Kotori couldn’t help but smile as You lifted the yellow stress ball above her head, almost as if she was showing it off. “I don’t think I did…”

“Is that it?” You mused, a black box under Kotori’s bed catching her attention. She quickly bent over, looking under the bed. “Got it.”

She pulled herself back onto the bed, returning to where she was seated and placed a small black box with a red ribbon around it in front of her. “Yup. This is it.”

“Okay. Thanks for your help, You.” Kotori smiled as she tugged on the ends of the ribbon on the box, undoing it. She was surprised to see everything You said in there.

“What’s that?” You inquired, pointing into the small box towards a small pendant lying at the bottom. “I didn’t get that.”

Kotori carefully took the golden pendant out, looking at the design. Besides the golden colour, there was only a black cross on either side of it. She clicked the golden button on top, opening it.

The inside was the same colour as the outside with the only exception being the digital number, like that of an alarm clock, on the inside of the right side.

“Ten?” Kotori mused, looking towards You to see if she knew what it meant.

“I have no idea what that’s about.” You shrugged, letting out a long sigh. “At least it looks nice.”

“Really? I think It looks creepy.” Kotori hummed as she closed the pendant, putting it around her neck. “What do you think?”

“I think it looks great on you. The colour works well with your hair.” You couldn't help but blush as she noticed how attractive Kotori actually was. She had seen her on posters but it was nothing like real life.

Kotori tilted her head as she noticed You’s face redden, not sure why You had suddenly started to get flustered. Maybe she was thinking about one of her friends? Chika? Riko? It was probably one of them.

You’s attention shifted as she noticed her phone’s screen light up. “One sec.”

“Okay.” Kotori barely had any time to reply before You hopped off her bed, grabbing her phone and returned to where she was. She didn’t know what it was about but whatever it was brought a smile to You’s face.

“Hey Kotori. My friends and I were thinking of going to the beach. Do you wanna come along?” You questioned as she crossed her legs with her phone resting on top of them, waiting for Kotori’s answer so she could tell everyone else.

“Sure but can I bring Umi too?” Kotori asked as she looked to the side of her bed at the sleeping Rowlet. It would be good to let Rowlet have a nice fly around and it would also be good for Umi. She could even swim with her Magikarp.

She would have asked Honoka but she was away with Eli, Nozomi and Rin, helping Nozomi catch a Pokemon.

“Yeah, of course.” You answered with a bright smile before she began starting to type away on her phone.

Kotori frowned as You suddenly stood up, putting her phone in her pocket before grabbing her keycard from her bed. “I’m going to go meet up with Mari and Kanan to get everything sorted out before we leave.” You said, glancing at Kotori.

“Okay, where should we meet?” Kotori stood from her bed, quickly grabbing her jacket on the coat rack at the bottom of her bed. “I need to tell Umi.”

“That’s a good point. I’ll message you as soon as I find out.” You replied as she opened the door, waving at Kotori before shutting it behind her. She didn’t want to waste Kotori’s time so she needed to ask Mari immediately.

---

Eli sat down on the grass when they all finally reached the field a mile or two away from the school. Nozomi quickly joined Eli on the floor, resting her hand atop Eli’s.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise your hand was there.” Nozomi stated in a soft voice but with a mischievous grin on her face.

“Yes you did. What type of Pokemon are you looking for anyway?” Eli sighed as she looked around the field she was sitting in. She could see the odd Pokemon here and there. According to Arisa, the school had pokemon shipped in from other regions to populate the areas around the school. That meant that they could find anything.

“Is it a psychic type?” Chika questioned as she finally caught up to them with Honoka a few steps behind.

“No. I’m actually looking for a ghost type pokemon.”  Nozomi answered, noticing Honoka was gone. “Where did…”

“Almost got it!”

The three girls turned as they heard Honoka’s voice. They were somehow not surprised to see her halfway up a tree already.

“What are you doing, Kousaka-san?” Dia stopped short of the tree with Ruby close behind, the two of them looking up at the orange haired girl in confusion.

“Think fast.”

Dia barely had a moment to react before Honoka dropped something towards her. She quickly put her hands out, catching what looked like a pink banana with a yellow tip. Dia frowned as another 7 berries of the same kind fell into her hand. She had no idea what it was or even if it was edible by humans.

“Nanab berries?” Ruby inquired, gently prodding the yellow part of the berry. It was much softer than she imagined.

