Chapter 17 Admission

  Storm clouds closed in overhead as Ian saw a haze of rain fast approaching Ian and Plumeria. A gust of wind wailed as it made Ian shiver in his Skull tanktop. "How long do you think we got before the rain hits us?"

  "Hm?" Plumeria said, seemingly lost in thought.

  "When's that rain hitting us, you think?" Ian repeated.

  Plumeria looked to the east and grimaced. "Too soon."

  Plumeria's pace noticeably quickened, and while Ian's legs were screaming at him from exertion, his own ego pushed him to keep up. Plumeria remained silent for quite a bit until Ian figured they weren't far from where their companions were supposed to be.

  "So… another Star Piece," Plumeria said, a hint of subtle accusation in her voice.

  "Yeah…" Ian said.

  "You didn't pick it up from the Ultra Storm, I watched you," Plumeria said coldly. "But you did pick up all of those shards."

  Ian nodded, realizing what she was putting together. Was getting shelter really worth revealing the secret?

  "I remember you saying something about the shards and Stardust making Star Pieces," Plumeria said. "I take it you've figured it out."

  Ian froze up, partially from the cold but also from how tense he'd suddenly felt.

  "There's something you're not telling us," Plumeria accused. "Your story hasn't been straight since you got here. I can tell when you're lying and when you're being honest Ian, it's my job to know." Plumeria held her hand out to halt Ian and peered into his eyes. "Who are you really, Ian?"

  "I'm not a spy, I swear-"

  "I know that," Plumeria said. "It's insulting that you're lying so much to me especially, but if you keep on doing it, it'll get to being legitimately dangerous for all of Team Skull."

  Ian gulped, his mouth suddenly quite dry. "If I told you…" Ian shook his head, realizing how crazy he'd sound.

  "If you told me what?" Plumeria asked intensely.

  Ian looked up to the oncoming clouds. Do we really need to be doing this now?

  "I asked you a question Ian," Plumeria chided. "Answer it."

  Ian grimaced, looking into Plumeria's amber, accusing eyes. "If I told you the truth, you'd think I'm crazy. They'd put me in an insane asylum."

  "We don't have any in Po Town," Plumeria said. "Which is lucky for a lot of people in Team Skull actually."

  Ian nodded. "Yeah…"

  Plumeria grunted in frustration, turning away from Ian. "If you're not gonna tell me, at least hurry the fuck up then."

  ***

  Ian felt a drop of rain hit his exposed arm and he cursed under his breath. His legs begged for relief as Plumeria led the whole squad, including Hyde riding on Sawsbuck's back, up the paved path leading up the switchbacks. Plumeria and Rapp led the way, with Ian, Sawsbuck, and its injured rider in the center. Selene and Tupp stayed back, with Selene talking quite a bit from what Ian could tell. Although Tupp did have a bandana covering some of his face. I can smell her up here and I'm upwind.

  "I think I see it yo!" Tupp called out.

  Ian had been so in his head about Plumeria's questioning from before he hadn't thought to look ahead. The outline of a small batch of houses slowly came into view. While the sun was blocked by clouds, the skies darkened even more, signalling the beginning of sunset.

  "Those houses look old as shit, yo," Rapp observed.

  "No one lived in this place for like sixty years," Plumeria said. "So don't expect any creature comforts."

  "As long as I can take a bath I don't care what else happens," Selene chimed in.

  As the group came upon the middle of a switchback, Gaeric re-appeared, looking over them from the next one fifteen feet or so up, still with his shirt off, but with a belt of six Poke Balls hanging around his waist. Didn't the Pearl Clan not use Poke Balls? Why are they using them now? "Hello again Skull Team!" Gaeric bellowed, suddenly sniffing the air and wincing. "If not for the foul stench, I would be pleased to see you."

  "Sorry…" Selene chimed in.

  Plumeria cleared her throat. "We can't thank you enough for taking us in, Gaeric."

  "His name is 'gay-rick?" Tupp said aloud with a chuckle. "Wait, is his name Rick and he's gay?"

  "Tupp shut up right now," Plumeria ordered quickly, her tone somewhere between deathly serious and desperate.

  "I know not of a man named Rick, but if he is happy, then that is good," Gaeric said. "Come! The rain shall only worsen and skies darken. I have sentries with me to escort you up."

