Another note: I'm using Selene's USUM outfit in mind when writing but she can be wearing her outfit from SM if you prefer

"Selene dear, it's time to get up!"

Toriel opened the door slightly into Selene's bedroom. The smell of baking pie wafting into the room from the kitchen. Selene let out a tired groan as the smell hit her nose.

"Don't you know what today is? You were so excited last night that you didn't want to go to bed, now you don't want to get up." Toriel chuckled.

"Well when you decide to join us, I'll be in the kitchen."

With that, Toriel shut the door. Leaving Selene to do as she pleased.

- * a few moments later* -

Selene finally awoke to the sound of her alarm. The smell of pie still in the air, now a little stronger than it had been.

"Smells like mom's cooking pie again.... Must be a special occasion or something..." Selene grumbled, still half asleep as she glanced over to her calendar. Her soul nearly jumping out of her body in the process.

"Wait..... IT'S TODAY!?"

Doing a double take at the calendar on the wall, she shook her head.

"I don't want to be late."

Selene rushed to the closet and changed, frantically searching for her bag. Then she remembered

Mom has it. I'm in such a rush that I'm not thinking properly.

Satisfied with the way she looked, Selene exited her room and entered the kitchen.

—-

Toriel had just removed the pie from the oven when Selene entered the room.

"Look who finally decided to join us on this lovely Alolan mourning. I've just finished breakfast. Why don't you sit down at the table, my child?"

Selene nodded and took a seat at the table while Toriel sliced the pie. Joining her at the table seconds later with two slices of butterscotch-cinnamon pie and two glasses of orange juice.

"You're pie is the best mom."

Toriel stopped eating and blushed.

"Aww, that's so sweet of you Selene. Since today is the day you get your first pokemon I just had to make something special for this occasion. I just hope the little dear you choose also likes pie because I'm saving a slice just for them."

The two continued their breakfast when the doorbell rang.

"Selene dear, would you mind getting that for me?"

She nodded at Toriel. Getting up from her seat, Selene made her way to the door and opened it. In stepped Professor Kukui.

"Smells like someone been baking this mourning. Oh hey there Selene and Miss Toriel."

"Hello there Professor, and yes I made a pie this mourning." Toriel spoke up as she walked over to the two.

"Well do you mind sharing a piece. And just call me Kukui."

Toriel giggled.

"I was just about to ask you if you wanted some. Come and have a seat with us."

Kukui took the offer and joined the two at the table while Toriel went to get another slice. She returned with one on a plate an another wrapped up.

"And here's an extra one for Burnet." Toriel placed the wrapped slice into a small bag and handed it to the professor before returning to her seat.

"Woah this slice is huge!" He exclaimed in awe at the slice of pie while Toriel merely smiled.

"So where was I? Ah yes! You, still look like your half asleep this mourning, cuz."

Selene shrugged as she ate the rest of her pie.

"She's just a little tired this mourning, that's all. I was afraid my child forgot today was the day she starts her island challenge."

"Well speaking of. Hey Selene, let's get a move on to the next town over, cousin. It's time to meet the island kahuna and get yourself a pokemon."

Selene looked up from her plate and at Kukui.

"A Pokemon? That sounds great!"

"Yeah, the Kahuna is always willing to give a kid a pokemon if they want to start an adventure. But don't try taking on the Kahuna yourself! They're crazy strong pokemon trainers."

"Well then Selene, before you two go. I left your bag in the garage, don't worry I packed it with all what you'll need. And I would advise you wash up a bit while your at it."

"Yes mom." Selene left the table, leaving behind an empty glass and plate that Toriel picked up.

- - -

She emerged donning the hat and bag that Toriel had picked out for her. Earning a smile from the two adults in the room.

"That's a stylin hat there, cuz!"

Selene blushed.

"Thanks, mom picked it out for me."

"Oh you're making this old women's heart melt." Tori waved her hand before clearing her throat. Her tone turning more serious.

"Your father.... wanted to send you a little gift to commemorate your journey..... But it didn't arrive in the mail on time..." She spoke with a hint of disgust in her tone before switching to her usual. "But anyways, I can't wait to meet the pokemon you choose."

Collecting the dishes, Toriel went back into the kitchen. The professor turned to Selene.

"Your mom there..... she seems excited for you getting your first pokemon, yeah? So let's get going to Iki town. Time to get yourself a real nice pokemon from the Kahuna, oh yeah!"

Kukui exited the house, waiting for Selene outside, who followed soon after.

