sent to a new page that had information on that. So far it repeated the same thing that was mentioned on the news. On the bottom was a video of the press conference, so he clicked on it and let it play.
"With the appearance of that Ultra Beast, I'm certain there are more of those out there from other dimensions. My organization and I will do in our every power to protect the citizens of Alola from these threats!"
Nanu watched the video on repeat several times. When he was tired of it, he leaned back on his chair and stared at the ceiling for a while. Protect the citizens of Alola from these threats. Nanu couldn't help but snort. Not even the International Police had done that right and look what had happened now.
His gaze fell at the postcard from Charlotte. He sat back straight and picked it up. Nanu reread Charlotte's warning, and then stared at the computer screen. In the video Charlotte stood there calm and smiling, but her fidgeting fingers and shifty glances said otherwise.
"Could this be what she's warning me about?" he muttered to himself and furrowed his brow. He stared down at the phone on his desk. "Maybe I should give her a call."
He was about to pick the receiver up, but stop his hand midway through. There could be a chance Aether had their phones recorded, and he didn't want to blow her cover. With a frustrated sigh, he slammed his hand on the desk.
He still wanted to at least let her know he got her message, but how? Anabel and Looker were on their way to Poni Island right now. Nanu recalled Dimensional Labs working with Aether. If there was someone from there that could contact Charlotte...
Nanu's eyes grew wide with realization. There was one person there who probably talked often with her. He picked the phone up and dialed the number. It was a few rings until someone answered.
"Professor Kukui speaking, yeah!"
"Hi, Kukui. You sound excited as ever."
"Nanu? Oh, did you have a suggestion on who should be on the Elite Four?"
Nanu forced himself to not roll his eyes. "No, not yet. Actually, I wonder if you can do me a favor."
"Sure, cousin! What kind of favor?"
"Your wife talk with the Aether folks often, yes?"
"Dimensional Labs and Aether Foundation often collaborate together on research, yeah! Why you asked?"
"There's a message I want to give to someone there. The Assistant Branch Chief Char-" Nanu stopped there, realizing he almost slipped up. He cleared his throat. "Wicke Santana."
"Is that all? Couldn't you just call or send her an email?"
Nanu's throat turned dry. "It's complicated. Let's just say we go way back and it's a personal matter."
"Oh. All right, I won't force you to tell me anymore than that. What did you want to tell her?"
Before Nanu responded, he gazed back at Charlotte's message once more. A small smile formed on his lips.
"Tell her Kahuna Nanu thanks her for the postcard she sent me, and I'll be more Earth friendly from now on. Also that Poni Island's weather is good right now."
"Is that all?" Kukui said in confusion. He chuckled right after. "No problem then, yeah! I'm about to have Grimsley talk with Magnolia later today, so I can let her know then."
That made Nanu immediately jump out of his seat. "Wait, Grimsley's with you?"
"Yeah! We're at the Hokulani Observatory right now. He wanted to know more about other dimensions, so I suggested he talk with her."
"He does now, huh?" Nanu said flatly as he sat back down. A part of him wondered if he had saw that news conference too. "Hopes he gets something out of it."
"I'm sure he will, yeah! I better get back inside the observatory now. You take care, cousin!"
"Thanks, Kukui. And same to you."
Nanu hung up and gave out a deep sigh. He hoped that Burnet would give Charlotte that message as soon as possible. He shifted his head to see the two Meowth that had played with his bracelet earlier glaring at him.
"What you guys want?" he asked, his lips twitching in annoyance. One of the Meowth lifted an empty bowl with her paws and she cried again. Nanu narrowed his eyes. "Okay I'll get the food. Give me a minute."
Nanu got up and headed to the cabinet where he stored the Meowth's food in, the two Meowth following him behind. The several other Meowth he passed by were either sleeping, playing, or scratching furniture.
When he had left Interpol, he didn't think he would end up the island kahuna living in the police station with a bunch of stray Meowth. And now, it seemed he wasn't done with Interpol just yet.
