Chapter 27: Olive Branch

  "...and yeah, then I woke up in that Ultra Storm and met all you guys," Ian said dramatically from atop his summer form Sawsbuck as Tupp rode beside him on a Mudsdale, dozens of feet behind the main group of trainers on the makeshift trail up the eastern face of Mount Lana'kila. "I'm sorry I lied to you all this time, I figured I'd be called crazy or worse… It was just really hard to say. If it makes a difference, Plumeria figured out a bunch of my shit didn't make sense, and I told her this when we were up in Makamae Town, which is why we were beefing earlier."

  Tupp remained silent, he'd been very attentive as Ian had explained his true origins, and what his experience with Pokemon and Alola as a whole truly was. Tupp took a good twenty seconds to process things, Ian waiting with bated breath until Tupp finally spoke up. "So, to you, I was like some random character in the video games you played?"

  Ian's heart sank. Not again.. Plumeria did warn me about this. "Yeah," Ian begrudgingly admitted. He's your best friend, you owe him the truth, whatever it is.

  "And you've still done all this cool shit for me?" Tupp asked, almost in genuine wonder.

  "Of course bro, you're my best friend," Ian said.

  Tupp smiled as he looked ahead to the group. "That means you're an even better dude than I thought, yo."

  Ian heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you bro."

  Tupp turned back to him and reached his fist out, which Ian bumped. "Can't tell nobody, right?"

  Ian smiled nervously. "Yeah. I did tell Plumeria, and she swore to secrecy-"

  "Then this goes to my grave," Tupp said, thumping his fist on his chest.

  "Hey, don't fall too far behind down there!" Zack Tatum called out, being almost completely turned around on his Mudsdale's saddle

  "Yeah!" Ian replied, spurring Sawsbuck to action with his heels that didn't have actual spurs.

  "Wait a sec," Tupp said, lowly, holding his hand out. "So, you know how to evolve certain Pokemon?"

  Ian nodded. "Well, for the most part I think. Things are a bit different here."

  "So evolving Golbat?"

  "In the game it was a happiness evolution, which partially meant it didn't get knocked out regularly," Ian said.

  "No wonder…" Tupp said bluntly. "And Selene's been going nuts about Inkay not evolving, she says she's tried everything. How'd it work?"

  "That one's harder," Ian said. "So, the game would be on like a handheld phone-like thing…"

  "Really?" Tupp asked, very confused.

  "Yeah, hard to explain… But once an Inkay was strong enough, if you held the game console upside down, it would evolve," Ian explained.

  "The fuck?"

  "Yeah, I don't know how that'll be here…" Ian said.

  "But it's worth givin' a shot. But are you sure about it? Gonna tell Selene she's gotta go on a date with me if I get it to evolve and I don't wanna look like a dumbass," Tupp said.

  Ian shrugged. "I wish I knew for certain, bro. But hey, just say 'strategic' beforehand. You'll sound like a dumbass already," Ian joked.

  Tupp began laughing under his breath. "You real for that, yo. But if this works, I'm naming my firstborn after you!" Tupp joked.

  Ian laughed along with Tupp for a moment before another realization hit Tupp. "Wait, you're not from Unova then?"

  Ian shook his head. "No."

  "So Hyde's just been an asshat for no reason?" Tupp asked with a chuckle.

  Ian sighed. "Yeah…"

  "Maybe you should tell him?" Tupp asked. "It'd get him off your back."

  Ian shrugged. "I don't trust him enough yet."

  Zack Tatum had stopped on the trail, waiting for them as they got closer.

  "What, the girls scare you off or something?" Ian called to the solo Rough Raider.

  "Nah, you guys just looked like you were having too much fun down here, I didn't want you to fall too far behind," Zack Tatum responded.

  "Maybe he's just afraid of meeting up with Hyde," Tupp joked, causing Ian to roll his eyes.

  "Hyde?" Zack Tatum asked.

  "The sixth member of our expedition team. He got stuck up here after he screwed up his ankle on the hike," Tupp said. "He's a dick. He's over-protective, hates Ian here and anyone else from Unova yo."

  Zack Tatum seemed to tense for a moment before smiling assuredly. "Good thing I'm not from Unova."

  Something about Zack Tatum's tone seemed off to Ian, and he took a cursory gaze at the Rough Raider. His brown skin matched the color of native Alolans, as did his hair. But Ian noticed bright green eyes, something that wasn't too impossible among native Alolans, but was something Ian had yet to see. I still don't know much of anything about this world thanks to being stuck in Po Town for weeks. I highly doubt I can make a noteworthy observation on genetics here.

  "Ian bro, you okay?" Tupp asked.

  "Oh yeah, sorry…" Ian said.

  "Looks like the girls have stopped up ahead," Zack Tatum said.

  ***

  They managed to collect a few sets of berries, setting most of the food aside for their Pokemon on the trek up. Pearl Clan sentries ran into them as they got closer to the switchbacks leading up to Makamae Town, and while Ian didn't recognize any of the guards, the expedition group was waved along with Ian and Sawsbuck drawing the most glances.

  "Someone's famous around here," Selene teased.

  "More like a certain blessed stag," Ian said, giving his summer form Sawsbuck an affectionate scratch on the back of the neck, making the large elk bleat joyously.

  As they got atop the switchbacks, Ian noticed the guest house from their earlier stay had been severely burned, leaving maybe half the structure of the building still intact. He gave a momentary pause as he laid eyes on the old lamppost he'd admitted to Plumeria the truth of his origin, with his musings suddenly interrupted by Zack Tatum.

  "Alright everyone, we're here. I wanna get these trusty Mudsdale fed and watered," Zack Tatum, already down from his Mudsdale.

  "I can't thank you enough for your assistance," Plumeria said as she signaled the other three riders to dismount from their Mudsdale.

  Sawsbuck put his head back, which put the makeshift shrub on his antlers right into Ian's face. "We're good Sawsbuck, Irida's gonna want us to grow some crops first," Ian said. Sawsbuck gave an annoyed look, and Ian realized his blessed stag wasn't used to so much uphill moving. "I'll get off regardless though, Sawsbuck, you've been great."

