“Haa! Haaa! Haaa!”

Adrian laid on the ground looking up at the sky as he started to doubt his decision.

“No use complaining now, kid. Get ready, your break is almost up.”

“Haa! Okay.”

Adrian struggled to stand up on his feet as he slowly pulled himself up.

Brian nodded his head as he looked at the hulking figure sitting at his side.

“Pan, You’re up.”

The hulking figure nodded its head as it lifted itself up.

Adrian looked at the figure with a pale face as he got ready.

Pangoro looked over Adrian with a sinister smile as he cracked his knuckles.

“Ready?”

The two nodded their heads as they took their positions.

“Low Sweep!”

Pangoro’s leg shined brightly as he swept it towards Adrian’s direction!

“Haa!!”

Adrian jumped over the leg quickly as Pangoro got back into position.

“Karate Chop!”

Now his left hand began to glow as he sent it straight down towards Adrian’s head!

“Ugh!!”

*Boom*

Adrian quickly rolled away from the chop as it cracked the ground!

“Vital Throw!”

Pangoro’s hands began to glow as he tried to grab Adrian!

“Sol!”

*Sou*

A string of web hit Adrian’s back and yanked him backwards from Pangoro’s grip!

“Good Job, Pan. Switch out.”

Pangoro nodded his head as he went back to the sidelines and squatted down.

“Bishop. It’s your turn.”

“Pawn!”

Adrian could see a familiar face get up from the side and approach him.

It was the Pawniard his father had caught long ago.

It got in front of Adrian and bowed its head.

Adrian did the same but kept his eyes on Bishop.

Brian nodded his head with pride as Bishop got into position.

“I’m glad you don’t fall for that anymore. He had that Suckerpunch ready too.”

Adrian could see a dark aura surrounding Bishop’s left arm as he grimaced.

‘Almost got me again.’

Adrian and Bishop took their stances as they watched each other carefully.

“Ready!”

The two became tense as they watched each other.

“Scratch!”

Bishop took a swipe at Adrian!

Adrian dodged and circled around Bishop!

“Slash”

Adrian could see his shining left blade heading towards him!

He ducked under it and drew some distance away from him.

“Pursuit.”

Bishop was surrounded by dark energy as he went to tackle Adrian.

Adrian crossed his arms to block the attack, but was pushed back against the ground!

“Slash!”

Bishop’s arm shined as he slashed vertically at Adrian.

“Tch!”

He quickly rolled out of the way as a large gash appeared on the ground.

“…..”

Brian was silent for a moment as he looked at Adrian with a contemplative look.

Adrian watched Bishop for a moment, then turned to his dad with a confused look.

*Bam*

“Ugh!?”

Adrian suddenly held his stomach as Bishop took his arm out of it.

‘Sucker Punched again?!’

Brian shook his head with a smile.

“Never take your eyes off a Dark Pokemon, Adrian. We always get up to some shenanigans.”

Bishop nodded his head as he smiled.

Adrian could only mumble curses as he tried to stand up again.

This time, however, he couldn’t find the energy in his legs to get up.

Brian nodded his head as he saw this and tapped on the window behind him.

“Honey, can Hatty come heal him?”

There was silence for a moment as Hatty appeared before Adrian with a teleport.

The tentacle on her head reached over Adrian as a droplet of energy formed on the end of the tentacle.

The drop fell and landed on Adrian, covering him in a green aura.

Adrian started to raise himself from the ground as he felt a bit better.

“Thanks, Hatty.”

[You’re welcome. Don’t push yourself too hard.]

Hatty smiled and teleported back into their house.

Brian got up and pulled out one black and one regular Pokeball.

“Good job, you two. Rest well.”

The two nodded their heads as they returned to their Pokeballs.

Adrian watched them return with a curious gaze.

“Hey Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are their Pokeballs different colors?”

Brian looked at his Pokeballs for a moment before looking back at Adrian.

“That’s because one of them is used in my Battle Mantra. Bishop is my next Pokemon I’m going to use.”

“You never really explained how it worked.”