Honoka jumped down frown halfway down the tree, stumbling a little when she landed. “You know them? My mom got them for me and Yukiho once and they were amazing. I didn’t expect to find them here, they only grow in Johto.”

Ruby turned to the side and towards Hanamaru who was playing with her Teddiursa, gently throwing the ball to the small bear before the bear threw it back. It was completely different than how Rin was playing with her pokemon. Both her and the pokemon were running around chasing after each other.

Eli looked on at the group, not sure what they should really do about catching Pokemon. A large group like theirs would be noticed by Pokemon immediately, especially because of Chika, Rin and Honoka’s constant chatting.

“I have an idea.” Eli stood up, getting everyone's attention as Honoka started to give out the berries to everyone. “I think we should split up. A group as big as ours would scare pokemon away before we even get a chance to catch one.”

Dia looked up. “Ayasa-san is…”

“Just call me Eli.”

“Eli-san is right. We should split up and meet back here in a few hours.” Dia replied as she looked towards Ruby. Ruby, herself, Hanamaru and Chika would probably be a good sized group. “Ruby, Chika-san, Hanamaru-san and myself will go this way.”

Eli nodded as she looked in the direction Dia was pointing. She could faintly see a small farm like building in the distance.

“Okay. I guess we’ll head...umm...eeny meeny miny moe! That way!” Honoka added as she pointed randomly around her, unintentionally pointing to a forest behind them. “Bye guys. Good luck!”

“You too!” Chika yelled, walking away with Dia, Ruby and Hanamaru close behind. She didn’t really know what type of Pokemon Ruby wanted but she was going to do her best to help her.

“Right. Should we go then nya?” Rin inquired as she stopped next to Eli and Nozomi. “Don’t you worry Nozomi, you will have a pokemon by the end of the day.”

A gentle smile tugged at Nozomi’s lips before she looked up. “Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank us. It’s what friends do.” Honoka smiled before biting into one of the Nanab berries she handed out, a small amount of the juice dripping onto her top. “I forgot how great these are! Anyway, let’s go.”

---

“Raven-san! Raven-san!” Raven was in the process of training with Sparky when he heard his name being called. He turned quickly to the source of the sound, his own training having taught him to expect the worst but instead he was met with the sight of Hanayo jogging toward him, a backpack cradled to her chest. “Uh...you can really just call me Raven. It’s fine.” Raven said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair. He glanced back at his pikachu. “Let’s take a break, Sparky.” Sparky responded enthusiastically with his usual cry and bound over to a panting Hanayo, hopping up onto her shoulder. He seemed pleased when she reached up and petted the top of his head. “I-It’s embarrassing if I just call you that though…” Hanayo mumbled, looking down at the backpack in her arms. Raven wasn’t sure whether the blush on her cheeks was from embarrassment or exertion after running to him. “Maybe something less formal then?” Hanayo thought about that for a moment. “Raven-senpai?” Raven grimaced and shook his head. That wasn’t much better. “No…” “Raven-sama?” “Hell no. That’s way too formal. We’re friends, right? Kind of.” Raven watched as Hanayo’s eyes seemed to light up at his question. “So what do you call your other friends?” “Well I only have girl friends, like Rin-chan and Honoka-chan and…oh!” Hanayo clasped her hands together. “Raven-kun, maybe? But you’re older than me so it’s a bit rude…” “I like it. It’s better than san anyway.” Raven smiled, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He nodded at the bag in Hanayo’s arms. “What do you have there?” “Oh! I brought us some lunch.” Hanayo walked closer to Raven and sat down on the grass at his feet. “I know you said you don’t understand why I like rice so much so I decided to show you.” Raven raised his eyebrows as Hanayo dug into the backpack, pulling out two normal sized bentos as well as a small one. Curious, he sat down cross-legged on the floor next to her and watched as she opened the bentos. He leaned close, surprised to see rice balls in the shapes of birds. “Birds?” “Yeah! It’s called onigiri. They’re rice balls but you can style then any way you want to. I’m not very good at it so these don’t really look like birds but I thought because of your name…” Hanayo blushed as Raven broke into a smile. “I know they’re bad…” “No, these are really cool!” Raven carefully took one of the rice balls from the bento box and bit into it, chewing thoughtfully for a moment. “They’re really good too. Is there something else in them?” Hanayo smiled, slightly embarrassed by the high praise. “It’s a secret. M-Maybe I could teach you to make them if you want. I have my rice cooker here. I guess you know that because you carried it for me…” Raven nodded in response and dug into the rest of the bento, hurriedly eating what was left. He had completely forgotten to bring anything with him other than water and some snacks for Sparky.

