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Chapter Text

The flight from Kalos to Alola was a long one. But despite the long time spent in the plane, Izumi was looking forward to it. When the former champion had personally requested she help him update the outdated Pokédex of Alola, Izumi immediately accepted. Alola is a new place with new Pokémon and people…and meant a new start away from Katsuki.

“Are you excited too, Inkay?” The girl asked as she, her mom and partner sat in the plane. But while Izumi was buzzing with excitement, Inkay was trying to hypnotize the flight attendant into doing a funny dance. But something about his hypnotic powers hadn’t fully set in, or any of his Psychic moves for that matter.

Izumi loved Inkay, but he could be a bit…of a handful.

“It sure is hot here.” Inko laughed awkwardly as unfortunately for the Midoriya’s, they weren’t used to Alola’s tropical climate, having been living in the slightly colder Kalos. “Let’s..find some shad-Izumi!” Right as Inko wanted to find some shade, she saw Izumi, who wished she would have caught a Bergmite before leaving, so she could use their ice moves on her all day. But since she didn’t catch an Ice type before leaving, she had to crawl into the ocean.

The sea was heavenly. Finally, Izumi could cool off…unfortunately, it didn’t look so heavenly from the outside. There, it rather looked like a girl trying to down herself by laying face down in the sea. So of course, someone pulled her up.

“Hey now, why are you trying to catch a Water type while you can’t swim?” A nice girl, a brunette with rosy cheeks, asked as she helped Izumi out of the water. “Please don’t drown yourself.”

“I wasn’t..I just needed to cool off.” Izumi huffed, looking away embarrassed. But then, she saw Inkay dive into the water. “Come back, Inkay. It’s too far to go back to Kalos.”

“Wait, you’re from Kalos?” The brunette asked. “Mister Aizawa and Mister Yagi told me about you. You must be my new neighbors! I’m Ochako Uraraka.” She introduced herself, pulling Izumi with her towards Izumi’s house, all the while the greenette looked around.

“Pikipek, the Woodpecker Pokémon. A Normal/Flying type. They have strong neck muscles that allow them to violently shake their heads. Despite that, they sometimes have to stop when they get a headache.” She pointed at a Pikipek that flew by. “Yungoos, the Sharp fang Pokémon. A Normal type. With its sharp teeth, it will bite anything. It did not originally live in Alola but was imported from another region to hunt Rattata.” Then a Yungoos ran by. “Grubbin, the Mandible Pokémon. A Bug type. They dig through the ground to find electrical wires in houses. They then cut through it for fun.” Lastly, she saw a Grubbin digging to the surface.

“Woah. You’re just here and already know the Pokémon. You’re like a walking Pokédex.” Ochako laughed, causing Izumi to chuckle.

“Yeah, I love Pokémon…most of them at least…I’m Izumi Midoriya by the way.” She introduced herself as she and Ochako entered the nice cool inside of her new house.

The new house wasn’t huge, but it felt welcoming. The front door opened into a bright living room, where soft wicker chairs with colorful cushions faced a low table. The kitchen sat just behind it, small but tidy, with clay pots of herbs on the windowsill. A hallway led to two bedrooms. One for her mom, and one freshly painted in pale green for Izumi, with space for Inkay’s little bed by the window. The bathroom was simple, tiled in cool blues that reminded Izumi of the sea. Upstairs, there was a small loft that opened onto a balcony, perfect for watching sunsets and maybe even spotting wild Pikipek flying past.

Not far behind them was Inko, who was being helped into the house by a green haired woman with an orange bandanna. Behind her was a little girl with white hair, carrying Inkay inside. 

“So you must be the Midoriya’s. I’m Emi Aizawa, and this is Eri.” The woman introduced herself and her daughter.

“Thank you for welcoming us, Miss Aizawa. We’re very grateful for your hospitality.” Inko said as she, Izumi and Inkay bowed for Emi, causing Eri and Ochako to giggle.

“Girls, girls, stop it. We don’t want them feeling unwelcome.” Emi warned lightly, causing Eri and Ochako to try and stop their giggle fit.“As the wife of the Kahuna, I’d love to invite you to tonight’s festival,” Emi continued warmly.

“How lovely…please tell me it’s once the sun sets.” Inko sighed with a tired smile, making Eri giggle again and Emi nod.

Once the sun sank below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of pink and orange, Izumi and Inko stepped outside, ready to head to the festival. Ochako was already waiting, her coral-pink romper glowing softly in the twilight. “Follow me! The festival’s just a short walk from here.” 

“So Ochako, have you lived here your whole life?” Inko asked as she adjusted her wide straw hat, her lavender sundress swaying lightly in the evening breeze. “Maybe you can show Izumi around. She tends to get lost while in her own head. Inkay is the only reason she even gets home once she sees a new Pokémon.”

“M-Mom!” Izumi yelped, cheeks turning red as she fiddled with the flower in her hair. Inkay meanwhile started snickering at her. “I-Inkay!”

Ochako laughed, looping an arm around Izumi’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Miss Midoriya, Inkay. I’ll take good care of her. Even though I haven’t been born here, in Alola, we treat our friends like family.”

“That we sure do!” Emi’s voice rang out suddenly, and the trio turned to see their neighbor stepping into the lantern-lit path. Her soft smile was framed by the warm glow of festival lights. She opened her arms wide. “You two finally made it.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Inko replied with a gentle laugh, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Her lavender dress shimmered in the soft light. Inkay meanwhile spotting Eri nearby. The little girl was sitting under a tree, sipping from a coconut while a feline Pokémon purred at her feet.

“Persian, the Prideful cat Pokémon, an Alolan form and Dark type. A prideful and arrogant species. They act high and mighty but aren’t below fighting dirty. In fact, they prefer it.” Izumi explained as she quickly took a photo of the cat. Because she was asked by the Kalos Champion to take photos of all the new Pokémon she saw…Which meant she had to find another Pikipek, Yungoos and Grubbin. Anyhow, this Persian seemed less cruel than the rest of their species. 

“She sure does that. Forget Gumshoos and Yungoos, Persian is the biggest danger to the Rattata population.” A long haired man with an eyepatch suddenly appeared behind the Midoriya’s and Ochako. “Though Raticate are too much work for her. Still, she knows how to behave herself in front of Eri.”

“Shooo, maybe introduce yourself first.” Emi sang, before doing it for him. “This is Shota. Our island’s Kahuna, and my husband and father of my child.”

“What a weird way to introduce me.” Said husband sighed before extending his hand towards Inko. “Still, welcome to our island. I hope you’ll enjoy it…though I need your daughter for something.”

