Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two years have passed since the Ultra Space incidents in Alola. Moon Berlitz was seated at dinner in her parents’ Alolan resort, the Tide Song Hotel. The Berlitz family had purchased the hotel after Moon had moved permanently to Alola. She was eating a late meal with her sister Platinum. The dining hall seemed to swallow the two sisters who were its only guests. The sound accompanying their meal was the scraping of silverware against the finest china and the gentle burning of candlesticks which smelled of pomegranate. The silence was broken when a video call from her father came through on her Rotodex, blaring a ringtone. Moon jumped in her seat and dropped her fork. He was always all business, so she jammed her finger onto the answer button. “Hello Father. How can I help you?”

Mr. Berlitz straightened his tie. “Moon, I think it’s time you travel to Mount Coronet to craft your own family crest. After your journeys in Alola, I have faith that you are more than qualified to make the trip.”

Moon raised her eyebrows and her eyes went wide. “You think so, Father?”

“Yes, and I’ll even allow you to pick your own escort.” He sorted through documents, his attention split between them and the screen on his end. Moon’s hands began fidgeting as she fingered the hems of her sleeves and her gaze was honed in on the fabric. He set down his documents. “What’s with that look dear? Do you already have someone in mind?”

Platinum grabbed Rotodex and turned it towards herself. “Of course she does, Father. It’s certain she’ll call Sun, that delivery boy.”

Moon flushed a bright red and pointed accusingly at her elder sister. “Sh-shush, Platinum! He wasn’t asking you!” She snatched the device and took a deep breath.

Mr. Berlitz cleared his throat. “Well I’m sure he will be well suited to the task. I want you to depart for Sandgem Town first thing tomorrow. I’ve already arranged a private flight with Platinum’s former bodyguards, who will escort you three back to Sinnoh.” A landline in his office began to ring. “Oh! I’m sorry, I wish I had more time to talk but the Professor needs me for something at the moment. Safe travels!” Mr. Berlitz ended the call.

As the screen went dark, Moon’s Rotodex sprung to life and flew from her grasp to hover in front of her face. “Zzt! Making a video call to Sun! Hee-hee-hee! Wake up you useless boy! Zzt!” 

Moon scrambled to cancel the call but Rotom hovered out of reach. “No no no! Why are you calling him?!”

Before Moon could protest further, the drowsy boy was on the line, rubbing his eyes as he squinted against the glow of the screen. “Alola Miss Customer. You know it’s like..” he let out a big yawn and stretched, looking similar to a Meowth, “really late, right?” He glanced to the side checking his clock.

Moon wore an empathetic expression as her sister looked on in amusement. “I’m sorry, Courier. Rotom decided to call you out of the blue.”

Sun grumbled. “That rotten... How are things? Go on any more grand adventures without me?”

Moon stirred her food with her fork. “Well about that. You see, I have a job for you and—”

“A JOB?!” Sun cut her off and she yelped, dropping her fork again. He sat up totally alert as he switched on the light in his room.

The change in brightness of the screen display caused Moon to wince. She huffed and crossed her arms. “Yes, a job. You see, my family has a tradition where members will climb to the top of Mount Coronet to retrieve special materials only found there in order to craft our crest. I am in need of an escort, and I thought you might like to—”

“Say no more! Charizard and I will be at your place bright and early tomorrow morning!” The boy propped up his Pokédex, jumped out of bed and began to pack a bag, stepping out of frame. Clothes came flying through the air across the camera’s view.

Moon’s jaw slacked. “Wha-what?! Just like that?” She drummed her fingers on the table. “I’m surprised, Courier. I thought you’d ask about payment first.”

“Oh right!” Sun replied, stepping back into frame, half-way through changing into his clothes, only in a pair of briefs. “How much will you pay?”

“Aaa! Clothes! Pants! Idiot!” She covered the screen with her hands and averted her eyes. “Don’t you worry about it! And pack for cold weather, I don’t want you freezing.”

His muffled reply came through as he pulled a long-sleeved shirt over his body “Surf fing, Miff Cuffomer!”

“Don’t be late!” The last of him Moon saw as she ended the call was his exuberant face and money signs in his eyes. She placed the Rotodex face-down on the table. She sighed, pushing her plate aside and burying her face in her hands. “I’d forgotten how laconic and disruptive he was.” She mumbled to herself. She heard Platinum let out a solitary giggle. Moon glared at her from between her fingers.

“What? I didn’t laugh.” Her usual no-nonsense demeanor was on full display. 

“Ugh! Platinum! Why are you like this?” She sat up and clenched the edges of the table.

“Like what?” Her voice was laced with sweet honey that Moon was sure tasted of bitter poison.

Moon tripped all over her words, struggling with what to say, “Y-you know… with Father, and Sun, and Rotom!” She gestured wildly at everything in the room with an exasperated expression.

“I don’t know what you mean. I’m just being a good sibling, looking out for my precious little sister. Without supervision, who knows when the next room will melt to one of your poison experiments gone wrong.”

“That was years ago! Won’t you ever let me live that down?” Moon complained as she tugged on her hair.

“Nope.” Platinum rested an elbow on the table and her chin on the back of her hand, side-eyeing Moon. “Besides, I think you could use some more time around boys. You’re always alone in your lab these days.”

“Wh-what? Where is this coming from?” Moon stirred her fork in her water, intently gazing at the swirl she created.

The elder sister batted her eyelids. “Oh, don’t pretend like I haven’t noticed. The way you talk about Sun, and how he’s the only boy you ever talk about. It’s obvious.”

“I have no idea what you’re implying.” Moon abruptly stood and Platinum winced as her sister’s chair harshly scraped the floor. Moon marched to a window and opened it to allow the cool night sea breeze to enter the room. The smell of salt that pervaded the air caused Moon to scrunch her face.

The sisters disregarded one another for several minutes. Platinum waited with her hands folded as Moon stared out at the ocean and the moonlight reflected off of its surface, casting a blue light into the room. As the temperature began to drop, Platinum spoke. “Thanks for letting out that hot air. You really have to work on your lying. I could teach you.” She sipped from her glass, as demure as a statue and half-lit by the candle glow.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“That was a lie, wasn’t it?” Moon sneezed from the irritants to her sinuses. A strong breeze came through the window and snuffed out the candles.

“Good. You’re catching on, little sister.”

Chapter Text

The courier left a note pinned to the door of his business for his partner. “Kiawe, you’re in charge of the delivery business for the time being while I’m away. I know you’ll do great.” Sun called up his ride pager and Charizard swooped down from the sky. “Okay Charizard! Let’s go to HeaHea City! Wooooo!”

The early morning air felt great on his skin as Sun soared through the skies of Alola. The smell of sea salt tickled his nostrils and the ocean spray that kissed his face stung as the rhythmic thrum of Charizard’s wingbeats and the roar of the ocean reverberated throughout his body. He wondered what kind of place Sinnoh was, and if Mount Coronet was even taller than Mount Lanakila, whose peak crested over the clouds.

Soon the city came into view. The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon bathing the sea and the tall windows of the Tidesong Hotel in its pinkish-orange hues. Not many people were out and Pikipek flocked on telephone wires, their birdsong filling the air. Sun banked Charizard around the corner of the hotel’s wave-crested façade and spotted two sets of dark hair whipping in the coastal breeze. He circled around and landed, changing out of his Pokéride gear.

Sun grinned as he approached. Moon was standing sullenly out front and a taller woman that looked like an older Moon was with her too. “Alola Miss Customer, and Moon-Two!” Sun waved, but didn’t receive a greeting in return. “What’s the matter?” He pinched at the corners of Moon’s cheeks and pulled them up into a forced smile.

Moon gritted her teeth as she clutched his wrists, yanking his hands away from her face. “Knock it off. Too early.”

“You can sleep on the plane, Moon.” chastised the older sister, who turned her attention to the boy. “You must be Sun, I presume?” She stared down her nose at him, her chin tilted away, and her hands folded.

Sun nodded as he slung his arms behind his head. “That’s right, though Miss just calls me Courier, so I guess you can too. Who are you? Are you some kinda huge Totem Miss Customer?” His eyes wandered over her more developed body as though he were a Salandit seeing a Salazzle for the first time.

The taller woman gasped and covered her torso with her arms while Moon jabbed Sun in the chest with her index finger. “Be respectful! This is Platinum: a scholar, Sinnoh elite trainer, and my older sister.” She gave an indignant glare and added “You’ll never get a girlfriend if you talk to women that way, you know.”

Platinum looked down on Sun from the corner of her eye. “Are you sure this is the right boy, Moon? He doesn’t seem very competent.”

“Shush Platinum. I know you’re just worried I’ll have a mix-up like you, but I assure you the Courier here is more than capable.” She placed one hand on her hip as she gestured towards Sun with her other.

“Very well. Courier, you may call me Miss Berlitz, Miss, or Lady. Come on, both of you, we don’t want to keep my escorts Paka and Uji waiting too long on the plane.”

The trio departed and boarded a private luxury propeller sea-plane, larger than most, with a cockpit for two and comfortable room in the cabin for four to lounge. Uji called from the front over an intercom, “Please buckle up and relax. Our expected flight time is twelve hours and fourteen minutes, and our estimated arrival time is ten-twenty-three PM Coronet Time. We have clear skies and calm waters, so we should have a smooth flight. On behalf of the Berlitz private airline, please enjoy your flight.”

Sun gazed through the window of the aircraft pondering what sort of snowy landscape awaited him beyond the endless rolling seas.

Chapter Text

Moon looked across the rear cabin aisle as the Courier lay passed out over two seats, curled up like a sleeping Shinx, as their plane was beginning its descent into Sandgem town. Was it just her imagination, or was he quietly purring? No, she must have heard the constant hum of the propellers, she assured herself. Her ears popped as they descended and even inside the pressurized aircraft she could feel the change in climate by pressing a hand to the frosty window. She and Platinum had slept earlier on the flight and were wide awake now.

“We are now beginning our descent, please buckle up and prepare for landing.” Paka announced over the intercom. Moon leaned forward to shake Sun awake.

“Courier. Courier! Wake up, we’re landing.” she said gently as she rubbed his arm. He was warm, with a dopey smile on his face, and she definitely did hear him purr just then at her touch as he sat up. “Weird boy.” she muttered.

Platinum’s lips twitched and Moon caught her eye. “What? I didn’t laugh.” She gestured over to the groggy Sun. “Is your boyfriend a Glameow? I swear I heard him purr just now.”

Moon glared back, her fists curled until her knuckles ached. “He is not my boyfriend, he’s my courier.” she harrumphed, getting up. As she moved to sit next to Sun the angled pitch of the aircraft caused her to stumble and she caught herself, arms braced against either side of the headrest behind Sun. Her face was an inch away from his and she could feel his breath on her lips. Her throat tightened and her next breath caught in her lungs. She quickly sat herself next to him and buckled them both in for landing. His head lulled and rested upon her shoulder and she caught her sister’s eye.

Platinum gave a look back. “Are you sure?”

Moon stared out the window, the gaze of her own reflection accusing her as she denied “As a pharmacist, this much is natural. If he gets injured during the landing I’ll have to fix him later, so I’m taking care of him now.” Drool dripped out of Sun’s mouth onto Moon’s arm as the skis of the plane made a bumpy landing on the surface of the water. The sudden wet sensation made her skin crawl and she reflexively jerked her shoulder upward into his head, bonking him wide awake. “Ew! Gross!”

“Yeowch! What in the world?” He rubbed his head and sniffled, clearly holding back tears.

“Don’t drool on me you dope! That sure is some way of saying thank-you for making sure you’re taken care of. Geez!” She took his sleeve and wiped it off.

Uji’s voice came on announcing “Welcome to Sandgem Town, we have made touchdown at the Berlitz estate. Thank you for flying with the Berlitz private airline.”

As the sea plane taxied to the dock, Moon’s focus was fixated squarely on the moonlit blue silhouette of the large mountain looming in the distance. Her muscles tensed as her immediate future stared her down, offering her the chance to back out. When the door to the aircraft was opened she felt the frigid, crisp climate of the region’s air and a chill ran down her spine as she shivered from dread.

Chapter Text

Sun happily counted money from a payday attack. The steady rhythmic clink of each coin was interrupted by an incessant beeping sound which jolted him awake. His eyes flicked open to a nearly dark room, in which two sources of dim light were flashing. The racket which had pervaded his sleep pursued him in the waking world and surrounded him. He tore the satin sheets from the bed and sat up. From the dim flashing lights he could distinguish two strangers in the beds on either side of him who were also sitting up. He realized the lights and sounds were coming from the same source—the strangers each held identical devices. A sharp rap at the door echoed through the room. Before Sun could call back, the door clicked open and Platinum’s silhouette filled the frame. She flipped the light switch on the wall. Sun grimaced as his vision was filled with white specks from the sudden change in luminance.

Platinum pushed a button on a device, the strangers did the same, and the alarm silenced. “I’m glad to see our morning tune still works. Good morning, boys.” 

“Good morning Miss. I’m so hungry I could eat like a Snorlax.” a dopey-eyed man to Sun’s left groaned as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He was a bit pudgy and his face was round. He rolled out of bed.

“You’ll eat soon, so quit whining this early in the morning.” retorted the wild-haired man to Sun’s right, built tall and lanky, reminding Sun of an Alolan Executor. “Miss, who is this boy?” The man stood atop his bed as though it were a podium.

“What? I should be the one asking that!” Sun leapt out of his bed to glare up at the wild-haired man, his body tensing as he reached for the Pokéball containing En. “Who the hell are you guys? When did you get in this room?! Woah!” He was lifted from behind by the dopey-eyed man, who turned around and held Sun above his own bed.

Platinum cleared her throat, getting the attention of everyone in the room and they all froze, turning their heads to stare at her. She addressed Sun with her hands folded in front of her. “Good morning, Courier. These are my boyfriends, Diamond” she gestured to the man holding Sun with her left hand on which she wore a flawless diamond. She snapped her fingers for him to set Sun down, who felt a wave of relief wash over himself as his feet touched solid ground. “And Pearl” she gestured with her right hand on which she wore a perfect pearl. Pearl reluctantly stepped down from the mattress. “Diamond, Pearl, this is Sun the Courier, from Alola. He will be my little sister’s escort on her journey, so I’m certain you three will get along while in my home.” She paused for a beat to let the weight of her words sink in. “Now that introductions are out of the way, I need the three of you to dress yourselves. Breakfast is ready downstairs, serve yourselves. We must make an early departure, Diamond and Pearl, I don’t have a day to lose.” She closed the door behind her with an air of finality and a dainty click of the latch, leaving the three to themselves.

“Moon-Two is crazy…” Sun muttered to himself. Sun stared the two men up and down, assessing them. “So… She’s dating both of you?” He placed his hands on his hips and shook his head in disbelief. “I guess it would take two guys to handle her.”

Diamond and Pearl shared a look, grinning. Diamond stretched and he pulled his loose nightshirt off revealing a rather muscled physique beneath despite his build. “Mmhm, Missy is a lot, but we love her very much, right Pearl?” His tone was soft-spoken and Sun could tell he was a gentle-giant sort of guy.

“That’s right Dia. She’s the best, we have nothing but respect for her.” he gravely nodded, and then returned his ire towards Sun with a warning. “So you better make sure you respect her too.” It was clear to Sun that Pearl was restraining himself from physical confrontation, just from how tense the man’s knit brows were furrowed.

Diamond tapped Sun on the shoulder. “So, you’re from Alola?”

Sun shook his head. “I’m actually from Kanto, but I’ve lived in Alola for about half my life.”

“I bet the food there is amazing.” His eyes were closed, his hands held his rumbling stomach, and Sun felt certain Diamond was imagining a tropical paradise with an all-you-can-eat buffet of seafood.

“I know another guy in Alola who only thinks about food. I think you and him would get along, haha! You’d probably enjoy malasadas as much as Hau. He’s a guy I know who runs a bakery. I can’t help but wonder who would win in an eating competition.”

“Hurry up you two! I’m already dressed, we gotta go!” Pearl interrupted as he yanked the door open so hard Sun thought the hinges would be pulled from the wall. His receding footsteps as he stamped down the stairs were accented by the echoes of silverware.

The two finished changing into their clothes and got ready to go for the day. Sun and Diamond padded down the grand staircase. Shafts of light refracted through stained-glass windows and the scent of freshly cooked bacon was contrasted by the fresh morning dew that drifted through open Kalosian-style doors. Downstairs they found Pearl serving himself a plate consisting of strips of bacon, sausages, and an omelet, and Platinum finishing up her own breakfast. Diamond poured milk over a bowl of cereal like it was sacred. She smiled at Diamond and Pearl. “Eat quickly you two, we have an appointment at Veilstone City.” She then addressed Sun. “My sister should be downstairs soon, I’m sure you know she is not a morning person. There’s no rush on your travels. But do be careful. The Piplup she’s with has only recently recovered and I know she would be devastated if it were hurt on the journey.”

Sun’s smile shone brightly as he tried and failed to calm his fluttering heart. “Rest assured, Lady, Miss Customer will be delivered safely; it’s my job as a courier to make sure my customers are delivered unharmed!” Satisfied with his answer, Platinum left the room to finish her preparations. Sun sat at the table and began to serve himself breakfast. Diamond and Pearl were busy chatting over their food, seeming to Sun to be practicing some kind of strange routine.

“Speaking of Pokémon!” Pearl began.

“Speaking of Pokémon…” Diamond echoed.

“Pokémon of the same species come in different types depending on the region. Some that are fire become ice, or gain a type like dragon, and lots more!~ So, look out for the differences, you never know what type changes you may find.”

“When I do a lot of traveling I change from a full type to a hungry type.”

Pearl whacked Diamond in the face, and exclaimed “I’m talking about Pokémon types here!”

The sausage Sun had been chewing spurted from his mouth. “Bwahaha, what are you guys doing? Are you comedians or something?” Sun asked through his laughter.

“Yeah we are, actually!” replied Diamond, rubbing his cheek. 

“It’s how we met Miss in the first place.” added Pearl.

“Oh? Now that you mention it, Miss did say Lady had a mixup with her bodyguards. So you guys are the mistakes, huh?” Sun wiped up his own mistake.

“What did ya just call us?!” Pearl stood up to fight, knocking over his chair with a clatter. “I’ll show you who’s a mistake, come on and let’s battle!”

Sun bolted out of his seat and vaulted across to the other side of the table, taking out a Pokéball. “You’re on!” But their battle ended before it could begin.

“What is all this yelling?” Moon trudged into the room, still in pajamas, staring unimpressed at the fighters. “Courier…” She gave him a venomous look with a stern warning in her voice. “Don’t battle inside my house, please.” She sat at the table, bleary eyed, and let out a big yawn. A small Piplup hopped down the stairs a few moments later, waddling towards Moon, and she lifted it into her lap. “Piplup, eat up, and take this medication, too. These are your daily vitamins to help you recover your strength.”

Piplup turned its head away, with a pout on its face. Sun got up and walked around the table. “Hey there Piplup!” He knelt down and reached out a hand and tickled it on its feathered belly. The Piplup was desperate to remain stoic and resisted Sun’s teasing. “Won’t you be a good Pokémon and take your medicine for the customer?” It pecked at Sun’s arm, clearly aggravated with his advances, and he recoiled in pain. “Ouch!”

“I’m sorry about that, Courier.” Moon placed her hand on Sun’s but he waved her away.

“Don’t worry about it.” he shrugged and returned to eating his meal, glaring at the Piplup. Diamond and Pearl exchanged a glance and began another routine.

“Speaking of Pokémon.” called Pearl.

“Speaking of Pokémon…” responded Diamond.

“There are all kinds of ways to influence a Pokémon’s growth. HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium—”

“Sugars, dairies, starches…”

“Zinc, Carbos—Wait a minute, you dolt! That’s the food pyramid for people you’re reciting!” Pearl clapped Diamond’s head between two slices of bread. Piplup chirped as it laughed and Moon placed the vitamins in its mouth. 

She gave them a grateful smile. “Thank you. Father says Piplup has been fussy about taking its medicine.” She turned her attention back to the Pokémon, making certain it was fed.

Sun’s fork hovered over his eggs as he watched Moon soothe Piplup. When the light of the rising morning sunbeams gleaming through the windows haloed around her, his chest tightened. Has Miss always been this cute? Or was it because she was holding a small Pokémon like a baby? Sun sincerely thought at that moment she looked like a figure from a renaissance painting. She caught his eye and gave him a curious look. Sun shoved his fork in his mouth and quickly swallowed everything without chewing.

Platinum and her boyfriends stood at the exit of the room. Her “Ahem” sent sausage up Sun’s windpipe. He hacked and spat, eyes watering. “Moon, call me if anything untoward should happen, and we’ll come right away. Courier, you make certain to take good care of my precious little sister and her Pokémon. We’re off, we must hurry on our way! Farewell!”

“Bye Platinum, you stay safe too!” Moon called out after her. As Platinum closed the door, Moon turned her attention back to Sun. “What in the world were you fighting with them about?”

“Oh don’t worry about it, it was something stupid.”

“Of course it was. I knew that the moment I saw you both stanced to fight.”

Sun and Moon were left alone with Piplup to finish their food and get ready to depart for Jubilife City. An awkward silence hung in the air between them for a few moments while Piplup rested in her lap. 

“I’ll get you some breakfast.” he said as he finished his own.

“Thank you.”

The sudden thought occurred to Sun again while staring at her, that Moon was Platinum’s sister, which meant she might look like her in a few years time. Sun blinked at Moon’s profile. A strong jaw, the gentle curve of her shoulder, the way she cradled Piplup. His pulse hammered in his chest. Sun was beginning to see a new Moon in his mind, and it was doing something to him. Who was she to him? He found that he couldn’t quite say for certain that he knew the answer anymore.

Plates cleared, Sun slung his bag over his shoulder while Moon held Piplup in her arms. As they departed the estate the rays of the sun reflected off the distant snowy peak of Mount Coronet illuminating it like a beacon against the vast blue sky. Sun braced himself as their journey began.

Chapter Text

A man and woman were communicating on a video call. Both seemed quite tense. He leaned forward in his office chair, the leather creaking, his voice low. “Are you certain about this?”

“My data has been double and triple checked.” She didn’t spare him a second glance. The glow of a dozen monitors flickered off her lab coat and heavy fans whirred, chilling the heat-intensive operations of the computer systems. “There’s no doubt about these readings. UBs are beginning to appear in the skies off the east coast of Sinnoh.” She swiped her finger across the display and a monochrome holographic map of the coast of Sinnoh illuminated her stern countenance. The blue map was blotted by several yellow datapoints devouring the waters off the coastline that marked where the rifts were located.

“If this goes on…” He steepled his fingers, appraising the situation. “Very well. I’ll inform my International Police agents who handled the situation in Alola. It is only a matter of time before these Ultra Wormholes appear over the mainland.”

“Once they appear in the cities and towns, we can expect widespread pandemonium and similar results to the destruction in Alola.” The holographic map shifted from blue to red displaying a simulated timelapse of the destruction of the region. “We need to be prepared.” 

The man gave a heavy sigh as he clenched his fist and raised a communicator. “I know of only one professional I can rely on for this situation. I’ll contact the leading authority on Pokémon capture and schedule her immediate departure to the region. If she can catch the beasts before they cause harm, we might be able to nip this in the bud.”

He pressed the communicator to his lip and her thumb hovered over the end call icon. She inhaled and her finger grazed it, but before she could exhale in relief the roof of her laboratory groaned in distress. Her fingers danced on the interface racing as she reverted her holographic map to its real-time display, her muscles tense as her eyes confirmed what her pounding heartbeat already knew to be true. A new yellow datapoint had been tracked and added to the map at her exact location. She lunged to slam her hand upon an SOS handprint-reader but in that same moment the ceiling gave way, caving in and burying the researcher. Dust choked her as a sharp overwhelming pain pierced her chest. The last sight as she released her final breath and clutched at the rebarb impaling her was the silhouette of a large Ultra Beast looming over her, blotting out the sun.

Chapter Text

The pair took their time to cross route 202 into Jubilife City. Tall grass brushed against Moon’s thighs as the tips of the blades prodded at her skin. The cool midday air and bright sky kept her feeling refreshed as she hiked along. An important part of this journey was for Piplup to regain its strength, so Moon babied it along the route, battling wild Pokémon as they went. Their first encounter, a Kricketot, was simple enough for Piplup to defeat. Kricketot’s rasping cry had resounded through the brush alerting them to its presence, and Piplup’s bubble attack fizzled against the bug-type Pokémon before it could retaliate. 

Piplup proudly stuck out its chest at its victory, feeling confident. A Shinx proved a greater challenge for Piplup when attacking with thunder shock, bringing the water-type down to low HP. Electricity crackled from the Shinx’s mane across its body, and Piplup’s feathers bristled and then drooped as electric current wracked its body. The Shinx prepared to strike again and Moon cried out “Piplup, come back!” 

Before Piplup could be hurt further, Sun dove between the attacking Shinx and Piplup. Wind whipped through his hair and the impact of the tackle reverberated throughout his body as he was sent tumbling to the ground. “Gah!”

Moon pulled the injured Piplup out of combat while Sun threw a Pokédoll to distract the Shinx and end the fight. She took out a potion spray and moved to apply the medicine to the wounds. “It would seem we need to take even greater care when choosing your opponents. I don’t want to see you get injured!”

“I think the only thing Piplup has truly injured is its pride.” Sun laughed as he sat up, shaking off the attack. “Look how reluctant it is to even let you give it the potion.” The Pokémon was covering its injured belly with its wings, making a point to look away from Moon and sulk.

Moon made an exasperated face with furrowed brows and a forced smile. “I’ll give you something to cry about! Now spread those wings and show me the injury!” Piplup complied with the scary poison woman. Next her anger turned towards the courier.  “And you.” She poked him in the chest. “What were you thinking diving in the way of a Pokémon battle?! Are you trying to make more work for me?” This courier… He’s so troublesome.

Sun rubbed his shoulder where the tackle had hit, and gave a carefree grin. “Well, as long as I get to be taken care of by Miss for free, I think I’ll do that a hundred times.”

She gave him an incredulous look. “Who is supposed to be looking after who here, Courier? You’re my escort!” She took the time to apply an ointment to his bruised shoulder, scolding him further. “You know, if that Shinx had been any stronger, you’d have a broken bone instead of only bruises.” She shook her head, and gave him a look of resignation. He is who he is.

By the time the pair made it to Jubilife City, the sun had begun to set and Piplup was resting inside its Pokéball. Jubilife City was a bustle of nighttime activity, the glow of buildings shining like stars and drowning out the natural light of the darkening sky. Crowds bustled in the streets as Moon led Sun through the throngs of people and the nightlife of the city. Neon signs were aglow at every turn, with advertisements for every sort of thing imaginable. The people here seemed to have no regard for one another as they bumped and shoved their way past each other, and Sun was worried they might get separated. “Uhh by the way Miss, where are we staying? It’s getting kinda late and I’m hungry and tired.”

“My family owns a chain of hotels across the region so our accommodation should be taken care of so long as we stop in cities and towns.”

“It’s free, right?”

“Yes, it’s free.”

“Yay!”