The Pokemon in question meanwhile had jumped down from Hanayo’s shoulder to the smaller bento box and was struggling to open it, electricity sparking from his cheeks in frustration.

“Oh sorry, Sparky!” Hanayo realised Sparky was having issues and quickly opened the bento for Raven’s pikachu, revealing a miniature version of the lunch she’d prepared for herself and Raven. Sparky began to eat the food just as enthusiastically as Raven and Hanayo chuckled at the similarity. She turned to eat her own lunch, albeit at a slower pace than the two at her side. “So what classes are you thinking of taking?” Raven asked, his words muffled because his mouth was full of food. Hanayo’s brow furrowed as she tried to figure out what he’d said. “I’m sorry...what?” Raven swallowed and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I said what classes are you thinking of taking? We have to pick two types? Eli told me it said that in the welcome pack…” “Oh right. Um...I was thinking maybe grass.” Hanayo said thoughtfully. “And maybe dragon too.” “Dragon, really?” Raven was surprised she would opt for such a class. “Sorry, I thought you might choose fairy or something. You just look...” He cringed as Hanayo frowned at him. Somehow he always managed to make more of a mess when he tried to fix his mistakes. He was a lot better at fighting people than he was at talking to them. “That’s kind of rude, Raven-san…” “Ah, not the Raven-san thing again. I’m sorry, I just didn’t think you’d be interested in…” He trailed off, noticing the corners of Hanayo’s lips twitching. “You were messing with me?” Hanayo put her hand to her mouth, trying to muffle a giggle. “I’m sorry, it was just so easy…” Raven huffed but he couldn’t deny that he was happy that she was comfortable enough to tease him. “I’m definitely going to choose dragon as one of my options. So we might be in the same class.” “Really?” Hanayo looked excited at the prospect. “I would like that. We could study together!” Raven smiled genuinely as he watched Sparky hop back into Hanayo’s lap, having emptied the bento she’d brought him. “I would too.”

“Umm, excuse me?”

Hanayo and Raven turned to the unfamiliar voice in unison. A girl with long straight blonde hair stood near them wearing a large white sun hat. “Are you Evergreen-san?”

“Yeah. But you can just call me Raven.” Raven replied before he stood up. Sparky jumped onto Raven’s shoulder before he got fully to his feet. “Can I help you with something?”

“Yes, I mean no. My name is...is...is something wrong with my hair?” The girl questioned as she noticed Raven staring at her braids.

“Sorry, I was just wondering how you got them in the shape of hearts?” Raven questioned, moving slightly to the side so that he could get a better view at them. “So cool.”

“Do you find everything cool?” Hanayo sighed as she watched him nod enthusiastically at her.

“Why wouldn’t I? This world is amazing.” He smiled again before he stood up properly. “So how did you get them like that?”

“My mom use to style my hair all the time like this...before she became the CEO of the Aether Foundation.” The girl answered, ready for the normal questions she gets every time she tells someone about her mom.

“What’s the Aether Foundation? Wait, first what’s your name?”

The girl frowned in confusion at Raven’s first question.  Everyone had heard of the company, even people outside of Alola. “My name is Lillie, and I was asked to tell you that the Pokemon transporter is available.”

“Great, thanks Lillie. Oh, this is Sparky and Hanayo.” Raven said as he pointed to his Pikachu and Hanayo.

“Hi.” Hanayo greeted as she finished packing up the remains of their lunch, pilling it back in the bag before she stood up next to Raven.

“I’ll carry that for you.”

Hanayo barely had enough time to react before Raven plucked the bag from her grasp, carrying it in his right hand.

The three of them walked in silence for a little bit before Lillie stopped, getting Hanayo and Raven’s attention a second later. They stopped a couple of steps after, turning towards her.

“Do you really not know what the Aether Foundation is?” Lillie still had a hard time believing they didn’t know what the Aether Foundation was. It was on TV constantly.

“I do. Isn’t it a safe place for abused Pokemon?” Hanayo replied as she looked to Raven and Sparky.

As far as she could tell, Raven still had no idea what it was. Nozomi said that she had something to tell her about him after she gets back from her ‘Pokemon catching adventure’ as Rin called it. She wondered what it could be about.

“That’s right. Most people try to be friends with me so they can get close with my mom.” Lillie explained as she started to play with her fingers. She didn't like not trusting people but it’s what her mom had taught her to do.

