"Woooo-oomph!" I once more tasted sand.

It was bad.

Blegh.

I was rolled over by a giggling Milllotic and I saw Dratini beside me in the dirt. The echoing sound of his Devastating Drake sounding on the waves.

"Pfft." I spit sand and then muttered weakly. "That was too much."

"Tini!" He offered cheerfully, and I smiled as he leaned in and gave me little Dratini kisses, as he started curling around my head.

"I'm glad you liked it." I whispered to him, feeling warmed by more than just the sands. I'd hit my limit.

Having Dragonite, and then Dratini use a Z move back to back had been too much, and I'd once more been drained.

Now the question was, how long did it take me to recover. Could I use that? Could I plan around using the Z move, and restoring myself enough to use it again?

Aaah. There was some fun training that I'd need to do, and of course my Dragons were buzzing after releasing so much power.

Dragonite and Dratini might be very chill Dragons, but feeling that power flowing through them made them want it more for sure.

"Sorry. I'm all tuckered out." I whispered and Dragonite giggled at me. Even as Dratini just nuzzled me a bit saying it was okay.

Hmm. It was pretty comfy. Should I just sleep out here on the beach? I felt my eyes close. Yep. Sounds good.

"Come on out everyone." I whispered, and felt my Pokeballs rumble as they released. And soon I was nice and cuddly, Blue Heart wrapped around us all, with everyone clumped into a ball in the center between him and Milotic.

Hehe!

I slept.

—--

The next morning I was woken up by someone poking me, and then I heard it.

"Vicky! Wake up!" I blinked the sand from my eyes and groaned.

"I'm awake!" I called out noticing it was Blissey who had been poking me, and then I had to crawl on top of Blue Heart as he was still snoozing quite happily to see Papa standing on the sand.

"Really Vicky? I was worried when we didn't see you in your Hotel room." Papa called out, and I noticed much farther back was Mama.

Ah right. Gyarados scared her still.

"Sorry! I was seeing how many Z moves I could use in a row before being out and decided to just nap on the beach!" I called out, and I felt Blue Heart slowly waking up, his head shifting a bit to look towards me as his eyes blinked sleepily. Half his face was covered in sand.

Pfft!

"Hehehe!" I giggled as I crawled up his body until I was next to his face and I wiped the sand free of his cheek. He must have been drooling or something to have such a funny line of sand. "Sleep well?" I asked him.

He blinked and he gave a sort of gurgling noise that I took as a yawn.

"Yeah you slept well." I said happily as I patted his cheek. "But I need to get up and get everyone some F.O.O.D." I said looking at Papa who was chuckling at my avoidance of the word.

Last thing I wanted was an Arcanine absolutely sure it was time to eat right at that exact moment. She was usually annoying during the cooking process, but if I wasn't even cooking yet, she was impossible.

With that I stretched and got to work. Since everyone had stayed out of their pokeball, they'd all be nice and hungry, so I went to work. Setting up a camp and getting a little fire going on the sand.

Papa came back with a bunch of extras I could throw in that he picked up from a market, and soon I had all my team chowing down on a yummy and delicious and most importantly, nutritionally filling breakfast.

Now of course it was time to figure out what to do today, and I had an idea.

—--

Riding Gyarados over to Kahuna Hala's home I settled outside his little residence, making sure not to get too close to his little car.

Didn't want Blue Heart to squish it after all.

By the time I stepped off, and patted Blue Heart's nose in thanks for the ride, and returned him Hala was stepping out, along with another boy, about my age, or maybe a bit younger.

Ah! That was Hau!

"Alola!" I called out waving and got a nod from the Kahuna, and a big wave from Hau.

"Alola! How are you, young Victoria?"

"I'm good! I had a great night on the beach." I told Hala as I jogged up grinning, and then I hefted up my Incubator no doubt something he'd already seen. "I wanted to talk to you. Dragonite laid an Egg yesterday and I-"

"Ah I see. I see. Come, come inside." He offered chuckling, and Hau's eyes were wide as he looked at the egg.

"A pokemon egg!" He whispered and I grinned at him.

"Isn't it cute! It's gonna be a cute little Dratini!"

"Wha!? Really?"

"Yep!" I told the boy and I could see the look in his eye.

Heh!

"You want a Dratini?" I asked him, and he flinched a bit and hesitated.

