Natalie's POV

Upon returning from the beach, Yushuv, Dylan, Maya, Nolan, Anna, Elias, Alyssa, Isabelle, Derek, Evan, Brianna, Ethan, Moana, Adrien and Mallory went to contact their families and invite them to the Tapu Lele Festival. Lydia and Lyric went down to their parents' hotel room to talk to them while Melody, Eric, Meghan, Lunick, Rebecca and Kaelynne went home to talk to their families.

I had texted Mother, asking if she'd like to come. She said yes, and that she'd get a hold of Father and ask him too.

At the minute, I was hanging out with Cousin Lorelei in Room 63.

"So, Big Cuz, did you tell the rest of Kanto's Elite Four that you were going to Alola and why?"

"I kinda subtly told Bruno. I didn't want to say anything to Lance, and I would never hear the end from Agatha about it."

"Well Lance has a cousin himself from what I've heard. I'm sure he knows the importance of family."

"Oh!" Cousin Lorelei perked up, remembering something. "Do you remember that show we watched when you were little?"

I gasped. "Annoying Orange!"

"I've kept this secret from the rest of the Elite Four, and I ask that you keep it from your friends, unless they're into it themselves, but I still love Annoying Orange. I only watch it with you, though."

"I'll keep it, Big Cuz."

"Unless they're interested in the show themselves."

I nodded. "Right. Hey, you remember Midget Apple's catchphrase?"

"'It's Little Apple!'"

I burst into a fit of hysterical laughter at my cousin's impression of Midget Apple.

I perked up, getting an idea. "Big Cuz, why don't we watch that video where Orange dumps 10 million Skittles on Pear's head?"

"Good one, Natalie!"

When we finished with the video, we re-entered the living room area to find that Kiawe was back... And he was making out with Lydia.

"That's disgusting." Dylan rolled his eyes. "Why don't you go and swap spit somewhere else?"

"Oh, sod off." Lydia sassed her friend. "Besides, Kiawe isn't staying here for very long. He's going to take Moana down to the ballroom to rehearse her dance for the Tapu Lele Festival."

"So what did you guys do at school today?" I asked Kiawe.

"Acerola has been assigned the duty of taking care of a Pokémon egg. Ash and Mallow are trying to help her get over her fear of touching Pokémon other than her own."

Cousin Lorelei was concerned at Kiawe's words. "She's scared to even touch the egg? Poor girl."

Kiawe sighed. "It's been going on for a while, and I don't know what it will take for Acerola to get over her fear."

"A little suggestion: give her some time and reassurance. I'm sure she'll come around in the end."

Kiawe smiled. "Great idea, Lorelei."

"Moana!" Tessa called. "Kiawe's waiting for you!"

The door to room 60 opened, and Moana stepped out, Tapu Lele floating beside her.

"Ready whenever you are, Kiawe!"

Tessa held the door open for Kiawe and Moana, and the two left to head down to the ballroom.

"Hey, Tessa, can Big Cuz and I spend the morning together? I mean, I'm talking about walking around Konikoni."

Tessa smiled and nodded. "Of course, Natalie. Family is very important. Just remember to come back for lunch, or earlier if I text you."

I nodded back. "Will do, Tessa!"

Lyric's POV

Tonight is Grandma's funeral. She's going to be buried in the cemetery near Konikoni City.

I was feeling just as numb as I felt the night I found out she had died.

When everyone who left to contact their families returned, Tessa called us into the living room of SL1324 for the Squad meeting and asked Lydia and I to stand up front with her.

"Tonight, everyone, we will be attending the funeral of Lydia and Lyric's grandmother. I am expecting all of you to dress in black."

"Right!" Everyone said.

The group dispersed to do their own things, and I sulked by the window.

From where I was standing, I could hear Anna talking on the phone with her mother.

"Mom, I know I've said this already, but thank you so much for coming back for me..."

Tessa's POV

"Tessa, I got a text back from my cousin Steven!" Evan called.

"What did he say?"

"He said he'll gladly do the Jitterbug!"

I beamed. "Awesome! I'll let Olivia know right away!"

Natalie's POV

"So, Big Cuz," I asked my cousin when we left the hotel. "What's your preferred battle style? Mine is to go nice, calm and sweet like the water when I'm hanging out with my friends, but once I'm dragged into a battle, to become hard and cold like steel, or ice if you will."

"Wow!" Cousin Lorelei's face lit up. "Same here! You know, Natalie, I'm quite positive we have much more in common than we thought."

"You know, since we're heading to Konikoni, how would you like for me to introduce you to Olivia? That is, officially."

"That would be great! As a matter of fact, perhaps she could give us more details on what our ice skating number will entail."

It didn't take us long to reach Konikoni, and Cousin Lorelei was stunned at the sights and smells.

"There's hardly any of this stuff back in Kanto!"

I laughed. "You can say that again, Big Cuz."

We came across some hula dancers and their Oricorio. I noticed Cousin Lorelei trying to imitate them, and I smiled. Seems like Cousin Lorelei is reawakening her inner teenager.

"Come join us!" One of the dancers called out to my cousin. She squealed and ran over to join them.

Half a minute later, the music stopped and onlookers applauded, including myself.

"Well, Big Cuz, now you have something to talk to Bruno, Agatha and Lance about when you return to Kanto."

Cousin Lorelei playfully punched my shoulder, and we laughed together as we walked to Olivia's house.

"Ah, Natalie, how wonderful to see you!"

"Olivia, I would like to officially introduce you to my cousin Lorelei."

"Oh, I remember her! She's one of Kanto's Elite Four! So nice to finally meet you." Olivia shook hands with my cousin. "Come in, ladies."

We went up to Olivia's bedroom and sat on her bed. There were two other beds, but I didn't question her about them.

"So, we would like to know all the details regarding mine and Natalie's ice skating duet. That way we can start practicing as soon as possible."

"Ok." Olivia smiled sweetly. "Firstly, this will open the Festival. Secondly, have you heard of a composer named Antonin Dvorak? He lived very long ago. Have either of you heard his New World Symphony?"

As she hummed the melody, Cousin Lorelei's eyes widened, meaning she recognized it.

"I've heard that melody before!"

"That'll be your skating music!"

"Ok, then!" Cousin Lorelei got up. "I heard there's an ice rink in Heahea City. When should we start practicing?"

"As soon as possible." Olivia replied.

"Gotcha." I winked. "We'll start as soon as Tessa gives the ok." I got up and left the room with my cousin.

"See you tonight!" Olivia called.

"You too!" We called back.

When we got back to the hotel, Cousin Lorelei and I hung out in Room 63 some more. I noticed that she was looking at a picture of herself as a teenager.

"I must say, you looked pretty cute as a teenager."

"Heh, thanks, Natalie."

"Big Cuz, who is that blonde girl?" I pointed to the girl in the picture next to Cousin Lorelei. She had bleach blonde hair, pale skin and bright green eyes.

"My best friend, Emilie. We met in the Johto region when I was being mentored by Pryce, the Gym Leader of Mahogany Town. I was Maid of Honor at her wedding. She disappeared a year after, and no one's heard from her since." Cousin Lorelei sighed. "She could have at least told me."

"Do you think she abandoned you?"

"I'm not really sure. Part of me is saying that Emilie did abandon me, but another part of me is saying that she didn't. All I can say is that I miss her very much."

I paused for a few seconds. "Do you think she's dead?"

"Uh-uh. I'm sure she's alive. I wish I knew where she was, though..."

"You're not mad at Emilie, are you?"

Cousin Lorelei sighed. "I don't know how to answer that. There's yet another part of me that thinks something terrible has happened to her."

"I don't know what to say..."

"I can't help but worry. What if she's been taken prisoner by a gang like Team Rocket?"

I put my hand over my cousin's. "Hey, let's think positive. I'm sure Emilie is alive and well."

Lydia's POV

The sun had set, and we were all dressed in black clothing. Rows of chairs were organized, and I stood beside my grandmother's casket with my parents, brother and Kiawe.

"We gather here tonight to mourn the passing of Edith Johnson." Olivia announced, standing at a podium. "She was a brilliant woman." The Kahuna smiled sadly. "She left behind a son, Scott, a daughter-in-law, Melissa, and two grandchildren, Lyric and Lydia. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends." Olivia then gestured for Dad to stand at the podium.

"My mother was the best mother I could have ever asked for. She had her own special way of helping me to sleep when I was a child, she was there for me when my father passed away, she saw me off on my Pokémon journey, she cried at mine and Melissa's wedding, she cried when we told her Melissa was pregnant, and she got to hold Lydia and Lyric when they were born. I just feel so lost without my mother. Wherever in Heaven you are, Mom, I hope you and Dad are together again and that you're smiling down upon us tonight."

Dad stepped from the podium and took his seat as everyone applauded. I saw Yumi reach into her pocket and blow her nose into a tissue. Up next at the podium was Mom.

"I was orphaned at the age of 11, so I had nearly forgotten what it was like to have a mother figure in my life. When Scott and I started dating, it was around the time his father died. I met Edith at Scott's father's funeral, and she instantly took a liking to me. She helped me choose my wedding dress, and that's one memory I'll always cherish. The day I found out I was pregnant with Lydia and Lyric, Scott and I came up with a pregnancy announcement so cute, Edith was literally a blubbering mess on the floor. I'll never ever forget my dearest mother-in-law."

There was more applause as Mom sat down next to Dad. I stepped up to the podium and gazed out at my friends, my parents' friends and Grandma's friends. I wiped the tears from my eyes as I spoke.

"This Z-Ring I'm wearing..." I held up my arm that had my Z-Ring on it. "It was my grandmother's. She adored Ice-type Pokémon, and encouraged me and Lyric to be friends to all living things. I had to face Olivia in a Grand Trial battle when I was 14 to inherit Grandma's Z-Ring. I won the battle, and now the ring is mine. As Mom and Dad stated earlier, Grandma got to hold me and Lyric when we were born, and she was able to watch us grow up into teenagers. My boyfriend, Kiawe," I gestured to Kiawe. "Only got to meet her briefly when she was on her deathbed. It saddens me that she won't be there to see us get married if he proposes in the future, but I find comfort in the fact that if Kiawe and I do get married, she will be there in spirit."

Lyric stepped up beside me. "A childhood memory that I will always cherish is when Lydia and I were young children. Grandma would take us to the Ice Path outside Blackthorn City and ice skate with us. It was there that she encouraged us to become Ice-type Trainers. I miss you so much, Grandma, and I will always love you."

As Lyric and I stepped down from the podium, everyone seated applauded once more. I approached the open casket and held my deceased grandmother's hand in my own before tenderly kissing it and letting go. The cemetery workers closed the coffin and lowered it into the ground, covering up the hole.

A sobbing Olivia blew her nose before stepping up to the podium again. "We'd now like for Melody Pinesis to come up and perform a song in Edith's memory."

She then made way for Melody, who stepped up to sing.

(Melody)

"Skies are crying, I am watching

Catching teardrops in my hands

Only silence, as it's ending

Like we never had a chance

Do you have to make me feel like

There's nothing left of me?

You can take everything I have

You can break everything I am

Like I'm made of glass

Like I'm made of paper

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground

Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper."

I smiled sadly. Melody was singing the song as a representation of mine and Lyric's happiness being overcome by despair, but also the fact that our joy will eventually come back.