  Upon getting up the next switchback, Gaeric and five figures in garb Ian recognized from the Legends: Arceus game waited ahead of them, watching vigilantly. They had faded white sweaters with a circular magenta design on them Ian assumed was the Pearl Clan's sigil. Rain drops began picking up even more, and a frigid shiver came across Ian with his light amount of clothing. So it really is the Pearl Clan, like the one from the times of Hisui, just kickin' it up here? Ultra Storms usually drop one person, and it wouldn't surprise me if it did two or three sometimes. But an entire clan? Something really strange must have happened.

  The town was really a one street village with no more than fifteen houses in it. He noticed no power lines, but old style lampposts with an eerie glow in their glass chambers. The dirt road running down the middle had a number of holes and plants growing in it. Ian also noticed a larger building standing out from the rest of the houses that was nearly twice as tall and three times as wide. Probably where they meet.

  Gaeric led them to a house notably off the main street as the rain turned into a light drizzle. There was a wide spanning patio with an awning that gave the group mercy from the rain. Hyde was dismounted by Gaeric and the Pearl Clan sentries, who lifted him up the steps and placed him in a chair, Hyde sulking silently the whole way. Ian recalled Sawsbuck, who seemed relieved about getting its reluctant rider off its back. Hyde owes you big time for that.

  Gaeric eyed Plumeria expectantly. "I have vouched for you to the council, which will likely agree to house you here for the night. This is normally where we house Driftwood Guild members and members of friendly factions when they come through. Some of their belongings remain here. I ask that nothing here be disturbed. Is that agreeable, Skull Team?"

  Plumeria nodded seriously. "It is well understood, Gaeric." Plumeria then turned to the rest of the Team Skull squad with angry eyes. "Nothing will be disturbed."

  Ian gulped nervously, knowing the warning was meant more for Tupp than anyone else. "Of course," Ian croaked.

  "Good. Now Plumeria, as the leader of your party, I ask you and your top lieutenant to join us in our meeting place," Gaeric explained, extending his hand and pointing to the larger building up the main, gravelly street.

  "Top lieutenant?" Plumeria said, a nervous giggle escaping her mouth.

  She must be really stressed, I've never seen her squirm like this before. I gotta see her interact with other factions more. Ian chuckled and Plumeria cleared her throat, pointing at him and signalling him over to her with her eyebrows. Did she just make me top lieutenant? What?

  "Ah, your not-husband, Ian," Gaeric said. "Very well, follow me."

  Rapp coughed, doing her best to cover a hysterical laugh. Ian turned to see Selene covering her mouth, doing a better job at hiding the laugh. Ian gave Plumeria a very befuddled look and Plumeria glared at him, leaning over to whisper to him "Hyde's hurt, Selene smells like an outhouse, and Tupp and Rapp are Tupp and Rapp. This wouldn't normally be you. Remember I'm still mad at you."

  Ian nodded. "Yeah… I get it. I'll just not speak unless spoken to." She must be REALLY desperate.

  "Good," Plumeria growled before returning her attention to Gaeric.

  As the trio approached the meeting place, as Gaeric called it, their guide pointed to an old metal lamppost which had a light flame in a chamber. "Eternal flames from our clan leader's Ninetales."

  "Very pretty," Plumeria said, clearly trying to stay on Gaeric's good side.

  Upon reaching the door, a short young man wearing something on his head that slightly resembled a cowboy hat who Ian recognized as Kleavor's warden stood. Lian? Or was it Liam?

  "These them, Gaeric?" The warden asked, leaning back against the wall next to the doors with his arms folded.

  "Indeed, Lian," Gaeric said.

  "I need you two to remove your Poke Ball belts," Lian said.

  "Surely that is not necessary," Gaeric said. "I have vouched for them-"

  "It's not a problem," Plumeria said quickly, un-latching her belt with six Poke Balls and holding it up to Lian, Ian quickly followed suit.

  "We appreciate you, Skull Team was it?" Lian asked.

  "Team Skull, but call us whatever you want," Plumeria said. "This storm looks like a nasty one."

  Lian nodded. "At least it's not snowing."

  "We're not exactly dressed for either…" Plumeria said.

  "You're right about that," Lian replied and took Ian's belt, holding his gaze. "You're awful quiet. Shy or something?"

  "Just don't want to say anything wrong," Ian said.

  Lian chuckled. "That's my problem too, which is why I'm out here and not in there." Lian pointed behind him.

  "Enough Lian," Gaeric said.

  "Yeah, yeah," Lian said, turning around and holding the door open. Lian gave Ian a nod as he passed, which Ian reciprocated. Plumeria cleared her throat, getting Ian back to the situation at hand.

