My apologies for the delay. I´m preparing my IELTS and after completing a four day intensive course I ended up with dry eye. Not surprising. Between that and work and Genshin and doing a marathon on Toriko... you guys get the idea. Anywho, finally here we have the first meeting between wizards and trainers. Hope you guys are enjoying this story.
3
Malia wondered if people who came from different dimensions always dressed in weird clothes or if the Aether Foundation simply contacted the words with the weirdest wardrobe.
The citizens of the Ultra City fashion scene made sense in a way. Their clothes were made from materials that protected them from the strange radiation that covered their dimension and from the most toxic fumes that the Ultra Beast released while attacking.
After seeing the damage that Nihilego's poison caused to Lusamine's mind, everybody agreed to start the mass production of protective suits in case another insurgence of Ultra Beasts ever happened.
The supposed wizards, however, did dress according to the stereotype.
Malia wondered if it was offensive to think that.
That morning, three days after the first official trip to what was dubbed "The Magical Earth", the Ultra Squad went to that dimension with enough ultra spacesuits for the wizards chosen to discuss this new situation they were all involved with.
Malia hadn't seen the wizards arrive; she had been in her room, per orders from Aunt Lusamine, who didn't trust the wizards to not snoop in and take her away to their dimension.
The fact that her parents agreed with Aunt Lusamine´s paranoia didn´t exactly give her much peace of mind.
She had been sulking in her bed, muttering about overprotective paranoid parents, Rowlet and Pichu patting her head in consideration, when the door slid open and Wicke entered the room with a control remote in one hand and a bag of popcorn on the other.
The Deputy Director winked and sat next to her on her bed. She turned on the mounted TV and pressed some buttons. In mere seconds, they were seeing the meeting room with the wizard representatives.
Malia grinned. She would be able to see and listen to all that was discussed.
"President Lusamine said that you can´t be in the meeting room for your protection, not that you can´t know what is happening."
The rookie trainer understood her hidden words. Her father was keeping his word to not hide anything from her. They just wanted to make sure that she was safe.
The wizards must have changed after arriving, because none of them wore the safe suits. Instead, they were warbled in what looked like a great medieval cosplay attempt.
All of them, women and men, wore robes of different colors and styles, dress shoes, and even hats.
The most striking one was an old man, older than Grandpa Hala. His robes were a deep purple with glittering stars, and a matching point hat covered his long white hair. An incredibly long white beard made him resemble a character from an old children's cartoon from Unova. An old wizard with a talking Hoothoot that became a mentor to a young orphan who wanted to one day become a knight and ended up becoming king of Galar after successfully capturing a unique Honedge.
At his side was an older woman dressed from head to toe in emerald robes, with, to Malia´s mirth, an actual witch's hat of the same color. At first glance, the woman looked stern, but her eyes darted over the room. She wondered if the woman was looking for her and, if so, what connection she had to Hazel Potter.
Following them was a portly gray haired man. Despite the fact that his clothes were the most modern looking, the conjunction was the most bizarre. A pinstripe suit under a black coat, purple boots and a green bowler hat. The man was smiling and shaking hands with Governor Kalawa.
Next to him was a tall blonde man, younger than the others. His clothes were in pristine condition; they looked freshly bought with no signs of wear. Silver snakes were adorned on his coat, working as buttons. His right hand held a walking stick with a silver snake head on top.
Closely following both men were a man and a woman. The woman walked first, with the man behind her. The woman wore a monocular on her right eye; she had a stern visage and a badge pinned to her robes. The man looked as if he had fought and lost a fight against a Bewear and a Kommo-o at the same time. His entire face was scarred; he had a prosthetic hand and leg, and a fake blue eye.
The last member of the group was small. At first, Malia thought that it was just a small person. But at a second glance, she realized that it wasn´t that. He had pale skin, a dome-shaped head with well-groomed black hair, long fingers with sharp looking nails, and pointy ears. At one point, he looked directly at the camera, and she couldn't help but flinch at his eyes. Completely black, with no sign of an iris or sclerotic.
Unlike the rest of the wizards group, the last member was the closest, dressed in more modern terms and in good style. A black pinstripe suit with a bow tie to match, a white undershirt, black trousers, and black shoes. He also carried a briefcase in his small hands.
Malia noticed that, except for some casual nodding and glancing, most of the members of the group didn't interact with each other.
Besides the Governor and his protective retinue, the Ultra Squad, her parents, and Aunt Lusamine were in the conference room. Agents Looker and Anabel were sipping tea calmly at the table. The only ones missing were the Kahunas.
The main door opening abruptly had two of the wizards whipping out their wands and standing in front of the group. Malia noted that it was the stern woman and the man with the scars. Both were right in front of the man with the bowler hat. Points of light were visible on the tips of their wands.
