"New Egg!" I cheered to Mama and Papa as I caught up to them. They'd been out getting lunch or something, but when they came back to our little spot on the beach, I'd stood up and showed off the incubator I'd been cradling.

"Oh my!" Mama cooed as she hurried over and checked it out. The Alolan Meowth looking up disinterested as he rested sprawled across Mama's shoulders. Mama looked over at Dragonite who was still looking rather proud of herself as she continued to be cradled by her hubby. "Congratulations." She told my big Dragon Mama, and Dragonite giggled happily at the words.

"That's amazing… There won't be any issues with it will there? It was laid here in Alola after all."

"Nah, I'm sure it'll be fine." I said firmly. Was it possible there could be some trouble? Maybe, would there be? Nah. The Alolan people were great, and Kahuna Hala was good people. We had a thing.

Besides, I grinned.

I wanted to challenge him again sometime, let's see how his fighting types fare against a bit stronger pokemon… Oh! I could ask Lucario if she wanted to fight!

I looked at Lucario and she must have felt something she tittered but shook her head. Instead tugging on Papa's sleeve. "Lu. Lucario Lu!"

"Huh? A battle?" He asked, and I realized that… Those two dog brains were totally synced up! Papa instantly understood Lucario!

"That's cheating Papa." I grumbled at him pouting, and he looked at me guilelessly not knowing at all why I was upset.

"Lululu." Lucario tittered and I glared at her too. She just stepped over and patted me on the head like a child.

"What's going on?"

"I was thinking that I should challenge Hala again sometime soon. And I was wondering if Lucario wanted to battle with me, but she wanted to battle with you."

"Well. She… Ah, sorry Vicky. It's okay. I'm sure your team will be happy to battle."

"Yeah. I guess." I huffed, but shook it off. "But we're celebrating Dragonites' new egg! Dratini is going to have a little sibling!"

"Tini!" He shouted, almost like a roar to the sky from around his mothers neck that he'd been wrapped around like a scarf.

It was actually surprisingly draconic and everyone laughed at how cute it sounded.

"That's right." I said firmly. He'd grow. And someday he'd be an unstoppable Dragon, all so he could protect his little sibling… Siblings.

"Anyway! I don't really want to head into the water with the egg… So do you want to see what else Alola offers instead of the beach?" I asked my parents, and both of them looked at each other and then smiled.

"That sounds lovely Vicky. How about we go see the island tours. They have some Ride pokemon that'll take you all over."

"Sounds fun!" I agreed and we all got up, I looked at the dragon family, but they were happy, and I nodded as Milotic sent me a look.

They'd be comfy here.

—--

Since this was a tourist town it didn't take long to get everything sorted. A nice Alolan man had set us all up, but we'd all ended up picking a different pokemon.

I'd gone with Tauros cause the little guy had mooed at me as I walked past, and that was good enough for me.

Mama had grabbed a Mudsdale and looked quite pleased as she slipped into the saddle of the equestrian pokemon. It looked like she'd done it before in fact.

Papa of course chose the Stoutland, the massive dog easily carrying Papa around, and within moments the two had bonded. Lucario even climbed on behind Papa, and Rockruff was still trailed after happily trotting along with the larger dog.

Papa had made a little pack.

Meowth of course had climbed up onto the rump of Mudsdale, and laid down to nap, and looked quite content.

I just had my Incubator that I was holding tight as we started along.

"Haha! And this is the Bamboo Hill! It's a reserve, kept mostly untouched except for the road. Lots of pokemon make their home in the forest."

"Oooh!" I cooed as I saw a bunch of Grubbin hanging out on the long Bamboo poles. The little bug types happily chewing on what leaves they could find, or on the bamboo itself.

Neat!

Bugsy would be in heaven right now.

We continued on, walking along pretty streams, and across a long bridge way over the stream below.

And then we arrived at a very high location on the mountain, and the guide had timed it just right, as the sun was setting and bathed the whole place in red and orange light, as the ocean glittered and it had a very pretty aesthetic.

We all stayed there for a while as the sun finally set, before heading back, enjoying the moonlight stroll through Melemele Island.

As we were traveling back, the dogs caught it first, Stoutland's ears twitching as he jerked his head up right alongside Rockruff, and that got everyone's attention including the guide.

"Seems like there might be a battle ahead. We can go another way, or check it out." He asked us, and I perked up.

"Let's go see!" I said eagerly looking to Mama and Papa who both nodded, with me. Even if Mama didn't look super eager.

The four of us continued on the guide, looked just as interested in what was going on as I was.

It didn't take long, a bend in the road and right in an open spot between the forests was a battle.

