Chapter 97: Children of the Stars

It has been three days since Blue's challenge, and today is Friday.

"Ha~ It feels a bit boring without challengers."

The receptionist sat at the front desk, propping her head up with one hand and yawning cutely.

"There's nothing we can do about it. The gym leader's fame has been growing these past few days," Selene said with a smile, feeding an energy cube to the large black-and-orange cat in front of her.

This was the Torracat that had evolved from her Litten.

Ever since the post titled My Experiences with Rota Gym became popular, many challengers had come to Rota Gym specifically to challenge it.

But in the end, all of them failed miserably.

And then...

Rota Gym became even more famous.

The mechanism that decided the gym leader's type was too unique. Some dedicated trainers even spent money to gather many of Rota Gym's challengers together to discuss strategies for defeating it and to share their training experiences.

Interestingly, the receptionist also snuck into these discussions.

"Hmm~ Tomorrow is another day off. Selene, what do you want to do? More special training?"

"Tomorrow, I want to go to Mount Moon to catch some Pokémon. Will you come with me?" Selene asked.

"Sure! What Pokémon do you want to catch?" The receptionist blinked her big eyes and curiously asked.

"Ekans, Oddish, Nidoran, Skorupi... Any of those would be fine," Selene listed off, counting on her fingers.

The receptionist tilted her head, finding it hard to judge. Isn't that the gym leader's lineup? But since Selene is the gym leader's apprentice, it's only natural to follow in his footsteps.

"Heh~ The gym leader said that in another month, I might be able to handle some challengers myself!"

The young girl proudly placed her hands on her hips, extremely happy and confident.

After so much time observing, she believed she had mastered everything Dylan had taught her!

"Selene, you're amazing!" The receptionist clapped appropriately.

Meanwhile, in the living room...

"You brat, the gym's reputation has been pretty good lately. You haven't embarrassed your dad."

"President Vernon even contacted me to praise you. Haha~ That's my boy!"

"Oh, by the way, your mom and I have decided to go to Hoenn in a couple of days. Are you coming to Alola or not? Let me know, your mom is eager to see you."

Looking at the messages from his dad on his phone, Dylan felt a bit helpless.

"It seems uncle and aunt really miss you," Ilene teased with a playful smile as she stood nearby in her pale yellow dress.

Dylan thought for a moment. Since his parents wanted to see him, he could close the gym for a few days. It wouldn't be a big deal. The challengers would surely understand.

Hmm, I should let Officer Jenny know, so there's no need to worry.

"I'll take some time off. Ilene, do you want to come?"

"Huh? Is that okay?" Ilene's bright eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Of course it's okay. We'll stay in Alola for a day, then I'll take you to an ancient place. It'll take about four or five days in total."

"That sounds great~" Ilene agreed without hesitation, her eyes curving into crescent moons with joy.

"Then go get ready. We'll catch a flight tomorrow morning."

"Okay~"

Ilene's smile was radiant as she happily turned to leave, all her usual poise and grace replaced with excitement.

She needed to head back to the castle to pack. This would be her first time traveling far! To the world-famous tourist destination, Alola!

Dylan chuckled as he watched her leave, then looked at the three minimized Poké Balls in his hand. These were just sent to him by his dad.

"Come on out."

Dylan released the three Pokémon from their Poké Balls.

Three distinct cries echoed in the room, and the Clefairy on Dylan's shoulder tilted its head curiously.

Dylan's gaze slowly swept over the three Pokémon in front of him.

On the far left was a small, floating creature with a dark green body. Its fur floated like will-o'-the-wisps, and its yellow eyes had red irises. A noticeable red bead necklace hung around its neck.

This was a Misdreavus, a Ghost-type Pokémon.

The Misdreavus didn't seem shy, tilting its head curiously as it stared at Dylan.

Beep~ Misdreavus, Ghost-type, Screech Pokémon.

Ability: Levitate.

Moves: Hex, Mean Look, Confuse Ray, Astonish, Psychic, Curse…

Description: It hides in the shadows, emitting the sound of a child crying to frighten travelers. When it enjoys scaring people, the red beads on its chest glow eerily.

In the center was a small Pokémon draped in cloth. Its head resembled Pikachu's, but its eyes, mouth, and nose were somewhat creepy. There were two black dots on its lower body—its real eyes.

This Pokémon, disguised in a Pikachu costume, was Mimikyu, a Ghost- and Fairy-type Pokémon.

Mimikyu seemed a bit shy, standing silently in place, looking nervous and uneasy.

Beep~ Mimikyu, Ghost- and Fairy-type, Disguise Pokémon.

Ability: Disguise.

Moves: Double Team, Shadow Sneak, Wood Hammer, Copycat, Astonish, Destiny Bond (Hereditary).

Description: If a trainer sees its true form when the wind lifts its disguise, they will suffer in agony and die that night. (Transformed form). It seeks revenge on those who expose its true form by breaking its neck. (Revealed form).

On the far right was a cute, mischievous-looking black fox. Its body was dark gray, with light blue eyes. Its head, eyebrows, and limbs were adorned with dark red fur that resembled flames.

Dylan raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was a Zorua, a Dark-type Pokémon! He hadn't expected his dad to actually find one. It must have taken quite some effort.

Zorua was not only extremely rare, but its species' unique Illusion ability made it difficult to spot. They often go unnoticed because they can transform!

Many times, a Zorua or Zoroark might walk right past you, and you wouldn't even know it.

Because when its Illusion ability is activated, it might appear as just an ordinary Oddish to you.

Beep~ Zorua, Dark-type, Tricky Fox Pokémon.

