The morning of his departure to Paldea with his friends came much faster than Tommy had been anticipating. He had expected the days to drag on and move at the speed of a Slugma. But instead, they ripped right on by after he had learned from the Royal Council of their decision to enroll him at Uva Academy. The morning had come and he was set to begin his very own Pokémon Journey in a new region. He had been something of a "supporting" figure in Ryan's journey as well as Addison's crusade against Mewtwo. But this would be his own journey, even if he had to share it with others like Morgan and Justin and...her...

He set about ensuring he had everything packed for the long and lengthy stay in Paldea. His Trainer ID, his Credit Card (for emergencies only as his father insisted), his five favorite Pokémon (Leafeon, Donphan, Marshtomp, Charmeleon and Venusaur), several outfits his mother had forced him to try on as well as various toiletries, charging stations for his Poke Gear and a list of rules he had to abide by when leaving the region. He didn't think he needed that much of a strict guideline to follow, but he would do it...for her...

Once he had all of his things packed and ready to go, all he had to do now was wait for his father to come and get him. His father seemed to be content to take his time this morning, even though they were three hours ahead of when the flight was scheduled to leave for Paldea. This left Tommy free to wonder if things would change in Arcana while he was gone. Things were definitely going to change in Paldea. He was going to begin his rise to manhood. In some ways, he already felt a bit of a man, having been forced to bear the pain of his fight for what was right in the scar that he now wore on the left side of his face. Many, including Addison, had remarked on how tough and strong the scar made him look. Now, all he had to do was figure out how to make the rest of himself ascend to become a man. The boy would disappear and be replaced by the man. Young and full of potential. Someone his father could be proud of. Someone who wouldn't be looked down upon as a child. Someone who might just be able to help...her...

She was on his mind more often than anything besides Pokémon had been his entire young life. He always used to wonder what it was about her that made Ryan and Matthew almost go to war with one another. Why fight over a girl? What was it that made Addison so special to them that they'd break their own brotherhood to have a chance to be with her. Sure, she was nice and strong. But so was Holly and he didn't see the Kingston twins fighting over his sister. Or Annette for that matter. What was it about Addison Tenton that stuck out from everything else?

He couldn't be sure when for sure he began to look at her differently. Some part of him imagined it was on their first journey, while the four of them tried to keep each other's spirits up despite a growing tide of darkness. Another part recalled how she had looked after him on Mirage Island, promising they would take care of each other while the adults in their group took command. How gentle and caring she had always been to him. How she always helped him grow up in moments of his youth. How she always insisted he was growing up despite how much Holly and Matthew sought to treat him like a child. How she gave him such reassurance in their friendship as she accepted his offer to dance and held his hand to affirm their friendship in front of so many people. Addison was definitely a different kind of maiden. And he could now see why the boys fought over her.

Tommy was approaching the age where girls were something he could be interested in. He used to think girls were nothing more than a mild annoyance he would have to put up with. Annie's youngest sister, Sara, had proven that at Jon and Annie's wedding. But Addison was something different. She was strong, confident, kind and stunningly beautiful. Ordinarily, he would have immediately downplayed things, accepting that he had no realistic chance to be with a girl like that. The age gap of 2.5 years was bad enough. But Addison loved Ryan. They had promised themselves to one another and Addison was determined to find a way back to him.

But Ryan wasn't there, was he? And Addison needed someone to lean on in these moments of doubt. Sure Bridgette, Billy and Amanda were all exceptionally helpful and Morgan was assisting her in all aspects, but how could any of them be the kind of help he wanted to be? He was sure he could be anything Addison needed him to be. If he could only talk to her without acting like a stuttering moron...maybe he could...

As Tommy tried to draw in some confidence, he received a knock on the door. "Come on, son. It's time."

"Okay, Dad" Tommy answered back, grabbing his duffle bag and turning towards the door. Time to become a man! He opened the door and was greeted by his father's immediate examination. His eyes darted all over himself, prompting Tommy to impatiently tap his foot on the ground. "You really think you have to keep doing this?"

Elmont Queensbury chuckled. "You may be growing every day, but you will always be my son. Come on. The Corviknight Cab is ready."

Tommy followed his father down the steps. The house was quiet without anyone else being present. His mother had taken it upon herself to travel with Holly, Jeremy and Jasmine to Kalos to help them get settled in Lumiose City before returning home. He wondered if his parents would do as Addison's would and try to have a third kid to fill the void, or if they would simply enjoy a much less exciting house. He gave one last look at his home before following his father out the door and into the Cab. His father placed his bags beside him as Tommy settled down and looked out the window as the rambunctious Steel Pokémon seemed eager to take off into the skies. Once Elmont closed the door, it squawked loudly and flew off into the skies.

"It's going to be weird with you kids both being gone" Elmont admitted. "The house hasn't been this quiet since before your sister was born."

"You gonna try for a third kid?"

His father laughed. "Not in the plans, son. A daughter to succeed in contest endeavors and a son to carry on the family name is all we need."

"You think I want to be a businessman like you?"

"Oh, you can't fool me, son. I know if I made you follow in my footsteps, you'd vanish into obscurity faster than anyone who supported the Syndicate. No, son. You aren't going to inherit the company from me. I'll likely hand over my controlling stake to one of my business partners and let you kids do what you want to do. Which is precisely why I think Uva Academy can help you find that special thing you're meant to be. Not every boy can become a League Champion, you know. Especially given how talented Miss Fiveroux is."