Xxx
By early afternoon, Kukui asked Molayne if he and Grimsley could use his videophone to call his wife. Molayne chuckled and also joked how he missed talking to her already, which made Kukui laugh.
After Molayne left them alone, Kukui dialed Burnet's number and they waited a few rings until the screen lit up with her face. She had dark skin like her husband, and her white hair was held with a large headband. Instead of a lab coat or formal clothing, she dressed like as if she was about to go to the gym or for a run. Behind her, there was a bookshelf and a poster board with various charts, pictures, and announcements on there.
"Hm? Molayne, is that you?" When she recognized Kukui's face, she grinned. "Oh, hi honey! I thought Molyane's calling because his number showed on my screen. So you're in his office now?"
"Yeah! I asked him if I can talk to you for a moment and he's cool with it."
"Ah, all right." Burnet now noticed Grimsley, and her face lit up. "And the man next to you, is that who I think he is?"
"If you're thinking Grimsley from the Unova Elite Four, then yeah! He's interested in talking about Ultra Wormholes with you!" Kukui jabbed Grimsley on the shoulder with his elbow and stepped away. Grimsley gave him a blank stare, and then he sat down and faced the screen.
"Alola, Professor Burnet," Grimsley said, waving at her.
Burnet's grin grew even wider and she squealed. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's you! Back in Unova, I would watch you and the other Elite Four on TV. Those battles are fun to watch!"
Grimsley raised a curious brow. "Oh? Which one is your favorite?"
"Probably the one with you and Alder! Your guys' Pokémon are such powerhouses!"
A small smile tugged on Grimsley's lips. That was one of the exhibition battles for a tournament he and Alder had participated in. Alder's Pokémon were indeed strong, including his ace, Vix the Volcarona. He lost that match as expected, but he also learned a lot during that battle.
"Glad that my colleagues and I were able to entertain you."
"And how!" Burnet giggled, and then asked, "So, what's a hotshot trainer like you doing here in Alola?"
"Well, I'm here for a little vacation. I met up with your husband, and he told me how you're an expert in other dimensions. I recall that you used to be a researcher in Unova."
Burnet nodded and let out a low hum. "Before my main research was on dreams, but then I was offered work here in Alola and I couldn't resist coming here."
"Right. Anyways, I read some of your research, and I have a few questions I want to ask."
"Sure, I can spare a few minutes with you. What you want to know?"
Grimsley considered what he wanted to ask first. "You mentioned in your research that Ultra Beasts have appeared according to Alolan folklore. Are those stories true?"
"Can't say. There are several accounts of the Ultra Beasts and our guardian deities going against each other. Like all legends, hard to know how much is true."
"Perhaps your legends are more accurate than you think," Grimsley said in a low voice. He stroked his chin. "I saw one of those Ultra Wormholes in Melemele Island several days ago."
Burnet's face slipped into a more serious expression. "Yes, Melemele Island was where one of the several dimension disturbances that happened recently took place. Akala Island had one a few days ago, and another one in Aether Paradise. The Aether president did a press conference on that yesterday."
Right, that news report that aired yesterday and caused everyone unease in the Pokémon Center, and where the fair-looking woman who proclaimed that her organization would protect Alola from the Ultra Beasts. Grimsley pressed his lips flat and furrowed his brow.
"That reminds me, Kukui told me that Aether and the Dimensional Research Lab are working together. You happen to talk with Ms. Lusamine over what was revealed in that press conference?"
Burnet nodded. "I sent her the results of that specific dimensional disturbance, and we discussed that over the phone. Her guests, the Ultra Recon Squad, have been tracking the Ultra Wormholes also, and their readings are the same."
Grimsley flinched, and he cleared his throat. "I've encountered them before. They claimed to be from another world. Do you believe them?"
"I do, and they even showed me one of their Ultra Beasts. My field of study is in dimensions, after all!"