“Mister Aizawa, aren’t you going a bit too fast?”

“I’ll get to you later, Ochako.” After all but telling her to be quiet, Shota turned his attention back to Izumi. “In other regions, like Kalos, you had the league. But here, we have the island trials. You go around the four islands of Alola, beat trials against totem Pokémon and their trainers called trial captains. Once you beat all of them on an island, which on Melemele is fortunately only one, you’ll take on that island’s Kahuna, and move one to the next island.”

“…I have one question.” Izumi began…before pointing behind Ochako. “What’s that?” What she was pointing at was a black, purple, blue and yellow gaseous creature, which was dancing with a dark-skinned girl with pink hair.

“N-Nebby No!” Immediately Ochako ran to the little guy, picking her up. “No running off, okay. You might get lost.”

But Nebby didn’t want to be held. She wanted to dance. So the only solution was of course to swing her arms around in Ochako’s face.

“I like this little one.” The pinkette laughed, waving at Nebby as Ochako brought her back to Izumi.

“This is Nebby. She loves dancing, eating sugar, watching sci-fi movies, and causing me stress.” Ochako explained while putting Nebby in her backpack. “So in busy places, Nebby goes into the bag.”

“I know the feeling. I used to put Eri on a leash, as well as Emi.” Kahuna Shota added before reaching into his own bag. “Normally, I wouldn’t do this since you already have a Pokémon in Inkay. But if you want, I could give you an alolan starter.”

“S-Sure!” Immediately, Izumi got excited for her first Alolan Pokémon.

“Great, here are our region’s starters. I personally requested them from Toshinori. So a little thanks for not having to go to the other side of the region.”

He threw up three pokeball, from which three Pokémon came.

“Rowlet, the Tiny Owl Pokémon. A Grass/Flying type. They hunt at night and use photosynthesis during the day. While they can fly silently, young Rowlet sometimes rolls to get around.” Rowlet spun his head, turned around, and then winked at Izumi with his body turned around. “Popplio, the entertainment Pokémon. A Water type. They live for applause and work really hard to make people happy with their tricks. It’s said that bouncy castles were based on their balloons.” Immediately Popplio blew a big bubble with his nose before pushing it to Ochako.

“…I’m taking that one..can I, mister Aizawa?” Ochako asked, already having Popplio in her arms. As for the water type, he looked content.

“Sure, have fun with him.” Shota shrugged before turning back to Izumi, who still hadn’t said Litten’s Pokédex entry, despite knowing the other two. Instead, the greenette looked at the cat with widened, scared eyes. “… and lastly Litten, the Fire Feline Pokémon. A Fire type. They show no emotion, but if a trainer clicks with them, they’ll know exactly what the Litten wants.” Litten was licking herself..inappropriately. 

“…I’ll take the Rowlet.” Izumi said, sounding weirdly direct. 

“Excellent choices.” If he was honest, Shota hoped for this outcome. Because this meant he could keep Litten…only for him to immediately see Eri extending her hand towards Litten, who padded forward, brushing against her legs. Eri giggled, dropping to her knees to pet its fur. “So soft…” The Fire type purred, curling protectively beside her. 

He supposed Eri was old enough for her own Pokémon.

After some partying, it was time to eat from the barbecue that was set up. And to Izumi’s surprise, Rowlet was in fact a carnivore, as it scarved down an entire hamburger patty with Inkay still trying and failing to hypnotize Eri and a couple other kids.

But then Ochako sat down next to him, with Popplio and Nebby not far behind. “Hey Izumi, wanna see something? Then come to the beach.” She asked before walking off, with Izumi following her, with food in hand, to the beach where she and Ochako met.

Once there, Ochako pulled out another pokeball. She opened it, bringing out a Meditite. She levitated in the air while meditating, before grabbing a meatball from Izumi’s plate with Psychic. Seeing Meditite steal a meatball, Rowlet did the same.

“I’m from Hoenn originally.” The brunette told her with a smirk. “I was a newcomer once and found my place, and so will you.”

That was the nicest thing someone had ever said to Izumi. That he, one day, would fit in.

Fit in, in Alola.

.

.

.

Then Izumi got splashed by water.

“By the way, have you cooled down yet?” The brunette asked, giggling behind her hand while Nebby was laughing out loud.

“…No idea, you tell me.” Izumi said with a smirk before she sent a wave towards Ochako and her Pokémon.

“..Popplio, use Water gun, softly.”

While the island inhabitants partied in the center, Izumi, Ochako and their Pokémon had a splash fight in the sea.

EXTRA:

Three alolan Rattata: enter the Midoriya household at night, looking to steal food.

The leader of the trio: Points at the fridge, right before being swept up into the air.

Rowlet: drops the Rattata on a plate before sprinkling salt and pepper on it.

Rowlet, turning to the two other rats: shushes them before pointing at Izumi, Inkay and Inko, who are all asleep.

The two Rattata’s: whimper before slowly leaving as Rowlet put an Oran berry in the leader’s mouth.

———————————

Inko, the next morning, as she is making Lechonk bacon: Woah Rowlet, you already ate three. You must have been hungry.

Rowlet, scarfing down his fourth strip, just like he did with Rattata last night: *coos happily*

Chapter Text

Izumi woke to the sound of voices. Groggy, she rubbed her eyes and blinked at the two figures standing by her bed. Ochako and little Eri. The former was wearing a wide straw hat, an orange floral tank top, white shorts and brown sandals. As for Eri, she was wearing red overalls over a white shirt.

“…Please don’t eat me,” Izumi mumbled, pulling her blanket up to her chin. “I’m probably not very tasty.”

“Relax, Izumi. I just brushed my teeth,” Ochako replied with a perfectly serious tone, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed the joke. She crossed her arms like a stern teacher. “But really, you should get dressed if you want to be on time for school.”

“…I’m sorry, what school?”

“Oh! Can I tell her, big sis Ochako?!” Eri bounced on her toes, hand raised like she was in class already. At Ochako’s nod, she launched into a story with wide eyes. “So back when Mama and Papa were younger, there was a boy who didn’t know how to be a trainer, and then his face got burned by a Marowak!”

“What?!” That got Izumi to fully wake up, hair sticking up in all directions as she sat upright.

“Pretty sure the real story is that a boy tried battling without knowing what he was doing, and he got attacked.” Ochako laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. “That’s why everyone has to take the trainer class before they start their island trial. To keep us safe!”

“…And how long does that class take?” Izumi asked, already dreading the answer.

“Depends on the person.” Ochako scratched her cheek and looked away sheepishly. “I’ve been… busy with it for four months.”