Tommy shrugged. "I guess I'll have time to figure things out."

"We signed you up for General Studies courses, but you'll be able to change your courseload as you progress and find out what you want to be. Humanities, Battling Mastery, Medical, whatever you wish. This is your chance to prove how committed you are, Tommy. Your mother and I are very proud of you, son."

"Dad?"

"What is it, son?"

"How do I get a girl to like me? You know, not like...like me...but...you know...like me?"

Elmont smiled through his teeth. "I'm so thankful I can have this conversation with you and your mother handled your sister's. I thought I was doing the right thing when she mentioned how much she cared for Ryan Kingston and I gave him my approval. But she snapped at me. You, my boy, I can most certainly help. But I do have to ask one question, Tommy. Is it Addison?"

Tommy gulped. "Kinda..."

Elmont nodded. "It's a bit obvious. I've seen the way you look at her. And I'm not the only one. Her father saw it too."

This made Tommy shudder. "Warden Tenton saw it?"

"Relax. We think it's fine. A boy should always have a good crush and you've chosen a fine girl."

"But how can I get her to like me, Dad?"

"The best thing for you to do is to be yourself. Open and honest conversations. Even if you don't get the answer you want."

"How do I get that answer though?"

Elmont shook his head. "That, unfortunately, is something no one can teach. It takes time, patience and a whole lot of determination. As you grow, you've gained a few of these, but I suspect patience will forever be an issue for you. You cannot simply make someone love you. It's a natural emotion that has to come organically and without interference. Besides, just because she's your first crush, doesn't mean she'll be your last."

Tommy frowned. "I know I can help her if I just got a chance."

His father nodded. "I know you think you can. Heck, I even think you can. Warren and I have been in lengthy discussions the last few days about the subject. I offered a betrothal between our families."

"Be-what?"

"A betrothal is a promise of marriage at a later date. In essence, your parents can arrange for you to marry someone at a later date. It used to be all the rage years ago. Even Jon Kingston and Annie Tress were betrothed back in the day. In a day where Arcana once more has a King on the throne and noble families need to be strong and prepared, betrothals might be as important as they were back in medieval times." When he noticed his son eyeing him as if he were speaking in tongues, he chuckled to himself. "In layman's terms, I want to make sure you can not only help keep the family in good places long into the future, but to help keep Arcanan unity strong now. Unfortunately, there is almost no chance for me to betroth you into the royal family. The Princesses and Kayleigh are too young and the other women in the Kingston Family are a bit too old for you."

"You want me to get married?"

"Eventually, Tommy. If what I suspect to come to pass one day will be true, the Royal Council will name the Lockhart Family as one of the many Noble Families of Arcana. When that happens, should your sister and Jeremy continue their relationship, she would likely become a Lockhart instead of retaining the name Queensbury. You would be the last chance our family has to keep going. Your Aunt Claire was my only other sibling and she's off doing who knows what wherever she is."

"I guess I'm ready to-"

Elmont laughed again. "When the time is right, son. Anyways, when I noticed how...well...enticed you were with Addison, I made an offer to Warren then and there to betroth the two of you. The Tenton and Queensbury families being united would be a powerhouse. We might become a family able to even be on equal standing with the Royal Family. I'd bet even the King would give the match his approval." His smile faded. "But Warren turned me down. Not because he doesn't think you're a good boy. He's actually quite fond of you. But he knows what his daughter hopes to accomplish in Paldea and doesn't think it would be right to try and interject. I told him we would put the conversation on hold for the time being, until you all return on holiday from school."

Tommy nodded at this. "I guess I understand. After all, Addy is really looking forward to finding Ryan." His father snorted at this, prompting Tommy to blink in confusion. "Dad? You don't believe she can do it?"

"Tommy, I've seen a great many things I never thought I would. I've been to many places, experienced things I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams. But the one absolute in this world, son, is that when our time in this life ends, our spirits ascend to the Realm of Arceus and never return to our world again. I've lost friends and partners, family and loved ones. But I like to believe that they are enjoying their time in their new dwelling. They have all of eternity to enjoy the spoils of life well lived." He patted his son on the shoulder. "But there is no coming and going from there. When our lives end, we don't get to pick and choose when we live again. Ryan Kingston was a good boy. One I would have truly been honored to call a son if he and Holly had made things work. But he is dead. Like his father, my good friend Robert. Like my parents. Like James and Bonnie Kingston. If I were Addison's father, I would remind her of her duty to her family and compel her to accept this painful life lesson and move on."

Tommy didn't feel he could respond to his father's lament. He knew how much Addison had riding on this one chance of finding Ryan, even if they knew little about White Island or if it could even be found. If he wanted to remain an important friend and possible loved one to her, he needed to be in her camp and supporting her until the end, even if it's conclusion was not something either of them wanted. He obviously wanted to see Ryan again. They had been very close, after all. But he didn't want Addison to lose faith in the world if she failed, even if it meant he got to perhaps be with her. His father seemed to not grasp why Addison was so set on doing this. Wouldn't he have tried to do the same for his own wife and the mother of his children?

Tommy glanced out the window of their cab and spied how close Titanio Airport was. On the outstretched runway where they had been told to come, where their plane to Paldea was currently being fueled up for the long flight, he could see two had already gathered to wait. Since there were clearly two people and one of them was clearly a man, he figured the first arrivals were Amanda and Billy. He clutched at his backpack and then nodded to himself. It's time.

