Alola readers! Time for another chapter! Things are going pretty good now that I have a new work schedule! I find myself having to travel a lot more though. Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.
I've started concept on a future pokemon novelization if it ever comes to it. Of course I'll be finishing (or at least close to finishing) this one before publishing the next. Quite excited for its concept although I am likely to make it significantly shorter than this one. Maybe I'll do it for Sword & Shield or maybe I'll do it for some future generation that will come out later. We'll see.
Very pleased at the interesting responses I got from the last chapter. You guys are the best reviewers I could ask for.
Without further ado.
I can't help but think about Elio's own predicament. While I'm sad that he missed the most important part of the Festivus, he's babysitting a child pokemon just like how I am with Nebby. Sometimes it's annoying, sometimes it's fun and sometimes I can't help laughing at the image of Elio chasing Jangmo'o around like one of those cartoons.
In a way, I see both Jangmo'o and Nebby as kids...our kids. They're requiring a lot of attention and care, but I can't help adoring how much they're growing as pokemon. Jangmo'o is becoming stronger every day and he isn't even a week old yet! At this rate, Elio will make him into the strongest of his species if he keeps it up! He said it's the child of a totem pokemon and apparently it will have something entirely unique once it reaches its final evolution. Where did he get that from? And was it from a credible source?
Elio again proves he is always in the right place at the right time. It took the both of us to solve this one or should I rather say it solved itself?
Today, I also opened up to him. I've been so insecure for so long these last months that it really felt comforting that someone like him is by my side. He was so patient and understanding that I don't think that even Gladion would've really understood me. He has his own thing going on. I already know that he and Elio are still going to butt heads next time they meet...and probably the one after. Ugh...boys can be so petty sometimes. What are they trying to prove?
Anyway...I think...I've got a crush on Elio. Well more than a crush. I want us to be something more. Something that is going to last a long time, perhaps forever. Could I say I love him? I'm only seventeen, so I don't think people will take me all that seriously. I'm afraid to tell him that too. He's having so much fun with the island challenge and being a trainer that the same thing might happen with him that happened to Hau confessing to Leilani. Would I push him away? Or would we continue to grow closer?
I don't know if I want to find out exactly. I do hope he...feels the same. I've never been in love with someone in my life and it's different that how I love my mother, father and brother. It's hard to explain.
Oh and Elio said he would help me be a trainer! I'm starting to like pokemon battles more and more, so this is awesome news! I can't get my license just yet since I'm still on the run, but he said he would show me the basics so I'd get a head start on the game! I'm actually thrilled. Not only does this mean I'll spend more time with him, I'll be able to go on my own journey one day and raise all kinds of wonderful pokemon just like Elio!
Elio gritted his teeth as the multiple sharp stars from Sylveon pelted Jangmo'o's armored hide. Each one felt like small knives slashing at his skin as they went by, but he saw and felt nothing cutting his skin open.
What?
Jangmo'o snarled, launching his body forward in a tackle attack. The pink and white pokemon dodged it easily, spinning swiftly and gracefully to the side as if uncaring. It kept its stance alert and light on the feet, remaining nimble and ready to spring into action on command.
"Jangmo'o, what are you doing?" Elio cried out. He was now close enough to the Lochagos statue to realize it was much bigger than he expected. The little lizard kept close to the stone feet, acutely aware that it was what kept it from being relentlessly attacked by the other pokemon.
A sylveon? Elio thought. Fairy types. Very strong against dragons.
"And thizzz izzz where I come in that all that uzelezzz information! Bzzt!" Rotom flashed his screen. "Sylveon. Intwining pokemon. It is one of the final evolved forms of eevee. Once a fight breaks out, it will charge unflinchingly at dragon pokemon that are many times larger than itself. Its ribbonlike feelers wrap around its foe and gives off an aura that dissipates hostility. Then it attacks. Sylveon is a fairy type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
"That's not going to stop us." Elio formed a fist. "Jangmo'o. If you can hear me, wait until it attacks!"
Sylveons were a rather new discovery as another possible mutated evolution. Its baby form of eevee had a genetic makeup that was rather easily influenced by its surrounding environment. To evolve it into a fairy type sylveon required some of the most care by any trainer. While many of its other forms were attainable by exposing it to radiation from mysterious elemental stones, trainers with a sylveon required a more delicate and affectionate approach.
The sylveon's ribbons weaved in the breeze as it flicked them forward in a swift attack. Jangmo'o was surprisingly ready; throwing up a greenish glowing barrier that caused them all to splinter harmlessly against its surface. It wasn't done though, firing another barrage.
Jangmo'o's second protect guarded it against some, however using the move rapidly twice in a row increased its chances of failure and it broke after deflecting just a portion. As he grunted in pain, Elio was a little surprised to not feel anything this time.
Yeah that was kind of strange.
Jangmo'o sprung off his feet, still using his protect to smash through the rest of the swift and knock the surprised sylveon off its feet. As it tried to get back up, he lowered his head, smashing into its midsection with a headbutt.
Then he stopped.
"Oh no."
Jangmo'o had his mouth opened and he trotted forward, eyes locked on the sylveon as it gave off a knowing smirk of its opponent under the spell.
Cute charm. He's infatuated with his opponent because he made physical contact.
"Snap out of it." Elio said, finally coming close enough to show that he was the trainer. "I think we've had enough fun for today."
Jangmo'o squeaked softly, not hearing his trainer and fully endeared by the fairy type.