  The darkened, windowless room they entered reminded Ian more of a cafeteria with how wide open it was, and the tiled floor quickly gave way to rugs as Ian followed Gaeric and Plumeria closer to a blazing fire pit. Ian spied a glimpse of some foldable chairs in the darkness resting against the walls. Definitely their meeting area. Gaeric led them around the firepit where a long table with white cloth and two Pearl Clan symbols embroidered onto the front shown. Ian noticed the third symbol on the right side of the tablecloth: a shield with a black outline and quadrants where the colors blue, yellow, pink, and green showed majestically. Never seen that symbol before. Three barely illuminated figures sat behind the table, Ian could easily tell Irida in the center with her distinctive blonde hair. To her right (Ian's left) was a much taller figure with a captain's hat on. That's gotta be Ingo! Did he really go from this time, back in time to Hisui, to come all of the way BACK to this time? Talk about a traveler. The third and final shadowy figure was someone Ian was completely unfamiliar with, but had the brown skin of a native Alolan and long dark hair to match. She has the shield in front of her… Are those Tapu colors on it? Maybe she's ASF.

  Gaeric held his hand out to stop Plumeria and Ian, then stepped forward alone and bowed before the table. "Honored council members, I, Gaeric Wolfhart, bring to you two members of the Skull Team. This is Lady Plumeria and her lieutenant, Ian."

  "Team Skull," a lower feminine voice corrected, the disdain not subtle in her tone. Something tells me she's not a big fan of the brand.

  "Yes, councilwoman Nui," Gaeric said with almost reverence. "They are humbly requesting to stay in Makamae Town for the night. They have an injured team member. They also were willing to pay for their stay with this." Gaeric took out the Star Piece Ian had given, and Gaeric showed it above his head, where it glimmered against the fire light.

  "Stolen, no doubt," the same, disapproving voice said. Councilwoman Nui, she's the one that hates us.

  "Councilwoman, Ingo and I hold Gaeric in high regard, and he has vouched for the character of this woman… Plumeria," a softer, feminine voice said. The elegance with which she spoke made her soft voice oddly authoritative. "Why, pray tell, do you believe the Star Piece stolen?"

  Plumeria spoke up delicately. "It wasn't stolen-"

  Gaeric turned immediately, shooshing her.

  Councilwoman Nui cleared her throat, asserting it was her time to speak. "Team Skull has a rather bad reputation of criminality amongst the people of this island. Although I have heard of this 'Plumeria' from my work with the Driftwood Guild, and they do speak highly of her character. If it were just her, I would let this slide. But five other Team Skull thugs in this sanctuary that is our town is not something I will stomach easily."

  A gravelly male voice coughed before speaking up. "The Pearl Clan's foragers, which have been crucial in keeping all of Makamae Town fed, have gone into Team Skull territory, and even encountered members of Team Skull while there. There have been no issues though, which means we are already on track to a working relationship." Was that a train reference Ingo? He's already on our side by the sound of it. Let's keep it that way.

  "Those are good points, Councilman Ingo. Unfortunately, Team Skull's history does predate your clan's arrival on this island," Nui said with a tone that just made Ian want to smack her.

  "Psssst," Plumeria said lowly to Gaeric. "Can I say something?" She whispered.

  Gaeric held up his hand carefully. "Council members, Lady Plumeria would wish to address you." I don't think I'll ever be able to get over Gaeric calling her Lady Plumeria. Gaeric then motioned Plumeria over and whispered something in her ear. Plumeria then bowed deeply, so deeply her sections of long hair hit the rug below before she stood up straight once more.

  "Honored Council Members, my squad has been tasked with acquiring seeds from the other side of Ula'Ula Island. We have no hostile intentions, and are simply on a diplomatic mission," Plumeria explained. "One of our foolish party members tried to scale a steep incline without aid and hurt himself. We just need a place for him to rest for the night, and we will be on our way, without issue."

  "Which incline?" Iridia asked.

  "We don't know its name," Plumeria answered. "I have traversed the mountain once when going to the Rough Raiders to help us fight Breon during our initial conflict with Haina Town. I crossed this face of the mountain on the switchbacks a little under halfway up the mountain."

  "Mmmm…" Ingo said. "Breon's Tyranitar has since destroyed that path."

  "I believe you attempted to scale our 'Sneasler Wall' on the western face,'" Gaeric suggested. "Lots of loose rocks on a steep ramp?"

  "Yes," Plumeria said, then realized something. "Our injured person, it was all his own foolish action, we do not blame his injury on any of you, especially for a defensive measure."

