As the hour of their appearance before the Royal Council was set to take place, Addison and Morgan departed from the former chambers of Countess Rosemary and made their way down to the Throne Room, where they hoped to finally receive some kind of answer as to why they were set to appear before them. The two did not say much on the way down, as both were contemplating what this all would mean and if things were about to change for them once again. Neither girl had slept well, as Morgan chatted long into the night with her sister Jasmine about the possibilities of the meeting and Addison and Galatea telepathically communicating their own desires.

Though she was doing her best to temper her expectations, Addison could not help but hope that this was the answer she was looking for. If, through some outside source or secret plan, she might finally be able to investigate the mysterious White Island more personally. To venture to the far off and closed away region of Paldea and recover the lost fragment of her heart Ryan took with him when he vanished from her life several months earlier when he and Avery disappeared alongside Mirage Island. That despite so many hurdles, her father and Michael would help make her dream come true and get her a trip to the forbidden region. But given how much time had passed since she and her beloved had parted ways, she knew better than to place too much hope in once place. Instead, she simply kept herself quiet as they rounded the corner towards where the Throne Room was.

Upon reaching the entrance to the Throne Room, they found they were not the only ones set to appear before the King, nor were they the first to arrive. On one of the two benches that lined the walls for those who had been summoned to appear, both Amanda and Billy sat. While Amanda was as giddy as a schoolgirl, Billy simply remained focused and collected, as if expecting some major task would be put on his shoulders. While Billy only nodded towards the girls as they arrived and did little else, Amanda eagerly waved the duo over.

"Good morning, girls! Come on over!"

Morgan walked over first and bowed respectfully to the two. "Miss Amanda. Billy, sir. Good to see you."

"Good morning" Addison added. "What are you guys doing here?"

"I take it you all were summoned to appear before the King as well?" Billy inquired.

Addison nodded. "I wonder why?"

"It does seem odd that we four would be singled out like this though" Morgan mentioned. "I mean, it's not like we've done anything wrong or worth being questioned about. Though I suppose it's possible they may have different tasks for us. I doubt we're all here for the same reason."

Amanda shook her head. "I wouldn't go that far, Morgan. In fact, I daresay we may all in fact be here for the same reason."

Addison tried to delve into Amanda's mind to see what she meant, only to remember all of the whispering the two were up to inside of the Royal Box during the leadup to Chris and Annette's Title Match during the Master Cup Finals. The two had been cajoled by Julia into something on Addison's behalf. Could this be it? She again got hopeful for this being what she'd been dying to be able to do, but remained focused on not making a fool of herself in front of the Royal Council, least of all her father. Her attention was then drawn towards the hall she and Morgan had just come from. And Addison's mood suddenly became excited as Bridgette Duon, her fellow "half heart", strolled her way to the group.

"Morning everyone" the beautiful surfer remarked. "Wonderful morning, isn't it?"

"They got you into this too?" Billy asked. "Man, what an odd grouping to appear before my cousin."

Bridgette flung her long, flowing blonde hair behind her. "When His Grace asks something of me, I do it. And it would seem the rest of you would as well."

"I'm just curious as to why all five of us are here at the same time" Morgan admitted. "It seems kinda fishy to me."

"I think you're overthinking things, Morgan" Addison assured her. "Maybe just wait until we get called inside to hear from the Council. I'm sure they'll be able to give us answers." She held her hand close to her heart, an action that did not go unnoticed by Bridgette, who looked down at her and winked casually.

Then, to Addison's surprise, from two separate hallways, two more joined their already odd bunch. Tommy Queensbury, whom Addison had not seen since his father hauled him away from Titanio Park to prepare for his "special school" he'd be sent off to, shuffled nervously towards the group before freezing in place when they both made eye contact with one another. Addison smiled. Tommy's crush on her was still there. And if his response to seeing her there was any indicator, it was perhaps a bit stronger since their shared dance. He simply stood his ground and said nothing, though Addison could tell he was dithering inside and trying to come up with things to say.

What did surprise her, however, was that Justin Jacques was making his way down the hall as the seventh of those who had indeed been summoned to appear before the King. He waved casually to everyone, but Addison noticed he and Bridgette were quite awkward around the other and did their best to keep separate for the time being. She would have mentioned something to Bridgette, had Billy not interjected about the group.

"Now hold on a sec" he grumbled. "You mean to tell me all seven of us were summoned to speak to the Council at the same time? This doesn't make any sense."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "You need to look at things from a different perspective, Billy."

"I received my summons yesterday" Justin acknowledged. "It would be most unbecoming of me to refuse an audience with the King. It sounds like something my wicked old uncle would do." He took a deep breath and properly addressed Bridgette. "My lady. Please allow me to apologize for my uncouth behavior at Titanio Park the other night."

"Uncouth?" Morgan gasped. "Did we miss something?"

"What kind of uncouth behavior could you possibly get up to?" Amanda joked.

Addison could tell Justin was about to burst into a panic induced motion due to his nerves. "I acted rather rudely in public and I wish to-"

"It was unintentional, Justin" Bridgette interjected. "You don't need to explain yourself. I was just...caught off guard."

"I promise you, Lady Duon-"

"Bridgette, please" the surfer insisted. "My mother was Lady Duon. My Aunt Jane was Lady Duon. My brother's wife, whenever he marries, will be Lady Duon."

Justin cleared his throat. "Forgive me. Lady-ugh...Bridgette. Please accept my apologies and I promise to you I will never do so again."

Addison could tell Bridgette was definitely flustered. But seeing how engrossed she had been in conversation with her friends at Titanio Park, she did not see what could have caused such a situation to occur. The surfer girl was trying in earnest to push the memory of whatever happened away, while Justin seemed eager to do the same.

"Hey-uh-looking gooder there-uh...any good looks lately?"

Addison's eyes fell on Tommy, who might have uttered the most incoherent thing she had ever heard him say. "Excuse me?!"

Tommy sheepishly looked away. "I...uh...was just...maybe...go out on...NO! Uh. Never-never-uh...forget I said anything." He then scrambled his way out of Addison's line of sight as she tried to figure out if what he had said was even somewhat legible.