The hotel Moon led them to had a large golden statue of a Magikarp on the roof, and the inside of the building was equally lavish. The velvet carpet of the lobby floor was spotless, the air had the scent of refreshing lavender, and a massive jewel encrusted golden chandelier hung as the centerpiece. Despite all of the money he had ever saved, Sun felt insignificant in the presence of opulence. The receptionist frowned at her screen as she covered a yawn. “Only one room left. You two comfortable together?” Her lips smacked obnoxiously as she chewed gum.

Moon’s body became a furnace as though all moisture in the air had evaporated. She tugged at the collar of her heavy coat and swallowed, but the sensation was dry. Sharing a room with the Courier for a night? The idea was crazy. But what other choice did they have? They couldn’t sleep outside, and they didn’t bring extra money for different hotels because accommodations had already been arranged. “What about the VIP suite? Isn’t that available?”

“I’m afraid Lady Platinum and company beat you to it, Miss Berlitz. They’re currently booked there and fast asleep.” The receptionist twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers and blew a bubble from the gum.

Of course Platinum would be staying here also, and having left the estate before them, she would have arrived at the hotel first. “Well, I guess we’ll have to make do. Check us in for that vacancy under Berlitz.” The receptionist’s bubble popped, and she wordlessly slid them two key-cards for the room. 

As they rode the elevator up to the room Sun gave a one-arm hug to Moon. “Cheer up Miss, it’s not so bad. We spent six months alone together in Ultra Space. What’s one night in a hotel?” He leaned into her in what she was sure he meant as friendly reassurance, but her pounding heart was already screaming that he was too close in this tight space.

She pulled his hand off herself and shoved him away into the metal wall of the elevator. The machine creaked as the drone of the belts working to lift them was jostled by the shift in weight. “Keep your hands to yourself! Listen, don’t get any ideas! Understand?!” The ding of the bell signaling their arrival and mechanical opening of doors to a long, empty, carpeted corridor of identical doors punctuated her words.

Chapter Text

There was only one bed. No chairs. No sofa. The pair removed their boots as they entered. As their socked feet made contact with the fabric of the floor they each felt a tingling sensation. The hotel room was a singular space with a balcony window and an attached bath. For a hotel of its class the carpet was decent, but there was precious little of note in the room. Moon let out a despondent groan, dropping her bag to the floor with a thud. “What are we going to do?!”

“Hahaha! It’ll be just fine!” Sun clapped a hand on Moon‘s back, which caused her to tense up as she received a static shock from his touch, and he flung his bag across the room into a corner. He gave her a smile that she returned with a grimace. “You know, we can sleep together for just one night. It won’t hurt. I’m not worried about you. I trust you. Are you worried about me?”

“As if!” She shrugged his hand from her shoulder-blade and took several steps away from him, speaking with her back turned. A spark in the air tickled her skin. “Go take a shower while I make sure that Piplup is fed. Take care not to strain that shoulder, too.” She silently waited as his feet padded across the carpet and heard the hinges of the door to the bathroom squeak as it opened and the latch spring shut as it closed. She listened further, but didn’t hear the lock click into place. “So careless…” 

Moon removed her heavy coat, revealing an outfit beneath that she had bought to match with her sister: a white sleeveless top, green mini-skirt, and black thigh-highs. She could hear the shower running in the other room as she released Piplup from its ball. She gave it some food and vitamins, and examined its physical condition. The Pokémon took one whiff of the meal she served it and turned up its nose. Piplup lifted medicine she had prepared in its wings, pretending to take it by slipping it beside its beak. When Moon touched Piplup for its physical, the Pokémon warbled and collapsed in an act of drama as though she had electrocuted it. Moon let out a long-drawn sigh before returning it to its ball, and then decided to check the bed.

It was a simple twin-size mattress, not much to sleep on, much less share. The covers were plain white bedsheets that at least seemed to be freshly made, if not freshly washed, although there was an odd lump beneath them the size of a small rock. Moon hesitated, her fingers hovering over the edge of the sheet. She could feel a static coming from the blanket that made her hair stand on end. With one decisive motion she grasped the edge of the sheets between her fingers and yanked the covers back as a jolt of energy coursed through her arm. She recoiled in literal and metaphorical shock, releasing the sheets as she let out a shriek. “Aaaaaa!”

Sun had been enjoying his shower and was in the middle of rinsing his shampoo, warm suds trailing down his body, when he heard the customer yell so loud. Without thinking about himself he wrapped a towel around his waist and rushed out to the bedroom to make sure she was okay. The first thing he noticed as his feet fell onto the carpet was charged energy flowing into his toes which jumped up the droplets of water clinging to his skin making his hairs stand and giving him goosebumps. The change in temperature from the steamy bathroom caused Sun to shiver in the cool bedroom air. “Miss! What happened? Are you hurt?” Sun locked eyes with Moon, who had collapsed onto the floor tangled in the sheets, and followed her gaze to the source of her distress, an electric-bug-type Pokémon he had never seen before, rubbing itself against the mattress.

“Gah! Miss, I’ll get it out of here!” Sun scrambled in panic and snatched up the Pokémon in his hands, entirely unsure of what to do as volts of power buzzed through his palm and along his nervous-system. He quickly regretted his course of action as the Pokémon slipped between his fingers, then crawled up his arm and around his back before he could grab it firmly, sending current the entire way as Sun twitched erratically in response. “Ow ow ow ow!” He rushed in an awkward manner as his body involuntarily reacted to the shocks, threw open the window, and tossed the Pokémon out on the balcony. Sun slammed the window shut and gave a sigh of relief, panting from the sudden activity, his blood rushing through his veins. Then he heard a whimpering behind him.

“N-n-n-n-”

He turned towards the Customer, whose face was partially hidden behind the discarded bedsheet which she clutched in front of herself like a shield. He squatted down beside her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Everything’s okay, I got rid of the Pokémon!” he said, giving her an OK sign.

“Naked!” she shouted, pointing at Sun’s exposed body. “Shameless! Idiot!”

“Huh?” Sun tried to look down at himself, but his muscles were stiff as though they were pinned in place and his body wouldn’t cooperate. He couldn’t even feel the sensation of contact with Moon’s skin in his grasp. “I… I can’t move…” The paralysis effect of the nuzzle was starting to take hold of Sun now that his adrenaline was subsiding, and he was suddenly unable to move to cover himself. He fell limply backwards onto the floor. “Help!”

As he lay paralyzed on the floor of their hotel room with only a towel around his waist, Moon’s eyes wandered slowly over Sun’s body. Her initial frustration gave way to curiosity. She’d only ever studied anatomy in textbooks, but seeing the courier up close stirred emotions that produced reactions in her own body. She mentally notated her own increased heart rate, sweat, tightness in her chest, shortened breathing cycles… Was this merely fascination? Effects manifesting late in the aftermath of the Joltik scare? Or something more? No time for that! She had to help the courier.

Her eyes traced a path over his arm, where the Joltik had run. She noticed numerous identical and miniscule indentations in his flesh. Her fingers trembled over the horripilation of his skin feeling the texture of each individual bump as she followed the marks, counting the number of bites: sixteen in approximately four seconds. It seemed to have rapidly bit him as it had moved across his exposed skin. She chewed her lower lip as she hurriedly reached for her medical box, fumbling with its tiny drawers as she retrieved a premade soothing cream. “Try to relax, okay? I’m going to take care of you, please don’t panic.” Moon’s thumb smoothed a stray droplet from his skin. “First I have to apply a soothing cream to those shock wounds. This is going to feel freezing to the touch.” 

Her hands hovered hesitantly over his arm, applying the cream as delicately as she could. It was slick and cold in her fingers as she applied it to his skin which felt so hot in contrast. Her heart still pounded—why was she so nervous? It was just first aid… wasn’t it? His skin was unexpectedly soft, though she was certain if he could vocalize at this moment he would be complaining that the sensation of the cold cream that was meant to seep into the paralyzed muscle tissues was like hellfire on his flesh. The shampoo he had been using must have been chamomile, because the lingering scent of apples drifted to her nose. He smelled good, which surprised her to think so. Not that he could smell good, but that she was thinking at all about his scent, and that she enjoyed it. She patted herself on her cheeks, focusing her full attention on the courier.

She rolled the paralyzed boy onto his stomach and continued to follow the trail the Joltik had left on his back. Such a speedy and unique Pokémon. She regretted not taking the time to catalog it in her Rotodex. It must have arrived here from a Unovan tourist. She’d have to make certain the manager of the hotel was made aware. His bare back was… distracting. She took him in, admiring his lean build, tracing her fingers along the many scars which she couldn’t name the origin of before she shook her head again. There would be time for thinking about this later! She gently used her hands to apply the cold cream to his back, making certain to thoroughly coat the wound. Rubbing his skin and his tense muscled body felt comparable to tenderizing meat, and a strange feeling bubbled up inside her chest, but she couldn’t identify the emotion. She rolled him over onto his back and rested his head in her lap. Remaining suds mixed with droplets of water trickled from his damp hair down her thighs, sending a chill through her body.

She opened her bag and retrieved her pestle and mortar, and some berries and ingredients from her medicine box. “This medicine I’m making will excite your muscles and body, and increase your blood flow, to help you move again.” She smashed the ingredients to a fine paste with the pestle and mixed a medicine that was a purple color with a sweet smell. “Here, let me help you drink this.” She held the bowl of tincture up to his lips, which curled around its lip as he drank, and she briefly wondered what it might feel like to be the lip of the bowl at this moment. Were his lips soft? What did the texture feel like? She realized in a panic that the bowl was empty, so she placed it aside, pinched his nose and held his jaw to help him swallow.

After a few moments his fingers began to twitch. Moon gave a sigh of relief, and Sun let out a weak voice. “Thank you Miss. You’re really an amazing pharmacist. How much?”

“You’re welcome Courier, it was nothing, it’s free like always…” Moon trailed off, staring at Sun. She felt a strange feathery feeling in her chest as her eyes wandered over his scarred torso. “Um, Courier? You were very brave but, next time can you get dressed all the way first? Your face is really red. Did the medicine have an adverse side effect?” she teased.

Moon hadn’t noticed the effect the increased blood flow had on Sun in another area, and he crossed his legs to keep it that way. “Everything’s totally fine! I uh, sure will. Promise this is the only time I’ll leap into action in just a towel!” He still felt stiff and not entirely able to move, so he laid still with his head on the cushion of her thighs. Sun’s lips quirked in relief. “It’s really great to know we can always depend on each other. Don’t you think, Miss?”

“Yeah. Definitely.” She replied somewhat absently as her eyes glazed over. Had Sun always caused this sensation in her chest? This feathery weightlessness? Her breaths felt airy, the heat radiating from his body making her feel lightheaded. She couldn’t help but rake her gaze across his form again with inexplicable admiration. Was this what… love felt like? Suddenly she was snapped out of her thoughts by Sun lifting his head out of her lap.

Sun slowly stood up and groaned, and she helped him to his feet. “I’m going to finish my shower.” As he stood in the shower under the warmth of the water, the rivulets passing along his skin only served to bring to mind the way the customer’s touch had felt. Her fingers were delicate, narrow, and her handling of him was gentle. When he had been laying back, his head in her lap, he could only see her long hair falling around her face, and in that moment she appeared to him as some kind of angel, her dark cloudy eyes had looked upon him with such tender care. When he came back from the shower, properly dressed this time, the two did not speak as they passed. After checking the sheets for any more unwanted pests, he decided to roll over the other way in the bed, and as exhausted as he was, quickly fell asleep.

Moon spent a long time in the shower. The steam pooled above her around the singular light humming as it shone, and she basked under the refreshing embrace of the steady patter of warm droplets on her skin, her lengthy soaked hair hanging heavy behind her. The courier was such a fool, but he was so dependable, and cute too. He looked attractive naked, from what she had seen, Moon decided. She was surprised she thought so. These feelings of attraction she was having about the courier were just because of the circumstances, right? After her shower, Moon put on her pajamas and crawled into the bed next to Sun. As she drifted to sleep, her fingers brushed against his arm. Unconsciously she held him close in her hand, her body whispering truths her heart wasn’t ready for and her mind refused to accept.

Chapter Text

Sun awoke to the sensation of warmth against his back and a firm grip around his middle as sunlight pierced through diaphanous curtains. His heart raced as he realized the customer slept soundly behind him. Her hot breath dusted the back of his neck in a steady rhythm, and her arm dug into his ribs like he was her personal stuffed Pokédoll. Her body heat was an unfamiliar yet physically comfortable presence against his back. Each exhalation that kissed his nape brought with it a question. Why was the customer hugging him? Had she done this on purpose? Or was it just an accidental situation? One thought resounded through his mind like a siren drowning out the others: if Moon woke up and found them like this, she’d be furious. Tension gripped his muscles as he disentangled himself from her embrace as cautiously as he could, lest he awaken her wrath. He felt her grip loosen as he pulled away. His feet depressed into the carpet and he held his breath as the springs of the mattress screamed at his departure. He glanced back at Moon and he breathed a sigh of relief at her slumber. He glanced out the window. At this height he could see a few rays of light bending over the crest of Mount Coronet, although the sky was still very dark. He put away his pajamas, and changed into his day clothes, his mind abuzz for answers.

Moon lay quietly awake as he pulled away from her, trying and failing to keep her breathing natural while she silently mourned the absence of his warmth and body. She peered through squinted lashes at the indistinct silhouette of Sun changing in the dark bedroom. Her heart pounded against her rib cage, fighting to escape. She willed it to be quiet, so loud was its hammering Sun would surely hear it, even though she knew scientifically this was an impossibility. An anomalous urge thrilled her seeing Sun’s body again. He had grown in the two years she had known him. He was taller than her now, and he had a beautiful figure. Her imagination filled in the details of his indistinct form with memories from last night. This was just… natural, right? For a girl her age? She tried to assure herself it was, but even she couldn’t believe that. She was a terrible liar. As he turned back towards the bed, she shut her eyes and did her best to pass as still asleep.

Sun gently shook her arm. “Miss… Hey Miss. Good morning, Miss. It’s time to get up, we have to leave early this morning. That’s what you wanted, right?” 

Moon pretended to be lethargic, though her mind was racing. “Mmm, okay…” She sat up and as she stretched, her nerves interrupted her teenage fretting to inform her brain about the quality of the mattress by sending signals of tender soreness. She gingerly rubbed her side she had slept on. “Ugh. Go wait in the bathroom until I’ve finished getting dressed.” Sun did as she asked. While she was between states of dress she couldn’t help but linger and hold the spot on her arm where Sun had shaken her awake. Just what were these strong attractions, like a Magnezone’s pull, that she was experiencing towards the courier?

Meanwhile in the bathroom, Sun was looking himself over in the mirror at his face and body. He tried to see his reflection being someone Moon could be in love with, tried to imagine her there next to him telling him he was handsome. He couldn’t convince his heart it was something he’d ever hear from Moon. He washed and dried his face and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Sun entered the room to find Moon dressed, packed and ready to go. He grabbed his bag and they departed without a word. The dim natural sunlight of the bedroom was contested by the persistent fluorescent lights of the liminal corridor which knew neither day nor night. They shared a silent ride down the elevator as the tireless pulleys groaned, and when they reached the main floor Moon approached the reception counter at a brisk pace. She wore a cross expression, her brows knit. “Bring me the manager of this hotel.”

“Miss?” Sun asked, a perplexed look on his face.

“Not now, Courier.” she shut him down quickly.

The receptionist scurried away through a door and the manager came through it moments later. Moon was never one to judge by appearance, but this man was unkempt. “Good morning.” He gave an exaggerated bow that made her skin crawl. “I am the manager here. How can I be of service, Miss Berlitz? I trust your stay was satisfactory?”

“Hardly. This boy” she pointed over her shoulder to Sun, “was injured due to this hotel’s negligence. Last night, I was accosted by a wild Pokémon in my bed! A Joltik, of all things! Fortunately, he protected me, sustaining shock wounds that I treated myself.” Moon paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in, and she knew the manager dared not interrupt. But Sun did.

“Miss, it’s okay, it was nothing really—”

Moon covered his mouth with her pointer finger. “Don’t interrupt! It wasn’t “nothing”; you may not realize it but those electric shocks are going to permanently scar your body.”

“What?!” Sun rolled up his sleeve, gaping at the marks that he hadn’t noticed in the dim room.

Moon wheeled around to the manager, fury in her eyes. “How can you proudly call yourself manager while you have aggressive wild bug-type Pokémon in your bedsheets? Take responsibility! I expect formal investigation and containment performed throughout the premises as well as a letter of remediations taken and lessons learned mailed to the estate within the week. The hotel will also compensate the courier for his injuries, deducted directly from your salary.”

The manager was red to the ears, and bowed formally. “Certainly, Miss Berlitz, you have my deepest apologies, it will be as you say!”

The pair made their way north out of the eerily quiet pre-dawn Jubilife City towards Floaroma Town. As they walked, Sun traced with his hand where the Joltik had run across him. “So, were you serious when you said these would permanently scar?” Apprehension weighed in his chest.

“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry, Courier, I should have told you last night.” she replied sheepishly, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest at the whole situation. “Our bodies are not like Pokémon's. What may be a weak attack against a Pokémon can leave a permanent injury on a person.”

Sun tightened his fists, determined to display strength to the customer. “I don’t really mind, though.”

Moon stared at him, baffled. “You… don’t mind the scarring?”

He gave her an upbeat grin, triumphantly holding up his arm. “Since it was earned to protect you, I’ll wear the scars with pride.”

Moon ground her teeth, wrung her hands and grumbled “That’s not the kind of reaction a person should have to being told this information…”

An awkward wall of silence settled between the trainers as they walked through the crisp morning air, the repetitive crunch of the gravel path underfoot the only dialogue they shared. Several indistinct shadows swooped from trees into the tall grass, hunting for their morning meals. Pupating Pokémon hung from trees and Budew lined the path, toddling out from the tall grass to peer at the passersby. After a while, Sun stopped in his tracks. “Look, there’s a cave up ahead.” He pointed to the entrance which was up against a cliff face.

Moon took her Pokédex from her bag, launching its navigation function. “Oh, right. According to the map on Rotodex, that’s the Ravaged Path. The cave is extensive. However, since we’re only crossing through, we can quickly exit the other side.” As the two entered the cave, she realized they had a problem. “There’s giant boulders blocking the way to the other side.”

“Not to worry! Taurus and I have got this!” Sun held up his ride pager and… nothing happened. Not even his Pokéride gear was transferred to him. He stared at it bewildered, trying several more times to no avail as he jammed the button. “Damn it!” He stomped his foot on the ground and uselessly kicked at the boulders.

Moon held her head in her hands. “Agh! Of course it wouldn’t work outside of Alola.” She grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him back the way they came. Sun flushed as he recalled how tight she held him that morning, and he was grateful for the dim cave and early morning darkness. “Ok. We need to return to the city and call my sister for help. If we have any luck, she’s still asleep in the hotel.” They trekked the short distance they had traveled back to Jubilife City, but when they returned to the hotel, Platinum had already checked out and departed. Moon pulled up her Rotodex to make a call.

“Hello, Moon. Is everything alright?” Platinum answered.

“Well, not really. We can’t get through the Ravaged Path. Courier’s ride pager won’t work, so we can’t use Tauros to smash the rocks.”

Platinum let out a haughty laugh. “Oh poor sister, don’t you worry. Why don’t you meet us over on Route 203, and I’ll help you out?”

“That sounds fine. We'll be there soon.” She ended the call and tugged on Sun’s arm. “Come on, we can’t keep Platinum waiting!” The two ran west across the city and found Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl at the beginning of Route 203. “Platinum!”

Platinum smiled at her sister. “You two would be lost without me. I know it’s been a while since you’ve been home, so here is what we’re going to do. You’re going to register for the HM service on its app using your Pokétch and then-”

“I don’t have one.” Moon interrupted.

“Not to worry. I’ll give you cash so you can go back into town to purchase one.” Platinum began to fish in her bag for a stack of bills, but Moon’s Rotodex floated out of her grasp and spoke up suddenly.

“I am capable of downloading and running the Pokétch software!” Rotodex posed with its arms curled against its hips, as it twirled around in the air. “I am glad to be of use to Moon, and do not desire to be replaced by any other technology.” The eyes of Diamond and Pearl widened, as it was their first time seeing Rotodex.

“Ah! M-M-Missy! That Pokédex is talking!” Diamond couldn’t contain his shock. 

Pearl rolled his eyes at him, attempting to play cool in front of Sun. “Of course it is. Look. It’s possessed by a Rotom.”

Sun leered at Rotodex. “You sure you’re able to do that? Do you even know technology stuff?”

Rotodex responded by flying at Sun and attacking his face with its arms. “Of course I do, you useless boy who couldn’t even fulfill his own function of being a courier!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault Pokéride doesn’t work outside of Alola! Ow ow, knock it off!” Sun shielded himself, hiding behind his arms.

Platinum quietly giggled at the antics of Moon’s Pokédex, and continued, clearing her throat. “Ahem.” All eyes returned to her. “As I was saying, you’ll interface with the HM app service. Normally to use an HM here, you need the corresponding badge. Since I know you’re not interested in doing the gym challenge like I did, I’ll allow you to register my badges for your service.” 

Platinum took out a fancy rectangular case and opened it, revealing her gym badges. “Rotodex, these badges have unique energy wavelengths that serve as signatures. Please record them, and use them during HM registration. There won’t be any problem with dual registration of the same signature, since you yourself are registered under the family name.”

Rotodex hovered in front of the case, admiring the immaculately polished badges, and used its camera function to scan them into its database. “Snap! Scanning complete! Zzt!”

“Thank you.” Platinum shut the case and addressed Moon. “Now, when you use an HM with this service, believe it or not, a nearby wild Pokémon with the corresponding move will actually arrive to aid you. Technology is incredible!” She turned, taking Diamond and Pearl in each of her hands, according to the ring on each side. “Call if anything else comes up! Bye-bye for now!”

With that, they were off, and in no time arrived at the Ravaged Path. “Ok, let’s try this out. Rotom! Rock Smash HM, go!” Moon shouted as she held Rotodex aloft. Rotodex shone and a wild Bidoof suddenly appeared with a gruff cry, destroying the obstructions. The Bidoof fled before the trainers could react to its presence.

“Wow, that was awesome! Customer, did you see that?!”

“Of course. Come on, let’s go, the exit to the cave is just over there.”

The pair crossed the remainder of the route, onwards to their next stop. As the scent of blooming flowers drifting on the breeze reached her nostrils, Moon felt a sense of ease wash over her.

Chapter Text

“I wonder how the flowers come in so many different colors. And how come their buds shut at night?” Sun wondered aloud as they walked along a path lined with fields of flowers into Floaroma Town.

“Well, the color of flowers comes from pigments in their cells.” She squatted on the path, cupping a flower in her hands as she spoke. “Anthocyanins for blue, purple, and red; carotenoids for yellow, orange, and red; and chlorophyll which you know is green.” She gestured to flowers of each color, her fingers brushing against the petals wet with dew. “The pigments absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light, thus the different colors.” She picked a purple flower and tucked it into her hair. “As for why the buds shut, it’s to conserve energy, scent, and to keep from freezing.”

Sun let out a low, impressed whistle. “Wow Miss, I didn’t expect you to know so much about flowers, I was just kinda absently wondering.”

“I know. Of course, this much is natural for a pharmacist to know. I wouldn’t be very good at my job if I didn’t know basic flora biological facts.”

The air of pre-dawn serenity washed over the sleeping town. Dark blue hues painted the sky and yellow light leaked from the windows of the Pokémon Center down the road. Sun had no doubt the nurse there was the only other person awake in the settlement. He stopped walking as he reached some sunflowers. “Look Miss, these flowers are still all the way open.” The flowers stood as tall as him. Sun poked into the center of a sunflower and smiled as the fuzzy texture tickled his fingertip.

“Not all flowers close at night. Some remain open no matter the time of day.” She walked past him towards the Pokémon Center.

“Hehe, that kinda reminds me of you, for some reason. Always open, especially at night.”

Moon spun on her heels, marching up to Sun and yanking him by the scruff of his coat. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Sun slid his hand over her mouth, glancing at the darkened windows of the nearest house. “Shhhh!!” He locked eyes with her until the storm clouds in her gaze dissipated, and they both released one another. “What I meant was… O-only that you prefer the night. I mean, like, that you like staying up late, so your eyes are still open like a sunflower…” He smiled at her with an idiotic grin that was equal parts charming and insufferable.

She brusquely pushed past him, stomping her feet. “You’re lucky I like you. I wouldn’t let such a carelessly phrased remark slide from anyone else.”

“You like me?”

“Well, I don’t hate you. Let’s leave it at that, Courier.” An air of cold finality frosted her words, and Sun was certain the flowers might freeze over as she passed. The two wandered into the Pokémon Center. The layout was not so different from the Pokémon Centers in Alola, except for the absence of mini-marts and stairs to either side leading up and down. Moon sat at a table and began writing something out while Sun ordered them all some breakfast. When he got to the table she was still deep in her thoughts.

“Whatcha writing, Miss?”

Moon startled, covering up her paper with her hands. “N-nothing important! Did you bring the food?”

“It’s being prepared.” Sun gave her a curious look but didn’t pry further, and set a buzzer down on the table. “If you’re busy, I’m going to go outside and watch the sun rise over the mountain. You could join me if you like.”

“Th-that’s okay! I have… very important scientific notes I’m writing, so I have to finish them while I have time to write!”

Sun gave her a questioning look, and he craned his neck in an attempt to peek. “I thought you said what you were writing was nothing important. Is it? Or isn’t it?”

Moon had forgotten how perceptive he could be. She leaned over her hands, shielding the paper with her torso. “Shut up. Go watch the sunrise, you’re going to miss it. Go on! Go!”

Sun left through the doors and stood in the field of wild sunflowers. He watched briefly as the top of the sun crested the ridge of Mount Coronet, before the intensity of the sunlight became too much. The sunflowers around him were all angled to receive as much of the light as possible. He stared at the sunflowers. “If only I could be like you. I could look at the sun all day long.” An idea suddenly occurred to him, and he pulled out a pocket knife. He trimmed flowers from their long stems, and tied them together in a bouquet. 

He was about to trim a bushel of roses as the centerpiece when suddenly it stood up on two legs and opened its… mouth? Sun pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the creature before him as it began to waddle toward Mount Coronet. He read the entry aloud. “Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. The beautiful flowers on its arms have toxic thorns. Don’t even think about picking those flowers.” He stored his Pokédex and took out two Pokéballs, one empty. “Huh. Well, I’ll try to catch it! Go En, use scratch!” Incineroar appeared from its ball and struck with the low-level move to avoid knocking out Roselia, then Sun quickly followed through with a Pokéball before the opponent could retaliate. His aim was true, and he waited with bated breath for the Pokéball to shake once, twice, and a third time, before it clicked shut, with Roselia accepting its capture.

He picked it up and called the Roselia out, spraying a potion on it to heal it back to full health. “You’re gonna be perfect, I just know you and Miss will get on great!” He returned it to its Pokéball and placed it at the center of the bouquet he had made, then began walking back towards the Pokémon Center with a spring in his step. As he returned, he saw Moon feeding Piplup.

“Hiya Miss!” Sun skipped through the automatic door with his hands full behind his back.