“Because I know you’re going to try it without telling us. “

The two looked at each other for a moment before Adrian turned away, bringing a smile to Brian’s face.

“Ha! I knew it. Blood is thicker than water after all.”

“I just wanted to try it….”

“No. When you step into this practice, you aren’t able to come out. Hear all the details when you’re truly ready before you jump into something you know nothing about.”

Brian’s serious face halted all of Adrian’s ideas as he nodded his head.

“Come on. Let’s go get breakfast.”

The two walked into the kitchen as Adrian saw a bizarre sight.

His mother was cooking breakfast while Sugar and Ripley seemed to be doing…yoga?

[And breathe.]

Next to them was a humanoid Pokemon with gray skin and what looked like pink/purple pants.

Medicham opened her eyes and looked at Adrian.

[Welcome back, Young Master. Did your training go well?]

Adrian sat down and responded.

[It was tough. Bishop keeps catching me off guard.]

Medicham nodded her head as she watched the two Pokemon stretch.

[Bishop has strong instincts. You’ll have to get used to fighting a Pokemon like him. It’ll do you good in the long run.]

[I see.]

[Don’t worry, sweetie. You’re doing well with training.]

Adrian felt a new link connect with him as he saw Astrid turn to him with a smile.

[Just keep your chin up. We all had to go through this as well.]

[Thanks, Mom.]

“Haaa. Can you guys not? I don’t want to just talk to Sol all day.”

“Lar!”

The three turned to Brian and laughed as at his unamused face.

“Sorry, Dear. It’s a habit.”

“Haaa. Anyway, Adrian just asked about what our black Pokeballs meant. Should we tell him now or later about it?”

Astrid became serious as she thought for a moment.

She shook her head shortly after as she continued to cook.

“Not yet. He isn’t ready.”

Brian nodded his head and shrugged at Adrian.

Adrian stayed silent and grew more determined to figure out what those Pokeballs meant.

*Ring Ring Ring*

“Hm?”

Brian turned to his Rotom Phone that floated out of his pocket.

When he saw who was calling, he frowned.

“Tch! What does this guy want?”

“Honey?”

“Just give me a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Brian stood up and quickly headed outside.

Adrian looked over at his mother as she opened the window slightly for them to hear.

[Medicham. Make a cone shape for us to listen in.]

Medicham nodded as her eyes began to shine with blue energy.

Astrid turned to Adrian and held a finger to his lips.

[Keep it a secret, okay?]

Adrian nodded rapidly as he and his Pokemon all leaned closer to the window.

Her gaze turned to Medicham who nodded her head and focused a Reflect at an angle close to Brian.

She slowly turned it into a cone shape and stealthily brought it closer to his head.

His phone and his back came into view from the window as Astrid put a finger to her mouth, making sure the Rotom kept its mouth shut.

“What is it, Nanu? I thought you would be drinking right now?”

[Heh! As if I have the time. I still have a duty as a Kahuna.]

“As If that stopped you before!”

Adrian could see a white-haired man with a grin he had only seen on his Dad when he’s going to do something bad.

[Adrian.]

[?]

He turned to his mother and saw her frowning deeply.

[Don’t end up like that man, okay?]

[Umm, Okay?]

[Good.]

As the two came to a strange understanding, Brian finally got serious.

“Alright. What’s the problem?”

[Can’t I call without needing anything?]

“You can, but you don’t.”

Nanu scoffed as he stayed silent for a moment.

[I need your help to stop a Pokemon. It may need a permanent fix.]

Adrian felt a chill down his spine as he saw the change in the man’s demeanor.

“I thought you Alolan’s never liked killing Pokemon like that?”

[We don’t. The problem is the Pokemon is a Totem challenger.]

“What?!”

Brian grew serious as well as he frowned.

“I thought they just passed the title down to the next Pokemon?”

[This is not a passing of the title this time. It’s turning into a free for all.]

Brian’s face became more serious as he listened to Nanu.

“Explain.”

[The Totem Raticate and Rattata populations are being attacked by groups of Meowth lead by a Persian. We also have sightings of Pikipeks attacking both groups.]