  "No slight felt," Irida said. "What troubles me most is your food supply. Have you enough to keep your party well with this added complication upon your journey?"

  This could be our way in!

  "We are food secure," Plumeria said. "This may make us ration things out a little more, but it will not be a problem."

  Irida did not respond, and he got the vibe of the answer was a tad disappointing. Why didn't she mention Sawsbuck? Ian coughed to disguise him saying "Sawsbuck" to Plumeria, and she turned around with a sour glare.

  Councilwoman Nui gave a disappointed scoff. "And when what little food we have left is raided, they will be on their way."

  "Councilwoman… Nui was it?" Plumeria said. "You seem to have quite a bit of dislike for Team Skull."

  "I do," Nui answered. "I was a member of the ASF under Commander Franks, the man Breon overthrew when he took over Haina Town. I took what people I could up here to Makamae Town and met the Pearl Clan here. I still follow the situation in Haina Town, and I know the conditions on which you ended your war with Breon. 'All Haina Town escapees will be sent back to Haina Town for punishment.'"

  "Terms that are un-enforceable by Breon," Plumeria said. "We essentially agreed to nothing."

  "You never told the Driftwood Guild you would secretly take refugees," Nui explained. "Leaving them little choice in any attempted flight. They could try the treacherous, well guarded path up this mountain here, or go to the Rough Raiders who treat everyone from Haina Town as a spy. Or they must leave their fate to the Haina Desert. Most stay in the terrible condition of Haina Town rather than face death in the desert."

  "The Driftwood Guild is not an ally to be trusted," Plumeria said. "They cozy up to Surge, and they've tried gaining access to our town multiple times."

  "Perhaps they want the successors of Keahi's Cinders to not make the same mistakes and further drive this island to ruin," Nui said damningly. Ian thought deeply, trying to remember what Mina had said about Keahi, the former Kahuna and the Cinders, her followers. Oh yeah, they attacked the Lake of the Sunne.

  Plumeria shook her head in frustration. "I cannot speak for the Driftwood Guild or its intentions, but we in Team Skull value survival most of all. Doing something destructive to the island as a whole would go against that."

  Nui gave a quick "Hmph," but didn't respond further.

  "And before I commit my vote, I have one question," Ingo said. "Yesterday morning we spotted a man in black on the summit trail that leads to the Ultra Rift. Would you happen to know anything about them?"

  "No," Plumeria said.

  "And to bring up your food situation once again," Irida began. "Is that one of the modern wonders called a 'Silph Bag' on your back?"

  Plumeria nodded. "Yes it is, councilwoman…"

  "Irida," Gaeric added.

  "Councilwoman Irida," Plumeria concluded.

  "Forgive my ignorance, as we of the Pearl Clan have crossed space and time to this age, so we are unfamiliar with these wonderful inventions this age has. If that is a Silph Bag, can you not show us your food rations and be done with it? You appear to have Ingo's vote, but not Nui's vote. I would break the tie, and if you have food for yourselves, any doubts of mine will be laid to rest."

  Shit! Plumeria froze, unable to say anything.

  "Meowth got your tongue, Lady Plumeria?" Nui sneered.

  Gaeric eyed Plumeria with sudden suspicion. Ian took a deep breath and mentally apologized. There's only one way we get Irida's vote. "Honored council members!" Ian bellowed, putting his hands up to show his peaceful intentions.

  "Ian…" Plumeria grunted, glaring daggers at him.

  "I must apologize for my leader's lack of words, as she was doing a favor for me, and that has put her in a precarious situation where it may appear she is being dishonest," Ian said.

  "Ian was it?" Irida asked. "What favor has Lady Plumeria done for you?"

  "Plumeria has-"

  "Lady Plumeria," Gaeric corrected.

  "Yes, Lady Plumeria…" Please don't laugh. "...is safeguarding a secret that I am very protective over. But I would like to disclose it to you now. If you think she's attempted to lie to you, know it was on my behalf and her trying to cover for a subordinate, like a good leader does. So put any and all blame on myself."

  "What is your secret young man?" Ingo asked bluntly.

  "I expect they have no food," Nui teased.

  "Quite the opposite, Councilwoman Nui," Ian said. "I assume as a resident of this island, you are aware of Tapu Bulu?"

  "Of course," Nui replied.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "And I will also presume you have informed your fellow council members as well?" Ian asked.

  "I have. Where is this going?" Nui asked sourly.