  By the time Ian had gotten smoothly off Sawsbuck, Zack Tatum was helping Rapp off the last Mudsdale, seemingly in quite a hurry.

  "Finally!" Hyde's familiar voice called out, causing Ian to grimace. At least the ride back was pleasant, not beefing with him or Plumeria. Hyde approached with a minor limp as he waved to the Team Skull group. Ian noticed Jack Tatum recalling Mudsdale and giving a subtle wave goodbye before making his way to a stream behind the other set of houses. Ian returned his attention to Hyde, who pointed at Zack Tatum curiously. "Who's that asshole?" Hyde said.

  "Our Rough Raider guide, and the guy who oversaw our loaned Mudsdale," Plumeria explained. "I see you're doing better Hyde."

  Hyde nodded. "Lot better, Big Sis."

  Ian remained silent as he recalled Sawsbuck to its Heal Ball while the girls greeted Hyde, with Plumeria being more the concerned mother, immediately drawing attention to his ankle. Once Tupp had given Hyde a fist bump, Hyde's focus turned to Ian. "I need to talk to you," Hyde said calmly.

  Ian sighed. "Alright. What's up?"

  Hyde nodded his head to side, indicating he wanted the conversation to take place to the side. Ian begrudgingly nodded and followed Hyde away from the group. I'm in Po Town long term now. If he's extending an olive branch, I gotta try to take it.

  "Everyone's okay, that's good," Hyde said politely.

  Ian nodded. "It wasn't easy, but we're good."

  "Okay," Hyde said. "I ain't ever gonna apologize to a Unovan, and I'm never gonna be friends with you, but I care about Team Skull more than I hate Unovans. And you looked out for 'em while I couldn't so… I'm down to be cool."

  Ian nodded, putting his fist out. "I'm down."

  "Okay," Hyde bumped Ian's fist, and Ian turned to walk away but Hyde cleared his throat. "And one more thing…"

  "Yeah?"

  "I've been hearing talks about a diplomatic marriage or some shit," Hyde said. "Irida and Ingo are gonna talk to you and Plumeria about something. When they do, if Irida comes up…" Hyde smiled sheepishly as he pointed at himself. "...throw my name in there."

  Ian didn't roll his eyes no matter how much he wanted to. "I don't know how much my voice is gonna matter, but if it comes up, I'll mention you."

  Hyde paused for a few moments before opening his mouth. "Thanks."

  Ian and Hyde came back to the group and Rapp and Selene started explaining all that had happened while they were away, with Tupp eyeing Ian curiously. "How was that?"

  "We're never gonna be homies, but he wants to put the beef behind us," Ian said.

  "That's good at least yo," Tupp said before a light laugh escaped his mouth. "Still can't believe he hates you for no reason."

  Ian saw a delegation of Pearl Clan trainers approaching, with Gaeric, Irida, and Ingo at the center of it, walking almost grimly. "Greetings, Skull Team!" Gaeric called out.

  "Good to see the Pearl Clan again," Plumeria said. "And thank you for watching over Hyde here, he said the hospitality was great."

  Irida smiled knowingly. "I am pleased to see you all once again. Plumeria. Unfortunately due to Haina Town's raid, the guest house has been destroyed. I hope you will not mind if we are only able to shelter you in our meeting place."

  "After the past couple of days a roof might as well be paradise," Plumeria said, Ian realizing she was laying on the diplomatic sweetness on rather thick. That's a big change from being at the Pearl Clan's mercy last time we came through here.

  "Now, pardon the timing of my request since you haven't even put your bags down, but may I ask you and Ian to join us privately for a small meeting?" Irida asked delicately.

  Plumeria turned to Ian and gave him an expectant look, and Ian got by her side in moments.

  "It is good to see you again, Ian," Irida said. "And I will not lie, it will be good to see Sawsbuck as well."

  "I'll make sure he knows you haven't forgotten him," Ian said with a chuckle.

  "Yes, very good," Irida said, unsure of how to respond to the joke before she turned around to Ingo and Gaeric who flanked her and began heading to the raised crop beds of Makamae Town for some privacy.

  Ian gave a respectful bow of his head to Ingo, who returned it in kind with a proud smile and Ian followed Irida's lead.

  "Irida, will Councilwoman Nui be joining us for this?" Plumeria asked.

  "No, this is a matter that concerns only the Pearl Clan at this time," Irida said ominously.

  Plumeria turned to Ian, giving him a look that seemed to ask any idea what's going on? To which Ian shrugged cluelessly.

  When the group got relatively out of earshot of the nearby houses and behind the raised beds, Irida turned to Ian and Plumeria, a deathly serious look on her face. "I take it you aware of Breon's raid on our village?" Irida asked.

  "We heard through a Driftwood member who was with the Rough Raiders. The guest we brought along is one of their members," Plumeria explained. "He should be joining the next Driftwood Guild member who departs from here."

  "I am not concerned with him, as he helped you back to us, and rather expediently I must say," Irida said matter of factly. "Councilwoman Nui views the Rough Raiders as strong allies, Ted Beaumont specifically, but they are far away and some of their men are prickly," Irida said. "And although we thought ourselves unassailable in our mountainous home, Breon's raid shattered that illusion in our minds."

  "How many casualties did you have?" Plumeria asked.

  "Few, thankfully," Irida said. "But they will come again. They made a concerted effort on not just trying to kidnap our female members, but they tried to set our crops here aflame," Irida said grimly. "Thankfully they did not get too close, and the guest house was able to shield our precious crops from the flames, but that will not save us again," Irida paused as her tone had become rather morose. She then stiffened her back and a fire was lit in her deep blue eyes. "They are looking to attrit our numbers or starve us into submission, and Breon and his Mega-Tyranitar did not even make an appearance. We of the Pearl Clan have decided this living place is no longer tenable."

  Plumeria nodded. "Understandable."

  Ingo cleared his throat and stepped forward, towering over Irida. "You are one of Team Skull's leaders, but not its main leader. We are about to ask a question of you that we know you are not even allowed to hint at an answer."

  Plumeria tensed. "Thank you for acknowledging that. I assume this would be more than an alliance?"