The Corviknight Cab descended and arrived only a few yards from where Billy and Amanda waited. Tommy stood up and ensured he had all of the belongings he would need. His father also rose and offered his son a handshake. Tommy awkwardly shook his father's hand and prepared to make his way down towards the next step of his journey. He then glanced backwards and gave his father a sincere smile. "I won't let you down, father."

Elmont Queensbury smiled sadly. "Good luck, son."

Tommy then climbed his way out of the Cab, quickly grabbed his suitcase and strode over to meet Amanda and Billy. Amanda was busy going over her books and notes to ensure she had everything she would need to collect all of the data she could about Paldean Pokémon. This left Billy to be the only one who could greet Tommy as he arrived.

"Wasn't expecting you to be the earliest one of the kids, Tommy" his guardian mentioned.

Tommy paused. "You mean, no one else is here?"

"Addison and Morgan are on their way" Billy explained. "Justin is probably also just about ready to go and Bridgette had to speak with her brother Jack about something. And Lizzie? Who knows what she's up to. She'd better be here before the plane is ready to take off." Billy made eye contact with him, studying the scar on the left side of his face. "What are we gonna tell people in Paldea about that?"

"My scar?"

This brought Amanda's attention into the conversation. "Annie mentioned to us that one of the reasons we were able to get these scholarships to Uva Academy was because they believe you all are green trainers. It will be difficult to explain to the locals that you were scarred in battle with a bunch of cloned Pokémon when you're coming to Uva Academy to learn about becoming a Pokémon Trainer."

Tommy was confused. "Wait. So we're gonna have to lie to people?"

"Think of it more as, enhancing reality" Billy suggested. "This might be the only chance we get to go to Paldea. And we can't blow it. We've already failed Arcana enough for one lifetime."

"I don't know if I feel comfortable lying about something like that" the boy admitted.

"I expect it will get easier for you the more Pokémon you are introduced to in Paldea" Amanda added. "We don't know what some of the local fauna will have to offer us. Besides, Annie and your father worked so hard to convince the King to do this for us. I think this the least we can do for them is to follow through with this charade as long as we can."

"So me, Addy, Morgan and Justin all have to pretend?"

"We had Bridgette mention this to them already" Billy assured him. "They know what's at stake if we fail, especially Addison."

Though clearly uncomfortable with the idea of basing much of his personality on a lie when arriving in Paldea, Tommy had to assume that Billy and the other adults knew better than him on this issue. He simply clutched at his duffle bag and took a deep breath in, hoping his nerves over both this new situation and his growing crush on Addison would subside eventually. Once Amanda resumed going through her books, it left Tommy and Billy alone to converse until more people arrived for their departure.

"I'm going to be your chaperone when we get to Paldea" Billy reminded him. "I expect this is because both your father and Michael don't want you to be out there causing anyone trouble."

Tommy huffed, insulted at being looked down upon yet again. "Why does everyone keep thinking I'm a little kid who needs to be babysat?"

"The past often is a good way of predicting the future" the older man teased. "But if you keep yourself from getting into too much trouble, I think you won't need too tight of a leash."

"I shouldn't need any leash!"

Billy sighed. "I don't like the idea, either. But this is super important to Arcana to get Paldea to open up to us and the rest of the world. It is Julia and Piper's ancestral region, after all. My nieces and nephews also draw some of their looks from that region. Mainly Arya and Sora looks wise, but I suspect James and Celina will also take some more from their Paldean ancestry eventually."

"Not to mention all of the Pokémon we'll be able to see and interact with" Amanda chimed in.

"This isn't a vacation, you know" her boyfriend commented. "If I have to keep an eye on this one, you have to do the same with Morgan."

"And you think Morgan is high maintenance?" she teased back.

"I just want to do right by my cousin for once. Of all of us Kingstons to be asked to go, he could have picked anyone." He lowered his head, as if accepting his placement in the family hierarchy. "If Cameron were still alive or Jon not paralyzed, I'd bet he'd be sending one of them instead of me. This is my one and only chance to prove to him that I'm just as capable of being relied upon as they were. Or Chris or even my sister as his Health Proxy. I will not fail him."

Amanda lowered her book again and eyed her boyfriend as if he were insane. "You act as if you've failed Michael on multiple occasions, Billy. You were a kid when he was banished and you stood by him with the other Gym Leaders when the Syndicate became active again. You served with Cynthia when you were fighting Claude and you've done everything he's ever asked of you since Malcolm and Bridgette resigned their posts years ago. Michael loves and trusts you, Billy Bear. Otherwise, it'd be Tori or someone else filling in here."

"Why did they leave their positions?" Tommy inquired.

"Malcolm always wanted to be an astronaut" Billy recalled. "Above all else, including his relationship with Bridgette or his friendship with Michael. While Michael was willing to accept it, Bridgette wasn't. The two had a major fight and broke up. Bridgette up and resigned too, which no one in the League expected or wanted, the Champion least of all. That's why Renee had to fill in as a Gym Leader when she normally didn't raise Water Pokémon and instead trained mostly Ghost Pokémon like Shannon. It's also why I became Iron Mountain's Gym Leader. We never saw either of them again. Malcolm went into the Space Program and Bridgette went surfing around the world. Malcolm died on that mission that Elezar hijacked to get more of those Crimson Stones from the moon and Bridgette was still out there when we fought the Syndicate and Mewtwo."