Grimsley grunted, and he looked over his shoulder to see Kukui leaning against the wall and folding his arms against his chest. They exchanged blank stares with one another, and then Grimsley returned to the screen.
"So what happens now?"
"I'll still look out for more wormholes and update Aether and the Ultra Recon Squad on them." Burnet's face softened. "Thanks to these recent developments, I think I'm much closer to solving the mystery of Ultra Wormholes!"
The way Burnet sounded excited made Grimsley's skin crawl for some reason. He smiled back out of respect.
"You seemed very passionate towards your work. I'm sure you'll reach that goal sooner than later."
"Thanks, that means a lot!" At that instant, someone yelled to Burnet that they finished with their latest analysis and she turned to their direction. "All right, I'll check them out in a little bit!" she called to them. She looked back at Grimsley and said, "I have to get back to work very soon. Maybe we can chat again, sometime!"
"That would be lovely. It's been a pleasure talking with you."
"Same here! I hope you enjoy your stay in Alola!"
Kukui stepped forward and flashed a grin at his wife. "Before you go, I had a call from Kahuna Nanu. He wants you to give a personal message to Assistant Branch Chief Wicke."
"Hm? What kind of message?" she asked.
"He wanted to thank her for the postcard she had sent him. He'll also be more Earth friendly from now on, and that Poni Island's weather is great now, yeah!"
A confused look spread across Burnet's face, and then she smiled. "Sure, I can let Wicke know the next time I speak with her."
"Awesome! I'll give you another call later tonight, Maggie pie! You take care!"
"I can't wait. Talk to you again soon, sweetie!" She blew him a kiss on screen and hung up.
Grimsley raised a curious brow. That was an odd request from the kahuna there.
"Kahuna Nanu called you earlier?" Grimsley asked. Earlier Kukui went outside on the balcony, so he assumed Nanu had talked to him then.
"He did. Apparently he and Wicke go back." Kukui shrugged, and then released a happy sigh. "Magnolia's great, isn't she yeah?"
Grimsley blinked, a little confused about what Kukui meant by that. Friends? Lovers? He decided that was not his business right now.
"Yes, she seems like a bright woman." Grimsley frowned. "I can't help but feel something's going on with Aether and the Ultra Recon Squad."
"How come?" Kukui asked, raising a brow.
"You heard what happened in the Unova League over four years ago? Everyone thought the three dragons were only from legends, but they were then came back to life." Grimsley dragged out a sigh and stared up at the ceiling. "Seems like it would be the same case here."
Kukui's face fell, but then he gave him an understanding smile. "I get your concern, cousin. Like Molayne, though, I think Aether will do more good than harm." He patted Grimsley's shoulder. "Come on, he's cooking some burgers that will make you your mouth melt!"
"Food does sound great now." Grimsley rose out of his seat and followed Kukui out of the office.
By the time they arrived in the dining hall, Molayne, Kahili, and Sophocles had already gathered around the table and eating their meal. A few plates of burgers and cans of soda were set aside, so Grimsley sat down and grabbed his.
"So how did your conversation with Professor Burnet go?" Molayne asked after he swallowed his piece.
"She told me a little bit about her research and its progress." Grimsley paused to chew on his burger. The meat was plump and juicy while the vegetables were a little crunchy but fresh. "Now I'm even more interested in her research."
"Have you checked out the library in Malie City? I'm sure there are dozens of books on alternate dimensions there."
"I did, actually. I was reading some of Alola's history there, and then I met with Nanu's son, Iokua."
After Kahili finished gulping on her soda, she gave him a curious stare. "Really? I've met Iokua and his wife a few times before. They're sweet people."
"Isn't he the librarian with brown hair and who always dresses nice?" Sophocles asked. "He's been very helpful whenever I go visit there."
"That sounds about right." Grimsley washed his throat with his drink. "Perhaps I'll pay the library another visit. Professor Burnet did say that the folklore is related to the ultra wormholes."
