Chapter 378

"... You come from another world, and you have so many companions traveling with you, even Tapu Lele likes you so much..."

Lana glanced at Tapu Lele, who was lying in Qiao Ran's arms and seemed to have closed her eyes slightly, dozing off, and couldn't help but smile.

"That's great."

She genuinely envied Qiao Ran, and at the same time, she felt a strange sense of excitement and joy deep inside.

Inviting him out tonight was definitely the right thing to do. Most importantly, she felt that the distance between her and Qiao Ran was slowly closing.

He is indeed a very good person.

After saying goodbye to Lana at night and watching her walk further and further away with her fishing rod, Qiao Ran also carried the dozing Tapu Lele back to his room.

This guy was really excited when he saw him about to leave, but he fell asleep halfway there.

"So, in the previous battle, besides Dianxi being exhausted, she was also exhausted?"

Qiao Ran glanced at Tapu Lele, then placed her on the bed and carefully covered her with a blanket.

Based on the principle that "forces are reciprocal," since Dianxi had expended a lot of energy, there was even less reason why Tapu Lele, who had been Defeat, would have had no energy left. Although Tapu Lele was not Qiao Ran 'Qiao Ran Pokémon and he had no way to directly understand her condition, he could roughly tell how tired she was by looking at her deep sleep.

She was indeed a little tired.

"If that's about it, I should go to sleep... If I don't, I really won't be able to get up tomorrow."

Qiao Ran didn't feel like he was wasting his time being called out by Lana in the middle of the night, but he did feel quite tired.

So, I'm sure I'll sleep really well tonight.

The next day arrived.

Early in the morning, Qiao Ran and the others arrived at Mallow's house for breakfast as agreed, and also took the opportunity to tell Olivia the things they needed to tell before leaving.

The most important point was that he explained his identity as someone from another world, and then handed over the supplies he had prepared beforehand.

"... These supplies are for you to keep for now; you need them more right now. If you don't want them, just accept them now and return them to me later."

Considering how accepting Olivia and the others might be, Qiao Ran changed his approach. He wasn't doing these things out of charity; he simply hoped he could offer some assistance.

"... All right."

Olivia and Mallow were stunned by Qiao Ran's rapid-fire questions. How could they hear such explosive news when they were just going out for breakfast and saying goodbye?

Lana, on the other hand, showed no surprise whatsoever. In fact, after hearing Qiao Ran repeat it, she almost felt like laughing.

After finishing his explanations with Olivia and the Mallow, Qiao Ran looked towards Tapu Lele.

This is the final stretch of time.

Their next stop is Melemele Island, northwest of Alola. This island is directly west of Akala Island and is the last stop for Qiao Ran and the others before heading to Poni Island.

This island not only boasts Hau'oli City, the largest city in the Alola Region, but also the only Pokémon Research Laboratory in the Alola Region. Most importantly, Mei's mother currently resides on this island, enabling her to...

Going home to see her mother had always been Mei's wish.

"Alright, that's enough for now, Tapu Lele."

Tapu Lele followed Qiao Ran and his group to the coastline outside Konikoni City. This place directly faces Melemele Island, and according to Lusamine's calculations, starting from here should allow them to reach the shortest perfect distance.

"You should go back and help the others on the island. They're all waiting for you."

Tapu Lele followed behind him the whole way, her head slightly bowed.

Although they didn't spend much time together, perhaps less than a day, Qiao Ran was still deeply impressed by her. Perhaps it was because her feelings were truly pure, or perhaps it was something else that touched him. But he probably wouldn't forget those short twenty-four hours for a long time to come.

After a brief silence, Tapu Lele stepped forward and gave Qiao Ran a final hug. Then, her voice Levitate into the air and disappeared from everyone's sight.

It possesses the mystique befitting Island deity.

"That child... will definitely come to see you again if he has the chance in the future."

Cynthia had already figured this out. In fact, in her memory, there were probably very few people in the world who would care so much about the Pokémon of a trainer they had only just met.

Most of these Pokémon eventually became best partners with their chosen Trainer, who were all renowned Trainer in the Pokémon League.

We'll definitely meet if we have the chance.