"It's why Bridgette feels so guilty for abandoning Michael the others" Amanda added. "Which is why if Michael asks anything of her, she'll do it without a second thought." She giggled as she picked up her book. "But I'm sure you'd know all about being determined to help someone beyond your limitations, Tommy. What with you and Addy being so friendly."

Tommy lowered his head to hide his reddening cheeks. "Who says that?"

"You'd have to be blind or an idiot to not see it" Billy pointed out. "Especially considering before marrying his wife, I used to see Chris go gaga over girls every other week." Much to Tommy's embarrassment, Amanda snickered as she read, and Billy recalled Chris's former womanizing days.

"Yeah, but it's not like she'll notice me anytime soon" the boy lamented. "Especially since the only reason she's even going to Paldea is to find Ryan."

Billy patted Tommy's shoulder. "Kid, there is only one surefire cure to a crush like this: you simply have to find another."

Tommy shook his head. "I don't think there is another one. Not like her, at least."

"We always say that" Billy said, making a passing glance towards Amanda to ensure she wasn't thinking he meant her. "But the best thing about a first crush is that it's not going to be the one and only one you have. Believe it or not, kid, there are more girls in the world than Addison Tenton. All around the world, there are girls and women of all shapes and sizes. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some kind of relationship for yourself in Paldea while in school. We'll be meeting an entire assortment of girls while we're there, so you'll have your pick. And besides, it's not like you'll be abandoning your friendship with Addy in the process. You'll still be able to help her figure out her own things with finding out where Ryan is." He then folded his arms and grinned. "I suspect that before long, once you've found someone or something else to hold your attention, you'll forget you even had feelings for her."

Tommy mulled over Billy's words. He probably had some insight to the matter. Maybe he would find someone else to give his heart to. But before he could even imagine this, the two spied Crush the Salamence flying towards them, carrying Lizzie and the few supplies she was bringing with her. To his surprise, all Lizzie seemed to need could be contained in a backpack and a small carry-on bag.

Billy also seemed confused by her choice in luggage. "You do realize we'll be in Paldea for more than a few days, right?"

Lizzie shrugged as she recalled her Salamence and walked her way over to the others. "What? It's not like Paldea doesn't have any clothing outfitters to try out. And at least we don't have to wear uniforms like the others will."

Tommy wondered, if only to pass the time, if Lizzie was someone worth crushing over. He looked her over, trying to come up with some way to view her in the same light he did Addison. But after a moment, the epiphany never occurred. She would always be a hero of sorts to him for her bravery and her no nonsense approach to dealing with issues when serving as part of Michael's Elite Four. But beyond the admiration of her loyalty and skills as a Pokémon Trainer, she was simply not what he was looking for in his next crush. Plus, he was pretty sure she had a thing for Justin, but didn't quite know how to say it yet. Knowing Addison and Morgan were only a few moments away, he decided to wait.

Addison had to know he felt something. Even if he got rejected by her, he felt she needed to know and he needed to get it off his chest. If not for himself, but to save their friendship. In a new and strange region, taking part in the same classes and trying to help one another do impossible things, they needed to be there for one another if only as friends. Holly and Annette would not be there. Jeremy and Matt would not be there. And if Addison failed to find Ryan, he wouldn't be there either. They needed to help one another. They were friends after all...right?

{}

"Are you sure you don't need to talk to me about this?" Addison asked her friend as they both flew towards Titanio Airport. She had been surprised but still welcomed the offer of an escort for her and Morgan to the airport from Matthew. But upon seeing him for the first time in a few days, she could tell he was emotionally rattled by something. Yet, he didn't seem as if he could open up to her as he once did. So, while Morgan, who was quite nervous about heights, kept her head buried into Addison's shirt and wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach almost to the point of discomfort, she was hoping he would allow himself to open up to her as they once did. She could tell, thanks to her gift, he wasn't hiding any dark ambitions, but rather fear of them. The last thing he needed was to slide back into his old, bad habits. But how could he, with Jocelyn, Annette and his mother and sister there to tether him down? So, while atop her Altaria with her petrified friend clinging to her, she thought it best to try and broach the subject once more with him.

Matthew, on the back of his Noivern, nodded. "I can wait until Annette and Giselle are back from their patrol to talk to her. I don't need you to lose focus on the more important task at hand."

Addison winced. "But that doesn't mean you aren't also important to me, Matt. When I see a friend in pain...ergh, Morgan, do you mind? You're crushing my internal organs!"

Morgan shook her head. "Sorry, Addy. Just tell me when it's over."

"I don't want you to lose sight of what's important to you, Addy" Matthew insisted. "You've been fighting to find out the last part of Countess Rosemary's prophecy for long enough, in my books. You need some kind of solution."

Addison could not help but smile despite how constricted she felt by Morgan's fear-induced grip on her. "I'm so proud of you for being so loyal to both Annette and your brother. But that doesn't mean you have to keep secrets from me. You're still my best friend when all is said and done. Just like Holly and Ryan were and how Annette and Jeremy both still talk to each other about things. Just because we're all in relationships, doesn't mean we can't depend on one another for certain things."

He replied back with a polite nod, but she could feel his inner strength was simply not there. "I know, Addy. But this is something I want to broach with Annette first."

Addison accepted the answer as they brought her Altaria and his Noivern down towards the runway at Titanio Airport, where she could see the others had already gathered. The plane had already arrived and was being fueled up for its long flight, which meant that they would be departing sooner than she initially anticipated. By the side of the group was a trolly that contained all of their luggage, including Addison's own apart from the backpack on her back, crunched against her with thanks to Morgan's body crushing embrace.