Ability: Illusion.

Moves: Knock Off, Taunt, Torment, Scary Face, Fury Swipes, Sucker Punch (Hereditary).

Description: It often transforms into its opponent's appearance and escapes while they're shocked by the illusion.

Satisfied with the three little ones, a smile appeared on Dylan's face.

Yes, his next team would focus on Ghost-types, so he had asked his dad to help him out. However, he had mentioned Zorua a while ago, and it had taken until now to find one. Zorua was indeed quite rare.

"Hello, from today on, I'll be your trainer. Please take care of me."

Dylan took out some energy cubes and treats, offering them to the three Pokémon with a gentle smile.

The invisible power of Viridian radiated from him.

Misdreavus was the first to slowly approach, sniffing the energy cubes. Its eyes lit up, and after taking a bite, it let out a satisfied hum. It was very cute.

Seeing this, Zorua's eyes twinkled as it also approached Dylan.

"Don't be afraid. From now on, we'll be the closest of partners," Dylan said with a smile as he noticed Mimikyu still hesitating, seemingly shy. He crouched down and gently reassured it.

"Mimi~q!"

Mimikyu's whole body trembled slightly, but in the next moment, it rushed into Dylan's arms, nuzzling affectionately against him, almost knocking Dylan over.

Because Mimikyu nuzzled so vigorously, the puppet head on top of it made a cracking sound and tilted off, resembling a decapitated Pikachu, which looked rather eerie.

Mimikyu is a Pokémon that is both steady and deeply afraid of loneliness. For a trainer who is willing to accept and recognize it, Mimikyu will give its heart and soul. The reason it wears the Pikachu disguise is because it believes that in this form, it can get along well with humans. However, the reality is that the costume actually makes humans more fearful of it.

"What a lovable little one," Dylan said gently, stroking Mimikyu softly, finding the Pokémon unexpectedly endearing.

Time flew by, and the next morning, Dylan and Ilene were already heading to Cerulean City, where they boarded a plane bound for Alola.

Alola is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The region consists of four islands located in a tropical zone, giving it a distinct southern charm. Every island boasts at least one large beach, making it a major draw for many.

When deciding on their honeymoon destination, Dylan's parents chose Alola as their first option. They've been staying there for almost two months now. Rumor has it they plan to settle down in Alola for retirement.

Melemele Island's Hau'oli City is a joyful and peaceful place, the largest seaside city on the island.

"Ahh, the smell of the sea breeze," Ilene sighed with contentment as she stepped out of the airport in Hau'oli City, taking in the scent. Unlike the salty, fishy smell of Kanto's sea breeze, this one was much more pleasant.

"Hau'oli City's tourist beach is also the most famous. Let's go," Dylan said, glancing at his phone and noticing that his dad had texted them to take a taxi on their own. He couldn't believe that after all the trouble of coming to Alola, his parents couldn't even bother to pick them up! Typical of his unreliable father.

Dylan pocketed his phone with a deadpan expression and hailed a taxi with Ilene to head to the villa his dad had bought.

After confirming the address, Dylan pressed the doorbell.

"Coming! Please wait a moment," a soft and pleasant voice of a young girl called out. Soon after, a beautiful blonde girl in a white dress opened the door.

"Who are you looking for... Wait, you are...?" Lillie paused, staring at Dylan.

"Dylan... brother?" Although this was their first time meeting in person, they had video chatted online before, and Lillie also had family photos on display at home. So she instantly recognized him as her godbrother.

"Should I say, nice to meet you, Lillie?" Dylan said with a light chuckle.

"Brother, please come in. I'm sorry, dad and mom didn't tell me you were coming today," Lillie said, a slight blush coloring her pale face as she quickly invited Dylan and Ilene inside.

"Typical. They couldn't even be bothered to pick me up from the airport after their own son flew all the way here. I had to catch a taxi. What more can I say?" Dylan rolled his eyes, already too tired to complain.

"Pfft..." Lillie quickly covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

"Oh, right. Lillie, this is Ilene, my friend. Ilene, this is Lillie, the sister I mentioned," Dylan introduced them.

"Hello, Ilene," Lillie greeted politely, placing her hands together in a formal manner.

She had heard her parents mention Ilene's name a few times.

"Don't be so formal. Lillie, you're so pretty," Ilene smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with admiration. This sister... She's stunning.

Lillie's simple, form-fitting white dress highlighted her slender figure, and her golden hair was tied into a neat ponytail. Her delicate face was as perfect as a doll's, radiating an aura of purity and softness.

Even Ilene, who prided herself on her beauty, had to admit that in a couple of years, Lillie would probably be even more beautiful than she was.

Did Dylan's parents just happen to stumble upon a girl of this quality? Could she find one like that too?

"Ilene, you're even prettier," Lillie said shyly, admiring Ilene's figure with her big, sparkling eyes.

Dylan, however, didn't notice the interaction between the two girls. His eyes were focused on Lillie's shoulder bag. At some point, the bag had been slightly opened, and a creature resembling a nebula peeked its head out, curiously observing Dylan.

Dylan's eyes instantly lit up!

It was Nebby, the Cosmog that Lillie had taken from the Aether Foundation—also known as the "Child of the Stars"! This Pokémon was said to evolve into either Lunala, the Moon Beast, or Solgaleo, the Sun Devourer!

If he could catch Cosmog, in the growth simulation world, Dylan could evolve it into either Solgaleo or Lunala in a single night—two nights at most! Because in the game, Lunala (and Solgaleo) evolved at level 53, and with some intensive training in Cerulean Cave, he could definitely get it to that level in no time.

(End of the Chapter)