Brian rubbed his temples as he felt a headache.

“That doesn’t sound good at all.”

[It isn’t. The ecosystem is going haywire as more and more Pokemon from the forest are coming into the towns and homes for shelter. This leads to the three groups coming into town to try and feed on Pokemon or each other in town. It’s like a madhouse out here.]

“So you need me to kill one of the group leaders?”

Nanu nodded his head with a grim expression.

[Yes. Raticate must stay as the Totem, but the other two must at least be stopped. The league would likely wipe out the population if they come down and deal with the situation.]

“So, you chose to contact me instead.”

The two were silent as Brian seemed to close his eyes and think about the situation.

After a bit of time, Brian opened his eyes with a determined gaze.

“Alright. I’ll do it for you. This will be considered one of my favors.”

[I can make it two if you want.]

“Deal! Get me a cup of that MeleMele brew too.”

[Now you’re asking for too much.]

“Come on~.”

[Pft! Deal with your family first before you bargain.]

*Click*

The call ended with Rotom quaking in fear.

“……”

Adrian shivers as well as some cutlery and food start to rise around his mother.

Her face was not amused as she looked at Brian.

“You’ve been drinking?”

“…..”

Brian took off in the distance as fast as he could!

Adrian was quickly picked up by Medicham as he saw his mom open the window completely and chase after his father.

“…..”

[Astrid doesn’t like Brian drinking, so she usually punches him until he throws it up. Sadly, Brian doesn’t seem too keen on giving up that vice.]

*Boom*

Adrian turned back around and saw clouds of dust rising up as his Mother punched at his Father.

Adrian vowed to himself that he would definitely not end up like his Dad. Especially if he gets a wife like his mother.

…..

Adrian sat quietly on the back of Honchkrow in front of his father. He looked at the bandages now wrapped around his father’s stomach and wondered if he was healthy enough for this mission.

“Don’t worry about me, kid. You just have to think about the mission. Your first mission. Got it?”

“Yes Sir!”

Brian nodded his head as he saw the wide expanse of blue water they were crossing over.

“Our objective now is to figure out the locations of the two usurper Pokemon and eliminate the ones that won’t yield. You, on the other hand, have groundwork to do. Check the locations where the Pokemon come from quietly and gather information from the locals and the Pokemon as well. Be respectful and calm, son. This will be your trial run.”

*Kaaaw*

Adrian nodded slowly as Honchkrow cawed. The island was barely visible to Adrian, but Honchkrow could already see it.

“Let’s get this done quickly. The longer we stay here, the more your mother will suspect I’m drinking again.”

Adrian could feel his father shiver slightly as they headed towards the island.

The two landed quietly at the outskirts of the Iki town as Brian put Honchkrow away before surveying the area.

“Hmmm…”

Brian looks at the nearby quiet forest and frowns.

He puts his hand on Adrian’s shoulder and points forward.

“See this, son. This quiet forest is always a bad sign. Pokemon usually let out cries every now and then, especially the Bug type Pokemon. Silence means they’re all asleep somehow or more likely, they’re scared and gone.”

Adrian nodded his head.

“Which one do you think it is, Dad?”

“By the looks of this place now, it looks like the later. The sun is still up after all.”

Brian looked at the area for a moment more before heading into town.

Adrian followed behind him as he checked his belt.

Two red Pokeballs hung on his belt as he checked their location for the 6^th time since they left.

His mother lent him one of her Pokemon for protection while his father also gave him a Pokemon as well. They were to only be used in case of emergency.

‘Okay. Let’s do our best!’

Pumping himself up, he caught up to his father as they walked into town.

His father walked silently with confidence, his black cloak moving softly in the wind. The black and white Pokeball logo was prominently displayed as he walked.

Adrian was dressed in his own cloak this time, wearing a gray version of the same cloak. He wasn’t told what it meant, but he figured it must be a trainee’s attire.

He silently followed his father as he checked the different houses along the way.

He saw some houses with holes patched up and some were even missing big chunks of their structure.

As the two kept walking, they began to attract the attention of the residents.