"Hahahaha, sorry for being late, Lusamine! Nalu here didn't want to come." Grandpa Hala pointed at the dark-type Kahuna, who was sulking behind him. "Had to drag him all the way here."
Aunt Lusamine just smiled bemusedly. Everyone who had met Nalu knew that the man hated doing actual work, more so if he thought that it had nothing to do with him.
"Grandpa Hala must have given him a true fight to get him to come here," Malia thought.
"It's ok, Hala. Nalu, sorry for dragging you away from your duties, but this is an important matter that concerns all of Alola." Aunty's pointed glance would have made a grown man shudder in fright. In Nalu, it just made him grumble and sit down on the conference table.
Nalu's actions seemed to move everybody into action. In mere seconds, the table was filled. On one side, wizards. On the other, trainers and non trainers.
"Now that everyone is gathered, we can start the first official meeting between the British Wizarding Community and the Alolan Government." Aunt Lusamine wasn't talking, it was President Lusamine.
"First of all, introductions. I am Lusamine Aether, President and Co-Founder of the Aether Foundation. As per the regulations and agreements with the Alolan Government, this island is considered neutral ground. As such, we are only subjected to the laws of the International Police, not the laws of Alola."
Malia didn't really get why Aunt Lusamine said that or why some of the wizards smiled at it. By the frowning on her parents face, she guessed that it was something bad.
"Of course, the International Laws do say that all Regions must respect the laws of every Region and the decisions of their judiciary system, as long as they don't affect their own."
The few wizards that smiled at that now frowned, while her parents breathed out in relief.
Wicke saw the confusion on her face and explained.
"It means that the International Laws of this world see your adoption as legal and that they won't find any ally to challenge it."
Tension that she didn't know she had suddenly left her.
Aunt Lusamine continued to talk and pointed out all the members in the right corner of the table.
"This is Governor Kalawa, the elected leader of the four islands of Alola. Behind him are officers Lawston and Keeler, Ace Trainers, who serve as his bodyguards. To his right, Professors Euphorbe and Burnet Kukui, our regional Pokemon Professors, and the adoptive parents of Miss Kukui. Next are the members of the Ultra Squad, Dulse and Zosie. Like me, they are a neutral party, working as diplomats from Ultra City and experts on dimensional travel. Our four Kahunas: Hala, Olivia, Nalu, and Hapu, our strongest trainers, chosen by the Tapus. And Director Anabel and agent Looker, from the Ultra Beast Task Force of the International Police."
"Ah, excuse me, but... What is a Kahuna? And why is a child one?" The man with the bowler hat asked.
"Allow me to be the one to explain Lusamine." Grandpa Hala began to speak.
"Kahunas are the leaders of each island that makes up the region of Alola. Each Kahuna is chosen by the Tapu that protects their specific island. I myself was chosen by Tapu Koko over forty years ago. Olivia was chosen by Tapu Lele, Nalu by Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini elected Hapu as Kahuna of Poni two years ago."
"Tapus?" The oldest man asked. "Are they Pokemon?" Interest was palpable in his voice.
Grandpa Hala nodded. "The Tapus are what is called Legendary Pokemon. In simple terms, they are unique Pokemon with incredible power that surpasses the power of regular Pokemon. In the case of the Tapus, they are the true rulers and guardians of Alola."
"So, you let creatures dictate how you live?" The blonde man asked snidely.
Aunt Olivia snorted. "Pokemon have lived on these islands way before humans started to emigrate here. We got lucky that our ancestors were respectful enough and managed to make a treaty with them."
"When our ancestors first stepped foot on Melemele, they were met by Tapu Koko. The legendary could have killed them the moment their ships touched the beach, but he chose not to do it. Instead, he challenged the leader of the humans to a battle.
After that battle, Tapu Koko made a pact with the humans. Each Tapu would choose a human to be the leader of the humans on each island. Since the Tapus were the protectors of each island, if an enemy or a disaster struck, then the Tapus would fight alongside their Kahunas.
That pact still holds today."
"Then, how is it that Mister Kalawa was elected governor, if I may ask?" Asked the witch with the monocular.
"A few decades ago, a new pact was struck with our guardians. The Tapus will still be responsible for choosing their Kahunas, who will be the leaders of their people. But only what entails Pokemon matters. Whatever entails to human politics, we will be the ones responsible." The governor began to explain.
"The positions of Governor and Mayor must be earned by democratic vote, and only those who are approved by the Kahunas can start a campaign."
"What if there is no Kahuna?" The blonde wizard asked.
"Fortunately, that has never happened. And the Tapus, despite what some believe, know well who they choose for the post." Aunt Olivia added with a shark-like grin. The man only gave a simple nod.
"Fascinating. And these Pokemon don't speak human language, right?" The oldest wizard asked.