“Huh?!” Moon and Piplup startled at his sudden entry, and Piplup worriedly began to fret. “Courier?” she inquired as she shushed the Pokémon.

“I got you something, to make up for earlier, and last night, kinda…” He joined her at the table and pulled the bouquet of sunflowers out from behind his back, presenting it to her.

“Wha-what? What’s all this? Did you pick these all for me?” Moon’s eyes wide as saucers as she took the flowers.

“Yeah, take a closer look, too.” Sun couldn’t take his eyes off her as he savored her wonderful expressions.

“A… Pokéball? Is this yours?” Her face shifted to a look of curiosity.

“Not anymore. Now it belongs to you!”

Moon released the Pokémon inside, and Roselia came out. “Oh! What are you?” she asked with piqued interest. “Rotom?”

Her Pokédex sprang to life and scanned Roselia. “Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. The more healthy the Roselia, the more pleasant its flowers’ aroma. Its scent deeply relaxes people.” Roselia spread its arms and toddled towards Piplup, which released a weak water gun, hydrating the flower Pokémon.

Sun laughed at their interaction. “Looks like the two are a good fit together. I thought it might help round out your team, and brighten your mood a bit.”

“It’s such a great gift. How much?”

“Ten-thousand!” he replied out of habit without a moment’s hesitation. The two stared at each other for a moment, the air silent between them as the Pokémon continued to get acquainted beside them on the table. Moon gave him a blank expression as she pulled out her wallet, and Sun backpedaled, waving his hands out in front of him. “Kidding! Kidding! It’s free, of course!”

She gave him a doubtful look. “Don’t change your mind later.”

“Don’t look a gift-Mudsdale in the mouth!”

The Pokémon began bickering just like the two trainers, squabbling over the single bowl of Pokéfood on the table. Piplup yanked on Roselia’s leaves with its beak, but received thorny barbs poking its feathers.

“I uh, wouldn’t do that any day… You know they chew dirt to make mud, right?”

“It’s an idiom, Miss. It means, when given a gift, don’t take it for granted, even if you don’t like it much.”

Moon gazed at the bouquet, her heart swelling unexpectedly. Sunflowers. Bright, stubborn, and somehow full of hope even in the darkest of nights, just like him. She ran her fingers over the soft petals and smiled, though she quickly masked it when she looked up at Sun. “Of course. Thank you, Courier. This was a very thoughtful gift. I’ll take good care of the flowers and Roselia.”

Sun smiled at her. The yellow of the flowers brightened her presence, the very air around her feeling warmer. “Don’t mention it!” He looked over at the two Pokémon who were still in conflict, and gently pushed them apart with his hands. “I’ll go get some more food.” He went to the counter to get a second bowl for Roselia, and a third for En, filling them and returning.

Moon took the time to finish her writing and put it away in her bag while Sun was distracted feeding the Pokémon. Roselia seemed to enjoy being near Incineroar’s warmth, and stayed nearby En while they both ate, although En seemed to pay Roselia no mind.

As she watched him interact with the Pokémon her thoughts went back to this morning, and the night before. The image of Sun’s body filled her thoughts like an intrusive gas fogging her mind. It’s… All… Normal… She reassured herself again. Girls feel this way about boys, it’s a natural reaction of chemicals in the brain and nothing more. Definitely not. She shook her head fervently, as if to clear her thoughts. She couldn’t dwell on this all day.

Sun returned the bowls to the counter and thanked the nurse, and also returned En to its Pokéball. Moon returned Piplup and Roselia to their Pokéballs, and the duo departed. “Which way are we going now, Customer?”

“Well, we’ll have to go north-east through Eterna Forest, and then we will reach Eterna City.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” 

Sun was about to rush off until Moon grabbed him by his scarf. “Hold it!”

“Guh!” Sun rubbed his neck where his collar had tightened on his throat. “What is it? If we encounter any grass or bug types in that forest Piplup can’t stand up to yet, En can take care of it!”

“Not that. I just realized, since we have all the HM moves now, we could technically just fly to the top of Mount Coronet.”

Sun looked at her, doubtful. “Ok, I get having a wild Pokémon break a boulder for us, and maybe even surfing on one, but being flown by one? Customer, what if it decides halfway through we’re heavy or something and drops us?”

“Well…”

“Didn’t think so.” Sun smiled at her reassuringly, “Besides. If you were just going to use fly to get to the top, this whole trip would be pointless. Your family could use a helicopter with all their money to get you there. It’s about the journey, not the destination.”

“Amazingly for once, I think you’re right.”

“Hey! I’m right more often than not!”

“Oh, no you aren’t.”

The two carried on bickering, all the way to the entrance of the forest. Despite the warmth of the sunlight shining upon them, the depths of the forest were shrouded in darkness.

Chapter Text

“Land ho!” Gold shouted from atop the lookout deck of their ship.

“That’s Sunyshore City!” Crystal called up to him from below. “We’ll be meeting our contact there!”

The duo had taken an express trip by sea on a motorboat from Johto to Sinnoh, and were finally arriving after an urgent request by the International Police to battle and capture invaders which were spotted over the east coast of Sinnoh. The choppy waters of the coastal seas rocked the motorboat as it skipped the waves. The stormy skies were intermittently illuminated by flashes of lightning that hurtled down from the heavens, the distant lighthouse beacon cutting through the downpour their only hope for safe arrival. A tear in the fabric of reality ripped through the dark clouds, the luminous energy of Ultra Space radiating into the world as a figure emerged.

Gold gripped the railing as he pointed. “Look, over there! In the sky! Is that… Some kind of rocket? It came out of a hole in the sky—it’s heading straight for us!”

“Gold, get down from there! Gold!” Before Crystal could act, the UFO impacted the lookout deck of the ship, sending Gold careening overboard, and Crystal colliding with the guard rail. “Gah!” The next thing Crystal saw was something darting back out of the water.

“Tibo, use hydropump!” Gold exclaimed as he breached the surface and jettisoned back onto the ship, held by Remoraids attached to the Mantine. The Mantine sent forth a gushing stream of high pressure water at the attacking creature, hitting it squarely and sending it crashing down into the waves. Crystal saw her opportunity. She ran up the deck of the sloped ship, planted a foot on the railing opposite the side where she had been, and kicked herself off of it into the air. She performed a twisting flip, kicking a Pokeball into the sea right where the UFO had fallen into the water. The ship righted itself and Crystal landed on the deck, peering over the railing in anticipation as she gripped it with both hands.

Moments later, the Pokeball floated to the surface, and began to shake. Once, twice, a third time, and click! “Gotcha!” she shouted. She grabbed a long net on a pole and fished the ball out of the water, but before she could bring the net in, the ball suddenly burst open and the beast that had been inside let out a furious roar. Crystal fell back in shock, and Gold was on it again in an instant.

“Exbo, use blast burn!” Gold’s Typhlosion roared in a furious eruption of fire, engulfing the creature in flames that instantaneously knocked it out. It limply fell back into the ocean with a humongous splash. As it sank down under the water, the two trainers lost sight of it. “What the heck was that thing?” Gold asked, holding onto Crystal’s hand tightly.

“I don’t know. But whatever it was, I bet there’s more of them on the way.” she concluded grimly, looking at the crack in the sky. “And whatever it is, it won't stay in a Pokeball, even after it has successfully captured the creature. We’re gonna need something tougher to contain this threat.”

“You’re right about that, Honey. Let’s get this tub to shore before any more of those things show up to try and sink us.”

Chapter Text

The trio travelled east through the tunnel under Mount Coronet from Route 207. The air was musty and droplets of water echoed long with their footsteps and hoofbeats as Rapidash lit the way forward with Platinum astride.

“Speaking of Pokémon. (speaking of Pokémon… of Pokémon… Pokémon…)”

“Speaking of Pokémon? (speaking of Pokémon… of Pokémon… Pokémon…)”

Pearl lowered his voice. “In caves like this you’ll find lots of Pokémon who are nocturnal or have bad eyesight, like Zubat or Digglett. Even without light they can find their way around in the darkness of caves, using their heightened senses of hearing or touch, thanks to sound or vibration wavelengths.”

“I use smell wavelengths to find my way to food when I’m hungry.”

“Scent isn’t a wavelength, meathead!”

“Ahem. Actually, smell is the perception of molecules in the air, so when you smell something, you’re interacting with molecules that have traveled from that thing to receptors in your nose.” Platinum corrected, stimming with her arms as she explained.

“Oh I see! So when I smell your perfume Miss, it’s like bits of you have flown directly into my nose. How lovely.”

“Well… Not exactly, Dia…” Pearl shook his head. “Speaking of Pokémon. (speaking of Pokémon… of Pokémon… Pokémon…)”

“Speaking of Pokémon? (speaking of Pokémon… of Pokémon… Pokémon…)”

“We talked about how Pokémon like Digglett find their way around using vibrations in the ground. Some Pokémon can use the electric signals in the air to navigate as well.”

“I do that too. When Proteam Omega comes on the airwaves, I always navigate right to the TV set! When they battle, it really rocks!”

“The only rocks are the ones filled in your brain like a rockslide!” Pearl shouted. Suddenly the trio heard a cacophonous noise behind them like rumbling thunder that echoed through the cave. “D-did I do that?” he asked nervously as the three braced at a standstill, cringing as they looked in the direction the sound had come from. The silence was deafening as the echoes dispersed.

“I don’t think so. All of the wild Pokémon have fled the area. Look, Pearl! Miss! What’s that? It’s kinda white and colorful? Phasing… through the rock?” Diamond pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the creature, but got no data on it.

Pearl tugged on Diamond’s sleeve. “Diamond… Whatever that thing is, I don’t think it belongs here. We should hurry.”

“Pearl is right. It must have caused a cave in. Look. It’s head is starting to glow! Boys get on Rapidash, let’s go!”

Diamond and Pearl climbed on the Pokémon’s back as it whinnied and set off through the cave at a brisk gallop, away from the mysterious beast. No sooner than they had rode off, the beast’s head exploded, causing yet more rocks to cave in and block the path back west.

“Miss! Do you have any idea what the heck that thing is?!” Pearl yelled as they quickly evacuated to the east, exiting the cave. Rapidash carried them across a pair of bridges over raging rivers and finally came to a halt at the edge of a cliff.

“No, Pearl, I’m not exactly sure what that creature was. But I know someone who can elucidate the identity of our assailant. The beast seems familiar. Moon described an encounter with a creature fitting these characteristics. Let me call her.”

Chapter Text

The sparse sunlight peeking through the canopies dappled the leaf-strewn floor of Eterna Forest as wind tickled the branches, causing the beams of illumination to rhythmically sway with the arms of the trees to nature’s set tempo. “This forest is so dark! I can hardly see anything, Customer.”

“Stop whining.” Moon jabbed her finger at Sun digging into his diaphragm, forcing air from his lungs to shut him up. “You’re my escort, Courier, and you’re the one who said the forest would be no problem.” She placed her hands on her hips with a disapproving glare.

Sun sharply inhaled, his shoulders slouching in resignation. “I admit it, we’re a bit lost.”

Her footfalls, usually gentle and careful to avoid any obstacles, crushed leaves underfoot, snapping branches in sharp protest, and scraping roots with a gritty clatter as she bulldozed away. “Well, I am certain if we just keep going east north-east we’ll make it out.”

Sun jogged to keep up with her, kicking up debris and stumbling as his feet caught on unexpected foliage. The air felt heavy around her, but it was against his nature to let tension stand. “Wandering around, lost in the dark with you, I can’t help but think of the Ultra Deep Sea.”

“Really? This and that are nothing alike.” She coldly shut down his attempt at small talk, smothering any hope he had to brighten her mood. They walked in awkward silence for several minutes. Their irregular footsteps on the uneven terrain were the only sounds to remind them they weren’t completely alone. Clouds crossed the path of the sun and the forest was deprived of all light.

“It’s strange, Courier.” 

“What is, Customer?”

“We haven’t encountered a single wild Pokémon.”

“Yeah, now that you mention it… Did you spray on some repel?”

“No. Did you?”

“Nuh-uh.”

Moon stopped in place and Sun bumped into her, but she paid him no mind, her tone set in steel. “Courier, something is wrong here. There must be something nearby that has caused all the wild Pokémon here to go into hiding.”

“You think so?”

“I can’t be certain until I confirm it with my own eyes, but that is my hypothesis.”

A sudden rustle like rushing wind was heard in the distance, followed by an impact and the snapping of tree branches, and then a crash. The duo froze, staring in the direction of the sound. Sun grabbed Moon’s hand, stepping slightly in front of her. “If a tree falls in the forest…” Sun murmured. “En, go!” He threw his Pokéball, releasing his Incineroar. The Pokémon’s fiery belt was the only source of light.

“Courier, be careful. We don’t know what that was.” Moon warned. She gripped his hand tightly in her own, fear coursing through her veins at the very thought of being separated from him and En at this moment.

“Well, we know it can knock down a tree, and that everything here is scared of it, so it must be tough.” A flash of white whistled past En, striking him and disappearing just as quickly into the dense trees. “En! You need to watch out. Let’s listen closely!”

The sounds of rustling seemed to encircle the group in the surrounding trees, and whatever was attacking was moving with extreme speed. “Now En, use revenge!” The Incineroar spun its arm out in the direction the noise approached from, taking a blow, and counter-attacking with a clothes-line arm-bar, bringing the foe to an abrupt halt. It was at this moment the group identified the enemy, knocked to the ground and illuminated by En’s flames. “That’s—” 

“UB Beauty!” Moon shouted. The Ultra Beast glared and lunged towards her with a shriek.

“Lei, protect the Customer!” He pushed her away and threw his Pokéball at Moon’s feet.

“What?!” Before Moon could move to assist Sun in battle, she was surrounded by the parts of Stakataka, trapped inside of it like a fortress. “Courier!” She banged her hands against Lei to no avail. She heard a loud barrage of banging on the outside of Stakataka, and fell backwards onto the forest floor. She could only hear what was going on outside.

“Stakataka, protect! En, use fire fang!”

The uncertain din of battle made Moon’s heart race as fast as her mind. What in the world was an Ultra Beast doing here in Sinnoh? Where had it emerged from? Who, or what, was responsible? Was this happening all over the region? How long had this been going on? Did anyone else know? She was in a state of panic. Suddenly, her Rotom began to ring with a call from Platinum. This was such a bad time! She picked up. “Platinum!”

“Moon! Moon? Where are you?”

“Inside a Pokémon.” Platinum looked bewildered but Moon pressed on. “Never mind that right now! There’s Ultra Beasts here in Sinnoh!”

“Aha! I thought so! We just escaped Mount Coronet from route 207, and we’re on route 208 now. There was a cave-in on the west side. Some kind of beast attacked us there, I thought you could tell me what it was. It was white, and its head exploded.”

“UB Burst. That’s Blacephalon. So that confirms my fear that this isn’t an isolated anomaly. Sinnoh is being invaded.”

“Invaded? What are you talking about? Why are you inside of a Pokémon? What is that thing?”

“It’s also an Ultra Beast, the courier’s Stakataka, but it’s supposed to be the only UB here in Sinnoh. We’re being attacked by another Ultra Beast in Eterna Forest, a bug-fighting type called UB Beauty, Pheromosa. The beast tried to attack me directly and the courier trapped me inside Lei to protect me.” She heard from beyond Stakataka’s body a snapping sound she was too familiar with mixed with a blood curdling scream of agony.

“Aaaaaaaaghhhh!!”

“What was that, Moon?!” Platinum asked, seeing the terrified look on her sister’s face.

Moon ended the call. No time for this. No time for imagining the situation. No time for anything! She released a Pokémon. “Charjabug, use dig! Get us out from under Lei! I need to help him!” Her Pokémon dug into the earth and broke free on the other side, striking the Pheromosa from below. Moon followed through the tunnel and crawled out to a horrid sight.

The courier’s right arm was snapped at the elbow, hanging limply, twisted and bent backwards the wrong way as he clutched at it with his good arm, writhing in pain on the ground. Incineroar was enraged and directionless without its trainer, throwing itself at the Ultra Beast with reckless abandon. Moon ran to Sun, yanking his Z-ring off his uninjured arm, much to his further suffering. “I’m so sorry about this!” She shoved her wrist through the bracelet and turned to the Pheromosa, which with a powerful kick sent En reeling back towards Moon. 

With a grunt of effort she braced herself against the stumbling Pokémon, helping it stand upright. “En! I know I’m not your trainer, but I need you to help me, for Sun!” The Incineroar growled in acknowledgment and Moon took the position to perform the stance Kiawe had taught them. She summoned the energy from within to unleash the fire type Z-move by crossing her wrists out in front of her, fanning her arms upward, then thrusting her right arm out before her while she held its elbow with her left hand. With this, she transferred the power to En.

“Now, En! Inferno Overdrive!” The air grew swelteringly hot as Incineroar poured all of its fury into the attack and unleashed a huge burst of energy. Blinding light erupted as the flaming blast struck directly at their enemy, K-O-ing the Pheromosa, and setting its surroundings ablaze. She threw yet another Pokéball. “Piplup! Douse those flames, now! Charjabug, use string-shot on that fainted Pheromosa, I want it tied up! Courier, I’m coming!” She knelt down by his side and cradled him in her arms.

“You stupid, stupid idiot! You didn’t have to fight on your own!” she cried out in worry as she got out her medicine chest and aid kit from her bag. She mixed an extremely strong pain-killer that would dull the courier’s senses, and completely render him useless for several hours. She tried to administer it to him, but he was in such turmoil he couldn’t unclench his jaw.

Moon laid his head in her lap, put the medicine in her mouth, and leaned over his face, her hair like a curtain around them. She placed her lips on his. The surprise of the unorthodox administration overrode the pain for a moment. Sun opened his mouth in shock and Moon let the medicine fall from her mouth into his. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, and cried over his head as she prepared more aid for him. “You idiot! You have no idea how worried for you I was inside of Lei!”

Sun was delirious in his pain, surely moments away from losing consciousness. He only groaned weakly in response, and Moon wasn’t entirely sure he had even heard her words. She let the medicine take effect, and then grabbed the courier’s arm. It was broken and twisted completely out of place at the elbow. She’d have to reset it herself. “Even with the painkiller, this is gonna hurt, a lot. I’m sorry in advance!” She braced herself, grabbing both his forearm and bicep, and twisted with violent precision in one motion as a sickening snap accompanied Sun’s tormented scream.

He whimpered on the forest floor. Moon grabbed a long straight stick, and placed it along the length of his arm. She commanded her Charjabug to wrap his arm, as she had done in the past, too many times before. She picked up the courier’s Pokéballs and returned his Pokémon to them after treating their injuries as well. This had to change. The courier and his Pokemon couldn’t always be the ones getting hurt for her sake. It wasn’t fair! She hated it, seeing him get injured. Every time it happened, she felt an intense pain in her chest.

Moon struggled to think of what to do next. She couldn’t just stay in the middle of the forest with him for hours. The Pheromosa would wake up, break free, and attack them again. How was she going to move him? She had seen a demonstration once, where firefighters in Alola showed how to carry a person with just a piece of rope. She remembered it well enough to imitate it, though she wasn’t sure she would be able to carry him out. She had to try.

She had Charjabug prepare a length of string-shot, fashioned it around Sun just as she had seen, and brought him around her shoulder, wearing him like a backpack. He was lighter than he looked, even though he had grown taller than her. She walked with him like this as she felt a strange mixture of exhaustion, adrenaline, and determination. Hunched over the whole way, she carried him through the remainder of Eterna Forest, and to the Pokémon center in Eterna City.

Chapter Text

Sun awoke to the sight of fluorescent lights, shining brightly in his eyes. He blinked, trying to adjust his eyesight. His body felt numb, except for a dull and persistent ache in his right arm. His first thought was of the customer. He pushed himself up to a seated position with an aching groan. “Miss?” A nurse turned to him, her eyes alight with relief.

“Ah! You’re awake.”

“Where is Miss?”

The nurse gently pushed him back to a supine position with a firm grip on his left shoulder. “Please lay down. You’ve only just awoken.” She paused, grabbing a clipboard and writing a note. “You must be referring to the young girl who brought you in on her back.”

“What?” Sun shook his head. Everything was hazy. “Where is she now?”

“Child, please try to calm down and relax. That young girl has been waiting in the lobby. Apparently she reset your arm and medicated you herself.”

“R-reset my arm?” Sun looks to his right arm that is in a cast and sling, carefully caressing it with his left hand.

“Whatever accident you were in, your arm was broken and bent the wrong way. She reset it. You’re lucky she was with you.” the nurse explained without looking at him as she scrawled on her page. “Is she your girlfriend?”

“What?! No, no, we’re just friends!” Sun protested.

“Mhm.” she replied, jotting down a few more notes. “In any case, I can call her in to see you, now that you’re awake.”

“Please!”

Moments later, the nurse returned, with Moon in tow. Her gray eyes had no light behind them, she was drenched in her own sweat, and her gait was painfully stiff, as though she had overexerted her entire body.

“Customer!”

“Courier!” Despite her exhaustion, Moon rushed over to Sun, clasping his left hand between her clammy hands.

“I’ll leave you two alone for a moment.” The nurse left the room and went back to the lobby.

Sun’s heart beat faster as Moon held tightly to his hand, and the concern welling up in her eyes only increased the pace. “Miss. What happened back in the forest? I remember getting attacked, and then I don’t recall after that. The nurse said that you carried me here?”

“Before that, are you okay, Sun?”

Her voice was tender, soft, so full of worry for him. She had used his name. “I… I guess so.” He replied, bashfully pulling his hand from hers and gingerly rubbing his right arm. Moon was fidgeting with her hands, like she was unsure where to put them now that his hand was not in hers, so she rested them on his lap as she sat in a chair next to his bed. “Customer, I—”

“Courier. We have to talk.”

Was she mad at him? She was probably mad at him. Apparently she had lugged him out of the forest on her own. And he was supposed to be her escort. “Listen, Customer, I’m really sorry, I won’t let it happen again I—”

Sun startled as he felt her pointer finger gently fall upon his lips, silencing him. “Shhh. Courier. No… Sun. Listen, I’m not mad, I’m not angry. Rather…” Her eyes were downcast, looking at her hands fidgeting in his lap. “I can’t let this go on.”

“What are you talking about?”

She squeezed his good hand, and then gently placed it over his broken arm. “This.”

“Oh.” Sun looked from his broken arm to her eyes. “Miss, it’s like I said, I don’t mind the injuries I earn to protect you.”

“But I do!” she shouted with a crack in her voice. “I… I can’t stand watching anyone get hurt, most of all you. Don’t you get it? I… I…” Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she stood up in a hurry and left the room.

“Customer! Wait!” But she was gone. The distant whoosh of the front door to the Pokémon Center closing behind her sounded like a goodbye he wasn’t ready to hear. The nurse returned, giving some patronizing advice about not being able to fix patients’ relationships, which Sun ignored. He looked down at his broken arm, and noticed something that hadn’t been there before. A folded up piece of paper? He carefully opened it and as he read it, his heart throbbed.

Did You Know That You Mean The World To Me?

You are the sun and stars in my night sky,

My reason why, the reason that I stay.

I don’t know where to turn so I turn to you,

You smile at me with that carefree grin.

How long ago did I first fall for you, my Sun?

…Was it this morning in the flower field?

….No, was it last night in the hotel?

…Or years ago when we met on that beach?

All I know is I can’t stop thinking of you.

I can’t explain it with science or knowledge.

What is this feeling that pangs in my chest?

I look at you and my heart begins to ache.

You ask such simple things, so innocent.

Yet I am no less naive, am I?

You are brilliant in your own way, Sun.

I am drawn to you like a Mothim to a flame.

My logical mind falters in your presence,

My reason bends like light to Necrozma.

Just who are you, that can play with my heart 

As if I am a Shuppet on your strings?

Sun read the poem several more times, in disbelief, but this was certainly Moon’s handwriting. This was the unimportant / important thing she had been writing this morning in Floaroma Town’s Pokémon Center, he was sure of it. “Oh… Moon.” he whispered, tenderly folding the note back up, and tucking it in the most secure pocket he had.

“Did you say something, child? Do you need anything?” the nurse asked, turning to him.

“I have to go.”

“I’m sorry?”

Sun pushed himself up and out of the bed, and grabbed his bag, slinging it over his good shoulder. “I need to go, now.” Without waiting for a reply, he ran past the nurse and pushed open the door, running through the lobby and out into the unfamiliar town as the sun began to set.

Chapter Text

He found her minutes later sitting on a bench with Roselia, watching the sunset to the west over Eterna Forest. He approached her slowly, and without speaking, sat on the bench next to her. A long stretch of silence passed between them, until Sun could stand it no longer and spoke. “I read it.” He touched the pocket on the inside of his coat where the note was stored.

Moon looked at him. Her eyes, and the expression of her face, usually so animated, were inscrutable. Just what was going through her head? She placed a hand on his thigh. Sun’s muscles coiled tight at the contact. Her voice was a whisper on the wind. “You know… I’ve never… You’re the first, you know?”

“I know. It’s the same for me.” Sun felt the burden of hidden truths lift from his chest pulled by the words leaving his mouth, and he sighed in relief at the acknowledgement. “It’s why I do what I do, put myself in harm’s way for you. You know that, right?”

“I know. I just… Don’t know what I would do if something… if something happened to you that I couldn’t fix… And that scares me.” Her hand was unintentionally gripping him as she said this.

Sun reached for her hand and held it tightly. She squeezed his too. “I feel the same. But I can’t fix you, can’t fix anything, so all I can do is… preventative care.”

She pulled her hand away. Her gaze pierced him, directly to his soul, her eyes like twin storm clouds threatening to rain. “But that’s just it! It’s not care! Getting yourself hurt so that I don’t get hurt isn’t care, Sun!” She drew in a wavering gasp of air that sounded to Sun like water rushing through cracks in a dam set to burst. “It’s not! Because there’s nothing in this world that could hurt me more, than losing you!” She took a deep shaky breath, and her entire body shuddered at her slow exhalation. “That’s what you don’t get. Why do you think I rode into that Ultra Wormhole?”

Sun didn’t reply for a long moment. He stared off at the sun. As the last sliver of its light dipped past the treetops of Eterna Forest, a pair of tears trickling down Moon’s cheeks were momentarily caught in its fleeting glow as Roselia closed its petals. “I realized it then. That maybe you had feelings for me. Of course. I think… We’ve both felt this way for a long time. This need to protect one another, to make sure the other is okay no matter what.”

“Then please, Sun… I’m begging you. You have to take better care of yourself. For me.” The way she looked right now, the desperate plea in her watery raincloud eyes and the choked-up sound of her voice, Sun could only give her one answer to seal the gaps leaking heaven’s ambrosia from her tear-ducts.

Sun pulled her into a tight one-armed hug from the side. “I promise, I will.” She was warm, and he could feel the tension leaving her body. She leaned her head on his shoulder as she hugged him in kind, and he rested his head on hers. Seconds stretched on like an eternity in an embrace he desperately needed to ensure he could experience for the rest of his life. He had to let her know. “Moon, I—”

“I know, Sun… Me too. We don’t need to say it.”