Izumi paled. Four months? She pictured herself trapped at a desk, Inkay still unable to hypnotize people while Rowlet grew round and lazy off cafeteria food. The image nearly made her flop back into bed.

Instead, Inkay yanked her blanket away with a very very weak Confusion and tossed her clothes onto her lap. From the kitchen, the smell of pancakes and Lechonk bacon drifted in, and she could hear Rowlet happily cooing mid-bite.

“Traitors,” Izumi muttered, but she got dressed anyway.

After getting dressed in a pale yellow top tied neatly at the waist with splashes with faint colors, teal shorts, black sneakers with red trim and yellow bows, Izumi left with Ochako and Eri to the Pokémon school. A bright building with wide windows and painted murals of Pokémon loomed ahead, cheerful banners swaying in the breeze.

“This is the Pokémon Trainer School,” Ochako announced, gesturing grandly as if she hadn’t spent months here already. “Here, you’ll learn battling basics, field safety, and how not to get your face split open.”

Izumi swallowed her nerves as they climbed the steps. She wanted to be out in the wild, discovering Pokémon. Not be stuck in a classroom. Still, if this was the path to the island trials, she’d face it head-on.

Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of chalk dust. Rows of desks faced a blackboard, where Miss Emi stood humming to herself. Beside her, a tall marine Pokémon hummed along in harmony, its long, flowing hair glinting in the light.

“Primarina, the Mermaid Pokémon, a Water/Fairy type and the final form of Popplio. If you can hear Primarina’s gorgeous singing voice, it either means good luck, or that you’ll be wet. It’s known to keep peace between more aggressive aquatic Pokémon.” Izumi recited while pulling out her camera.

Primarina trilled softly, tilting its head as if acknowledging her. Emi turned, her smile warm. “Midoriya, how nice to see you at our prestigious school.” She clasped her hands together before continuing, her voice carrying a teacher’s authority, despite her jokey attitude. “Now, I know you want to go on your adventure as fast as possible, so Shota helped you out.”

She picked up a piece of paper and held it out for Izumi and Ochako to see.

• Pass the theory test 
• Beat our strongest student

“Pass these two tests, and I’ll give you a pass on the trainer exam.”

“…Ochako, do you see this?” Very slowly, Izumi held the paper up for her friend like it was a sacred relic. “A way for us to get out of school!”

“That’s great…but why Izumi?” Ochako asked, shoulders drooping. Shota didn’t bother to make it easy for her.

Emi’s lips twitched, and then she lowered her voice, adopting a flat monotone in a surprisingly good impression of her husband. “I need that girl to get Toshinori off my back. She already connected with two Pokémon, so she should be fine.” Dropping the act, Emi chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “He sees potential in you, Izumi. Which, according to him, you’ll probably waste in school.”

The first half of this special exam was theory. A teacher would ask Izumi and Ochako questions, and they were not even allowed to have one wrong. And that teacher was:

“Mom?” Izumi asked as immediately, Inkay and Rowlet flew towards Inko to hug her…for more meat and ink pasta in general. “What are you doing here?”

“Izumi, how do you think I’ll pay for groceries and so forth? I need a job and Emi was hiring.” Inko explained before walking to the front of the class. “Now I’ll dictate the question but you can say you need a bit more time to answer. We have an hour afterall.”

“Thank you, Miss Midoriya.” Ochako said before turning to her new friend. “Let’s do this, Izumi.” She said, balling her fist in excitement…probably because she expected the same questions as last time.

“Alright, first question: From which region was Gumshoos originally?”

That wasn’t one of the original questions.

“Oh! Paldea. They moved here because of the increase of Raticate and Ratatta!” Izumi yelled through the classroom, raising her hand up high.

“Correct baby, now question two: what’s the most dangerous apex predator on Akala island?”

“I believe it was Araquanid. Though people aren’t sure if it helps or eats smaller Pokémon.” Ochako answered, remembering this one from the previous exam at least.

“Excellent. Now which Pokémon has the most forms in Alola?”

“Minior!” The two girls yelled in unison.

“Good, now a harder one. Name every Rock type Pokémon in Alola.” Inko asked with a smirk. “I’ll help a little. There are nine.”

“…Do you count Lycanroc as three separate ones?” Izumi asked, causing her mom to nod. “Okay. Lycanroc Midday, Dusk and Midnight, Rockruff, Alolan Golem, Graveler and Geodude, and Minior…Which am I missing?”

“Corsola.” Ochako immediately said, earning her a confused look. “What? We got them here too..they’re just being hunted by Mareanie and Toxapex.”

“Correct you two. Now, the last hardest question.” Inko then started drumming onto her desk to increase excitement. “How many Wishiwashi are in a school form?”

“…..C-Can we please have a moment, miss teacher?” Izumi asked before she and Ochako huddled together, whispering furiously.

“Fifty?” Ochako guessed, scratching her head.

“No, no, I remember reading something about a hundred!” Izumi whispered back.

“Tick tock, girls. Time waits for no trainer.” Inko tapped her pen against the desk, smiling serenely.

Just then, the classroom door slid open with a clack. A tall girl with long, raven-black hair tied neatly back stepped inside, her school uniform pressed and perfect. At her side lumbered an Oranguru.

“Oranguru, the Wise Pokémon. A Normal/Psychic type. It’s said that Orangutu are one of the smartest Pokémon in the world, though they are also antisocial. Records have shown that Oranguru can train other Pokémon like humans.” Izumi quickly took a picture before the new girl spoke up calmly, carrying a faint authority of someone used to being obeyed. “It’s a trick question.”

“Why is that, Miss Yaoyorozu?” Inko asked.

“Not every Wishiwashi school is equally big. Sightings of them being as big as a Mudsdale, an Executor and even a Wailord have been documented. There is no one true amount of individual fries.” Oranguru nodded as if to finish her sentence.

Izumi’s jaw dropped. “….So did we fail or not?” 

“No sweetie, you two passed since it was a trick question. Though don’t forget to thank Miss Yaoyorozu.” Inko said, only for Momo to shake her head. “You can thank me later. For now, pass this exam.”

“Right…Tenya.” Ochako mumbled with a tone that screamed utter dread. Could this Tenya be the reason Ochako had been stuck at school for months?

On cue, the door at the far end of the classroom slid open again. Heavy, precise footsteps echoed as a boy in a crisp uniform marched inside. His posture was perfect, his expression severe, and his rectangular glasses glinted with the sunlight spilling through the windows.

“Miss Midoriya,” he said, bowing at the waist with military-like discipline. “I have come as the headmistress requested, to oversee the practical examination of our new candidate.”