  "Indeed," Irida answered. "Living up here made sense for a long time, the biggest drawback being the inability to grow food quickly. Now that our defenses are compromised, there is little benefit. We have eyed uninhabited areas like the Haina Desert, but they leave us even worse off, more vulnerable to attack and with a poor ability to grow our own food. The Rough Raiders have said anything more than an alliance would be unlikely, as we would be too much of a burden. Surge has proven to be rather hostile so we cannot consider anywhere near him…"

  "Which leaves us," Plumeria said.

  "Yes. I know you cannot answer, and there would be a lot of diplomatic negotiating, but we would like to occupy a small part of the vast territory you rule over," Irida said. "We would in essence become a vassal group to Guzma and Team Skull, but we can act as a potential buffer between Breon and Sinclair's factions. Nui has been told by the Driftwood Guild that Breon ceded control of the lands south of the Akua Jungle to you because you wouldn't be able to defend it well and he could keep his forces close, perhaps we could help alleviate you overextending yourselves."

  It wouldn't be a bad idea. We have way more space than we know what to do with…

  "I shouldn't be even commenting on the idea, so forget I'm saying anything here," Plumeria said. "But south of the Akua Jungle leaves you vulnerable to Breon and Sinclair, which is why we rarely have a presence there."

  "Perhaps in the Akua Jungle," Gaeric spoke up.

  "The Pokemon there are too numerous and dangerous for full habitation, and disease would weaken your ranks," Plumeria said. "The best strategic spot would be just north of it," Plumeria said. "But I have no idea what Guzma would think of it as it is close to our occupied areas."

  "We understand," Irida said, bowing her head respectfully. "When you do arrive back in Po Town, please ask Guzma to consider the idea. There are concessions and commitments we would be happy to make, as we would be the junior partner in this alliance," Irida's eyes drifted to Ian for just a moment before Irida returned her intense gaze to Plumeria. "I hear it is no longer practiced in this time, but a political marriage or two would combine our interests, our allegiances, and our very blood to ensure each other's loyalty. I pray you are able to show Guzma the seriousness of our intentions and the sacrifices we would make to get out of this desperate situation."

  Ian noticed Gaeric grimace. He's not happy with how Irida's play the negotiation here, but this is probably the only thing that Guzma would take. Being acknowledged as superior.

  Plumeria nodded her head and extended her hand. "I promise I'll do my best, but I can't promise anything else."

  "I understand," Irida said, shaking Plumeria's hand. Ian went to Gaeric and shook the buff, shirtless man's hand. Ian turned to Irida whose eyes absolutely beamed at him, making butterflies flutter in his heart. Fuck I forgot how hot she was. He shook her hand, and Irida's hand lingered with his as her deep blue eyes held his own gaze, making Ian's cheeks begin to warm.

  Ingo had just finished up his handshake with Plumeria and smiled at Ian. "Good to see you again, young Ian."

  Irida relented, but her eyes still remained locked on him as she stepped back. "Good to see you again as well, Ingo."

  Ingo opened his arms wide for an embrace, and Ian reciprocated the slightly taller man's embrace. "You have a spark in your eyes that was not there when I saw you last," Ingo whispered into Ian's ear.

  Ian's smile widened. "Do the most good you can…" Ian said, releasing the embrace. Ingo's silver eyes beamed with pride as he stepped back.

  "Alright Ian, we should get back," Plumeria said, tapping Ian's shoulder. Ian waved goodbye to the Pearl Clan cadre and followed Plumeria, although he realized Plumeria wasn't leading him to the center of town, but closer to the ruined guest house.

  "Aren't we-"

  "Strategy meeting," Plumeria said under her breath. Once firmly out of earshot, Plumeria folded her arms and looked at him expectantly. "Any takeaways?" Plumeria asked curiously.

  Ian sighed. "Having a buffer would be really nice, but nothing matters if Guzma doesn't play ball."

  "I was thinking the same thing," Plumeria said.

  "What do you think Guzma would do?" Ian said.

  "Unless Irida comes over and gets on her hands and knees and begs, I doubt he'd be down," Plumeria said.

  "Is Guzma single?" Ian asked.

  Plumeria scoffed. "Yeah. He fools around with a few girls, but no way he goes for a centuries old marriage pact."

  Ian chuckled. "Yeah, that's not his style… Hyde mentioned he wanted-"

  "What, did Hyde suck your dick in the minute you guys interacted?" Plumeria teased.

  Ian shook his head. "No, it's just he extended an olive branch."

  "Olive branch?" Plumeria asked.

  "Sorry, expression from my world," Ian said. "He's trying to be cool to me, so I'm trying to be cool to him. Mentioning he was down for a marriage pact with Irida was what he asked."

  Plumeria scoffed. "Well I'll help you out by letting him know you mentioned him," Plumeria said, slightly amused. "But Irida doesn't have Hyde in mind."

  "Who does she-"

  Plumeria's sudden grimace and sassy look made Ian pause. "C'mon Ian, she wants you and that Sawsbuck."

  Ian blushed. Anyone who Ingo holds with respect is cool in my book. Having Ingo's respect while also being really hot is basically a fucking miracle. Ian felt a pang of guilt as Mina's face appeared in his mind. "Yeah, you're right. But marrying for a political alliance is just so weird to me. All of the sudden my whole life's decided over some land an hour's ride south of us? It just doesn't sit right with me."

  "Don't worry, I won't tell Mina how much you're blushing right now," Plumeria teased then suddenly giggled softly. "Fuck, if you married the head of the Pearl Clan we'd really have to call you the 'Prince of Po Town.'"

  Ian chuckled, shaking his head. "That nickname's not gonna stick with me, is it?"

  "I've heard Selene and Rapp use it multiple times already," Plumeria said, a hint of sadism in her laugh.

  "Dammit…"

  "Okay, back to the Pearl Clan re-settling though… any idea where they'd fit well?" Plumeria asked.

  Ian weighed the options. "Well, consider it from their angle, they want food security and close proximity to us for military security," Ian said. "If they're close, I'm close, and they're easily food secure then. Being somewhere that's close to Po Town means we can come to each others' aid if we get attacked."

  "Well, if they get attacked," Plumeria corrected.