“Ah. It’s come to this…”

“Thank Arceus! We can finally get some peace soon.”

People started to express their happiness as Brian ignored them and continued to a raised house on a hill.

Adrian looked at the house and noticed an old man standing in front of the house, staring at his father.

He could see the man had on a yellow jacket with a blue inner shirt and white pants.

He was a big man, proudly displaying his white hair and moustache.

The man was brimming with a threatening aura as Brian got closer to him.

“I am not fighting you again, Hala.”

“Come on! It’s tradition at this point!”

Hala spread his stance wide as his aura rose rapidly!

“Dosu!”

Adrian couldn’t even see the attack as his father also blurred at high speed to meet his attacker!

*Bam*

The fists of the two clashed a short distance away, making the wind ripple around them!

‘So fast!’

The two held their position for a moment as the air slowly calmed down.

“…….”

“…….”

The two stared at each other for a moment before Brian shook his hand.

“Gah! You still hit like a truck!”

“Hahahaha! You can never forego training because it will never forego you!”

Brian shook his hand for a moment longer before shaking hands with the man.

“How’s everything, Hala?”

“Haaah. I wish it could be better. Alola to you, Brian.”

Hala looked over Brian’s shoulder and noticed Adrian.

A grandfatherly smile came upon his face as he walked over to Adrian and clapped his shoulder.

Adrian was confused as he braced himself, but the old man had immense strength!

“Gahaha! A strong boy, just like my Hau! You must be Adrian!”

“N-Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Gahahaha!”

Hala continued to clap his shoulders as he turned to Brian.

“He’s nothing like you were when we first meet. I had to knock you a few feet before you got a clue.”

“Give him a few years. I’m sure my genes are in there somewhere.”

“Not with Astrid around! Anyway, I’m happy you’re here.”

Hala let Adrian go as he walked over to Brian.

“Come inside. We’ll discuss some strategies.”

“Grandpa! Are you okay? I heard a boom outside!”

The three turned to a young boy with dark green hair heading towards them.

Once he arrived, Brian could see Hala’s aura lighten as he turned to the boy. He wore a black shirt with orange shorts.

He looked over everyone curiously until his eyes settled on Adrian.

“Alola! Are you two friends with my Grandpa?”

Brian looked over at Hala and smiled.

“You could say that. Are you Hau?”

Hau nodded his head with a smile.

“Yep! Who are you?”

“I’m Brian. This is my son, Adrian. We’re here to help solve the Pokemon problem you guys have.”

Hala sighed as he looked at Brian.

“Did Nanu tip you off?”

Brian shrugged his shoulders.

Hala sighed again as he kept a mental not to get back at Nanu for this.

…………

The four sat inside the living room of Hala’s house as he served some refreshments.

“So how is Galar?! Do they have malasada there too?”

“What’s a malasada?”

Adrian watched as Hau’s entire face grew stone cold.

“You’ve never had malasada?! We have to fix this!”

“Wait Hau! Let’s talk first before you two go off somewhere.”

Hau sadly nodded his head and sat down, but Adrian could sense his thoughts were only on malasada.

“So can we get a real idea of what’s happening here?”

Hala nodded his head.

“The ritual of the Raticate Totem passing is going to happen this week, but other Pokemon are trying to stop it from passing to claim the power for themselves. As far as we know,  a strong Persian has taken control of the Meowth population and attacked the Rattata. A local trouble making Toucannon has also joined in as well, looking to take over the area.”

Brian nodded his head slowly for a moment as he thought of the situation.

“Where did the Meowth attack from?”

Hala stood up and pulled out a map from a nearby shelf. He placed it on the table in front of Brian. The map was already marked with the location of the Raticate nest as well as the points where they exited the forest.

“These are the locations we first spotted them appearing from.”

Brian looked at the map for a moment in silence.

“They usually appear with a Meowth or two chasing a Rattata. Raticates might also be seen chasing the smaller Meowths. The tiny ones end up entering houses in the town while the Meowths don’t care and follow them. Raticates will try and squeeze in if they can.”

Hau explained to Brian and Adrian as he pointed to one of the exits.