Once their Pokémon had landed, Morgan finally allowed Addison to breathe by releasing her grip on her body and sliding down, pretending as if she had been strong and confident the entire time once the eyes of the others bound for Paldea began to drift in their direction. Addison recalled her Altaria and turned to properly address Matthew, who was petting and gently stroking his Noivern's ears.

"I wish you were coming" Addison admitted to him. "It would be a lot easier with someone else helping me do the impossible again."

"I wish the same" he replied, his focus almost entirely on his Pokémon, "but as with what happened in regard to Mewtwo, I think I would just get in the way at this point. You and I are on an entirely different level in terms of skills, Addy."

Addison shook her head and grasped his hand as he finished tending to his Dragon Pokémon. "The thing I need the most is to know people believe in me. Not only in what I want to do, but that it's possible. I love everyone who is coming with me, but I don't think any of them know just how much Ryan meant to me besides you. Maybe Bridgette, but even that is a stretch." She lowered her head. "There are some days I have my doubts and I think about all the people who need Ryan in their lives. Your Mom, Kayleigh, yourself, Holly. A few others. I try to remind myself of how they'd feel if-"

Matthew smiled at her. "We're all more worried about you, Addy."

"You're worried about me?'

"Why wouldn't we be? Everyone is doing all they can to keep the bad thoughts away. All of us, except for you."

"If I don't keep reminding myself of what's at stake-"

"How is that healthy for you mentally?"

Addison giggled. "Since when are you the expert on mental health?"

Matthew's face seemed to darken at this. "You're not the only one who's fought demons. Who keeps fighting them, as well."

Addison pulled her friend into a hug, sensing the dark thoughts inside of him and wanting to do all she could to help him keep them at bay. "You are stronger than you think you are, Matty. You're one of the strongest people I know. And it's because of you that I even have the hope to bring Ryan home. But I still need you to believe in me just like I do you."

Matthew hugged her back. "Oh, I don't doubt you at all. It's me I doubt."

"Well, you shouldn't. You are brave, true and probably the most loyal person I know." She then let go of him and poked his forehead. "So, whatever is going on in that head of yours to make you think that you aren't up to the task needs to stop. Because you are. I don't think Annette would have brought you on board if she didn't think so."

Matthew's face remained grim, but he nodded and accepted her response. "I guess I'll have some things to work on until you get back."

"Who knows how long that will be" she replied. "All I know is I'm not coming back until him and I both come home together." She pulled him into another embrace before kissing his cheek.

Matthew stepped aside and bowed respectfully as his Noivern stretched her wide wings. "Good luck, Addy. We're all rooting for you."

"Thanks, Matt. Try not to get into any trouble without me." She winked back at him as Matthew mounted his Dragon Pokémon. The Noivern let out a screech before rocketing off into the sky. Addison watched on as her friend flew higher into the heavens and far out of sight. Please Matt. Keep fighting off those demons. I can't walk this path without you.

"Is he okay?" Morgan inquired as she drew closer after giving the two some space to talk.

"I hope so. The last time we were separated like this was when everything went wrong."

"You don't think he'll do something...you know...bad...do you?"

Addison shook her head. "Nothing like that. But he's had a lot of self-worth issues ever since he came back. He doesn't feel like he'll ever truly make things right after what he did. It's something I hope Jocelyn or Annette can help him get through. Even if he's my best friend in the world, he won't open up to me like that anymore. He wants to be strong for me but doesn't realize that I would prefer him to truly be happy again. If I fail...we'll be leaning on each other a lot in the future...if I can ever show my face in Arcana again."

"Why wouldn't you? Addy, you destroyed Mewtwo and saved the world."

"I wouldn't have done it without Ryan. And if I can't find him, wherever he is, then I've failed everyone who wants to see him come back. Even those of us going to Paldea."

Morgan sighed. "If it wasn't for how much you gelled with Ryan, I'd say you and Matt would be perfect for each other. Both moody and down on yourselves when you have no reason to be." She looked at the skies where Matthew had flown off to. "I was kinda hoping that he and my sister would patch things up, but I think they both handled things as maturely as they could. Jasmine knew he couldn't truly be hers if his heart belonged to someone else and Matthew saw it too. One day, I want all of us to be happy. Even if it's just for a moment."

Addison nodded. "We will. We just have to find the last missing puzzle pieces." The two looked over towards their group and noticed Bridgette hailing them over. "Looks like it's time." She looked back towards Titanio City and the rest of Arcana. In her heart, she knew she would succeed. She had to. Failure was not going to be an option.

"Let's get a move on!" Billy Kingston called. "The flight sets off in a few minutes." While workmen began to load their luggage into the airplane, Billy corralled everyone in their group of eight towards the portable stairway that would lead them into the next stage of their journey. "Alright. Everyone is here, good. Now, it's going to be a long flight. Last I heard, we'll have to layover in Unova and another in Galar. Twenty-six hours in total."

"Goodness" Morgan shrieked. "I hope we'll have enough provisions on the plane."

"We'll be eating at the airports while we wait for the plane to refuel" Amanda assured her. "But it's going to be a long trip to Paldea. Make sure you all fill out your exams if you haven't already. It will determine which courseloads you'll be taking on at Uva Academy. And please don't bring out your Pokémon. The last thing we need is for battles to break out in the air." She made a look over towards Tommy, who seemed surprised she'd even accuse him of such a thing.