“Well I’m sorry but I’ve never heard of them. Even if I did, it shouldn’t matter.” Raven said with a smile, stepping closer to Lillie. “Don’t worry, If I wanna use you to get to your mom I’ll let you know.”

“That's not how it works…” Hanayo was about to explain as she spotted a smile tugging at Lillie’s lips.

“Okay. It’s a deal.” Lillie replied with a chuckle, shaking hands with Raven. She was surprised by how hard his hand was, it was clear he must of been use to physical work.

“By the way, why are you going to the Pokemon Transporter?” Hanayo asked as they began walking again.

“I’m getting my Charmander from home.” He answered honestly as he hopped a little in excitement. He hadn’t seen his Charmander in almost a year, he couldn’t wait to see it again.

----

“Kotori.”

Kotori opened her eyes, her name being called the only thing stopping her from drifting to sleep. She didn’t really know why she was tired but she felt so weak compared to when she woke up. Maybe it was because she had been waiting for a while?

Umi stopped near Kotori standing next to the Reshiram statue, placing her dark blue backpack on the ground next to the base of the statue. “So why did you want to meet up so badly, and why did I have to bring my bikini?”

“Because we’re going to the beach.” Kotori answered with a clap of her hands, smiling at the blue haired girl. The smile faded slightly as she noticed Umi’s classic frown.

“I have questions. Who’s going? When are we going? How are we getting there? Who’s paying? Is the beach we’re going to open for people and Pokemon? What if the beach is a nudist beach?! AH SHAMELESS. THESE ARE ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS KOTORI!”

Kotori tried not to laugh but she couldn’t stop the laughter from slipping out.  “I asked Nico-chan and Maki-chan and they said no and Hanayo-chan is hanging out with Eli-chan’s brother so it’s just us, and a few people from Aquors.”

“Wait, Aquors? Then that means…”

“UMI!”

Umi flinched as she suddenly felt like she was in a vice. She turned her head towards the voice. She knew who it was already.

Mari was behind her with her arms wrapped tightly around Umi. “Haha, I’m so happy you’re deciding to come along too!”

“Let her go Mari, before you break her.” Kanan added as she stopped next to the happy blonde, gently hitting the top of Mari’s head.

“Ow.”

Umi took in a deep breath of air as the vice like grip around her was released, turning around so she was facing Mari and Kanan. To her surprise, almost every member of Aquours were there minus Dia, Ruby, Hanamaru and Chika.

“Let’s go!” You added loudly as she turned to the side, walking just past the main gate. She paused as she heard the faint sound of an engine approaching.

Mari frowned in irritation as a black limo turned into the school’s ground and stopped near the group of girls. She knew exactly who had sent it and why but the idea of using something he sent almost made her sick.

“Ohara-san. I have been instructed to…”

“I’m sorry my dad forced you to come all this way, Walter but I’m never using anything from him again.” Mari stopped to the side of the older limo driver before she turned towards him and hugged him.

She had planned to walk past him but whenever her father was away on ‘buisness’ and her mother was taking care of the house, he would have always been there to play with her and cheered her up when she felt down.

“Very well. I shall leave you to your friends. Have a good day.” Walter replied with a smile. He hated Mari’s dad just as much as Mari did. The only reason he stuck around was because of Mari and her mother.

Mari smiled and nodded before she walked past him. “Come on everyone. We’re gonna miss the train if we’re too slow.”

Everyone looked towards each other in confusion for a couple of seconds before they all decided that the best thing to do was ask about it later.

“Wait up!” Kanan bellowed when she noticed how far Mari had gotten. For someone who barely did any exercise, she was really fast.

---

Dia turned back to Ruby, surprised to see her younger sister looking high and low for a pokemon. She knew Ruby wanted one but she always played it off as something she was fine with.

Dia smiled softly as Ruby turned back towards her and waved with Hanamaru close to her. They had went their separate ways from Honoka and the rest a couple of hours ago but they had yet to find any pokemon that Ruby liked.

“Hey, Dia-san. What do you think happened to her pokemon?”  Chika questioned with a hum. She wasn’t surprised to see Dia looking towards Ruby again. They were the closest sisters she had ever seen.

Dia didn’t reply immediately, the first thought that came to mind making her feel like crying. What could anyone do if the pokemon was being abused? No one knows where the thieves went. “I don’t know.”

“I’m happy we’re getting her another one.” Chika nodded at her statement even if she was the only one in agreement.