Adrian realized something as he looked at the exits.

“That means the people inside will have to deal with impromptu Pokemon battles in their own homes?”

Hau frowned as he nodded his head.

“That’s it. Those of us with Pokemon have them assist the Rattata and fight them off, but it’s been going on for about a week now. People are getting fed up with it.”

Brian kept silent as he reached for his phone.

“Rotom. Call Nanu.”

*Ring Ring Ring*

Hau and Adrian watched as Brian silently waited for the call to connect. Adrian could feel that his Dad was becoming more tense as he looked at the map.

[You made it?]

“I did, but now I have a question you might have the answer to.”

[What?]

“I’m looking at this map on their attacks. Why does this look like one of your insertion strategies?”

The room became silent as Halu looked over the map with renewed energy and a cold expression.

Hau and Adrian could feel the air becoming tense as Nanu’s sigh could be heard on speakerphone.

[I hope you’re wrong.]

“A successor of yours?”

[…Someone I took care of for a bit.]

“……”

Brian sighed and shook his head.

“How’d they lose control?”

[Domestic dispute. Things were said that they shouldn’t have. Blows were exchanged. Spouse didn’t make it.]

“Suspect gone from the scene into the forest?”

[…..]

Brian’s hand hit his forehead as he felt that headache come back.

“You really owe me for this one.”

[I know.]

“I’ll get it done, but you will have to tell Astrid what you left out of this mission. I brought my son with me to get the basics of hunting Pokemon. Not us.”

[…..Okay. I understand.]

*Click*

Brian cut the call as he stood up.

“Change of plans. Adrian, you’re going to hang out with Hau for a bit. Work together to gather some clues. He should help with the investigation. You don’t have to go too deep in the forest. Just gather what you can.”

“Yes Sir!”

“I’ll do my best, Sir!”

Both Adrian and Hau nodded their heads while Hala’s shoulders slumped.

“Go on and get some information quick while there’s still daylight. Things are going to get serious once night falls.”

Adrian nodded his head as he made his way out of the living room with Hau right behind him.

Brian waited for the two to leave before he turned to Hala with a frown.

“Get ready, old timer. The hunt is on.”

Hala sighed once more before standing up.

“I just wish we didn’t have to hunt anymore.”

Brian shook his head as he looked over the map.

“New generation. New problems.”

…….

Adrian looked at the item in his hand and curiously inspected it.

“This is a malasada?”

Adrian inspected the donut-like object as he saw Hau devouring one in record time.

*Gulp*

He gulped as he saw Hau’s face morph into one of pure bliss.

“A-Are they that good?”

“Yep! They’re the best!”

“I think I got the Mago flavored one? Is that good?”

“I love them all!”

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have got three of them.’

Adrian looked at the bag containing the other two and sighed.

‘Oh well. Let’s try it.’

Adrian opened his mouth and bit down on nearly half of it.

“!!”

Rich, creamy mago cream came out of the dough with a crunchy texture and a hint of honey and powdered sugar.

“Oooooh!”

Adrian felt a shiver run up his spine as he relished the flavor.

Hau watched this all with a smile on his face.

“Told you. Malasada’s are the best.”

Adrian couldn’t believe how good these were!

He bit down once more and the malasada was gone!

He looked at his empty hand for a moment before looking at his bag with two more.

‘No! I-I need to save one for Dad. Yeah, that’s right.’

Using what willpower he had left, he closed the bag tightly as he took a deep breath away from the bag.

“L-Let’s start the investigation.”

“Okay!”

Hau laughed as he zoomed over to one of the nearby houses.

The two began to collect information from the residents that were at home.

The two quickly noticed that the attacks and battles happened at night most of the time with some attacks happening rarely in the day.

They pulled the most information from a man who usually sleeps during the daytime because of his night shift patrols.

“They usually come out of the bushes chasing after each other. I never see the birds though. They might only come out during the day to scavenge whoever couldn’t escape. Corpses are sometimes left on the outskirts of town.”

Adrian nodded his head as he took notes.

“Did you notice anything strange about the Pokemon? Anything you thought was weird or odd?”