—-

Selene stepped out into the fresh mourning Alolan air and took in a deep breath.

"Well cuz, I know you've lived in Alola all your life but still.... Welcome to paradise!"

She had lived in Alola for as long as she could remember yet it felt like she had just stepped out into a strange new world. Toriel never really left Melemele island much, only occasionally to run errands or go shopping. Selene stayed home for the most part meaning this would be a new experience for her.

"Well I am going up ahead. Just meet me on Route 1 when you are ready, cousin." Kukui's distant voice caught her attention as she followed after him.

The trek up Route 1 wasn't an issue. On the way she talked to a few trainers who gave her some advice until she came across a large patch of grass.

"Mom said to be careful. Most pokemon are friendly but there are some that may attack you."

Carefully, she slowly stepped into the grass and tiptoed as to not catch the attention of wild Pokémon. A few Pikipeck watched her from the tree in interest, same for some Rattata who where awoken by the rustling.

"See nothing to worry about." She told herself when something laid it's eyes upon the girl now entering its territory.

Yun!

Selene stopped when she noticed the rustling grass.

"Eep!" Making a dash for it as a Yungoos chased her.

She stopped once she was next to the fence line as the Yungoos inched ever so closer. There she stood her ground, hoping the Pokémon would loose interest in her.

It merely growled again, causing her to finch, when the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention.

"Someone help!" Selene called out in hopes of someone or something to chase off this monster.

Hooo!

Mraaaarrr!

Bwark! Bwark!

Three pokemon had just showed up out of nowhere and were now standing between her and the immediate threat with their attention trained on the Yungoos. Cocking it's head, it let out a hiss before deciding to flee. The three others let out a cry of glee in unison.

Selene still stood there shocked as the three strange Pokémon turned to face her. At first she was hesitant, but as they showed no signs of aggression she crouched down to their level.

"Did you guys come to save me?" She asked the three, being responded back by nod.

"Well thank you then."

The pokemon jumped with joy at the compliment causing a smile to grow across Selene's face. Footsteps and the voice of the Professor getting their attention.

"There you are. I thought you got lost or something."

She rubbed the back of her head.

"I got attacked by a wild Yungoos while I was walking but then these three came and drove it away." Selene gestured to the pokemon.

Kukui smiled "You should be a little more careful next time. Honestly, I didn't expect for them to come rushing to your aide like that. They must have heard your cry for help."

The pokemon nodded as Kukui continued.

"Since we were supposed to be heading for Iki Town so you could pick your starter but that looks like it won't be the case now."

"Why is that?" Selene was puzzled.

"Because the starters were the ones who came to your rescue. Here, let me introduce you to your rescuers."

—-

Pointing at the bird pokemon he spoke.

"This is the Grass-type pokemon Rowlet."

Rowlet proceeded to do a little spin that made Selene giggle.

"And the Fire type Pokemon Litten."

Litten meowed in response and did a little jump.

"And finally the Water Type pokemon Popplio."

The seal pokemon clapped its back fins together and barked.

"So who are you going to pick, cousin?"

Selene pondered. They were all equally cute but she could only choose one of them. Rowlet and Litten stood confidently while Popplio looked down in gloom, knowing too well it wouldn't get chosen.

"I'll go with Popplio!"

The pokemon's head shot up in glee. She was finally getting a trainer after all this time of not getting chosen.

It ran up to her and Selene lifted Popplio into the air as they both smiled at each other.

"So cuz, want to give that Popplio of yours a name?"

She nodded.

"I like the name Pearl. How does that sound Popplio, I mean Pearl?"

Pearl let out a delighted bark.

"I guess that's a yes with her too." Kukui smirked as he walked up to the newfound Pokémon trainer.

"Here's her a pokeball. It should be nice and cozy for when you guys are traveling." He said as he placed the empty pokeball into Selene's hand. Turning to Pearl, she pressed her forehead gently on the button. Pearl went into it with a flash of light where the ball shook in Selene's hand a few times before click!

"Well now it's time to resume our trek Iki Town so you can meet the Island Kahuna! Now that you have Pearl, it should be an easy trip. Catch you up ahead."

—-

Kukui was right. Selene only ran into a few wild pokemon but Pearl proved to be strong enough to handle them, even learning a new move in the process. Finally the reached the outskirts of Iki Town where a boy just about her age came running down the steps.

He ran up to and greeted her with a big smile.

"Hey hey. Which Pokémon are you gonna choose as your partner? Have you decided on that?"