  "One of my Pokemon that I handed to Lian upon entry, Sawsbuck specifically, has been blessed by Tapu Bulu, and gained its ability Grassy Surge, which makes plants grow incredibly quickly," Ian explained. "We have effectively lived off the land wherever we've gone on this expedition, because of Tapu Bulu's blessing."

  "Tapu Bulu has never blessed a Pokemon on Ula'Ula Island in its history, and you are to have me believe it has blessed some Unovan Pokemon?" Nui questioned.

  Ian bowed his head once more, holding it as he spoke. "I would be honored to demonstrate it for you all."

  "Only if there are multiple sentries present," Nui said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

  "Sawsbuck you say?" Ingo asked Ian, his chin resting on his hand. "I have never heard of that Pokemon, yet something about it conducts some familiarity to me…"

  "Lieutenant Ian," Irida began. "I am going to ask a question of you which may help placate the resident skeptic."

  "This is hardly necessary since you don't need my approval if you and Ingo agree," Nui said bitterly.

  "But since this is no monarchy, I would still like your approval," Irida said, her dignified, elegant voice finally showing signs of delicate frustration. "Ian, may I ask how long you've been with Team Skull?"

  "About three weeks I think," Ian said, turning to Plumeria, who watched him intensely. "I went to sleep at home one night and woke up in an Ultra Storm outside of Po Town," Ian explained. "Lady Plumeria and her squad helped rescue me, and I've been with them ever since."

  Councilwoman Nui began laughing with her mouth closed, which seemed even more disrespectful than laughing outright. Let me guess, she's about to say something like "there's no way a Faller who's been here three weeks got his Pokemon blessed by Tapu Bulu" or something like that.

  "What's so funny, Nui?" Ingo croaked.

  "Ian, has Plumeria told you why the Ultra Rift appeared in the first place, and why you're stuck on Ula'Ula Island now with no chance of going home?" Nui asked, an obvious, knowing smirk appearing across her face for the first time.

  "Uh… what?" Ian replied, completely dumbfounded.

  "Go ahead and tell him, Plumeria," Nui ordered.

  "With all due respect Councilwoman Nui, even if what you're implying was true, it's hardly confirmed," Plumeria said.

  "So you haven't been told, Ian?" Nui asked, over-fascination in her voice. She's trying to tear us apart right here, don't fall for it.

  "I suppose I haven't," Ian said.

  "Well, I take no pleasure in telling you this…" Nui began. Liar. "...but this so-called Lady Plumeria was a member of the former Kahuna's group of followers, called Keahi's Cinders."

  "I've heard of them," Ian said. He noticed Plumeria looking at him, fear in her eyes. If she's freaked out then maybe there's a lot of truth to what Nui's saying. Ian gulped.

  "And have you been shown Keahi's declaration?" Nui asked.

  "What?" Ian asked.

  "I take it you haven't then," Nui said. "Keahi sent a declaration to all of Alola, declaring Po Town and its people free from the Alolan government, and that she would wipe away the Original Sin of Alola by destroying the sacred altar at the Lake of the Sunne. Keahi and her closest companions then attacked the Lake of the Sunne. Nearby rangers saw Tapu Bulu racing to the temple complex as it was happening. What transpired is known by only few, but Keahi and her Cinders were defeated, and the bonds Keahi held with her and all Pokemon were severed, meaning they would never listen to her again. She's not allowed back on the island, but whatever damage that needed to be done was done. The Ultra Rift appeared moments after Tapu Bulu was spotted returning to its home ruins."

  Ian remained silent, taking in the entire revelation. Things just got really weird… When he finally felt comfortable enough to speak. "Councilwoman Nui, may I ask how you learned this information?"

  "It's all true," Plumeria admitted sorrowfully.

  "Some Lady you are, Plumeria," Nui said. "After your group drives the island into chaos, you re-brand and dress your crimes' real victims, like this young man, in the garb of the people who did him wrong. That is evil."

  "I…" Plumeria hesitated, a sob escaping her. "Those weren't my crimes… We've just been trying to help…" A tear fell from Plumeria's eye as the flames exposed one half of her face. Councilwoman Nui then made a big deal of pushing her chair away from the table and getting up, walking off smugly into the shadows beyond.

  Irida cleared her throat. "I believe I'd like that demonstration now." The other two councillors got up from their chairs and Ingo and Irida made their way to Ian and Plumeria. Irida put her hand on Plumeria's shoulder soothingly. "I apologize for Councilwoman Nui's harshness. We are down to eating once per day, and today's meal was not exactly filling."