Dia couldn’t help but worry that having another pokemon so soon might make Ruby long for the one she was originally going to get even more. She only wished that she thought of that before Eli asked.

“Onee-chan! Look in the distance!”

Dia frowned as Ruby stopped next to her out of breath with Hanamaru behind her in the same kind of condition. She didn’t think they were that far away from each other.

“What?” Dia followed Ruby’s pointing finger towards a small hill in the distance, in front of it was a small wooden cottage with a hurd of Torours and Miltanks just outside.

“What...do you think it is? Zura.” Hanamaru questioned as she finally caught her breath and returned to her feet.

“Not sure. Lets go have a look.” Chika answered before she she began to walk to the building with a smile on her face. She didn’t know why but figuring out the unknown was something she loved doing.

To Dia’s surprise, Ruby was only a couple of steps behind Chika. Normally she would be trailing behind with Hanamaru. She found it strange being one of the members to trail behind.

“Wait up.” Dia yelled as she began to walk quickly to Chika and Ruby, leaving Hanamaru barely able to keep up with the three of them.

---

Maki yawned as she took a seat outside on one of the many white wooden benches scattered throughout the school’s impressive looking gardens, each one with a trash can beside it.

She had wanted to go to the library to see if they had any interesting stories to read but she couldn’t get in. She didn’t know why the school decided to do it but they decided to have the library closed to students for the first two weeks of the school year.

She didn’t really know what to do with the rest of her day now that her plans had been ruined. Kotori and Umi were at the beach with a bunch of people she didn’t know so she decided to pass on that. Maybe she could have called Honoka or Eli and asked them to wait for her.

Maki turned to the side, surprised to see Nico taking to a boy she had never seen Nico talk to before. She knew Nico better than anyone else and she was sure that Nico hadn’t made any new friends yet. “Nico?”

Nico frowned at the mention of her name and looked toward the source of the sound. She thought the only person who didn’t go with Nozomi was Hanayo and that was because of a special reason.

“I thought you said you were alone?!” The boy questioned in a hostile tone, glaring at Maki.

“We’re standing in an open place you moron. So someone recognized me, big deal.” Nico scoffed, hoping the deal wasn’t going to be called off. She needed the information he had. She was even going to pay for it with money Eli gave her.

“I’m out.” The boy back away a few steps with his hands in the air before he turned around and walked quickly away.

“Well screw you!” Nico yelled as she turned around, kicking a trash can to the ground in anger. “Damn it!”

“Whoa! What’s wrong with you?” Maki stopped short of the black haired idol. She had been so confused all day, first about the library being closed and now for Nico acting so shady.

“I was getting some information from him but the idiot been watching too many spy films or something and got himself spooked.” Nico answered as she calmed down. She fell back and rested against the wall.

“Info on what?” Maki looked towards Nico in confusion as the black haired idol tilted her head on confusion.

“Did Eli not tell you?”

“No. So tell me.” Maki replied in a sharp tone, annoyed at Eli for keeping something a secret from her.

“I was finding out who took Nozomi’s pokemon.” Nico clenched her fist as she looked behind her, getting a glimpse of spiky red hair disappear behind the wall near her. That was the fifth time she had noticed she was being followed. “And then there's this asshole!”

Maki frowned in confusion, her eyes widening as Lance stepped out from behind the wall with his eyes fixed on Nico.

He was surprised she caught on to him so quickly. “Such foul language.”

“Stop. Following. Me...before I make you.” Nico growled, getting even more angry when Lance started to laugh.

“Very funny. Come on out.”

Nico eyes widened as the Pokeball Lance was hiding in his hand opened up, a large dragonair stood in front of them also fixed on Nico.

“Crap…” Nico muttered to herself as she took a step back. The only pokemon she had was Fennekin and against a pokemon like that it would do nothing beside getting Fennekin hurt.

Maki and Nico looked down in confusion as a strange coloured charmander waddled over to the two girls and stood in front of them acting like some kind of guard.

“Who’s pokemon is this?” Nico questioned as she looked towards Maki and Lance, neither one of them.looked like they had a single idea who that pokemon belong to.

“Just move it out the…”

“Thunderbolt!” “Swift!”

Lance flinched as two voices interrupted him with one of the voices sounded familiar. The Dragonair turned around just in time to get hit with a bolt of lightning and a cluster of stars, making him fall back against the school wall.

“Who the…” Lance trailed off, scoffing as he noticed Hanayo and Raven standing nearby with Sparky and Eevee in front of them. “Of course it would be you, Evergreen.”