He glared at the sylveon. "I don't know who you are or what trainer you belong to and I frankly don't care. You're not picking a fight with my pokemon."
Sylveon seemed to roll its blue eyes and formed an orb of pinkish energy in its mouth.
"That'zzz moonblast!" Rotom screeched in alarm behind him. "It'zzz one of the mozzt powerful fairy type movezz!"
Which means if Jangmo'o doesn't do something. He's as good as done.
Wait. Why haven't I returned him and gotten out of here?
The sylveon fired the moonblast, zooming across the top of the ground and into Jangmo'o…
Before something jumped right in front to take the hit.
Torracat shook off the blast, only flinching just a bit and snarled threateningly at the sylveon as its fire bell on its neck blazed hot. Like it did at Jangmo'o, it seemed undeterred at the new face.
"Careful Torracat." Elio saw Akela catching up to them and grabbing the small pokemon in his paws. "Be careful about hitting it directly. Cute charm will have you completely immobile." And crazy in love.
Torracat purred, rolling his own eyes as if to dismiss it. He lunged forward, striking hard with a double kick which sylveon evaded. However doing so left her open and he widened his mouth to blast it point blank with an overheat attack.
Elio saw a shadowy figure dart from the sylveon's side and thought quickly.
"Nani go!" The ball opened up and she uncoiled in time to use a scald attack to deflect a wave of dark pulses that went towards Torracat.
Another fox-like pokemon landed beside sylveon and glowered at them. Unlike the streamlined ribbons; this similar looking creature was dark as starless midnight with a thin coat. Golden rings were on the side of its body and legs as well as one directly in the center of its forehead. It eyed them warily with a red glare that was similar to Nani's.
Torracat switched targets, leaping in with another double kick while Nani blasted another scald at the sylveon. As the combatants tussled, Rotom was already reading off the pokedex entry as if it were just another occurrence.
"Umbreon. Moonlight pokemon. It is one of the final evolved forms of eevee. This pokemon is nocturnal. Even in total darkness, its red eyes can clearly see its prey. Umbreon is a dark type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
Unlike the sylveon; the umbreon moved much more calculatingly. It never gazed at one pokemon for too long and moved in a way that it could jump to the sylveon's aid in a moment.
These pokemon move too tactfully to be wild. They belong to a trainer.
Torracat moved first, cloaking himself in flame and rushing the umbreon. The dark fox did little except evade right into the shadows and disappearing almost entirely. Elio's starter had good night vision and he was determined not to let his trainer down after the disappointing loss to Guzma, but it seemed like he was after the one pokemon that was built to avoid detection in pitch blackness. He doubted that there wasn't many things that could detect an umbreon's signature in this environment with the naked eye.
Nani meanwhile had kept things to a stalemate with the sylveon. It had a powerful moonblast, but seemed to be acting more defensive in blocking or evading her attacks.
It was almost like both eeveelutions were stalling.
For what?
Then Torracat seemed to sense something. Through the darkness, the umbreon's ring on its forehead began to faintly glow.
Confuse ray.
And it was aimed directly at Nani.
"Torracat charge forward to your left!" Elio cried out.
Cloaking himself in fire, he dashed forward on all fours. The flames illuminated the entire shadowy section and the sudden burst of light caused the umbreon to shriek in surprise, closing them.
With the overloaded sensation of light on his side; Torracat changed his course and hit the other pokemon head on. At the other side, Nani's sword sharpened into her iron tail and she swiped low, trying to wipe the sylveon's legs from underneath. Eventually it had gotten bored of dodging and responded with a psyshock, shooting psychic particles into Nani's scaly side. She slithered far away, taking the time to use a recover to replenish the damage inflicted.
The sylveon fired another moonblast, but instead of it hitting Nani, Jangmo'o had jumped in the middle of the battle to use protect to shield her as she finished her recover. He didn't stop there, running forward while the protect was still active. Elio watched as his little dragon actually used the barrier itself as a bludgeon on sylveon to knock it back even further. Both Nani and the umbreon dove towards the fallen pokemon, intent to save it or finish it off.
She formed her iron tail again and speared it forward as the dark pokemon closed in, determined to guard its downed comrade. The umbreon never saw Torracat coming with another flame charge.
Instead of using it to hit it again; he deactivated it and lunged with his forelegs, delivering a devastating double kick to send it sprawling on the ground.
Another cry brought him and his pokemon to alert as a third eeveelution landed in between them and Elio's own pokemon. It was yellow in color with bristly fur that crackled with arcs of static electricity.
"Another eeveelution! Bzzt! I'm on a roll today!" Rotom Dex chimed cheerfully. "How about zome butter! Jolteon. Lightning pokemon. It is one of the final forms of eevee. Its lungs have an organ that helps generate electricity which is why there is crackling when it exhales. This pokemon is high-strung, so only the more experienced trainers evolve and grow close to them. Jolteon is an electric type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
Instantly, Jangmo'o snarled...barely a squeak before he stood firmly in front of Elio and his other pokemon.
"No!" He snapped his fingers. "We're not fighting anything else today."
The jolteon stood protectively over the fallen umbreon and sylveon, giving off a warning growl.
"It's okay." Elio held up his hands, maybe hoping to talk his way out of things. "We're not here to cause trouble."
"And yet here you are causing trouble."
The smooth female voice sounded out of the darkness as a pale woman emerged into the visible glow. She wore a long sleeved colorful robe and her dark hair was fashioned in the style of the feudal era of Kanto/Johto time. Her gait was elegant, yet he felt her give him a penetrating stare.