  Plumeria sniffled, putting her head up, blinking back another tear and returning to her resting scowl face. "It's okay… Everything she said was true."

  "And what you said was true as well. They are not your crimes…" Irida then indicated Ian with her hand. "...and you are just trying to help. For that is what a good leader does."

  Plumeria nodded, eyes still watering. "Thank you, councilwoman…"

  "Just Irida is fine," Irida said, guiding Plumeria out.

  "Shall we get this demonstration on track?" Ingo asked, looking at Ian. There's another train pun!

  After collecting their belts from Lian, the doorman joined the group and Irida reached for her own Poke Ball belt filled with antique, apricorn-made Poke Balls. They must've adapted after the events of Legends Arceus.

  "For some shelter," Irida said, and out from Irida's apricorn Poke Ball came a bright white, floating body with wings Ian recognized as a Togekiss. "Reflect, please," Irida ordered elegantly. Suddenly the drizzling rain began hitting the pink, translucent barrier surrounding the group of six. They made their way to a collection of raised beds behind the western row of houses. The wind still blew and he was damp from the frizzle before, but they made it to the raised beds behind a row of house quickly.

  "Well this one's supposed to be something good for us, think they're called Tateroots," Lian said, pointing at the first raised bed. "Supposed to be really heavy and grow quickly. Driftwood gave us these seeds two months ago and even with Palina's Vespiquen and worker Combees working overtime, they're barely halfway grown."

  Ian smiled. "So Councilwoman Irida, your 'yes' vote depends on my Sawsbuck's ability?"

  Irida nodded.

  "We good to go?" Ian asked.

  "All aboard," Ingo replied. Fucking train lingo.

  Ian took a deep breath and tossed Sawsbuck's pink ball into the air. Sawsbuck manifested, but different from its autumn form. Oh yeah, we're pretty far up the mountain now. Sawsbuck's antlers were now a brilliant white with no signs of plant life. Thankfully. It had a cloak of white fur around its lower neck, and each of its lower legs had what looked to be leg warmers covering them. "You changed again Sawsbuck? That's the second time today!"

  The three Pearl Clan members suddenly gasped as the soil in the raised beds shifted, and brown lumps formed fully on the ground. They're potatoes!

  "Already to the last stop of growth…" Ingo said in disbelief.

  "That's special right there," Lian added.

  "Very impressive," Gaeric observed.

  Irida stood in stunned silence, mouth agape as the plants in front of her now were loaded with harvest-able food.

  "Sawsbuck, let's walk along these raised beds, show 'em what you can do," Ian said. The group watched in awe as beds of Ian recognized as slight variations of carrots, turnips, cabbage, and barley all grew to full maturity. Upon arriving at the final bed, Ian recalled Sawsbuck with a proud smile. "Councilwoman Irida, do we have your vote to stay the night?"

  Irida looked over the row of raised beds chock full of fully grown plants. "Yes. I may insist you stay more than one night, Lieutenant Ian."

  Ian smiled and gave Plumeria a fist bump. Plumeria's eyes still looked watery, but her scowl had turned to the closest thing she had to a smirk.

  "Is there a limit to your Pokemon's effect?" Irida asked.

  "It takes three hours for it to refresh and repeat on the same plants," Ian said. "It usually grows berries about halfway, the actual trees grow a marginal amount. But after prolonged exposure we've noticed they're growing more berries overall."

  Irida nodded, her eyes increasingly focused on Sawsbuck. "Excellent job Sawsbuck," Ian said. "I promise we'll have some food for you in the morning." Sawsbuck gave an annoyed bleat, but bowed its head as Ian recalled his blessed stag into its ball.

  Gaeric cleared his throat. "Council members, I believe it is high time we got out of this rain and allowed our guests some rest."

  "Indeed," Ingo croaked.

  "Oh Ian…" Irida's voice hit his ears like a beautiful melody. "...what is the name of your line?"

  Of my line? What?

  "I believe it is called a 'last name,' in these times," Irida said.

  Plumeria's head turned quickly in his peripheral vision. "Cougar," Ian said with a dumb smile, remembering his renaming at the direction of Guzma.

  "Ian Cougar…" Irida said, her pale blue eyes looking to where Sawsbuck had been as if envisioning something.

  Oh boy, things are about to get even weirder aren't they?

  ***

  "And no boys allowed until Selene's finished her bath!" Plumeria barked as she slammed the guest house's door to the three Team Skull boys on the patio. Tupp and Hyde at least had blankets, while Ian had been out in the rain with no cover and was shivering his ass off.