Morgan leaned over to whisper to her. "Did Tommy just try to flirt with you?"

Addison shrugged. "I guess? But I haven't seen flirting that bad since Matt-"

All side conversations passed when the Throne Room doors opened and the Royal Butler, Gerard, exited the chamber and bowed graciously to the newcomers. "Ah yes. The Mistresses Amanda, Morgan, Addison and Bridgette. And the Masters William, Thomas and Justin. Welcome. The Royal Council is awaiting you." He held the large doors that once led to Lady Bonnie's Ballroom open so that everyone could come inside and see what they had been summoned for.

Addison had not been in the Ballroom for several months and had thus not seen its total and complete transformation into the Throne Room that it had been given. Though the floors still had a shininess to them that reminded her of the many balls and weddings she had attended there, the room now looked very different. The massive golden chandelier that had been installed in the center of the room had been replaced with a much simpler silver one. The stain glass windows that adorned the chamber were now covered by tapestries depicting the Thirteen Families and the Pokémon Emblems with which they were known for. Addison spotted her own family's, the Braviary, atop one of the windows and looking down on the group as they entered.

At the end of the Throne Room, where she recalled numerous DJ's and orchestras had been placed for the many events that had taken place there, now sat six relatively large chairs, each emboldened with the same Pokémon Emblems that the Thirteen Families had been known for. The first chair on the left bore an emblem of a Houndoom, which beneath it sat Rebecca Eighern, a woman who had once been a detractor of the Kingston Family, but had since become one of their most vocal supporters. She nodded to those who came but did little else as she awaited the commencement of the meeting. Beside her sat the chair of Bridgette's family, the Duon's, who were represented not only by her older brother Jack, but also the family's Reuniclus emblem, making Addison think of the Countess Rosemary's own mentor, Tiberius Duon. Jack cleared his throat and bowed respectfully to those while being seated. Addison could sense a bit of tension still existed between Bridgette and her brother but chose not to comment on it.

Beside Jack's seat sat Addison's own father, Warren Tenton. He eyed those entering with reverence and respect before winking at his daughter as she approached, as if he knew some secret she didn't. Her father sat beside Tommy's father, Elmont Queensbury, who sat under the emblem of a female Pyroar that represented his own family. Elmont, upon seeing his son's frequent glances in Addison's direction, whispered to Warren, who chuckled slightly at the boy's hard to hide growing feelings for the Safari Zone warden's daughter. The last two seats were occupied by Arcana's newest power couple, Jocelyn Aced and Annette's older brother, Garret Fiveroux. Jocelyn, having resumed the age-old duty the Aced Family had had in being a staunch ally to the Kingstons before Elezar's ambitions nearly destroyed the region, now sat on the King's Council as its most obviously youngest member. The Aced Emblem of an Alakazam seemed to glisten with a telepathic glow that made Addison think of Zam. Garret, the broad chested and handsome older sibling of Arcana's Champion, sat beneath an emblem of a Lucario, which had always been known as a fiercely loyal and protective Pokémon, as the Fiverouxs had once and usually been the most loyal followers of the Kingstons. Though many seemed to think a Fighting Type and a Psychic type could never get along, the way both Jocelyn and Garret openly flirted with one another despite being on duty only made that notion seem unlikely.

Lastly, behind the six chairs on an elevated platform, sat three final chairs so large, Addison knew they could only be referred to as Thrones. And in these thrones sat the three most powerful people in the region. The lowest of the three thrones sat the Grand Vizier, Annie Tress-Kingston, the wife of Jon Kingston and mother of his child, who had only given birth to her son a few days prior and was already eager to resume her duties in serving the crown despite many pleading with her to rest. The Tress Banner, a gruff Stoutland, was etched above her own seat as she nodded politely to the new arrivals. The second largest throne sat the Queen of Arcana and one of Addison's most important friends and loved ones, Julia Kingston. She, like Annie, had only given birth a few days earlier, yet had willed herself to be there despite Addison noticing just how exhausted she looked. Above her throne was the emblem of a Sylveon, which Addison knew was made specifically for the Pines Family, given their notorious reputation for breeding Eevees.

In the largest throne, in between both Annie and Julia's, sat Addison's first crush and childhood idol. King Michael Kingston, slowed down considerably by the heart attack he'd suffered in a Master Cup match with Chris, but still determined to carry out his role as King of Arcana to the best of his ability. The Arcanine Emblem on his own throne made it seem to the naked eye that Michael was full of great strength and courage, even despite his physical limitations. Though both monarchs looked fatigued, Addison admired them for perking the other up with enough mutual affection and adoration to keep them going as long as they physically needed.

All seven of those who had been summoned stood side by side in front of the Royal Council and their monarchs. From left to right, they stood Billy, Amanda, Bridgette, Justin, Addison, Morgan and Tommy. And in this same formation, did they one by one, kneel or bow before their King and Queen to affirm their loyalties not only to the Royal Family, but to the region of Arcana. While they knelt, Addison prayed internally for the long-lasting health of the two who had meant so much to her growing up. She could not bear to lose the King and Queen until she had managed to have them in her life for at least another few decades at least.

After a moment of silence, Annie addressed the seven. "Arise. The King has seen and appreciates the loyalty of his subjects." One by one, the group rose until they all stood at attention and awaited whatever they had been summoned for. The Grand Vizier looked to each of them before adding. "You all have been summoned before the Royal Council, because there is a task that our King and Queen would like to ask of you all."

"Did something happen?!" Tommy interjected. "Is there another Syndicate bad guy running around?! I'll pummel them before-"

"Tommy!" Elmont growled. "Calm yourself!" Tommy immediately silenced and looked down in shame at his father's demand.

"No, Tommy" Annie explained. "The Syndicate's power has been broken, hopefully forever this time. Elezar Aced, Cassius Sinclair, Claude Jacques, Hunter Bastion, Archer, Kage and Courtney have long since been destroyed. Walter O'Hara and the twins, Lily and Lena, have long since fled into hiding and are not considered threats at this time. Victor and Nadine are currently being held in a remote prison, awaiting to be relocated to Klefki Prison upon its restoration. And both our Council's own Jocelyn Aced and the Pokémon League's Matthew Kingston have reformed past being involved in that criminal organization. And with Mewtwo gone and no heads of their organization left to lead them, the Syndicate has dissolved completely. The matter we mean to discuss here have nothing to do with the past, but the future."