"You." Elio spoke after a moment to find the words. "You're a kimono girl."
She nodded slowly. "I am. I was wondering why your pokemon picked such a fight."
Kimono girls were named after the colorful silken robe they wore in public. Expert dancers, battlers, they frequently appeared at festivals and ceremonies when one wanted to go the more traditional route. Training was supposedly rigorous and although it was a great honor to be one, only few made the cut.
"I'm sorry." He apologized. "Jangmo'o is definitely looking to grow stronger. That's kind of why he always likes to pick fights, even if they're way too strong for him."
The girl knelt down, looking over her wounded pokemon. Both eeveelutions stirred weakly while the jolteon remained on high alert. She whispered something, causing the lightning pokemon to visibly relax and return to their side.
"I have medicine." Elio dug into his backpack for spare potions and revival tablets. "Least I can do for the unexpected battle."
She waved him off, instead producing small leaves that were fed to the pokemon. They made rather disgusted faces as they ate them, but managed to find the strength to stand once again.
"Medicinal leaves and herbs." She had explained to him. "Not a pokemon's particular favorite, but the best way to assist in their healing process naturally."
"I see."
"So." The girl knelt down in front of Jangmo'o. "This is the one who started it all?"
He cocked his head in curiosity, still staring at the eeveelutions as if wanting to battle again.
"Oh yes, what an eager fighter you are." She put a hand out that Jangmo'o curiously sniffed and squeaked softly. "I can sense it in your heart."
The girl turned to Elio. "Jangmo'o is a prideful little pokemon despite his young age. He's trying very hard to please you."
I thought it was because he just wanted to grow stronger.
"He's dreamed of growing stronger so that he can protect the ones who raise and care for him." She smiled softly, stroking a finger under his chin causing him to squeak in delight. "Take care of this one. And he will take care of you."
Sylveon crept forward. Elio thought it was going to attack Jangmo'o, but instead she slowly extended her feelers around his body, closing eyes.
"Sylveon senses something special...some innate strength within the both of you that you share. Perhaps once it has evolved, the two of you can tap into that power...together."
Sylveon let go of Jangmo'o and they all headed back into the dark towards the Festivus.
"Wait!" Elio called out, starting after them, but it was no use. The kimono girl and her pokemon had all vanished. He looked left and right, seeing no sign of them at all. There wasn't even as much as a footprint.
Odd.
Where is Elio? Lillie thought to herself as she hung on for dear life. The kite was persuasive, tugging at her arms in a desperate attempt to get free and without a second person on the other string, it got exponentially harder to control.
"Pew." She heard Nebby's muffled cry from her bag. "Pew."
"Not now Nebby." Lillie whispered, still keeping her concentration on keeping the kite grounded. "I'm a little busy."
The altaria kite jerked her arms and she leaned back to try and keep it steady, however in doing so allowed the wind to ripple at her hat and it peeled itself off in one swift motion. She was quick enough to use her hand to grab the rim before it took off on her, but at that moment, the kite yanked so hard that she lost her grip. As she looked up, the massive altaria art floated free in the sky, followed by the other group of dragon kites.
She gulped nervously. I may have started the part too early.
Each one ascended, assisted by the wind updrafts until some began to flash orange. Moments later, flames ceremoniously spread across their features to illuminate the night sky. It was an eerie display, filling her with both awe and dread.
The crowd didn't seem to feel her negativity and cheered loudly as the fire consumed the flammable materials. All dazzled; Lillie could finally see how beautiful fire could really be.
People laughed, cheered and even some started to dance wildly as the speakers played some popular upbeat tune that called for a celebration.
Her feeling of happiness was replaced by a bit of remorse. Despite all his promises, Elio didn't come back.
Can I blame him? He's babysitting a baby dragon who likes to get into trouble.
"Ah crap." Elio mentally kicked himself after seeing the mass of hundreds of kites fly into the sky to ritualistically burst into flame. "I told Lillie I was going to be with her when that happened."
Jangmo'o squeaked loudly, eyes wide at the display in front of them. Before Elio could do anything, he had already squirmed out of his arms and ran towards them.
"Oh no you don't!" You're not running away this time!
Thankfully, Akela was already there, swiftly chasing down the runaway lizard and scooping him up in his paws. He carried him back to his trainer who shook his head.
"Can't run away like that buddy." Jangmo'o had a dejected look on his face, clearly unhappy about being restrained. "I know you like the sights and sounds, but I don't want to lose you."
Not when Team Skull is prowling the streets around here and smuggling pokemon into their underground fighting ring.
"When you get stronger. We will explore more."
Elio found Lillie a few minutes later with Hau sitting next to her and stroking her back. She clearly looked a bit upset.
Oh no. Is it because I missed the kite thing?
"I'm sorry." He apologized sitting next to the both of them. "I knew how important this was to you."
Thank you Jangmo'o for doing this right when I got a moment with her.
"It's okay." She still held back a sniffle. "I know it's not your fault."
It's just like me and Nebby, trying to keep them within eyesight all the time so they don't run away and get into trouble.
"I'll make it up to you. I promise."
"You don't need to. I've been doing the same thing with Nebby and you've never been upset with it. It would be unfair for me to be upset with you when you have the same thing going on with Jangmo'o."
"It's all good guys." Hau pumped a cheerful fist. "The Festivus was awesome all the same!" On his shoulder, his noibat flapped his wings happily. "Noibat loved it too!"