“…Oh no. Not him.” Ochako audibly gulped.

“Who is he?” Izumi asked, which the boy heard.

“I am Tenya Iida, class representative and top student of the Trainer School! It is my solemn duty to ensure every challenger meets the highest standards of safety and discipline. If you cannot withstand my team, you are not ready for the island trials!” He snapped his heels together and raised a hand in a crisp salute. 

“…He’s intense.”

“Intense?!” Ochako whispered, clutching her hair. “He’s unbeatable! I’ve gone up against him three times already! Three! And every time, Lycanroc wipes the floor with me and Meditite. Meditite! So I had the type advantage!”

“You relied too much on Detect.” Tenya pointed out calmly, as Rowlet ate a Lechonk sandwich (stolen from Izumi’s bag), while Inkay spun around Oranguru. Because if he could give others instructions, he had to know how to hypnotize someone too.

It didn't take long for a crowd to appeal outside, with Eni standing in the middle and clapping her hands with an almost musical rhythm, cutting the tension. “Wonderful timing, Tenya! Now then, Izumi, Ochako. For this exam, the two of you will fight together in a double battle against our star student!”

Tenya adjusted his glasses, his tone solemn as he threw two pokeballs on the field. “Prepare yourselves. Dugtrio, Lycanroc, battle stance!” He ordered as a trio of blond moles and a brown wolf came out of his pokeball.

“Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon, a Rock type. When properly raised from a young age, it will become a trustworthy partner that will absolutely never betray its Trainer.” Izumi muttered out loud before turning to their other opponent. Dugtrio, the Triplet Mole Pokemon, Alolan form and a Ground/Steel type. Despite being called triplets, they aren’t related. Evolving Diglett emits a sound with their hair, and the first two that respond get to join into Dugtrio.”

“Really Izumi, now of all time?” Ochako sighed before choosing Meditite…WHO immediately used Psychic to put Popplio’s Ball in the ring.

If she had to fight that Lycanroc one more time, she would jump into the sea. So today, Popplio could deal with that.

As for Izumi, she chose Rowlet..because Inkay was still trying to figure out how to do hypnosis.

“A Psychic type that’s bad at Psychic moves. How weird.” Seemingly out of nowhere, Mina appeared behind our duo, wearing a loose, dark purple t-shirt paired with short, comfy pink shorts. A shell necklace rested against her collarbone. Beside her, Eri and Litten, clapping in rhythm. 

“Izumi! Ochako! You can do it!”

“Yeah girls…though I heard he’s a former trial captain on Ula Ula.”

“Mina, please stop talking.” Ochako sighed as Tenya adjusted his glasses.

“Dugtrio, Sandstorm! Lycanroc, Accelerock!” Immediately Dugtrio whipped up a whirling storm of sand, cutting visibility. Lycanroc blurred into motion, slamming Popplio before he could react.

“Popplio!” Ochako cried out, but her starter barked defiantly, shaking it off.

“We can’t see! Rowlet, get above the storm!” Izumi shielded her eyes. Rowlet hooted and shot skyward, breaking into the clear air above. From there, he could track the battlefield. “Now, Leafage! Keep Lycanroc off Popplio!” Green leaves rained down, slicing through the haze, forcing Lycanroc to leap back.

“Popplio, follow up with Water Gun at Dugtrio!” Ochako commanded. The blast of water shot forward, but Dugtrio ducked effortlessly, burrowing underground. 

“Predictable.” Tenya’s voice cut like a blade. “Lycanroc, Accelerock on Rowlet! Dugtrio, give him a boost!”

Dugtrio burst up to the service, giving Lycanroc a boost before he became a blur of stone, leaping high to catch Rowlet midair.

“Rowlet, Peck! Meet it head-on!” Izumi cried as Rowlet tucked his wings and dove, his glowing beak clashing with Lycanroc’s Accelerock in midair. The impact shook the air, both Pokémon thrown back, Rowlet spinning before righting himself.

“Popplio, don’t back down! Disarming Voice!” She shouted as Popplio’s ringing cry burst out in shimmering waves, hitting Dugtrio, who recoiled.

“Impressive. But not enough.” Tenya’s glasses flashed. “Dugtrio, Earthquake! Lycanroc, Rock Throw!”

The ground convulsed. Cracks split the battlefield, throwing Popplio off-balance. Meanwhile Lycanroc hurled glowing stones upward, pelting Rowlet mid-flight. After that, Tenya told his duo to keep going.

“Rowlet!” Izumi’s heart clenched. “Think, think, thi“-“Izumi, we need to take them down one by one! Keep Dugtrio busy for a little!” Ochako’s voice cut in, urgent but steady. 

Izumi’s eyes widened, before nodding at her friend. “Right. Rowlet, Use Leafage as a cover!”

Rowlet flinged leaves in a spiraling storm that scattered the incoming rocks. But the leaves kept going, spinning around Dugtrio and Lycanroc, shielding Popplio from the wolf and moles’ sight. This gave Popplio and Ochako a chance. “Popplio, Water Gun, full power!” Ochako yelled.

The water blast surged. Dugtrio took the hit head-on, crying out as it was forced back underground.

“Lycanroc, Accelerock!” Tenya ordered as Lycanoc sped towards Popplio, who was ordered to blow a bubble as a shield.

This left the Wolf Pokémon wide open.

“Rowlet, Leafage!” Izumi cried out, causing Rowlet to hit Lycanroc straight on, causing him to faint like Dugtrio.

“Both Dugtrio and Lycanroc are unable to battle.” Emi declared, her voice rising above the cheers of the crowd. “The victory goes to Izumi and Ochako!”

Rowlet landed proudly on Izumi’s shoulder, puffing his feathers. Popplio bounced into Ochako’s arms, barking triumphantly.

“WE WON?!” Ochako gasped, eyes wide. She hugged Popplio tight. “We won!”

“We actually did it!” Izumi grinned, adrenaline buzzing through her veins. 

“Yaaay! Big sis Izumi, big sis Ochako, you’re amazing!” Eri squealed, throwing her hands up, with Litten briefly stopping licking her paw.

Tenya returned his fainted Pokémon with disciplined precision. His face was stern, but there was no anger, only respect. He bowed deeply. “You coordinated under pressure, adapted to disadvantage, and supported one another. An admirable showing.”

“Well done, both of you! That was an impressive display of teamwork and strategy.” Emi added as she reached into her bag and pulled out two small, gleaming devices. “As a reward, and to officially mark your status as certified trainer candidates, you’ll each receive a Z-Ring.” Izumi and Ochako’s eyes widened as Emi handed them over carefully. “These aren’t just accessories,” Emi continued, her tone more serious now. “They allow your Pokémon to unleash their full potential using Z-Moves. You’ll need them if you plan to tackle the island trials.”