  "Can you at least get me a blanket! It's cold as shit out here!" Ian yelled back.

  "Fine!" Plumeria fired back.

  Ian curled up at his designated spot nex to Tupp on the patio under the awning, leaning against the wall and relieved to finally rest his aching muscles. And a lot of information got dropped on me in there. With the Ultra Rift being at the heart of it. Plus what was that "Alola's Original Sin" all about?

  "You know Ian, for once in my life, I don't want to punch you," Hyde chimed in.

  "Really? That's an improvement," Ian said dismissively, returning back to his thoughts on what Nui had just told him.

  "You haven't run any victory laps on my ass," Hyde said.

  "Plumeria said we need to stop bickering. We're in someone else's territory, far from home… The six of us are all we got," Ian said. "You have plenty of reasons to hate me, we don't need to add anymore."

  Hyde paused for nearly half a minute, with Tupp even not wanting to break the silence. "Same, dude."

  Ian gave an agreeing nod and the door opened, with Plumeria tossing him a folded blanket. Ian wrapped it around himself so it was just his head exposed.

  Tupp picked Ian's brain about the council meeting, with Ian not mentioning the Keahi's Cinders bit, but making sure to mention one of the council members didn't like Team Skull.

  "So we on thin ice with that ASF chick? That's fine I guess," Tupp responded.

  The door opened suddenly and Plumeria marched out. "Tupp, Hyde, inside."

  "Big Sis, I can't walk," Hyde protested.

  "Tupp, help him up, I need to talk to Ian in private," Plumeria said.

  Ian shivered, the blanket warming him considerably but not to a truly comfortable level yet. "Can't we do this inside?"

  "We got two rooms in there and I want no eavesdroppers," Plumeria said as Tupp helped Hyde out of the deck's chair. Plumeria then took a seat across from Ian, her eyes focused on him. "I should've brought a blanket…"

  "You can go get one," Ian said.

  Plumeria shook her head. "No, let's just do this now." Plumeria sighed, seemingly preparing herself emotionally for something deep. Here we go. "Tupp, back away from the door! You're not sneaky!"

  "Aw c'mon Big Sis!" Tupp groaned.

  "I'll tell him about your naked picture stash!" Plumeria fired back.

  "You know about that?"

  "Yes, now fuck off!" Plumeria barked. Plumeria returned her focus to Ian, her face returning to its resting scowl-face self. "Okay, a lot went down in there. A lot of information you probably don't know-"

  "I heard about Keahi attacking the Lake of the Sunne," Ian said. "Not the part about the Ultra Rift though."

  Plumeria nodded. "I want you to know I had nothing to do with that attack. I was a part of Keahi's Cinders, like most trainers from Po Town were. I was a part of Guzma's squad, like you are a part of mine. Keahi had four close followers, Guzma being her fifth, and probably her most problematic one, which is why she left us in charge of Po Town instead of sending us to the Lake of the Sunne."

  Ian nodded, comprehending everything. "Plumeria, with what little information I have, I don't think you caused the Ultra Rift to appear. It was screwed up she tried to pin that on you. And even if Keahi did cause it, there wasn't a way you knew something like the Ultra Rift would happen, right?"

  Plumeria nodded. "Not at all." Plumeria then grimaced. "But even if I did, I wouldn't have been able to change anything."

  "I see…" Ian said, a question that had been bothering him since the meeting came to the front of his mind. "Nui said something about Alola's 'Original Sin.' What did she mean by that?"

  "So, I don't know exactly, but I think it was some sort of secret knowledge only Kahunas were supposed to know or something. But I'd sometimes overhear things… It had something to do with why Ultra Wormholes appeared around Alola, even before the Ultra Rift opened."

  Ian's eyebrows rose. "Oh…" That never got explored in the games. "So what you're saying is, Alola's 'Original Sin' is somewhere at the Lake of the Sunne, and it causes Ultra Wormholes to appear?"

  Plumeria nodded. "That's very possible…"

  I'm going to assume it has something to do with Cosmog then, or whatever force makes it appear there. "Thank you," Ian said. "And one more thing that might help you sleep better. If Keahi did cause the Ultra Rift to appear, why wasn't it over the Lake of the Sunne? Why is it here on Mount Lanakila?" Ian asked.

  Plumeria gave a genuine, full smile. A rarity for Plumeria. "That's a good point…" Plumeria took a deep breath and nodded once more. "Thank you for understanding, Ian."