"I'm surprised I didn't see many other dragon pokemon. Rotom would've recorded it."
"I blame lazzzzzy writing! Bzzt!"
"So does that mean you two will be going on your journeys again?" Lillie looked a bit sad that she would have to say goodbye yet again.
"Yeah." Hau put his hands behind his head. "I'm going to head up to Mauna Hokulani to take on the trial up there, but I'll be back in time when Elio sets off.
"Not if I beat you."
Hau scowled at him. "Do you even know where you're going?"
"No."
"Then you'll probably want a guide. When I said Ula'ula was different from the other islands I wasn't joking."
"How so?"
"Terrain's extremely rough, especially on the southern side. People here are a lot more...hardline. Lotta homeless too."
"How do you know what hardline means?"
"They're more uptight." Hau explained. "The kind who are less welcoming to outsiders. Don't get me wrong, they're not going to be straight up assholes, but you're not going to find them as warm as people here in the city or the other islands."
"Oh." For some reason that made her feel uneasy.
The three of them started walking back to the city as everyone else did in the mass exodus. More calm Draconid style music was being played while some large winged pokemon were soaring overhead.
"And now it'zzz time to give out all thozze dragons we saw. Bzzt!" Rotom buzzed as soon as they came into view. The small slug that Jangmo'o was getting into a dispute with earlier was seen with a slightly larger one that had a spiral shell piece on its back. Both had that lilac and dark purple coloration with green patches on their cheeks.
"Goomy. Soft tissue pokemon. Considered the weakest dragon type pokemon. Its body is composed mostly of water, so it will dry up if the weather is too arid. This pokemon makes its homes in the shaded areas of jungles and swamps. Goomy is a dragon type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
He moved to the larger slug. "Sliggoo. Soft tissue pokemon. It is the evolved form of goomy. This pokemon's mucous is highly corrosive, containing enough hydrochloric acid to dissolve titanium nails and tempered steel hooks. Because it is blind; it uses the antennae horns on its head to see and sense its surroundings. Sliggoo is a dragon type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
"I've read about the goomy family." Lillie said as they passed them by. Jangmo'o growled softly at seeing them, but they didn't even glance in their direction. Not that the sliggoo could look at them anyway. "They're originally native to the Kalos region, but have since been spotted in Alola and as far away as Galar."
"They look like huge slugs." Elio pointed out.
She nodded. "But some say that if you train a goomy right, you can make it extremely powerful in battle."
"That'll be interesting for sure." Even though I don't possibly know any way to make a slug into something like a dragonite. Unless it's tanky enough to just absorb any hit. That sliggoo dissolving acid is probably a big help.
"Dragon types are one of my favorites." Hau said. "Although they just discovered that they show a weakness against fairy type moves, they're typically strong enough to overcome them."
"So that's why you have Noibat?" Elio asked jokingly.
"I got Noibat because he likes my fruit." The small winged pokemon chirped in agreement, happily accepting an offered berry.
"Liar."
"You're a real help you know? Can a guy catch a break?"
"No."
"Hmph. I guess I'll just see you later." Hau huffed, although he winked at the both of them as he headed off to the pokemon center. Both Elio and Lillie waved him farewell.
I'm glad he's not thinking much about Leilani. Hate seeing him down like that.
"I'm actually kind of tired. It's like partying takes a lot of energy out of you."
"It does. I really wanted to go to the dance floor."
There was a dance floor? Oh man, I really wanted to see Elio dance. Next time.
As they walked back to their hotel room, people were already settling into their homes for the night. Fewer cars were going down the streets. Lillie felt a little anxious that they were really by themselves on the sidewalk, but really didn't have much fear of being attacked. After all, Elio was next to her.
He carried himself with such confidence that she had subconsciously drawn up next to his side. Her arm snaked its way over to his, gently touching his hand.
Elio was still carrying Jangmo'o who had curled up and fallen asleep in his arms when he felt her fingers.
"Hey. What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing." She glanced around. "Um...can I hold your hand?"
"Of course. Let me put sleepyhead here away." Rather than return him to his premier ball, Elio opened the top compartment, putting him inside as gently as possible.
"Hopefully he doesn't jump out. But I'll probably be able to tell because the bag will get lighter."
Lillie didn't know if he was being serious or joking.
"Come on." He smirked at her. "You wanted to hold hands right?"
"I did?"
"Yes, you said so about thirty seconds ago. We're just two companions taking a night stroll."
"R-right." She slipped her hands into his, almost shuddering at the feeling of his warm hand. While it was incredibly soft, she felt the calluses on his upper palm. Lillie never said it out loud, but she liked it better than a boy who was making too much of an effort to be as charming as possible.
Elio was that kind of person who would be himself as a way to attract other people to him. That was one of the things she liked about him. He was always himself and not trying to be something he wasn't.
This feels so nice. And it feels like it was meant to be.
They had been walking for ten minutes, nearly back to the hotel room when a loud crash just around the block caused them to jump in fright. Lillie made a startled squeak and Elio had put his arms around her in case he had to do any shielding.
The noise had made both Jangmo'o and Nebby awaken and before they knew it, the little dragon had jumped out of Elio's bag. Luckily, Lillie had spotted him and thrust her hands out to catch him before he could fall and injure himself. Jangmo'o squirmed in her arms and she set him on the ground in front of them to avoid cutting herself on his rough scaly hide. She turned to her bag to help console Nebby as Elio scooped his dragon back up.
"What was that?" She whispered.