Ochako held the Z-Ring in both hands, her fingers trembling slightly. “Wow…this is real. We’re really starting the trials?”

“Yes,” Emi said, smiling warmly. “And speaking of trials, your first challenge will be right here on Melemele Island, under the supervision of none other than Momo Yaoyorozu.” She as Momo stood with Oranguru beside her, poised and serene.

“Wait…she’s…holding our trial?” Izumi whispered to Ochako, her voice barely audible.

“That, I’ll do. At my trial site, I’ll strive to push you two to your limits.” Momo said with a dignified tone. “By the time you’ll face mister Aizawa, you’ll be full-fledged trainers, I’ll make sure of it!”

Before Izumi or Ochako could say something, Inko, who had been quietly observing from the side, stepped forward. “Girls, it’s time to start this next chapter. I…well, I’ll be at home, cheering you on from here. Take care of each other out there.”

Izumi and Ochako both hugged her quickly. “Bye, Mom, love you.” Izumi said, with a teary eyed Inkay joining the hug.

“Love you too, sweetie.” Inko laughed before turning to her daughter’s team. “Inkay, Rowlet, don’t cause too much trouble.” Inkay saluted her while Rowlet cooed.

Just then, Mina bounded forward, her shell necklace clinking as she ran. “Hey! I’m coming too!” She said, beaming. “No way am I stuck in that classroom while you guys go on the trial. Besides…” She waved a hand toward the Z-Rings. “I want to see how awesome you two really are!”

“..Don’t you need to pass the exam too?” The other two girls asked in unison.

“Oh, I'm not an actual student here. I just hang out here for funsies.”

After realizing this brought up too many questions, Izumi and Ochako allowed the pinkette to join their journey, causing Emi to laugh.

Together, the group left the Pokémon school, the sun high over Melemele Island, casting golden light on the path toward their first true challenge.

EXTRA:

Lycanroc: walks though the school like a guard dog, watching to see if everyone is following the rules.

Meditite, Popplio and Nebby: watch him pass by.

Meditite: gives him a dirty look.

Nebby, wanting to help her big sis: walks to Lycanroc and uses Teleport, before returning ten seconds later without Lycanroc.

Lycanroc: stranded on top of Mount Lanakila

Chapter Text

Izumi adjusted the strap of her backpack as she stepped onto the bustling streets of Hau’oli City. Immediately, the air was filled with the chatter of trainers, street vendors calling out their wares, and the occasional cry of a wild Pokémon. On her shoulders, Inkay and Rowlet looked in awe at the busy city. 

“I present to you, the biggest city in Alola.” Ochako said from beside her, carrying Popplio while Meditite held her hand like a little kid, and Nebby was napping in her bag.

“I bet you don't have such big cities in Kalos.” Mina added, only for Izumi to tell her A: Lumiose city existed, and B: she was born in Cyllage city. “Never heard of either.”

“Lumiose city is one of the biggest cities in the world, and it’s currently going through reconstruction so it should get bigger. As for Cyllage city, it’s a decently sized city in Kalos, even having a gym there.” Momo clarified before wanting to start explaining her trial. “As you might now, Alola has a special ecosystem where most pokemon live in harmony..but,”-“Wait, wait, wait!” Mina’s voice cut her off, drawing everyone’s attention to a colorful shop across the street. “Do you see that? They have all the newest Pokégear and accessories!” She practically dragged Izumi and Ochako toward the display.

“Uh…Mina,” Izumi said, trying to sound serious but clearly tempted by the sparkly gadgets in the window. “We’re supposed to be learning about the trial.”

“Oh, come on!” Mina laughed, waving her hand at the other girls. “You can learn about trials later. Right now, look at all this cool stuff!”

Izumi and Ochako blinked in surprise, before both glancing at Momo for guidance. To their shock, Momo’s stoic expression softened slightly, and she tilted her head toward the shop.

“…I suppose a brief stop wouldn’t hurt.” Momo said quietly, and then, almost imperceptibly, a small smile curved her lips. “It has been some time since I last shopped.”

Once Oranguru sighed, Ochako knew they were done for. Still, Momo was unbothered, her hands delicately handling a neatly folded scarf. 

Izumi stifled a laugh and nudged Ochako. “I guess trials can wait a little. Who knew the top trial captain had a side of…fashion?” Izumi mumbled…before seeing a pair of red sneakers she liked.

At that point, the group lingered in the warm city streets, browsing through Pokémon supplies and accessories. Even Momo seemed to find joy in the simple act, carefully examining items with a thoughtful expression. The group’s laughter and chatter mingled with the city’s hum as they continued to explore Hau’oli.

After buying…a lot (including those red shoes for Izumi, as well as meat and ink pasta for Rowlet and Inkay respectively), the group followed Momo out of the bustle of Hau’oli and into a quiet neighborhood where elegant houses lined the street. When she stopped in front of a tall, white-walled home with polished wooden gates and neatly kept gardens, Mina gave a low whistle. “Dang, rich much?”

“This is…modest,” Momo replied calmly, though her faint blush betrayed her.

The gates slid open automatically, and immediately a small army of Minccino scurried out. They zipped past the group with military precision, sweeping the ‘dirty’ intruders with their tails. “And who are these cuties?” Mina cooed, trying to pet one of the Minccino, only to get yelled at by a Cinccino, who probably was the captain.

“Minccino, the Chinchilla pokemon. A Normal type. They are little nitfreaks and will dust any new object they come across. They sleep while holding their tails and nuzzle into it.” Izumi explained before turning to Cincinno, who now stood next to her trainer Momo. “Cincinno, the Scarf pokemon and the evolved form of Minccino. A Normal type. Their white fur gives off an oil that's good for cleaning skin. They hate mud with a passion.” She finished as she quickly took a photo of both. “They aren’t native to Alola, are they?”

“Correct.” Momo smoothed her skirt as if explaining something utterly ordinary. “My family imported Cinccino and its offspring specifically to maintain our home. Their natural tidiness is…effective.” Cinccino trilled proudly, gesturing to two Minccino scrubbing Oranguru’s fur until it gleamed. 

“That’s…amazing!” Ochako gasped, watching a Minccino polish a lamp post.

“When more than a handful of one non-native species are imported, the Pokémon League requires they be registered in the Alolan Pokédex to maintain ecological balance. It is the law.” Momo explained smoothly. 

“…Of course she knows the law by heart,” Mina whispered to Ochako, who nodded.