Addison continued to hold out hope. She kept her fingers crossed in solidarity with her line of thought. Please...please...please...

"Before we can begin with talk of the future" the Vizier concluded, "however, we must begin with a tale from the past. And with that, I shall turn to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Julia." She sat back down in her throne as Julia cleared her throat to speak.

"Many of you know or have heard tales of my Abuela, Maria Pines" Julia spoke clearly, though it was clear she was still in pain from the infection and recent birth of her twins, Prince Sora and Princess Celina. "When Piper and I were very young, after our parents were taken from us in a tragic plane crash, my Abuela took us from our home in Alola all the way here to Arcana to restart our lives. My Abuela would not only become the Professor to a generation of young trainers, but it would allow Piper and I to become ingrained with the people and lifestyles of Arcana. It's because of this that I have found my own family to raise and Piper her own." She grasped the King's hand tenderly. "And it is for that kindness I've been shown that I am forever grateful."

Michael brought his wife's hand up and kissed it. "As am I for you, milady."

Julia beamed before returning her attention to the others. "But what many do not know, is that my family did not originate from the Alolan Region. No, many years ago, when my Abuela wasn't much older than Jocelyn here, she and her family left their original homes in favor of moving to Alola. Their reasoning has never been made clear to me and my Abuela would not specify why. It was only when I discovered where we actually originated, that I came to realize there was definitely a reason why we left. For my family came from the region of Paldea. A region that has for the last fifty years, been closed off to the other regions of the world."

"Paldea?" Tommy chirped up. Elmont gave his son a strict look which silenced him once more.

The Queen nodded. "I'm sure many of you are unfamiliar with it. That's because, as far as I know, very few people living have ever been able to make it to Paldea and leave to talk about it. James Kingston was one who had gone to Paldea many years ago during his prime as Arcana's Champion, but never visited again after they closed themselves off from the world. My grandparents, Balthazar Aced and likely many others knew of Paldea's existence and even frequented there, only to never see those shores again after the borders closed."

Addison felt her heart ready to leap out of her chest. This is it, isn't it?!

Julia continued. "Only one person has ever been to Paldea and returned, as far as we know. And she's standing right before us as part of the group that has been summoned."

All eyes fell upon Bridgette Duon, who shrugged off the shocked looks from many. "I honestly didn't know I had made it there until Julia told me."

"You got up to a lot of adventures when you should have been here" her brother Jack spoke coldly.

"Be that as it may" Rebecca Eighern chimed, refusing to allow an argument to derail the Council meeting, "I highly doubt we would be lucky enough to be able to enter Paldea again without legal entry. We attempted to make contact with them over the last few weeks, only to be shut down and for our trade ships to be told to return from whence they came. The region is still very apprehensive about outsiders."

"So how do we come into the equation?" Billy wondered.

Elmont Queensbury cleared his throat to properly address those who had been summoned. "Well, let's just say that I managed to find us a way in. If there is one thing we can be thankful Paldea has, it's a never-ending drive to enrich the minds of young ones." He rose from his seat to properly address those who had been summoned. "There are many prestigious learning institutions in the world. I'm honestly surprised our region does not boast any of them, but I digress. I'm certain with a highly educated Queen, this will change soon."

Julia nodded politely. "Oh I know it will."

"As I was saying" Mr. Queensbury pressed on, "there are many fine education centers in the world. There is the famous Veilstone University in Sinnoh, Alola Academy, Rustboro University in Hoenn, not to mention the new academy that will be springing up on Cinnabar Island in Kanto. But one of the most revered over the centuries has always been Uva Academy. In fact, rumor had it that Uva Academy was so prestigious, no outsiders could even know where it was. Now, however, we know that the Academy is in Paldea, which was why so few people of your generation have heard of it." When no one interrupted, Elmont cleared his throat again. "Which means now is the time to get to the reason of your summons. Uva Academy, for the first time in nearly fifty years, is opening its doors to a small number of students from foreign regions. Which means that young ones will be able to see a new region for the first time and be the first to do so in half a century." Elmont pressed a button on a remote in his pocket, which caused a holographic display to appear, showing the logo for Uva Academy, which appeared to be grapes on a purple field in the shape of a shield.

"Uva Academy" Addison echoed. She recalled in her visions, a strange hue of violet over the area. She had figured this was because of her own eye color, but this had to be it.

"Yes" Rebecca chided, "enjoy the sight of it. We were hoping they would be open to trade on top of this, or at least some negotiations, but the Paldeans are a proud and honorable people. If we're going to get them to open their borders, we've come to the conclusion that will have to come from young students." She smiled sadly. "Once again, children have to clean up the messes of adults. That happens way too often here."

Michael sighed. "It's been the way of it since my Grandfather died. But more importantly, we have business to discuss. Originally, each region was going to be given one scholarship for a single student to venture to Paldea, learn from their prestigious academy and eventually return a better rounded and more formidable person." The King's eyes fell on Tommy, who shuddered when he realized he was put on the spot. "And our choice to go to the region was Tommy here. If anyone can use some refinement, it would be him."

"Refinement?!" Tommy gulped.

"That means slight improvement" Morgan giggled.

"I know what it means! I just didn't think-"

"While I would like to send you to the same business and finishing schools I attended, son" Elmont lamented, "I have a feeling that would go over as well as a lead balloon. Uva Academy may be just what my son needs to be whipped into shape. An Academy that teaches life skills on top of educating students on Pokémon battling, care, cooking and other things that will help you develop into a man who won't sully the good name of Queensbury." He looked exasperated. "It was a long and deep debate that I was afraid I wouldn't win."

"You filibustered all evening" Garret groaned. "I just wanted to get out of here before my head exploded."

"Why did you debate so much?" Bridgette asked.

Warren Tenton eyed his daughter and remained stone-faced. "Well, we had a feeling someone else may need to go to Paldea more, as I suspect you're well aware, Bridge."