  Ian shook his head. "Surge could easily destroy our town in minutes with Zapdos. Having warriors like them to sneak attack could be clutch if he ever decided to attack us."

  Plumeria sighed, realizing the point. "There's a crazy thing I initially thought, but it would never fly with Guzma."

  "Oh?"

  Plumeria suddenly looked a bit nervous. "So, picking berries from Elk Grove is one thing, but actually harvesting crops? That's something I'm not sure us in Team Skull would do well. They want to be food secure, we'd have infinite food and they'd be in charge of harvesting it…"

  Ian nodded. "That's a good idea. If we grew to trust them, we would have a bunch of uninhabited houses near the gate they could use."

  Plumeria nodded as well. "We do, but Guzma wouldn't go for that, not one bit."

  Ian shrugged. "Tom could explain the situation, him and Grillz pressured him to let Sawsbuck and I have Elk Grove in the daytime. It took a bit of pressuring, but it worked."

  "This is a lot bigger than that…" Plumeria paused, but nodded. "I do think it's the best course of action long term. Once they've proven themselves, we can have them settle just outside of Po Town, harvest the food, get involved…"

  "It wouldn't be easy, but they're desperate, and they can help us out significantly," Ian said.

  Plumeria nodded. "Now just getting Guzma on board is the biggest hurdle."

  "Yeah…" Ian said as he noticed a short figure approaching the duo, a figure who Ian recognized to be Lian in his pseudo cowboy hat. "Hey Ian, Plumeria!" He greeted as he waved.

  "Good to see you Lian!" Ian called back.

  "I'm gonna go debrief Hyde and mention anything Rapp and Selene forgot to," Plumeria said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. Plumeria gave a nod of acknowledgement as Lian tipped his hat while they passed each other.

  "So this is where you went off to," Lian said.

  "Sorry, been getting pulled in every direction," Ian said. "Shit, I need to have Sawsbuck bless the crops," Ian said, grabbing Sawsbuck's Heal Ball and tossing it to reveal Sawsbuck, this time with the small bush on its antlers now colored reddish-orange. Sawsbuck eyed Ian expectantly. "Just up and back buddy. Doesn't have to be fast."

  Sawsbuck bowed its head and moseyed its way to the raised beds.

  "So what brings you to me?" Ian asked with a smile.

  "Considering you're the reason we've been eating two solid meals a day now because of that stag of yours, I wanted to give my own personal thank you," Lian said. He then reached into his sweater and pulled out an icy, light blue stone. Wait, that's an Ice Stone! "Heard this can evolve that Sandshrew you caught in the mine."

  Ian looked on in sudden, stunned disbelief. "Yeah…" Ian said. "That's amazing." A pit of guilt formed in Ian's stomach though. "But you could sell this for a lot of money right? How much food would that buy from the Driftwood Guild?"

  Lian grimaced. "I've sold the guild so many of these out of that old mine I've driven down the price, which is why it closed in the first place. But that's how we were fed in the first couple months."

  "Oh…"

  "How about you think of it as a token of good will," Lian said, pressing the dense stone into Ian's hands, which he reluctantly accepted. "From the Pearl Clan as a whole. Wherever we end up, we'll definitely want to see you when you can spare."

  Ian nodded. "Okay, thanks Lian."

  "So you gonna evolve that thing then?" Lian said with a smile.

  Ian shrugged. "I don't want to force an evolution unless a Pokemon's ready. Sawsbuck wasn't ready to evolve when it did from a Deering, and there were some growing pains. But Sandshrew's been pretty well developed, so let's see." Ian grabbed Sandshrew's Premier Ball and released his icy armored Pokemon.

  Sandshrew looked at Ian expectantly. "Oh yeah, you haven't been fed… Yeah I'm gonna go see about that. But there's something else I wanted to show you…" Ian held out the Ice Stone to his Alolan Sandshrew, who eyed it skeptically. "Not ready to evolve, are you?" Ian asked.

  Sandshrew looked at him dumbly with her dark eyes.

  "Eh, fair enough…" Ian said, about to reach for his backpack before a certain thought crossed his mind. "You know Sandshrew, if you evolved, you'd be able to bully Tyrunt even more."

  Sandshrew's jaw dropped and it started shaking excitedly, squeaking happily. You are such a little asshole, why is it so cute when you do this? Lian joined Ian in laughing at the sudden change of heart in and Sandshrew, and Ian knelt down, reaching the Ice Stone to Sandshrew.

  Sandshrew excitedly reached for it, and began to glow a bright white as the evolution stone made contact with the Pokemon. Ian covered his eyes, but suddenly felt a hot, stinging sensation in his hand as the stone vanished from his grip. He quickly pulled his hand away and heard a wondrous sound as the evolution unfolded right in front of them. Ian finally dared to uncover his eyes as the light began to dim slightly, and he saw the outline of an Alolan Sandslash bathed in radiant, white light. Moments later the light dispersed, fading into wisps as his brand new Alolan Sandslash lifted its new, much longer claws to its face in awe.

  "Amazing…" Lian said.

  "Yeah man, thanks a ton," Ian said.

  "Anytime. Just if I end up wanting to bring you on a little mining trip when this is all said and done, you gotta bring this," Lian proudly.

  "Oh yeah," Ian said.

  "And Ian, I think bringing out that unruly Alpha would be a good idea," Lian commented.

  "You sure?"

  Lian nodded. "This thing was making mince meat of it before, seeing it get even stronger because of your help is gonna really hammer home a lesson I reckon."

  Ian shrugged. "Not a bad idea actually." Ian reached for his Ultra Ball and sent Tyrunt, who appeared with a fierce, ravenous roar before seeing Alolan Sandslash. It immediately gave a whimper of a growl and backed up, sizing up its newly evolved bully. "See what happens when we get along?" Ian said firmly at Tyrunt, who bared its fangs at him before Sandslash moved its claw slightly, causing Tyrunt to recoil in fear. Alolan Sandslash did louder, deeper squeaks as it pointed its claw at Tyrunt, thoroughly amused at the terrifying Alpha's fear.