"Why would I want to battle anyone in a cramped plane, anyway?" the boy grumbled.

"That means you're learning" Billy concluded. "And hopefully means my job of making sure you don't run amok in another region is a bit easier than your father and I thought it would be." While Tommy muttered something about not being a kid anymore, Billy kept his attention on the group. "Make sure you have enough to keep yourselves occupied while on the plane. It'll be eight hours until our plane lands in Mistralton City. And I don't want to hear anyone complaining about boredom."

"As if we're all a bunch of kids" Bridgette huffed. "I can assure you everyone will be occupied enough with their own things. I for one will be getting some much-needed sleep."

"Me too" Morgan added. "Anything to keep my mind off of us flying in the air."

"I'll probably be editing some videos on my laptop" Justin answered.

"And I can offer some pointers" Lizzie insisted to Justin's confusion and Addison's amusement.

"I've got some reading to catch up on" Amanda replied. "And so should the rest of you. I want us all to know at least a bit of 'Old Paldean' before we arrive. Especially you two gentlemen." She pointed at Justin and Billy. "Since you two are assigned diplomats by Michael and Julia, it would be beneficial to have you be able to speak a bit of the language."

"I don't think I know Paldean" Justin admitted. "I suppose I could learn it."

"I guess I will be as well" Billy muttered. He looked back at the plane and saw the pilot giving everyone a thumbs up of approval. "Alright, everyone on board."

"Is there assigned seating?" Addison requested.

"Just find a spot" Amanda said in response. "We'll be able to move about as soon as we're fully airborne."

Before Addison could react further, she found two in her group almost cemented to her side. Morgan appeared on her right and Tommy on her left. "Guys, I should warn you, I plan on meditating as much as I can on the trip. I want to make sure Galatea and I are in sync while in another region." Though she did mean most of what she said, she also partially wanted some time to herself to process things. She didn't need Morgan smothering her out of fear or obligation or for Tommy to try and pull a fast one on her while she wasn't looking.

Neither took the hint though, as Morgan latched herself onto Addison's arm and Tommy subsequently moved in closer. "I promise I'll leave you alone as soon as we're fully in the air. You know how I am about heights and all."

"I promised I would help you, Addy" the young boy beside her also commented.

"But that doesn't mean I need you both around me all the time" she chirped as nicely as possible. "You guys should focus on-"

"Let's go, guys!" Bridgette called from the plane.

Addison looked up and realized that everyone besides the three of them had already boarded the plane. Morgan took a deep breath and began to slowly make her way up the portable staircase towards the plane. Addison could tell her friend was utterly petrified of being in the air and decided to chalk it up to her fear. She has been doing a lot for me. Maybe I should let her into my meditation sessions with Galatea. She knew Galatea would prefer it to remain the two of them, but surely she could help in some way, right?

She was shaken from her inner thoughts when she realized she was moving up the stairwell after Morgan. Tommy had elected to escort her onto the plane personally, taking her hand in his and pulling her up the stairwell. While she knew she would have to set her boundaries with the boy and his growing infatuation with her, she knew it was probably best to do so in a more controlled and peaceful environment. After all, she and Holly were still very close and their friendship might be affected if she wasn't delicate yet forceful in turning down her little brother. If things were going to be normal ever again, she needed to not only nip this situation in the bud, but also ensure that it didn't destroy their friendship group.

So for the time being, she simply allowed Tommy to lead her up the stairwell and towards the plane. She was confused when he stopped by the doorway of the plane, as if frozen in thought. "You okay?" She could tell he was muttering something to himself, believing she could make out the word 'knightly', though she suspected he meant chivalry. "Earth to Tommy. Hello?"

Tommy blinked and turned over to her. "Oh. Sorry. I was just trying to figure something out." His eyes found the small gap in between the stairwell and the plane, hardly big enough for either of them to fall into, and gasped. "Be careful! You might fall!"

Addison glanced down and giggled. "I highly doubt either of us could-"

"You never can be too careful" the boy insisted. "And if anything happened to you..."

"Tommy..." she began but quickly stopped herself when she saw him hold out his other hand to her. She let out a sigh of defeat and let him take her other hand as well. After an overly cautious step over a few inches of openness, she saw the boy become much tamer as he realized they would be safe. Tommy took a deep breath as if they had just survived a traumatic event before slowly leading her back through the tunnel and towards their seats on the plane. "You do know I can walk by myself, right?"

"Would you mind if we sat together?" the boy asked, not even caring if he took a bad step as his eyes never left hers. "We should-"

"Watch your step!" she exclaimed as Tommy tripped himself up on Justin's laptop bag and nearly pulled the both of them down. A lucky step from her part prevented this as she managed to hoist Tommy back up and standing within an instant. The boy shamefully looked as if he had been caught naked as he was embarrassed by his actions. Realizing she needed to help him through his shame, she simply brought him over to a row of seats beside Justin's and sat him down. Once they were seated, Tommy let go of her hands and looked down in shame. She let him be as they both began to fasten their seatbelts. Addison glanced over to Tommy's other side and saw Morgan in an almost fetal position, bracing herself for the takeoff.

Once the plane began to move, and Morgan's anxiety only doubled, Addison took in a deep breath looked over to Tommy. "I do need your help with something."

He glanced up at her with almost puppy eyes. "What can I do?"

"I need to help send some calming energy towards Morgan" she explained. "But since I'm not next to her..."

"Did you want to switch seats?"