“Hey Lance. Leave my friend alone.” Raven said in a firm voice, still holding onto two ice cream cones in his hands.

“We’re not friends.” Nico added quickly just so Lance understood.

“Whatever.” Lance grunted before turning his attention to Raven. “Just because Professor Oak brought you to the school doesn’t mean anything. Get in my way again and I’ll make you pay.”

Raven smiled, nodding which seemed to anger Lance even more. “Not gonna happen. Bye.”

Maki looked on in confusion as Lance turned around and walked away in a bad mood. She quickly stepped to the side once she noticed that had unintentionally been standing behind Nico the entire time.

“Charmander, don’t go away on your own again. You might get hurt.” Hanayo chucked as she watched Sparky walk over to the charmander. It wrapped its tail around the charmander before the two moved away from Nico and Maki.

Nico looked on in confusion. She assumed that the charmander was Raven’s because it acted a lot like him but she found it strange that Hanayo was talking to it like she was the owner.

“Em...Hanayo. We need to talk.” Nico muttered, gesturing for Hanayo to go over to her.

“Sounds like serious stuff. Here’s your Ice cream.” Raven smiled as he handed the Mint flavoured ice cream to Hanayo, giving the Vanilla one he had to Sparky to hold. “Bye Hanayo. Bye Eevee.”

Eevee cried out in happiness as Raven, Charmander and Sparky all walked away with Sparky and charmander taking turned to lick the ice cream.

“What is it Nico-chan?” Hanayo questioned as she picked up her Eevee.

“Wait. Did you know about the plan?”

Nico groaned as she rubbed the bridge of her nose at Maki’s question. “No. She didn’t. No one knows the full plan beside Eli.”

“Eli-chan asked me to make sure Raven-kun didn’t get into trouble.” Hanayo added as she played with her fingers. She could see Nico and Maki questing why she was calling someone older than her kun. She was surprised they didn’t ask about it.

“Honoka, Umi, Rin, Nozomi and Kotori know nothing about the plan and are doing their own stuff.” Nico continued to explain. She understood why Maki was annoyed at Eli and if she was being honest with herself, she was too.

“What about Arisa-chan and Yukiho-chan?” Hanayo questioned in a worried tone. She hadn’t seen the two of them in a while and she was starting to get worried. The school clearly wasn’t as safe as they thought.

“Arisa and Yukiho are away researching on the internet to find out if anything like what happened here has happened to anywhere else.” Nico took a seat on the bench nearby and let out a hefty sigh.

“What about you?” Maki inquired, joining her on the bench. “What did Eli ask you to do?”

“I was asked to try and find out who did it.”

“Did you find out?”

“Just a possible name. It’s might be Team Rocket but i’m not 100%...or at least the teachers I heard talking about it weren’t.” Nico answered with a long sigh. She wished she could get the name definitely instead of a vague guess.

---

“What about this?!” Honoka yelled as she pointed towards a shocked and confused looking Weedle. She waved her spare hand franticly getting Nozomi’s attention.

Nozomi turned to where Honoka was, surprised by how far away Honoka went on her search for a pokemon. She assumed that Honoka was trying really hard to help her.

“No thanks, Honoka-chan. I think I might try looking for a ghost type pokemon.” Nozomi replied as she thought about where the best place to get one would be. She doubt that there were any haunted houses anywhere nearby.

“I know a place, nya.” Rin smiled as she stopped next to Nozomi and Eli, guasturing them to follow her.

“Where are we…” Eli trailed off as she noticed they were approaching a cave.

“Wow, I bet there's a bunch of ghost type pokemon on there!” Honoka explained happily, not wasting a minute before she rushed in with Rin close behind.

Nozomi was about to follow when she stopped a few steps inside, looking behind her to a statue like Eli frozen in place. “Elichi?”

Eli cringed as she looked into the darkness of the cave with Rins Shinx’s electricity being the only source of light. “I’m...not sure I can go...in.”

Nozomi nodded at Eli’s statement with guilt. She couldn’t believe that she’d forgotten that Eli was scared of the dark. “Honoka-chan! Rin-chan! I change my mind.”

“What?!”

Honoka and Rin complained on unison, slowly walking out of the cave with  frowns on their faces. They thought she wanted a ghost type pokemon. As far as they knew, a cave was the best place to get one.

Nozomi smiled as she took a hold of Eli’s hand, tightly gripping it in an attempt to make her best friend feel better. “I want to look for a Fairy type…”

“No.”