It only took a moment to realize what was going on.

"Oh no. Not them again." The Guide moaned, and then called out. "Hey! You lot! Get out of here!" He roared, urging his own Tauros onwards.

Two members of Team Skull were fighting with a truly massive Raticate!

Whoa!

"Is that an-" I was about to say Alpha, but the Guide called out.

"Leave the Totem Pokemon alone!" He yelled while urging his Tauros on. His charge sent the team skull members returning their pokemon, A Machop, and a Mankey, and the two boys cursed the guide.

"Forget you then!"

"Loser!"

"Bleeeegh!" They cried insults as they took off, and I frowned taking in the image.

The Dark Raticate was really big, and he had a horde of little Rattata along with him, but…

My eyes hadn't shifted from the Totem pokemon, partially because Totem, and partially, because I kinda wanted to hug him, but as I stared, it turned and picked up… Was that a package of some sort? It looked like it, and stuffed it back in its mouth before taking off…

"Hold this!" I called out, as I jumped off Tauros, and pushed my Incubator into Mama's hands.

In a flash Arcanine was out in a burst of lighter as she looked around, not sure what was going on as I leapt onto her back.

"After that Raticate!" I called out and that was all she needed to hear.

"Wait! That's a Totem Pokemon! You aren't supposed to-" I ignored the guide, I'd deal with any problems after, but I can put one and one together!

Arcanine didn't even take a few moments to leap through the forests, even without a saddle and so I needed to cling on slowing her down, she still raced ahead of the quick darting rats.

We leapt out in front of the Totem stopping it cold as Arcanine growled.

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"Drop that package!" I demanded finger pointing at the Totem, just hissed, I noticed it's cheek shifting no doubt thinking of the package it currently had, and then the Rattata started hissing as they clambered all around the forest around us.

I scoffed as I slipped off Arcanine, and took a few confident steps to the side, uncaring that I was surrounded by angry dark types, or a Massive Totem pokemon.

My hand reached up to adjust my hat and I felt my chin rise as I looked down my nose at the Totem.

"Then it's a battle!" I proclaimed, and the Totem nodded, reaching in and pulling out a package. It looked like a parcel, something Amazon might ship to you.

It was set aside, and the pokemon charged.

Without even a moment's hesitation the Rattata moved in sync.

"Arcanine… Go!" I roared and there was a static blurr touching my ear, as suddenly Arcanine was gone, and the cries of injured pokemon sounded out.

I kept my eyes locked onto the Raticate, who was eyeing me up just as seriously as Arcanine reaped the Rattata.

"Flame up!" I called out, and the Extreme Speed shifted into a Extreme Flame Wheel, just a spiral of flame that shot around the forest, and every pokemon it touched was knocked out.

Then Arcanine was behind me. Still aflame, as there was just the Raticate.

"Cate! Rat-raticate!" It hissed and suddenly it's fang Glowed, brighter and brighter.

Hyper Fang. It moved, incredibly fast bouncing forward into a spin and charging… Right at me?

Heh.

"Protect." I called and suddenly As that Fang drew just inches from me. It was stopped cold on a solid wall of energy.

"Arcanine!" I told her, and I raised my wrist. Z Crystal Glowing!

"You want to target me? Then take my revenge!" I told the Dark Type!

Cross the arms in front of me. Throw them out! Then back in crossing my wrists, shift my arms to the side! Then, as I felt that link between us grow! Left arm with a fist to my navel, and the other fist to my forehead! We were linked. My energy flowed, but I stifled that overwhelming urge to let it all.

Hala had told me I was doing it wrong, and Kukui, had given me some tips.

Arcanine didn't need all that energy… No wait. The more energy I put in the more she tried to match it! That's why we were both exhausted after!

Stifle the flow, keep it light. We needed enough to do the move, not everything!

"Now! ARCANINE! BREAKNECK BLITZ!" I roared, my spirit jumped into Arcanine, and then there was the sound of a high pitched whine, like a jet engine starting up and then a sonic boom.

I kept my feet and only kept myself from flinching too bad by dropping my hat over my eyes to keep the dust from messing with my vision. But when I pulled up my hat.

There was a streak through the jungle, a trail that led from where Arcanine had been standing to where the Raticate was, and then through. Broken trees and torn up grass was the only sign of where my Pokemon had disappeared to.

The Rattata that were still awake that had hung back scurried away, not one of them sticking around and I grinned evilly as I walked over and picked up the brown package and held it in my arms as I went to check on where my Dog had ended up.