(Melody)

"As the smoke clears, I awaken

And untangle you from me

Would it make you feel better

To watch me while I bleed?

All my windows still are broken

But I'm standing on my feet

You can take everything I have

You can break everything I am

Like I'm made of glass

Like I'm made of paper

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Go run, run, run

I'm gonna stay right here,

Watch you disappear

Yeah-oh, go run, run, run

Yeah, it's a long way down

But I am closer to the clouds up here.

You can take everything I have

You can break everything I am

Like I'm made of glass

Like I'm made of paper

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper."

The music stopped, Melody curtseyed, and there was huge applause. I ran to hug my friend, and Melody patted my back comfortingly.

I then went to hug my parents before bringing Kiawe over.

"Mom, Dad, I know that we just got through with a funeral, but I wanted to introduce you to Kiawe, my boyfriend."

Kiawe shook hands with my father, and Mom wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Our Lydia has told us all about you. Scott and I can tell you are madly in love with our daughter. I know all too well that you'll treat her right."

"Young lady," Dad narrowed his eyes at me. "Whatever you and Kiawe do, refrain from doing anything stupid until you guys are married, you understand?"

I blushed furiously and groaned, knowing exactly what my father was talking about.

"Dad, we already know that! The farthest we've gotten is making out and sharing a bed. Geez Louise..."

When we returned to the hotel, Lyric and I were given comforting hugs by our friends, all but Seth.

"Seth, come on." Tessa chided. "Their grandmother was just buried."

Seth rolled his eyes. "Fine." He reluctantly hugged me and Lyric before Tessa called for bedtime.

I entered Room 1 and shut the door, climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling a bit before crying myself to sleep.

Anna's POV

As I pulled the covers over myself, Manaphy laid down next to me.

"Something on your mind, Anna?" Manaphy asked.

"I feel Lyric and Lydia's pain. My grandparents on both sides of my family died before I was born, and Cubchoo Disease took my biological father around the same time, so I haven't really experienced a personal loss. I still feel sad for Lydia and Lyric, though."

"All you can do is be a good friend and support them." Manaphy pulled the covers back a bit so he could snuggle into my arms.

"You're right, Manaphy. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Anna."

With that, I drifted off to sleep holding my Legendary Partner close.

Lydia's POV

I awoke the next morning to find myself wrapped in the circle of Kiawe's strong arms. I sighed in contentment, snuggling into his embrace. He must have joined me in bed while I was asleep.

Grandma's funeral had really taken a toll on both me and Lyric. Melody's song didn't help either.

I'm just thankful that Kiawe is here for me. Oh, Arceus, how much I love him...

"Morning, babe." Kiawe pressed a gentle kiss to my neck.

"Hey..." I murmured. "I miss Grandma so much."

"Lydia..." Kiawe turned me to face him so he could peck my lips. "When my grandfather passed away, Mimo and I were just as devastated as you and Lyric are now. I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Kiawe."

Before my boyfriend could speak again, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" I called.

The door opened, and Tessa entered.

"Good morning, Lydia. How are you feeling?"

I sighed. "Still sad. Thankfully Kiawe is always here for me."

Tessa smiled sadly. "I'm so glad you have an understanding boyfriend. Do you guys want to stay in bed today?"

"Nah," I climbed out of bed with Kiawe. "Lyric and I will bounce back."

Natalie's POV

"Well, I'll be, Natalie!" Cousin Lorelei beamed as she watched the video of me performing my song. "You really nailed it!"

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "Heh, until then, I had no idea I had it in me."

When the video ended, everyone clapped and Cousin Lorelei kissed me on both cheeks.

"I love you, Natalie. I really do."

"Love you too, Big Cuz."

"So what do you want to do, Nat?"

I laughed excitedly. I had the perfect idea!

"Whatcha laughing about, Natalie?"

"Come with me." I pulled Cousin Lorelei into a corner where we could talk with no one hearing us.

"I have the best idea ever!" I then whispered my idea into my cousin's ear.

"Are you suggesting we pull a TNT prank?"

I smirked, nodding. "We're going to need Oliver and Hoopa for this. They love pranks."

Cousin Lorelei snickered. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

I then approached Oliver and tapped his shoulder.

"Huh?" He asked, turning to face me.

"Come with us." I whispered into his ear.

We took Oliver into Room 63 and shut the door.

"We need yours and Hoopa's help, Oliver. We're going to pull a prank on Tessa, and it involves fake TNT."

After I explained how I wanted the prank to go, Oliver smirked. "A prank? Count me in!" He then sent out Hoopa.

"Hoopa, can you please use your rings to summon a stick of fake TNT?"

Hoopa cackled mischievously. "Fake TNT? Will do! Alléhooparing!"

A stick of fake TNT dropped down from Hoopa's ring and into my hand. I checked it and was impressed.

"I got this idea from an Annoying Orange video where Orange pranks Pear with a stick of TNT that explodes confetti instead of blowing up the place." I explained. "This stick works the same way."

"So what's the plan?" Oliver asked.

"Basically," I instructed. "Hoopa is going to pretend she needs my help with something and will tell Tessa to come in here and ask me to help. I'm sure you guys know what's going to happen from there. Ready? Go, Hoopa!"

Hoopa started the counterfeit fuse and flew out to talk to Tessa while I pretended to converse with Oliver and Cousin Lorelei.

"Hey, Natalie," Tessa said as she entered the room. "Hoopa wanted me to tell you she needs your help with-" She stopped when she saw the stick of fake TNT. "Natalie, you and Lorelei did not just set up a stick of TNT in here!"

I smiled Mareepishly. "Did I do that? Or was it someone else?"

"Natalie, you realize that if this thing explodes, it could..."

The fake TNT exploded, and out burst a cloud of confetti.

"Oh."

"Haha, pranked you. It's fake dynamite."

Tessa rolled her eyes. "Very funny, Natalie. Very funny. Clean up that confetti."

"Hoopa's got this!" Hoopa used her Psychic move to put the confetti on the floor into the nearby trash can.

"Hey, Tessa!" I heard Birhan's voice from the living room area. "Can I talk to you and Anderson in private?"

"I'll be there in a moment!" Tessa called as she ran out to join the rest of the group.

I followed Tessa out into the living room area and saw her talking to Kiawe, who was sitting on the palm tree patterned couch with Lydia in his arms.

"Tessa, I got a text from Olivia. She's coming by later on this afternoon to give us more information on the Tapu Lele Festival."

Tessa nodded. "Thank you, Kiawe."

"Miss Lorelei," Lydia called to my cousin, who I realized was now standing behind me. "We teenagers have done plenty of risky things. I mean, that's what you get when you're chosen to save the world from destruction."

"Wait, what?!"

Lydia smirked. "I'm not kidding, Miss Lorelei. We've been on some wacky adventures that nearly got some of us hurt. Like I said, it happens when you're chosen to save the world. As a matter of fact, Natalie almost went on the mission to Ravens Fair."

"And, if she went, could've gotten her tongue ripped out had the mission failed?! Oh for Arceus' sake! Natalie, come with me!"

Cousin Lorelei grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into Room 63, shutting the door and locking it. She and I sat down on the bed together.

"Nat, I think it was a good thing you stayed behind and didn't go with Tessa, Jerco and Rose. I would never forgive myself if you got seriously injured, or worse, killed."

"Big Cuz, I have my friends to back me up in these situations."

"Natalie, I insist you tell me what's been happening on your end over the times we've been separated."

"Well..." I sweatdropped. "That's a lot to remember, and a bit too much. How about all that's happened since Necrozma became part of my team?"

Cousin Lorelei smiled at me, calm as the water. "That'll suffice."

"Ok." I took a deep breath before explaining. "Anyway, after I caught Necrozma, he led me to the Sycamore Pokémon Lab. That's where Tessa lives with her parents, and where her father does his research. I wasn't the first to become part of the Legendary Heroes Squad, but certainly not the last either."

Cousin Lorelei nodded. "I see."

"The following day, we boarded a private jet and flew here to Alola."

"How was the flight?"

"Oh, very pleasant. There was no turbulence whatsoever. The big Legendaries like Lugia and Solgaleo had to stay in their Pokéballs. The smaller ones like the Tapus, Diancie and Hoopa were allowed to be out of their Pokéballs. Some of us got bored, so Tapu Bulu lead us all in a song."

"That was nice. A song to pass the time and make you guys less bored, huh?"

"From the moment we boarded the private jet, Lydia had been acting weird. The private jet landed at the Melemele Airport, and we took a ferry to Akala. When we met Kiawe, we finally figured out why Lydia had been acting so weird. She and Kiawe had been having dreams about each other, and they fell in love at first sight."

"Awww..." Cousin Lorelei cooed, putting a hand over her heart.

"On the night Kiawe and Lydia got together, Lydia's grandmother passed away. The day after, we rescued a group of Minior from Team Skull, who were wreaking havoc on Ula'ula. That night, I performed my song at the hotel restaurant, and Marie stopped a few Team Skull Grunts from harassing Lillie. Blake came out as gay, which was very brave of her, but who cares? It's ok to be different! We stopped Team Skull from wreaking more havoc on Akala, found out that Brianna met Ash before he challenged her father for the Brave Symbol, and then came the whole Mary Shaw thing. After that, Lillie learned how her father died, Adrien and Tapu Bulu pulled a flour and bucket prank, and then you arrived."

"Wow..." Cousin Lorelei was stunned. "That's quite the story."

I nodded. "Sure is. It's a shame you weren't actually there to see me perform, but at least one of the Squad members got a video."

Cousin Lorelei wrapped me in a hug, and I hugged her right back.

Emilie's POV

"Mommy, it's pretty!"

I had taken my flippy four-year-old daughter Audrey to the Heahea City clothing store, and I had shown her this sparkly purple dress that went slightly below her knees. She had instantly taken a liking to the dress.

As for my husband... We'll get to him later.

"Is that the dress you were talking about?"

"Yeah!"

I instantly got an idea for my next fashion design. Last year's trend was lace. This year, it's glitter.

"I'm sure you want it, right?"

"Yes, Mommy! Please...?"

I sighed. "All right, Audrey. Since you asked so nicely, I'll get it for you."

"Yay!"

I paid for the dress, and Audrey went into the dressing room to change into it. She came out and did a twirl.

"What do you think, Mommy?"

"It's beautiful on you. If only your father was here to see you in it."

"Mommy, when are we going home? I wanna meet Daddy."

"Soon, darling sunshine." I replied.

When we left the clothing store, Audrey stopped to sniff the flowers, and I closed my eyes, taking in the scent of the Alolan ocean.

"Madam!"

I opened my eyes to see a girl with purple hair running in our direction.

"Madam, have you seen a shiny Mimikyu? It's mine. I don't know where Mimikins went off to!"

"Calm down, miss. You said you lost your Mimikyu?" I put a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Yes. She's an actual ghost, though." The girl replied. "I'm Acerola by the way."

"I'm Emilie. I may not be able to help you, but my daughter certainly can. Audrey!"

Upon hearing her name called, Audrey skipped over to where we stood.

"Did you know that my little girl is clairvoyant?"

Acerola's jaw dropped. "Really?!"

I smiled. "Uh huh. This time, however, Audrey will learn to see with her mind whatever she's looking for." I turned to face my daughter. "And you need to at least have an idea of what you are looking for, darling sunshine."