The man started to think for a moment before nodding his head.

“You know what? There was something strange about them. Those Meowths. They were very coordinated with each other. I remember them always being distracted by coins and such, but they haven’t fought any Murkrow recently. Even the spare change in my house the last time they came barreling in was left alone.”

Adrian noted this information down with a grim face.

‘Meowth are known for their love of money and shiny stuff. There’s no way anything normal is happening if they ignore shiny objects.’

“Thank you for your time, sir.”

“No problem! I hope you stop them from coming into town. Let them hash it out in the forest!”

Adrian nodded his head as Hau waved goodbye to the man.

“So? Where should we look now?”

“…..”

Adrian thought for a moment before nodding his head.

“The beach. It might have some clues there we can use.”

“Okay! I’ll show you the way!”

The two headed down towards the beach as Adrian noticed the sun would be setting soon.

‘They move at dusk. We better hurry.’

*Kiii!!*

“Huh?!”

Adrian suddenly stopped as he heard a strange sound in the air.

“What’s wrong?”

Adrian grew silent for a moment before handing the bag over to Hau.

“Hold my Malasadas.”

“Huh?”

Hau was confused as his hand held the bag.

Adrian said nothing as he dashed off quickly towards the sound.

*Ba-dump Ba-dump*

His heart grew a weird sense of worry as he felt something bad would happen if he slowed down.

He came to the beach and saw a group of three cats with gray, sleek hair standing around something.

They were three Meowths standing over something in the middle of their huddle.

“Hey!!”

“Nyaa?”

The cats turned in shock as they saw a grey blob of darkness rush towards them as they faced the sun!

“Nyaa!!”

The three ran away quickly as Adrian came up to what they were surrounding.

It looked like a small shrimp-like of sorts, but it was covered in blood and wounds.

He quickly scooped it up in his hands and charged back towards the town!

“Hey! What happen-“

“Where’s the Pokemon center?!”

Hau froze and quickly pointed towards the center as soon as he noticed the Pokemon in his arms.

Adrian quickly dashed in the direction as Hau followed him!

……..

The two waited in the emergency wing of the Pokemon center.

“…..”

Adrian thought about what he saw as he rushed his way down the beach.

‘They seem to be practicing their moves on weaker Pokemon. Are they getting ready to attack the nest?’

Adrian thought about it for a moment more before he noticed Hau staring at him.

“I’m fine. Sorry about snapping at you.”

“It’s okay! You wanted to save that Pokemon, right? I can respect that.”

Adrian nodded his head, but a frown suddenly replaced his smile.

“Hau.”

“Hmm?”

“The wounds that Pokemon had. They were repeated over and over. Why do you think they did that?”

Hau frowned as he thought about the question with clenched fists.

“They must’ve wanted to torture that poor Pokemon! Dark types can be pretty cruel.”

“….”

Adrian shook his head lightly as he thought of it more.

“I don’t know. Why would they do something like that at this time?  It didn’t look like the Pokemon even wanted to fight either.”

Adrian tilted his head as an odd thought crossed his mind.

“Were they practicing their moves on a live target?”

Hau looked at him in shock!

“Why would they do that?! I’ve never heard of a Pokemon attacking another just for kicks.”

“…..”

*Click*

Both of their heads turned to look at the nurse that walked out of the emergency room.

Her hands were shaking a bit as she looked very antsy.

“D-Did you bring in the recent injured Pokemon?!”

“Yes. Is it okay?!”

The lady grabbed his arm and dragged him into the hallway towards the room.

“It’s fine. But it won’t stop zipping around! Y-You gotta stop it!”

*Bam*

The nurse all but pushed him inside the room with Hau running behind him as she closed the door!

“”……””

Adrian and Hau looked at each other for a moment, then back at the room.

It looked like a mess as they noticed the gurney’s sheets were sprawled everywhere.

Berries and other health objects were scattered on the counters and the ground.

The most noticeable thing, however, was the part of the sheets that were shaking rapidly close to the ground.

“Hau. Can I have those Malasadas now?”

“Eh? Sure.”