They sat together for a long while and watched the stars begin to shine in the night sky, and off to the west they gazed out at the rising of the full moon. In the distance, a red star streaked across its face, bringing Moon back to the here-and-now. “We need to find a place to rest, Courier. There’s another hotel owned by my family down the road.”

“Okay, sounds good. Do we, uh…”

“Hm?”

Sun swallowed. “Now that we’re uh… together, Customer… Do we need separate rooms?”

Moon’s eyes lit up, and for a moment she was shocked, but she reeled back her expression quickly and held his hand, giving him a warm smile. “No, Courier. I’d… like to share a room too.”

The two booked the luxury suite room. For Moon, it wasn’t dissimilar to home, but Sun had never been inside such an opulent bedroom. The floors were polished tile, the ceiling had unusual oval mirrors, and above the circular bed were hanging pendant lights. In one corner was a small desk with flowers and two seats, and in another was a shower with a transparent cylindrical glass enclosure. The large window overlooked Eterna Forest. “Wow! This room is massive!” Sun flopped with abandon onto the large circular bed.

“Your arm! Be careful, idiot!” Moon walked over to the table and began to set out food bowls for their Pokémon. To keep the room from becoming crowded she freed the Pokémon in pairs. Meanwhile Sun was rolling on the bedspread. “Stop it. You’re filthy.”

He sat up and looked at the shower which was built into the same area as the bedroom, with no divider. “Um… I guess I can uh, wait outside the room in the hallway while you…”

“Huh?” She asked, turning her attention to him as she was taking care of their Pokémon and followed his gaze to the open floor-plan shower. “Oh! Oh.” She hesitated, looking between Sun and the shower. “Wait just a minute.” The Pokémon finished eating and she returned them to their Pokéballs. Then she took his good hand, pulling him up from the bed and leading him towards the shower.

“What are you doing?” Sun dug in his heels as he realized she was dragging him towards the shower but she tightened her grip, yanking him along.

“Taking care of you. Be quiet, because if you say anything I’ll get you.” Moon opened the door to the shower and pushed him in, following inside. 

“C-Customer! I don’t know if I’m ready for—”

“Please shut up, Courier. I’m not ready for this either but I’m doing it anyway because it has to be done, and… because I care about you.” She carefully undressed him out of his winter clothes down to his briefs, then placed his clothes on the floor outside the shower. She shut the clear door, looking over his scars as she wrapped a short towel around his waist, and seated him on the shower stool. Moon turned on the shower head and gathered a handful of water, releasing it over Sun’s head. She took out her own shampoo from her bag, and began to lather it in his hair. “I want you to smell good.”

“You mean you want me to smell like you?” Sun smiled as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Moon scratched at his head harder as she worked the shampoo into his scalp. His hair was naturally soft and fluffy, and she found she loved the texture of it. She took her time, ruffling his hair and digging her fingernails into his skin as she made certain to work out all of the dirt and sweat. “Ow ow ow!”

“Be quiet!” She pulled the shower head off the hook, held aside his arm in the cast, and rinsed the shampoo from his hair. “I swear to Palkia, you’ve got the comprehension speed of a Slowpoke! What part of “if you say anything I’ll get you” don’t you understand?” 

Suds cascaded down the contours of his face and torso as he rubbed at his shut eyes, attempting to wipe the water away. “Your words and actions are different.”

“What?” She hung the shower head up and gently dabbed a small towel at his eyes.

“Thanks—You said you can’t stand to see me get hurt.” he reminded her.

“It’s different if I do it. Then it’s okay, because you deserve it.” she explained matter-of-fact. “I know just where to get you to cause pain, and not damage.”

“Scary!” Sun shuddered. Being under her care was like being a test subject under her microscope. She was teasing out and studying each of his reactions with purpose.

“That’s right, so just… be a good boy for me, okay?” Sweet venom dripped from the smugness in her voice that compelled Sun to suddenly feel very agreeable to her wishes.

“O-okay!” Sun stammered. This new side of herself Moon was showing him was tying his heartstrings in knots. He shifted in his seat, bouncing his heels on the balls of his feet, and held onto his broken arm.

Moon wet a loofa, squirted a couple teaspoons of her soap onto it, and massaged the soap throughout the fabric. She switched off the water, and began to scrub at Sun’s back. She enjoyed his muscles and the soft texture of his skin. She washed along his spine, all the way down to the base and the edge of the towel. She hesitated, and Sun picked up on it right away.

“I can… I can take them off…” Sun began to stand but Moon placed her weight on his shoulders.

The imagined sight of him totally naked briefly flashed in her mind before she shook her head and willed it away. “No you can’t! It’s… It’s not allowed! That kind of thing… It’s not okay yet!” 

“I’m sorry, Customer. You’re right.” 

“Just hush!” She washed his sides, his front, and his good arm. She knelt down and washed his legs, and looked up at his eyes. “It’s hard to say things like this but… for a careless courier, you’re pretty handsome. I just thought… you should know.”

Sun couldn’t hold her gaze and looked away, scratching at the cast on his arm. “That’s the first time anyone has ever said that to me. Thank you, Customer.”

Moon turned the water on and rinsed him, being careful not to wet his cast. He was such an interesting person to look at. Covered in old scars, some of which she could identify but several she couldn’t. The rivulets of water traced patterns along them like cracks in a window. She switched off the tap, helped him to his feet and dried him off with a larger towel. 

She dressed him in his pajamas and walked with him to the bed, holding his hand in hers, silently cherishing the touch. “You get to bed.” She tucked him in. “I’ll join you soon. You’ve had a crazy day. I’m going to go shower now.” She paused, looking directly into his eyes with absolute seriousness. “If you peek, I’ll break your other arm myself, and you’ll have to kick Pokéballs with your feet!”

“I won’t!” he promised with that signature annoying smile and gesture.

She walked towards the shower door and turned to face him once more as she was halfway through. “I’m serious, if you peek…”

“Goodnight, Customer.” he said in a dismissive tone, rolling over and facing away from her.

Moon smiled at him, but her heart sank a bit. “Goodnight, Courier.” She closed the clear door to the shower and disrobed, taking her time to thoroughly clean herself after her eventful day, decompressing her thoughts and soaking in the warmth. She glanced his way, but the glass was foggy from the steam. “I wonder if you feel attraction to me on a physical level too…” She gazed down at her own figure as she whispered to herself. “I saw how you looked at Platinum.” She watched the water and soap trickle down her unremarkable body, and sighed. “I still look so immature. I wonder if you hate it.”

She shook her head, willing the thoughts away again, and refocusing. What kind of scholar was she, worrying about if her… boyfriend… likes her body? There were much more pressing things! Everything had changed so much in just one day. This morning she was worried about whether Sun reciprocated her feelings for her, and now she was worrying about an Ultra Beast invasion in her home region. She decided to hurry up and rinse off.

When she finished, she looked around for a towel but found none. She had been so preoccupied with him beforehand she had forgotten to bring over a second towel for herself. Steeling herself and praying he was asleep, she peeked out the shower door. Good, the courier was fast asleep and still facing away. She quickly crossed the distance to her bag of clothes and towels, dried herself and dressed in her pajamas. Moon crawled under the covers behind him. As much as she wanted to sleep, she stayed awake for several long hours, calculating in her mind what could be done about the invasion. She stared at the moon out the window in the northwestern sky, and once again saw a strange red star streak across its face.

Chapter Text

Crystal and Gold were seated inside the Pokémon Center in Sunyshore City waiting for their contact from the International Police. Crystal was busy checking records while Gold was impatiently drumming his fingers on the table, bouncing his legs on the balls of his feet and tapping the ground with his pool cue, before slamming it on the table, startling his spouse out of her readings. “Ah! What is it, Gold?” She stared at him with an inquisitive look. 

“Crys, that thing was a damn rocket. I mean, not that I couldn’t handle it just fine, but… have you ever seen any Pokémon like that before?” He pulled off his hat and spun it absently around his pointer finger.

“Never. I’ve cross-referenced all known Pokédex databases while we were waiting here, and I haven’t found a single match.” Crystal reached across the table and took the hat from him, placing it back in his head the right way.

Gold scoffed and turned his hat backwards. “And what about that crack in the sky? And the fact that it broke out of your Pokéball after being caught?”

“That would be called an Ultra Wormhole. As for your second question, that would be because these aren’t Pokémon.” a new voice interjected. A tall woman dressed in a black business suit with lilac hair tied back in a pony-tail joined them at their table. “So sorry about the wait.”

“You must be our contact.” Crystal confirmed.

“That would be correct. My name is Detective Anabel.” She presented her InterPol I.D. badge from within her blazer, and nodded. “You two are the Pokédex holders from Johto, Mr. Gold and Mrs. Crystal.”

Crystal nodded, and then her eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh! You’re that trainer who caught and tamed Raikou, from the Hoenn Battle Frontier!”

Anabel’s steely gaze became glassy for a moment before she shook her head. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about. You must have me mixed up with someone else.”

Gold interrupted. “Never mind all that, Crys! So, Detective Anabel, what you’re saying is that these things are, what, aliens? And you want us to catch them? Sorry, but you just confirmed for us what we saw was true—Pokéballs don’t work on these things.”

“Yes, they are. Yes, I do. That is why you’ll be needing these.” She set a briefcase down on the table and opened it. Inside were many strange blue Pokéballs. She took one out and it expanded in her hand.

Crystal was transfixed. “I’ve never seen that kind of Pokéball before.”

“Of course not. That’s because it isn’t a Pokéball. It’s a Beast Ball, manufactured specifically for catching Ultra Beasts, and only Ultra Beasts. If you try to catch a Pokémon in one, most likely it will fail.”

“Okay. So, catching them is one thing, sure. But what do you expect us to do about the cracks in the sky?” Gold interrupted.

Anabel shut the briefcase with a snap. “Those will be handled by a separate team. All you need to concern yourselves with is catching UBs.”

“And just how many are there?” Crystal asked. “Can you give us more information about them? We were attacked by one on our way here. It was like a rocket ship.”

“There’s a full dossier on all known UBs in the briefcase. Be sure to study each one carefully. What you’re describing sounds like UB Blaster, Celesteela.” Anabel replied, closing the briefcase and pushing it towards Crystal.

Gold rubbed his nose with a smug look on his face. “It’s at the bottom of the ocean, now.”

“For now, Gold. But it could wake up and come back to attack! And who knows how many more will come through the Ultra Wormholes?” Crystal chastised. “Detective Anabel, do you have any idea what is causing these cracks in the sky?”

“According to all research currently, Ultra Wormholes can only be caused by a certain legendary Pokémon, a creature called Cosmog, or its evolutions.”

“Well if it’s out there in Sinnoh, I’ll catch it too. Be sure of it.” Crystal declared with determination in her eyes. With that, she took the briefcase and stood. “There’s no time to waste. Gold?”

“Ready, Crys. Let’s kick it into action!”

“I wish you two the best of luck. For everyone’s safety, catch as many as you can, as quickly as you can. If you run out of Beast Balls for some reason, we have been in collaboration with a young lady named Maizie who is a prodigy in the creation of Pokéballs, and has been able to produce Beast Balls. She’s currently residing in a settlement called Solaceon Town. Contact her at the number inside the briefcase for more Beast Balls.”

“Thanks for everything, lady. We got it from here.” Gold reassured her with a confident grin. “We're the very best, like no one ever was!”

Chapter Text

Platinum had tried to contact Moon again and again, to no avail. She was worried about her sister, but had no way to quickly get to her since the cave collapsed. They had no choice but to continue heading east. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum entered Hearthome City and saw a large crowd overflowing from the church in the southwest corner. The crowd seemed riled up, as many people were shouting in an uproar.

“That looks bad, Missy. We should stay away from there.” Diamond spoke up. Pearl broke away and pushed his way through the throng of citizens to the entrance of the church, where he could hear a voice booming from inside. “Go Chatler! Fly above me so those two can catch up!” Pearl’s Chatot followed him inside, loudly squawking.

The inside of the church was packed with raucous onlookers, and the stained glass mural at the back which depicted a golden light shining from the peak of Mount Coronet surrounded by circles of white clouds had been deformed. It now showed a strange and eerie red full moon, its haunting light shining from the precipice, flanked by black storm clouds and a cold night sky. A man stood beneath it at a pulpit, and his arms were held aloft, like he was a puppet on a string.

“Look to neither the whims of time, nor space, nor even the darkness of void. Nor to the heavens. You must look beyond. Beyond this reality. For they are coming, indeed! They are already here among us! Interlopers from the great beyond!”

“What the hell? What kinda sermon is this? Is this some kinda public prank or a stunt for television? The redecorations are tacky…”

“Tacky, tacky!” the Pokémon parroted.

“Pearl! Don’t run off like that!” Diamond exclaimed behind him as he and Platinum caught up.

“What in the world is that?” Platinum asked, pointing at the speaker.

“What is what?” Pearl asked. “All I see is some whack-job spouting off some nonsense.

“Yeah I don’t see anything else, Missy. Well, apart from the redecorating they did with the mural.”

“Look harder. Focus, just above the man, on his head. Can’t you two see it? It’s… some kind of creature, shimmering all translucent.”

The boys squinted their eyes and suddenly Diamond jumped, startled. “Ah! What the heck is that thing?! It’s like it’s eating the man’s head!”

“What?! I still don’t see it!” Pearl shouted, becoming frustrated.

“Missy, is he alright? He looks like he’s in pain!”

The speaker continued. “We are all meaningless before the interlopers! Surrender yourselves, your families, your Pokémon! Your lights will all be extinguished, into an eternal night!”

“Agh, I can’t take any more of this crap! Chatler, shut this creep up!”

“Surrender yourselves, eternal night, squawk!” Chatler sped at the speaker, and attacked right above his head. The man instantly collapsed, released from the grip of the creature, now visible for all to see, and the mural returned to normal. The creature floated and rushed out of the church, breaking through the stained glass and fleeing out of sight.

Diamond pushed through the crowd with his bulky frame and rushed to the fallen man, helping him to his feet. “Mister! Are you alright?”

“What happened to me?” he groaned.

“You were—” Diamond began, but he was interrupted by Platinum.

“You were intoxicated, riled up the parishioners, and began a Pokémon battle in this place, which broke the window.” she lied. Diamond gave her a questioning look but didn’t contradict her.

“You need to go home, before things get ugly here.” Pearl instructed. The trio escorted the man out of the church past the angry throng of people, and sent him on his way.

“Missy, why did you lie to that man?”

“Because people don’t need to know the truth of what’s happening. It will only spread panic.”

“Are you sure? Don’t they deserve to know too?”

“It’s not about what they deserve, Diamond, it’s about what they need to know. More importantly…” She looked back through the open double doors of the church to the broken mural. “The most important thing isn’t any of what he said. It’s what the Ultra Beast did to that mural.” The group walked east through Hearthome City as she continued speaking, heading towards a hotel for the night. “You see, boys, there’s an old legend I read about in a book from the Canalave City library. The story in that book detailed a time when the skies over Mount Coronet turned dark and a blood moon rose in the sky. It is written that at such a time, the dark messenger of the blood moon would alight the peak of Mount Coronet, and herald an end.”

“An end to what?” Pearl asked. “Do you remember?”

“Of course, I remember everything I read. The book didn’t say. I’ll have to do some more reading, find out if other texts reference similar events and find out more about the legend. Perhaps I shall contact Miss Cynthia for her input.”

“And you think it’s related to the Ultra Beasts?”

“It has to be. I can think of no other reason that strange creature would have distorted the mural in such a specific way as was described in the text.”

 The trio arrived at the hotel and checked in, and when they got upstairs to their room, Platinum sat on the bed with a heavy sigh. “Today has been no shortage of crazy! And Moon still hasn’t answered any of my calls.”

“I’m sure she’s alright, Missy. She’s got that courier there to protect her, right?”

“But from what it seemed like, they were in trouble, actively being attacked by an Ultra Beast. I can only dread the worst outcome has come to pass.” Platinum cried, tears staining her cheeks and ruining her makeup.

“Missy, you underestimate your sister. Didn’t she survive six months in the realm of those things?” Diamond sat next to her, and Pearl on the other side of her. The two boys’ eyes met, and then they began.

“Speaking of Pokémon.”

“Speaking of Pokémon.”

“There are all kinds of trainers out there. Elder and youngster. Ace and novice. Maniac and athlete.”

“I’m a well-fed type of trainer!”

“That’s not a trainer type! Whoever you are, whatever your background, you can become a powerful Pokémon trainer.”

“For example, me and my Pokemon, our power comes from the food and fellowship we have!”

“That’s!… actually true, for once. And Moon’s power comes from her quick intuition and smarts.” Pearl reassured Platinum, as he and Diamond both hugged her. “I promise, Miss, your sister is safe. I just know it. There’s no situation Moon can’t think her way out of.”

Chapter Text

The pair sat at a table downstairs in the lobby eating breakfast while plotting out their next move. Sun couldn’t help but be distracted, still ruminating on yesterday’s crazy events. Moon had a map laid out on the table between them and she was talking, but all of her words were going unheard by Sun as he blankly stared at her with his fork lifted halfway to his slack jaw, unable to look at her without his imagination going places he never considered until today.

Moon reached out and held Sun’s hand, lifting his fork the rest of the way to his awaiting mouth. “Eat.” Sun bit the piece of pancake from the fork and swallowed without even chewing, earning him a cross look. “If you choke, I’ll be mad. It’s completely avoidable, you know.” she scolded. “Now, which way?”

Sun was brought back mentally to the present as he stared confused at the map. “Which way?”

“Yes. South, or east? Have you been listening to anything I’ve been saying?”

“Well… Um? I’m not sure.” he sheepishly admitted as he stuffed more food into his mouth.

“Ugh. I would have thought a courier would be better at planning out routes. Oh! Speaking of routes, I remembered, we actually have no choice.”

“No choice? But you just asked me to make a choice. Now I’m even more confused, Customer.”

“That’s right. When we were in a Pokémon battle yesterday, Platinum called and said that the west tunnel of route 207 had collapsed because of a Blacephalon.” she said as she tightly gripped the edges of the map.

“No way!” Sun exclaimed loudly slamming his hands on the table as other guests stared at him.

“It’s true! She told me on the Rotodex. She’s probably worried about us, since I kinda hung up on her in the middle of the battle. I should call her back.” Suddenly Moon gasped. “The Rotodex!” As she pulled it from her bag, Sun was shocked to see the Pokémon badly damaged.

“Wow! He looks really banged up. When did that happen?” Sun poked his finger at the Rotom but got no reaction from it.

“I don’t know! It must have gotten injured during the battle, and with everything going on, I didn’t even notice!” Moon frantically pushed everything on the table aside and placed Rotom down. “You poor thing — you’ve been so quiet, I had no idea you’ve been fainted this entire time!”

“Can you fix him up?”

Moon shook her head. “Not this time. I could except that I don’t have any revival herbs. They’re hard to come by, especially this time of the year. We’ll have to take it to the Pokémon Center. Also…” Moon looked over the state of the ruined machinery. “Even if the Pokémon is revived, I don’t think we’ll be able to fix the actual Pokédex on our own.” She used a manly voice suddenly and exclaimed “Damnit Sun, I’m a doctor, not an engineer!”

“Huh? Was that some kind of impression?” Sun asked as he gave Moon a confused stare.

“Oh, I guess you didn’t get the reference. It’s a quote from an old nerdy science-fiction show about outer-space explorers. Nevermind. Anyway, my point is Rotom will probably have to move into your Pokédex, or otherwise take on its original form.”

Sun unzipped his bag with his good arm and took out his Pokédex. It was full of scratches and had some rust spots. Moon pinned him with a judgmental look and Sun held the device out to her. “What?”

“I’m just… not even going to say anything. You’ve heard it all before.” She shook her head, taking the Pokédex and storing it in her bag. “Come on, let’s go.” The two finished their breakfast and walked across the street to the Pokemon Center.

As Moon waited inside for Rotom to be revived, Sun fed their other Pokémon outside the Pokemon Center. At the next door yard he spotted a strange old man with a large backpack and mining tools, digging into the ground. Sun called out to him “Good morning!”

The old man looked up, a bit startled to see Sun surrounded by nearly a dozen Pokémon. “Oh! Good morning, young man. You must be a Pokémon trainer.”

“That’s right. I’m Sun, a courier!” he stated proudly, putting his fist to his chest.

“Oh-ho-ho, a delivery boy, eh? I’m a miner. I love mining and seek to share the joys of it with everyone I meet. Judging by your tanned skin and your Pokémon, you’re not from around these parts.”

“You’re sharp, old man! I’m from Alola.” he said, pointing to the southeast.

“Oh my, that sounds wonderful.” the miner laughed. “What brings you all the way to Sinnoh?”

“A delivery of course!” Sun declared as though it should have been obvious.

The old miner looked impressed that Sun had traveled all this way. “You must be one reliable courier! Since you’re new to the region, I’ll tell you that in recent years Sinnoh’s underground has expanded quite a bit. I’m also getting on in my old years, and I can’t quite walk around like I used to.” he said, leaning on his shovel. “But I’ve discovered quite a number of valuable treasures in my time digging, and there are plenty more yet to be found. I wonder if an expeditious young man like yourself might have any interest in running a special delivery for me?”

Sun’s eyes lit up at the mention of treasure. “Of course! Just give me the details, and I’ll take on your job!”

“Oh-ho-ho! I was hoping you might say that! Well, the truth is the item I need you to deliver is not in my possession. It has yet to actually be found. It needs to be unearthed! But…” the old man gestured to Sun’s right side, “with that broken arm of yours, will you be able to dig?”

Sun nodded his head and held up his broken arm. “This? This won’t slow me down more than a few days at most!” he boasted. “I’m also no stranger to finding the object of delivery. I once sought out and found one-hundred creatures across Alola’s four islands to deliver them to a client. I’ll take on your job and dig up that treasure! What is it, anyway?”

The old man gave a hearty laugh. “I like your spirit, kid! Well, the stories say this treasure is a stone, of course, but it’s no ordinary gemstone. It’s said to hold incredible powers. It’s called the Phantom Gemstone!”

“Right right…” Sun said not seeming interested in any kind of power, returning the Pokémon to their Pokéballs one by one and stowing his own Pokémon in his bag. “So you said it’s a delivery. Where does it need to go?”

“Why, to the peak of Mount Coronet. Canalave library legends say that something incredible will happen when the crystal is brought there.”

“Uh-huh. I won’t lie, I’m not all that interested in incredible power… But the treasure does have my attention.” He glanced over at the door to the Pokémon center, then to the mountain, and back to the miner. “Well, you’re in luck, old man. I already happen to be going to the peak of Mount Coronet.”

“How fortuitous! Then it’s settled! Here, you’ll need this explorer’s kit if you’re going to be doing any digging, lad.” The old man gave Sun a backpack with supplies and tools, and Sun gave him a delivery slip to fill out. When he handed the slip back to Sun, the courier stuffed it into his backpack. 

The old man returned to his house just as Moon was leaving the Pokémon Center. She gave Sun a baffled look. “What in the world are you holding?”

“Digging supplies for a new job.” he explained, setting the bag down.

“You’re hopeless!” Moon stomped over to Sun. “You already have a job! Me!” she admonished as she poked her finger at Sun’s chest.

“It’s fine, it’s fine!” Sun waved her away. “It’s just a quick digging job in the underground to take a gemstone to the peak of Mount Coronet. It’ll hardly be a detour!” Moon swatted his hand away and Sun looked at her wrist, finally noticing what she was wearing. “Hey, when did you take that? Can I have my Z-ring back?”

“During the battle — and no. You seriously didn’t even realize until now that it was missing? You don’t take care of your things, so I’ll be holding onto it for you. Also…” Rotom floated out from behind Moon in its original form. “My Pokédex is busted.”

“Who can’t take care of their stuff?” he challenged.

“This is different than that!” she huffed with indignation. “Rotom still doesn’t want to go into your Pokédex, so it will just be staying in its lightbulb form. My Pokédex will have to be sent for repairs back to the inventor in Kalos who built it, so we’ll only have yours from now on.” she explained.

“Okay. Well, at least I won’t have to hear Rotom’s voice for a while.” This remark earned Sun a very weak zap from the electric-type Pokémon. “Ow! Customer, control that thing!”

“Fu-fu-fu! You deserved that!” She turned her attention to the group of her five Pokéballs on the ground. “Is everyone fed?”

“Yep. Are we ready to roll?” he asked as Moon collected them.

“I want to call my sister first.” she replied as she powered on Sun’s Pokédex and launched the video-call application. She held the device up in front to fit both of them in the camera’s frame.

Platinum answered on the first ring of the video-call. “Moon! Are you okay? What happened?”

“Relax, Platinum. I’m completely fine. It’s like I told you — we had a Pokémon battle against a Pheromosa in Eterna Forest. The courier protected me. I wasn’t hurt at all.”

“Oh!” Platinum only just now seemed to notice Sun standing beside Moon. “Good work, Mister Courier. It seems I misjudged you when we first met. Despite your perverse immaturity, you are a competent person after all. You have my gratitude for protecting my precious little sister.”

Sun blushed, and scratched his head bashfully. “Heh, it was nothing! I know she’s not a battle superstar like you, so it’s no big deal to protect her.” Moon gave him a sidelong glare, but didn’t contradict him or correct her sister about how the battle really ended. Instead, she subtly pinched the skin on the back of his injured arm and Sun winced. “Agh!”

“As you can see, Platinum, the courier was injured protecting me. He was quite brave. In fact…” she pinched even tighter, “I hold him in such high regard that we’ve even started dating, just last night. I hope you’ll approve of him.” she said with a sincere voice, though she emphasized the last words by digging her fingers into Sun’s skin.

“Oh my goodness!” Platinum clapped her hands together in delight. “I’m so happy for you, Moon! I know you’ve had a crush on him for the longest time.”

“Platinum!” Moon cried out in embarrassment, letting go of Sun and hiding her face behind her hand.

“What? There’s no reason to be embarrassed now that you’re together.”

“She’s right, Customer! I think it’s super cute.” Sun said with an irritating smile as he rubbed his arm.

“Are you not using each other’s name now that you’re in a relationship?” Platinum asked.

“No.” they responded in unison, and then caught each other’s eyes. “This is what we’re used to.” Moon explained. “And it feels more special when we do say our names!” Sun added.

“How adorable — you two are so cute! I can’t wait to tell my boys.” she declared.

“Well, we better get going.” Sun said, stretching his arms behind his head. “We’ve all got a long way to travel!”

“The courier’s right.” Moon’s expression turned serious. “Platinum, watch out for more Ultra Beasts. I don’t know why they’re appearing here in Sinnoh. We don’t have a way to close the holes in the sky without help from a Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, or Lunala. We can’t do anything about the problem right now. Just be careful, okay?”

“You too, Moon. Mister Courier, keep doing a good job protecting my little sister! I’m proud of your work!”

“Yes, of course!” he replied, a blush spreading across his cheeks.

With that, the call ended, and Moon turned to Sun with a pained expression. “Courier, what was that?”

“What?” he asked, clearly not understanding her frustration.

“I don’t like how you get all flustered around my sister! Stop eyeing her up every time you see her!” she fumed. “Am I not good enough for you?”