"As it happens" Annie chimed in, "we have happened to fall into a fortunate circumstance. Some regions have backed out due to a lack of acceptable applicants. Namely, the Alola, Kanto and Unova Regions. They feared their students would not be able to pass an entrance examination and thus had to pull out." She wore a grin on her face as she reached her conclusion. "We were given the three additional slots by the Academy's Director. And we see no better choices to go to Uva Academy than you three. Addison, Morgan, Justin. Congratulations."

The trio eyed one another in surprise, each bearing a different emotion mixed in as well. Justin wore a bit of apprehension on his face, Morgan a deep curiosity and Addison a smile that rivaled Annie's.

"But we didn't take any entrance exams" Justin recalled. "At least I haven't. How do we know we'll get in?"

Morgan shook her head. "I didn't take any, either."

"Not me either" Tommy added. "Addy?"

Addison shook her head. "Not that I recall."

Jocelyn walked up to the Queen and collected a small collection of folders from her. "Which is where these come in. Before you all depart for Paldea, they expect you all to fill out these forms and hand them in once you've arrived. This is all exam-related stuff. All of the legal things will be taken care of by your parents." She then proceeded to hand one to each of the four students.

When Addison received hers, Jocelyn patted her hand and gave her an affectionate wink before returning to her seat. Addison took a moment to study the folder, which seemed to be made from a finer and more robust material than ordinary paper was. Whatever this Uva Academy traded in, it was certainly a prestigious institution. The others were looking at their own inquisitively, with Morgan already trying to prep herself for the questions that might be on the forms. Tommy clutched his own papers as if he'd been given a sacred heirloom. Justin did not seem to fully comprehend what was going on.

Michael looked to Justin. "We've spoken about this with your mother. And she thinks it's a fantastic idea that you go on this journey. It will not only help you broaden your horizons, but it will also help you gain some vital experience in dealing with political issues. If you're going to help restore your family name to what it was before Claude tarnished it, this is your chance to make some great leaps."

Justin looked as if he were about to explode in nerves, but bowed respectfully before the council and his monarchs. "I serve as the King commands."

"I don't think Michael meant it as a command" Annie told him. "More of a bit of encouragement."

As the students all went over their forms, Billy once more found his courage to interject. "It's all fine and good to have them go off to some special school and all. But why were we summoned? It's not like we're of school age or anything?"

"Actually, Uva Academy has classes for those as young as toddlers and as old as senior citizens" Annie mentioned casually. "But that's not why we called you in." She looked over to Elmont, who once more rose to speak.

"Uva Academy requires that every student attending from another region must be accompanied by a 'guardian' or chaperone, so long as they are under the age of eighteen. This is not only to help them acclimate to a new region and new environment, but to also ensure they do not get into any trouble while there." He and his son made eye contact for a third time, only for Tommy to twitch nervously. "Alas, I have several very important meetings with clients and a Board Meeting in our company's Galar Branch, which means I won't be able to keep an eye on my son."

"And with my wife ready to go into labor within the next few weeks" Warren pointed out, "I'm unable to take Addy. Sorry, honey."

Addison smiled and shook her head. "No need, Daddy. I can manage with whoever I can ask."

"I would have gone to try and help smooth things over with Paldea" Michael commented, before wincing in pain, "but my Health Proxy insists I still need time to recover from my heart attack." Julia held her husband's hand as he tried to will his pain away. "And, I know my wife and kids would miss me something terrible." He looked out to the adults in the group. "That's precisely why I chose three different chaperones to accompany the students to Paldea. Justin, as he's an adult, will not need a chaperone to accompany him. But the other three do. Amanda, you will serve as Morgan's chaperone. Billy, your task is to look after Tommy. And Bridgette, I'd trust no one else but you to look after Addison."

Bridgette smiled. "Of course. Half Hearts stick together, right Addy?"

Addison echoed her expression. "Naturally."

"I chose you three for a multitude of reasons" Michael explained. "Not only am I sure you all can handle anything Paldea might be able to throw at you, but you each can not only benefit from this trip in some way, but also help us maintain a permanent relationship with the region or help promote growth within our young students here." He looked to Amanda. "I should think a future Pokémon Professor such as yourself would be excited to learn about all of the regional Pokémon in Paldea. Not only that, but you are easily one of the cleverest people I know. You can make sure no one struggles in their classes or anything."

Amanda nodded. "Of course, Your Grace. I'll be sure to make sure these kids don't get into any trouble. We all will."

"Any free time you have" Julia added, "you can use to study all of the Pokémon you want. I wish I could go, but if anyone else needed to, I'm glad it's my old protege. You'll be making Abuela proud, Amanda. You were her best student. And mine, too."

Amanda flushed at the compliment and wore a bright and eager smile on her face.

Michael looked to his cousin. "Billy, you'll be a representative of not only our region while you're stationed in Paldea, but also of the family. I could have chosen any of our cousins or even my own sister to go, but I trust no one else but you with helping to establish a relationship between our regions. You're the most levelheaded Kingston out there and more than formidable Pokémon Trainer in your own right. When this whole group goes off to Paldea, you will be the one in charge. No one does anything outside of their school activities or their chaperone duties without running it by you."

Billy was shocked at this. "I didn't think-"

"Well, you should start" Amanda teased. "This is a chance for us to see a whole new region. And I know you'll be the perfect knight in shining armor to protect us." She winked at her boyfriend, who seemed to be alleviated by her words.

"You didn't think we'd trust a hothead like Chris with something so delicate, did you?" Warren chuckled. "Let him enjoy his honeymoon. This is your chance to shine, Billy."

The King then gave his old friend his fullest attention. "Bridge, I need something from you."

"I hope it's not my expertise on Paldean culture" she admitted. "I was only there for a few days and I didn't even go to that many places."

"No, but you are more versed in the Court Life and politics than anyone going besides Billy arguably" Jack commented to his sister. "And we need someone to help mold these young students into productive members of not only Uva Academy, but of society in general. It will give you a chance to make up for how abruptly you left Arcana last time."

"You're really never going to let me live that down, are you?" Bridgette grumbled.

"More importantly" Michael interjected, "I need you to mentor Justin in these matters."