Adrian grabbed the bag as he thought for a moment.

“Pokemon can eat these too, right?”

Hau nodded with a smile.

“Yep! It’s better when you eat it with them together. I’m going to eat them with my partner next year!”

“Yeah? Why next year?”

Hau smiled brightly as he put his hands behind his head leisurely.

“It’s because it’ll be my time to take on the Island Challenge!”

“Island Challenge?”

“Yeah! I’ll be able to go around the other islands with my Pokemon and take on the trials and the other Kahunas like Grandpa! It’s a right of passage around here to try it once we’re 11.”

“Huh? That sounds cool. I wonder if I can try too?”

Hau tilted his head.

“Maybe? We’ll have to ask Grandpa when we get back.”

“Right. Speaking of getting back, let’s go help this little guy first.”

Adrian slowly walked over close to the shaking cover as his eyes began to glow.

[Hello.]

{Who?! Where?!}

He could see the bundle practically vibrating nervously as his link connected.

[Don’t worry. No one is going to hurt you. The Meowth are gone now.]

[What about the scary big Pokemon?!]

Adrian tilted his head as he thought for a moment.

[The humans? They were healing you. They’re gone too.]

[Humans? Like the ones with the red ball of death that tried to abduct me?!]

Adrian couldn’t help but sigh. The poor guy seemed to have a hard time.

[Don’t worry. In here, no one will catch you. I promise.]

[…..]

He could see the vibrating dying down, but it wasn’t completely gone.

[Why did you help me?]

[…I don’t really know. Something seemed to tell me that I would regret it if I didn’t help you out. I think you have what I need to complete this mission.]

[……]

The two were silent for a moment before Adrian took another step.

[Are you feeling better now?]

[Yes, but this place is scary.]

[I can understand that. I brought you here so you could be healed. I can take you out as well, but you’ll have to trust me, okay?]

Adrian took another step and crouched down.

[I’ll take you back to where I found you if you are too scared, but only during the day. The Meowth will be out at night. They might come find you to hurt you again.]

[But the Pikipeks are around during the day!]

[?]

Adrian turned to Hau for a moment.

“Hau. What’s a Pikipek?”

“Ah! It’s a little black and red bird Pokemon. They’re a little feisty bunch.”

“Huh.”

Adrian turned back towards the shaking bundle as he decided to execute his back-up plan.

[Are you hungry?]

[……]

[I’ll take silence as a yes then. I have a good treat here for you. I’m going place it next to you on the ground. I promise you’ll like it.]

Adrian opened his bag and placed one of the Malasada’s on the ground next to the bundle slowly.

He backed away a bit as he saw the bundle cautiously go near the malasada and sniff it.

Moments later, he could hear faint chewing sounds from the under the gurney.

The sounds soon became loud as the malasada visibly began to disappear.

‘Bet that was a good flavor…’

Adrian felt a tinge of regret, but he quickly wiped it away.

He helped someone. That wasn’t a bad reward by itself.

[T-Thank you.]

[You’re welcome. Now I do believe it is rude to not talk face to face.]

[…..]

[I’m going to remove the sheets from above you, okay? Don’t be alarmed.]

No answer came back to him, but he could see the shaking had mostly stopped.

‘Better than before at least.

Adrian slowly raised the sheets from the floor back to the gurney and revealed the Pokemon.

A gray and red shell entered his vision as yellow eyes stared back into his blue ones.

The Pokemon timidly looked at Adrian for a moment before it broke eye contact.

“….”

Adrian didn’t know what this little shell wearing Pokemon was, but he did know someone who did.

“Hau. What is this Pokemon called?”

“Ah! That’s a Wimpod!”

Hau’s outburst shook the little guy again for a moment before Adrian calmed him down through his link.

“Don’t shout, Hau. He just got comfortable.”

“Sorry.”

Adrian reached into the bag again and pulled out the last malasada.

The Wimpod’s eyes shined brightly as he looked at the doughy goodness.

Adrian smiled softly as his eyes began to glow once more.

[I’ll give this to you as an apology. Can you tell us what you know about those Meowths?]