"I don't know." He had Nani's ball out, ready to send her to attack whatever was out there. Shortly after he said that, they heard shouting and another crash as something sounded like it was thrown onto the concrete.
Elio hugged the wall of the closest building and saw that he was in a residential area with a series of narrow two storied homes that were close together like cells lining the side of the street. A man that looked to be in his mid twenties was waving his hands, pleading the woman leaning out of the window to stop. They also saw a couple of broken items in front of the sedan and it looked like a rather expensive gaming monitor was next. She screamed something in there laced with enough profanity to rob the two teens of their virginity.
I think we just stumbled into a nasty breakup.
"How about we take a detour?" Elio whispered, remembering the last time they had a confrontation that night. He wondered if the intoxicated man was back home or lying facedown in some ditch somewhere.
Lillie nodded.
"Babe! Stop! Please!" The man pleaded. "Stop! I can explain!"
"Explain?" Both Elio and Lillie stopped at that. As much as he wanted to put distance between them and this drama, he was curious to hear the entire story. "How do you explain what I just saw on your email? I think it's pretty clear and obvious!"
"No!"
The woman had thrown the monitor and was surprised as something swooped by to snatch and save it from a shattering death.
Lillie turned to see Elio putting away Rufflet's poke ball as the little bird gently set the monitor down. Thankfully other than a few scratches on the plastic casing from his talons, it was rather undamaged.
"What?"
"Is everything okay?" Elio made himself known as he walked into view. "My girlfriend and I are trying to sleep here!"
Girlfriend? Lillie's own eyes went wide after she realized that he was only making an act. As she followed him carrying Nebby's bag closely, Elio gave her a look. Play along.
"This doesn't concern you kid!" The man shouted. "She's being crazy and irrational right now."
"Is that normal?"
"No! She's an amazing woman! I love her!"
"Well if this isn't normal, you must've done something to really make her upset." Lillie said, still trying to process this and Elio's proclamation of her as his partner. "Right?"
"You bet your ass I'm upset sister!" The woman declared, now holding up a rather expensive looking guitar. "And he's going to pay for it!"
"Don't babe! Please!" The man was practically in tears. "You know how much that means to me!"
"Don't do it!" Elio warned her. "You drop that and I'll have Rufflet catch it. Don't test him."
She stopped, hesitating to think about it before nodding and putting it down inside the home.
"Good." He continued, holding his hands out non-threateningly. "Now can you come down so we can maybe defuse this situation like civilized people?"
His proposal seemed agreeable enough since she wordlessly closed the window and made her way down to them.
"Shouldn't we call the police?" Lillie asked. "This seems like a domestic dispute?"
"You really want to wait ten minutes for them to get here? They'll be at each other's throats before then. And I doubt they'll solve anything."
"Then what should I do? This is kind of scary."
"Talk to her and see why she's so upset. I'll talk to him and get his side of the story."
"I guess this means relationships are overrated?" She smiled thinly at that.
"Well remember we're supposed to be boyfriend and girlfriend. So we can't think that way."
Lillie thought the strangest thing was that Elio acknowledged they were boyfriend and girlfriend, yet he treated it so nonchalantly.
Almost like it was natural.
The alolan woman emerged, walking over to them with a small dark feline cat trailing behind.
"It'z a new pokemon!" Rotom Dex buzzed from Elio's backpack, swiftly flying out of the opening that Jangmo'o had created. The cat stood on its two hind legs like Meowth, but instead it had a grayish fur color and narrowed eyes. It waved its arms in an almost sassy manner.
"Meowth. Scratch cat pokemon. Alola form subspecies. It's impulsive, selfish and fickle. It's very popular with trainers who like giving it the attention it needs. Alolan meowth is a dark type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
"Hey kid, I don't think this is the time for your talking laptop to be displaying information about my pokemon."
"Did you just call me a laptop? Bzzt!" Dex inquired, flying towards the man.
Oh no.
"How dare you! Comparing my theoretical geniuzzz with zomething like thattttttt!" The device was cut off as Elio signaled Rufflet to grab the haunted pokedex and fly it elsewhere. He faintly heard it swearing revenge in some fashion before the two of them disappeared.
"Um right. So you guys want to explain to me why you're waking the whole neighborhood with your breakup?"
Fifteen minutes after breaking up the confrontation, Elio and Lillie watched as the young alolan couple were standing awkwardly next to one another.
"Well?" He felt as if they were detectives that stumbled in the middle of the crime and had just recently interrogated two suspects that were trying to rat the other out. "What did she say?"
Lillie chewed on her lower lip. "She said that she just got back from a business trip in the Sinnoh region and pulled up her laptop. Apparently she found that he spent a lot of money on a reservation for a week long stay at the Hano Grand Resort."
Elio nodded. "That lines up. He bought it just the other day and I guess she found out after he forgot to close the browser on his computer with the receipt."
"Don't you know what that means?"
"What?"
"He's cheating on her!" Lillie explained. "It's clear!"
"How is he cheating on her?"
"Oh come on, you can't see it? He booked a trip that was a week long for two! She was gone on the trip all this time."
"Yeah because he booked it for the two of them."
"She even said that it said business trip."
Elio shook his head. "You've watched too much TV and read too many romance flicks. That type of business he calls it is relaxing on the beach, poolside, eating and drinking to your heart's content."
"Then explain why he did it behind her back."
"Because he wanted to keep it a surprise. Lillie, it's all about trusting your partner in a relationship. Do you trust me."