Bridgette seemed to freeze at this. Addison glanced over as she spotted her fellow "half heart" almost completely incapable of looking in any direction that Justin was in. Addison considered delving into her mind to see what was going on but shook off the idea and simply remained focused on what the King said.

"The Future of Arcana needs to be established" the King went on, "not only for this generation but for all that come after. One day, Justin may be one of the ones my son needs to lean on should he ever become King. And as much as I do enjoy his content he makes on his vlog, the kind of help James will need isn't in how to work certain web browsers. Help him involve himself in the culture of Paldea, get to know people and maybe discover some things about himself."

Bridgette stood still and seemed to salute the King at this. "Of course. You can count on me, Michael."

Michael looked over the group that would soon be departing for Paldea. "With all of that said and done, there are a few more things I need to impart on you all. A few requests and reminders that I hope you will all adhere to. First and foremost, you will be traveling to a region no outsider has been welcomed in since the days of my grandfather. They have customs, traditions, ideals and rules that are likely different from our own. I want you to keep these things in mind as you go here. You are out of my jurisdiction when you cross into this new world. I want all of you to abide by the rules Uva Academy sets for you. Follow them to the letter and do not get into any trouble. The last thing we need is for Paldea to slam the door on us after we just got our foot inside. Will you all swear to your King that you will not break this oath?"

"Yes, Your Grace!" all seven echoed at once.

"Next, as I mentioned to Billy, all of you are to follow and listen to him while you're in Paldea. chaperones included. If he says something isn't a good idea, goes against a rule or might be dangerous, I want you to abide by his word and not participate in such events. And Billy? If you have any questions or concerns, just know that Julia and I are only a call away. Am I clear on this?"

"Yes, Your Grace!"

"Thirdly, call this a bit of a personal request." Michael tried to rise to address them but found little strength in his legs and thus chose to remain seated. "While it's true very few, if any, living outsiders have ever seen Paldea in its entirety, in the years before they shut themselves off from the world, Paldea was open to outsiders of all shades and colors coming there. Balthazar Aced is said to have gone there and I know my grandfather had correspondence with someone from there before their borders became walled off. I would like you to, within reason, discover why Paldea closed themselves off from the world and if it would be possible for them to reenter our world stage once more. Do not go above and beyond normal means to do so. This is not a life-or-death request. Just a simple curiosity."

"Yes, Your Grace!"

"And one final thing. I know she may not want me to ask this of you, but this one is addressed to six of the seven of you who stand before me. Paldea is said to hold many hidden relics, treasures and secrets within its high mountains and deep oceans. The Queen has told me of one such legend: that of a place called White Island." The King and Addison made eye contact at those words. "And I'm sure you're all aware of how eager one of your own is to find such a place. This search, be it fruitful or in vain, will be taxing on her both mentally and emotionally. I ask you six, in particular her fellow students in Morgan and Tommy, to keep Addison's spirits up if she doesn't immediately get the answers she's looking for."

Addison looked to Morgan and Tommy, who both gave her assuring looks. Morgan gave her a thumbs up. Tommy seemed as if he wanted to reach for and grasp her hand, but he hesitated, before rushing to the front of the group.

"Don't you worry, Your Majesty" Tommy suddenly proclaimed. "I'll protect the White Mage while we're in Paldea."

"I don't recall saying she needed protection" Michael replied. "Just to keep her spirits up."

"Thomas!" Elmont growled. "Would you control your outbursts?!"

Addison reached for Tommy and pulled him back towards the others. "Don't worry. I know what Tommy meant. I know he'll be a rock to lean on in hard times. And I'll be sure to try and keep him out of trouble, Mr. Queensbury. You have my word." Addison then took the boy's hand in her own, only for her to sense the clear nerves growing inside of him. Any further outbursts from the boy who's crush on her was only growing had been silenced completely.

"And I'll be sure Addy doesn't lose her hope" Morgan insisted. "It would be wrong of a White Guardian to let the White Mage down."

"Thank you, Morgan" Addison winked.

"So, when do we depart?" Billy asked. "I'd imagine we have a few weeks to-"

"Unfortunately" Jocelyn said sadly, "due to the Master Cup Tournament going on as long as it did, we lost some valuable time in preparing for such a long journey. The airliner that will take you seven to the Airport in Mesagoza will be arriving at Titanio Airport in three days."

"THREE DAYS?!" the group shrieked in shock.

"Sorry for the rush" Julia smiled sadly, "but it's out of our hands."

Addison took a moment to collect her thoughts and turned towards the Council and nodded respectfully for the others. Tommy, who was still stunted for words and clinging to her hand, also tried to nod in agreement, much to her amusement. "Thank you for the opportunity. I know we will do everything in our power to not fail either our monarchs, our parents or the Council."

Her father looked sadly at his daughter. "You? Addy, you could never let me down."

"We know all of you will take this monumental task seriously" Michael answered for the others. "And in three days time, you will show your mettle to the rest of our region, as well as Paldea." He cleared his throat, Addison seeing the immense pain her idol was suffering from. "Until then, pack your things, complete your exams and prepare for the journey of a lifetime. Until next time, this Council is dismi-"

Addison glanced backwards before anyone else did, as her intuition had her aware of what was set to come before it happened. But no one else seemed to notice what was coming until the doors burst open and an exhausted Lizzie West stumbled her way inside. She was red in the face from the sprinting she had done to get into the Throne Room, but did not take long to catch her breath as she rushed forward and held out her hands beggingly for the Council.

"Uh, Lizzie?" Julia asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't recall you getting a summons to-" Elmont began.

"Please!" Lizzie pleaded. "You must let me go to Paldea with them!"

"That's not how it works and you know that" Annie spoke sharply. "You can't just barge into the Throne Room during a Royal Council session just to ask-"

"You don't understand! I need to go to Paldea!"

"We don't have a position for you" Rebecca added sternly. "Bridgette, Billy and Amanda were chosen to be chaperones for three of our students who need them. Justin, as the fourth, does not."

"Who says Justin doesn't need a chaperone?! I can do it! I am ready and eager to show my worth to the-"

Michael rose from his throne, prompting everyone to silence themselves. "Lizzie. Come to the Antechamber. Now!" Then, as fast as he could, used his cane to make for the chamber that was behind the Throne Room. Lizzie looked around towards everyone for some kind of reinforcement, but when she received none, she slowly made her way over to where the King was waiting for her.