  Ian smiled. "Of course."

  Plumeria's eyes locked onto his, and when she opened her mouth, she spoke with an incredibly delicate tone. "I'd like to return the favor."

  "Return?"

  "Understanding," Plumeria clarified, letting the rain hitting the wooden awning fill the silence. "I'm sure you already know what I'm going to ask."

  Ian grimaced, eyes going to the cold, hardwood deck's floor. Anything but this please. I haven't fully thought this through yet.

  "Ian, do you remember when I told you about the people who live up here?" Plumeria began. "I said they were led by some woman named Irida, and you started thinking about something, and then out of nowhere you said 'Pearl Clan.'"

  Oh shit, I did do that. Ian remained silent, unsure of what to say.

  "And don't go saying you read it in a book somewhere. Irida's not a common name, but it's not uncommon, especially in Sinnoh," Plumeria explained, her tone still very careful, soft. "You knew who she was, knew what group of people she led, and none of us had any clue. How?"

  Ian bit his lip involuntarily. "I…Driftwood uh-"

  Plumeria shook her head, keeping her tone soft and approachable. "You don't have to lie to me anymore Ian. You know things you shouldn't, and your story changes as you go. I promise I won't think you're crazy."

  Ian shook his head. "Plumeria, I'm sorry, it's just gonna open this whole can of worms-"

  "Then let it open," Plumeria whispered. "I promise I won't tell anyone."

  Ian threw the blanket off of him and began getting up.

  "Ian, please!" Plumeria said loudly. "You don't have to run…"

  Ian was already off the patio and in the nighttime downpour and heading to a dimly lit streetlamp, thinking through all of the scenarios, all of the ways this could go bad. If I tell her, I'm crazy, if I don't, I'm dangerous.

  "Ian!" Plumeria shouted angrily, having followed him into the rain. "Come on you're not going to get a better chance!"

  Ian turned around, quietly glad he was in the rain, masking how overwhelming his emotions had become. Plumeria's look of concern shown in the dim light as she neared the streetlamp he'd coincidentally stood next to.

  Plumeria put her hand over her heart. "I swear, I won't think you're crazy, and I won't tell anyone. Please, I want to understand. I want to help you, Ian," Plumeria pleaded.

  Ian grimaced. "It's gonna change everything…"

  "Then I'll help you with that too," Plumeria said.

  Ian grimaced, breathing heavily, mind racing. I have to tell her, so how do I do it? Plumeria put her hand on his shoulder, eyes looking deeply into his. Ian closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "Okay…"

  Plumeria nodded, looking at him attentively.

  "Rylee," Ian said.

  "What?" Plumeria asked.

  "Rylee, the little Faller girl from that Ultra Storm. The one where we fought the Alpha Crawdaunt?" Ian asked.

  "Yeah," Plumeria remembered.

  "Have you talked to Auntie Pula about her?" Ian asked.

  "Yeah, she said Rylee talks about how Pokemon weren't real in her world, how they were a TV show…" Plumeria stopped as the realization hit.

  Ian glared at Plumeria solemnly, his eyes confirming what she had to be thinking.

  "Oh my goodness…" Plumeria said, mouth agape and awestruck eyes looking at him. "That's what it is? Pokemon aren't real where you're from? They're a TV show?"

  "They were also video games for me," Ian admitted. "I played them growing up."

  Plumeria watched him him as if he'd just done magic, her eyes full of wonder, mystery, and a hint of fear. "That makes so much sense though. You know these random, very specific details, and then you turn around and don't know the absolute basic stuff about what we do…"

  Ian watched on grimly as the gears in Plumeria's began turning. Now comes all of the terrible implications. "Let's get out of this rain," Ian said, remembering he was shivering non-stop.

  "Sure…" Plumeria said, turning around and heading back to the shelter underneath the awning. Once underneath, Ian tried to sidestep Plumeria for the door. "Where you going? I'm not done."

  "Well I am," Ian grumbled.

  "There's so many things, things you know then-"

  Ian shook his head. "I don't. So many things are different."

  "Like what?" Plumeria asked.

  "The Aether Foundation is apparently good? How the fuck is Surge here and why does he have a Zapdos? Not even mentioning I have no idea what the fuck the Ultra Rift is-"

  Plumeria signaled him to lower his voice. "Okay, I… I understand. This was a lot for you. You can go inside."

  Ian felt a raindrop that might've been a tear fall down his cheek. "Thanks, Big Sis."

  Plumeria nodded. "Of course."