"I do but,"
Elio felt Jangmo'o nudge his pant leg. "Not now I'm busy."
"Elio, she has every right to suspect him of cheating."
"I've talked to him already. He has no intention of leaving her for someone else. They've been dating for three years. I think they've got a good foundation already. Why throw it all away for some weeklong trip while she's home I might add for a supposed babe met on the internet?"
Lillie felt like arguing against that, but she really couldn't find any other evidence.
He has to be cheating on her with stuff like that right?
"I'm sorry." She whispered to him. "I didn't mean to snap at you like that."
"We're just trying to get to the bottom of this. There's nothing to be sorry about. I get it. She has all the reason to suspect him of not being faithful, but I think of myself as a good judge of character. He's telling the truth and she's overreacting."
"Okay...but how do you want to tell them that?"
Jangmo'o nudged Elio's leg again.
He glared down at the dragon. "Can you sit still for five bloody minutes?!"
The pokemon sat obediently next to the alolan meowth and looked over in the direction of the couple.
Sun then realized that Jangmo'o was actually onto something after all. The arguing between the couple had stopped and a muffled sound came from that direction.
The two teens turned to see the couple locked in a close embrace, still into a very intensive passionate kiss.
I guess he finally told her.
"Looks like they figured it out." Lillie's eyes sparkled with happiness. "I love seeing couples finally get back together."
And I wonder if I'll find that one person.
"Thanks for calming down." Elio said, earning a thumbs up from the man who was still in that makeout session with his girlfriend.
As they walked away, Jangmo'o was bounding alongside his trainer like an obedient growlithe.
"And that buddy is why relationships are indeed overrated." Elio explained to him while they walked. "But you're probably too young to understand anyway."
The two teens reached the hotel soon after, taking the elevator up to the third floor. Lillie swiped the entry key to their room and gently set the bag with Nebby in the corner without disturbing it. Similarly; Jangmo'o had found a comfortable spot in one of the chairs, curling up to sleep. Elio would've had the rest of his team out, but someone like Nani would simply be too big and they were all content to sleep inside their balls.
"Are you going to shower?" Elio asked her as he set his bag down on his bed.
"Yes." Lillie got a towel and her bag of toiletries, heading inside.
"Save some hot water for me." He didn't fancy taking one if it was going to be just a cold spray.
After she was done, she walked out with a fluffy towel covering her breasts and all the way down to her knees. What skin was exposed glistened in the bathroom lights as she adjusted the towel turban that covered her long blonde hair. Elio found himself wondering what she looked like underneath.
Thanks brain. Now you're wanting to make me go rip that towel off and admire her with nothing on. Being hormonal sucks...although she is certainly stunning like that.
"Elio?"
"Huh? I'm not staring I swear!" He blurted out.
Oh shit. Shitshitshitshitshit. Totally caught in the act.
"Sorry if I interrupted your daydreaming." She said. "But I forgot to give you the gift I got from the souvenir shop."
"Me too." Elio hopped over to his backpack. "Here, yours first."
He handed her a white bracelet that clasped perfectly around her wrist. Looking it over, it had the same markings and slots as a zenith ring, but instead was studded with tiny green jewels that sparkled vividly at the perfect angle of light hitting them.
"Elio is this?"
"A Z-Ring band. It's not functional like mine is, but it can be with a crystal from a cleared trial and a sparkling stone. I'm sure we'll find one and have Kahuna Hala or Olivia fashion it for you."
"This is amazing. Elio...really it is."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Now I have something for you." She hesitated, taking the ring off. "I'm kind of nervous in holding it, so could you grab the brown box out of my bag?"
Elio was careful not to disturb Nebby as he lifted it out, feeling something inside that was weighted. He slid open the top to reveal a long knife that had a four and a half inch blade. The handle had engravings of a grip and a silhouette of a winged dragon close to the blade guard. What was most unique about the blade was the striations and marbled appearance in the steel. Elio had no doubt something like this was razor sharp and going to hold its edge for basically forever despite the abuse it might endure while working.
"Lillie," he breathed. "This...you know what this is?"
His heart surged. "This is Draconid steel, some of the highest quality metal blades you can buy. This isn't some mall ninja junk. You know...cheap stuff you find there. This is the real deal and they're notoriously expensive."
"I know. That's why I thought you might like it."
Elio balanced it on his hand, while it was good as an everyday use with a leather sheath that could be clipped to a belt or pants, it was perfectly balanced as all things should be in a manner that it could be thrown with a precise flick of his wrist.
"Now I see why you were so hesitant." Because Lillie was afraid of knives. "But I'm glad you got me something I've wanted for a long time."
Thank the tapu she's a part of my life.
The night passed by uneventfully, but Lillie found herself wide awake after being asleep for some time.
Glancing at the clock reading four sixteen in the morning, she looked over at the other double bed to see Elio sprawled out like a starmie. The blankets covered his legs and went up to his waist. His head was relaxed, leaning back, lips closed and chest rising and falling in a rhythmic manner.
Lillie was grateful this time around they had separate beds to sleep in, but she actually did start to miss being able to...cuddle next to her crush.
He was barely visible in the dim moonlight, but she could see his defined torso, neither overly muscled or slim. Like last time; he took the bed closer to the door as his protective habit and she adored that trait of his. Anyone wanting to break in to get to her would have to confront him first and she knew he wouldn't go down without swinging.
He looked so innocent...and so vulnerable.