Audrey sulked. "Mommy, I've never actually done... that before! Those visions just randomly got to me!"

I sighed and held up my index and middle finger. "Sweetie, how many fingers am I holding up?"

"Two!"

"Wonderful." I firmly pressed my two fingers to my forehead. "Now put them to your forehead, just like I'm doing."

Audrey copied me.

"Now close your eyes, Princess. Concentrate." I instructed her.

"Ok, then. Here goes nothing..."

After Audrey said that, she closed her eyes in concentration.

Looking around, I saw Acerola with her hands folded in prayer, and onlookers slowly stopped to watch in amazement.

I held my breath. Could she do it?

Tessa's POV

"The William Tell Overture? I love that!"

Olivia had stopped by, as Kiawe had said she would, to talk to us more about the Tapu Lele Festival and what performances we would participate in.

"It's a three-part dance. It'll be the grand finale. Part 1 is the adágio: Call to the Miltank. Dancers will wear blue, and there will be 6 of them. I personally nominate Moana, Brianna, Jasmine, Annaleise, Tessa and Mallory."

I wrote the names down in a journal so I could keep track of who was doing what.

"Then we have the moderato: Cavalry Charge. The dancers in this part will wear green, and there will be 6 of them just like in the first part. I've chosen Isabelle, Derek, Yumi, Trey and Clara. I can't seem to think of who should be the 6th dancer in Part 2."

"Don't worry, Olivia." I reassured the Kahuna. "I'll text you when I think of someone."

Olivia smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Tessa. The third and final part of the William Tell Overture dance is the allegro: Storm. The dancers will wear yellow, and there will be 9. I pick Adrien, Melody, Alexander, Jenna, Evan, Maggie, Elias, Chara and Phillip."

"Gotcha." I understood.

"Hey!" Melody piped up. "Adágio, moderato, allegro... William Tell... Blue, green and yellow... I'm getting Little Einsteins vibes from this! I used to love that show when I was younger."

"As a matter of fact," Olivia went on. "Kiawe finished writing down the choreography for all three parts of the dance, and I've seen part of what he wrote. During the first 10 to 15 seconds of Part 1, the dancers slowly pat on their laps. Furthermore, the dancers in Part 3 will hit their shoulders several times."

Melody beamed. "Awesome! I'm sure the little kids at the Festival who watch that will recognize the music and some of the dance moves."

"Olivia, when will you have the Festival program out?"

"Hopefully within the next few days. The performers are given the program early so they get a sense of what the lineup is. I do know for a fact that Lorelei and Natalie's ice skating duet will open the Festival, and the William Tell Overture dance will be the Festival finale."

"I remember you also asked Maya to perform a few musical numbers, is that right?" I asked.

"I did, and I remember that. Tessa, would you and Anderson like to do a duet?"

Anderson and I exchanged a smile before we looked at Olivia. "Of course!"

"Olivia, what do you think of Still I Fly? You know, that song from the Planes Fire and Rescue movie?"

"A perfect choice, Anderson! Kinda goes with the whole 'don't give up till it's over' thing." Olivia winked at me.

I giggled before asking another question. "Anything else we should know?"

"Well, after Lorelei and Natalie open the Festival with their ice skating duet, I will recite a prayer to Tapu Lele. Oh, and I also have to figure out where in the Festival the Jitterbug number will come in. We already have Hapu, Steven Stone, Ilima and Molayne. Tessa, have you decided who will be the Jitterbug dancers?"

I counted them on my fingers. "Moana, Brianna, Liam, Evan, Ethan, Alexander, Jenna, Kiawe, Lyric, Mallory, Dylan, Isaac and Maggie."

Kiawe smirked. "You want me to be a Jitterbug, Tessa? Count me in!"

"I'm happy to hear it."

"Oh," Something dawned on Kiawe. "I just got a text from Ash. He just passed his first Island Challenge Trial and got a new Z-Crystal. He'll be facing Hala tomorrow."

Isaac and Isaiah whooped and hollered, and Melody squealed.

"Great for him!"

Emilie's POV

After what felt like forever, my daughter's eyes snapped open and she perked up, pointing in the direction of the beach.

"I see it! There! On the beach!"

Acerola was floored. "She really saw it...?"

"Only one way to be sure..."

We followed Audrey to the Hano Beach. A shiny Mimikyu with a flower came to float beside her.

"Mimikins!" Acerola ran to her Pokémon. "Thank Arceus you're all right!"

The onlookers who had watched everything talked to each other in hushed whispers. I smiled proudly at my little girl. If only my husband was here to see this.

Acerola knelt down to Audrey's level and kissed her on both cheeks. "Thank you so much, Audrey! I'll call you... the little girl with the eyes for a thousand miles!"

At Acerola's words, I sighed, lifting up my hand and looking at the wedding ring on my finger. It was gold with little emerald jewels, matching the color of mine and Audrey's eyes.

"Lady Emilie, where's your husband?" Acerola noticed my ring, standing up.

"He's a Gym Leader back home. He trains Ghost Pokémon just like you do."

Acerola gasped, apparently putting two and two together.

"Well, I'll be! No wonder Audrey has that kind of ability! I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the Victreebel. What are you doing in Alola anyway? You're awfully far from home."

"I went into hiding when I was pregnant with Audrey because Team Flare was hunting down children with supernatural powers. I feared Audrey would be a target." I explained.

Acerola nodded, a grim expression upon her face.

"I see where you're coming from, Lady Emilie. Even though Audrey hadn't been born yet, you still had that desire to protect her. My parents would definitely have done the same thing with me."

"However, now that Lysandre is dead and Team Flare is disbanded, Audrey and I will go home after the Tapu Lele Festival."

Acerola tilted her head. "Team Flare operated in Kalos, so why did you come here?"

"Team Flare hardly knew anything about this region." I explained.

"Gotcha. Thank you so much, Lady Emilie!"

With that, Acerola left with Mimikins by her side.

We went back to Olivia's place, and I heard a voice behind me.

"Um, excuse me, do you know where I can find...?"

I turned, and saw a black haired woman who I instantly recognized.

"Georgina...?"

The woman gasped. "Emilie...?"

"Georgina!" I went to hug my friend.

Georgina hugged me back. "Oh, Emilie, it's been so long!"

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"We used to live on Poni, but moved to Akala because it was slightly busier." Georgina explained as we separated.

"We?" I questioned.

"My boyfriend Rupert proposed to me several months ago, 9 to be precise." Georgina flashed her engagement ring. "Our quadruplet daughters turned 4 last month, and our wedding will be next year."

"As a matter of fact, I have a daughter several months older than your girls. What are the names of your girls?"

"Laura, Marinette, Elsa and Maureen. Your daughter?"

"Audrey. Where is Rupert anyway?"

Georgina sighed. "It's a long story. I'll tell you later on. How are things back home with your husband? "

I shook my head. "Haven't had any contact with him since I left for Alola after telling him I was pregnant with Audrey."

"Do you miss him?"

I smiled sadly. "Very much. I miss him even more now that I know Audrey is clairvoyant."

"Oh, yes, I've heard plenty about psychic abilities being hereditary."

"On a different note, maybe you could bring your girls and introduce them to Audrey. We've stayed with Olivia ever since I first came here in the middle of my pregnancy, and we'll be going home after the Tapu Lele Festival now that Team Flare is gone."

"I'm happy to hear. As a matter of fact, I'll bring my girls over after we have dinner. They'll love to meet Audrey."

"And I'm sure Audrey will adore your little princesses."

I hugged Georgina again before she headed in the direction of her house. At that moment, Olivia returned from visiting Yushuv and his group of friends at the Hano Grand Resort.

Normal POV

Emilie thought of her husband, Ecruteak City's Gym Leader and the father of her daughter. Morty.

It felt so lonely and cold without his strong arms around her. Ever since she found out Audrey had inherited Morty's clairvoyant capabilities, Emilie began to long more and more for her husband. She desperately wanted to go home with Audrey, but things kept on coming up, right on top of the upcoming Tapu Lele Festival.

"Mommy, are you ok?" Audrey asked, apparently sensing her mother's despair.

"Yes, darling. I'm fine." Emilie put on a happy and brave face for her daughter. "Why don't you go hang out with Olivia, ok? Mommy just needs some time to herself."

"Ok!"

With that, Audrey went off to hang with Olivia.

Emilie entered the house and went upstairs to the room she and her daughter shared with Olivia. She sat down on her bed, picking up a pen and piece of paper before sighing and putting them back down.

"My dear husband..."

Emilie let out another sigh before letting her pain show through a song.

(Emilie)

"Write a letter, be inventive.

Tell you everything is fine.

Be attentive to the distance.

Send my love with every line.

Every word should bring you closer

And caress you with its tone.

Nothing should remind you

That I am here alone."

Standing at the window in the house across the street, Georgina was feeling similar emotions. Her fiancé had been called off to war, separating him from her and their quadruplet daughters.

(Georgina)

"I can't tell you what I'm feeling.

I can't talk about the war."

(Both)

"How the pealing of the church bells

Brings the battle to our door."

(Georgina)

"I don't know which part is harder,

What I know or what's unknown

Or raising little women

When I am here alone."

(Emilie)

"Counting days,

Praying for news,

Is this the life

We meant to choose?"

Emilie got up from the bed to sit on the floor, tucking her knees to her chest.

(Emilie)

"Do you know how much I miss you

At this hour of the day?

How I wish you were the twilight

Come to take my fears away."

(Georgina)

"Can I manage four young women?

I'm not certain I know how.

Will I be there when they need me?

Do I fail them even now?"

(Emilie)

"I wish that you were with me."

(Georgina)

"Wish that I could bring you home.

The night seems so much longer

Now that I am here"

(Both)

"Alone..."

Georgina clasped her hands in prayer, and Emilie buried her face in her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

Audrey's POV

I was hanging out with Olivia when a vision ran through my head.

"Mommy!"

She was crying, and I knew I had to cheer her up.

"Olivia! Come on!"

We entered the house and ran upstairs to find Mommy crying into her knees.

"Mommy?"

Mommy looked up at me, her face bright red and tears streaming down her face. "A-Audrey..."

"Mommy, don't be sad. We'll go home soon, just like you said."

"I just miss your father, that's all."

I threw my arms around my mother, and she hugged me back.

"Oh, Audrey, my little Sunshine. I love you so much." Mommy kissed the top of my head.

"Love you too, Mommy."

"Hey, Audrey, how would you like to perform in the Tapu Lele Festival?" Olivia asked me.

"Really?"

Olivia smiled warmly. "You bet! You'll even get to do a ballet dance by yourself! I'll have Kiawe send you the list of dance moves, and you can practice it at home with your mother."

"Yay! Thank you so much! Thank you! Thank you!"

Summer's POV

"Aargh! Come on! There's nothing interesting to do." Winter flopped down on his bed.

"Cool your jets, Winter. You say that almost every day."

"But it's true, Summer!" Winter threw up his hands in exasperation. "Milo and Nessa aren't taking Gym challenges, Professor Magnolia and Sonia are off doing their own thing, and you've been inviting Hop over!"

"He lives next door to us. It's convenient." I insisted.

"Wrong! It's because you're crushing on him."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Summer! Winter! That's enough!" Our mother shouted from downstairs.

"Yes, Mum!"

Oh, you haven't met us yet. That's because we've been in the dark for so long. I'm Summer James, and Winter is my older brother. Actually, we're twins, but he's older by ten minutes.