“No, no, you are! I wasn’t! I—”

“I know I’m not as… developed… as she is.” She looked down at her chest as she said this. “And I know that you’re at that age, but… I’m getting jealous… Even I have insecurities as a woman, you know…”

“Customer… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Sun reached out and held Moon’s cheek in his hand, brushing hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. “The truth is every time I was looking at Platinum, all I could think about is how much more beautiful you’ll become as you grow.”

Moon’s cheeks turned as red as her hat. “You…” She pouted, accepting his apology with an appreciative smile as she placed her hand over his. “When did you become so good with words?”

“I’ve been working on that line ever since we got on the airplane back in Alola.” he replied with a grin.

“I see, so it’s not your clever skill, it’s your unwavering brazen spirit as usual~.” she teased, squeezing his hand and pulling it away from her face.

“Ahaha, you got me!” he admitted as he squeezed her hand in return. They began to walk hand-in-hand north through Eterna City. Sun saw a large decrepit looking building with spikes jutting out from its top.

“Customer, what the hell is that weird building?”

“It belonged to an evil organization that tried to attack the region several years ago.” she replied.

“Like the Aether Foundation?”

“Kind of. They were called Team Galactic. Platinum and her boyfriends were actually key in taking them down.” she explained.

“Wow. Why wasn’t the building torn down?” he asked as they walked past it.

“I’m unsure. But I do know that it’s abandoned and cordoned off at all times by the police.” The pair turned east and continued heading towards route 211.

“Oh! That’s a large statue! What Pokémon is that?” Sun asked as he rushed ahead pulling Moon along behind him. He gaped in awe at the towering figure before him.

Moon smiled at his enthusiasm as she held his hand, happy to educate him on what she knew. “That statue is a fusion of Dialga and Palkia created by the old inhabitants of Sinnoh, whose tribes disagreed on which Pokémon was “the Almighty Sinnoh”, the name of their deity, and also where the name of this region originates. The statue was apparently made after the tribes reconciled.”

“The heck are Dialga and Palkia?”

“The Pokémon of time and space.”

“Space? Do you think that it’s behind the Ultra Wormholes?”

Moon shook her head. “I can’t say for certain, but as far as I am aware, Palkia is a benign entity that maintains the rational order of space, and would likely not bring forth beings from other spaces.” She stared at the statue contemplative, and then added “My sister would better be able to contest that hypothesis. She’s a scholar of history, myths, and legends, and has personally encountered Palkia.”

Sun was shocked to hear this. “I thought you said she was a battle champion!”

“Not a champion, I said she’s an elite trainer.”

“And she’s also an archaeologist?” he asked in disbelief. “Does everyone in your family just happen to encounter legendary Pokémon?”

“Not exactly. I did mention she was a scholar when I introduced her to you. And to answer your second question, the encounters are circumstantial and not directly related to being of Berlitz heritage.”

“Oh.” Sun didn’t have anything intelligent to reply with so he stood there observing the statue, trying to seem like he was seriously thinking and appreciating the artistry of the sculpture.

“Courier, silence is unlike you. Is something on your mind?” she asked him after a few minutes.

“I was just thinking to myself… your nerdy way of talking is so cute, Customer.” Sun told her with a warm smile.

“I’m not nerdy! I’m precise.” she corrected with a huff. “Come on, Courier. Let’s go. We’re wasting time.” They walked out of the city through the tall grass to an edge overlooking a steep drop into a river. “Once we cross this bridge we’ll be inside Mount Coronet.”

“Can we get to the top from there?”

“No. This is just a tunnel to the east side of the mountain. We’ll have to go all the way around to the east side of route 207 to reach the path to the peak. Which is such a pain. If only the west entrance of 207 hadn't collapsed, we could be down the bicycle road and on our way up already.”

“Huh? Are you frustrated, Customer? I’m not complaining one bit. This detour will give me more opportunities to do my other job.” 

“We should have just followed Platinum from the start.” she moped, kicking stray rocks into the rushing water below.

Sun gave her a concerned look. “It’s okay, Customer. Remember what I said back in Floaroma Town? It’s about the journey, not the destination.”

“Maybe I could agree with that sentiment, if the region weren’t under invasion by Ultra Beasts. I feel frustrated that I didn't realize that we should have gone straight through route 207 sooner back in Jubilife City.”

“It’s alright. Neither did I. Besides, you haven’t really explored your home region yourself either.” Sun squeezed her hand. “Also, if we hadn’t come the way we did, I wouldn’t have met Roselia, and we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

Moon turned her gaze up from the waters below and met Sun’s eyes and smiled. “You’re right, Courier. And I’m very happy where we are now.” she replied, squeezing his hand in return. With that they crossed the bridge hand-in-hand and entered Mount Coronet.

Chapter Text

Inside the mountain, the cave was dim and Sun held tightly to Moon’s hand. The air was dank, musty, and chill. He could faintly hear Zubat flying and see the vague shapes of some hanging from the ceiling in corners. He released En from its Pokéball to provide some light inside the cave immediately around them.

Moon released Rotom from its ball. “Rotom, use flash, please.” The ghost-electric Pokémon hovered above them and shone brightly, illuminating the entirety of the room inside the cave. Now that the room was lit, they could see the way through. As they rounded the first corner they encountered a Bronzor.

As Sun was about to command En to defeat it, Moon stopped him. “Courier, wait! I want to continue training Piplup!” The Heel Pokémon stood down, and the Penguin Pokémon stepped forward, letting out a water gun at the Bronzor as it used confusion. Both attacks connected, and Piplup shook its head as the Bronze Pokémon seemed unfazed. Next, the Bronzor used imprison as it was hit by another water gun, but the imprison had no effect since the two opponents shared no moves.

The battle was slow-paced. After much back and forth, Piplup at last defeated the Bronzor and gained some experience.

“Nice one, Piplup!” Sun cheered.

It had no time to rest as a wild Geodude appeared and used rock polish, heightening its speed. Moon took the opportunity to spray a potion on Piplup’s injuries, and it used another water gun. The Geodude was faster, and hit Piplup with a rock throw, and was struck in return by water gun.

“Customer, command Piplup to use charm! You want to lower Geodude’s attack as much as possible!” Sun shouted, as he was suddenly accosted by a swarm of Zubat that he was fighting off with En.

“Right! Piplup, use charm!”

As Piplup was struck by another rock throw, it charmed the Geodude, sharply lowering its attack. It shrugged off the next rock throw and finished off the Geodude with water gun. Right as Moon’s battle finished, Sun fought off the last of the Zubat. As she returned her Pokémon to its ball, Sun tapped Moon on the shoulder.

“Aaah! Don’t scare me like that!”

“You know, Customer, you haven’t changed much since our adventure two years ago.”

“What?!” she asked with an incredulous look. “What’s that supposed to mean?! I’ve changed a bunch!”

“No no, I mean your battle style.”

“Then lead with that!”

“Or rather your lack of one.”

“Insensitive!”

“What I’m saying is you let your Pokémon make all the decisions in battle. You let them choose all of their own moves. Instead of influencing the status of the battle with diverse moves you let them do as they will, and when they’re injured or statused you just spam them with potions and status heals.”

“What’s wrong with that? It’s worked out so far!”

“Maybe for your veteran team-mates. But what about when you have Piplup or Roselia face an opponent that will one-hit knock-out your Pokémon? I’m telling you that you need to strategize and focus on the entirety of the battle and your surroundings. In fact, I’ll back up my words and prove it to you. Let’s have a Pokémon battle. One-against-one. Use your best. Use as many potions and status heals as you want. I’ll defeat you and prove my point.”

“Alright. Decidueye, go!” The grass-ghost Pokémon emerged from its ball with a screech, fiercely flexing its wings as it drew its phantom arrow.

“Heh, I thought you might use Decidueye.”

“Let me guess Courier, you’re going to hard-counter me with En?”

“Don’t assume things about your opponent, Customer! You’ll lose if you keep up that mindset.” Sun returned En to its ball and threw out another Pokéball. “Go Dubloon!”

A massive Dhelmise suddenly loomed in front of Moon and Decidueye. “What in the world is that?!”

“Meet my new partner, Dubloon!” Sun said with a grin as the Pokémon floated in front of the opponents without fear.

“Decidueye, attack!” Moon cried out. Decidueye used leaf blade, but it wasn’t very effective against Dhelmise who shook off the attack like it was nothing.

“It’s already over, Customer! Dhelmise, use gyro ball!” The Sea Creeper Pokémon spun quickly, the anchor rotating around the wheel as it crashed into Decidueye, knocking it out instantly.

“Wh-what?! This makes no sense! That’s a water type, right?!” Moon pouted, clearly crushed by the defeat.

“This is a Dhelmise, a grass-ghost Pokémon, not water like Decidueye probably thought. I told you not to make assumptions. If you had observed it closely, you would have seen the seaweed hanging from the anchor and deduced at least half of its typing. Then you might have commanded Decidueye to use Spirit Shackle instead of a resisted grass move and defeated me. Also, gyro ball does more damage the faster the opponent is, and Dhelmise’s ability steelworker boosts its attack or special attack by fifty percent when using a steel type move. It was a guaranteed knockout. I also could have retaliated with a super-effective payback and won that way too.”

“No way…” Moon wore a seriously impressed expression. “Courier, I knew you were good at battles, but I didn’t realize you thought it through so much.” She healed Decidueye with a revive.

“Heh, well, if you think my services as an escort are so valuable you can double my compensation.”

“We’ll see about that. Get me to the peak and back, and help me stop this crisis, then I’ll consider giving you a bonus.”

As they turned the next few corners they could see the exit, and something else. “Customer, that’s—”

“Blacephalon! It may be the same one that attacked my sister to the south yesterday!”

The Ultra Beast gave the duo a bow, lifting its ‘head’ from its torso. Then it tossed its head at the exit, causing yet another cave in, giving a creepy distorted chuckle.

Sun sent out Incineroar and commanded En to attack. “Use Darkest Lariat!”

“Decidueye, use spirit shackle!” The Arrow Quill Pokémon swiftly fired at the Blacephalon, but it laughed again before disappearing using phantom force as it outsped Decidueye’s attack and Incineroar’s attack. Blacephalon reappeared right behind En and took it down in one strike, before using phantom force again to vanish once more. Moments later, the duo heard another explosion echoing through the cave from back the way they came.

“Courier…”

“Yeah, I get it. That Ultra Beast just trapped us in here. We’ve gotta find another way out. And fast, before it shows up again.” Sun conceded, returning his fainted Pokémon to its ball.

As they searched around, Sun found a boulder that looked like it could be pushed. “Hey Customer! Over here! Use that move thing on the Rotodex!”

“Huh? Oh drat! Courier, Rotom is right here, remember? The Pokédex is busted. We can’t use any HMs…”

“Damn! Ok. Ok. Think. Just like that Bewear hunt song… Can’t go over it, can’t push through it, have to go under it!~” he sang out.

Moon hummed along and made the connection, understanding his reasoning. “Got it. Charjabug, use dig!” The electric-bug Pokémon honked, happy to be of use as it dug out a tunnel beneath the boulder for the trainers to crawl through. Moon got through easily, but Sun had a tough time of it. Charjabug used string-shot to pull his bag through ahead of him while he used his good arm to slowly drag himself through the opening.

He collected his bag, and they ran down the hallway, finding a set of stairs to the west that descended further into the mountain.

“Any idea where this leads?” he asked.

“No idea whatsoever, but it’s better than being stuck in here with UB Burst.”

As they descended the stairs they entered into a foggy room. The cave felt even more damp now, and she could hear splashes of water nearby. Then the echo of Blacephalon’s laughter came from all around in the cave. Moon shuddered, a chill crawling down her spine. This was just foreboding. Ominous even.

Sun wrapped his good arm around her shoulders beside her, pulling her in close, and then linked his arm with hers and held her hand. “I gotchu, Customer.” he said with complete confidence, his voice calm and steady. 

Moon took a deep breath and steadied herself, squeezing his hand tightly. “Right.” Together they slowly began to walk through the fog. Just like in the forest, no wild Pokémon were attacking them now, which could only mean the Ultra Beast was nearby.

She used a super potion on Decidueye and pointed in front of her. “Keep your eyes open. Shoot spirit shackle at anything that moves.” It took a position in front of the trainers and fired a spirit shackle, successfully hitting the Blacephalon and trapping it in the room with them.

Before Decidueye could move again, an explosion erupted in front of it as UB Burst used mind blown again, instantly knocking out the Pokémon and gaining power from its beast boost ability.

Moon squeezed Sun’s hand tightly and returned Decidueye and released Alolan Muk, whose power of alchemy ability triggered, granting it the long reach ability.

“Think about the situation, Moon! Command your Pokémon!”

“Right! Muk, use minimize!” The Alolan Muk became smaller, dodging the next attack from Blacephalon. “Now, disable that move!” Muk disabled Blacephalon’s mind blown, and the Ultra Beast retaliated with hypnosis which missed. Moon clenched her fist in determination. “Now Muk, use crunch!” Alolan Muk bit down hard on the spirit shackled Blacephalon, knocking it out. Moon cheered, giddily hugging Sun! “I did it!” She released him, blushing, and hugged her Alolan Muk. “I mean, we did it.”

“You were amazing with your Pokémon, Customer! And hey, all of those explosions vaporized the fog. Check it out! It’s a straight shot down this walkway.”They escaped the cavern before the wild Pokémon reemerged from their hiding, and were up the next set of stairs. “Look Customer, it’s an exit!”

“I feel such cold wind blowing in here.”

Sun peered out the cave exit to the snowy white expanse before them. “Ugh. I’m so glad you said to dress for winter, Customer. That looks awful out there.”

“Well, you don’t want to stay here with the fainted Blacephalon and wait for it to wake up, do you Courier?”

“No, I don’t.” 

The two trudged out into the cold, pushing through the deep snow along the canyon path. Around them were the collapsed ruins of bridges that used to hang above the canyon of route 216. A passing curiosity nagged at Sun about what could have happened here, but the cold was too numbing to his mind to focus on anything but the next step forward. As the sun was setting, Sun began to grow worried.

“C-C-Customer… W-w-we gotta f-find sh-sh-shelter…”

“R-Rotom, l-light up.” The lightbulb ghost shone ahead of them as their only source of guiding light as a blizzard began to set in and the sun sunk below the horizon. Suddenly it began to flit around, and zoomed off into the distance, hovering above something and shining as brightly as it could.

The trainers could barely see it through the blizzard, but as they neared the Pokémon they realized it had found a cabin. “Sh-sh-shelter!” they exclaimed together.

As they approached the cabin it became apparent that it was desolate and empty, as though no one had been inside it for a long time. Rotom raced inside through the chimney. They collapsed together through the door, and Moon shut it tightly behind them against the wind.

Sun was a wreck on the floor, violently shivering, his skin pale blue and his teeth chattering nonstop. Moon, who was more accustomed to the cold, although still freezing, took charge. She stripped Sun naked out of his cold wet clothes and cast and helped him into the old bed, covering him with the tattered blanket. He was so out of sorts that he didn’t protest, just seeming glad to have some semblance of warmth. Her mind was on care-taking with no time to take him in or be embarrassed.

Seeking to create more warmth, Moon closed the curtains to the window beside the bed, and then she wanted to light a fire. Thankfully there was a stack of old firewood, and she placed it in the fireplace and lit it, laying out Sun’s clothes on the floor before it to dry them. Then she stripped naked out of her wet clothes and placed them next to his, and crawled into the bed, huddling close to him to endure what was sure to be a long, cold night. She spooned behind him and embraced him tightly, not willing to let go. Neither of them said a word about their nakedness, and both were so exhausted that they quickly fell asleep in one another’s arms.

Chapter Text

Sun awoke in the middle of the night to the sounds of howling winds battering against the window pane and the crackle of a dying fire, as well as the sound of a familiar gentle breathing behind him which he was becoming accustomed to. But this feeling was a bit different. His back felt warm, and his hand was held by hers as her right arm was draped over his right side. 

He could feel the softness of her bare body against his, from his back to his legs. He could feel the gentle rise and fall of her chest against his back, and how her legs were pressed snuggly into the crook of his own. As the feelings registered he began to remember where he was and who he was with.

Right. He was with Moon. And they had trudged through a blizzard last night to this cabin… and then… he couldn’t remember what had happened next. But now they were in this bed together, very entirely naked under the old blanket. This was not good. He dared not move for fear of waking her. That was becoming a recurring problem.

There was no way Moon had decided to sleep naked beside him, right? But as he thought about that question more and more, he realized that in the situation they had been in, she must have stripped both of them, started the fire, and gotten them into bed together. It was the only explanation that made sense. Sun’s thoughts froze as he heard a whisper from behind.

“Why are you awake?”

“The storm woke me up.” A pregnant pause, and then he asked in return “Why are we naked?”

“Wet clothes. Would’ve frozen to death.”

Sun lay quietly for several moments, and then whispered back “Your naked body is very warm.”

“They tend to be that way, yeah.”

“Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Are you?”

“Yeah…” Another pause. “No. More like… anxious.”

“Shhh. Don’t you worry about a thing. You‘ll be safe with me, Courier. Just try to sleep.” She nuzzled her head in closer to his neck.

The warmth in the room began to recede as the flames dwindled.

“Why?”

“Why do I want you to sleep?”

“Why do you care for me so much in the ways that you do?”

“Because I love—because you’re my Courier. You’re my Sun.” she replied, embracing him tighter.

The wind outside howled. The fire finally died.

“Moon.”

“Yes, Sun?”

“Thank you for loving me.”

She didn’t reply, and only kissed the back of his neck. He brought their hands to his lips with his injured arm and gingerly kissed the back of her hand.

“Good night, Moon.”

“Good night, Sun.”

When the sun rose the next morning, the storm had passed. Moon awoke first for once, her back feeling very cold, and she realized that they had kicked the cover off at some point during the night. She gently shook Sun awake.

“Hey… Good morning, Courier.” She breathed airily against the back of his neck. “Wake up, sleepyhead.” She stroked his forehead, brushing his bangs aside. “Take a look outside. The storm has stopped.”

Sun opened his eyes and pulled aside the curtain. Outside an untouched blanket of pure white snow covered the land like a blank canvas. The snow was piled so high he could hardly see out the window. He shivered and snuggled his back against Moon’s chest. “Who kicked the blanket off?”

“Not sure.” She tenderly rubbed his arm. “How’s this feeling?”

“A lot better. I think it’s all healed so you can give me back my Z-ring now.”

Moon squeezed his arm and he let out a yelp of pain. “Nice try. But one day’s rest in a cast isn’t enough to heal a broken bone. Plus I wouldn’t even classify yesterday as rest.” 

A moment of silence passed between the two.

“Are we, um… gonna get dressed?” Sun asked.

“Mhmm. But later. I’m comfortable laying snuggled with you like this, and you need bed rest. We’ll be staying in this cabin until that bone sets.”

“But what about everything going on?”

“You just saw how it is outside, right? That snow is up to our necks. We’re trapped in this cabin, Sun. Leaving is not a choice.”

“But what about En?”

“What about him? He’s fainted, have you forgotten? Besides, he can’t get through all of that snow on his own. The only special attacking move he knows is Inferno Overdrive, which he can’t use repeatedly because it will wear you down. Or do you intend for En to dig us a path out of here? He’s not any taller than we are.”

“Alright, alright, I get your point.”

The two lay there naked together for several more hours, talking about this and that.

“What was your childhood like, Customer? Growing up in that mansion, I mean.”

“Lonely. Of course Platinum was there but… Father was always busy at work, and Yanase… I’ve never been close to my mother.”

“So what did you do?”

“Buried myself in books. I learned to read at two years of age. By age six I had achieved a doctorate degree in the study of poisons. Then… The room incident happened.”

“The room incident?”

“I melted an entire laboratory with a poison and badly poisoned myself in the process during an experiment to allow any Pokémon to become a poison type. After that, I dedicated myself to the study of pharmaceuticals.”

“Seems like a bad memory…”

“Platinum never lets me forget it. After those next four years studying pharmaceuticals, I was still dabbling in poisons. At that time, I poisoned Piplup.”

“And that’s when you went to Alola looking for the berries.”

“What about you? I’ve never heard you talk about any family except your great-grandfather.”

“My parents still live on Cinnabar Island in Kanto. I haven’t seen them since I moved to Alola.”

“Do you miss them?”

“Sometimes. I write them letters. I’ve told them about you.”

“You have?”

“Mhm. Dad thinks I’m too much for you to handle and that I would be troublesome, but Mom says I quote “need a woman like that in my life to look out for me.””

“Fufu~ Your mother sounds like a sensible person. What was your childhood like before going to Alola?”

“Peaceful. I had the run of Cinnabar Island, which wasn’t much, but it was plenty for a curious kid. But I always had a wanderlust and a desire to explore my great-grandpa’s home of Alola. Compared to Cinnabar Island’s monotonous igneous terrain, Alola’s islands are an expansive never-ending paradise. That’s what I thought at first…”

“Then when you finally got to explore them, it was under such terrible circumstances. I’m so sorry, Sun.” Moon squeezed him tightly against herself.

Sun pressed himself firmly towards Moon. “Thank you, Moon… I think once I’m finally able to build Poké Pelago with my own hands, then I will be at peace with Great-Grandpa’s passing.”

“I know you’ll be able to do it. I’ll be by your side, every step of the way. I believe in you.”

“You will? For free?”

“Of course. We’re together now. That means your goals have become my goals.”

Sun turned over to his other side to face Moon and look directly into her stormy eyes, his own eyes like rain clouds threatening to pour tears of happiness.

“H-hey! Who said you could face this way? I don’t want you to see me naked yet! Also, you’re laying on your bad arm, idiot! Just what are you thinking—mmmph?!”

Sun enveloped Moon in a tight embrace, his left arm wrapped around her torso and his hand behind her head as he lovingly kissed her lips. At first she lay there too shocked to reciprocate, but as the kiss lingered she melted into the sensation and kissed Sun with equal amounts of dedication and care.

They pulled apart from one another, their faces very near and their eyes locked, their breathing hot and heavy, their voices a whisper.

“That was my first kiss…” she breathed.

“Moon I love you…” he shakily confessed, finally saying the words.

“Please kiss me more…” she begged with a waver in her voice.

Their lips met and parted hungrily in a fumbling way again and again, both filled with an eager passion to show the other just how much they were adored. Moon clawed at his back pulling him tightly against herself with desperation and intertwined their legs as though even the smallest amount of distance between their bodies was far too much.

Neither had any idea how many minutes or kisses passed between them as they acknowledged the love they shared, and by the time they were finished embracing both were slick with sweat. They parted and both lay panting on their backs. As Sun lay dazed lazily staring at Moon, she stood with her back to him as she wiped herself down with a cloth from her bag and dressed in her clothes.

“The customer has a cute package…” he carelessly commented as he gazed at her butt.

“You weren’t supposed to see, you know? You’re staring…” she replied with slight annoyance in her tone.

“It’s already been revealed so it can’t be helped, right?” he innocently asked.

In response he received a shirt thrown at his face as Moon quickly finished dressing. She walked back towards him with the rest of his clothes. She wiped down his entire body with the cloth.

“It’s so nice being taken care of by you, but aren’t you taking your sweet time? Enjoying checking me out, Customer?” he teased.

“So what if I am?” she haughtily admitted. “You’re nice to look at, Courier. Besides,” she trailed her finger up along his chest to his chin, “as your caregiver I have to thoroughly… examine you.” She lowered her gaze and blushed as she couldn’t resist observing him.

“I’m really happy you think I’m hot, Customer.”

“Yeah… I can tell you’re excited, fufu~.”

“S-sorry… I can’t control it…”

“It’s just natural so don’t worry about it. I’m… happy too.”

She finished cleaning him, then dressed him, reapplied his splint, cast and sling, and helped him sit up against the headboard of the bed.

“Now you just rest there while I try to figure out if we have anything to eat, okay?” Moon had of course possessed the foresight to pack rations for them in her bag. Sun had asked her many times how she managed to keep her bow, arrows, medical chest, and so many things inside of a little bag, but she always dodged the question with a cagey answer.

The remainder of the time elapsed quickly as minutes turned to hours and hours turned to days, until a week had passed. During that time the winds outside the cabin continued to change the landscape, and the love shared inside the cabin continued to warm their bodies and hearts. On their seventh day of rest the snow had cleared enough for them to continue their journey north. Sun’s bones had also set, and he was relieved to no longer have need of his cast.

As the pair left the cabin hand-in-hand, neither could meet their counterpart’s eyes as their relationship continued to bloom.

Chapter Text

One week prior:

“These Beast Balls are really something else.”

“They certainly make catching Ultra Beasts feasible.”

“I wonder if I should add one to my team… Do you think they can be trained or bred?”

“It might be possible. Almost any creature can be. After all, I trained you.”

“Hey, I was never that uncivilized!”

“I beg to differ. But Interpol might not want any UBs to remain out in the world with trainers.”

Crystal and Gold walked down along the rocky cliffs of the suites of the Valor Lakefront, observing the people. All around them couples and families were enjoying the leisures of the sea breeze and the comfort of the cabanas. Children laughed and tugged at their parents, while another group was gathered watching a proposal of two lovers. Crystal squeezed Gold’s hand. “How wonderful.”

“Speaking of… Do you ever think about it?”

“Huh? What are you talking about, Gold?”

“Breeding?”

“What?!” She let go of his hand and turned to face him. “Don’t say it like that!” she shouted.

Gold quickly hushed her. “Shhhh, shhhh! Don’t make a scene. You’ll spoil their engagement.” Gold sighed as her tension eased, and he spoke again, pulling her along by the hand down the steps towards the Hotel Grand Lake and the beach. “I mean, do you ever think about having children?”

“Wh-where is this coming from so suddenly?”

“Seeing all these families makes me want what they have. You know?”

“I get it. It’s not like I haven’t thought about it too.” she replied as they crossed through the hotel lobby and down the steps onto the sandy beach of route 213. “I just… don’t feel prepared for that kind of commitment. Raising a child is so much different from raising a Pokémon…”

“Is it?”

“Of course it is! You may spend a lot of time at the Pokémon daycare, but I spent my time at the childrens’ daycare, and let me tell you they are nothing alike.” she said. They sat together at the shoreline, dipping their toes in the water. They watched the tide ebb and flow.

As they discussed between themselves, a wave began rushing towards the beach, growing steadily in size and velocity as it approached. “Hey Crys, doesn’t that wave look a little too big?” he pointed.

“Yeah and it’s coming right for us—Gold we need to move now!” Gold and Crystal hurriedly scrambled from the water’s edge and Celesteela burst out from the surf mere moments later as seafoam spray soaked the trainers. The enraged Ultra Beast towered over them as it aimed its cannons, and fainted Pokémon washed up ashore beneath it. Without warning it immediately opened fire upon the hotel and resort structures with flash cannon, and in seconds the entire place was in flames, families crying out for loved ones and children and women screaming in terror.

“What?! It’s trying to attack everyone!” Gold exclaimed in horror. Crystal was already kicking a Beast Ball but it was shot out of the air before it could reach the Ultra Beast. She sent several more all of which were destroyed, and some of which appeared to be sliced in half. Gold took aim with his billiards cue but it too was sliced in half just as he was making the shot with a Beast Ball. “What’s cutting apart all the Beast Balls?!”