Before anyone could reply, a sharp caw split the air. The group turned to see a group of Pancham running by, playing soccer with an empty can they found.

“Where did they come from? Pretty sure they aren't native either.” Ochako asked skeptically as Izumi stiffened. She tugged at her collar and spoke a little too quickly. “Ahaha! P-probably a traveler’s partner? But we’re getting off track, right?! The trial. Let’s, uh, talk about the trial!”

Ochako blinked at her sudden change of subject, but let it go. Mina raised a brow, curious, while Rowlet tilted his head all the way around to study Izumi.

Momo clasped her hands in front of her, serene as ever. “As you may know, each trial ends in a battle with a Totem Pokémon, whose power far surpasses that of their kin. I prepared not one but two, my Gumshoos and Raticate.”

“Two?” Ochako squeaked.

“For maximum efficiency. If one gets tired, the other could take over. I also intended to have the challenger face the one their team would have the most trouble with.” Momo nodded, as though this was the most logical thing in the world. 

“…But?” Izumi prompted when she caught the faintest twitch in the heiress’ expression. Her composure cracked for only a moment before she adjusted her ponytail. “Unfortunately…as natural enemies, they have been locked in constant combat since training began. Oranguru, Cincinno and I have done our utmost to maintain order, but their animosity is…persistent.”

As if on cue, Oranguru gave a long, exhausted groan and rubbed his temples.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Mina pointed at her, grinning. “You, Miss Perfect Trial Captain, set up two Totems and they’ve been, what, beating each other up instead of fighting challengers?”

Momo’s back straightened. “It is a temporary complication,” she said with perfect dignity, even as both Cinccino and Oranguru patten het on the back. “But one I intend to resolve….But I need your help. So please, follow me to the trial site.”

The path to Verdant Cave was quiet compared to the bustle of Hau’oli City. Outside the cave, a small group of Alolan Diglett peeked nervously from the dirt. They stayed clear of the action, knowing instinctively that the battle ahead was not for them. Especially since next to them sat a Midnight Lycanroc that had tried to stop the fighting. Judging by him literally being flung out of the cave, the Wolf Pokémon didn’t stand a change.

“Alright everyone,” Momo started, holding her hand up firmly. “This is…delicate.”

The moment they entered, the chaos hit them as a Hyper Beam collided with a Giga Impact. Totem Gumshoos and Totem Alolan Raticate were locked in a brutal struggle, with their armies of minions (Yungoos, normal Gumshoos, Rattata and normal Raticate) clashing around them like a ball of claws and teeth. At the Raticate side, a young Yungoos was stuck in a cage made of sticks, with the same happening to a Rattata at the other side.

“Oh…oh no. They’re…holding them hostage!” Ochako’s eyes went wide. 

“Those are their children. If either gets hurt, this could get far more ugly.” Momo said, her voice calm but firm. “Cincinno, Oranguru, hold the grunts.”

Oranguru immediately stepped forward, using Psychic to push back the minions as Cinccino used Hyper voice. “This is our moment to face the Totems. Midoriya and Uraraka, your trials are to hold off the totems so I can save the hostages.” As she said this, Mina immediately volunteered to grab the other kid, while Izumi and Ochako split up the totems with Leafage, Dark pulse, Bubble beam and Psychic until they were on complete other sides of the cave.

Once they were split up, Totem Raticate turned to Izumi, its massive body glowing with aura. Still, the greenette pointed forward. “Inkay, Rowlet! Dark pulse and Leafage, together!”

Inkay put his hands near his head and pressed until dark energy came from it. Rowlet followed instantly, wings glowing green as he launched a storm of Leafage. The attacks smashed into Raticate’s chest, but the Totem only lowered its head and growled. Its thick body had protected it from the attacks.

“…Oh, come on!” Izumi roared, right as Rowlet hooted. His eyes darted down to Raticate’s thick tail. And then, with the single-minded instinct of a hungry predator, he dove. Before either Izumi or Inkay could react, Rowlet clamped his beak onto the Totem’s tail, trying to tear off a bite of meat. Raticate in turn let out a furious screech, before its tail turned silver and hard as it swung around with a brutal Iron Tail, slamming Rowlet across the cavern.

“Rowlet!” Izumi cried.

As the owl hit the wall, Inkay shot forward and spat ink into Raticate’s face, blinding it as the beast staggered back to wipe off the ink. This of course made Inkay snicker, which annoyed the totem Pokémon. Its cheeks bulged with blinding orange light, aura flaring like fire. “Hyper Beam,” Izumi realized in horror. “Everyone, scatter!”

The cavern roared as a massive beam of energy tore across the stone, blasting Inkay and Rowlet back to Izumi’s side. Raticate panted heavily, chest heaving, but it didn’t press the attack. Instead, she turned, eyes flashing toward the ongoing Gumshoos fight at the other side of the cave.

“It’s trying to jump into that fight?!” Izumi gasped. “No way! We’re not letting you add to that chaos! Inkay, use Hypnosis!”

Inkay once again concentrated as he lit up his spots. But Raticate just looked at the Topsy-turvy Pokémon with an unimpressed look.

blinked, eyes sparkling as hearts drifted through the cavern. They fluttered toward the Totem, only for Raticate to snarl, wholly unmoved.

“….*sigh* we really should figure out Hypnosis sooner rather than later.” Izumi sighed in defeat as Inkay sighed in defeat too. Rowlet meanwhile just tilted his head, confused. Still, Izumi wouldn't give up, clenching her fists. “Then we finish this our way! Rowlet, one more shot, give it everything!”

Rowlet hooted sharply, his wings glowing with a new, powerful energy. His body blurred, movements faster than Izumi had ever seen.

Acrobatics

Rowlet darted past Raticate’s claws, flipping through the air. He struck its legs, then its flank, weaving around its bulk until the massive Totem stumbled. Now that she was losing her footing, Raticate slammed down to one knee, snarling.

“Now, Inkay, Tackle!”

Seeing this as his chance at redemption in front of Izumi, Inkay shot forwards and slammed against Raticate’s enormous front teeth.

*CRACK*

The Totem reeled back with a shrill screech, a chipped tooth flying into the dust. Its eyes blazed, aura burning hotter than before.

Izumi gulped, feeling Rowlet land back on her shoulder, puffing up proudly. Inkay meanwhile floated back towards his trainer, snickering at the damage he did.

The cavern went silent except for Raticate’s growl, low and rattling. This wasn’t about Gumshoos anymore.

“…Well,” Izumi muttered, forcing a grin despite the sweat on her brow. “At least now it’s only mad at us.”