We live in the village of Postwick with our parents in the Galar region, right next door to Champion Leon and his younger brother Hop.

Speaking of Hop, yes, I have a crush on him, but I absolutely refuse to admit it to Winter. Unfortunately, he seems to have somehow figured that out.

"So Summer, when are you going to finally admit that you have a crush on Hop?" Winter smirked.

"I absolutely do not have a crush on Hop!"

"Yeah, sure." Winter said sarcastically.

I sighed. Winter is most definitely persistent, I'll give him that.

"Summer, when will you just fess up and tell me the truth?"

I glared in annoyance. "You'll never take me alive!"

I ran out of Winter's room and downstairs, Winter chasing after me.

"Summer and Winter, no running in the house!" Our mother scolded us.

"Yes, Mum." We both said.

"I know how you two can let off steam." Our mother entered the hallway where we were standing. "How about you two go for a walk? That'll burn off some energy."

We looked at our mother and each other before nodding.

We then took off exploring the route nearby.

"Summer," Winter sighed. "I know when you're lying, and when you're not. I've seen the way Hop looks at you, and how you look at him."

I groaned. "Winter, for the last time, I do not have feelings for..." I stopped when I heard the bushes rustling nearby. "What was that?"

Winter pulled out the Pokéball containing his Scorbunny and got ready to throw it. I clutched the Pokéball containing my Sobble in my hand, and placed my other hand over the Ultra Ball containing my Polteageist.

A wolf Pokémon jumped from the bushes and leaped over our heads before landing and turning to face me.

We heard heavy footsteps from the other direction, and saw a second wolf Pokémon approaching, gaze focused on Winter.

The Pokémon standing before me had a sword in it's mouth and was colored blue, gold and coral. The Pokémon standing before Winter was colored red, gold and dark blue, and wore shield-like armor.

We instantly recognized the Pokémon, having seen them in pictures and having heard the legend about them.

"Zacian..." I breathed.

"Zamazenta..." Winter gasped.

What's going on? And why did they appear to us?

Yushuv's POV

I was out walking when I ran into a woman with emerald green eyes and light blonde hair in a side plait. She wore white 2 strap Mary Jane heels and a floor length black and white dress with red and orange flower and leaf patterns. I immediately recognized her.

"Mamá?"

It was my foster mother, Emilie. What was she doing in Alola?

"Yushuv..."

Mamá slowly approached me and touched my cheek. "Yushuv... My, how you've grown."

I pulled my adoptive mother into a hug, and she returned the embrace.

"Mamá, what are you doing in Alola?"

"It's a long story, my little Hondew Berry." Mamá ran a hand through my hair.

"Mamá!" I complained. "I'm 14 years old, going on 15! I'm not little anymore."

We pulled back, but Mamá still held me at arms length. I then asked the question that I had intended to ask her.

"Mamá, would you like to attend the Tapu Lele Festival?"

"I'd love to. As a matter of fact, you never met your new little sister."

I gasped in surprise. "I have a little sister?"

Mamá laughed. "Obviously not by blood, but yes. She's playing in the flowers with the Misdreavus and Gastly she befriended." She turned in the other direction and called, "Audrey! Come here!"

A pale skinned four year old girl in a sparkly purple dress skipped over to Mamá's side, followed by a Misdreavus and Gastly. She had golden blonde hair in pigtail braids and emerald green eyes.

"Mommy! Mommy! Can Tikki and Plagg stay with us? Please?"

"Oh, Audrey! Not the Growlithe eyes!" Mamá shook her head frantically. "You know I can't stand those..."

The little girl, Audrey, ended up giving Mamá the Growlithe eyes anyway.

"Fine." Mamá sighed with a calm smile. "You can keep the Misdreavus and Gastly. You understand, though, you don't start your journey until after your 10th birthday."

Audrey smiled right back. "I get it, Mommy." She then noticed me. "Who's this?"

Mamá gestured between myself and Audrey. "This, Audrey, is Yushuv. He's your big brother, but he's adopted. Your father and I took him in after something bad happened to his birth parents."

"What happened?" Audrey asked.

Mamá sighed. "I'll tell you later."

I was about to say that Audrey was too young to be given the talk about death, but it seemed like Mamá would be able to explain it better if Papi was there.

I then got a text from Tessa. She wanted me back at the room.

"I'll see you later, Mamá. Tessa needs me back."

"Ok, Yushuv. See you later! Say goodbye to Audrey, please."

"Bye, Audrey!" I called back as I walked off. "See you later!"

"Bye, Big Brother Yushuv! I love you already!"

Winter's POV

"So, let me get this straight." Summer told Zacian when the two Legendaries explained everything to us. "We're your chosen ones, and there's an unspeakable evil threatening our existence."

"That's correct, young Summer." Zacian replied.

"But..." I began to speak. "Summer and I are just regular pre-teens. We're nobodies. We're nothing. So, of all people, why did you choose... us?"

"Winter James, you are talking nonsense." Zamazenta shook his head. "Yes, you two are regular 12 year olds, but Zacian and I saw something in you."

"Like what?" I asked, surprised at what Zamazenta said.

"Well, Winter, we can tell that you and your sister are both willing to put your lives on the line to save those who are closest to you."

"It's true," Summer nodded. "If any of my family, friends, or even any of my Pokémon were ever threatened with death, I would either force the enemy to kill me first, or I would bide them some time for them to escape."

"Yeah," I smirked. "You'd also die for Hop because you are absolutely crushing on him."

Summer glared at me. "Winter James, will you shut up?! I am not in love with Hop, for the last time!" She then turned back to the two Legendary Pokémon. "I'm so sorry, Winter is very nosy."

"Hey!" I scowled.

Summer smirked back. "You so deserved that." She then sighed. "Winter, I love you, but can you please not be so nosy?"

I took a deep breath. "Ok."

Zamazenta then cleared his throat. "Are you ready to catch us? We have no time to lose."

"Right!" We both threw an Ultra Ball, catching our respective Legendary Partners. We then let them out and climbed onto their backs, riding them back to Postwick.

Natalie's POV

I stood on the balcony with Cousin Lorelei, Moana and Allison, taking in nature and feeling the breezes.

Moana and Allison were talking, and I couldn't concentrate. I don't mind them talking, but maybe they could go inside.

"Guys," I gently chided my friends. "I can't hear the wind speaking over your blabber."

"Sorry." Allison and Moana said.

Lorelei put a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh. "I see so much of myself in her. We're cousins, yet we have so many things in common."

I gasped, surprised at what my cousin just said. "What?"

"It's true." Cousin Lorelei said sweetly. "I see so much of myself in you."

"Do you really mean it?"

"Of course I mean it, Natalie. Would I ever lie to you?"

"Heck no."

"I'm happy you think that. Cause I'd never lie to you."

I smiled back. "Big Cuz, have I told you how much I love you?"

Cousin Lorelei giggled. "Of course you have. I never tire of hearing it, though."

Before I could say anything else, I heard arguing from indoors.

"Get away from me."

"Excuse me?! You do not speak to Polu that way!"

Recognizing the first voice as Seth and the second as Lillie, we went inside to see what the commotion was about. We saw Lillie holding her Minior and Seth glaring at it, while Tessa was trying to diffuse the situation.

"Let this be a lesson to you!" Julie folded her arms across her chest. "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all!"

"Calm down, guys!" Tessa urged.

"The thing is, Tessa," Alyssa put a hand on the ravenette's shoulder. "Lillie has this Mama Bear side to her when it comes to her Pokémon. She's too young to have children, as all of us are, so she views her Pokémon as her children."

Some of the other Squad members traded words of agreement, while I exchanged a nod with Cousin Lorelei.

"Seth, Lillie," Tessa put both hands on each of my friends' shoulders. "Let's settle your differences right here and now. Seth, maybe next time, you could try to not overreact to Lillie's Pokémon. You love your own Pokémon, so why treat a friend's Pokémon any different?"

Seth sighed. "I just don't like it when a person or Pokémon gets in my personal space."

Tessa nodded. "I see. And Lillie, maybe you could keep a closer watch on your Pokémon when they're around Seth so his wishes are respected?"

Lillie nodded back. "I'll do it."

Summer's POV

Winter and I rode through town on Zacian and Zamazenta, eager to board the next flight to the Alola region.

"Summer! Winter!" Hop ran over to us. "I can't believe that the Legendary Pokémon would choose you two! What do they even see in you? I'm stunned!"

"Exactly, Hop!" Winter threw up his arms in exasperation. "We're nobodies! Zacian and Zamazenta insisted they saw something in us, but at the end of the day, we're nothing!"

"Mate, you and your sister are absolutely not nobodies! You two are wonderful and have such great potential."

I blushed. "Oh, Hop, that's very nice of you to say."

"So where are you guys going?" Hop asked.

"Alola." Winter replied as we jumped down from our Legendary Partners' backs. "We're going to join a group of Trainers partnered with the other Legendaries. We were chosen to stop an oncoming threat that will doom everyone if it's not stopped."

"Well... Good luck to both of you."

"Thanks, Hop." I said.

Winter climbed back onto Zamazenta's back, and I turned to Zacian.

"Ready to save the world, buddy?"

"As I'll ever be." Zacian replied.

As I moved to mount Zacian, Hop stopped me.

"Summer, before you leave, there's something I've been wanting to do."

"What would that be?" I asked, my purple eyes making contact with his golden ones.

Suddenly, much to my surprise, Hop grabbed my face in his hands and pressed his lips firmly against mine.

He's this close to me, warm and gentle, and his lips feel like velvet, much softer than I thought they'd be... Wait a second.

Hop just kissed me.

Hop. Is. Kissing. Me!

Holy Arceus, Summer, calm down here and kiss him back!

I did just that, clutching his shoulders and nearly losing my footing.

Hop's hands moved to my waist, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

The need for oxygen forced us apart, and we pressed our foreheads together.

"Wow..." I murmured in amazement. I just had my first kiss, and it was Hop!

"Ha!" Winter yelled triumphantly, pointing at us. "I knew it! I flipping knew it!"

I groaned. I should've known Winter would react like that.

"Summer," Hop tenderly caressed my cheek. "I've had feelings for you since we were kids."

"So have I."

"Uh, congratulations you two, but Summer, we really need to go."

I pecked Hop on the lips before mounting Zacian. "I'll call you when we get to Alola. We'll be staying a night at the inn on Melemele before meeting the Legendary Heroes Squad on Akala tomorrow. Love you!"

"Love you too, Summer!" Hop called out to us as we rode to the airport.

Hoo boy, I'm definitely getting a talking to from Winter about this...

Jasmine's POV

Isaiah and I had asked Tessa if we could walk around Melemele. She said it was ok, as long as we returned to the hotel in time for dinner. Isaiah was in Iki Town, and I had gone ahead.

As I went for a stroll along Mahalo Trail, I noticed a Pansage sitting among the flowers. It seemed rather sad.

"Hello, little one. Are you lonely?"

The Pansage nodded.

"Do you have a Trainer?"

The Pansage shook it's head and made some gestures. I immediately knew what was wrong.

"Your Trainer abandoned you?!"

The Pansage nodded.

I gasped. "How shameful!"

Wanting to help, I knelt down and pulled a few Oran Berries from my purse, feeding them to the lonely Pansage.

