The warm Alolan sun wrapped around us the moment we stepped onto the golden sands of Melemele Island.
After the long flight, a quick hotel check-in, and a full night of much-needed rest, we headed straight to the beach first thing in the morning.
The morning sea breeze carried the scent of salt and distant flowers as I looked out across the sparkling water, while the steady rhythm of waves rolled gently onto the shore.
High above, a flock of white-and-blue Pokémon glided across the open sky.
"Winguuull! Winguuull!"
Their cries rang bright and clear over the water.
"A Wingull," I said, staring up with open fascination. "Just like the book I read on the plane… but even better in person."
But I soon let out a small sigh as they drifted farther away. As always, the sight of a new Pokémon only made me want to get closer, touch it, study it, and learn everything about it…
That longing faded when I looked at the three Pokémon walking beside me.
A smile found its way onto my face.
The beach was pleasantly quiet, with long open stretches of sand and only a handful of visitors scattered in the distance.
[Note: Alola had not yet become the famous tourist paradise it would one day be, as shown in the anime.]
Even so, more than a few eyes drifted our way as we passed.
Some looked at the scenery.
Most looked at my Pokémon.
Beside me, Meowscarada moved with her usual confident sway, tail flicking lazily behind her.
"Nyaa~"
She looked effortlessly stylish. Sunglasses rested atop her head, a bright pink flower sat beside one ear, and a light blue wrap skirt patterned with leaves swayed around her hips. She walked like the entire beach existed to admire her, and judging by the stares, she was not wrong.
On my other side, Lopunny walked with quick, cheerful steps, her long ears bouncing lightly with each movement.
"Lopuuun~!"
She wore a cute white-and-pink swimsuit that matched her lively personality perfectly. With her soft cream fur, bright smile, and sunny energy, she drew just as many glances, especially from families passing nearby.
Just behind us, Gardevoir followed at an easy pace, never straying far.
"Gar~"
Unlike the others, she needed little to stand out. Her natural elegance suited any setting. The only addition was a wide white sunhat decorated with a soft pink flower.
It made her look graceful, refined, and somehow even more radiant beneath the tropical light.
More than one person turned for a second look as she passed.
"Ready for the water?" I asked with a grin, pulling out the guidebook I had bought earlier.
It listed beach games, food stalls, rentals, and several water rides.
That last part had my full attention.
Lopunny's long ears drooped instantly.
"Lopuuunny…"
She shook her head with complete refusal. One glance told me she had no interest in soaking her fur in seawater.
I turned to Meowscarada.
She visibly shivered, then waved both paws in rejection.
"Nyaa…"
Right. She still remembered the last time experience with salty water.
With a sigh, I looked to Gardevoir.
"Gar~"
She smiled softly, stepped forward, and slipped her hand into mine without hesitation.
I could not help grinning.
"Then let's go."
Behind us, Meowscarada had already claimed a shaded beach bench and stretched out beneath an umbrella like royalty. While Lopunny had knelt in the sand nearby, fully focused on building what looked like a very ambitious sandcastle.
…
When we reached the booking area, several rides were available to choose from. Sharpedo for thrill seekers, Mantine for gliding above the waves, and smaller attractions meant for children and families.
But I chose Lapras.
Its broad shell could comfortably hold two riders, and it looked far more peaceful than the others. Truthfully, every option looked tempting. Seeing so many new Pokémon up close only made me want to try them all.
We climbed onto its smooth back.
Gardevoir settled at my right side on the broad shell, close enough for me to keep an arm around her waist and steady us both as Lapras began to move.
She glanced back once, her cheeks faintly warm beneath the brim of her hat.
"Gar ♡"
Lapras gave a gentle, melodic cry and began to glide forward, carrying us across the sparkling water.
…
In the lively morning market of Hau'oli City, a small Eevee trotted along the crowded path.
Her fluffy fur shimmered under the warm Alolan sunlight, still neat despite the long journey she had endured.
Hunger pressed at her belly. She shook her head with a small frustrated huff, ears flicking.
Ever since she had spotted that human leaving for the airport with his three smug Pokémon, she had followed him in secret all the way to Alola. And now she was here… starving.
Her eyes locked onto an elderly woman's stall stacked high with berries. The woman noticed her staring and smiled softly.
"Oh, you poor thing," she said kindly, picking up a handful of berries. "Here, eat these."
In Alola, it was normal for people to casually feed wandering Pokémon, especially in places like Hau'oli City markets. It wasn't a strict rule, just how things were here, humans and Pokémon living side by side.
The Eevee's ears twitched. For a moment she hesitated… but old habits took over.
In a flash, she snatched the berries from the woman's hand and darted away between the stalls.
"Vee! Vee!"
Since the Team Rocket incident, she had been living like this. Always scavenging, always moving, surviving day to day, with something sharp and bitter quietly growing inside her.
She didn't stop until she slipped behind a stack of wooden crates. Only then did she sit down, quickly devouring the stolen berries, their sweet juice finally easing her hunger.
That human… and his Pokémon… she thought, eyes narrowing. They made a fool of me once. I followed him all the way here. I'm not letting it end like that.
She licked the berry juice from her paws, tail flicking low and steady.
Food first.
Then she would find them.
"Vee…"
-><-
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