Qiao Ran smiled and shook his head. As he moved, the gigantic Yveltal appeared in front of him.

Tapu Lele has left to take care of her own affairs, while they, of course, also have their own journey to continue.

"Let's go, our next stop is Melemele Island."

"... I wonder what kind of person the Pokémon Professor on that island is?"

In the Alola Region, each island has its own unique characteristics. Poni Island is characterized by towering Rock-type and numerous canyons, while Ula'ula Island boasts two of the highest peaks. As for Melemele Island, it is known for its well-proportioned land and a very special Volcano.

Perhaps this place is indeed very suitable for human habitation, which is why the largest and most prosperous city in the Alola Region has developed. Moreover, this city is almost entirely built around the beaches of Melemele Island. Therefore, during the peak tourist season each year, many tourists from other places travel long distances to come here just to experience the beautiful beaches of Alola.

The beaches of Alola, no matter which island they are on, are the best calling card of the region.

However, the straight-line distance from Akala Island to Melemele Island is not short, and Qiao Ran and his group will probably have to put in a lot of effort to reach their destination.

"... I wonder if it's just my imagination..."

Along the way, Qiao Ran couldn't help but chat with the others occasionally.

"What illusion?" Mei looked over curiously.

"The Ultra Beast at sea has decreased. If this were our first time in the waters of Alola, the density would have been much higher."

Qiao Ran shared her thoughts.

"It must be related to our previous actions."

"Isn't that obvious?"

Mei couldn't help but remark, "This is a perfect example of how a single conversation can be interpreted in profound ways."

However, the journey at sea was so boring that even without any other topics to discuss, Qiao Ran could only think of things to keep the conversation going, so that he could concentrate on the upcoming battle without feeling sleepy.

"Oh, right, Lillie, didn't you go to the Ether... Pokémon Day Care? What happened there?"

Suddenly, Qiao Ran remembered something else. Unlike the others who had been with him, he knew nothing about Lillie and Lusamine's actions yesterday. Moreover, while they were talking, Qiao Ran was fast asleep on the sofa.

He didn't hear a single word of the specifics.

"They don't have any major problems over there, and Olivia... I really support their activities. It's just that they might lack experience and resources, so there are some areas where their Pokémon training methods could be improved."

Lillie very understandingly explained for Qiao Ran. She had seen him lying on the sofa Rest earlier, but she wouldn't blame Qiao Ran. After all, he had gone through such a brutal battle, so what was wrong with him just resting for a while?

In the previous conversation, although Lusamine was the main "conversationalist," Lillie also had a "responsibility" similar to that of a scribe, recording some specific key points, which was also Lusamine's entrustment to her. Of course, Lusamine had her own considerations for bringing Lillie along—by having Lillie by her side, she could probably learn some of her "communication" skills.

Seeing Lillie grow increasingly mature and independent, Lusamine was actually quite satisfied. However, if she wanted to...

If you want to stand on your own, the road ahead is still very long.

"I see..."

After listening to Lillie's description, Qiao Ran roughly understood the current situation.

Most of the Aether Foundation's facilities on the island are non-profit, so these employees were still able to integrate into life on the island after losing contact with headquarters. However, what is most touching is that even after such a terrible disaster and the loss of contact with headquarters, these former Aether Foundation employees did not abandon the name of the Aether Foundation and still wore their white uniforms.

It is evident that in many people's eyes, this is still the "future institution" full of progress and humanitarianism. Even though Lusamine, has done many wrong things, the consequences of those wrong things have mostly been borne by Lusamine's own family.

"I've already told them about the situation on the main island, and they've agreed... to come and help me when I need it."

Lusamine, who was sitting behind Lillie, suddenly spoke up as well.

"It was my mistake that led to these consequences, and I must bring back those lost employees."

She still couldn't forget what happened back then, or rather, these things had become a nightmare in Lusamine's heart. Ever since her husband Disappearance, she had been losing something. Even though she had hardened her heart and done everything she had done before, she still couldn't change the turbulent current of fate.

However, she still didn't want to give up. Even though the world had become such a mess, she still had a group of people who would support her.

It was the hopeful staff of the Aether Foundation and the children in the orphanage who helped her rediscover the original intention behind creating the organization.