Suddenly, much to my surprise, the Pansage reached into my purse and pulled out a Pokéball, tapping it and... wait a minute. Did that Pansage capture itself?!

"Well, that was unexpected, or rather Onix-pected. Nonetheless, I caught a Pansage!"

I picked up the Pokéball containing my new partner and headed for the ferry to Akala, eager to tell Tessa and the others what had just happened.

Emilie's POV

I sat on my bed in Olivia's room, letting out yet another sigh. My Aromatisse was trying to comfort me, and I only petted her to say thanks for the effort.

Audrey was playing with the Misdreavus she calls Tikki and the Gastly she calls Plagg.

I then heard a Pokémon's cry and went to investigate. Turns out, that cry belongs to a Gengar!

I ran out onto the balcony to get a closer look.

Wait... I know that Gengar... It can't be!

"Morty...?"

I then heard a familiar voice in the distance.

"Gengar, don't go too far!"

It was Morty!

I left Olivia's room and raced downstairs, exiting the front door and standing at the top of the front porch stairs.

Then, I saw him.

"Did you see anything, Gengar?" He then looked up and locked gazes with me, beaming. "Emilie!"

Gathering the skirt of my dress and hurriedly descending the steps, I ran to my husband. Morty met up with me halfway, tugging me into his arms.

"I found you."

I lovingly embraced him back, pressing myself as close to him as I could.

I had longed for his caresses, and I longed for the warm tingles I'd get when he held me like this. I pulled him closer, still in shock that he was really here in Alola.

"Emilie..." His rumble of my name reverberated through my body, and I shivered. I slumped against his solid chest, completely at his mercy.

"I don't believe this, Morty... You're here... You're really here..."

He tilted my chin up so my emerald eyes met his violet ones.

"My Love..."

That deep, lulling voice always comforted me, and I had missed that too.

I noticed that he had changed his outfit. He traded out his blue and yellow shirt for a black one, complete with a purple and red scarf. He switched his blue headband out for a purple one, and he now wore white jeans instead of blue.

"Did you come all the way to Alola just to find me?"

He nodded. "I couldn't stand being separated from my wife anymore. Missed you too much. I've longed to hold you in my arms again. I also wanted to meet our daughter."

"I missed you too. So very much. The news I have is wonderful. Team Flare is gone, and we're coming home."

Morty caressed my cheek, overjoyed at the good news. "You're even more beautiful than I remember."

"Is this a dream? Some cruel illusion?" I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch.

Morty's hand left my cheek and he tightened his grip on my waist. No way was this an illusion.

"Let me show you just how much I've missed you."

He pinned me to a nearby tree, barely able to contain his feelings anymore. His lips found their way to mine, kissing me with pent up emotion.

The pleasure and passion coursed through my body like an Electrode using Explosion. I had craved this for so, so long.

Our lips met again and again as we kissed each other, aching to make up for lost time. We finally took a break from making out and nuzzled one another.

"How did you find me anyway? I'm sure your powers had something to do with it."

Morty looked down at me with that smirk that always made me weak at the knee. "It was partially because of my powers. I got a vision of an island with a volcano. A girl named Mallow told me that the island with the volcano was Akala."

My eyes lit up at the mention of Mallow. "I know Mallow! I took Audrey to her restaurant last month!"

"Audrey?" Morty raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Oh." He then understood. "Our daughter."

"She looks just like you." I described our little girl. "Except she has my eyes."

"I can't wait to meet her."

"You will, darling; in just a little bit."

"A storm is coming, My Love." Morty kissed my lips. I knew what he was talking about. Dark Matter.

"And when it does, we'll be ready." I then gasped in realization, suddenly remembering my best friend. "Oh, no..."

"What's the matter, Emilie?"

"It's Lorelei. She's probably thinking I abandoned her! I'm positive she'll never forgive me... I never even sent her a pregnancy announcement!"

"She will forgive you, Emilie."

"Not anytime soon." I shook my head.

"Emilie." Morty pecked my lips. "Lorelei is your best friend. She would never hate you."

"I would never forgive myself if Lorelei didn't want to be my friend anymore."

"Mommy!" Audrey raced down the front porch steps. "Plagg just licked me, and I can't feel my cheek."

Morty laughed. "That's what happens when a Gastly or Haunter licks you."

"Mommy, is that Daddy?"

I nodded at my daughter with a huge smile. "Yes, Audrey. This is your father."

The biggest grin I've ever seen blossomed on Audrey's face. Morty released me and turned to face our smiling daughter. He knelt down, and Audrey ran into his arms, giggling hysterically. He stood up, still carrying her, and faced me once more.

"I knew it was you, Daddy." Audrey chirped sweetly.

"She's had a few visions about you." I explained.

"Visions? She's clairvoyant?"

I nodded. "She used her powers to locate a young girl's Mimikyu. She definitely got it from you."

"That's my girl!" Morty planted a kiss on Audrey's forehead.

"Audrey's been dying to meet you ever since she started talking."

"Well, at least we're all together again." Morty kissed the top of Audrey's head and then my lips.

"Can I be the first to say eww?!" Audrey complained.

Morty and I both laughed at our daughter's scrunched up face.

"Audrey, I'm positive you know other young children whose parents kiss in front of them."

"But Mommy..."

"And when you meet a guy you like, you'll be doing that too." Morty put Audrey back down on her feet.

Audrey groaned. "Don't get me started on that, Daddy." She then let out a cry of pain, collapsing to her knees and clutching her head.

"Audrey!" Morty and I both cried, kneeling down beside our daughter. She was breathing heavily, hyperventilating. She opened her eyes, and there were tears in them.

"Audrey, Sunshine, what did you see?" I asked frantically.

"I saw... I saw the shadow of a Pokémon. It wasn't clear, but it seemed evil."

I looked to my husband. "Doesn't seem like Dark Matter, but a Pokémon evil enough to ally with this monstrous entity. Morty, Audrey's abilities are clearly getting stronger. What should we do?"

"We must keep an eye on her and make sure the visions don't become too much." Morty suggested.

When night fell, we checked in to the Hano Grand Resort and put Audrey to bed. We had gotten a two bedroom suite for the next week. The following week, we would head back home to Johto.

I stood on the balcony, taking in the scent of the Alolan night air.

I've breathed in this night air for the past four years, and I do admit, I'm going to miss Alola, but I've also missed home.

Someone's arms hugged me from behind, and I knew it was Morty.

A sigh of contentment escaped my lips. I closed my eyes and leaned back into his warm chest.

He leaned down to my ear to whisper, "What are you doing out here, Emilie?"

"I've come to love Alola, but I do miss Johto. It'll be bittersweet returning home. Speaking of Johto, did Falkner ever get back to his Gym? I ran into him not too long ago, and he's dating one of Yushuv's friends."

Morty tucked his head into my neck, pressing a kiss there.

"Falkner did get back to his Gym."

"How's Whitney doing?"

Morty laughed. "She definitely misses you, Emilie. Other than cute Pokémon and her fiancé Simon, all she ever raves about is you."

I stifled a laugh. "Same old Whitney. Hey, remember the day we fooled Eusine into thinking that Suicune showed herself to him?"

"That was more of your idea, My Love."

I scoffed. "Meh, it was both our idea."

Out of nowhere, Morty started kissing a trail down my neck and shoulders. Just what was he doing?!

"Are you all right? Exactly what are you up to?" I asked playfully.

"Now that I have you back in my arms, Emilie, I have no intentions of letting go of you anytime soon..."

I shuddered at the powerful vibrations of his voice that raced through my body. Sweet Arceus, he really knows what he's doing!

His lips trailed down my neck yet again, immediately finding my weak point. He licked and nipped there, eliciting shivers and cries from my lips.

"Does this remind you of anything, Emilie?"

"Yeah..." I said shakily. "It reminds me of when you told me how you faced this kid... What was his name? Ash? Anyway, your Haunter had used Lick on the boy's Cyndaquil, pretty much paralyzing the poor little thing."

"The things you do to me, Emilie..." He pulled me into the room, and we shut the balcony door, making our way to the bedroom we were going to occupy. I had Aromatisse close and lock the door before I returned her to her Pokéball.

Morty's lips locked with mine, and I kissed him back fervently.

I ran my hands down the defined muscles of his chest and stomach, and he ran his down my curves. Goosebumps broke out on my skin everywhere he touched.

"It's been so long since we've done this, Emilie..."

I could see the desire in his violet eyes.

"And when I'm through with you, you'll barely be able to walk right..."

I swear to Arceus, he's just like his Ghost Pokémon!

His touch alone was enough to drain the energy out of me. Five years of marriage (four of them spent separated) and he can still easily figure out ways for me to succumb to him.

"Mmh... But... Ah... What about Audrey...?"

"She won't hear us, Emilie. No one will. I'll have my Mismagius use Barrier. It'll be soundproof."

I giggled. How could I have forgotten about our wedding night? Not to mention the night Audrey was conceived?

The desire built up in me like the fires of Wela Volcano, and I could tell that Morty felt the same way.

It all overwhelmed me. His velvet lips caressing mine, that familiar scent of sandalwood...

"My Emilie..."

It wasn't long before he took me for the first time in four years. His hips rolled to meet mine, and the coil tightened, exploding. We cried out each other's names as we crossed the point of no return.

We both collapsed on the bed, our energy spent.

Morty pulled me tightly to him so my back was pressed against his chest. It always stunned me how his arms fit perfectly around me. I admit, I always love being the little spoon. He held me so lovingly, I didn't want to leave.

"Round 2, My Love?" Morty chuckled in my ear.

"Oh, hush, you." I said playfully.

I then realized there was something I needed to say to Morty regarding our daughter.

"Morty, I have something to tell you about Audrey."

"And that is...?"

I sighed. "She's been plagued by these visions of... Of an evil entity in the form of a gigantic ball of darkness and negative energy. The vision she had about that evil Pokémon was not her first."

"I've been having them too." He pressed his lips to the back of my neck. "I didn't tell Yushuv until the day he caught Ho-Oh."

"Last night and the night before, she woke up crying 'Dark Matter'."

"I assume that's what the entity is called?"

"Uh huh."

"Does this feel like a scene straight out of The Shining?" Morty joked.

"Oh, stop." I lightly slapped his shoulder. "It's not like you ever had visions of the word 'Redrum'."

We exchanged a quiet laugh before he kissed my neck once more.

"Sleep now, love."

"So tired." I murmured. "Good night, Morty."

"Sweet dreams, my Emilie."

Feeling warm and safe in my husband's arms for the first time since my early pregnancy with Audrey, I drifted off into a blissful slumber.

Annaleise's POV

Around the time Jasmine returned with a new Pokémon in her party, Isaiah came back wearing a new outfit. We had all crowded him and asked him questions, only for Tessa to break it up and demand that we all asked one at a time.

"While Jasmine and I were on Melemele, Hala offered to test me in a Grand Trial battle. That's why Tapu Koko ran away from Brianna again. I won the battle, and I was blessed with this new outfit and Z-Ring." Isaiah had explained.

Right now, we were getting ready for bed, and Tessa had told Isaac and Carter that she would take them out training the next morning.

"Once again, congratulations, Isaiah." Tessa praised. "I'm sure you're aware of the responsibilities of being a Guardian, right?"

"I am aware of the responsibilities." Isaiah nodded. "I even promised Hala I would remember my Guardian duties."