"Not while the plane is moving. I need you to hold her hand. Then I'll take your other one and we can send calming energy towards her. Can you do that for me?"

Tommy nodded. He reached over and tried to grab Morgan's flailing hand as she began to have a panic attack about the plane beginning it's departure. He finally managed to corral it, only for Morgan to begin to squeeze his hand tightly. "Wow, she's strong!"

Addison took the boy's other hand and once more took in a long and calming breath. I'm here for you, Morgan. Breathe in...and out...in...and out...you've been in the air before. You've been on flights before. You've got this. In...and out...

The plane jerked forward as it began to pick up speed, prompting Morgan to squeeze Tommy's hand so hard he yelped. "YEEEOW!"

"You're doing great, Tommy" she assured him. She continued to relax her mind and tried in earnest to pass the calming vibes through Tommy and towards Morgan. Once Tommy's body gave out a bit of a jump, she knew it was working. "Breathe with us, Tommy. Deep in...and deep out..." Tommy did as she instructed, though his were pained as Morgan continued to squeeze out the life within his left hand. The plane jerked violently as it began to take off into the sky, prompting Morgan to cry out and squeeze Tommy harder, prompting him to squeeze Addison himself.

"I CAN'T DO THIS!" Morgan screamed.

"We've got this, Morgan!" Addison argued. "Remember...slow breaths..."

"I CAN'T!"

"You have to!"

"I CAN'T!"

"I THINK I LIKE YOU!" Tommy blurted out, prompting both Morgan and Addison to stop their brief argument. The sudden declaration prompted Morgan's crying to stop as well as for everyone to be distracted by the ascending plane. Whereas Addison would normally look out the window and see whatever she could, this time she could not keep her eyes off of her friends. Morgan, for whatever reason, seemed to think that Tommy had been speaking to her when he said that. Which was why she was so caught off guard that she forgot about the plane taking off.

"You...like me?" Morgan asked.

Tommy gulped. "I mean...I like you as a person, Morgan. I think you're nice and good and all, but I was talking about..."

Morgan's face went red. "Oh. OOOOH! I'm sorry, I...I'll just be over here...avoiding the awkward tension in the air." She let go of Tommy's hand and tussled his hair. "And sorry for almost ripping your arm off there." She quickly looked through her purse for her noise cancelling head headphones and turned them on to listen to music and allow the two their space.

Addison did her best to be surprised. "You...like me?"

Tommy could not look her in the eyes but nodded. "Ye-yeah."

She tried next to play dumb. "Well, I like you too, Tommy. I like all of my friends, so-"

"I like you, Addy. I mean...like like."

"Oh." That was all Addison could say in response to the boy's clumsy yet endearing declaration of his feelings. She had a great deal of time to prepare for this moment but had done almost nothing to actually decide how to take it. This was something that could either strengthen their friendship or derail everything that had been set up since they were much younger kids. She needed to choose her words carefully. "I think it's sweet, Tommy. I really do."

Tommy frowned. "But not the kind of sweet I want, right?"

She picked the boy's face up with her index finger and then reached down and grasped his other hand, holding him gently and trying her best to get him to listen. "Tommy, I think it is really one of the sweetest things in the world that I am the object of your first crush. It's actually flattering. But the thing about first crushes is that they usually are fleeting. They don't last forever."

"This one could!" he declared. "Especially when I think I lo-"

"Do you even know what 'love' is, Tommy?" she asked. "I'm not trying to talk down to you. I want to genuinely know what you think it is."

"I know it's how I feel about-"

"Everyone thinks that about their first crush, don't they? I know I did about mine." She recalled how she had many posters in her room growing up, but the only one that was not a kind of Pokémon was a tall poster of Michael Kingston which she had drawn hearts all over, convinced one day the Champion of Arcana would be the one she married. The perfect fairy tale wedding. Of course, there were a multitude of things keeping her from her crush. For one thing, she couldn't even speak to him because of how shy she was around him. Whenever the Champion would visit her parents, two of his closest friends in the world, she would hide in her room or make sure she was at a friend's house.

Another thing was, most obviously, the age difference. She would not be of "marrying age" until she turned eighteen. By that time, Michael would be in his early 30s and most likely no longer the immortal demigod she worshipped him as. The third and next obvious one was the same reason Addison's own mother had not gotten together with him: his wife. Julia Pines answered every single flaw the King had inside of himself. Whereas he was impulsive and reckless, she was calm and calculating. Where he was physically gifted, she was mentally efficient. And the two had been madly in love with each other since before Michael even knew Addison was born. The final and most pressing issue keeping her from her first crush was, ironically, the same thing that would inevitably keep Tommy from his.

"I used to have the biggest crush on the King. I could barely function in his presence. Something I inherited from my mother, I guess."

"But the King is married to Julia" Tommy replied, holding her hands.

"And I love Ryan" she pointed out. "Why do you think I'm even going to Paldea in the first place? To attend Uva Academy? No. To find White Island and bring him home." She frowned as she saw the boy's worldview crumble before him. "I'm sorry, Tommy. I do care about you. You're one of the people I hold closest to me. But my heart belongs to Ryan." She raised their hands up and showed Tommy that she still wore the 'promise' ring he had given her before his disastrous trip to Waypoint Island. Where he, in all but name only, asked her to marry him one day in the future.

"I...I figured as much..."

She winced. "Oh, don't do that. You're making me feel bad."

"I know I could help you if you gave me a chance..."