I didn't have to travel far before I heard the howl of victory and grinned as I jogged, breaking through some bushes to find Arcanine standing up and howling happily, as the Totem Raticate lay unconscious smashed into a tree that had buckled at the force placed on it.

"I think you got him, girl." I said walking up and patting her flank, which was a mistake as a moment later I was spitting out fur as her tail attacked me. "Ack! No more Tail Whip! It's super effective!"

"Arc! Arc!" She barked at me spinning around and suddenly I was being attacked by her inescapable tongue.

"Aaack! What are you a Lickitung? When did you learn Lick huh!?" I batted her away with one hand fending off her assault. And then I nearly stilled as I realized I sounded like Professor Kukui.

"R-Rat." The Totem pokemon groaned and I looked around her, as Arcanine whipped her head towards the pokemon as well.

It was still conscious?

Ah, I see. It swallowed a Berry it must have held in its cheek pouch. Probably why it removed the package so it didn't just eat that instead on accident.

"You want to go for another round?" I asked, loudly enough to make sure the Raticate could hear me, and it looked up, puffed itself up a bit before it deflated and just flopped back to the ground.

Nope.

"Good." I told it as I petted Arcanine although I could feel the tension in her frame, she wanted to go again.

Obviously.

The Raticate looked at me, and huffed, suddenly shifting something in it's mouth before spitting out…

A Z Crystal!

"Is that for me?" I asked, a little shocked at the sight of the Darkinium Z.

"Rat…. Raticate." It grumbled, and I actually felt a bit sorry for it then. Not that I was going to forgive the whole attempt to attack me thing.

I walked over and picked up the Z Crystal, and looked it right in the eye as I did.

You want to try and sucker punch me or something? Go ahead. You won't like the consequences. I mentally conveyed to the beaten up Pokemon, and it responded by looking away first.

"There you are!" The guide. I turned to see him come stampeding through the forest through the broken path Arcanine had made. Mama and Papa came in behind him, although they looked less worried than he did. "Ah! Look what you've done!" He sort of shrieked.

"Well he did sort of attack me first." I whispered, quietly enough Mama and Papa couldn't hear.

"You can not just battle Totem Pokemon! This is!" He looked a little stressed but Mama and Papa were just looking proud as they looked at how much damage Arcanine had done. Arcanine I noticed even trotted over to Papa as the Guide was sort of pacing trying to figure out what to do, and he pet her quietly telling her she was a good dog.

Rockruff was puffing at the attention she was getting and started bouncing up along the side of Stoutland who was just looking back at the other dogs like he was embarrassed for them.

Total old dog energy.

I just shrugged in the end. The guide could figure it out.

"Arcanine!" I called and she turned away from Papa only with much whining. Swinging her face from him and her desire for his attention and me a few times before she slumped and walked over.

So I of course grabbed her nose and shook her snout. "Don't look at me like I don't give you attention you little brat." I growled at her, and that got her tail going as she licked and fought against my hand.

Once that was done I slipped onto her back.

"Alright back to the road! I'll be back!"

"Wait! Guest! You can not leave! We need-" The guide was left in the dust as we bounded just a few times to return to the road.

"Do you smell them girl? The teenagers that were here. They had a Mankey, and a Machop." I told her and Arcanine's nose started wiggling before she picked up and raced along the road.

Honestly it wasn't a surprise that it only took a few moments before I caught up to them, a pair of grumpy teenagers slumped along as they walked along the road kicking rocks.

"Hey!" I called out as Arcanine stopped beside them and they both brought up fists like they were going to fight.

"What!? Whoa. What do you want? You coming for a fight?" The lead one challenged from behind his mask and hat.

"No? Is this yours?" I asked, pulling up the package and offering it.

The boy's eyes widened.

"Hey! That's Milly's gift! What!?" He reached out instantly and took it back, seemingly checking the slightly damp package, before just tearing it open. Inside was a Pokedoll of all things, a really cute Lapras plush. "When those Rats stole it I was worried they'd tear it apart. The damn things always steal packages thinking it's food… Thanks kid, I'm Keanu."

"No problem, I'm Vicky! Hehe! Sorry about the guide guy. When I noticed the Totem Raticate had a package, I realized you guys were trying to get it back."

"Tsk. As if the old timers like that care! They just like to blame everything on us, just because we don't do what they like!"

"Yeah at least we don't have to take this to Guzma. He's got enough on his plate." The other one said and the first one nodded.

"True. But yeah… Thanks. Preciate the help." Keanu offered a bit uncomfortable.

"No problem no problem. I'm going to get back. Smell ya later!" I called out laughing at my words as I turned Arcanine around. Now to deal with the guide and whatever was going to happen.