“Look there, a little paper man spinning through the air!” Crystal shouted as she pointed out the creature.

“Aha! It’s the katana-origami one!”

“Kartana, grass and steel type!”

“Hit it, Exbo! Use flamethrower!” Gold’s Typhlosion used flamethrower but was out-sped by the Kartana, which hit it first with guillotine, knocking Typhlosion out immediately. Aura flared up around Kartana as its attack was raised, and it then targeted Gold’s next Pokémon while Crystal was busy battling Celesteela.

“Archy, use extreme speed and hit that Celesteela right at the crown of its head!” Arcanine sped towards the Ultra Beast and in the blink of an eye rammed into its head, tipping it backward. In that same moment Crystal was already sending a Beast Ball at its weak point underneath. She watched with bated breath as the ball struck true and the Celesteela was unable to escape the confinement.

With Celesteela captured, Kartana fled north towards the lake, and in an instant it was gone as quick as it had appeared.

“I can’t believe it. That UB got away from us and destroyed the lakefront resort. All those people and Pokémon…” Gold grimaced as he stared at the devastation and ruin surrounding them.

“We need to recuperate and strategize. These Ultra Beasts are much more capable opponents than our first encounter led us to believe.” Crystal spoke as she returned her fainted Pokémon to their Pokéballs. “If just two Ultra Beasts can demolish all of this in a matter of moments, we need to take them on in a different way.”

“We gotta find an edge. I’m beginning to think these things couldn’t possibly be trained… That thing you captured. It’s the same kind as the one we fought on the boat.”

“Not just that. I think it might be the exact same. See all those fainted water type Pokémon on the beach? It must have recovered underwater and then snuck its way over to this shore.”

“Like a submarine! These things are clever. I don’t think they’re just mindlessly destroying things, Crys.”

“Yeah. I think we should pursue that Kartana. What if there’s a reason it went the direction it did?”

“Then there’s no time to waste! Let’s go, Crys!”

Chapter Text

Moon and Sun marched north through the snowy fields of route 216 holding tightly to each others’ hands. The wind was biting and Moon was beginning to regret not wearing pants with her outfit. Platinum had insisted they wear matching clothes, and rather than argue the logistics of it Moon just went along with her sister’s idea. Her teeth were chattering and she could feel the cold piercing into her bones.

A wild Snover attacked from the tall grass, and Moon sent out Piplup to attack. She was also regretting not bringing along Mareanie, who had been stored in the PC back in Alola. 

“Piplup, use w-water gun!” Piplup used water gun, but it wasn’t very effective. The wild Snover used ingrain and recovered its health.

“C-Customer, listen. If you switch out P-Piplup now and use Muk, Piplup will st-still gain experience from this b-b-battle.”

“Got it, C-Courier, th-thanks! P-Piplup, return. Go, Muk! Use p-poison fang!” Muk bit down hard on the Snover and it fainted right away. Several more Snover appeared and Moon repeated this process as they crossed the fields and headed north under the shadow of tall evergreen trees marking the entrance to route 217.

The canopy of trees opened into a vast expanse of white. The snow on route 217 was piled high and the wind blew so strong that a constant veil obscured the view. Sun stared and balked.

“W-Wow… M-Maybe we should c-call that Berlitz family helicopter after all… We’ve had a pr-pretty good journey…” he moped. “I really m-miss Alola.” Moon tugged on his hand to pull him forward. “M-Moon, I’m really n-not b-built for this! I’m an i-island boy!” They practically fell into the snow together, and although it was powdery enough to be pushed through it was up to their waists, and at some points it even reached their shoulders and necks.

“S-Save your br-breath, S-Sun.” she scolded as she pulled him along behind herself. Snow was filling her boots and her clothes were damp and heavy. As they pushed through they suddenly both stumbled out from the deep snow and collapsed forwards. Their eyes met for a moment and they surveyed as much of their surroundings as they could in the storm.

In the distance they could hear a fierce roaring that sounded like someone screaming over the howling winds. Both trainers blanched, paralyzed with fear. Although they were freezing all color drained from their faces. “C-Courier, that was unmistakably…”

“G-Guzzlord. D-Damnit! We have to h-hurry! That c-city up north!…”

“M-More importantly, the lakefront.”

The path where the Guzzlord had traveled was apparent, all snow and anything that had been in its way were completely missing. They stomped through the snow and passed by the foundations of two cabins, each destroyed in the same manner as if the buildings and their contents had been swallowed whole. There were several trainers and skiers who were in the snow who lay unresponsive. Sun and Moon ran along the gaping corridor of snow left behind in Guzzlord’s wake, both filled with adrenaline and anxiety, all sense of cold forgotten in their newfound haste.

Sun and Moon quickly crossed route 217 with the cleared path before them and stumbled upon a cliff face that had been devoured, creating a smooth ramp from base to summit. From its base at the lakefront they could see the gap in the treetops of the pine woods where Guzzlord had been. They dashed up the ramp and through the gap in the woods only to discover a horrid sight.

Guzzlord was walking through Lake Acuity, vacuuming the water into its gaping maw as it approached the small island. Moon grabbed Sun’s arm and shook him. “Courier, this is really bad!”

“Wh-why?! I mean the destruction is bad but at least it’s not heading for the city-”

“No, you don’t get it! That cavern is where one of the three lake guardians of Sinnoh, Uxie, resides! The lake spirits are representations of knowledge, willpower, and emotion. They also keep the Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina in check. If the Ultra Beasts are targeting them…”

“Got it, bad news! Go Baht, school and attack that Guzzlord with aqua tail! Go Lei!” Sun released his Wishiwashi and Stakataka. He jumped on top of Lei and helped Moon climb on. As Baht charged Guzzlord, Lei marched as quickly as it could towards the island through the lake water that was rapidly draining into Guzzlord’s gaping vortex of a maw.

Sun reached into his bag and handed Moon a round item wrapped in a cloth that was very warm. “This is a burn orb. I was using it as a personal heater but… If a Pokémon holds it, it will be inflicted with burn!” Sun looked from Moon to the Guzzlord, and back to her. “Can you make the shot?” 

“Of course.” Moon stood tall on Stakataka, piercing an arrowhead through the burn orb and removing the cloth. Drawing her bow and aiming directly at Guzzlord, she fired the arrow tipped with the burn orb without hesitation, which soared through the air and became lodged in one of the Ultra Beast’s claws. 

“That should cut its attack! Nice shot, Customer!” Sun praised as he stared at Moon.

“Please, it’s nothing.” Moon dismissed his praise, sweeping her long hair over her shoulder. “Focus on Baht!” she pointed as the Guzzlord was retaliating, using dragon tail against Sun’s Wishiwashi school-form.

“Baht! Use aqua tail again, don’t let up! We have to slow this guy down!” Wishiwashi slammed against the Ultra Beast trading blow for blow in a fearsome brawl while Stakataka marched past Guzzlord and onto the shore of the small island. “Lei, sit down right in front of the entrance and don’t move no matter what. Use reflect!”

But even with the improved defenses because of Stakataka and the reduced attack from the burn, Moon could tell Wishiwashi was not delaying Guzzlord. “Courier, even all of your attacks aren’t impeding it! We have to move out of the way before it gets over here and devours us!” Moon pleaded with Sun, grabbing his arm and tugging on him.

“Not yet!” he defiantly declared, shaking her off. “I won’t allow my customer or anything precious to her to get harmed! Alright, Baht return! Go Franc! Use play rough! Don’t underestimate the power of Totem Pokémon!” Wishiwashi was energized in a ray of light into the Pokéball in Sun’s left hand as he threw another ball with his right hand, unleashing Mimikyu right in front of Guzzlord, which used dragon tail again, to no effect. Mimikyu retaliated and furiously beat up on the Ultra Beast, finally slowing it down.

“Oh wow!” Moon exclaimed. “I didn’t know your Mimikyu was so strong, Courier!”

“And don’t forget that the Ultra Beast is burned! All this time it’s been taking residual damage thanks to your arrow. It’s not showing signs of weakness, but this Guzzlord is on the ropes! It has to be.”

Franc was hit by Guzzlord’s counterattack and its disguise broke, infuriating the Mimikyu. “Go, use play rough again and finish it off!” Sun commanded as Mimikyu furiously beat at Guzzlord’s head until it stopped moving and its body became slack. With Guzzlord stilled, what little water remained in the lake rippled and settled, and it was only waist deep. Sun jumped into the water and embraced Mimikyu, and lifted it to the shore of the island. Moon pulled a portable dryer shaped like a Porygon from her bag and used it to blow dry Mimikyu’s cloth. “Thanks, Customer.” Sun said as he returned Franc and Lei to their Pokéballs.

“Of course. I can’t believe you defeated one of the toughest of the Ultra Beasts without the power of the Z-ring. You’ve really gotten strong.”

“Strong enough for a bonus?” Sun asked with hope in his eyes.

“Will this suffice?” Moon asked and without hesitation kissed him on the cheek.

“My other cheek is still cold.” he replied with a cheeky grin, turning his head to the other side. 

Moon kissed his other cheek and pulled back to look into his eyes. “You’re lucky I’m generous.” she told him. Sun met her gaze and pulled her in. “Ugh! Hey let go because you’re all wet and—mmmph!” Sun kissed her despite her protest, and pushed her back against the wall of the entrance to the cave, kissing her for several more seconds before pulling away breathless. “Stop interrupting me like that…” Moon mumbled, her face noticeably flushed red despite the cold as she looked into his eyes. She felt compressed between him and the wall, and her breaths were coming quickly as her heart raced. Just then, they heard the cry of a Pokémon echo out from deep within the cave, and Moon grabbed Sun’s hand as she exclaimed “Uxie!”

Moon pulled him along behind herself as she ran through the cave with Rotom lighting the way. The narrow tunnel opened into a spacious cavern with a pool at its center, and floating just above the surface was a small yellow Pokémon whose eyes were closed. Moon pulled the Pokédex from her bag and scanned the creature, reading aloud “Uxie, the knowledge Pokémon. Known as the being of knowledge, it is said that it can wipe out the memory of those who see its eyes. It is said that its emergence gave humans the intelligence to improve their quality of life.”

“Yikes! That’s pretty scary! Should we really be looking at it, Miss?”

“I don’t think it means to attack us. We did just save it, after all.” Moon approached it hand-in-hand with Sun, and reached out in greeting. “Uxie. Please, can you offer me insight on just what is happening here in Sinnoh?”

The mythical Pokémon took Moon’s outstretched hand in both of its paws, and suddenly Moon’s sight was filled with a vision like a waking dream, and the scenery around her changed. Pillars surrounded her as they pierced the dark cloudy heavens, and a red star crossed the night sky illuminating the silhouette of a new moon. The phase of the moon changed from new to full in an instant, and its entire surface glowed an eerie red. Then just as suddenly as the vision began it ended. Before Moon had time to think about what she just saw, Uxie opened its eyes and the two humans were teleported away from its cave into the city of Snowpoint, standing right outside the Pokémon Center.

Chapter Text

Sun and Moon had been teleported into Snowpoint City just as the sky was turning orange as the last golden rays stretched out casting long shadows. The temperature dropped even lower as the frigid night air set in, and too worn out to even feel disoriented from the sudden teleportation, the pair escaped into the familiar welcoming sight of the Pokémon center to heal their fallen team members.

The building had a warm glow to its interior, and the lights were dimmed. Apart from the lady at the counter, Sun and Moon were the only people in the building. The nurse kindly greeted them and took their Pokémon to bring them back to full health. “You two look exhausted.” she said with concern in her tone. “Please, make yourselves at home here. Downstairs is a room with a hot bath and machinery to launder your soaked clothing, and there are lodgings upstairs. You poor dears look like you’re on the verge of freezing to death! You just leave all your Pokémon with me here for the night while you take care of yourselves, okay?”

“Thank you, Nurse.” Moon replied with a short bow. The two went downstairs where there was a large old-fashioned wooden bathing basin filled with hot water that was kept warm by a generator, as well as a combination washer machine and dryer against the wall. “I don’t suppose that at this point you have any reservations about bathing together, do you?”

Sun shook his head. “No. I don’t care at this point if I had to share the tub with an old granny. I need warmth.” he said as he began to undress and toss his clothes into the washer.

Moon stood next to him as she also disrobed and piled her clothes in the machine on top of his. She walked ahead of him over to the wooden basin. “I hope you see me as a bit better company than an old granny, Courier~.” she teased, swinging one leg and then the other over the edge of the tub as she lowered herself into the water first. “Ahhhhh… I can feel my bones heating up.”

Sun followed and climbed into the tub on the opposite side of her and sat down. It was large enough for both of them to fit, although their legs could overlap if splayed. “Ooo… Yes… This is nice… I could probably fall asleep in here.” he commented as he stretched his limbs like a Staryu.

They sat together in silence for several long minutes soaking in the warmth of the bath as color began to return to their bodies. Moon, who had her knees pulled up to her chest, was the first to speak, her eyes wandering over Sun’s body. “You know, Courier, I was surprised by just how many scars you have that I was previously unaware of until this journey.”

Sun had been tilting his head back, staring at the ceiling, but he turned his attention to Moon. “Yeah?” He stared at her as well. “I’m surprised just how muscular you are. You seem like a rail, but it’s all concentrated in your back, huh?”

Moon blushed at his callously phrased compliment, but found she didn’t mind. “You admire my body?” she asked, unable to hide the hopefulness in her tone.

“Sure, there’s plenty to admire.” he remarked casually.

“You really think so? I wouldn’t mind if you elaborated on your thoughts, Courier…” she said as she fidgeted with her hair.

Sun was quick to reply. “Your eyes are the same color as mine, like looking in a pretty reflection. I like your hair and the way it falls around your face, I think you’re really cute. The longer hair suits you.”

Moon smiled, happy to hear his thoughts and validation. “What about the rest of me?” she asked as she extended her legs to lay over his, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Hm? Oh well, I dunno. Your body is cute. Do you like, want me to say something specific? I think all of you is cute from top to bottom.”

“Y-yeah… You did comment about my bottom a few days ago. I’m glad you like my ‘cute package’, fufufu~” she teased.

“I didn’t mean like that just now, but well, yeah. It is cute.” Sun admitted.

“I’ll remember what you like.” she said with sincerity, and then took a deep breath before continuing. “And um… is there anything else?” she asked as she lowered her arms.

“Is there?” he asked, with a passive and slightly confused look on his face.

Moon sighed. “You’re as dense as they come. I’ll just come out and say it. My chest, dummy.”

“Oh yeah. You have one. It’s nice. I guess I just don’t pay much attention to them in general.”

“Really?” Moon asked, doubt creeping into her tone. “Every time you’ve looked at Platinum you can’t keep your eyes off of hers.” she said with a twinge of jealousy.

“N-no, it’s not like that!”

“It’s fine, I understand. You’re just too embarrassed to say that you prefer them bigger than mine.”

“Well… They’ll get bigger, right?” he asked cautiously.

“M-maybe! Who knows?! They could stay this size my whole life!” she shot back. “Would you still be fine with me if that were the case, Sun?”

“Of course I would be! I just don’t understand the hang-up on this for you.”

“It’s… It’s like how guys are self-conscious about their size!” Moon defended. 

“Is that really true? Are they?” he questioned skeptically. “I’m not.”

“Y-yes they tend to be…” she replied, blushing furiously.

“I’ve never really thought about it.” he said dismissively.

“Y-you haven’t ever thought about it?” she asked, feeling humiliated to be the only one thinking about this kind of stuff. “A-anyway, some claim that guys with… less… have a harder time with romance.”

“What would you know about that?” he asked in return, narrowing his eyes at her.

“I read it in a biological textbook, is all…” she finished meekly. She looked him in the eyes. “I just thought…” She struggled to get the words out. “You might not feel physically attracted to me because of my underdeveloped body…”

Sun gave her a stern gaze. “Look, Moon. I love you. It doesn’t matter to me what you look like. I love you for who you are, okay?” Without waiting for a reply Sun stood up suddenly and took a few small steps towards her.

“W-woah! Hey?!” Moon averted her gaze, embarrassed. Sun turned around and sat right in front of her between her legs, leaning his upper back and head against her chest. “What’s going on?”

“I’m showing you that I like your body.” he replied simply, yawning as he rested against her.

“O-oh! Okay.” Moon said with relief and satisfaction. The weight of him pressed against her felt comforting. She couldn’t help but fidget her fingers through his hair. She played with it for what seemed like a small eternity, and she noticed a change in his breathing pattern. Sun had actually fallen asleep! She could feel him rumble slightly as he breathed. Moon placed a kiss on the top of his head. 

She draped her arms over his shoulders and rested her hands on his middle, tracing his numerous scars with her fingertips. “This body I love… Belonging to the person I love… You’ve been put through so much, all for the sake of others…” she muttered to herself as she traced his arm where Joltik had attacked him. “I promise to protect you, too. No matter what comes, I’ll keep you safe. You shouldn’t have to bear all of these scars.”

This brought her thoughts back to the Ultra Beast invasion, and to the vision Uxie had shown her. “Since wormholes are opening here in Sinnoh, I have to consider the possibility that somehow there is a Cosmog, or one of its evolutions, somewhere in Sinnoh.” she mused as she thought back on the three encounters they had fought through, and the recurring red shooting star phenomena. “This shooting star… Could it be…? And that scenery. Without a doubt that was Spear Pillar, exactly as Platinum has described it to me.” She resolved her will. “I’ll find the source and put a stop to this invasion, and protect Sun, no matter what.”

She gazed fondly down at him as he snored, his breathing almost sounding like a purring feline. As adorable as he was, Moon was feeling sleepy too, and they couldn’t sleep in this tub all night. She woke him gently, whispering his name in his ear. “Sun… Sun… Wake up…”

Sun slowly awakened and when he realized he had fallen asleep he apologized. “I’m sorry, Moon. You were just so comfortable and soft and warm and—”

Moon shook her head, putting a finger to his lips. “It’s okay. I’m happy you were comfortable enough laying on my chest to fall asleep. You were really cute… Did you know you purr in your sleep?”

“I do not!”

Moon laughed, and the two of them got out of the tub, dried off, and put on their pajamas which were warm from the washer-dryer. They walked up the two flights of stairs to reach the lodgings and settled into a small bed together, holding each other as they slept peacefully through the night.

Chapter Text

One week prior, at around the same time Sun and Moon had reached the cabin they had rested in for a week, Platinum, Pearl and Diamond were crossing into Solaceon town. Since there were no hotels in the town, they packed in for the night to rest at the Pokémon Center.

Platinum awoke during the middle of the night feeling a strange elation. She was filled with an inexplicable euphoria as if all of her worries from the previous day had melted away, and she couldn’t recall what she had even been anxious about. She felt a strange sensation guiding her to her feet and walking her down the stairs and out into the night, and then she felt like she was flying. She imagined this must have been a dream within a dream, like she was hallucinating, because the town below was becoming smaller and smaller.

“Ahahaha, what a lovely dream! I’m touching the clouds!” They felt moist and cold on her skin, and as she ascended above them she could see the moon, and a red star streak across its surface. “I wish my sister could be here with me to see this~” She sighed, closed her eyes, and fell asleep on a sea of clouds.

When Diamond and Pearl awoke the next morning, it was late, the sun was high, and their morning tune hadn’t played. Pearl sat up first and grabbed Diamond’s shoulders roughly shaking him awake. “Dia! Diamond! Get up! I think something is wrong!”

 Diamond’s head lolled back and forth, and he rubbed his eyes with balled fists. “Wha-? Whazzit, Pearl? Did we miss breakfast or something?”

“No, our morning tune didn’t play! Miss isn’t in her bed either, but all of her stuff is here. Something is wrong!” Pearl shouted.

“Maybe she just went out to the lobby to get breakfast.” Diamond suggested. “Did you check?”

“No!” Pearl released Diamond and ran through the door and down the stairs into the lobby, and just as quickly the stomping of his feet taking the steps two at a time could be heard as he barged back into the room. “She’s not down there Diamond! She’s really missing!” Pearl exclaimed hysterically.

Diamond’s expression changed as all signs of morning tiredness vanished from his face, replaced with a completely serious demeanor. “We have to find our lady.” he stated solemnly as he gathered Platinum’s belongings, along with his own. The two went back to the lobby to ask the nurse if she had seen a woman leave the Pokémon Center late last night.

“I’m sorry, but I actually wasn’t on duty until this morning. You young men are the first people I’ve seen all morning. The nurse who was here last night has already gone home.” she told them.

“Well can you call her and ask?!” Pearl demanded, but Diamond stepped in front of him.

“What he means to say is, please call the nurse from last night. We need to get a lead on our friend, and that nurse may have seen her.” he explained calmly. While the nurse called her coworker, Diamond called the police to file a missing person report.

The nurse reported back to them that the night-shift nurse had seen Platinum walk out of the Pokémon Center late last night without saying a word, but she never returned.

“Okay, so we’ve got a lead and Lady is missing. What now, Pearl?”

“We’ve got to go out and look for her obviously. Let’s start with just this city, ask everyone if they’ve seen her, and keep searching. Maybe we can split up from there to cover more ground?”

“I don’t think splitting up is a good idea with these weird alien things running around. We should stick together. Let's go find her!”

A week had gone by and although a few people had claimed to see a woman matching Platinum’s description that night, no trace of her could be found, even by the police and their specially trained Pokémon. Even though they had put a missing person’s report in the newspaper printed in Solaceon Town, there were no sightings of Platinum.

“Pearl, we’ve been searching for a week with no leads! What do we do?”

“We have to call in an expert. That detective from so long ago. Do you remember? The guy who helped Miss at the battle frontier.”

“Oh right! Detective Looker with the International Police! But how would we even go about contacting him?”

Just then, a man and a woman were passing by the young men and happened to overhear their conversation. “Hey, you said InterPol, right?” the man interjected. “We just might be able to help you guys out.”

“Hold it, Gold. Do we really have time for that? We’re on a mission here. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” the woman stopped him.

“It’s no big deal, Crys.” the man turned his attention to them. “I’m Gold, and this is my wife Crystal. We’re from the Johto region, here to solve your alien problem on behalf of the International Police.”

“That’s right, which is why we’re in a bit of a rush.” Crystal explained, trying to move on. “I’m all out of Beast Balls, and that woman who lives here should have more, so we have to find her before we encounter more Ultra Beasts, Gold. Catching up to and capturing that Kartana at that lake, not to mention all of the other Ultra Beasts we’ve caught on the way here, has exhausted our supply.”

“Wait just a moment please.” Diamond requested. “I’m Diamond, and this is my partner Pearl. We’re looking for someone who has gone missing. She used to work with Detective Looker years ago for a brief time, so if you can put us in touch with him, we’d be grateful.”

Crystal sighed. “Okay, fine. We needed to rest up our Pokémon for a bit anyway, so let’s head into the Pokémon Center and we can talk.”

“Who exactly are you searching for?” Gold asked as they all sat around a table inside.

“The oldest daughter of the prominent Berlitz family of this region, Platinum.” Diamond explained. “She looks like this.” he said, pulling a photograph of the three of them from the inside of his hat and handing it to Gold.

“Oh wow. What a beauty.” Gold whistled. Crystal kicked him under the table.

“Of course, she’s the most beautiful woman in the region!” Pearl confirmed. “She went missing without a trace in the middle of the night a week ago from this Pokémon Center. We’ve searched for her as best we can, but we’re no detectives. We’re just comedians.”

“And Pokédex holders.” Diamond added. Gold and Crystal both were surprised at this.

“Oh? So are we. I feel a sudden kinship with you.” Crystal said, her expression softening.

“You two are comedians too?” Diamond asked.

“No you idiot, they’re Pokédex holders!” Pearl sighed.

“We’ll contact the International Police and see if they can spare Detective Looker for your case. Of course, if we happen to find any sighting of Miss Berlitz, we will also notify you right away.” Crystal stated. The trainers all exchanged contact information and departed the Pokémon Center.

Gold and Crystal were told that they could find Maizie in a house behind the wooded hills in Solaceon town, where she lived with her boyfriend, who made seals on Pokéballs. A large Ursaring stood guard outside of the house, and when it saw Gold, it embraced him in a big bear-hug. “Agh! Can’t… Breathe…”

A young woman came out from the house and held up a Friend Ball, returning the Pokémon. “Sorry, she can be quite friendly and overly familiar, despite her appearance.” When she looked over Gold her eyes lit up with recognition. “Oh Mister Gold! It’s been ages.”

“Heheh, yeah. I see you’ve taken great care of Teddiursa, Maizie.” he wheezed as he caught his breath.

“That’s right, she’s all grown up now! Oh, how rude of me. Who are you, Miss?” she asked politely, addressing Crystal.

“Missus. My name is Crystal. Gold is my husband. We’re here on behalf of the International Police.” Crystal explained.

“Oh my! When the International Police and the Aether Foundation contacted me about producing Beast Balls for their agents, I never imagined I’d be seeing you, Mister Gold! Please come in, make yourselves at home.” she said as she held the door open for them.

Gold and Crystal sat at the table, and Maizie poured them some tea. She brought a basket over from her countertop as well, and set it on the table. As they drank, she explained “These balls inside the basket are Beast Balls I’ve crafted based on the specifications sent from the Aether Foundation.”

“They look a bit different from the ones I’ve been using. What are these markings on them?” Crystal commented.

“Oh those? My boyfriend, who is out of the house at the moment, makes Pokéball seals and has taken to branding every Pokéball I create with the letter M to represent my name.”

“I understand. And these seals won’t affect the performance of the Beast Balls, will they?” she inquired.

“No, not at all! They’re merely cosmetic.” Maizie confirmed.

“Excellent, thank you very much. We’ll take them. We have to get going quickly. I wish we could stay longer.” Crystal said apologetically as she finished her tea.

“Oh it’s no trouble! Good luck out there, and stay safe!”

Chapter Text

Sun and Moon woke up feeling refreshed. As they dressed for the morning, Sun brought up an important point. “Miss, I know we saved the lake guardian and everything, but it sure would have been nice if it teleported us to any other city in Sinnoh. The way I see it, we’re kinda trapped here in Snowpoint since the way back through Mount Coronet is blocked.”

Moon groaned as she realized the courier was right. “If we take a ship we will end up having to sail through icy waters… And any port town will take us far away from our destination. Hmmm…”

As Moon ruminated on the scenario, Sun picked up his Explorer’s kit. “Can’t fly over it, can’t sail across it. Why not dig under it? According to the chart of the Grand Underground provided with this kit, we can follow the tunnels all the way back to the mainland.” he suggested. He splayed the chart open on the bed and traced a route with his finger. “See?”

“But won’t getting into the Grand Underground in the first place involve a lot of digging? How did that old man expect you to be able to dig down into the network of tunnels using nothing but a shovel?” Moon asked as she examined the item in question. The shovel had an unusually large cross-section between the handle and shaft. As she investigated it the cross-section opened to reveal a slot for a technical machine compact disk. “Ah!” she jumped back in surprise.

“Oh! I was wondering what the heck this little brown CD was for. It was in the jacket on the backside of this map. Maybe it goes in there?” Sun wondered aloud as he placed it in the disk reader. The cross-section of the shovel closed and the shovel began to whirr to life. The head of the shovel spun like a drill. “Ooohh!! Now with this kinda power, we can make a hole!” Sun exclaimed, eager to try it out.