She scooted her legs out of bed and stood by his side, eyes fixated on that fine line that ran directly down his diaphragm. Her gaze moved to his broad shoulders where he had put on noticeably more muscle since his skinnier self when she met him on Melemele.
The crook in his shoulder and neck felt as if her own head could fit perfectly in there.
Why am I thinking all of this? Stop it!
She tore her eyes away from him and felt her way to the sink where she could pour herself a glass of water and then stand outside on the balcony that overlooked the street in front of them. It was devoid of anything, people or pokemon, but the sounds of the city could be faintly heard all around them.
Stupid random thoughts.
She heard the door open up and spotted Elio behind her, gasping because he had walked out in nothing but his boxers. He didn't seem aware of it, or maybe he just didn't particularly care.
Either way, there wasn't much to be embarrassed about with his physique. He shrugged and decided on some decency, heading back inside the room and coming back out pulling a robe on his form.
"You're noisy when you wake up in the middle of the night." He joked quietly, being considerate of other sleeping guests in the adjacent rooms.
"A lot on my mind." She said, sipping. "There's been so much lately that's happened, I haven't had a chance to just sit...relax and maybe not look over my shoulder for once."
Elio forgot that despite everything the two of them shared together; she was still on the run and in hiding. Now he had done his best to shield her and steer her clear of danger, but he knew that it would last so long. Eventually whoever was chasing her would catch up.
"Well all you need to do is hang on a little longer. I feel like we're so close to getting Nebby home." He reassured her. "Once that's done, we can figure out what to do next. Maybe you just lay low until it all dies down."
"They're not going to stop." She whispered back. "They're not going to stop even if Nebby's gone."
"Then you need to take a stand."
"How?"
"I don't know." He sidled up to her, leaning against the rail and looking at her with concerned eyes. "You can't run forever Lillie. If these people after you are as persistent as you say, they'll scour every corner of this world until you're found. And they won't care who gets hurt."
"No...I can't get you involved."
"It's too late for that Lillie. I'm already waist deep."
"What...what can you do to help me?"
"How about learning to become a trainer?"
Lillie stiffened and Elio felt bad for making her uncomfortable, but this felt like a conversation that was a long time coming.
"I know you have your reservations about pokemon battles. I get it. Sometimes it sucks to see pokemon get hurt, but one of the things about being a trainer is getting the best out of your pokemon. Battling is a place where we settle our differences as well as a place to better ourselves. It's the world's common language."
"I know. I just don't think I would make a very good trainer."
Elio thought for a minute. "Nonsense. How about I help you? I'll find you a suitable pokemon that you can start with? You've already got a zenith ring that just needs a couple pieces to do exactly what I can do in battle."
"You would do that?"
"Of course. There's plenty of pokemon here in Alola. I'm sure one will turn up."
Elio...that's so sweet of you, even with the Z-Ring you got me. It's beautiful. But if I register myself as an official trainer; Mother will certainly know and find me quickly.
"I don't know if I can get a license yet."
"It's okay. We'll worry about the official stuff later. When you've got the basics, getting a license with Professor Kukui will be easy!"
"O-okay. If you insist."
The two of them settled into a silence as they overlooked the city once more.
"It's beautiful." Elio said after a minute. "Alola's something else."
Lillie nodded in agreement. "It's truly a one of a kind region."
"You know, I had my own thoughts about moving here initially. You've probably never heard the end of it. But now I see how everything goes, the trials, island challenge and the huge tourist scene. It's amazing. This place in the middle of the ocean thousands of miles away from any other city that everybody wants to come to is actually my home. Incredible." He turned to her. "And it's your home. It's our home."
He chuckled shaking his head, more at himself for being wrong this whole time. "I don't ever want to leave for another."
"I'm glad."
Elio looked at her, tilting his head up slightly since she was just a slight bit taller than him. "I hope that after everything is over. We stay friends. For a long time."
This feels more than just friends. I feel that connection. Can you feel it too?
Lillie said nothing as he extended a hand, wrapping it around her waist and drawing her closer. Her own body tingled with a hot sensation as she felt his pressing against her side. Absentmindedly, her own arm curved around the back of Elio's neck as she leaned her head over to fit perfectly in that crook of his shoulder that she saw earlier.
Could I really say it? I'm in love with Elio?
I'd be surprised if it was no.
He leaned forward, using his free hand to cup her cheek. Her eyes widened and he could see that the dark pupils in the green irises dilated exponentially.
She didn't know what to do, completely frozen and spellbound at his presence next to her. The only thing that did process in her mind was a kiss. So she leaned forward herself to anticipate the contact.
Elio's forehead gently slid with hers and they closed their eyes, breathing steadily through their nose, somehow changing the pace until both had inhaled and exhaled at the same time in a synchronized draw of life. If Lillie had to guess anything, maybe their heartbeats were the same too...beating at the same pace as automatic gunfire.
"Everything's going to be okay Lillie." Elio whispered to her. "Everything. Once it's all over, it's going to be nothing except blue skies and sunshine."
"Blue skies and sunshine." She repeated and smiled at him. "I like that. Let's work towards it."
"Together?"
"Together."
Neither of them knew how long they stood there, just enjoying each other's company before Lillie stifled a yawn, causing Elio to gently escort her inside.
"Feeling tired again?" He asked.
She nodded sleepily. "It feels like that conversation is good at putting me to sleep."
"Then how about I set Rotom Dex's alarm to wake me up at four so we can have another one of these?"
She almost laughed out loud, not just at the outlandishness of his proposition, but the fact that he'd do it just for her.