—--

By the time I made it back the guide was on a radio of all things, and… Yep he was calling the cops.

I rode Arcanine back to my parents who looked irritated at the guide's actions, and I could tell some sort of argument had gone on between the adults.

"Back!" I called out, and the guide looked up.

"Yes she just returned. Yes we will stay here. The Totem is injured, but not badly. Yes. Yes." I looked away from him and smiled at Papa who was giving me a look.

"Took care of everything?"

"Yep! The package was a Pokedoll. Not sure why the Raticate wanted it so bad." I told him, but I noticed what I said was ignored, or not heard by the guide. I looked around and saw my Ride Tauros standing beside the Guide as well. Well… I don't think I was taking the Tauros back to town after this. I patted the back of Arcanines head.

It honestly didn't take long before we heard the sound of a siren and Officer Jenny, in that same tactical officers uniform, came walking into the forest noticing all of us and nodding.

"Okay! Everyone, I'm here. Please remain calm while I complete my investigation!" She called out and looked around, noticing Mama and Papa and then at me.

I waved at her. And her face fell.

"Is she the one this is all about?" Officer Jenny asked, pointing at me, and the guide nodded.

"Yes! She ran off and battled the Totem! Look at him!" He pointed at Raticate that was attempting to look way more injured than it was. It was even faking an injured paw as it sort of stumbled as it moved.

"Well a Totem Battle isn't unusual for a Trial." Officer Jenny replied, and the guide looked offended.

"She's a tourist!"

"Actually she's an official Alolan, this is Victoria Ferrous, Kahuna Hala made the announcement. Remember?"

"I.. Of course I remember, but…" The man trailed off looking a little lost.

"It did give me the Darkinium Z after our battle." I called out pulling it out of my pocket to show it off.

"There. See? There is no issue here. Except the Totem Raticate needing a ride to a Pokemon Center." Jenny offered, and the Totem perked up at that.

"I can help with that!" I decided. Releasing Blissey who looked around and saw the faux injured Raticate, and then advanced on him instantly, the poor Rat yelped as Blissey leaped to start helping him.

If he thought I was going to let him have a free visit at the pokemon center where no doubt Nurse Jenny would give him treats and tell him he was a good boy, that wasn't happening.

Blissey would take care of him, and send him on his way!

Well, him and his horde of Rattata. Heal Pulse shot out and I nodded.

"I… Then I guess… That's it?" The guide offered and Officer Jenny sent him a look.

"Indeed. Now I believe you have a tour to finish? I'll be on my way… Miss Ferrous." She waved at me, and I smiled.

"Bye Officer Jenny! Drive safe!"

Well the look Mama and Papa were giving the Guide, and his own look back meant this was going to get awkward.

Oh well. I got a new Z Crystal so that was cool, and I returned a Pokedoll to the Team Skull guys.

Jeez Alola, despite being so peaceful and nice sure was a bit of a mess under the surface huh? I guess… I guess that's how all places truly were after all. Tourists were only shown the shiny lie, but underneath you saw the truth, and while it was still beautiful it wasn't always… Shiny.

I nodded along at my own understanding as we all headed off once Blissey finished healing the Mischief of Rats.

—--

That night with the moon up, and my belly full of dinner we'd all had. Mama and Papa and I had split off. I was going out to camp on the beach. Milotic, Dragonite, and Dratini were still out there. Enjoying the warm evening air, and warmer sands as I met up with them. Honestly I just cuddled up with the Incubator after making sure everyone had eaten.

It was a peaceful night, and I loved being cuddled up with my friends. The glint of another Z Crystal in my hand. Another Crystal, another Z move.

I honestly wasn't sure if I even needed any more. Dragonium, and Normalium, were already so useful. Maybe a Waterium Z for Milotic, and Firium Z for Arcanine?

Since I was here, I should probably try and get a few more for versatility, even if I only planned to use a few.

Z Crystals, and Z moves. They were… Amazing. An incredibly powerful boost, something that might just let me push through the Elite 4, that might let me beat Lance.

Heh! Either way, win or lose, no one would expect them.

I looked at my friends. Dratini was happily chattering away hanging from Milotics head, dangling back and forth like a pendulum in front of his mother who was giggling at his antics.

He looked at me, and I broke into giggles just as easily as he was sticking his tongue out as he was waving back and forth and it just looked super silly.

I pocketed the Darkinium Z for now, enough thoughts on that. Instead… "So I figured out how to use the Z move without making either of us pass out… So who wants to train with Z moves?" I asked my little family, and all three of them perked up. Making me laugh as I was instantly crooned at by all three as they all wanted it.

Hehehe!