Everyone else in the Throne Room was puzzled or confused about what had just happened. While Annie tried to keep everyone in the Council settled, Addison turned her attention to Tommy, who was staring up at her with reverence and awe.

"Look, Tommy-"

"You don't have to worry about me, Addy!" he assured her. "I won't get in the way. All I want to do is protect-"

Addison smiled and tussled the boy's hair endearingly. "I guess we'll have to talk later. Just know that I appreciate your willingness to help me find Ryan at all costs."

Tommy seemed confused at this, until the reality hit him like a Sucker Punch. "Oh? Oh, Ryan. Right. Him." Despite the melancholy tone of rejection in his voice, the boy seemed reluctant to let go of her hand at this time and Addison simply stood there with him and awaited the King's return.

{}

Once the two were out of earshot from the others in the antechamber, Michael did his best to remain standing, leaning heavily on his cane to do so and confronted his old friend over her outburst. "Alright, what is this all about, Lizzie? And don't pretend there isn't some logic behind this."

Lizzie shook her head. "Can't I just want to see a place no one has been to in over fifty years?!"

The King remained unimpressed. "Lizzie, are you going to tell me what's going on here or not?"

"If I tell you, you're just going to think I'm crazy! Just let me go to Paldea and-"

"I won't let you go anywhere until you tell me what's going on with you, Liz" he affirmed.

Lizzie frowned and took a deep breath. "Okay, look. I know it's bad that I barged in on all of this. But to be fair, I didn't get a summons, so I didn't know when this meeting would take place and-"

"Summons are usually given out to those who are expected to appear before the Royal Council. You were not one of them."

"I know that, but can I help it? This is a huge opportunity for people to be able to see a new region, understand the kind of Pokémon that live there, see new sights, learn new things and become better, more well-rounded people. This is something I have to take part in." She was doing her best to mask her true intentions, not wanting to be viewed as hypocritical for how much she wanted to protect Justin from Madeline Kingston's affection, only for her to be doing the same thing Madeline had when Justin showed a friendship budding with Bridgette. And usually, someone would just shrug off her oddball antics and simply give her what she wanted. But of all of the people she knew and loved in the world, only Mark and Michael could truly tell when something else was going on. And the King was not taking her bait.

"Yeah, no" Michael responded bluntly. "I'm not buying it."

"What else do you want from me?!"

"The truth! How can you expect me to be able to send you off to a foreign region when you won't even tell me why you'd want to go? What happened to your Day Care business? What about your family in Hoenn? If you expect me to bend over and help you, you'll have to give me a reason to besides the usual Lizzie talk." He folded his arms as he braced himself up against the wall of the Antechamber. "Is this about Justin?"

Lizzie looked away and didn't immediately answer. "It's...it's complicated..."

"Justin is a grown man and doesn't need a chaperone, Lizzie" Michael argued. "Besides, he'll be able to learn how to be a diplomat better from Bridgette anyway. So why do you need to go?"

"Don't make me say it, Michael!" she groaned. "It's just going to cause more trouble if I do."

Michael tapped his foot impatiently as he awaited Lizzie drawing in enough courage to answer. When he realized this wasn't going to happen, he sighed and resumed leaning on his cane. "Liz, this isn't some grand, spectacular adventure I'm sending these guys on. It's one to enrich the students, educate them about a foreign region and help open a diplomatic channel to Paldea's elite that might mean we can resume normal relations with a region that's been against outsiders for half a century. I can't just send everyone who wants to go to Paldea, otherwise we'd all be going. This is a delicate situation that I can't just blast aside for anyone. Which is why I need a reason for you to go. If you can't give me one, I can't let you go."

"Justin is the last in his family" Lizzie insisted. "Don't you think he ought to have more protection around him than just the three other chaperones? I mean, he isn't a great Pokémon Trainer, and he could very easily be put in danger if-"

"Billy can more than handle the situation on his own. I wouldn't be trusting him to lead the expedition if I didn't have the fullest confidence."

"But what if something happens to Justin or Billy? Who else are they going to lean on in times of trouble? Amanda's a Professor, but she's not an expert battler. And-"

"All the hypotheticals in the world aren't going to change that the seven people going to Paldea are more than capable of handling schoolwork and diplomatic negotiations. You're going to have to do a lot better than that, Liz."

"If something happens to Justin...I'll-uh, I mean that we'll be in big trouble as no one will be able to keep his family line going. That's why Justin came to Arcana in the first place. He needs protection. To be kept safe and secure. Who knows what awaits in Paldea? What if it's someone more evil than Elezar or Cassius? What if it's cataclysmic? Or world breaking? Or-"

Michael let out a beleaguered sigh. "Okay, fine. I'll squeeze you into this trip."

Lizzie almost let out a cry. "YOU WILL?!"

"BUT!" Michael growled. "There is a catch. You are just going to Paldea to assist Billy in protecting the students while they are in school. Justin is your priority. You cannot leave him unattended under any circumstances. Billy is in charge, Liz. If he says something, you do it as if it were me telling you. I can't have you getting distracted or growing careless with things just because you're in a new region." He slowly made his way over to Lizzie and patted her shoulders, doing his best not to fall on top of her. "Please. I need you to do this, Liz. If you go to Paldea, keeping Justin safe and helping Billy have to be your primary objectives."

Lizzie nodded. "Of course. When have I let you down?"

Michael sighed. "There's a first time for everything."

"I promise I will not let you down, Your Grace."

Her old friend winced at those words. "You know you don't have to call me that when it's just us, right?"

"I don't know. I could get used to calling you that all the time."

"That makes one of us."

{}

While the King and Lizzie conversed in the antechamber, this left the others outside in the Throne Room free to converse. Tommy was speaking to his father and Billy about the school and what they could expect upon going to a new region. Julia and Annie were sharing pictures of their children with one another and laughing like schoolgirls at the adorable antics their children get up to. Amanda was in a deep conversation with Rebecca and Jack Duon about the idea of opening up Paldea to the world. Jocelyn and Garret resumed their usual flirtatious banter with one another, thus leaving Bridgette free to converse with the other three in the room who were keeping quiet up until then: Addison, Justin and Morgan.