  Ian reached for Sandsash's Premier Ball and recalled, whispering "food soon," before putting it back on his magnetic ball belt. Tyrunt furrowed its eyes on Ian, but didn't attack. Just like on the ranch. "Alright Tyrunt, see that?" Ian commanded authoritatively as he pointed at a dirt mound.

  Tyrunt turned its head and growled at Ian, sounding almost disappointed. "Use Bite!" Ian commanded.

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  Tyrunt gave an annoyed snort but its mouth became engulfed in Dark TE as it charged with a battle cry. Tyrunt lunged at the mound, colliding head first, plunging its razor sharp teeth into pile of dirt before ripping its mouth out animalistically. Its tail then glowed with dark blue Type Energy and Ian pointed at Tyrunt. "No, stop!"

  Tyrunt froze, turning its head and hissing with frustration at Ian as the Dragon TE dissipated. Yes! Ian nodded. "Very good Tyrunt, we'll have food soon."

  Tyrunt gave another annoyed snort but relented. Ian recalled Tyrunt into its Ultra Ball and absolutely beamed with pride.

  "Excellent work there, Ian," Lian said, giving him a congratulatory nod.

  Ian nodded, still smiling. "You were a big part of it, Lian."

  "Happy to be of service," Lian said.

  By now Sawsbuck had returned from its stroll and Ian recalled his blessed stag and figured it was time to check in with the rest of Team Skull. And get food for my team. It's long overdue.

  When Ian got back to the main street he heard Selene calling his name and running at him excitedly. "Look at what Tupp did, look at what Tupp did! Ian noticed the tall, imposing form of a Malamar floating just above the ground next to Tupp and Selene and Ian realized his cheek muscles hurt from smiling so much on this day. Tupp shot Ian a thumbs up and when Selene looked back at Malamar, Ian fired back one of his own.

  "Is it meal time?" Ian asked, pointing at his own stomach.

  "Yeah, we almost ate your stuff cuz you took too long, yo," Tupp joked.

  "Yeah," Selene added on, stealing a glance at Tupp. Ian noticed Tupp's dumb smile got even wider. I'm so happy for him.

  ***

  Some hours passed as the group got settled inside the main hall, Zack Tatum had left with Neroli who was surprised to see him. The main hall had a designated area for members of the town who'd been injured during the prior day's raid. Sunset was fast and Ian was sitting in a chair next to Plumeria, the two having finished up listening to Gaeric and Ingo speaking about the Pokemon and general tactics Breon's forces had used in the raid. Ian noticed Tupp having his time with Selene and Rapp. Although Tupp had managed to pull off the date-bet, Selene still didn't seem one hundred percent won over. She's got a thing for Rook anyways, right? At least that's what Rapp said. You're not out of the woods yet, bro.

  "I didn't think Tupp would be able to pull off that bet," Plumeria observed now that no one was within earshot.

  Ian smiled. "He's full of surprises, ain't he?"

  Plumeria scoffed. "I assume he had some… special help from a certain Coogz."

  Ian rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but he brought it up and I wasn't sure if it would work."

  "If you say so," Plumeria said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "While I dread whatever happens from this when it comes to squad dynamics, I don't think I've ever seen him this happy Ian." Plumeria turned to him, genuine gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for that."

  "Do the most good you can," Ian said with a proud smile.

  Irida entered the hall and scanned the room before setting her gaze on Ian and Plumeria, walking elegantly but with purpose. "Hope you're ready to get buttered up," Plumeria muttered.

  "Pardon my interruption Plumeria, Ian," Irida said with an elegant smile. "May I steal Ian away for a bit? The clock has almost struck its third hour."

  "Of course," Plumeria said, leaning back in her chair. "Just don't have too much fun with him. He's done a lot today."

  "I'll be sure to keep things rather tame," Irida said, oblivious to the sarcasm Plumeria hid in her words.

  Within a couple of quiet minutes, Ian, Irida, and Sawsbuck were out at the rows of raised beds with the setting sun casting a lustrous golden filter on the terrain. Irida led him along the raised beds, just behind Sawsbuck. "It appears you and Plumeria have made up," Irida observed.

  "We have," Ian said. "I think we realized we both wanted the same thing, and the small stuff didn't matter as much as it seemed at the time."

  "It is good to hear," Irida said. Notice how she didn't say "she" was glad to hear. "I was hoping to see you again, and you were having doubts about your return."

  "Me or Sawsbuck?" Ian asked bluntly.

  Irida stopped mid-stride and giggled for a moment. "I see you do have a bark."

  "We're not completely reliant upon you for housing us for two nights and sheltering a squad member for five days. I can be a bit more assertive now," Ian explained.

  "Good," Irida said. "Then I shall be assertive as well. Councilwoman Nui has explained courtship has changed dramatically in the years we have skipped past, but I would like to get to know a few things about you in this regard. I take it you are not married are you?"

  Ian chortled. "Definitely not."

  "You and Plumeria seemed rather, comfortable around each other," Irida observed.

  Ian shook his head. "We're a lot closer now after hashing things out, but it's not like that. She's my boss, and she even said she was going to help me out with getting at a girl back in Po Town," Ian said, his voice a little more nervous than he'd thought. Why am I kinda blushing?

  "I see," Irida said curtly. "And this girl back in Po Town, you are 'getting at,'" Irida said the phrase uncomfortably. "I take it you like her?"

  Ian shrugged. "Yeah, she's cool."

  Irida frowned. "Would you want to marry her?"

  Ian rolled his eyes. That's where the courting disconnect is. "So I'm not sure what Nui told you about how romance happens here, and it may even be different from my world, but usually couples date for a while before they get married."

  "How long is a while in your home world?" Irida asked quickly.

  "Could be six months, could be two years. Could be more," Ian said. "If someone's going to devote the rest of their life to someone, you gotta make sure you really love them first, y'know?"

  "Hm," Irida said, slightly disappointed. "And you intend on doing that even now, with all of the chaos we are surrounded by?"

  Ian shrugged. "Not sure I have time to even try to fall in love if you're mentioning the chaos around us all."

  "Someone special to me regularly insisted I not waste the time I have," Irida said, her voice quivering with emotion. "I confess I have loved before, and I let unworthy things get in the way. Time was wasted, I will not make that mistake again."