The Totem Raticate lowered its head, eyes locked on Izumi’s team alone.

Ochako planted her feet firmly on the cavern floor, Popplio bouncing at her side and Meditite floating a few inches off the ground. She stared up at the towering Totem Gumshoos, though he didn't look at them, but a way to get past them to Raticate.

“Alright, Meditite, Force Palm!” Ochako commanded, hands raised as the little fighter charged forward.

Meditite launched a swift Force Palm, smacking Gumshoos squarely in the chest. For a moment, it blinked. But then, without warning, the Totem swung its head downward in a devastating Iron Head. Meditite barely leapt back, panting as Gumshoos once again tried to leave.

This offended Meditite. Its little eyes narrowed. How dare it ignore her? So she darted forward again, hand glowing, and unleashed another Force Palm. Gumshoos, finally acknowledging the offense, striked back with Crunch, forcing Meditite to use Detect. This went on for a bit. Meditite attacking, Gumshoos swinging, Meditite dodging. And so on until Popplio had enough.

He inhaled through his snout, and blew a stream of sparkling bubbles toward Gumshoos, but the attack misfired slightly, striking the cavern floor and sending the massive Totem stumbling. 

For a moment, everything was quiet, until a Rattata started laughing at Gumshoos’s mud covered fur.

So after grabbing the rat and eating it alive, Gumshoos roared in frustration, aura flaring as its eyes snapped toward Ochako. 

“Oh no,” Ochako whispered, as a rumbling echoed from the other side of the cavern. Turning the the source, Ochako saw Izumi’s team running, with the Totem Raticate after them

Fortunately, before the totem duo started fighting each other again, Momo’s voice cut through. “Enough!” She emerged with Cinccino at her side, dust on her pristine uniform. Mina followed behind her, her hair a mess but grinning ear to ear despite the scratches on her arms.

“Got ’em!” Mina panted, holding up the squirming Rattata. Beside her, Momo carefully cradled the trembling Yungoos.

The Totems froze mid-snarl. Their glowing eyes locked on their children, and they called down a lot. “Go on,” Momo said softly, setting Yungoos on the stone floor as Mina crouched low, nudging the Rattata forward as well.

The two little ones hesitated for a moment, before running to their parents..together. “It’s..like Romeo and Juliet, but fluffy!” She cheered out loud.

The Totems’ growls quieted, replaced by confused grunts. Gumshoos bent low, sniffing his daughter, while Raticate nudged her son protectively closer. They glanced at each other, before both sighing. For a brief, miraculous moment, peace settled in Verdant Cavern.

But then Gumshoos and Raticate’s gazes turned towards Izumi and Ochako with grins on their faces.

“….Maybe we shouldn't have made them so angry.” Ochako mumbled very softly, clinging to Izumi in fear.

EXTRA

Gumshoos and Raticate: fighting once again.

Cincinno: considers stopping them before Momo sees it.

Cincinno: uses Sing to put them to sleep, before leaving again.

Gumshoos and Raticate, as soon as they wake up: start fighting again, despite not remembering why they originally fought.

Chapter Text

As soon as Gumshoos, Raticate, Yungoos and Rattata roared at our duo and their team, Izumi decided to take a picture of their opponents for her Pokédex. You know, to calm her nerves since massive rodents with razor sharp teeth were snarling at her. “Gumshoos, the Ambush Pokémon. A normal type and the evolved form of Yungoos. Gumshoos watch their prey from a distance to study their daily patrons, then rip them to shreds with their powerful teeth. Though they make great security guards.”

“Please stop.” Ochako whined.

“Rattata, the Rat Pokémon. An Alolan form and Normal/Dark type. They’re pests that team up to steal as much food as possible. Though if they are foiled too often, these tiny crooks will resort to ransoming other Pokémon and even human children for food.”

“I’m serious, Izumi.”

“Raticate, the Rat king Pokémon. An Alolan form, Normal/Dark type and the evolved form of Rattata. They lead legions of Rattata like a mob boss, even taking most of the food in exchange for protecting Rattata from Gumshoos. Their teeth can bite through bones with ease.”

“I’m going to hit you if you don’t stop right now, Izumi!”

“What?…They are fun facts.”

“You’re right, but you know isn’t fun? Four pairs of sharp teeth ready to, as you so delightfully shared with me, rip us to shreds and bite through our bones with ease!” Ochako yelled before ordering Popplio to use Bubble beam, only for the Yungoos to use Protect. “*sigh* Meditite, stop her with Psychic.”

But this time, Rattata got in between Meditite and Yungoos, shielding his friend from the Psychic type attack.

“..I liked them better when they were fighting.” As Ochako said this, Izumi decided to help her friend out by having Rowlet use Leafage to split up the rodents. Soon leaves spiraled out, slicing through the air and forcing Rattata and Yungoos to dodge, but their parents were unbothered by the attack. “Inkay, use Hypnosis.”

“Izumi, don’t take it personal, but Inkay’s hypnotics powers are horrendous.” Mina pointed out, but Inkay still wanted to try….but it still wasn’t working. That was, until a snickering Raticate flicked Inkay away. And for a split second, Hypnosis went into overdrive. Immediately Yungoos and Rattata were knocked out cold, while their parents were dazed.

“….Rowlet, Leafage! Inkay, Dark pulse!/Popplio, Bubble beam! Meditite, Hidden power!” The duo ordered their team to attack the Totem Pokémon. The combined assault hit both Totems at once. And for a moment, it looked like it might actually work.

Then Gumshoos snarled. The Ambush Pokémon planted its feet and roared, shaking off the bubbles and orbs as its aura flared. “That didn’t sound like pain.” Ochako muttered before ordering Meditite to stop using Hidden power. But as things got more intense, Meditite suddenly disappeared. “…I guess she learned Teleport..”

“Nope. That’s the sound of ‘I’m about to die,’” Izumi said, already backing up. As the Totem used Iron Head to create distance between Inkay, Rowlet and Popplio, with Raticate using this chance to use Crunch on Inkay, causing him to faint. 

“NO, MY BOY!” Immediately, Izumi got on her knees to pick up her first Pokémon. “We will avenge you!”

“Izumi, please focus!” Momo called out, snapping Izumi out of her funk, right as Popplio used Aqua jet to dodge Gumshoos’ Crunch.

“R-Right, sorry! Rowlet, use Acrobatics on Gumshoos!” Izumi ordered.

“Popplio, join him with Aqua jet!” Ochako added. Within seconds, two blurs shot forward, hitting both totems smack in the face…but even that didn’t stop them. Even worse, they wanted to finish this quickly. Raticate started charging up Hyper beam, while Gumshoos jumped up to use Giga impact.