Tessa smiled. "Good to know."

I sighed. I'm happy for Tessa, Peter, Izzy, Alyssa, Brianna, Anderson, Lydia and Isaiah, but I can't help but wonder when my turn will come.

Tessa clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

"All right, Squad! It's lights out!"

Most of the Legendary Heroes Squad headed to their rooms for the night.

Tessa approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "It's time for bed, Annie." She told me gently.

"I know." I nodded at my best friend. "Tessa, before I go to bed, I would like to ask you something."

"Anything, Annaleise. You're my best friend."

"I've started to wonder... When will it be my turn to get a Z-Ring and a beautiful outfit?"

The two of us went to the window and stared out at the night sky.

"Your time will come soon, Annie. I promise." Tessa patted my shoulder comfortingly. "You know, now that you'll be able to use Mega Evolution soon, there's something I never told you; something that's haunted me for so long."

"What is it, Tessa?" I looked up at my best friend's sullen face.

Tessa sighed. "My father studied at the Tower of Mastery in the hopes that he could learn to use Mega Evolution. He decided that he wasn't strong enough, so Dad decided to do something different."

"Is that why your dad became a Pokémon Professor?"

"M-hmm."

"Wow..." I was astonished. I had no idea that this had been on Tessa's mind for such a long time.

"Now let's go to bed." Tessa patted my shoulder once again.

I nodded and said good night to Tessa before heading to my room and going to sleep.

Rebecca's POV

Having overheard Tessa and Annaleise's conversation, I got an idea. I pulled out my phone and called up my father.

"Rebecca, it's late." My father's grumpy voice came from the other line. "What's going on?"

"Dad, I have a request. Can you do me a favor?"

"Depends on what you want me to do. Ask me and then go to bed."

"Well..."

Emilie's POV

When I awoke the next morning, I thought it had all been a dream.

I then remembered I wasn't wearing anything, and the sensations hit me: warm breathing on my neck, strong arms around me... Morty was really here. Nope, not a dream.

Morty was definitely a cuddler, and I didn't mind whatsoever.

I still can't believe he closed the Gym and came to Alola just to find me and Audrey. I really do have such a loving husband.

As much as I wanted to stay in bed with him, I had things to do.

I got up to put on my dress and take Ribombee out for training, only for Morty to pull me back into bed and into his arms. A low chuckle rumbled through his chest and through my body, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Where do you think you're going, Emilie?"

The fact that Morty's voice could get this deep and husky never failed to stun me.

I giggled sweetly. "I was going to take Ribombee out for a little training session. Maybe I could get Aromatisse and Slurpuff in it too..."

"Not happening." Morty tightened his arms around me. "Sleep, My Love."

"And what if Audrey wants to go for a walk?"

"Send her back to bed." He replied, gently nipping at my neck.

I sighed in frustration. Don't get me wrong, I love being in his arms, it's just that he doesn't want to let go of me sometimes.

"I know where you're ticklish, Emilie." He smirked. "Do I really have to do this?"

I sighed, kissing his arm. "Suit yourself."

"Aha! It worked." His fingertips danced across my skin.

"What?" I was flabbergasted.

"Now I have you trapped in my arms, and you can't escape me." He chuckled seductively.

It's just like that Mean Look! Blast... My husband knows me all too well.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine."

Turning to face Morty, I laid my head down on his chest, listening contently to the strong and steady metronome that was his heartbeat.

I missed that too; the lullaby that helped me to sleep whenever I was upset or had a hard time drifting off. It's never failed to comfort me.

Morty pulled me tighter against him and kissed my forehead. I snuggled closer into his heated body with a hum of content.

We then heard a scream. Morty and I gasped, looking at each other in realization.

"Audrey!"

Jumping from Loving Spouse mode to Concerned Parent mode, Morty and I leaped out of bed and ran into the bedroom our daughter was occupying. Audrey was sitting up in her bed, shaking and crying hysterically.

"Mommy! Daddy!"

We sat on the bed beside Audrey and gathered her in our arms, whispering words of love and reassurance.

"I saw that Pokémon again, but it was a bit clearer this time." Audrey sobbed.

"What did it look like?" Morty asked, immediately realizing Audrey had that vision again.

"It was shaped like a dragon, that's all I can tell."

"Emilie, what should we do?" Morty asked me.

"Not let her out of our sight." I replied. "And as for that Pokémon Audrey keeps seeing, we'll ask Yushuv if he knows anything about it."

Brianna's POV

We had all gotten up for the day and eaten our breakfast. Tessa returned with Isaac and Carter, having taken them out for a training session earlier.

"Tessa, who are they?" I pointed to a couple of platinum blonde haired kids who had followed Tessa, Isaac and Carter into the room. The boy had blue eyes and wore a blue shirt, purple pants and white shoes. The girl had violet eyes and wore a pastel pink dress. She wore her hair in pigtail braids.

"Squad, how many of you know about the Galar region?" Tessa asked.

Only a few people raised their hands: Myself, Lillie, Annaleise and Yumi.

"Wow, not many of you know what the Galar region is like, huh? Anyway, it turns out that there are other Legendaries, and we have two new Squad members who are fraternal twins just like Lyric and Lydia. Everyone, meet Summer and Winter James, Trainers of Zacian and Zamazenta!"

As everyone crowded around the two newcomers, I pulled out my phone and texted Olivia, letting her know that Winter was going to be the sixth dancer in the second part of the William Tell Overture dance.

"May I have your attention, everyone?" Tessa called.

Everyone stopped talking, focusing their attention on Tessa.

"After we have lunch, we'll all go to Melemele to watch Ash's battle against Hala. Kiawe, Lorelei, do you want to come with?"

Kiawe shrugged. "I wouldn't mind."

"I'd love to see Ash again." Lorelei added. "I wonder how far he's come since we battled on Mandarin Island."

"You'd be surprised, Big Cuz." Natalie giggled. "He was runner-up in the Kalos League." She sighed. "If not for Alain..."

"Who's Alain?" Lorelei asked.

"A friend of mine." Tessa explained. "He studied under my father, and his Charizard is capable of Mega Evolution." She then turned back to Winter and Summer. "Now could you two please tell us about the Galar region?"

"Oh, it's a lovely place." Summer gushed. "We've got quaint little towns, bustling cities, and even a snowy mountain. Similar to the other regions, but in a special kind of different way. I do admit, Alola is beautiful. Hop would love this."

"Hop? Who's Hop?" Oliver asked.

"My sister's boyfriend." Winter replied, gesturing to Summer. "They just got together yesterday. He's my rival, and his older brother Leon is the Champion of Galar."

"We watched Leon's latest battle live on the telly." Summer laughed sweetly.

"Telly?" Birhan raised an eyebrow.

"Galarian slang for TV." I clarified.

"Oh," Birhan nodded. "Thanks, Brianna."

"Well," Tessa clapped her hands. "Summer, Winter, I'll show you to your rooms."

Natalie's POV

It has been several hours since Summer and Winter James joined the Legendary Heroes Squad. We had just eaten lunch, and we were making preparations to head to Melemele Island to watch Ash's Grand Trial battle against Hala.

I had been feeling insecure lately regarding being a Legendary Pokémon's Chosen One, unsure if I was the right choice for Necrozma. I knew I had to get this off my chest.

"Big Cuz, there's something I need to tell you."

"You can tell me anything, Natalie."

"Sometimes, I feel like I'm not fit for being the Trainer of a Legendary Pokémon. I think Necrozma chose the wrong person."

"Natalie, that's probably one of the worst things I could ever hear from you!" Cousin Lorelei then sighed. "Nat, I've been there myself. I know what it's like. However, I must impress upon you the importance of loving and respecting yourself, not in an arrogant way of course."

"I know sometimes when you see yourself

You just see yourself

As someone not good enough.

I know there's times when you feel like

You can't do nothing right.

And insecurity takes a hold

Obscures your vision of your soul.

You can't see what's inside.

Open up your eyes."

She led me over to the mirror and extended her hand out, signaling me to look at my reflection.

"Take a look in the mirror!

You're beautiful.

Take a moment to love

The one you are

Learn to accept yourself.

'Cause it's the truth.

Can't love nobody else

Until u love u."

She put both hands on my shoulders.

"I know sometimes its so hard to keep

Up your self esteem.

Sometime you can feel so small

And it's so easy to tell yourself

'You're not worth much at all'

And you're unsure of who you are

And doubt is tearing you apart

You can't see what is true

Change your point of view

Take a look in the mirror!

You're beautiful.

Take a moment to love

The one you are

Learn to accept yourself.

'Cause it's the truth.

Can't love nobody else

Until u love u.

Find what is real is what's inside you

Know there's no one else in this world like you

Take maybe just a little time to start and see

Just who you really are

Take a look in the mirror!

You're beautiful.

Take a moment to love

The one you are

Learn to accept yourself.

'Cause it's the truth.

Can't love nobody else

Until u love u.

Learn to accept yourself.

'Cause it's the truth.

Can't love nobody else

Until u love u.

Take a look in the mirror...

Take a look in the mirror...

You're beautiful."

I smiled gratefully, hugging my cousin. "Oh, Big Cuz, what would I do without you?"

At that moment, Tessa opened the door. "Natalie, Lorelei, you ready?"

"We are!" We said simultaneously. Wow, we really are like two peas in a Wimpod.

Nolan's POV

On our way to the docks, we ran into someone I did not expect to see.

"Verity?! What are you doing in Alola?!"

Mallory tilted her head in confusion. "Nolan, you know her?"

"I do, and so does Maya. Verity's my twin sister. She didn't inherit Dad's aura powers, unlike me." I went to hug my twin.

"Alola, Nolan. I've learned that's how the people of this region greet each other."

I smiled at my sister. "Verity, I'm happy to hear that."

"You know, Mom and Dad are also here."

I gasped. "Really?! Where are they?"

"We're right here, Nolan."

I looked in the direction of the voice to see my parents heading toward us with their suitcases. I ran to hug them.

"We've come to Alola for the Tapu Lele Festival!" Verity clapped her hands in delight.

"Mom, Dad, Verity, I would like you to meet mine and Maya's friends."

"Alola!" Chorused my friends.

"Wait," Winter stepped forward, jaw dropped. "Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, is your mum?!"

"Yup." I smirked.

"Lucky!" Summer interjected.

"Ah," Mom smiled proudly when she saw the James twins standing together. "Winter and Summer James. I should've known you two would be chosen by the Legendary Pokémon of Galar. And Summer, Leon told me that Hop finally made the first move. How was your first kiss?"

"I'm still sour over the fact that Summer blatantly lied to me about her feelings for Hop when I obviously knew there was a spark between them!" Winter sulked.

"Because, Winter, it's like I told you when we checked in to our room at the Melemele Inn yesterday evening! You would've gone around the entire village and preached it to everyone like it was nobody's business!"

Tessa sighed. "Anyway, Cynthia and Riley, we're heading to Melemele Island to watch Ash battle Kahuna Hala."

Mom and Dad gasped. "Ash Ketchum?!"

Tessa beamed. "Yup!" She then raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you know him?"

"We met him when he was travelling in Sinnoh with Dawn and Brock." Mom explained. "I helped them stop Team Galactic during the Spear Pillar fiasco."

"And I met them on Iron Island when they came to investigate the cause of the Steel-types going crazy." Dad interjected. "I also helped them fight Team Galactic."