"Well… I just want to be a strong trainer! And Dragon's are supposed to be strong."

"Eh. They can be. But the thing with dragons is they almost always start very weak." I explained with a waving finger.

"Huh? Really?"

"Mhmm! Most pokemon can bully a Dratini. Or a Jangmo-o. Or any of the first evolutions of the big Dragons. Dragons just understand what it means to be weak, better than most other Pokemon. It's why they seek strength all the more because of it!"

"I… I feel like that." He whispered as we walked into the entrance of Hala's home. "I… I lose every test battle I take part in… Everyone always defeats me."

"Then, you know what it means to be weak, But the thing is? Being weak is only ever temporary. Train. Learn, grow strong. And use that feeling of being weak in your chest to push you to grow strong… Ah, but never forget what it felt like. Because you don't want to be a bully. Remember. Just because someone is weak now, doesn't mean they'll always be. Pokemon are the best at teaching that lesson. If Hau is too weak… Then train until you evolve into who you are meant to be!"

"Hohoho! Such life lessons this early?" Hala called out chuckling, and I whipped over to him before realizing how preachy I was being.

"Ah! Sorry!" I rubbed at the back of my head. "I ramble sometimes!"

"No, those were good words. Now it's up to my Grandson to see if he can take them for his own, or if they aren't the right words for him!"

"Ah! I'll do my best!" Hau offered, and I grinned.

"So your Dragonite laid an egg? What a wonderful day. Congratulations!" Hala offered as he guided me to sit across from him at a little kitchen table, mostly cleared of breakfast.

"Thank you! I was so happy! Dratini is going to get a little sibling. I kinda hope it's a little girl, but a little brother for him would be good too!" I happily chattered as I rubbed a hand along the incubator.

"Hohohoho! Either is good yes! You came to me with this, you worry there might be trouble?"

"Mhmm! I don't think there would be, but Mama and Papa mentioned it."

"There will not be. While of course any egg caught here in Alola would have to stay, we don't steal eggs from our guests' pokemon. On top of that, you are of Alola. Even if you caught it here, it would be yours to care for and raise into a fine pokemon."

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Kahuna… Thank you." I muttered a bit flattered at how easily he had said that.

"Hahaha! It is nothing! You have done well. I heard you fought another Totem Pokemon?"

"Oh the Raticate! Yeah he stole a package, and some teenagers were trying to get it back. Arcanine and I used Breakneck Blitz and blasted him! He gave me this." I pulled out the Darkinium Z from my pocket.

"Whoa!" Hau called out looking with stars in his eyes at the Z Crystal.

"Then your Trial continues well."

"Ah… I suppose so." I said smiling brighter at the acceptance. "Ah, I did have another reason for coming Kahuna."

"Oh?"

"I would like… A rematch." I decided locking our eyes together. "I've figured out how to use a Z move without passing out! So… I would like to face you at your strongest!"

"Hahahahaha!" Hala burst into laughter, his belly shaking and Hau looked at me like I was insane, and also like that was awesome. "I see, I see! You wish to pit your strong pokemon against my own?"

"Yes!"

"Hmm… I refuse!" He said absolutely enjoying the near pratfall I gave a moment. Nearly smashing my face into his table at the sudden rejection I rose back up.

"Wha- why?"

"What!? Grandpa!?"

"Hahahaha! Calm yourself calm!" He demanded still absolutely enjoying the drama he'd just unleashed. "While I would enjoy a great battle with you League Victor Victoria. I have no doubt that you would defeat me. But truthfully? I believe there is a better battle we must complete. A true Rematch. Your Riolu. She deserves to try again don't you think?"

I instantly felt my face puff up.

"Does she?" I grumbled, and Hala broke into even more laughter at my response. "Fiiine… I guess that's fair… I probably should send my main team home soon, and bring back my little Dragons. They need more attention… And Gible really does love the ocean." I muttered even as my heart clenched at sending my friends home.

"Then I accept. Come back with your Riolu. I wish to see how you fare with a completed Z move… And perhaps a bit more work on your bond first? You aren't leaving anytime soon correct?"

"Ah… Well no, we're still staying for a while longer… Hehe! I guess, I'll see you another day then Kahuna."

"Just choose a day, I'd be happy to have another battle with you, young Victoria."