The girls had to finish this fast.

“Rowlet, try to stall them with Leafage!” The greenette ordered as the Tiny Owl gave it his all. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop the Normal type nemeses from charging up their finishing moves.

That was, until both Gumshoos and Raticate were finally stopped by a very loud scream. Turning to the source, Izumi and Ochako saw it came from Popplio.

He was using Hyper voice.

“That’s great, Popplio!” Ochako laughed, before telling Popplio to keep going with Rowlet joining in with Leafage. Now with the totem duo unable to attack for a bit, as they were too busy enduring the attacks, Ochako could give the final order. “Meditite, return and use Force palm.

Appearing behind the totems thanks to Teleport, Meditite reappeared to press her hands on both Normal type’s faces, before unleashing a powerful burst that knocked them out.

The entire cavern was quiet. Gumshoos and Raticate lay sprawled on the stone floor, their kids still asleep nearby, and the only sounds were the shallow breaths of Rowlet, Popplio, and Meditite.

“You handled yourselves admirably.” Momo said, voice calm but firm. “As a reward for overcoming my Totem Pokémon, I will grant you these.” She held out two gleaming crystals, Normalium Z’s. “These Z-Crystals will allow your Pokémon to unleash the full power of Z-Moves in battle. Rowlet, Popplio, Meditite, and Inkay will each be able to harness this energy if use Normal type moves.”

Izumi and Ochako’s eyes widened as they reached out—but before Momo could explain how to use them, Nebby appeared from Ochako’s bag with tears in her eyes. She then sniffled and squeaked and flailed around a lot, before touching the Z crystals and teleporting away.

“…Well… it seems we’ll have to retrieve those crystals before Momo can explain Z-Moves.” Izumi said dryly before asking Ochako if she knew where Nebby could have gone.

“We sometimes go to Melemele Meadow to pick flowers. We could start there.”

And so, after getting their Pokémon healed, the trio of Izumi, Ochako and Mina went to Melemele Meadow. Momo meanwhile could finally enjoy the relaxing feeling of not having her totem Pokémon fight each other..even though they both regained consciousness within a minute, started blaming the other for losing, and began fighting anew.

By the time the girls reached the Melemele meadow, Ochako was getting more anxious by the second, all the while she, Izumi and Mina trooped through the soft grass, calling out for Nebby.

“Nebby? Where did you go, little one?” Ochako asked, gently patting her bag. 

“I bet she’s just a sleepy baby,” Izumi muttered, trying to calm her friend. “Probably teleported somewhere safe.”

Before Ochako could respond, Mina’s eyes lit up. “look!” Across the meadow, a vibrant Oricorio fluttered down, its wings resembling Pom-Poms. “Zu, what’s that? Do the fun Pokédex thing!”

“…Oricorio, the Dancer Pokémon, an Electric/Flying type in this case. They change form and types depending on the nectar they drink. Their dance style changes with their diet.” Izumi explained, quickly taking a picture as Mina dropped her bag, ran up to the bird before imitating its cheerleading routine.

“Uh…Mina?” Ochako said, a mix of awe and exasperation. “We’re trying to find Nebby..”

“Multitasking!” Mina said with a wink, completely absorbed in the dance. “And I’m finally getting the hang of this!”

After a few minutes, the Oricorio landed gracefully next to Mina, settling its feathers with a soft trill. Mina, breathing hard but smiling, pointed toward a cluster of one Rimbombee and multiple Cutiefly hovering over a patch of flowers. “Look there.”

“What? Another Oricori-That’s Nebby!” Ochako yelled out, while Izumi added Z-crystals to that. Because between the flowers, the bugs circled around a trembling Nebby, who clutched the Z-Crystals in her tiny hands.

“Ribombee, the Busy Bee Pokémon. A Bug/Fairy type and the evolved form of Cutiefly. They use dust on their scarf to make nutritious pollen puffs. While thru are common in the wild, Ribombee/Pollen puff farms are getting quite common.” The resident Pokédex nerd explained before moving on. “And Cutiefly, the Bee Fly Pokémon, a Bug/Fairy type and the pre-evolved form of Ribombee. Cutiefly are attracted to colorful flowers for their nectar, which they need to drink a lot of to stay in the air.”

“So in short, these bugs probably think Nebby is a flower since it’s so colorful.” Ochako concluded as she already reache for her pokeball, only for Oricorio to get in front of her.

“You two have been fighting for days. Time for me to finally pull my weight.”

Seeing the intruders, the Rimbombee buzzed menacingly, while the multiple Cutiefly used Fairy wind. Mina’s Oricorio flared its wings, feathers glowing, and began performing a series of elegant dances. Each step and motion sent electric shocks towards the bugs, knocking them all out of the air until only Rimbombee remained. Now alone, Rimbombee tried to hit Oricorio with Pollen Puff. But before the ball could hit the bird, another bird flew in. It was Rowlet, who swallowed the puff.

“…I mean, they are food.” Izumi said dryly as after tasting a bit, Rowlet spat out the sweet food. “You don’t like it, Rowlet?”

As Rowlet shook his head, Oricorio used this distraction to hit her opponent with an Air Cutter, knocking the Busy Bee Pokémon out. 

With them out of the way, Ochako immediately ran toward Nebby to pick her up. “I’m so sorry, Nebby. Next time, we’ll wait until after your nap to be loud!” The brunette cried out, nuzzling the little Pokémon like a baby. Nebby then squeaked and nuzzled her shoulder back, forgiving her immediately. 

Izumi meanwhile grabbed the two Z crystals. “Alright, everyone. We’re back on track. Let’s beat mister Aizawa next..if that’s alright with you, Nebby?” Izumi asked, with Nebby nodding. But before they could leave the meadow, Mina had a question.

“Can I borrow a pokeball from either of you?” She asked, pointing at the Oricorio dancing behind her. “I want to capture her.”

“…You already bonded with her?” Ochako asked with a smirk.

“Y-Yes…I-It’s a personal talent, I guess.” Mina laughed awkwardly, before grabbing a spare pokeball from Izumi’s bag. Oricorio didn’t even wait, immediately touching the button of the ball, before going into the pokeball. 

Three shakes later, Mina had her first Pokémon.

EXTRA:

Izumi, standing in Melemele meadow with Rowlet: eats a Pollen puff and finds it delicious. 

Izumi: wonders why Rowlet didn’t like it.

Rowlet: just shallowed a Cutiefly whole.

Izumi, forgetting Rowlet is the definition of a carnivore: …..