She sadly shook her head. "I wouldn't want to hurt you, Tommy. You mean too much to me. I've seen the fake kind of love some people show one another. And I wouldn't want to see you go through that." She took a deep breath and thought of an idea of how she truly could help him. "Tell you what. How about when we arrive in Paldea, I'll help you find someone else to care for."

"None of them would be you" he responded sadly.

"You never know what Paldea may have in store for you" she theorized. "I'll bet there's some girl there who's just dying to meet a boy like you. Someone brave, true and tough as nails. You just have to find her. And I'll help you."

"I doubt there's anyone out there for me..."

"Your sister thought Ryan was the one for her, but now she's happy with Jeremy. Matthew thought I was, but he's even happier now with Annette. Both my parents, the King, so many people out there had a crush they might have thought was the one, but then found their real 'one' after a few bumps in the road." She recalled a meeting with Countess Rosemary where she had seen an alternate timeline where Michael had never been branded and he and her mother got together. She further thought about the painful yet true lesson Rosemary had ensured she knew.

You cannot escape the designs of fate, no matter how much you may want to...

"So" she concluded, "you can't exactly say there isn't someone out there if you haven't been out there and looked, yet. Can you?"

Tommy looked back down in defeat. "I guess not."

"The most important thing is to figure out how we can help speed up this whole 'crush' thing." Addison began to think of ways to help the boy get over his crush on her. She considered calling Holly once they were in the air to get her to yell at her little brother, but she suspected her friend would only meddle in their situation. And without Ryan, she could not exactly do so for herself, especially since she was so vulnerable in her fear that she might find out the entire idea of White Island, or Isla Blanca as Julia's book had described it, might not even exist.

Tommy gave her a cheeky grin. "You could try kissing me. That might help."

She gave Tommy a side eye. "And how on earth do you think that will help?"

He shrugged. "For all I know, you could be a bad kisser."

"You've never even kissed a girl" she retorted sharply. "How could you know if someone is good at kissing or not?"

He snickered. "You haven't kissed someone since Ryan-"

She rolled her eyes, took Tommy's face in her hands and pulled him into the boy's first kiss. She did her best not to overindulge, pulling away from him after about five seconds. Once they had come apart, she saw Tommy's face shined the color of a ruby gemstone and he was stuttering with every single emotion exploding inside of him at once. She returned his cheeky look back to him. "You see? I was right. You're not prepared for the feminine wiles, least of all mine."

Tommy continued to be unable to talk, his speech sounding like a backfiring car.

With him unable to even give a proper response, Addison pressed on. "But I promise to help you find a girl while you're in Paldea. There's bound to be at least one who catches your eye. Especially when they see the real you." She suddenly realized the ramifications of her actions and turned to him. "Tommy, you cannot tell your sister about this."

This finally shook Tommy out of his stupor. "Huh? Why not?"

"Because I'd rather not have her swim her way to Paldea to kick my ass" she replied. She knew how protective of her little brother Holly could be. If she found out about this, it could do some damage to their friendship. Especially if Holly was in one of her infamous moods...

Tommy frowned. "So I can't tell anyone about this, either?"

"It would show your commitment to our friendship and how mature you're becoming" she delicately sugarcoated to the boy.

The boy thought for a moment. "Well, if you kiss me again, I might forget about the first one."

Addison giggled. "Not on your life, kid."

"How about a quick one?"

"No."

"On the cheek?"

"No."

"On the head?"

"No."

"Can I kiss you, then?"

She laughed. "Absolutely not."

"Can we at least hold hands? Come on, Addy. At least let me pretend I still have a shot with a beautiful girl."

Addison was so caught off guard by such a compliment, she felt her cheeks beginning to redden and she immediately suppressed her surprise. In the end, she relented. "Okay. We'll hold hands if you want." She held out her hand and it did not take longer than a second for Tommy's hand to close around hers. "How long did you want to stay like this?"

"How long til we get to Paldea?"

Addison closed her eyes and smiled. "Twenty-six hours, barring a few flight delays."

"Then that's how long I want to keep you."

"Keep me?!"

"You know what I mean" the boy replied. "To let me feel like I still have a shot. Until this magical dream girl you say exists shows up." She could tell he wanted to say more, but he was holding his tongue for the moment. He simply gave her hand a gentle squeeze and rested on his seat as the plane began to level out in the skies above Arcana.

"She does exist, Tommy" she assured him. "And we will find her for you. I promise. As long as you promise to let me meditate with Galatea."

He nodded. "This is all I need, Addy. Besides, now I can definitely say you and Holly are even with secrets."

Addison opened one eye to look at the boy. "What do you mean?"

Tommy gulped. "Well, let's just say you both have secrets they don't want the other to know about. And leave it at that." When she was about to protest and insist he spill his secret, Tommy flung his free hand up to her mouth to quiet her. "Shhhh. Isn't it time for you to meditate and stuff? Go on, Addy. Meditate yourself to sleep."

Addison plucked his hand off of her mouth. "For future reference, Tommy, girls don't like when you do that." She made to drop his hand back at his side, but he quickly grabbed her other hand and grasped it.

"Do they like that?" When he saw her about to protest, he interjected. "You never said I couldn't hold both of your hands."

She gave him a dry smile before closing her eyes. Tommy, you're either going to make a girl incredibly happy or have her kick you where the sun doesn't shine. The last thing she felt before sinking into her meditation was him playfully pull at her hands before resting their joined hands on their shared armrest.