I nodded firmly at his words and stood up. "Then I'll be off. Thank you for seeing me."

"Anytime." He assured me with a smile and I marched back out.

Now… I had to figure out what team I wanted with me… I slumped. Having to pick is so hard.

—--

I was flopped out on the beach, sitting with Dratini in my lap as I looked over everyone.

"So… I'm probably going to switch some of you out, for the baby team again. They still need the training, and I can trust you all to teach everyone about the Z moves while I'm here." I explained but then I sniffled, but I totally wasn't crying or anything.

"Grrrr." Blue Heart rumbled leaning in and licking at me a little, making me squeal and bat his tongue away.

"Ack! Stinky breath!"

"Bliss! Blissey Bliss." I was then patted on the head as Blissey walked over and spoke, I looked up at her, and smiled.

"Thanks Blissey. Thanks everyone… I'm sorry your Alolan Vacation was so short, but… This won't be the last time you're here! I promise. I'll let everyone come back!"

"Arc! Arc!" I was barked at by Arcanine who was laying on her belly in the sand, but she wasn't agreeing with me, but making fun of me!

"Hey! You're the cry baby!" I pointed and Arcanine doggy grinned at me as I wiped away my eyes.

Stupid dog!

I leapt at her, and slammed into her smug grin sending us both tumbling in the sand as she just kept rolling around as I was wrapped around her, and that hurt.

Sky, sand, sky, sand.

"Blegh!" I just let go and she rose and shook herself off and looked at me smugly.

"You meanie." I grumbled at her, and she walked over and just licked me which I allowed as I rubbed at her fur. "Silly Dog."

"Mii." I turned and Milotic was there and rubbing against me, and I sank into him as our cheeks pressed together.

"Is it okay?"

"Mii. Milo." He nuzzled me.

"I know… I just don't like it." I huffed and then hugged my silly fish boy. He accepted my grip on his head and let me hold on as he rose up. And brought me back to the group.

"You okay there Trouble?" Papa called out, and I looked up from Milotic and even sighed as I let go, dropping the short distance back to the sand and waving at him.

"Fine."

"You don't sound fine."

"I'm… Trading back my team to Kanto. The baby team needs more attention and… Alola is perfect for them. A good place for all of them to develop a bit more."

"Ah. I understand. Are your pokemon all okay with it?"

"Yeah… Blue Heart is going to be sad, but everyone understands." I sighed as I walked up to him. "It's not fair. They shouldn't let me make so many friends if I can't keep them all with me." I grumbled at him, and he snorted, laying a heavy hand on my head and smushing my mostly cockeyed hat around to get it back in place after playing with Arcanine.

"You're a good trainer, and you like being with your friends. But you have a limit on pokemon you can take with you, just like everyone."

"I know." I grumbled, but nodded. Going back to my team. Everyone was looking at me… "I love you all! I'm so happy we all got to play here in Alola! And I promise! I promise we'll all run around again! But for now! Take care of everyone at home, while I train the little ones… Please!"

"Pree! Dra dragon." Dragonite walked over and took Dratini still acting like a scarf around her neck and plopped him around my own. Then she handed over the Incubator. "Drag."

"Mi! Milo."

"I understand. I'll take care of them! And I'll train Dratini up good! I promise when you see him soon, he'll blow you away with how much he's grown!" I looked at Blissey and smiled. "Even without our top trainers' direct help."

"Blissblissbliss!" She tittered.

Alright. I reached for my belt. "Everyone… Return. I'll see you again soon!" And they each disappeared one after another until Blue Heart was last and he, I walked over and pressed a hand to his big nose. "Watch over everyone okay? I believe in you."

"Tini! Dra!" Dratini called out to him as well and pressed himself against Blue Heart who rumbled happily at the affection from his friend.

And as Blue Heart closed his eyes ready. I returned him too.

"This sucks." I grumbled and Dratini nuzzled my cheek to cheer me up and I nodded. "Don't be gentle with me now. I'm planning on running all of you through lots of training!" I warned him, and he just cooed even happier about that.

Silly dragon.

But I couldn't ask for anything better. The island trials would be an amazing chance to train my little ones, to get them focused and battle hardened, and more importantly, work on our bond. I'd just miss my other friends.

Oh well. This was a vacation, and I'd see them all when we got home… Heh. I wonder if I could buy a house here in Alola and just have all of them?