"When Maya and Nolan told us that they were chosen by the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Darkrai, we were both shocked." Mom admitted.

"You know," Maya shrugged. "I don't know why Dialga chose me. I sometimes feel unworthy."

"Don't say that, Maya!" I slapped my older half-sister on the shoulder. "Dialga chose you for a reason. Always remember that."

"Uh, guys," Aiden held up his cell phone. "The ferry leaves in five minutes."

"We'll see you later. May the Aura be with you, Father." I hugged my father before heading off with Maya and the rest of the group.

"See you, Nolan!" Dad called. "Do tell Ash we said hi!"

"We will!" I called back.

"Dialga chose me for a reason." Maya reminded herself.

"That's the spirit, Maya!"

Normal POV

Upon the group's arrival on Melemele Island, Lydia sent a text to Lana.

"Oh, for goodness sake, Nihilego! Not again!" Rebecca groaned. We turned in Rebecca's direction to see that once again, Nihilego escaped her Pokéball.

"You know what to do, Becca."

"You're right, Jasmine. Nihilego, get back in your Pokéball."

"Regirock, did you know that my dad is the Cyllage Gym Leader and he loves Rock Pokémon?" Dylan asked his Legendary Partner. "He'd be pleased to see you, especially because you're a Legendary!"

"It would be an honor to meet the father of my Chosen One." Regirock responded.

"Ok," Tessa called to everyone. "Those of you who want to show Lorelei around the island, raise your hand."

Lydia, Natalie, Dylan, Summer, Winter, Moana, Jasmine and Rebecca raised their hands.

"That settles it. The rest of you, follow me to Iki Town!"

While Kiawe and the rest of the group dispersed, Natalie took her small group and Lorelei on a tour of Hau'oli City.

"Wow, such a big city!" Lorelei beamed. "Loving the view!"

Natalie blushed. "I knew you'd love it, Big Cuz."

After buying Lorelei a Malasada, Natalie and her group headed in the direction of the Pokémon School.

"This is where Ash, Kiawe and several others go to study." Rebecca explained.

Unbeknownst to everyone in the small group but Lydia, Mallow and the rest of Ash's classmates (save for Kiawe) were lying in wait, ready to surprise Lorelei.

"Is that Lorelei?" Lana asked.

"It is!" Hau squealed.

"So exciting!" Sophocles made a move to leave his hiding spot, but Mallow held him back.

"Wait for the signal first."

Lydia sent Mallow a wink, and she nudged Lana.

"Ok, Operation: Surprise Lorelei commences now!"

With a snap of her fingers, Lana commanded her Popplio to make a bubble balloon and bounce it on her nose.

Lorelei stared at the Popplio, transfixed.

Next, Sophocles had Togedemaru use Zing Zap to bounce off the nearby trees, creating sparks of electricity in the air.

Lorelei gasped in astonishment.

Up next was Mallow, who instructed to use Petal Blizzard in a circle around Mimikins.

Finally, Hau commanded his Alolan Raichu and Castform to use a Thunderbolt and Hail combination.

"Beautiful!" Lorelei clapped her hands in delight. "Oh!" She then noticed Ash's classmates.

"Surprise!" They all shouted before approaching Natalie's group.

"They did all this, Natalie?"

"They're Ash's classmates, and they wanted to surprise you." Natalie explained. "Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, Hau and Acerola, this is Lorelei, the Ice Queen of Kanto's Elite Four; my cousin."

Mallow and her friends greeted Lorelei with 'Alola', 'how wonderful', 'lovely' and 'that's so cool!'

Lana began talking in a robotic voice.

"It. Is. Nice. To. Meet. You. My. Name. Is. Lana. This. Is-"

"Lana!" Mallow cut her blue haired friend off with a smack to the head. "That isn't proper decorum, and she's not from south of the border!"

Lana laughed like she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "What do you mean? There is no 'south of the border' in Alola. Just where did you come up with that kind of talk? Bye Bye Delibirdie?"

Acerola gasped. "I love that musical!"

Lorelei smiled. "It's wonderful to meet you all. Is Ash liking the Pokémon School?"

"He is." Acerola nodded. "He fits right in."

"So," Mallow put her hands on her hips. "Tell us how you know Ash."

"Well," Lorelei began. "I was on Mandarin Island for a Pokémon Lecture and battle demonstration. I was thinking about my baby cousin here," she gestured to a flustered Natalie. "When I overheard someone talking me, calling me their hero. Turns out, that person was the Cerulean Gym Leader, Misty. She was travelling with Ash and Pokémon artist Tracey Sketchit. Now of course, Ash was young and naive at the time. He insisted that I battle him. I just brushed it off and invited them to attend my battle demonstration. We then went to my Mandarin Island vacation home after the battle, and Ash still wanted to battle me."

"Of course." Moana smirked. "That's Ash for you."

"We battled one-on-one, my Cloyster against his Pikachu. He made a good effort, but I ultimately defeated him. He seemed really affected by losing to me, and I explained to him the importance of battling side-by-side with your Pokémon."

"And that's very important advice, Big Cuz. I think you made a bit of an impression on him that day."

Lydia gasped. "And speaking of Ash, we need to catch up with the others. He's battling Hala, and I want to see it!"

After saying goodbye to Lana and the rest of Ash's classmates, Natalie and her group made their way to Iki Town.

Brianna's POV

By the time we arrived at the site of Ash and Kahuna Hala's battle, Hala's Crabrawler had just been knocked out. Tapu Koko had run away yet again, and I think I know why this time.

"Crabrawler is unable to battle!" Professor Kukui announced.

As Hala recalled his Crabrawler, we clapped and cheered for Ash.

Professor Kukui saw us and smiled proudly. "Hey, Ash, look at that! We have an audience, and a big one too!"

Ash looked towards us and beamed. "It's Kiawe! And look, Tessa Sycamore and the Legendary Heroes Squad! Alola, guys!"

"Uh, Ash," Maggie called out. "I think your Rowlet is asleep."

"Huh?" When Ash saw that Rowlet was indeed flying in it's sleep, he sweatdropped.

"All right, Hariyama." Hala turned to his partner that had been watching Crabrawler battle. "The next battle is yours."

Hariyama went to take it's position on the field.

"Rowlet, wake up!" Ash yelled. "You're battling!"

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

"Snap out of it, Rowlet!" Ash's Rotom Pokédex made an alarm noise to try and wake Rowlet up to no avail.

A still sleeping Rowlet flew down, and Ash caught his partner in his arms.

"Please wake up! It's not over!"

"You want me to help?" Isaiah offered.

"I've got this, Isaiah." Ash then turned his attention back to Rowlet, calling it back to it's Pokéball. "I'll just give Rowlet time to rest."

"A wise decision." Adrien nodded. "It's best not to push Rowlet any further just yet."

"I'm counting on you, buddy!" Ash sent Pikachu into battle. "I choose you!"

Pikachu leaped from Ash's shoulder and onto the battlefield, staring down Hariyama.

"I wonder what Ash has planned for this round..." Damien mused.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash commanded. "Go!"

Pikachu leaped into the air and readied his Iron Tail, falling face first.

"Use Fake Out!" Hala ordered.

Hariyama's palms lit up orange, and the Fighting-type pressed them together, catching Pikachu between them by the tail. Pikachu tried to break free to no avail.

"Oh, come on!" Oliver facepalmed.

"Hariyama, use Knock Off!"

The Arm Thrust Pokémon flung Pikachu into the ground by the tail, and some of the other girls gasped in dismay.

"Oh, no! Pikachu!" Ash cried out.

"Come on..." Isaac muttered under his breath. "Come on..."

When the smoke cleared, we saw that Pikachu was battered with multiple scrapes.

"I can't believe my eyes!" Lillie exclaimed. "Using a Fake Out and Knock Off combination in such a brutal manner?!"

"Well, from what I heard from Hau, that's the kind of strategy Hala goes with." Melody quipped.

Much to our relief, Pikachu was able to get up. At that moment, I saw that Lorelei and Natalie's group had arrived.

"Pikachu, let's get 'em back! Electro Ball!"

Pikachu leaped into the air once more, doing a forward roll and firing an Electro Ball from his tail.

"Quick, Hariyama! Use Arm Thrust!"

Hariyama obliged, canceling the attack by using one palm and then switching to the other.

Ethan groaned. "Not even Electro Ball worked."

"Now keep using Arm Thrust!"

Hariyama repeatedly slapped Pikachu, and I saw Isaiah clench his fists from where he stood next to me.

"Come on, cousin..."

Anna panicked. "At this juncture, Pikachu could get knocked out if Ash doesn't do something!"

At that moment, Ash got an idea. "Pikachu, dodge that attack!"

Pikachu leaped over Hariyama, avoiding another hit.

Isaiah sighed in relief. "Way to get out of that situation, Ash."

"Uh, Isaiah," I shook my head. "He might not be out of the woods yet."

"All right, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Jumping into the air yet again, Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt attack, and Hariyama couldn't block it this time.

"Yes!" Kaelynne cheered. "Direct hit!"

When the smoke cleared, Hariyama seemed just fine!

"What?!" Isaac shouted in protest. "That Thunderbolt did next to nothing!"

Adrien rolled his eyes. "I saw that one coming a mile away."

As Hariyama advanced on Pikachu, I could hear Winter growling through gritted teeth from where he stood on the other side of me.

"What are you going to do, Ash?"

"Hariyama, use Belly Drum!"

I heard hushed whispers from some of the Squad members, and I took that moment to speak.

"I think I know what Hala is trying to do. He's sacrificing some of Hariyama's stamina so the Attack power can be raised to the maximum level!"

"If what Brianna is saying is true," Lillie said. "Then Ash could find himself in a really tight jam!"

"Here we go!" Hala triggered his Z-Ring.

"Is that a Z-Move?!" Ash asked in astonishment.

"Correct!" Hala replied, doing the dance and poses necessary. "I am the Kahuna! I make the wills of myself, Melemele and Tapu Koko as one! I am the Kahuna! This is the moment where our strengths combine into one!"

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash roared. "Dodge that Z-Move!"

"All-Out Pummeling! Let's go!"

We watched with bated breath as Hariyama executed the Z-Move and Pikachu ran at top speed. Pikachu couldn't dodge the last one, however.

"Oh, no!" Allison exclaimed.

"Pikachu!" Isaac and Isaiah screamed at the exact same time as the Electric Mouse landed not too far from Ash's feet.

"Come on, Pikachu." Isaac gritted his own teeth.

Although he struggled a little, Pikachu managed to get up once again.

Rebecca sighed in relief. "Now that's what I call determination."

"That was well played." Hala said in amazement. I saw movement in the trees and I immediately realized that was where Tapu Koko had run off to.

"Pikachu, Quick Attack! One more time!"

"Pika!" Pikachu said, taking off on another run at Hariyama.

"Circle around and around Hariyama!"

Lillie gasped in amazement. "I think I know what Ash is planning! By having Pikachu use Quick Attack in circles around Hariyama, he's trying to confuse his enemy!"

"Yeah! Now time to use Iron Tail!"

This time, Pikachu was successful with the attack, delivering a blow straight to the ankle.

"Way to go!" Mallory whooped.

I smiled proudly. "Countering a combination with a combination of his own. Nice one there, Ash."