  "Are you saying you love me?" Ian asked skeptically.

  Irida turned away. "Not at all. I do not believe I will ever love as deeply and as passionately as I did for as long as I live. But marrying you into the Pearl Clan ensures Sawsbuck's presence, and with that our very survival. With you bringing that to the table, I would strive to be the perfect wife for you, setting the foundation of the Pearl Clan for generations to come."

  Ian rolled his eyes. "The perfect wife you say? I'd be married to someone who would never truly love me back for the rest of my life. Sounds like a perfect marriage," Ian said sarcastically.

  Irida scoffed. "That's not what I meant, Ian." Irida paused, considering her words carefully as she gave a deep exhale. "I believe we could learn to love each other in time. Regular carnal relations would mean lots of children…"

  Ian rolled his eyes. "I don't think you understand the kind of relationship I'd want, assuming I wanted one in the first place this quickly…"

  "Are you heartbroken as well?" Irida asked, seizing on the change in topic. Someone's desperately looking for a win.

  Ian paused, giving a sigh. "Kind of? I think I'm mostly over it…"

  "It doesn't appear so," Iria observed.

  Ian shook his head, a chuckle escaping his mouth as he realized how difficult explaining the situation. "If you had to deal with what I dealt with yesterday, you'd be a little shaken up about it too."

  "Pardon?"

  Ian shook his head even more. "So imagine you and your guy-friend were at some feast or something- you guys had those right?"

  "We did indeed," Irida said.

  "And suddenly you see your guy kissing and fondling another woman," Ian said.

  Irida scoffed. "Adaman would never!"

  "I thought that about Suzy too," Ian said. "And then you go to sleep that night, completely heartbroken, and then you wake up for some reason, here. In Alola."

  Irida's gasped. "Is that what happened to you? That is a terrible thing."

  "I wish it ended there," Ian said, slightly amused. "Well then imagine, a few weeks go by, you're not nearly as angry about things, you're getting kinda used to being in this world and getting more acquainted with everything and you make a casual stop to the Rough Raiders for some supplies and boom! There's the spitting image of your precious 'Adaman' right in front of you."

  "What? But was he not left behind?"

  Ian threw his hands up in defeat at the absurdity of the situation. "That's the thing, it's him, but it's him from a different world than yours. He's just as angry at you as you are at him because in his world, you cheated on him."

  "I would never be unfaithful-"

  "That's not the point," Ian said. "I'm sure you wouldn't cheat. I didn't. But to her, I had."

  "Are you saying you saw your former love?" Irida asked.

  Ian laughed. "Yup. I fucking did, yesterday as a matter of fact. A bunch of other shit happened too."

  Irida tensed. "Normally I would ask for you to not use such crude language but… I understand your usage of it in this instance. That would be incredibly troubling to endure, and then to be asked to commit the rest of your life to someone you hardly know the next day… I do apologize for this timing, Ian. It is not fair."

  Ian sighed. "Apology accepted. I think I also just needed to get that out."

  Irida nodded. "Understandable, I harbor no ill will towards you. Quite the opposite."

  "Thanks, I gathered that," Ian said, and a question that had been nagging at him about the Pearl Clan came back to his mind. "And Irida, maybe one day if you need to vent, you can tell me how the Pearl Clan ended up through space and time to get here of all places."

  Irida shook her head politely. "Perhaps when we are allies, or something more. Until then, good night Ian."

  "Good night Irida," Ian said, holding his breath until she was decently enough away before exhaling. Well at least I'm not getting married anytime soon. Something tells me I'm not exactly ready for that.

  ***

  The descent the next day went smoothly, with everyone taking their turns riding on Sawsbuck down the Sneasler wall. Hyde remained riding Sawsbuck. Hyde repeatedly thanked Ian almost hourly, although it didn't make the fact that Hyde had now ridden on Sawsbuck longer than Tupp or anyone else for that matter any easier to swallow. Their bikes had remained hidden in the bushes, although Tupp's had been blown into another bush. They took a break to clean off their bikes and Plumeria wanted to push ahead as it was just past lunch and they could get to Po Town before sunset.

  When Rapp and Hyde demanded a breather and a snack, Plumeria begrudgingly let the group stop at Aether Camp, just south of the Akua Jungle. It wasn't until Ian could see the line of jungle trees that it hit him that he'd likely be back in Po Town by the end of the night.

  "What you thinkin' Ian?" Tupp said as he approached.

  "How long have we been gone? Plumeria said it was supposed to be six days each way," Ian thought aloud.

  Tupp began counting on his fingers. "Bro it's only been what…"

  Plumeria cleared her throat. "I wasn't wrong, it is six days each way, but the Rough Raiders very graciously knocked off three days by loaning us their Mudsdale," Plumeria said. "And Ian, how's Sawsbuck holding up?"

  "Probably hungry, but descending was pretty easy, even with a rider," Ian said.

  "Good," Plumeria said, a knowing smile on her face. "Any chance you could find those Aspear Berries we had for breakfast last time we came through here? Would give us an extra shot of energy for the final stretch."

  Ian shook his head. "They fully ripened that morning, so they're not even halfway ripe by now. There are some Leppa Berries though."

  Plumeria grimaced. "Well, how about you check around just in case there's another tree?"

  Ian rolled his eyes. "Only as a favor to you, Big Sis," Ian teased.

  "Should the prince of Po Town really be calling someone 'Big Sis?'" Plumeria teased.

  "Not you too," Ian grumbled.

  "Every time you call me Big Sis it seems like you're making fun of me," Plumeria said. "So I shall return the favor in kind."

  "Someone spent too much time listening to Irida," Ian said, reaching for Sawsbuck's Heal Ball. "But I'll get going, no mention of sisters, big or small."

  Sawsbuck remembered this place and whipped up the blessed stag into a speedy dash as the foraging bag flailed in the wind. Someone's hungry. Plumeria not wanting him to call her Big Sis did nag at him a bit. Is it really because I use it jokingly? Ian thought back to the one time he'd actually addressed her to her face as Big Sis and gulped when he realized it. "Oh… I haven't straight up called her that name since the blow up where she flipped me off." Is she still mad about that? I don't think so, but best not to poke the bear. I don't want to go back to that again.

