They of the Sun
Chapter Twelve: A Waste

"Are you sure there's another one ahead, Zossie?"

"Of course! Past the city and to the volcano!"

Every time I encountered these two it was hard to not blink a few times before. They were still fit for space in their futuristic suits... it was so out of place here where nature was prevalent. The two noticed my presence due to the Rotom Dex whizzing away with a giggle after having warned me of them, before I could just scoot on by.

      "Alola, Chosen Girl," Dulse said, forming the greeting in his unusual fashion. "Are you going to participate in the Battle Dome?"

"I don't think so," I said, trying to inch away from them. Sheesh, I hated small talk.

"Perhaps the Trial, Chosen Girl?" He inquired further, unable to pick up that I no longer wanted to be part of this narrative (I never wanted to be a part of it to begin with, but ya know...)

"Bingo, pal," I said with an eye roll. "Also, it's Cyra."

"Cyra! Like the sun!" Zossie said excitedly. "I studied the human languages before our travel here! You have so many words!"

"Sure? I guess." I was finally in a position where I could make a run for it. But before I could turn away, Dulse stopped me.

"Cyra," he began, "Let us escort you to the Battle Dome. I'm aware you said that was not your initial goal, but I believe it would be enjoyable."

None of this was my initial goal. My initial goal had been to fuck off to some remote place like... an isle somewhere by Hoenn. One of the ones that fade in and out of existence. Instead I found myself traversing the city with these two aliens, receiving looks and gasps like we didn't live with creatures that have laser eyes or can use telekinesis. Shit, people can literally manipulate aura.

       But nah, let's gawk at the aliens.

       "Arceus, no," I groaned as we approached the looming dome with massive Machamp and Tyranitar balloons bouncing about in the breeze. There was a throng of people near the entry way, following an even less dressed Kukui into the building. The way I knew it was Kukui?

The lack of clothes.

         And the mask didn't hide enough of his face. He was inside before we knew it and I wanted to bleach my eyes. For Dialga's sake I never want to see that much of someone ever again. The crowd had either dissipated or went inside after him, leaving just me and my little outer space gang.

"Who was he?" Zossie asked in wide-eyed curiosity. I wasn't sure if it was better for them to be wearing masks or not... their eyes were unsettling because they were such an otherworldly color, it almost made me wonder what kind of world did they live in?

"Irrelevant," Dulse responded, bluntly as he continued on. Even more admirable. I'm just full of admiration the last few days, aren't I?

"Word," I said as I followed close behind and Zossie accepted his answer. The cool of the building was refreshing from the Alolan heat but the reverie didn't get to last much longer when I heard an overly enthusiastic "Cyra!" above the registration desk where there was a balcony looming. Nearly hanging off that balcony like an Aipom was none other than Sen. Behind him a smiling Hau, but distant, his attention was elsewhere... After Brooklet Hill's Trial Hau had run off without another word to me... and I guess this is where he landed. This is where I remove myself from the group before it got bigger. More was not merrier.

       I gave Sen a nonchalant wave, trying to move away from Zossie and Dulse towards... well anywhere that wasn't going to fuel drama. Because if it came down to it: I'd throw hands... but a part of me didn't want to... not towards them. I looked around at the displayed merchandise and the very mask Kukui thought he was doing a good job hiding behind.... In the midst of my thoughts, I got lost and met a solid body.

         "You should be more careful, little girl," there was that dark, hypnotic voice again. Complete with an anguishing smirk. As I met his vibrant green eyes, it dawned on me I should've just hit him in the graveyard. But the way he caught my hand? This boy learned to fight somewhere... definitely not those Skull goons.

       "At least, I don't run off from a rumble just to go to another rumble, hypocrite," I fired at him, annoyed with the nickname 'little girl'. It was better than 'girl chosen by the Tapus' or 'Chosen Girl.' Personally, my favorite was 'bitch'.

         "This is where Type: Null and I go to drown our sorrows," he shrugged while I shook my head with an incredulous smile. He was so edgy, I could probably cut myself on him.

Before I could say anything I was interrupted by Kukui booming out over the balcony about challenging the Masked Royal.

        He whipped out his arm like a lasso, pointing. And I found myself at the end of that finger. I grimaced as I shook my head.