"That's so sweet of you Elio...but I'm good. I just wish I didn't have to be in such a bad situation."
The boy's gaze hardened. "That's not your fault. You can't control your upbringing...but you're on your own and free to make your own choices."
"I want to. I want to get Nebby back to its home, away from those people who want to hurt it...and I want to mend my family. We've been broken for so long."
So it does confirm my suspicion that Lillie came from a fractured family situation.
"Maybe we can."
She looked at him.
"Maybe we can. We start with the biggest priority. Getting Nebby home. And then, I'll do whatever I can to help you bring your family together as one."
"And if we fail?"
Elio wasn't prepared for that type of thought process. "Then we'll build the new one you've got here. Hau, Professor Burnet, Kukui. Me. We're your family too. We are all ohana."
She nodded. "Thank you Elio. I feel really blessed to have someone like you."
"Anytime. Now how about we get some sleep? I'm still tired."
He turned away from her and disrobed in one swift motion that left only his boxers.
Lillie wasn't sure what exactly possessed her to do so, but she crossed over to stand in front of him. Her hands glided out, gently touching his cool, soft skin on his shoulders and chest.
Elio didn't know how to react and instead pulled her close in a tight intimate hug. She felt as if a cocoon of safety had enveloped itself around as he held her in his arms.
"Good night. Lillie."
"Good night Elio."
It was a reluctant parting to return to their beds.
Jangmo'o stirred in the chair, stretching as he heard hushed voices outside on the hotel room's balcony. He perked his scaly head up and saw his trainer standing with the long haired girl he frequently traveled with. From his time with him, he had already deduced that the female was a traveling companion of sorts.
Maybe a mate?
Their conversation seemed to have brought them closer as the two humans wrapped their arms around each other in what he thought was a sign of affection. Although the words told more platonic of a relationship, Jangmo'o sensed something more going on despite his young age. After all, it made him happy that his trainer was happy.
But that went against everything his trainer had said to him. Relationships as he called them were considered overrated. Did that mean they weren't as great as others made them out to be?
He felt remorseful, running off in excitement to glimpse all the amazing shaped flying dragons and watching in awe as they ritualistically ascended into the sky to burn up in a light show he wouldn't forget. All the sights, sounds, smells and sensations with so many people having fun made him want to run around joyfully and share his own happiness with others.
"Pew." Jangmo'o's head turned around to see the small purple cloud pokemon that the female carried in her bag all the time. It had wrested itself out from the partially opened zipper that was done so it could breathe properly. Nebby floated right to Jangmo'o's side, equally curious to see what had gotten the infant lizard's attention. As it watched the humans, whatever it was had gotten it excited too.
Both pokemon jumped up and down and their trainers were too invested in their conversation to notice the mini celebration going on in their hotel room.
"Bzzt! Powering up!" They heard the electronic buzzing sound of Elio's Rotom Dex booting online shortly thereafter, awakened by their noises. "Operable battery currently at zixty nine perzzzent! Nice!"
He floated down to the two little pokemon. "Will you two be a little more quiet pleazzze? Zome of uzzz have zleep to catch up on and a very buzzzy day with our trainerzzz!"
"Pew!"
"I need my beauty zleep for the tapu'zzz zake! I don't care what hazzz you exzzzited, but pleazzze keep it down! If our rezident epic trainer zeez uzzz up, we're going to be in huge trouble! Bzzt!"
Jangmo'o squeaked, looking towards the balcony. Dex followed his gaze.
"Zo I zee my plan hazzz been going az I have forzeen! Bzzt! We are finally at phazzze three!"
"Pew!"
"No Nebby! That iz phazzzze zix! Although I agree that my probability of them procreating babiezzz izzz among the highezzzt ever recorded on a Rotom Dex! Bzzt! Ah!" The haunted device twirled in amusement. "I cannot wait to mentor a mini trainer Elio! Bzzzt! Or a mini Mizz Lillie! Judging by their connection and companionship at the current rate; they will have their firzzzt offzpring by the time both Mazzzter Elio and Mizz Lillie are twenty-two yearzzz of age!"
Jangmo'o squeaked again.
"The good profezzzor installed thizzz feature in hopezz that I could assizzzt my trainer in keeping Mizz Lillie'zz zpiritzzz up! But zeeing the ztrong bond in between them! I can confirm that he can inztall and download the additional phazzzez of that prototype online trainer matchmaking feature! Remember it'zzz our little zecret! Bzzt!"
Both Nebby and Jangmo'o didn't seem to really process what he said and resumed watching their trainers outside. It noticed both of them coming back and immediately, all three pokemon scrammed back to their original resting places. Nebby dove inside the bag quicker than any of the times Lillie urged it to, Jangmo'o curled up in the chair, closing his eyes.
Rotom Dex had enough time to make himself dormant as Elio entered and stood close by. The boy saw that it was just slightly moved and was about to adjust him on the charger when Lillie had come up from behind him and they shared that tight embrace together.
Phase three was a go.
And so Rotom Dex the devious matchmaking mastermind commences the next phase of his plan to get the two teens together! That part wasn't in the original chapter, but the more I thought about it, the more I found myself grinning and writing it out to something ten times as long in the little joke. We're back on the road for the next chapter with plenty of excitement and drama to pass the in-game boring trek around Ula'ula Island to the Tapu Village and the Aether House where the next trial awaits!
Translations:
Ohana - Family
As always, mahalo for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose.
Brav