  Ian got a little freaked out as they get deeper into the trees and bushes as every which way he and his blessed stag went, plant life grew in abundance and shifted. Oh yeah, the other side of the island isn't nearly as populated with plant life as this side is. I've been over there too long.

  Sawsbuck bleated excitedly as it rushed to a tree Ian recognized. Suddenly the fruits ripened into a bright yellow right before his eyes. "Aspear Berries? But we haven't…" Ian's voice trailed off as he realized what else had Sawsbuck's ability. "Tapu Bulu must've stopped by." Ian looked up to the sky and gave an impromptu salute. "All of us on the recon team really appreciate it, Tapu Bulu." Sawsbuck echoed the sentiment with a loud bleat. "Sawsbuck maybe most of all," Ian said with a chuckle as he scratched the back of his blessed stag's neck. "Let's get these collected so we can go back to Aether Camp," Ian said. "You get first bite though."

  Sawsbuck didn't need the direction as a vine was halfway to Sawsbuck's mouth when he finished the sentence, and Sawsbuck chomped on the fresh fruit loudly and happily. Ian held the bag open as Sawsbuck began using its vines to daintily drop the berries in the bag. Once they'd nearly harvested the whole of the tree, Sawsbuck tensed abruptly and turned its head to the right. Ian's head followed, and noticed a small, pink, humanoid Pokemon staring at Ian and Sawsbuck longingly. "An Impidimp?" Ian asked, when suddenly he remembered the one he'd seen come of an Ultra Storm when they'd just started out.

  Impidimp stood on a rock, then kneeled and began to whimper as it pointed at the Aspear Berry tree. "Someone's hungry, aren't they?" Ian asked.

  Impidimp reached out with its hands to beg even more, giving even more pitiable cries. You're a Dark Type Pokemon, I think I know where this is going. Sawsbuck gave a low bleat and stomped its hooves. "Settle down there Sawsbuck, this thing gave Pyroar one hell of a Sucker Punch last time we ran into it."

  Part of Ian wanted to battle and capture the little imp Pokemon, but he remembered how easily it could evade. "You know Impidimp, have one," Ian said, reaching into the foraging bag and tossing an Aspear Berry at the Pokemon. Impidimp immediately jumped for the flying berry and caught it. It seemed to have already bitten into it before landing softly on the ground. Impidimp's teeth seemed to motor through the fruit at a rate even Ian found ridiculous. "You were really hungry."

  Impidimp pointed at the forage bag full of fruit in Ian's left hand and he rolled his eyes. "These aren't for you, these are for my friends and all our Pokemon."

  Impidimp pleaded once more, and Sawsbuck gave an intimidating snort, causing Impidimp to cringe. Ian noticed a faint outline of ribs on Impidimp's torso. Oh no wonder you're hungry, you're actually malnourished. "Hey Sawsbuck lemme down real quick," Ian said. Sawsbuck didn't seem too pleased at his continual entertainment of the seemingly mischievous Pokemon, but Sawsbuck did as asked, and Ian and the forage bag got to the ground. Ian grabbed one more Aspear Berry from the bag and then held it up to Sawsbuck, who took the bag in its vines for safekeeping as Ian knelt down, holding the Apsear Berry out. You know, I could really use a Fairy Type on my team. "You can have it, Impidimp," Ian said soothingly. Impidimp's eyes seemed to well with emotion before it hesitantly reached for the Aspear Berry. Impidimp munched on the fruit happily, occasionally looking at Ian warily, but the imp Pokemon eventually did seem to relax around Ian.

  "You know Impidimp, I'd like you to join my team," Ian said. Impidimp recoiled once more, bumping into the rock it had perched on earlier. "If you're okay with it."

  Impidimp eyed him skeptically, crossing its arms defensively.

  "Fair. But I can promise one thing: you'll never go hungry again," Ian explained. "Sawsbuck, show the bag a little bit." Sawsbuck's vines tipped the bag to a good angle and a few berries fell to the ground, but the dozens of fruit held within mesmerized Impidimp until Sawsbuck brought the forage bag back up and picked up the fallen fruit with its spare vine.

  Ian had his Poke Ball ready and held it out to Impidimp carefully. Impidimp eyed Ian once more, its fear melting into fascination. Impidimp gave a cry and leapt at the Poke Ball, pushing the opening button with its own hand. Impidimp quickly de-manifested in a flash of red light and the ball shook once in Ian's hand before quickly going still. "I caught an Impidimp!" Ian cheered loudly. "I bet Grimsley'll be happy I have a Dark Type that needs training."

  Ian then released Impidimp out of its ball and it manifested on top of Sawsbuck's head, sitting between its antlers and cheering happily as it grabbed a hold. Sawsbuck gave a panicked bleat and shifted its head, but Ian leaned to one side. "Hey c'mon, let him have a little fun." Sawsbuck grunted but relented, helping Ian onto its before turning around quickly and heading back to camp, Impidimp excitedly babbling as it play-rode Sawsbuck's head. This is so cool.

  ***

  When Ian returned with a bag full of Aspear Berries he was greeted with a hero's welcome. Plus the rest of the squad seemed very intrigued by Ian's new capture. Besides taking a stop to overlook Cape Pupuhi, the group pushed on as the sun began sinking closer to the horizon. Ian's muscles ached as the sun had begun its crawl down the horizon, and then Plumeria made a big announcement.

  "There it is!"

  Ian squinted his eyes forward on The Straightaway's un-maintained road and saw the small outlines of buildings on the horizon and his heart leapt. Po Town, it's been too long. A joyous air took over the group of bicycle riders as they closed in on home. As the gate came into view, Ian noticed the fields surrounding Po Town had been messily tilled, with mostly dirt now showing up with dozens of crooked rows spreading outward. That definitely seems like attempted farming by Team Skull.

  The gate had closed for the day, so the crew came to a stop and Tupp hustled over and began pounding on the gate. "It's us yo! We back!"

  All of the sudden a painted face with dirty blonde hair poked her head over the wall and Ian gasped as he saw Mina. "It's you guys! You aren't supposed to be back for another three days! Did something happen?"