Pearl barked from Selene's side catching the boy's attention.

"Woah your Popplio is cool! Hey wait..... did you already choose your Pokémon?"

Selene chuckled "I got into a bit of a.... "situation" back on route 1...."

The boy only smiled.

"Well anyways my name's Hau! What about you?"

"My name is Selene and this Popplio here is Pearl."

The two shook hands when Hau gasped.

"Wait! You're the goat lady's kid, are you?" Selene nodded.

"I knew it." Hau grinned "Her pie is the best! She's pretty well known for her pies here on Melemele island. Me and gramps get one every Christmas from her."

"Tori made me some this mourning for breakfast to commemorate me starting my Island Challenge."

"Sweet! Please tell me you still have some left over?" He looked at Selene with hopeful eyes.

Selene giggled as Kukui and the other two starters walked up to her and Hau.

"Sorry about that Hau, we had a bit of an accident on the way over."

"Selene told me. Hey Professor, did you know Selene's mom is Ms. Toriel?"

Kukui nodded.

"I'm well aware of that, she gave me a slice of pie this mourning. Anyways, Hau you can choose from between these two right here. Litten and Rowlet stepped forward towards Hau.

For a moment he decided, until Hau pointed towards Litten with a grin on his face.

"Litten! My partner will be Litten!"

Litten meowed happily as Hau waved.

"Alola, friend! You're going to be the one I have an adventure with!" Hau bent down with the grin still plastered on his face "We're gonna do so much fun stuff together! Just wait and see!"

Litten ran over to Hau as he got up and faced the professor.

"You take care of Rowlet then, Professor!"

Kukui gave a thumbs up "You better believe I will, Hau! Now we should all get doing to meet the Kuhuna...."

"Wait!" Hau interrupted, making Selene, Pearl, and Kukui freeze in their tracks.

"Selene, I have a favor to ask! I want you to be me and Litten's opponent in a battle. Is that ok with you?"

Selene nodded "Sure Hau!"

"Alright! Selene, I challenge you to a Pokemon Battle!"

—-

"Go Pearl!" Selene shouted as Pearl entered the battlefield.

"Use water gun!"

"Litten dodge!" Hau commanded as his partner gracefully dodged Pearl incoming blast of water.

"Now use ember!"

"Pearl! Counter with Disarming Voice!"

The Popplio let out a Disarming bellow, stunning Litten.

"Now finish with Pound!"

As Litten recovered from the attack, Pearl struck it with strong slap. Winning the battle for Selene.

"Litten return!" Hau called the fainted fire cat back to it's pokeball.

"Good job Pearl!"

Selene and Pearl gave each other a high five at their first trainer victory.

—-

"Woah Selene you're tough! The way you and Pearl battled, like you were in sync with one another."

"Thanks. Sorry about Litten....."

"It's fine. A loss is a loss. It just means we need to get stronger if me and Litten want to beat you."

Kukui walked up to Hau and Selene.

"Right on Selene! Both you and Hau brought out the best in your partners and pulled off some spectacular moves. Come on, Iki Town is right up those stairs."

Hau made a run for it.

"Hau wait up." Selene called from behind.

- I K I T O W N - -

The three arrived in Iki town after climbing up the stairs.

"And here we are! This right here is Iki Town!"

Selene glanced around at all the houses and over to a small platform in the center of town.

"This is where folks come to worship the Pokemon that watches over Melemele Island. It's name is Tapu Koko and it keeps the island and it's residents all safe and happy."

Kukui glanced around for the Kahuna.

"Seems like he's not around. I guess there must be trouble that needs some fixing, yeah?

"Yeah, the kahuna wandered off without a word to anybody, whistling a ditty or something." Hau turned to Selene jumping with delight.

"I'm going to stop by home and some mom Litten! See ya Selene and Pearl.

With that, Hau sped home and Kukui turned to Selene.

"Hey, I've got an idea for you Selene. If you head through the village and to the hill you can visit the ruins that belong to Tapu Koko. That's our guardian deity. If you're lucky, you may even get a glimpse of it. I'll be right here waiting for the Kahuna to get back."

Selene nodded and turned to Pearl.

"Let's go check out the Ruins. Sound good Pearl?"

Bwark!

"Then let's go!"

The two dashed towards the town's north exit.

- Mahalo Trail -

They reached Mahalo Trail where a few Froggits sat next to Loox, their pokemon next to them. Selene decided to talk to them.