No, better not go there. I knew that was just wishful thinking.

"Right. Let's go transfer everyone." I called out and waved to Mama and Papa. As I rushed off to the pokemon center.

—--

"You do remember it takes a while, right?"

"I know! I'm just… Waiting. Quietly!" I assured Nurse Joy, who gave me a look before nodding.

"At least you aren't asking me every five minutes this time."

"I was just nervous! It was the first time!"

"Mhmm."

"Sorry. That was probably pretty annoying." I offered to the older woman, who gave me a look before her stare shifted into a smile.

"It's okay. You truly have a strong love for your pokemon… And you had a Blissey so I completely understand worrying about her."

I held back a snort only barely as the Nurse revealed her true opinion.

But I continued to sit in front of the Nurses desk and kicked my leg as I waited.

Hearing from everyone back home had been nice. Elizabeth had said that everyone had been good, mostly. Riolu had been pranking up a storm free from her mothers oversight, and Gible had been…

Well, the Milotic had gotten a workout trying to keep her from jumping into the pond and then drowning after staying in too long.

I'd have to work with her about that.

I heard giggles and looked over to see Dratini happily playing with some of the other Pokemon center users. A pair of Alolans were more than happy to have Dratini play with their Togedemaru as the hedgehog was spinning around and Dratini was chasing it all over the Pokemon centers rest area.

It was cute, but I was just anxious!

I don't know why I felt so anxious each time I used this long distance transfer system, but I was! It didn't even make sense. I trusted that it was safe, but… Aaaaaaaaa!

I breathed in and out, just breathing.

Then I heard it. The sound of the machine turning on and I jumped up as Nurse Joy looked from me to it, and then gave that amused smile as she headed over.

Slowly Pokeballs started appearing and I grinned at seeing my Premier Balls appearing in the device.

One, two, three, four, five.

My friends!

"Your transfer is complete." Nurse Joy said and I grinned happily as I scooped them all up.

"Dratini! Everyone is here! Let's go!" I called out.

He looked up towards me, before sending an apologetic noise at the Togedemaru before slithering across the floor towards me, and I reached down and helped him climb up onto my shoulders before I took off towards the beach.

Just as much as I didn't want to send my friends back to Kanto and would miss them… I'd missed these friends too!

Ah! Mimikyu! I bet you were so lonely! You'd have to tell me all about your projects you'd worked on!

I hit the sands and found Mama, Papa, and Lucario all camped out, and Lucario perked up as I arrived racing up to them.

"Say hello again!" I called out and started releasing pokemon.

I laughed in delight as the noise picked up. I was tackled off my feet by Mimikyu, landing in the soft sand, and then laughing as Jangmo-o started roaring to the heavens as his feet tippy tapped in the sand.

Brave appeared in the sand for a moment, before huffing and woogling over to a frisbee Papa had been playing with Arcanine and Lucario with, and slipped inside to get away from the sand, while Riolu cried out and leapt at her Mama.

Then I looked over and there was one last. One confused girl who looked around as if trying to figure out why everything around her changed for a moment. As she finally seemed to look down and felt the warm sand and then her whole body jerked up as she saw the crashing waves.

"Gib!" She cried out just once, and started waddling off towards the waves, her claws opening and closing constantly.

"Hah…. Hahahaha!" I broke into laughter as everyone was chattering away and making noise, and I felt good, warm again.

"I missed you all!" I told them, giving hugs all around, Mimikyu of course still in my arms, but I scooped up Jangmo-o and kissed his forehead before letting him squirm away as I lifted Brave out of the sandy frisbee. "I'll get you some water to rest in." I apologized to her, but I placed her on my shoulder as I locked eyes with Riolu.

"Tsk."

"Tsk." We both responded to each other, but I was happy to see her.

Then I nodded.

And raced for the water after Gible.

"Gible Gable! Don't rush at the waves! You still aren't a good swimmer on your own!" I shouted, but there was no listening in that brain, only Gib.

She hit the first wave and was completely washed over, but I just laughed as she then floated past me, half on her back arms still grasping but only at the sky, before the wave then sucked her out into the ocean.

That Gible!

"Hold on!" I just managed to gasp out, as I was breaking into laughter as I managed to scoop her up before she was completely out into the ocean laughing all the while.