Nozomi stopped talking as Eli interrupted her, taking her aback a little.

“You really want a Ghost type but you’re going to change so I don’t have to go into the cave. I can’t let you do that!” Eli yelled as she took a deep breath and sprinted into the cave before anyone else could realise.

“Three, two, one…” Nozomi smiled, starting to countdown with her arms spread like she was ready for a hug.

A second later and Eli’s scream echoed throughout the cave. The blonde rushed out the cave as quickly as she entered and immediately wrapped herself in Nozomi’s warm embrace. “I...did it.”

Nozomi smile widened as she kissed the blonde on her cheek. “Yes. You did.”

She frowned as she looked past Eli and towards the small group of Gastly, Geodude and Graveler of both normal and Alolan versions, Phantump, Sandygast and Shuppet all with worried expressions on their faces. She assumed that the pokemon heard Eli’s scream and wanted to see if she was okay.

Nozomi jumped as she felt one of her pokeballs fall from her belt and stop next to the pokemon. To her surprise, one of the Ghastly licked the top of the pokeball and went inside it.

All four of them looked on in anticipation as the ball rocked side to side, waiting for the third time so they knew if Nozomi got it.

Nozomi eyes widened in shock but also happiness as the ball let out a small ding letting her know that she finally had a pokemon of her own.

“Are you going to name it anything?” Honoka inquired as she picked up the ball, holding it out to Nozomi. She considered naming her Chespin but she had no idea what to call it.

“I don’t know. But what I do know is that I am tired.” Nozomi let out a long sigh as Eli finally broke away from the hug and turned to the pokemon who were all still worried about her. She knew if she thanked Eli outloud the blonde wouldn’t take the praise so she decided to thank her in her head. If Eli didn’t rush in and face her fears, she wouldn’t have gotten the Ghastly.

---

Umi looked over at Mari who was seated in the sand watching Kanan and the others in the sea, all of them.with different coloured bikinis on. She didn’t know Mari much or even at all but she could tell that Mari would normally be one of the first in the water.

Umi stood up and took in a deep breath. She had never been good at cheering up people before but if she wanted the new friendship she had with Mari to last, she needed to try.

Mari smiled weakly as Umi took a seat beside her. If she was being honest with herself, she completely forgot Umi had even come along with them. “I thought you would of been in the water with Kotori.”

“As ironic as this sounds, I’m not really that thrilled about the sea as my name would imply.” Umi smiled as she noticed Mari chuckle. “If you don’t mind me asking, what was that about with the limo driver?”

“His name is Walter and he is in service of...my father.” Mari answered with disdain clearly in her voice whenever she mentioned her father. “Walter is very nice and when I was little he took care of me when my parents were busy.”

“So...what about your dad? That seems to be where the hatred lies.” Umi frowned as Mari chuckled again.

“Was it that obvious?” She let out a deep sigh before she looked towards Kanan. “Kanan and myself both have legendary pokemon and the only reason we do is because of...him.”

“So why are you so angry at him?”

“Because of what he does.” Mari growled as she thought back to her conversations with her dad. “I had to take Raikou and Suicune off of my dad otherwise he would have used them for his ‘research’”

Umi wanted to ask more about Mari’s father’s research but chose to hold her tongue.

“I don’t want anything to do with him anymore.” Mari muttered to herself, glancing up from the sand towards Kanan who was splashing water towards You and Riko.

“I don’t know about your father...but as far as I can see, you have a group of people who care about you in front of you.” Umi smiled as she noticed Kanan glance over again for the fourth time. It was similar to how she use to act when she first started dating Honoka.

Mari smiled and playfully pushed against Umi. “Thanks Umi. I’m sorry about the...bullying thing, I really like having you as a friend.”

“You two seem to be getting on well.”

Umi and Mari both looked forward at the sound of a familiar voice, each of them had a different reaction to what was standing in front of them.

Kanan and Kotori stood in front of them, Kotori wearing a white bikini and Kanan wearing a dark blue one.

Mari smiled widely as she leaned back, taking in the view. “Truly...a feast for the eyes.”

Kanan sighed in irritation, gently hitting Mari on the top of her head. “We should be going soon. It’s starting to get dark soon, boys are...staring and I’m pretty sure Yoshiko is trying to summon a sand demon.”

“Grow my pretty!”

Umi and everyone else looked over in confusion as they spotted Yoshiko dancing around a large pile of sand with her Cubone copying off her but instead if using a stick like Yoshiko was doing, it was using it’s bone.