"Mom... don't worry, we'll take it slow, we'll definitely succeed."

Lillie comforted Lusamine. After these days of conversation, she and Lusamine gradually came to understand each other. The person in front of her was no longer the cold-blooded mother she once was; she had revealed another side to herself.

Most importantly, through Lillie's observation, she discovered that her mother's body seemed to be less "healthy" than before. This was noticeable in some small details. Lillie guessed that this was likely a side effect of Nihilego's long-term parasitism. She herself had been parasitized for a very long time in the Aether Foundation, and Lusamine's time was many times longer than hers.

However, it seems that Lusamine deliberately concealed these things.

"..."

Mei watched this scene silently from the side, and something gradually came to mind.

She had known about the relationship between Lillie and her mother since the first time she met Lillie, but she never expected that so much time had passed and such a huge change would occur.

And... soon she'll be arriving at Melemele Island, her "home" in Alola.

However, the closer she got to her home, the more uneasy Mei felt. It wasn't that she was afraid of seeing her mother or that the mother would be dissatisfied with her current behavior; she was just a little... at a loss.

I wonder if my mother will ask about Qiao Ran then? How will she answer?...

"Wrong."

Mei suddenly remembered something, and her expression immediately turned sour.

It's over.

Last night, she completely forgot to find Qiao Ran and check their statements. If her mother found anything strange or didn't match up, she would be completely finished.

This flight, like all others, took several hours. Even with Pokémon of such power accelerating through the air, it still couldn't reduce the time by much. Although the Alola Region is relatively small, it is still a "region".

The landing area where Qiao Ran and his group landed on Melemele Island was also a golden beach, but this beach was much more "natural" than the one they landed on Akala Island, with no vacation tents or chairs around it.

"This area... should be near the research institute, right?"

As soon as Mei set foot on this land, a strong sense of longing welled up in her heart. Although she had been so apprehensive on the way here, now that she was really here, all she could think about was how to get home as soon as possible and reunite with her mother.

The two of them traveled a long way to get here, and at first, they could only rely on each other. Her father was still working in other regions, and now she was the only one who could take care of her mother.

Thinking of this, Mei was also a little worried about her father's situation. However, compared to her father who was far away in the Kanto Region, the only person she could reach right now was her mother.

I think your home is around this area too, right?

Qiao Ran patted Mei on the shoulder, bringing her out of her daze.

"Hmm, I didn't expect you to still remember something like this... Did I tell you about it before?"

Mei couldn't help but ask, but she didn't remember these details very clearly. Given her current relationship with Qiao Ran, it wouldn't be too strange for her to tell him anything. Perhaps she would accidentally...

I might have only mentioned it briefly.

"Of course I remember that."

Qiao Ran smiled mysteriously.

This is the island where the protagonist of the Alola Region was "born," and he has already entered that "home" of his in the game countless times.

In this world, that is also Mei's home, and their destination.

"Alright, where should we go first?"

Mei shrugged.

"I'm quite familiar with this island, so let me lead the way."

She might not know the terrain of other islands as well, but this island felt like coming home.

Of all the people present, none knew it better than her.

"... Um, although it might not be appropriate to bother you right now, may I remind you of something?"

Upon hearing Qiao Ran Mei's conversation, Lusamine spoke up.

"Based on our previous contact with Professor Kukui, it seems that the people on the island have now all gathered in the island's only major city, Hau'oli City."

"If we're looking for someone, we should just go over there."

Previously on Ula'ula Island, scientists including Molayne had already joined forces with Lusamine to Kukui. It was during that time that they obtained information about the island and confirmed the safety of Mei's mother.

"That makes sense... After all, with so many people on the island, if there were Ultra Beast, they couldn't possibly be scattered all over the place."

Mei paused for a moment, then nodded slightly.

To be honest, the fighting strength of Melemele Island is not particularly outstanding among the islands. Unlike other islands that often have two or three Captain, Melemele Island only has a Captain specializing in Normal-type Pokémon and an Island Kahuna. As for the Pokémon professor, although some people say that he has strength close to the Pokémon League Champion, Mei has never battled him in Pokémon match, so she doesn't really believe these claims.