Moon pulled the shovel away from him and ejected the TM. “Not inside, dummy! Where were you planning to dig to? The downstairs lobby? We would never be able to set foot in a Pokémon Center again!” She examined the TM. “This seems to be a technical machine for the Pokémon move ‘dig’. I can’t believe it can be used on a shovel. Technology is incredible!”

With their course of action decided, the two ate a light breakfast, collected their belongings and descended to the lobby. The nurse on duty greeted them. “Good morning, guests. I hope your night was restful.”

“Very. Thank you, Nurse.” Moon replied for both of them as she held Sun’s hand.

“Oh, you two make such an adorable couple. I just love to see young love. It takes me back to my younger days as a Pokémon trainer~.” the nurse commented as she swooned over them from behind the counter.

Sun gave her a puzzled look. “Huh? But you don’t look a day over twenty. It couldn’t have been so long ago.”

“Thank you.” The nurse laughed, then addressed Moon. “Young lady, this one is a charmer~. You’d better keep him close. I’m certain plenty of girls would flock to him.”

Moon gave a scornful laugh. “Hah! You haven’t heard the other side of his unfiltered thoughts. He’s as callous as he is kind.”

“What?!” Sun said, scandalized. “I have never been anything but nice to you!” Moon gave him a poisonous smile in response, and Sun gulped. “Okay, there have been some times where I didn’t choose my words carefully.” he admitted as he chose his words carefully.

“I have your Pokémon rested and fed. They’re ready for adventure. Thank you for entrusting their care to us.” the nurse informed as she returned the Pokéballs to the trainers. They thanked her once again, then headed outdoors.

Sun positioned himself relative to where the map showed a tunnel for the Grand Underground. Then he activated the shovel. “Ready, Customer? Let’s see what this baby can do! Full power!” Without waiting for her reply he plunged the shovel into the ground. The ground gave way to the shovel like butter to a hot knife, and Sun was pulled behind the shovel that had a will of its own. “Waaaaaaah!!” he screamed out as he descended down into the rapidly excavated hole within seconds and vanished from Moon’s sight.

“Courier!” she yelled out after him. She released Decidueye from its Pokéball, and it held her in its talons by her shoulders. She braced herself as she followed him down the pitch-dark hole. She released Rotom. “Use flash!” The courier came into view as she reached the tunnels of the Grand Underground. Decidueye dropped her from its grasp, and she landed on her hands and feet beside the collapsed delivery boy. He looked worse for wear, with several cuts and bruises, but nothing seemed to be broken. She let out a sigh of relief, and set about treating his minor injuries. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you get yourself into these situations on purpose. Let me fix you up.”

Sun sat up, covered head to toe in dusty earth, and he coughed up dirt. “For free?”

“Of course it’s free. Ugh. You’re filthy, Courier. If we didn’t have places to go, I’d drag you right back up for another bath.”

When Moon finished tending to Sun, they dusted themselves off and Sun pulled out his map and compass. “Alright, we should be roughly here” he pointed, “so if we take this tunnel head-on to the west and turn left, we’ll head south towards the mainland.” They walked on and on, the tunnel stretching out before them. “Geez. This thing keeps going, huh?”

“Well, we are walking as the Murkrow flies across the width and breadth of the region. Are you surprised?”

“A little bit, yeah. It’s supposed to be like a shortcut, right?”

“Just because it’s a shortcut doesn’t mean the distance has to be much shorter than the routes above ground.” She placed her hand along cool rocks of the wall as she walked and after some time felt a strange protruding surface interrupt the regular texture of tunneled stone. “Courier, look here. This part of the wall is different. I think if you dig here, we can find something.”

“Treasure?” Diamonds sparkled in his eyes, .

“Maybe, if you’re careful. This protrusion doesn’t look too sturdy. If you dig too much, the part of the wall will probably collapse and bury whatever is beneath it. You’ll have to pick where you dig with precision.”

Sun opened his Explorer’s kit and grabbed his pick-axe and hammer. “I’ll start with the hammer!” He banged the mallet-head against the wall, uncovering the corners of some shining gemstones. “Ooo~ Lucky~”

“Don’t celebrate yet, they’re still inside the wall. I’d advise you to take the pick-axe and carefully chisel the stones out of the wall.”

“Got it.” Sun tapped around the gems he could see, freeing them from the rock one-by-one. Moon collected them in a bag as they fell.

“Stop! Take a close look. You’ll have to let that one go. If you hit the wall any more than you have, it will collapse on us, Sun.” Moon warned. “You’ve collected a large pearl, a ruby, and a diamond. I’d say you have extracted plenty of value from this dig spot.”

Sun sighed. He was reluctant to let any money go to waste, but he followed Moon’s advice. As they continued to walk the Grand Underground, they came across several other dig spots and harvested them for gemstones. “This is addicting! Just look how many treasures are in that bag you’re holding, Customer!” Sun exclaimed as several more large gemstones he dug out of the wall fell in.

“Ugh yeah, that’s easy for you to say. This bag is getting heavy.” Moon sighed and dropped it with a thud. “What is the plan with all of these rocks?”

“Careful! Don’t damage the merchandise!”

“Of course you intend to sell them… Just so you know, you won’t make very much money selling them here in Sinnoh.”

“That’s no problem. I’ll just sell them when we go back to Alola.”

“If we can make it back to Alola.”

Sun grabbed the bag and heaved it over his shoulder. “What do you mean ‘if’? We’ll totally free the region from Ultra Beasts! We’re the best people to do it!”

“Are we? I mean sure we’ve fought them in the past, but we’re just two people, and we can’t fight them all alone.” Moon reached out and held Sun’s hand. Sun squeezed her hand in reassurance.

“It’s not just us.” Sun stepped closer to Moon. “Your sister and her boyfriends are here too, plus who knows how many other powerful trainers in the region to defend their homes.”

Moon smiled at Sun. “You’re right. Thanks for always being here to brighten my dark moods.” Sun kissed her face and Moon shrunk away from him, swatting at him with her hands. “Ugh, no no! You’re covered in dirt and gravel and Uxie-knows what else!” She wiped her cheek on her sleeve, leaving a dark smudge on the cloth. 

Sun cornered her and placed his free hand against the wall, beside her head. The bag hit the ground with a thud, and his fingers brushed against her chin. He leaned in, his breath hot against her face. “Hey, Customer. Looks like you’ve got something on the other cheek.” he teased as he kissed her again, leaving another smudge on her face.

Moon squirmed, trying to wriggle her way out of his grasp, but only succeeded in further smearing his lips against her face. “Stop it, Courier! You’re such a pain!” She pushed her palms against his chest, shoving him backwards.

His heel caught on the dropped bag of gems and he tripped, falling on his rear. He looked up at her with a stupid smile, laughing off the mistake. “I’m your favorite pain.”

“Untrue. Unlike you, I’m not a masochistic magnet for injuries. I actually dislike pain, you know, like a normal person.” Even still she extended her hand to help him to his feet. “Where are we now?”

He took her hand and picked himself up, dusting off his bottom. “I dunno.” He opened the bag of gems, making sure none of them were damaged.

“I know that you don’t know. I’m asking you to figure it out. Look at the map, Courier.” She snatched the bag from him and shoved the map into his hands. “No more gems for right now. You can dig more once you’ve completed your primary job of getting me to the peak of Mount Coronet, and we’ve saved Sinnoh.”

“Fine, fine, whatever. But I still have no idea exactly what that old man wanted me to dig up and bring to the mountaintop.” Sun sat cross-legged on the ground and spread the map open. “Let’s see…” While Sun busied himself in planning the remainder of their route through the Grand Underground, Moon sorted the gemstones. As she took inventory of the rocks, she noticed one that had cracked open, revealing a purple interior. Moon gasped. “What is it, Customer?” Sun asked as he looked up from the map.

“You’ll never believe what I just found—a Poisonium Z-crystal! I wonder why a shard of Necrozma was embedded in the Sinnoh Grand Underground?” Moon examined the Z-crystal, and swapped out the Firium Z-crystal on the Z-ring.

“Huh? No way, you’re pulling my leg.” He bolted to his feet and grabbed Moon’s wrist. “Wow! That’s amazing! Hey Customer, maybe we should keep digging just a little bit more, right?”

“Let go of me, Courier! Here, take back your Z-crystal.” She yanked her arm away and gave the Firium Z-crystal to Sun, who placed it in his bag. “We can do a thorough investigation later! For all we know, this could be an anomalous discovery. Now, how are we going to get back to the surface? Did you find a route?”

Sun packed up his map and nodded. “Yep! I know exactly where I’m going. Follow me, we’re really close to an exit! We should be right beneath Solaceon town, and this exit comes up through those ruins!”

“Geez. Those stairs in the ruins just went on and on… I’m whooped.”

“You’re fine. I expect a courier to have better stamina.”

“There were a lot of stairs!”

Sun and Moon exited the ruins and walked into the town, passing by some houses on the cliffs. “We still don’t have a way to catch any Ultra Beasts, and we have no way to get Beast Balls.” Moon commented absently to herself.

Sun ran ahead and twirled around, walking backwards with his hands behind his head as he stared at Moon. “Heh, we’ll just keep beating ‘em up, it’s no problem really—oof!”

“Watch it, kid!” A tall man with a backwards cap emerged from a house, knocking Sun to the ground. 

A woman with her hair in twin-tails followed behind him, admonishing him with a kick to the rear. “Gold! Don’t be an ass! Help the kid up!” Gold reached down to help Sun, who swatted his hand away, picking himself up.

“Yeah, don’t be an ass! What kinda guy knocks a kid down? Who the hell are you?” Sun grabbed Gold by the scarf around his neck, and Gold yanked on Sun’s scarf, but their fight was interrupted as a third person exited the house.

“Oh, please don’t fight!” a woman in the doorway said. She dropped a Pokéball and an Ursaring suddenly appeared, snatching both trainers in its paws, separating them.

Moon approached the woman with twin-tail hair. “I’m so sorry about him.” she said with a bow.

“No, no, I’m sorry.” the woman replied, extending her hand for a shake. “My name is Crystal.”

“Moon Berlitz. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” she said, shaking Crystal’s hand.

“Berlitz? Then you must be here looking for your missing sister!” Crystal clasped Moon’s hand in both of hers.

“What? Platinum is missing?!”

“Ahem. Excuse me.” the woman with the Ursaring spoke up. “Mrs. Crystal I know you’re in a hurry, but poor Miss Berlitz could probably use some clarification. Children, my name is Miss Maizie. Please, everyone, come back inside my home so we can all introduce ourselves. I insist.” she said with a nod to Ursaring, who shepherded the trainers through the door.

Chapter Text

“She’s been missing for a week?” Moon cried. “Why didn’t you two call me?” Diamond and Pearl had been called over to Maizie’s house by Crystal, and when they heard Moon was with her they rushed over. The trainers were gathered around a modest dining room table and in the small house the group of six, not to mention Ursaring who stood off to one side, was enough to make the room feel crowded.

“We’re sorry, Moon. We’ve been looking for her non-stop! We’ve hardly slept.” Diamond placated looking towards Moon with a desperate plea for forgiveness in his lightless eyes.

“We don’t even have your number.” Pearl added. Despite his average boundless energy, even he seemed drained to everyone in the room.

“I can’t believe it, you guys really were the mistakes. There’s two of you! How could you let Customer’s older sister get snatched right from under your noses?” Sun chastised.

Pearl couldn’t do anything except clench his teeth and fists as his legs shook. As much as he hated the harsh criticism, Sun was right. The air in the room hung heavy. Maizie, who had been on the telephone in another room, entered and placed her hands on the table. “I’ve been speaking to some contacts I have throughout the region about your missing person case. I’ve got a lead for you.”

“Really? Where was Miss seen?!” Pearl shouted as he bolted to his feet, nearly knocking over the kitchen table chair. Ursaring grabbed his shoulders from behind and pushed him back into his seat.

“Well, Mister Pearl, one person heard a rumor from someone in Eterna City, who had said that they saw an unidentifiable flying object carrying a person heading west towards the coast, perhaps out to New Moon Island or Full Moon Island. I have no idea if that’s got anything to do with Miss Berlitz, but it may be worth the trouble of investigating.”

“Sounds like we should split into two teams.” said Crystal. “We can head to both islands at once and reconvene if nothing turns up.”

“Weren’t you against taking time away from capturing Ultra Beasts to go on a search and rescue mission?” asked Gold.

“Initially yes, but…” Crystal gazed sympathetically at Moon, who was trembling. “We can’t let our junior’s safety be jeopardized, plus Platinum will be one more helping hand in catching Ultra Beasts once we find her.”

“What are we waiting around for?!” Pearl slammed his hands on the table. “Let’s go! Gold and Sun come with me to Full Moon Island. Dia, you take Crystal and Moon to New Moon Island. Since we’re natives we know the layout of Sinnoh best, so we’ll be leaders of each team. Come on, let's go!” Without waiting for anyone’s agreement he bolted past Ursaring out the front door.

Gold gave Crystal a hug. “Be safe out there, Honey.”

She kissed him on the cheek. “You too. No fighting with your juniors. I expect you to set a good example.”

“Sure thing, Super Serious Girl.”

She pinched his cheek and pushed him towards the door. “Get after Pearl before he leaves you two behind.”

“No offense lady, Diamond, but I don’t wanna trust my customer’s safety to you two, since I don’t know you,” Sun pointed to Crystal, “and you just let her sister get kidnapped.” he said to Diamond.

“Hold on a minute!” Moon shouted. Gold stopped in the doorway. Everyone turned their attention to her. “This is my sister we’re talking about. I’m going to decide what we do. Just, give me a minute to breathe, so I can figure things out.” She sighed heavily. “Mr. Gold, please bring Pearl back here.”

“Both of these locations are off the coast from Canalave City. We won’t need to separate until we reach its port. That said, the route back through Mount Coronet is blocked by a cave-in, so we would need to find another passage.” Moon assessed. “We may have to return to the Grand Underground.”

“Well, not necessarily. Pearl and I both have guys that are pretty good at smashing through rock. We can probably just smash our way back through the mountain the way we came, as long as that creepy ghost clown thing isn’t there anymore.”

“Oh, you mean the Blacephalon?” Sun asked. “We knocked that guy out a while ago. It might be up and roaming again, but if we run into it again, we’ll just beat it up, no problem.”

“Or capture it.” Crystal added. “That would be ideal. The less roaming Ultra Beasts, the better.”

“It will help a lot of people if we do as much as we can with our Pokémon to clear the damage in the tunnels the Ultra Beasts caused.” Diamond said.

“Well, if you think your Pokémon are capable of smashing through the mountain, we’ll travel that way.” Moon agreed. “Now, about Mrs. Crystal’s idea of two teams. I’m not opposed to the idea.”

“That’s because it’s a good idea.” Pearl affirmed.

“I still don’t like the teams!” Sun protested, grabbing Moon by the shoulders and pulling her close to himself. “I’m not leaving Customer’s side! Why don’t you two clowns stick together?”

“Hey! Not clowns! Comedians!” Pearl corrected.

“Well we could if it would make you feel better.” Diamond offered.

“Please let go of me, Courier.” Moon gently removed Sun’s hands from her shoulders. “I promise I’ll be fine. I’m certain Mrs. Crystal wouldn’t allow anything to happen to either Diamond, or myself.”

“That’s right. I promise to keep them safe, so you don't worry about anything except trying to find her sister, Sun.” Crystal assured.

“No! As a courier, it’s my job to get my customer safely to her destination. If I leave her side I’ll have failed my job, and for my goal I can’t allow that to happen. Plus, if anything happens to her...”

Gold clasped Sun’s shoulder. “It’s alright. I’ll take the guys with me to Full Moon Island. Crys, you take the love-Pidoves to New Moon Island. That work for you, little lady?” Gold asked Moon.

“Yes. Courier’s point is fair. Anything that happens to me while under his care is his responsibility to carry. I can’t take that responsibility away from him.”

Sun squeezed Moon’s hand. “Thanks, Customer. We’ll find your sister, for sure, wherever she is. Then I’ll take you to the top of that mountain.”

Maizie cleared her throat. “Ahem. Before you all rush off, please, take these Beast Balls with you. If you encounter more Ultra Beasts, please capture them, for the sake of us all! Be safe!”

The group reached the east entrance of Mount Coronet on route 207. Sun let out a heavy sigh as he stared at the rubble blocking the cave entrance. “It’s a shame to be so close to our goal yet instead be heading right past it.”

“I’m certain my father would be more than happy to add to your compensation for traveling out of your way to find my sister.” Moon squeezed his hand as she stood by his side.

Sun gave her a warm smile. “It’s okay, I’m doing that for free.”

Moon’s eyes widened. “What did you just say?”

Sun released her hand and gave her an okay sign. “She’s someone important to my customer, so I’m going to find your sister for free.”

“Really?” Moon leaned forward, her hands folded behind her back as she stared up at Sun’s face with a scrutinizing gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that! I have a charitable heart, too, you know?” Sun crossed his arms behind his head and turned away from Moon.

Moon embraced him from behind. Reaching up for his hands, she intertwined her fingers with his and brought their hands down to rest on his chest. “I know that, Courier. I know your whole motivation is selfless. We’ll see Poké Pelago through to completion, together, I promise you.”

“Hey! If you two are finished, get out of the way!” Pearl shouted. “We got a tunnel to open! Go, Tauler!” Pearl’s Tauros dug its hooves into the tough mountainous rock, snarling as it lowered its head. Sun and Moon darted to the side.

“Oh wow! You have a Tauros? I ride those guys for work, you know?” Sun explained.

Pearl looked as though he had been struck by confusion. “You ride Tauros?”

“Not just Tauros. Stoutland, Lapras, Sharpedo, Mantine, Mudsdale, Machamp, Charizard… Lots of guys! It’s for my delivery service.”

“I’ve got some pretty strong guys too.” Diamond said. “Go, Reg!” Everyone except Pearl was taken aback as a massive Pokémon appeared, towering before them.

“What the hell is that?!” Gold exclaimed.

“Th-th-that’s—” Moon began.

“A Regigigas!” Crystal shouted, taking out her Pokédex. “Please, Diamond, could you trade him to me for just a moment so I can register him as captured?”

“Sure. I don’t see why not, as long as Reg doesn’t mind. Do you, big guy?” Regigigas grunted, which didn’t sound to anyone like a yes or no, but Diamond understood. “He says ‘Later. Now is not the time.’ He recognizes your prowess and connection with many Pokémon.” Without any instruction, Regigigas brought a mighty arm down on the rocks blocking the cave, smashing them to dust with a single blow. “Good job! I don’t know if you’ll fit through the entrance. Why don’t you return to the Pokéball for a bit?”

“Alright Tauler, it’s our turn now! Let’s go, charge right in there!” Pearl and Tauler ran into the dark cave, and echoes could be heard as they smashed through rocks. Sounds of fighting reverberated out from the entrance as it was obvious Pearl was battling wild Pokémon with his other team members while clearing the way.

Gold let out a whistle, impressed. “Wow. I guess these guys are more than just a comedy duo, huh Crys. Crys?” He looked over to Crystal, who was crouched next to Diamond, staring at Regigigas inside of its Pokéball on Diamond’s hip. “Honey, don’t be a creep!”

“The pot says to the kettle! I’m just getting a closer look at Regigigas.” Crystal replied.

Diamond laughed. “It’s okay, I don’t mind. Let’s trade back and forth real quick.”

“Yesss!” Crystal cheered quietly.

As the group followed into the cave, a trail of fainted Pokémon led the way to Pearl. “I can’t help but want to stop and tend to each of them. Pearl’s Pokémon must be way too strong for these wild Pokémon.” Moon observed. “He didn’t go easy on any of them. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has already reached the other side.”

“I know how you feel.” Diamond commented. “It’s difficult to keep up with Pearl, and he’s an ace battler who really knows his stuff when it comes to Pokémon battles.”

“I wonder if he could take on Red.” Gold mused.

“That would certainly be an interesting battle to see.” Crystal agreed.

“Oh I know about that guy! He was the champ from way back when!” Sun said. “When I lived on Cinnabar Island I used to watch some old taped videos of him sometimes with my folks. My dad was a big fan of Red because he saved the Kanto region from criminals or something.”

“Ouch. You said ‘way back when’ like it was a long time ago. We’re not so old yet! We’re only twenty-seven!” Gold laughed.

“In other words, three years shy of a fossil.” Sun smirked. 

Gold grinned. “Watch it. That would make you middle-aged.”

“Those criminals were Team Rocket. Gold and I have had our fair share of encounters with them, but that’s all in the past. They’ve been disbanded for a long time now, for over a decade.” Crystal clarified.

“I think one of their team members was a part of Team Galactic, too. Sird, if I recall correctly.” Diamond added.

“Ah! She’s the one who froze our friends in stone with a strange Pokémon after they battled Deoxys. We needed the aid of Jirachi’s wish to free them.” said Gold.

“The International Police never caught Sird.” said Diamond. As the trainers reached the other side of the cave, Pearl was there waving his arms and impatiently stomping his feet. “Oh. Pearl seems pretty upset.”

“Stupid rocks! Even Tauler can’t bust through these to get us out the west exit!”

“It’s okay, Pearl, we’ll help out. Go, Don!” Diamond’s Bastiodon hit the ground with a thud that resounded throughout the cave.

“Oh? You’ve got a Don too? Go, Don!” Sun’s Crabominable emerged next to Bastiodon. “All right. Since Reg can’t fit in here, the three of us are gonna have to make up for his brute strength and smash these rocks!”

“Thanks.” Pearl said. “Let’s do it.”

“Ready? On three.” Diamond said.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

The trio of powerful Pokémon attacked the rocks together, busting through to the outside with a shower of rubble. Light poured into the tunnel causing everyone to squint, as a blue midday sky stretched out before them.

“Good work you three. I didn’t expect you to be capable of cooperating with them, Courier, but the results speak for you.” Moon remarked.

“I can work with anyone when I need to in order to get the job done. Don’t forget, I hired those former Team Skull grunts. Compared to those guys, these two aren’t so bad.” The three trainers returned their Pokémon and everyone proceeded out of the cave.

“I’ll admit, you’ve got some tough Pokémon.” Pearl conceded. “When you get back from that mountain, I’m definitely going to beat you in a Pokémon battle.”

“Sounds like a pain. What do I get if I win?”

“Um. Nothing except the glory of being the winner.”

“You can’t eat glory, or spend it on anything. Pass.”

“I’ll take you up on that battle! I could kick your butt any day.” Gold declared, rubbing the bottom of his nose with his pointer finger.

“Oh yeah? We haven’t even seen your team. You’re holding out on us! I bet you’re hiding a bunch of weak Pokémon.” Pearl shot back.

“It’s true, you didn’t even bother to help us out back there.” Sun added. As the three bickered on ahead, Diamond fell back into step with Moon and Crystal who trailed behind and were discussing research.

“I did a bit of research about you while we were walking. I saw you’ve graduated from university. Aren’t you a little young to be a doctor?” Crystal asked.

“I hold a doctorate of pharmacology, I’m not a doctor of licensed medical degree. Although I can treat injuries and set bones, my main focus is on the medicines that are injected, ingested, or otherwise enter the body, such as salves, through the skin. I am capable of working with people and Pokémon, and there’s no medicine I can’t make as long as I have the ingredients.”

“The Berlitz family is a family of scholars.” Diamond explained. “Missy is also a genius, isn’t that right Moon?”

“Platinum’s talents are far broader in scope than my own. Her main focus is on the mythological studies and history of the Sinnoh region, although in addition she is also an accomplished contest participant, Pokémon battler, and business person.”

“That’s very impressive! Although I don’t have any academic research to my name, I have much field research. I assist Professor Oak in the capture of Pokémon specimens for his research. To date, there is only one Pokémon I have tried and failed to capture. Arceus.”

Moon and Diamond wore the same bewildered expression. “You tried to catch Arceus?!” They shouted in unison.

“I was very close. I even had it captured in a Pokéball for a moment, but it broke free. If I ever see it again, I will definitely capture it! That was over ten years ago, though. I doubt I’ll ever see it again in my lifetime. The circumstances of the encounter were unique. Might I ask, what’s that bracelet you’re wearing? It’s very pretty.”

“This is a Z-ring. In Alola there are four special Pokémon called the Tapu, guardians of the entire region and all of its inhabitants. If a Tapu gifts a trainer a special rock called a sparkling stone, it can be forged into a Z-ring.” Moon pointed to the crystal. “This gemstone is called a Z-crystal. It is a shard of the Prism Pokémon Necrozma, and if a trainer uses its power, they can channel the energy through their Pokémon to unleash a Z-move of the corresponding type.”

“That’s incredible. So you were given a sparkling stone?”

“Not exactly. This belongs to the courier, but right now I’m holding onto it. I’m sure that since we share similar companions you’ll understand why.”

Crystal giggled. “Oh, yes, absolutely. Men can’t be trusted to hold onto anything! No offense, Diamond.”

“It’s okay, I understand! Missy won’t let me anywhere near the meals she packs for traveling. But, that’s part of what makes women so wonderful. You’re all very dependable, clever, wise, and responsible!” Although Diamond cheerfully said this he wore a sullen expression.

“I know you miss her too. We’ll find her, Diamond.” Moon assured him.

“She’s lucky to have you, Diamond. You’ve been trying your very best for her.” Crystal affirmed.

“Thanks, you two. I think I’m gonna trail behind on my own for a bit.” he sniffled.

“Let us know if you need to talk, okay?” Moon said.

“I will. Thanks.”

As the group of trainers entered Jubilife City, a purple haze fell over the cityscape. Within moments, dozens of Poipole and Naganadel rained down from Ultra Wormholes above, dripping poison onto the residents and Pokémon of the city. “Ultra Beasts!” Gold shouted. “We have to fight them off!”

Moon rushed and grabbed his arm before he could throw a Pokéball, pulling him towards the entrance of the same hotel she had stayed in at the start of her journey. “No! You can’t! This many and the poison in the air will kill you! Everyone, follow me inside!” The lobby of the hotel was packed with people and Pokémon. Many people and Pokémon were ill, curled up in pain on the floor. “Go, Muk! You see that tourist’s Galarian-form Weezing? I want you to work with it and clear this lobby of toxins. It will clear the air and you will clean the surfaces. Afterwards, stay together and clean this building from bottom to top. Go, now!” 

She turned to the men. “You four, go throughout the hotel and secure it. That means every entrance, window, access hatch, balcony door, and emergency exit is sealed. You’ll each take a wing. Work your way from top to bottom. Bring anyone you find down here to the lobby.” Diamond, Pearl, Sun and Gold rushed off to do as she demanded.

“What can I do to help?” Crystal asked.

“You said you’re a professor’s assistant, and a capture professional? I need you to work with me. I’m putting you to the test. You’re going to be my filter to clear out the Ultra Beasts from the city.” Moon withdrew a gas mask and hazmat suit from her bag. “Don’t ask why I have these, I only have this one set. Just put them on. Also, whatever you do, don’t take the clothing off once outside.”

Crystal suited up in the yellow jumpsuit and Moon handed her the bag of Beast Balls. “I can do this. These Beast Balls work with a built-in critical capture against Ultra Beasts, so I won’t need to battle every single one, just hit them with the ball.”