Kukui flashed him a grin. "Great idea, cousin! You'll get to learn more of our history and culture also, yeah!"
The library would be his next destination, Grimsley decided when he was almost done with his food and with a knitted brow. He could do more than just research on Alola and alternate dimensions there.
Xxx
When evening came, Grimsley was outside of the balcony of Molayne's house. The sun had just set, and already the stars sparkled like diamonds.
"A beautiful evening, isn't it?" someone asked from behind. Grimsley turned around to see Molayne approaching him.
"It is. I'm able to see the stars clearer here than in Castelia City."
Molayne chuckled, and he joined him. "Yeah, whenever I visited Castelia there was a lot of pollution. There's less of that in Alola."
"I can tell." Grimsley paused, and he frowned. "Your love for science reminds me of… someone I knew before." He wanted to mentally slap himself for casually mentioning Colress that way, but he couldn't help himself making that comparison.
"Oh?"
"His name was Colress, and he's also from Unova. His research was-" He cleared his throat and said in his best Colress impersonation, "Bringing out the power of Pokémon!"
Molayne's face brightened. "Oh, you mean Mr. Antimony!"
"You had met him?" Grimsley asked with wide eyes, and Molayne nodded.
"He came here a few days ago to research Rosie. He thinks the z-rings and z-power are what brings out a Pokémon's power."
"That's what he told me when we bumped into each other recently." Grimsley narrowed his eyes and lowered his head. "We used to be close, but after a series of mishaps we aren't talking to each other."
Molayne regarded him for a moment, and then he did a single nod. "I understand. I won't ask further if you don't want me to."
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Grimsley paused. He wanted to get to know Molyane better, so he asked, "What do you do in your spare time?"
"I love playing video games, especially with Soffy. He's a menace in Torkoal Kart and Ultimate Wreck Bros!"
"Marshal and Alder likes Ultimate Wreck Bros, too. They also play this very violent one called Deadly Payback." Grimsley often would see them play one of those games in the lounge, and sometimes they invited him to join them. He only played those games a few times; Ultimate Wreck Bro was mindless fun while Deadly Payback he rolled his eyes at the scenes whenever the fighter that lost got chopped in half and their guts spilled out.
"Oh, that one is too gory for my and Soffy's taste. His parents would hate me if I let him play that!"
Grimsley chuckled. "Glad to see you're looking out for him."
"He's mature enough to play games with violence and such, but we set some boundaries for him."
Grimsley hummed in agreement. "I've only been here a couple days, but I can tell you two care for each other."
Molayne shifted his gaze at the sky. A sad smile pulled on his lips.
"Soffy and I don't have any siblings, so we act like brothers to each other. That's why I trust him in watching over the observatory."
"From what I saw, I think he'll do great."
Facing back, Molayne beamed. "Thanks, that means a lot."
They gave each other a longing gaze. Molayne's hand slipped onto Grimsley's, squeezing his knuckles. Grimsley flinched and his heart raced. He wasn't sure if Molayne did that on purpose or not, but he welcomed his touch nonetheless.
"Big Mo! Big Mo!" Sophocles yelled, rushing at them. That caused Grimsley and Molayne to let go of each other's hands. "The PC storage is down again!"
Molayne frowned at Grimsley, as if apologizing to him. He faced Sophocles, smiling at him.
"All right, I'll have a look. Shouldn't take too long, maybe fifteen minutes at most."
"Okay! After that, can we finish up Ultimate Wreck Bro's new story mode?"
"I think we'll have time for that." Molayne looked over his shoulder at Grimsley. "Grimsley can even join us!"
After some consideration, Grimsley said, "Sure, that sounds fun."
Sophocles jumped and cheered. "Cool! More players is always good!"
All three began to head back inside, Grimsley following behind the cousins. His right thumb rubbed on the knuckles of his other hand, Molayne's warm touch still there. He gazed at the night sky once more, still thinking the stars were prettier here than in Castelia City.