"Most Pokemon can understand human language, especially those who live with humans. Psychic types can project their thoughts. And just because we don't speak the same tongue, doesn't mean we can't communicate with each other. It's amazing what body language and intonation can describe." Her father was in his lecture mode, his teacher smile in place.
Before he could start a two-hour conference on the different ways that humans and Pokemon communicated with each other and how the way that humans interacted and treated Pokemon had been proven to affect their ability to understand each other, her mother patted his hand and reminded him of where they were.
Malia giggled at the embarrassed look on her father's face.
Her father's main area of study involved Pokemon moves and how their relationship with humans affected them.
Whenever he had the chance to talk about his field of study, he could go on a ramble for hours before someone could stop him.
Not that her mother was any different. Malia had learned at a young age how to tune out her mother's scientific explanations on Ultraspace and Ultra Umbrals, and all that complicated stuff.
Just because she had no problem studying didn't mean she could really understand high-level physics conversations.
She was smart, not a genius.
"I think we are getting out of topic."
"I agree, Professor Kukui. My apologies. Maybe, after these political talks are done, we can exchange information about our respective fields. I'm confident that many wizards will be excited at such an opportunity." The old wizard bowed his head and nodded at the wizard with the bowler hat.
The other man stared at him in confusion until he blinked and straightened out.
"Oh, right, yes. I am Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic of Great Britain. My good friend Lucius Malfoy, a member of Hogwarts School Board and an advisor. Headmaster Dumbledore and Deputy Headmistress McGonagall. Director Bones, Head of the Auror Department, and Auror Alastor Moody, they came to protect me. And Knarluck works at Gringotts. He, well, the goblins insisted that one of their own participate in this meeting to determine if this girl is truly the Potter heiress."
So those were the professors her father, Dulse, and Zosie had met during their first meeting.
"I do wonder, where is Miss Kukui? After all, this rushed meeting is all for her. To determine if she truly is Hazel Potter." Mister Malfoy asked.
"Our daughter is waiting in another room. My husband and I thought that it would be better this way. To talk first between us and then call her in."
Her father placed papers on the table and slid them towards the wizards.
"Copies of the paperwork regarding Malia´s adoption process." He explained. The wizards and lone goblin began to read their copies. Whether they understood the legal jargon or not, she had no clue.
"As you can see, social services did a complete check on the Kukuis and their homes, both the one in Akala and the one in Melemele. Since no relative or tutor claimed baby Jane Doe, they were allowed to adopt her, and they gave her a new name."
Governor Kalawa turned towards the Minister.
"I wish to make one thing clear. As far as this governing body is concerned, the adoption of the girl known as Malia Kukui, no matter who her biological family is or any immigration status, is completely legal and will not be declared void." His tone was clear and firm.
"This decision has been made with Malia's best intentions in mind. She has been living with the Kukuis since she was one year old, a toddler. They are the only family she knows. Studies made all over the world by dozens of psychologists agree that removing a child from a loving, nurturing, safe household, even if they don't share blood relation, and then putting them with strangers causes emotional distress that can lead to behavioral problems and difficulty adapting.
If, IF, Malia turns out to be Hazel Potter, then I am obligated to inform you that the Kukuis intend to fight to keep her custody and that they have the backing of the entire Alola behind them. Even if biological relatives come asking for custody."
"We are willing to allow for visitation under supervision." Her father interrupted. "We won´t say no to Malia knowing her blood relatives, but she is our daughter. We won't give her up just because someone thinks that children should only live with people they share blood with." There was no mirth behind her father´s words.
"I understand your concerns, Professor Kukui. I have been an educator for so many years. I have seen how children react when losing a parent or their home so abruptly. In fair honesty, in the magical world, there are no living relatives that could dispute the adoption. James Potter was an only child; his parents passed away from Dragon Pox years before he died, and he had no living immediate relatives. Hazel Potter's magical godparents are unavailable." Professor Dumbledore revealed with a sad tone.
"Although I'm sure that many families would be thrilled to open their doors for young Hazel. Many magical families are considered to be second or political cousins because of their blood ties. And they all have children with whom she can engage. A perfect way to adapt to her true home." The Minister stated so confidently, like any child would prefer to leave their home and family for complete strangers.
Was he an idiot? Or just arrogant?
"In any case, we still don´t know for certain if Malia Kukui is Hazel Potter." Knarluck interceded. The goblin put his briefcase on the table. "I believe that we should first check out if the girl is truly the Potter Heiress before continuing any further. After all, if this is all a simple mistake, then this conversation would be useless and a waste of time."
They all stared at the goblin. Privately, Malia agreed with him. Right now, they were all talking about her custody as if she truly were this Hazel Potter. But what if she wasn´t her? What if this was just one huge misunderstanding?
Her parents had a silent conversation, and then her mother nodded to Aunt Lusamine. She pressed one finger on her communicator and spoke.