  "Got some helpful aid," Plumeria said. "And some very relentless travelers."

  "Okay, I'll go get Rook," Mina said, then pointed at Ian. "And Ian, I got something to show you when the gate opens." Mina's face then disappeared, and the squad turned their collective gaze at Ian.

  "It's probably just a mural she's been working on, don't get the wrong idea," Ian downplayed.

  "How long until he starts blushing?" Selene teased.

  "Bro, if you ask her out we can go on a double date!" Tupp suggested.

  Selene cleared her throat. "I wouldn't get too excited mister, I just lost a bet, not my mind."

  "Fine," Tupp said defeatedly.

  Hyde stepped forward to Ian, his face stoic as normal and he began to whisper. "I heard you threw my name in for Irida."

  Ian nodded, a bit of anxiety in his demeanor. "Yeah…"

  Hyde nodded. "Thanks. Good luck with Mina," he said lowly.

  Is that the nicest thing he's said to me? Might as well be the universe putting a neon sign in front of me and saying "ASK MINA OUT." Might also get Irida to tone her marriage insistence down. "Appreciate it Hyde."

  It took a couple minutes, but the metal bar keeping the gate shut finally screeched and the great gate of Po Town began opening, revealing Rook, Mina, and a few other Team Skull members.

  "So you really got everything?" Rook asked.

  "That and more," Plumeria said proudly. "The Rough Raiders loaned us some Mudsdale, shaved three days off of things."

  "How much did that cost?" Rook asked.

  "Not as much as you'd think," Plumeria said smugly as she led the squad through the gate, all walking their bikes to the wall that had served as Team Skull's de-facto bicycle parking lot.

  "Hey Big Sis," Mina asked once everything was settled. "Can I steal Ian for a bit?"

  Plumeria sighed. "Sorry, but we need to de-brief Guzma."

  "Aw, c'mon Big Sis!" Tupp chimed in. "I bet it's only a couple minutes yo." Ian caught Tupp giving a subtle wink in Ian's direction and Ian did his best not to smile.

  Plumeria rolled her eyes, but a smirk took shape on her face. "Okay fine. But Shady House first thing when you're done."

  "Gotcha!" Mina said, pointing him away from The Spine and to Kai Avenue, which ran along the western wall and where he could hear the sound of waves crashing on the sand. "It's good to see you again Ian," Mina said with a big smile and that contrasted against her droopy eyes.

  "Missing your guitar buddy?" Ian asked amusedly.

  "That too," Mina replied.

  "So much happened while I was away," Ian said. "Thanks for saving from the de-brief."

  "Anytime, guitar buddy," Mina said happily as she led him further up the street in the twilight.

  Mina stopped and tensed with anticipation. "Okay, it's not completely finished yet, but I couldn't get over to it this morning." Mina then took him by the hand and guided him to a brick wall facing the sunset.

  Ian shrugged. "No biggie."

  "Actually, close your eyes," Mina instructed playfully.

  "You gotta guide me though," Ian replied.

  "Oh darn," Mina teased. She took his right hand as his left covered his eyes. "No peeking!"

  "I'm not."

  "So, I had to paint over some big tags on this house's brick wall before I could get going. It was worth it though," Mina explained as she led him a good ten steps or so and stopped him before re-directing his head. "Okay, open them!"

  Ian uncovered his eyes and gasped at the mural. Before him was a finely detailed mural of Sawsbuck with cherry blossoms on its antlers, and the antlers had been painted green instead of their usual color, but the color contrasted nicely. Riding on top of Sawsbuck was a man in a Team Skull uniform, and behind was the walls and main gate of Po Town, with the left side of the sky shrouded in a dark blue night with a stylized, light blue moon. To the right was the orange of the day, and a stylized sun was half-finished. Ian realized he'd been so mesmerized by the mural of him and Sawsbuck he'd forgotten to breathe even though his mouth was wide open now, and his chin would be hitting the floor if it could.

  "Mina, this is incredible," Ian whispered seriously, his voice quivering with emotion.

  "You really like it?" Mina asked.

  "I love it, it's fucking incredible, Mina!" Ian gushed. Ian gazed upon it silently for who knows how long, in complete awe at the detail and masterful use of colors. "This has gotta be the coolest thing someone's done for me in my entire life."

  Mina giggled gleefully. "I don't hear that every day."

  Ian sighed, still in complete awe at the mural depicting him and Sawsbuck. "I feel like I owe you something now."

  "No, no, no," Mina said. "I didn't do it for that."

  Ian chuckled lightly before he realized the tenseness in his chest. Well here goes something. Ian then turned to Mina, emotion in the masterful painter's grayish-lavender eyes. Ian then leaned in, head slightly offset from hers and went in for a kiss. Mina gasped suddenly for a moment before her lips played with his, kissing him back. They held it for a few eon-feeling moments before Ian broke away. "Sorry if that was a bit abrupt."

  Mina giggled, her cheeks reddening with every passing moment. "You don't have to apologize for anything."

  "Good," Ian said. "I suppose I could take you out on a date before I do that next time."

  Mina playfully wiggled her eyebrows. "Where you takin' me, Elk Grove behind the Bluk Berry tree?"

  "I was thinking there was a bank of trees a few miles up the road," Ian joked.

  Mina giggled for a few seconds before regaining her composure, still grinning widely. "This may sound a bit weird, but can we give it a few days? Something big like this, I've had this thing since I was a kid, I like starting on the new moon which is like a week from now," Mina hesitated suddenly. "Well, if it's too long-"

  Ian shook his head. While it's kinda weird, maybe it'll be better in the long run. "You know, that's actually not a bad idea." Ian paused as his fists clenched and his voice got more intense. "I have a lot of training to do."

  "Woah…" Mina said. "So next week, your secret berry orchard?"

  Ian nodded. "Sounds good."

  "And Ian…" Mina began a bit nervously. "In case I can't hold myself over for the entire week, we could maybe kiss again."

  Ian shrugged playfully. "Strictly to avoid withdrawals right? No pleasure at all?" He teased.

  Mina giggled as the two embraced and Ian lowered his head. "Let's go with that…"