“Does she do this often?” Kotori inquired as she sat down next to Umi and let out a loud yawn, falling back onto the warm sand.

“More than the level we should of started worrying about her.” Kanan answered honestly, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I’ll get everyone else.”

---

“It’s okay…” Ruby gently reassured as she lowered herself to the floor, picking up one of the pokemon she and everyone else were asked to find. The Pokemon she was found was a Turtwig .

The wooden cottage Ruby found turned out to be a Pokemon daycare and their pokemon had gotten loose. Chika was the first the volunteer to help with Ruby asking next.

“Again?!” Chika complained as she tumbled to the floor in defeat. She didn’t know why but the only person who had been able to calm the pokemon down enough to take them back to the daycare was Ruby. That Turtwig was the last pokemon they needed to get. Maybe it has something to be with how kind she was.

Ruby smiled sheepishly before she walked over to her older sister. “Where did the old woman go?”

“I think behind the house. You should go and give her Turtwig.” Dia smiled back at her sister, rustling her dark red hair a little.

“O-okay.” Ruby nodded and walked into the wooden cabin with the Turtwig in her hands as if she was holding a baby.

“Ah, why am I not surprised to see you again Ruby?”

Ruby jumped at the old woman’s voice who was seated near her. She thought the old woman was outside. “W-we found the last of the pokemon.”

“That's great. Oh, and I thought if a way to properly say thanks.”

“You really don’t have to…” Ruby trailed off as she watched the old woman open the door to the daycare and step in.

“Ruby. We should get going soon, otherwise you won’t be able to get a pokemon in time.” Chila stopped next to Ruby and stretched, watching for Dia and Hanamaru to catch up.

“Where did the old woman go?” Dia inquired as she sat down on the small couch the old woman was previously sitting on.

"I’m right here.” The old woman answered as she pushed open the door again, this time with a Pokemon egg in her hands. “A while ago this egg was left here by it’s owner. Could you please take care if it?”

“M-me? I don’t know...if I would be the best choice for…”

“Of course you would.” Dia smiled, resting her hand on her younger sister’s shoulder. “You care more about pokemon than anyone I know. The egg couldn’t have a better trainer.”

“Thanks...Onee-chan.” Ruby smiled shyly before she wrapped her arms around her older sister's waist.

“Sorry to interrupt, Zura...but we promised we would meet up with Eli-san and the others in half an hour from now.” Hanamaru added, remembering how long it took them to get to the cabin in the first place. It took 15 minutes before they found it and another 20 to get to it.

“Then let go!” Chika yelled happily even though she knew she didn’t do much to help. As long as Ruby was happy, she was too.

---

Kotori was laid on her back in her bed with her blanket over the top of her. She had been awake since You decided to go to sleep. That was four hours ago. It was almost midnight by the time she got comfortable. She didn’t know whether it was the excitement of being in the new school or something else, all she knew for certain was that she was restless.

She turned to the side, a small smile tugging at her lips as she noticed You sleeping soundly on the edge of her bed with almost half of her handing off the bed.

She was surprised by how much she enjoyed the sudden trip to the beach. Even though Umi spent most of it talking with Mari about something, she had a lot of fun with the rest of Aqours. She even watched Yoshiko try to summon a demon. Even though it failed, it was an experience she never thought she would of had.

She sighed, sitting up as she moved to the side of her bed. She guessed it was as good as a time as any to decide what classes she wanted to do.

She wondered what Honoka or Umi would choose for their classroom types before she decided that she couldn’t choose her class types based off of what Honoka or Umi might be doing. She had to choose what type of class would be best for her.

She looked up from the piece of paper and towards the pokeball with Rowlett inside. She knew Grass was going to be one of the choices she picked but she couldn't make her mind up on the last one. Maybe something completely random.

She closed her eyes and dropped the pen gently onto the paper so it didn’t wake You up. She opened her eyes, surprised to see Dragon was going to be her second choice. She didn’t really know what to think about it. Hopefully it was going to be fun.

Kotori frowned in confusion as she heard something on the table vibrate for a moment. Normally she would assume it was her phone but she put her phone on charge on the windowsill.

She hesitantly picked up the pendant she got in the welcome box and opened it. Her eyes widening as she watched the digital number tick down from 10 to 9. She put it back on the table and decided to go to sleep, choosing to push her worried away. Why did the number go down? And what was going to happen when it gets to 0?