      "You don't get a choice, Cyra!"

       No shit. I could've laughed at the irony, but instead I took a step back.

      "I'm good, love. Enjoy."

      My blatant tone must've discouraged him because he drooped like a wilting flower. Kukui was a fast learner! Knowing that I wasn't too easily persuaded into situations I didn't want to be thrown into. He saw me fight tooth and nail to not do the Island Challenge...

      Instead he beckoned Sen- whom was absolutely ecstatic-, Gladion, and surprisingly, Dulse. I wandered close behind Hau, refusing to acknowledge that I didn't know my way around this damned place. I barely knew my way around the Hotel we were staying at, let alone MeleMele and definitely not Akala. I could tell you every inch of Sinnoh, unfortunately that isn't of any help here.

I sit a few rows away from Hau, staring down past his head at the arena. At each corner was a Pokémon accommodating the color of that part of the ring; green (where I was sitting closest to), blue, red, and yellow. Tyranitar, Gyarados, Charizard, and Haxorus. Their mouths were open and teeth bared... if they were real, it would've been a wicked battle to witness.

A body plopped down right next to me followed by a soft "pew!". "S-sorry I'm late!"

I glanced at Lillie with a shrug just as the bell rung and the MC bellowed about getting excited to the overly active crowd. Hau stood with a fist pump at Sen and Kukui's introduction... But I don't think the simpleton realized it was Kukui and not some wrestle mania man named the Masked Royal. Or Sen for that matter.

"No." Lillie gasped from beside me, leaning forward in her seat. This was the most confused and concerned I'd ever seen her. Maybe that was a reason to worry?

Hah, not my problem.

I could feel her glance at me in hopes I hadn't noticed her concern, but I didn't give any sign that I gave a single shit. She sat back, her eyes glued in complete focus. Gasps and murmurs ensued when everyone drew out their Pokémon... Naganadel drawing the most attention for most obviously not being from anywhere near here, but also in the way Dulse commanded and it followed orders so well. It's like they were dancing a dance. The only thing rivaling them? Gladion.

His commands were thought-out, their movements like water down a dry gullet.

They took out Sen and Kukui with ease, fighting each other with conviction until Naganadel's last blow.

"Can you believe this?!" The MC cried out, "someone finally worthy enough to take out not only Gladion but the Masked Royal? This is a sight to behold!"

We rendezvoused back in the lobby. Sen and Hau chattering excitedly amongst themselves, while Lillie stood on her tiptoes to eye surf the crowd. The determination on her face seemed so homespun... but I just couldn't put two and two together.

"Alola, cousins!" Kukui hollered. "Was that not a fantastic battle, yeah?"

"Holy Arceus, was it!" Sen cried out, "I can't believe I actually fought against you!"

"Me either!" Hau was beaming, but still giving me the cold shoulder... Their gushing continued on until ThE mAskEd ROyAl left the vicinity. And even then their voices became annoying little squawks in my ear. I could ruin their dreams by letting them in on the not-so-secret secret, but I let them have this one. Listening to the crowd around me gave me a headache and stepping outside into the muggy Alolan dusk was refreshing...

"Cyra."

My initial instinct was to be prepared to protect myself, but my eyes rapidly adjusted to the dim moonlight and streetlights. It was only Dulse, surprisingly. And now that I think about it... I wasn't too sure where Zossie had gone during the match. He towered over me like Mt. Coronet over the entirety of Sinnoh.

"I have noticed you are not as friendly as many of the locals."

There was an awkward pause since he awaited a response, but when the silence drew out, he spoke again. "I want to know why that is. And I've figured the best way is to battle you. Allow me to witness what kind of Trainer you truly are."

Not any kind.

I let out a snort as I gave him the same reply that I had given Hau. "Not in a million years."

I backed away from him, stooping down as I did the Alolan greeting correctly, my voice overflowing with sarcasm. "Alola."

And with that I turned away, leaving him to stand in the night alone, losing him in the crowd of people leaving the Battle Dome. I don't know what everyone is on to lead them to believe I can be bothered... But I seriously didn't want any more part in it than I already had. That had been a complete waste of a day where I could've been completing this doltish Island Challenge. Whatever.

My entire existence was a waste anyway.