"Going to pay respects to Tapu Koko, ribbit, ribbit? Just remember there are wild Pokémon up ahead, ribbit."

"There was a girl who passed through here a while ago. She was quite the odd human, talking to a bag. Who does that?" Loox scoffed.

Selene just shrugged it off and kept walking.

Up ahead was a girl, over her shoulder was a large duffle bag. The bag started shaking, making her stop and pat the bag.

"I know! I know! I'll take you to the ruins. So, please stay in the bag. We could get into trouble if anyone sees you."

—-

Lillie found herself being dragged by her bag towards the ruins. In an attempt to stop it, she gripped the bag only for it's occupant to spring out.

Nebby flew out, glad to be out of the bag when it was spotted by a group of Spearow. They attacked, leaving a scared Cosmong cowering on the bridge as Selene approached the girl.

"Seems like someone else is here like those monsters said." She said to herself when Pearl barked.

"You think something's bothering her?"

Pearl nodded.

"Let's ask her."

Selene approached the girl and tapped her on the shoulder, giving them both a spook.

"Ah..."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you. Pearl here noticed that something was wro...."

"Help... Save Nebby!" She only said, turning to where a flock of Spearow were harassing a gaseous Pokémon that Selene concluded was Nebby.

Pe-e-ew!!

It cried in terror.

"Pearl stay here. I'll handle this myself." Selene hurried to the bridge.

"W-Wait!" The girl screamed as Selene struggled across the bridge with Spearow pecking at her till she reached Nebby. Using her body as a shield, she defended the thing from the onslaught of Spearow. Nebby began to glow and soon a in a large burst of light, Selene found herself falling off of the bridge, Nebby in hand.

This was something Toriel was afraid would happen to Selene. She'd always been so overprotective of her and would constantly remind her of how dangerous the outside world was. Kinda a weird thing to be thinking of when you're plummeting into a river.

Selene closed her eyes, awaiting the enviable. Only to be lifted to safety mere inches from the water.

"What?"

Opening her eyes, Selene noticed that she was being carried by a yellow and orange pokemon with oddly shaped hands, kinda like a shell or something. Soon enough she was placed onto the ground next the the girl.

The pokemon landed a few feet away, making eye contact before flying off.

"Mom won't be too happy if she finds out about this...."

Getting up, Selene released Nebby as a worried Pearl jumped into her arms.

Pew!

"Oh, thank goodness you two are ok.

You tried using your power again?

Oh Nebby....

You remember what happened last time you did that? You couldn't move for ages after that.

I don't want to see you like that ever again!"

The girl looked sad for a moment before continuing.

"No... I shouldn't say that.

I'm sorry, Nebby...

I know you were trying to save me that time...

And I couldn't help in return....."

She turned back to Selene.

"Please forgive me for putting you through that....I'm so grateful for you helping us out of that dangerous spot."

Pearl barked, Selene smiled.

"Just trying to help. Though mom will fuss over the scrapes...." She mumbled the last part, lucky no one heard it safe for Pearl.

Nebby on the other hand was distracted by a shiny rock on the ground. Picking it up, it brought it to the girl.

Pew pew!

"What is it Nebby?"

It handed her the stone.

"A sparkling stone? It feels warm somehow...."

"Excuse my rudeness, I'm.... Lillie..."

And I suppose.... this stone must belong to you."

Selene looked confused as Lillie gave her the rock. Well, it wasn't best to argue. The stone was quite odd looking, something was carved into it and it was warm as Lillie had described.

"Thanks Lille, my names Selene and this is Pearl."

"Well Selene please....

Can you promise me that you won't tell anyone about Nebby?"

She nodded and so did Pearl.

"Thank you....

Now Nebby, please get into the bag...."

Pew....

The Cosmog listened, returning to the bag that it belonged in. Lille was about to leave when she stopped

"Um Selene....

I'm worried we may get attacked again by pokemon or..... s-something else....

Do you think you could see us back to town?"

"Sure Lille, Pearl and I would be glad too."

The two girls went back down Mahalo Trail back towards Iki Town while something watched them.

—-

The creature peered at the two humans from under its mask. It's eyes trained on the girl with the Popplio.

It had been interested in the girl ever since it had been living under her house. Her caretaker reminded it so much of the kind old gardener who had found it after it had escaped that.... prison.....

The one who had nursed it back to full health and offered it a place to stay.

They looked nearly identical, save for smaller horns and lack of blonde hair.

And how this girl had risked her own life to save a small and weak Pokémon of a complete stranger.