“Be safe out there. If the suit gets punctured, return here right away so that I can patch it with Charjabug’s stringshot. I’m going to work on creating a remedy here for the malaised. Good luck.” With that, Moon rushed off to the kitchen of the hotel to gather as many ingredients as she could, leaving Crystal to step outside and face the swarm.

Chapter Text

Moon had searched the kitchen and found the necessary ingredients to make medicine. Hopefully there would be enough to treat everyone once she finished preparing the medication. With one broad stroke of her arm she swept clear a stainless steel cooking prep table, sending its contents tumbling to the floor. She sanitized the surface then dropped an armful of ingredients onto the table, which she began to measure, dice, smash and portion for the large batch of medicine. She utilized a deep pot meant for frying entire birds and mixed her ingredients within it using a large spoon and ladle.

After a while the medication was ready, and Moon distributed it into shot glasses which were set out on a tray resting on a rolling cart. She poured enough to fill several trays of the shot glasses and then wheeled the cart out to the lobby. Moon picked up the phone on the front desk and pressed the intercom button. “Attention. Please form two orderly lines in front of the reception desk. I have prepared antidotes for the Ultra Beasts’ poison. Regarding both people and Pokémon: you will only need to imbibe a singular shot glass in order for the antidote to take effect. Drinking more than one could result in adverse side-effects, and would not aid or otherwise hasten the intended effect of the medication. If any of you are allergic to Pecha berries, do not drink the antidote. Please see me and I will prepare an alternative solution for you.”

Elevator doors opened with a chime as Diamond reached the top floor of the west wing of the hotel. Moon had set a looping message playing over the public address system speakers throughout the building.

“Attention all guests, I am Moon Berlitz, owner of this property. Jubilife City is under attack by poisonous beasts. Please remain calm, and above all else remain indoors. Please assemble within the hotel lobby where free medical care is available for the afflicted. This building is under quarantine due to the presence of toxins in the air outside. Thank you for your immediate cooperation.”

Diamond ran down the hall to the stairwell leading to the rooftop access and made certain that no poison was seeping through the doorframe. He ran room by room, checking for guests, and escorting them to the elevator. “Everyone! Please follow Tru to the elevator.” As he reached the last room in the wing, a crying child ran to him.

“Mister! Mister! My mommy!” the little one sobbed.

“What’s wrong?”

“Mommy won’t get up! Everyone is running around and I know we’re supposed to go, but Mommy won’t move!” The child led Diamond back to the room where his mother was, but the kid didn’t have the access card to open the door.

“Ok, Don, use headbutt and knock down this door!” Diamond’s Bastiodon knocked the door off of its hinges and Diamond rushed into the room. A surge of electricity flowed through the air, and he spotted a Galvantula hanging from the ceiling, as well as the boy’s mother collapsed on the bed, paralyzed. 

The boy screamed in terror. “Mommy! Mommy’s been attacked by a monster!”

“Oh no! Don, go, use protect and shield that lady!”

The Galvantula launched an electroweb at Don but the attack was blocked. Diamond took out his Pokédex and scanned the creature. “You’re Galvantula. You must be terrified too, but you can’t attack guests! Go Kit, use lick and get that thing down from the ceiling!” Lickilicky grabbed the Galvantula in an instant with its speedy tongue and wrapped it up. “Ok, Don, let’s help this lady.” Diamond lifted the child’s mother and placed her gently on Don’s back.

The child ran to his mother. “Mommy! Mommy! Please wake up!”

Diamond lifted the child and sat him next to his mother on Don’s back, giving him a reassuring smile. “You must feel super scared. I promise you, your mommy is going to get better real soon. There’s a real smart lady downstairs who can make your mommy feel good as new, okay?” The child sniffled, nodding. “Ok Don, you go on ahead and take this boy down to Moon, okay? I’m going to finish up here.”

Turning towards the battle, Diamond was just in time to see Kit being struck with thunderwave. “Oh gosh! Here, Kit, eat this Cheri Berry.” But Kit refused to eat. Diamond used his Pokédex again. “Let’s see… Abilities… Compound eyes or unnerve. So that’s why you won’t eat, Kit?” Kit was paralyzed and couldn’t act. Galvantula used thunder fang. Kit was struck. “Hang in there Kit! Try to use rollout!”

Galvantula used electroweb. Kit’s speed dropped. Kit used rollout and struck Galvantula. Galvantula used thunder fang and struck Kit. Kit was paralyzed and couldn’t act. “Kit! You’re close to fainting and I can’t use my other Pokémon in this room. Return, let’s flee this battle!” Diamond got away.

He returned to the lobby room to find Moon treating the boy’s mother for paralysis. “Moon! I got everyone from the west wing of the hotel. Oh good, the boy and his mother arrived safely. There was a Galvantula in their room that attacked her. I tried to defeat it, but Kit was paralyzed and wouldn’t eat a Cheri Berry, so we had to run away.

“Aaaaaghhh! That worthless manager. I’ll see to it that he’s fired! I told him over a week ago to take care of this invasive wild Pokémon issue! That Galvantula must have been getting revenge for Courier’s removal of Joltik.” Moon turned to her patient, who was beginning to recover strength. “Ma’am, I am the youngest daughter of the owners of the hotel. I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Berlitz family. Both you and your child were put in harm’s way. That is unacceptable. The management in charge of the establishment will be immediately removed once this crisis is resolved. You will be duly compensated monetarily for your troubles. In addition you and your family will have free lodgings in any Berlitz hotel property in any room for as long as you like, at any time, for life.”

Gold rode on Exbo’s back through the south wing of the hotel, sealing shut any air gaps with flamethrower to prevent poison from leaking in. This wing of the hotel had been nearly evacuated. He knocked on doors, telling everyone he saw to get to the lobby. As he reached the end of the wing, he pounded on the last door. He could hear water running, but nobody answered, and the door was locked. “Exbo, melt these hinges.” Typhlosion used its flames to reduce the metal hinges to slag. Gold kicked the door in and stepped into the room. “Hello! Is anyone here?”

A female voice screamed from beside him and Gold turned to see a naked woman holding her towel at the door to the attached bathroom of the hotel room. “Aaaaaaaa!” Gold shielded his face with his hands as the woman beat him with her fists. “Pervert! Get out! Get out!”

“I’m so sorry! I was trying to evacuate everyone and—”

“GET OUT!” she shrieked as she clutched the towel to her chest, slapping him across the face, leaving a large red handprint on his cheek, and sending him tumbling to the floor.

Exbo grabbed Gold by his hood using its mouth and yanked him out of the room into the hallway. As the Typhlosion pulled Gold away, he hollered to the lady “Get to the lobby when you’re dressed! This hotel is under quarantine!”

When he returned to the lobby Moon gave him a baffled look. “Why do you have a red handprint on your face? You’re covered in bruises. You look like garbage.”

“There was an incident.”

“Well, whatever. I’ve got nothing for you. You can get an ice pack. Is the south wing secure?”

“Yeah.” The elevator door chimed and a woman exited, approaching Gold. “Crap.”

“There you are, you peeping Tom! Breaking into my room while I was showering! Get away from that young girl, you creep!” The woman shoved Gold away from Moon. “As soon as this incident is resolved, I'll report you to the police!”

“It was a misunderstanding, I swear!” Gold protested with his hands raised. A nearby police officer had heard the commotion and approached him from behind. Before Gold could do anything his wrists were cuffed. “H-hey!”

“You have the right to remain silent, sir. You’re coming with me.” the officer told Gold.

“Moon, please, you’ve got to tell the officer that it’s a misunderstanding!” Gold pleaded.

“You know that our status as Pokédex holders doesn’t put us above the law, right?” Moon gave him a stare devoid of any sympathy. “Officer, there’s a storage closet just over there that you can detain him in until the situation is resolved.”

“Thank you, Miss Berlitz.” the officer replied with a tip of their hat.

Gold cried out her name as he was dragged away once again by his own Typhlosion. “Moon! Moooooooooon!”

Moon turned to the woman, offering her a shot of the antidote. “You smell lovely, Miss. Is that Pomeg Berry shampoo?”

The woman smiled at Moon. “Thank you. It’s actually Payapa.” she said, drinking the shot glass.

Pearl was running down the halls of the north wing as he checked that no one got left behind among the people escaping. Chatler flew ahead of Pearl, squawking “Evacuate to the lobby! Evacuate to the lobby!” Guests flooded out of the rooms and crammed into the elevators or otherwise ran down the stairwells. Parents clutched their children’s hands as crowds pushed one another around.  

“Geez. Did Moon realize just how many people she’s asking to come to the lobby? I hope she’s ready.” As he rounded a corner he stumbled and tripped into Moon’s Alolan Muk. “Eugh, gross!” He tried to get the goop off of himself, and Muk raised him to his feet with its arms, covering Pearl in more. “What’s with you, ya big slimeball?! Lemme go!” Pearl yanked himself away, but Muk followed him, tugging at his legs. “What is it?!”

Muk pointed to Galarian Weezing, who was next to an open window continuously inhaling poisonous gas. “Oh. I get it. You guys need me to shut that, so you can move on?” Pearl reached out and closed the window. Muk and Weezing nodded their appreciation. Before the group could take a step, a current of electricity flowed through the carpeted floor of the hallway. Galvantula crawled along the ceiling, baring its fangs as its power surged. Galvantula used discharge, and Pearl’s already wild hair stood tall from the static in the air. Muk got in the way of the attack and took the hit for Pearl.

He hastily tried to grab at his Pokeballs in the moment Muk had given him, Chatler joining it, pecking at the bug, distracting it so Pearl could send out Chimler. “Go, use overheat!” Chimchar unleashed energy at Galvantula in a heated rush, knocking it down from the ceiling, and knocking it out. “Wonder where the heck that thing came from. Thanks for the save, Muk.” There were scorch marks on the carpet, walls, and ceiling. “Oooo… Let’s get out of here. I hope nobody else saw that.”

Pearl returned to the lobby along with Muk and Weezing just in time to see Moon rushing back through the staff doors to create more antidotes. “I knew it! That brat wasn’t prepared for the number of patients after all. Muk, you’d better go help your trainer. Thanks again for the save.”

Chatler followed after Moon’s Muk as it pushed open the staff doors, chanting “That brat wasn’t prepared! That brat wasn’t prepared!”

Sun was in serious trouble. Despite running off to help as Moon instructed, he had become stuck inside the elevator when power to the east wing of the building had suddenly been cut off. Now trapped halfway between the lobby and top floor, he couldn’t evacuate anyone or escape. “Damn it all. Okay, think… think…” He pried open the emergency hatch on the roof of the elevator and hoisted himself through the opening. The elevator shaft was pitch black, and Sun couldn’t tell if he was near an exit door. He lowered himself back into the box that had become his impromptu prison, and sat down cross-legged, thinking to himself out loud.

“Dubloon is too big to help. En might melt the steel cables, and we’d all fall to our deaths. Baht can’t be much use here. Lei, definitely not. Don can’t do much here either. Franc…” Sun looked at the Mimikyu inside of its Pokéball. “I might not be able to get out, but a ghost-type like you could probably phase through the wall.” Sun released Mimikyu and pet it on the doll’s head, feeding it a Pokébean. “Alright, go down to the lobby and get help!”

A while later, Franc returned. “I hope you brought some company.” A skittering sound could be heard echoing through the shaft as something ran its way up along the elevator cables. Sun felt a familiar static in the air. “An electric-type?” A Raichu poked its head through the hatch above Sun, with a mischievous grin on its face. “Oh! Wow, you look familiar, somehow. Like you’ve got a really punchable face.” The Raichu leapt down through the hole and tackled Sun. “Agh! Guess I deserved that. Are you the help Franc brought?” Raichu nodded and used the move charge, powering the elevator. The elevator began to move with a jolt, and in a few moments Sun was at the top of the hotel.

As the elevator doors opened with a ding, Sun leaned down to whisper to Franc. “Between the two of you, I think you look much cooler.” The Raichu stayed in the elevator. “Huh? Are you not coming? Oh, right. I guess you still gotta power that thing. I’ll have the guests rounded up soon! I hope you’re ready to make a lot of trips!”

After about an hour of trips up and down, Sun had finally evacuated everyone from the east wing. Upon returning to the lobby, he found Moon, who herself looked drained, yet filled with determination. “Customer, I took care of it!” He held Moon in his arms, worry etching his face. “You don’t look so good. Have you taken a break at all?”

“No. I’m fine. I’m the only one here who can treat all of these people, and this hotel is the establishment of my family. It’s my responsibility.”

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“I told you, I’m fine. I just need a moment. What took you so long to do your part?”

“I got stuck in the elevator. Power to that wing of the building has gone out.”

“Ugh. Of course it has… How did you manage to get all the people down? I saw the elevator working just fine.”

“That’s thanks to that mischievous-looking Raichu.” Sun pointed it out as it headed towards a broom closet. “Franc brought it back to me.”

“Oh. Doesn’t it look kind of familiar?”

“Yeah. It has a pretty punchable face, right?”

“Hmmm, more like it’s definitely perverted.” 

Their eyes met and both realized at the same time who the Raichu’s trainer was. “That’s Gold’s Pokémon!”

“Where is that jerk anyway? Slacking?”

“He’s in detention.”

“Whatever that means. Are the mistakes back yet?”

“Both of them returned, yes.”

“So now we’re just waiting on, what? A miracle? Where’s Mrs. Perfect?”

“I sent Mrs. Crystal outside with my hazmat suit and mask to deal with the Ultra Beasts alone.”

“Whoa, really? Customer, was that a good idea?”

“Not really, no, Courier. But it was my only option I could choose right away.”

“That’s not like you, putting others at risk. You’re too stressed out, Customer.”

“I know! I know! I just want to get this resolved as soon as possible so we can get out of here and find Platinum!”

“I’ll go out and help Mrs. Crystal.”

“Are you stupid? With what protection?” Moon grabbed his arm to stop him.

“I’ll be fine, you’ll just fix me up again!” he retorted as he pulled away from her grasp and turned to leave.

“Absolutely not! No! This situation is different! Too much direct exposure will definitely kill you, Sun! I won’t allow it!” Moon threw her Pokéball at Sun’s feet. “Charjabug, stringshot!” The Pokémon quickly tied Sun up in its silk.

“Hey! Not this again!”

“I won’t allow it. That’s final.”

Crystal’s breaths in the gas mask were shallow. The breezeway double-doors of the hotel had acted as an airlock to not allow any poisonous gases in as she left the building. Crystal lined a row of Beast Balls at her feet, and performed a sweeping kick, sending the group of balls careening toward a cluster of Poipole. Before the balls had even reached their targets another row of balls were launched towards several Naganadel that were approaching her. In the blink of an eye, a dozen Ultra Beasts lay captured in Beast Balls on the ground. “Not good enough. I need to be faster. Those evolved beasts almost caught me off guard.”

More swarms approached her from every angle, and she kicked Beast Balls at them as quickly as possible. There was no pause between the waves of Beast Balls capturing Poipole and Naganadel, and Crystal’s body was a flurry of impressive motion, almost impossible to keep track of. “I haven’t had an endurance challenge like this in a long time.” Sweat was pooling down her body inside of the suit, and all sense of time and space were lost to her as her mind entered a trance-like state, consisting only of a ball being here before her, then over there before the beasts. Hours passed by like minutes, and eventually no more Ultra Beasts were left. 

Crystal collapsed to her knees, drained and exhausted of all energy. The wormholes remained open in the skies above, with no way to close them. Surrounding her were hundreds of blue Beast Balls, littering the ground like strange gemstones. She found she wanted nothing more than to yank off this mask. She pushed herself to her feet and trudged back into the hotel, stripping the mask and suit off as she walked through the doors. Moon ran to her, supporting Crystal. “Were you successful?”

“For now… There’s no way to stop more from entering the city…” Her eyes scanned the crowded lobby, searching. “Where is Gold?”

“An officer arrested him in that supply closet over there. See the officer?” Moon pointed out.

“Arrested him? What for?”

“Apparently he intruded on a woman bathing while evacuating the residents in the south wing.”

“This is ridiculous.” Crystal marched over to the officer and cleared her throat. “Release my husband at once.”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, I can’t do that, I—”

Crystal barged past the officer and opened the door, only to find the closet empty. She glared at the officer. “Is this some kind of prank?”

“N-no, Ma’am! He was in there, I swear!”

“I’m very exhausted, and very pissed off, Officer. I just cleared your city of Ultra Beasts. Where is my husband?”

“Yo!” A hand clasped her shoulder from behind and Gold was standing there, dangling handcuffs from his free hand. “Looking for me?”

“Gold!”

“You! How did you escape?” the officer shouts.

“Ah-ah, why would I tell you?” Gold teased, and Pibu appeared next to him with a naughty look as its cheeks sparked.

“But you’re still under arrest!” the officer protested.

A woman’s voice interjected. “I’m dropping the allegations.” the guest from earlier appeared and spoke up. “I must have mistaken this man for someone else in my fury.” Gold looked surprised but he caught Moon’s eyes from across the lobby, and she winked at him.

“V-very well! Ahem! There are more important matters for me to attend to!” the officer stammered and abruptly left, along with the woman, and Gold and Crystal were left together.

Crystal let out a heavy sigh. “You really have to be more careful.”

“It was an honest mistake! Women like that totally aren’t my type and you know it!”

“I know. I just worry about you.”

“You’re the one to worry about, Super Serious Girl. What in the world were you thinking, taking on a city of Ultra Beasts alone?”

“I know. But Moon was right in her judgement call. Everything turned out fine, for now, thanks to her quick assessment of the situation and strategizing of everyone’s capabilities.”

Gold relented and returned Pibu to his Pokéball. “Let’s collect the little mad scientist and the others and get out of here. I have a feeling finding Platinum will lead to a way to close these Ultra Worm Holes.”

Crystal held his hand as they walked. “The International Police said they have a separate team working on a solution. All we can do is capture the beasts.”

Gold shook his head. “I’m not gonna put my faith in them. Every moment those Ultra Wormholes remain open is an opportunity for more beasts to destroy this land.”

Moon finished tending to the last of the guests, fired the manager, then the group quickly departed Jubilife City, racing towards Canalave City.

Chapter Text

The scent of the salty sea breeze reached Moon’s nostrils before arriving in Canalave City and she wrinkled her face. Despite living less than a ten minute walk from the ocean for her entire life in both Sandgem Town and HeaHea City, she had never grown used to the way the salty air irritated her eyes and nose. The trip from Jubilife City to Canalave City seemed to happen in no time with Diamond and Pearl leading the way, while Gold and Crystal followed behind. As they walked towards the pier, the light of the moon reflected off of the ocean waters and Moon gazed forlornly upon the library across the canal. She felt her heart tighten in her chest.

“Customer, you don’t look so good. Are you crying?” Sun asked.

“No, it’s just my sensitivities to the ocean air.” she lied.

“Come on, I know you enough to know when something is eating at you. What’s up?”

“I’m just thinking back to the days I spent cooped up in that library with my sister, that's all.”

“We’ll get her back. I promise.”

“I know. I just can’t help worrying.”

Gold approached from behind Moon and tapped her on the shoulder. “Well, if you can’t help worrying, maybe you can do me a bit of a favor? I’ve got these good luck charms from two of the most powerful trainers Kanto has ever known. Maybe you could hold onto them for me for a bit?” Gold held out a closed fist and when Moon cupped her hands beneath, he dropped two stones.

“These are?” she asked.

“A Shiny Stone and a Thunder Stone. They’re pretty unique too. Can’t be used up. I want you to take good care of them for a bit while you’re out on New Moon Island. Got a feeling something good will happen if you have those.” Gold clapped Moon on the back and winked at Sun as he pushed her into Sun’s arms. “You two are good together. Keep your girl safe, kid.” Before either stunned trainer could reply, Gold rushed ahead to catch up with Diamond and Pearl, stepping between them as they walked side-by-side and wrapping his arms around their shoulders, loudly interrupting their conversation.

Crystal cleared her throat as she caught up with Sun and Moon. “He cares a lot about all of you. In his own way.”

“He’s alright, I guess. Kinda noisy.” Sun conceded as he took Moon’s hand and continued walking.

“Said the pot about the kettle.” Moon chided and Crystal laughed.

“You’re both junior Pokédex holders, but I actually haven’t seen either of your Pokédexes. Do you mind if I take a look? I’m curious to know what kind of Pokémon you have registered!”

“Well, about that—” Moon began. 

Sun interrupted “Miss’s Pokédex was damaged. It’s all busted, so it got sent to some super nerd for repairs.”

Moon let out a long-drawn sigh and withdrew the Pokédex from her bag, handing it to Crystal. “Please don’t judge me on the condition of this device or the contents of its data. It belongs to the courier.”

The group entered the Pokémon Center in Canalave City and Crystal took a break to examine the Alolan Pokédex. Meanwhile, Moon busied herself at the PC, and Sun fed their Pokémon.

“Listen, I know you don’t want to inhabit it, but I need your help. Please?” Moon seemed to be speaking to someone at the PC terminal.

“Who are you talking to?” Diamond asked as he looked over her shoulder at the screen.

“Oh, hello Diamond.” Moon pointed to the image of Rotom on the screen that was sending her a message. “I’m trying to convince Rotom to enter the courier’s Pokédex so that I can make room in my party for another member. However the courier is just too careless with his things so Rotom won't use that Pokédex.”

“Oh, hey there Rotom!” Diamond waved and Rotom’s image in the PC made a hello-gesture. Diamond smiled. “You know, I’ll bet you’ll make the little lady here real happy if you give her request a try. I can tell she depends on you as her number one partner!” This seemed to make Rotom very happy, and in a flash it exited the PC and zipped into the Pokédex that Crystal was holding.

“Ah!” Crystal was startled as the device she was looking at suddenly had eyes and a mouth on the screen, and it was only thanks to its levitation that she didn’t drop it on the ground. “What happened?”

“Hello! I’m Rotodex! I can tell you information about any Pokémon!”

“This is incredible! Please, tell me more about yourself!” While Crystal interviewed Rotodex, Pearl and Gold spoke to the receptionist.

“Whadya mean there’s no ships available to sail at this time of night?! We’ve got a missing-person case here!” Pearl shouted.

“I… I’m terribly sorry, sir! I don’t even actually work at the docks, I’m just the receptionist, so if you could please, maybe, um, quiet down a little bit? Please?” the receptionist timidly asked.

“Hey Junior, lemme show you how it’s done.” Gold whispered to Pearl, pushing him aside. “I’m terribly sorry about him, Miss…”

“Jubilee! I’m, um, I’m Nurse Jubilee.”

“Nurse Jubilee, such a pretty name. You know, I heard that sometimes you can find an egg at the Daycare center. They say that nobody knows where they come from.” Gold said.

“That’s right! It’s a mystery to everybody!” she enthusiastically agreed.

“What if I told you I have some insight into where they come from?”

“Really?” she asked as her eyes lit up.

“That’s right. It’s just… I’m having a bit of trouble remembering… Maybe a bit of help might jog my memory. By the way… Isn’t there any sailor you know?”

“Well… There is old man Eldritch, though he retired and his son Vijay is the one who mainly sails now.”

“Oh is that so? By the way, I heard this secret: the eggs come from—”

Diamond was busy helping Sun feed everyone’s Pokémon. “In total, we’ve got thirty-six Pokémon to feed. Well, thirty-four, since Rotom doesn’t eat, and I’ve never seen Reg eat either, since he doesn’t have a mouth.”

“Thank goodness we can leave him in the Pokéball. Although I bet he’d be a great help during delivery jobs. Just imagine all the stuff Reg could carry.”

Moon turned around from the PC and accidentally bumped into Pearl when he suddenly stormed across the room. “Watch out! Can’t you pay attention to anything?” she angrily shouted.

“Huh? Says the shut-in nerdy brat who took her obsession with poisons so far that she has a doctorate in being toxic?” he shot back, leaning over her.

“I’m sorry, but aren’t you just a third-rate failed comedian with no career who could follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional battler but is lazily mooching off of my family’s wealth, influence, and my sister’s affections?” Moon glared up at the beanpole. 

“I—” Pearl somehow felt small and lost for words.

“Yeah that’s what I thought.” Moon interrupted before he could begin. “When we find my sister, get a job!”

Shortly after, the group departed the Pokémon Center and headed across the drawbridge to Sailor Eldritch’s house, next to which two ships were docked. Pearl banged on the door. “Hello! Anyone home?” Nobody answered the door, and instead a voice came from one of the ships beside the house.

“Knock off all that racket! Who are you? Thieves? I’ll have you know we have nothing of value to steal.” A gruff-looking older man came out from the cabin of the vessel, followed by another young man.

Crystal gave a polite bow. “I’m sorry about his impertinence. Are you Captain Eldritch and Captain Vijay?”

“Could be, who’s asking?” the grizzled sailor growled. The younger man stepped forward and set a hand on the older man’s shoulder.

“It’s alright, Dad. Yeah, we are. I got a call from my friend at the Pokémon Center that a group of noisy trainers were looking for a boat ride. Something about a missing person. That’s why we’ve got the ships ready to sail right away.”

“Thank you so much, Captains.” Moon also bowed. “My sister has been taken by one of the Ultra Beasts invading our land and we think it may have taken her to either Full Moon Island or New Moon Island.”

Sailor Eldritch gravely nodded, and clasped his hand on his son’s shoulder. “Son, I’ll take the group heading to New Moon Island on the S.S. Sinnoh. You take the others to Full Moon Island on the S.S. Spiral. Be careful. These old bones tell me there’s trouble waiting.”

“You got it, Dad. Ok, who’s coming with me?”

“That would be us.” Gold said as he, Pearl, and Diamond boarded the S.S. Spiral. He blew a kiss to Crystal.

“And we’ll be going with you, Captain Eldritch.” Crystal said as she, Moon, and Sun boarded the S.S. Sinnoh. “Take care, Gold!”

The two ships departed, one after the other, passing between the raised drawbridge as the moonlight shimmered across the dark surface of the water. The gentle lapping of the water from the harbor grew to harsh rocking as the ships set out to sea. A map of stars rippled and tore across the ocean's ever-shifting canvas, and the gentle breeze that had blown into port picked up into a howling gale. The father-and-son sailors traveled further from the city and their paths diverged as they navigated towards their destined islands. Moon stared off into the distance to the silhouette of an island as she fingered the stones in her coat pocket. Feelings of anticipation and anxiousness crawled up from the base of her spine and traveled down her arm to her fingertips as she attempted to distract herself with the texture of the rocks.

Standing at the prow railing, she shivered as the salty ocean spray that she could never love misted her face. Behind her, Sun let out an exhausted yawn. He draped his arms over her shoulders, grabbed the rail, and leaned his head forward, kissing her cheek. Moon leaned back against Sun and sullenly spoke as she gazed into the distance. “Sun. Before we get to New Moon Island, there’s something I want to say.”

“Huh? What’s up, Moon?”

“I don’t think we’re going to find my sister there.”

“Huh? Of course we will—”

“No. Be quiet and listen. I’ve been working out a theory in my head ever since we were attacked in Eterna Forest. I am fairly certain I know what we will find on this island.”

“And that would be?”

“The incitement of the Ultra Beast invasion.”