Though being close to the boy who only a few days earlier had left her speechless with his less than tactful actions and impeccably chiseled features, she knew it was something important to do, otherwise Michael would not have asked her to do it. But, while in Paldea, she would also have duties in helping Billy protect the others as well as making sure Addison keeps her spirits up. While Justin seemed to be garnering some kind of courage for himself to embark on a long journey to a place he'd never been before, she chose to address her own sponsor and fellow "half heart" first.

"Well, I guess you get to follow your dream after all" the surfer spoke up as she approached Addison. "And I'll help you out anyway I can."

"I can only hope that White Island isn't just a myth like the books say it is" Addison lamented. "This is the only hope I have left."

"Well, so long as we abide by the King's wishes and don't cause any trouble, it shouldn't be difficult to compel locals to help us learn more about the island" Morgan chimed in. "I'm sure the people of Paldea are nice and helpful. And there has to be a good reason why they shut their borders down. So long as we do our part, I think we can help the King achieve his own goal of reopening the world."

Bridgette nodded. "We can only hope. Taking any duties off of his shoulders should help him get to what he does best."

"And that would be?" Addison inquired.

"Being a family man."

"Oh, that's a fact. He's got five kids and a wife to look after on top of the Kingdom's duties."

"Which is why we really need to not lose sight of what he asked of us" Bridgette insisted. "We can't go around Paldea causing trouble. If trouble does brew while we're there, we ought to just let the locals handle it. No stepping on toes or anything like that."

"I can't wait to see what Paldea is like!" Morgan giddily cheered. "Maybe it will be someplace tropical like Alola or grandiose like Kalos!"

"We'll find out soon enough" Addison responded to her friend's excitement. She looked up to Bridgette. "I wish I could help you get your own dream, since you've been so eager to help me with mine."

Bridgette patted Addison's shoulder. "Don't you worry about me, Addison. I'm a big girl and more than capable of caring for myself. Now, I just have to hope I'm a fraction of the diplomat my brother or aunt would have been in my stead." She then looked over to Justin and decided to speak with him, excusing herself from Addison and Morgan's presence and approaching the young man who looked as nervous as a Caterpie surrounded by a flock of Spearow. "I'll admit I'm not the most skilled diplomat out there, Justin, but I will do everything I can to help you become a better one yourself."

"I appreciate it, Miss-uh, Bridgette" he said softly, doing a poor job of masking his nerves. "I'll admit, I don't know the first thing about being a diplomat. I was hoping I wouldn't need to become one in order to-"

"The King was right when he said his son will need help in the future" she pointed out. "He won't be around forever, and neither will the likes of Elmont, Annie, my brother or Julia. When James takes his father's place, we want to be sure he'll be ready to take on all challengers and face all problems. He is my godson, after all. And I want him to be as ready to take on the world as his father was, if not more." She held her hand close to her heart, recalling to herself all of the trials and trauma the boy she'd watched grow into manhood endured before his son was born. "If his father can't ever have a life of happiness and peace, his son should get that."

Justin nodded. "If it's for the future king, I will do all that I can. I just can't say I'll be the perfect option."

"You'll be the best option you can be" she assured her pupil. "And that's nothing to be ashamed of." The duo looked behind them and spied the King and Lizzie returning from the antechamber, Michael looking particularly drained from the conversation that had to have taken place between the old friends. Lizzie, on the other hand, raced over to the others and stood her ground alongside them, making Bridgette realize she'd broken down Michael's will and gotten her way.

Michael cleared his throat, which in turn got everyone back to their original positions and listening intently to what he had to say. "After some deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that this excursion to Paldea may need a bit more help, considering there are four pupils to look after instead of one. Therefore, I have decided to allow Lizzie to accompany the other seven to Paldea. She won't be a chaperone, but another arm of security to help protect our young students from any trouble and danger they may come across in the new region."

"Well, congratulations" Justin remarked to Lizzie.

Lizzie shocked Bridgette by turning in her direction and giving her a cheeky and almost childish mocking face. But before she could comment on what Lizzie did, she quickly reverted back and stood listening to what Michael had to say. Bridgette shrugged it off and did so as well, expecting this to be another sign of necessary maturity Lizzie would need to undergo while in Paldea.

"Know this" Michael went on, "Billy will remain in command of the whole group. Lizzie will serve directly under him and in the process, serve as a kind of extra security to protect our diplomats on this journey, namely Justin and Bridgette. Billy, if Lizzie gets too distracted or loses focus in Paldea, feel free to rein her back in."

Bridgette spied the shock and distress in Lizzie's face upon this realization and was tempted to throw her own attitude back in her face but chose not to and stood in place.

"I'll keep an eye on the situation" Billy promised his cousin. "You can count on that."

Letting Michael sit back down and rest, Annie rose to address those present personally. "Well, everyone. Get some rest and pack your things. In three days, you eight set off for Paldea and hopefully the next big adventure of your lives! Addison, Tommy, Amanda, Morgan, Justin, Billy, Lizzie and Bridgette. The world is waiting."

"Thank you" the group spoke up respectfully, before they finally dispersed. While Addison rushed over to her father to speak with him and Tommy his own parent, Bridgette prepared to make her way over to Michael, seeing her old friend in an immense amount of pain that was forcing him to keep sitting. She did not make it in time before being intercepted by her brother.

"So, off and away again, are you?" Jack coldly asked.

"When the King asks something of me, I'll do it" Bridgette replied as icily. "It's like having a family that supports you, if you'd ever heard of that."

"You should recall that you and he do not share blood!" Jack grumbled. "You have other duties to those you share blood with."

Bridgette rolled her eyes. "I know where you're going with this, but considering how fond they are of one another, I'd hate to be the one who comes between the King and Queen just so the Duons can become the new royal family." Jack seemed appalled that she would even consider this, but she reiterated her position. "Jack, you are the one Mom and Dad wanted to carry on the family name. I was the one thrust upon Aunt Jane, just like Michael was by his own parents. He is more my family than anyone I share a last name with has ever been. If you want the family lineage to continue, I'd suggest you find yourself a wife and have kids, because you aren't getting any younger and our last living cousin is a Kingston."