"Now it's our turn!" Ash triggered his Z-Ring, doing the necessary poses. "Here we go! Full power, now! Breakneck Blitz! Go!"

Pikachu threw a superpowered slam into Hariyama, flinging the Arm Thrust Pokémon into the sky and slamming it down into the ground.

As we all clapped and cheered, Professor Kukui ran over to check on Hariyama.

"Melemele Kahuna Hala's Hariyama is unable to battle!" He announced. "Which means the winner of this Melemele Island Grand Trial is the challenger, Ash Ketchum!"

"Yeah!"

"He won!" Clara squealed.

While everyone else burst into applause, I closed my eyes, putting a hand to my heart.

"Well done, Ash. You definitely don't seem like the foolish idiot I first met in Kanto."

I then opened my eyes to see that Hala had called back his Hariyama. We all gathered around Ash as he ran over to Hala.

"I thoroughly enjoyed our splendid battle, young Ash." Hala praised. "You and Rowlet and Pikachu gave it everything you had."

"Thank you very much, sir."

Natalie's POV

As everyone else chatted amongst ourselves, Brianna, Cousin Lorelei and I watched with proud smiles as Hala presented Ash with a Fightinium Z. What we did not expect, however, was for Tapu Koko to swoop in and replace it with an Electrium Z. She had raced by so fast, none of us could get a clear glimpse of her.

Hala and Brianna both laughed in amusement.

"Fascinating." Hala commented. "In all my experience, this is the first time Tapu Koko has taken so much interest in a challenger!"

"Ha!" Brianna exclaimed, pointing at Ash. "I called it. I called it right from the start!"

"Eventually, I'll learn why. For now, I believe that this Electrium Z belongs to you. Take this Z-Crystal and use it with wisdom."

"I will." Ash acknowledged, taking the Electrium Z.

"Well, Natalie, never have I ever witnessed a battle as fierce as this." Melody remarked.

"Well done, Ash." Kiawe stepped forward. "You were great!"

"Kiawe? You saw?"

"I did." Kiawe slapped Ash on the back. "I was very impressed to see that yours and Pikachu's feelings became one."

"Heh, thanks, Kiawe."

"Ash," I approached the Ketchum boy. "There's someone who's been wanting to see you again."

"Huh?" Ash tilted his head. "Again?"

I stepped aside, and my cousin moved to stand in front of Ash.

"Nice to see you again, Ash. It's been a while."

Ash's jaw dropped. "Prima?!"

Cousin Lorelei covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. "I don't use that silly name anymore. I've decided to go back to using my birth name, Lorelei."

Ash smiled warmly. "Lorelei. I like that name better too."

"I must say, you really have come so far since we last saw each other. I was really impressed by how quickly you turned things around."

"Thank you, Prima, ahem, Lorelei." He then noticed the Z-Ring on my cousin's wrist. "Lorelei, you have a Z-Ring?"

"It was a special case." Hala explained. "Young Tessa came to me saying that Lorelei and her cousin Natalie were dealing with the boss of Team Skull, as well as multiple Grunts. I figured Lorelei would need help. I can tell that she uses it for the greater good."

"Wait, what?!" Ash's jaw dropped. "Natalie is Lorelei's cousin?!"

My cousin and I both exchanged amused laughter.

"I kinda figured you'd react that way once you found out." I quipped.

"So guys, Kahuna Hala is throwing a celebratory party for me. You all want to come?" Ash offered.

"We'd love to!" Tessa replied. "We can't stay very long, though. We need to go back to Akala so Kiawe can take some of the boys to rehearse the Newsies dance."

"That's ok. At least you guys can make it!"

Victoria's POV

"I can't, Dad!" I exclaimed, near tears. "You know how much I miss Mom! How can I smile and be happy?"

"Victoria, I love you, sweetheart, but please try and be happy for me. Come now, where's my happy girl?"

I managed a teary eyed smile.

"There's my girl. Now, lunch will be ready in a few minutes." With that, my father went into the kitchen.

My name is Victoria Mullins. I live in the city of Circhester, one of the cities in the Galar region with a Gym. I am close friends with Gym Leader Melony's son, Gordie, who sometimes alternates with his mother between the role of Circhester Gym Leader.

My own mother died recently, and I have not been faring well. Neither has my father. He just wants to pretend Mom's death never happened, and wants me to be cheerful all the time. Right now, that's totally impossible.

As a result of my mother's passing, I have started to deal with depression, and I frequently have suicidal thoughts. I've occasionally tried to go through with those thoughts, but my loyal and loving Pokémon partners stop me every time.

I only have two Pokémon: a Galarian Ponyta who I call Sprinkles, and an Alcremie that I call Delicia. I love them so much, and at the end of the day, I'm grateful they're my friends.

I went upstairs to my room and shut the door, awakening Sprinkles and Delicia from their nap.

I stared at my a picture of my mother for a bit before heading towards the window, letting the tears come. As I prepared to open it, Delicia grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back. Sprinkles shook her head. Yet again that proved my Pokémon loved me so much, they didn't want me to end my life like that.

"Oh, Sprinkles, I don't know what I'd do without you..." I hugged my Galarian Ponyta to my chest, sobbing my heart out. "You and Delicia are the best."

I don't know if I can forget about Mom's death. I miss her so much.

"There's no way I can forget about this." I told my Pokémon friends, blowing my nose with a tissue Delicia gave me. "I just can't get over Mom's death. I can't! I can't! I mean it. I can't."

I gently sank to my knees as I sang to my mother's picture.

"Hey, Mom, Dead Mom

I need a little help here

I'm prob'ly talking to myself here

But Dead Mom I gotta ask:

Are you really in the ground?

Cause I feel you all around me

Are you here, Dead Mom?

Dead Mom."

I stood up and sat down on my bed.

"Dead Mom

I'm tired of trying to iron out my creases

I'm a bunch of broken pieces

It was you who made me whole

Every day Dad's staring at me

Like all 'hurry up get happy

Move along

Forget about your mom'

Cause Daddy's in denial!

Daddy doesn't wanna feel!

He wants me to smile

And clap like a performing Seel!

Ignored it for a while

But Daddy's lost his mind for real!

You won't believe the mess that we've become."

I went over to my nightstand that had a picture of my 10 year old self being hugged by my mother, staring at it longingly.

"You're my home

My destination

And I'm your clone

Your strange creation

You held my hand

And life came easy"

I left my room and exited the house.

"Now jokes don't land

And no one sees me

And nothing seems to fit!

Mama, is this it?

Are you receiving?

I want something to believe in

Or I'm done!"

I took off my pearl brooch and literally threw it to the side.

"Take me where my soul can run!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and flung my hands out at my sides.

"Or I'll be in my bedroom!

Wake me when I'm 21!"

I opened my eyes, gazing down at my palms with tears in my eyes.

"Daddy's moving forward

Daddy didn't lose a mom!

Mama, won't you send a sign?

I'm running out of hope and time!

A plague of mice, a lightning strike

Or drop a nuclear bomb!

No more playing Daddy's game!

I'll go insane if things don't change!

Whatever it takes to make him say your name

Dead Mom!"

I sunk to my knees once more, taking off my glasses and crying my heart out yet again.

Tessa's POV

At 8:30 PM, we left Melemele and headed back to Akala, having had our dinner at the party. It was now 10:00, and Kiawe would return with the boys any minute.

The door to the room opened, and Alexander, Evan, Derek, Jerco, Anderson, Peter, Adrien, Ethan, Damien, Sebastian, Isaac, Isaiah and Carter ran in, all of them singing immaturely except for Ethan. I didn't really seem to care, but from the annoyed look on Brianna's face, she certainly did.

"I saw a dead Skuntank on the highway

And I was goin' crazy from the smell

'Cause when the wind was blowing my way

It smelled just like the halls of old Rydell

And if you've gotta use the toilet

And later on you start to scratch like hell!"

"Shut up, vultures!" Ethan complained.

"All right, guys." I clapped my hands to get everyone's attention. "Time to get dressed for bed!"

Kiawe went to Lydia and kissed her before leaving for home.

While everyone went to change into their nighttime wear, I noticed Annaleise deep in thought. I made a mental note to talk in secret with Anderson tomorrow and further discuss our plan to get Birhan and Annaleise together.

Annaleise's POV

"Kahuna Nanu, I promise that I will cherish my blessing and think about all living things in this world, as it is my duty as a Guardian."

It was a new day, and Adrien and Rebecca had taken me to Ula'ula, the latter telling me that her father wanted to see me. It turned out that Nanu wanted to test me in a Grand Trial battle, and that it had been Rebecca's idea.

Nanu had used his Krookodile and Alolan Persian, and I had used Shifter and Draco. Krookodile and Shifter were both knocked out at the same time, and Draco defeated Alolan Persian.

My Guardian attire was similar to Tessa's, but the gown was white instead of royal purple, and the cape was red instead of yellow. In addition, I now wore a blue choker, an orange rose clip in my hair, white heels and a Z-Ring with a Latiasium Z.

I was over the moon that I was now a Guardian, yet I also understood what Tessa meant when she said that this was a big responsibility.

I'll have to ask Kiawe for further advice.

Tessa's POV

When Annaleise returned with Adrien and Rebecca, I noticed that my best friend was now wearing a Z-Ring and Guardian attire similar to mine.

Natalie was out doing something, so I decided to tell her when she gets back.

I then noticed that Olivia was with them.

"Alola, Olivia! What's up?"

"Eh," The Kahuna shrugged. "Nothing much. I just wanted to say that I will have the program for the Tapu Lele Festival ready to give you guys tomorrow!"

I beamed. "That's wonderful! I'll tell everyone when Natalie gets back." I then raised an eyebrow, noticing that Olivia had a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Olivia?" I waved a hand in her face. "Hello?"

"Huh?" Olivia snapped out of her daze. "Oh, I'm fine. Just thinking about... things. I have to go now. See you later!" She ran towards the door, only to trip and fall.

"Are you all right?" Annaleise asked.

Olivia got up, sweatdropping. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Alola!"

As soon as Olivia left the room, Natalie walked in.

"What did I miss?" She asked.

"Nothing much." I replied. "Natalie, round up the Squad. We're having a meeting."

"Will do!" She then left to call for everyone.

"Annaleise," I turned to my best friend. "Did Olivia seem weird to you?"

"Yeah. She's probably hiding something."

"Do you think she's in love?"

"That seems very likely. But who could she be in love with...?"

Lorelei's POV

I definitely need to have Natalie remind me to scold Aunt Charlene when I get the chance.

As I headed back to my hotel room, I thought of what I was going to say to my aunt and decided to practice interjecting icy venom into my voice when I do yell at her.

"Unacceptable." I muttered under my breath. "Utterly unacceptable."

I inserted the card key and entered the room, locking the door.

As I collapsed on the king size bed, I noticed a Pokéball on the nightstand, next to the lamp. It was blue and white with a snowflake pattern on the top. Next to the Pokéball was a note that read: 'Love you, Big Cuz! -Natalie'.

How did she get that Pokéball into my room? I must say, I'm surprised. I was touched by the note from my baby cousin. I love her so much.

I pressed the button on the Pokéball, releasing the Pokémon inside with a brilliant white light! I shielded my eyes against the glow before looking back to see... an Ice-type Sandshrew?!

The Sandshrew looked up at me, and to my surprise, it talked!

"Hello, My Queen."