"Wicke, please ask Malia if she wants to come here."
Wicke turned toward her. Malia didn't hesitate. She had made her choice long ago, back when Fawkes first showed up with that strange letter.
The trip from her room to the conference room felt quick. The entire journey, Wicke had placed one of her hands on her back, giving her strength. Pichu was cuddling her neck from his perch on her shoulder, and Rowlet was held in her arms. Her Pokemon snuggled her, showing their support and love.
She truly was lucky to have found such great teammates.
When she entered the conference room, the first thing she noticed were the gasps. Professor McGonagall's eyes were misty, and her hands clapped over her mouth. Professor Dumbledore looked as if he were seeing a ghost, his blue eyes glued to her greens. Minister Fudge kept glancing from her hair to her face to her eyes. Even the aurors seemed shocked. Only Mr Malfoy and Knarluck remained neutral.
Malia turned toward the goblin. His kind had been the ones to figure out that Hazel Potter was somehow alive, so he had to be the one with the ability or technique to determine her true parentage.
"What do I have to do?" She asked him bluntly.
The goblin just smiled. His teeth were sharp like a Sharpedo´s. He opened his briefcase and grabbed a dagger and a piece of parchment.
"A single drop of blood taken by this enchanted dagger and poured over this lineage parchment will be enough. As soon as the blood touches the paper, your magical ancestry will show up. This parchment, specifically, will only show four magical generations. It's the ones we use for magically orphaned children who were muggle-raised." The goblin offered the handle of the blade to her.
Malia grabbed the blade and stared at her parents.
"I don't care what this says. You´re my parents." With that said, she cut her finger and let a droplet fall.
The moment the blood touched the paper, letters formed. First, a name, followed by a date of birth, and a portrait of herself. Immediately, lines branched above her portrait, and her parents names along with their dates of birth and death showed up. Malia didn´t care about her grandparents or great-grandparents names. She stared at the one under her portrait and at her parents´s images.
Hazel Potter (aka Malia Kukui). Born on July 31, 1980.
Biological Father: James Potter. Born on March 27, 1960. Death October 31, 1981
Biological Mother: Lily Potter nee Evans. Born on January 30, 1960. Death October 31, 1981
"What are those lines there?" Professor McGonagall's question brought her back from her trance.
Malia saw some faded lines that connected her to two other portraits at the same level as her birth parents. The people in those were...
"Mum? Dad?" Her parents' smiling faces stared back at her. She was confused. Shouldn´t the parchment only show blood relatives with magic?
"Mhh? Oh, yeah. If the magical child truly considered the muggle parents as their parents, then it would show their relationship in that way. It's the magic of the child depicting their owner's true feelings.
Malia blushed hard. This paper was basically telling everyone how much she loved her parents! It was so embarrassing!
Her mother´s chuckles only made her blush harder.
"Magic can truly be a delightful force. It can do things that we can't even comprehend." Professor Dumbledore stated content. The old wizard seemed lighter. Happier.
"If I go to your school, can I still be a trainer?" She asked the Headmaster.
"What do you mean, my dear?"
"Since I can remember, I have always wanted to form a team like my father did. I want to go on journeys and experience adventures with them. I don´t know if I will become a professional trainer. I don´t even know what type of trainer I want to be. But I always saw myself with a full team.
And I don't intend to lose that."
Malia stared as seriously as she could at the older wizard. She needed them to understand her position.
"My parents told me that a journey is the best way to know what type of path I want to follow. I won't deny that the chance to learn magic isn´t an intriguing one. But if it implies that I can´t take my Pokemon with me, then I will rather remain magicless."
"W-w-what?! You can't be serious, my girl?! This is magic we are talking about! Your heritage! Your people!" The Minister got up from his seat. The man was frantically screaming at her, waving his arms around.
"Cornelius. Please be calm." Professor Dumbledore didn't seem as shocked as the other wizards.
"Will your Pokemon attack others by their own volition?" "Only if they are attacked first or if I'm being harmed." "How will you train them?" "I will create a schedule to train with them after finishing my homework. There are things they can do while I study." "You won't ask for special attention?" "Nop. Just to let me bring them and train them. My dad said that Hogwarts is a castle, and as long as I can use the courtyard, I won't have any problems. Trainers have to be flexible after all."
"Dumbledore, you are not seriously considering this, right? We don't know anything about these creatures. What if one of them disobeys her and harms a student?" The Minister protested weakly. His eyes strayed towards Mister Malfoy. The blonde just stared at them, nonplussed.
"Cornelius is right. We sadly lack any knowledge about Pokemon and their needs."
"Professor Kukui, would any of your colleagues be interested in a teaching position at Hogwarts? I can guarantee that our teachers are well paid." "We are." Professor McGonagall confirmed it.
Her father smiled. From behind his glasses, his eyes glinted mischievously.