"You'd reject carrying on the family line? Bridgette. Malcolm has been dead for three years! It's time you-"

"IT'S TIME YOU STAYED OUT OF MY AFFAIRS!" Bridgette snarled, until she realized the conversations around them had been silenced by the sibling argument that was unfolding in front of them. Bridgette, humiliated enough by her own outburst in the middle of a public setting, made to apologize to the others, but noticed the King and Queen eyeing her with great concern. She pushed past her still flustered and bitter brother aside and walked shamefully towards Michael and Julia. She was unable to meet either of their eyes, despite knowing it was more concerned affection than an outright upset set of emotions.

"Is everything okay, Bridge?" Julia asked. "What happened?"

"Would I be able to borrow you two for a moment? Or at the very least your husband?"

Michael and Julia looked to one another and Julia took command. "Oh, don't worry, Bridgette. You're part of the family. Just promise me you won't leave him exhausted and worn out like last time. I need my husband too, you know." She hugged both Bridgette and her husband, playfully pecked her husband's cheek and then left to discuss things about the journey to Paldea with Annie and the others.

"What happened between you and Jack?" Michael asked.

Bridgette gestured towards the antechamber and hurriedly rushed to open the door, leading the injured King into the side chamber. Once it was just the two of them, the surfer girl felt free to vent to her dearest friend in the world. "Why did he have to say that? Who is he to get to say when I can stop mourning Malcolm?!"

Michael tried to keep the situation calm. "I'm sure he didn't mean that. He's under a lot of stress. A few of the Thirteen Families are nearing extinction. So with you two being the last two in your line, I can imagine he's stressed out over-"

"Then why doesn't he marry?!" she lashed out angrily, fighting back tears as memories of Malcolm's final words to her echoed through her head. "He can carry everything on! Why doesn't everyone just leave me alone?!" She sat on the lone bench in the room and pounded her hands on her thighs in frustration. "How can you get over the loss of someone who meant so much to you? Tell me that, Michael!"

Michael sat beside her, chuckling sadly to himself. "You're asking the last person who would know the answer to that. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the people I've lost along the way. They never leave you. And I think Jack understands that, but he's unable to process how you feel about it. You two never really were that close, were you?"

Bridgette shook her head. "No. You five were all I had in the world growing up. You, Chris, Cam, Aunt Jane and Malcolm." She found the tears escaping from her eyes. "Now, it's just the three of us. You two are the only real brothers I have in this world. Jack can rot for all I care as long as I have you and Chris." She rested her head on his shoulder. "Mikey...I miss him so much."

"I know you do. And I wish I could take that pain away from you, but I can't."

"How long has it been since Icky died?"

Michael kept his head low as he put his arm around her. "Seventeen years, eight months and eleven days." He choked up as he began to speak. "Aether has been one of the most loyal and loving Pokémon I've ever raised, but he will never be able to replace Icarus to me. No one will. Not Mufasa. Not Rhaegar. Not Koopa. No one. Icarus was my best friend. And he died to protect me from Cassius. I will never get over losing him as I suspect I will never get over losing Cameron, nor will Chris for that matter."

"It feels like a part of your soul died with them, right?"

Michael nodded at this. "At this point, I'm more of a soul fragment than I am a soul. Way too many people."

"Why can't Jack see that? He's spent so much time burying his head in the sand in Hoenn that he failed to realize that life went on without him."

"It takes people different lengths of time to experience the same things. I'm sure he's just trying to process things himself. Cam's death was a hard pill for everyone to swallow. Especially knowing that if I'd taken care of Courtney when I should have, she'd still be here."

"Cameron went out in a blaze of heroic glory" she insisted. "She died doing what anyone should be proud of doing: protecting someone she loved. I just wish Malcolm and I had our chance the way you all have. When I see you and Julia or Chris and Piper, I am so happy to see the lives you've built and are building. But I can't help but wonder if I will ever get that chance myself."

"If you want me to help you speed up the process..."

She waved him off. "None of that. If love comes to me, I want it to be natural. I don't need any arranged marriages bogging me down. Not when I've got a fellow half-heart to reunite. But I'm glad that you have Julia to help you shoulder some of the pain. If this is how you felt going through all of those things by yourself, I never want anyone else to feel like this ever again."

"There are some sorrows I can't even share with her" the King admitted.

"What do you mean?" she gasped. "How can she not understand-"

"On occasion" Michael explained, "I can see someone I knew in the shadow of another. I don't know why, but I remember Countess Rosemary mentioned it in passing as something to do with being an empath of sorts. When I looked at the girl Dawn, I hardly ever saw her. Instead, the shadows of her father Gabriel of Twinleaf Town showed up on the surface. The man who tried to help me find out a way to fix the Crimson Fury and lost his life in the process. The father Dawn never knew." As Bridgette listened intently, he continued. "Sometimes, when I used to have some alone time with Cameron, I saw her. Bridge, I saw Jane in her shadow. I cost her and Chris their mother."

"No you didn't. Jane loved us all and cared for us all. You were just as much her son as Chris was."

"And now, I have one I could never bring up with my wife. And I'm ashamed of it. Of how I feel, of how I can't even express myself without fear of destroying my family."

"About Jane?"

"About my son."

"What about James?"

"I love that boy" Michael lamented. "He needed me in his life. And the way he bonds with our other kids is a testament to how pure that boy is. But whenever I have some time alone with him, all I can see is his mother."

Bridgette was puzzled. "Wait, you lost me there, Mikey."

"Little Michael. When I tuck him in at night and I see those eyes look up at me...they're his mother's eyes. Olivia's." He lowered his head. "I have done everything I can to keep my word to her that I would protect and love that boy like he was my own. But how can I protect myself from her memory? Of the life that might have been? Of the world we might have shared? Of the child we lost..." The King began to stare out into space, losing his train of thought in the process.

Bridgette was astonished, but kept herself silent. There wasn't much else for her to say. What could she add? She simply knew they needed one another and squeezed his arm lovingly. The two said nothing, but despite the melancholy mood of the moment, they felt the love of those they lost still floated around them, all this time later.