Chapter 389

Mei's mother naturally saw through her daughter's thoughts, so she skipped dinner and took Mei directly to the outpost on the edge of the city, where they found Hala and Burnet waiting for them.

Unexpectedly, Lillie and Lusamine also arrived there later.

"Go ahead, Mei. Don't worry about me."

Beside Mei's mother gave her daughter one last hug.

"Didn't you say you were going to other places afterwards?"

Now that the biggest problem has been solved, Qiao Ran and the others certainly won't stay here for too long. Tonight might be their last night here, and Mei's mother already knows Mei's thoughts.

She must have a lot to say to her companions too.

On this last day, Mei also moved into the same place as Qiao Ran. After Mei's mother left and Mei went to check the room alone, Lusamine also approached Qiao Ran.

"I'm leaving tomorrow..."

She spoke suddenly, as if it were a casual conversation.

"Oh, right, that mother also told me something very interesting before."

"..."

Seeing Lusamine's enigmatic, half-smiling expression, Qiao Ran's heart skipped a beat.

Wait, what's going on here???

What did you say???

"She asked me about your relationship with Mei. It must be because you asked Mei out before that she misunderstood."

Seeing Qiao Ran's somewhat nervous expression, Lusamine immediately offered an explanation.

"So don't worry, I explained it to her for you and put her mind at ease. After all, these are special times, and it's not appropriate for you and Lillie to explain these things directly."

Qiao Ran: "..."

Qiao Ran opened her mouth, "Is... is this even possible?"

However, after hearing Lusamine's words, a huge weight was lifted from his heart; thankfully, nothing bad had happened.

"But-

-"

However, as Lusamine was speaking, she suddenly changed the subject.

"You'd better watch yourself, and don't do anything to betray me..."

Looking into that sharp gaze and that ambiguous smile, Qiao Ran couldn't help but shiver. This guy was definitely serious, and his powerful aura was far stronger than that of the other girls.

"And the things I did that were unfair to Lillie."

"Mmm-hmm-hmm-hmm."

Qiao Ran could only nod repeatedly, indicating that he would never do anything presumptuous towards Mei in the future.

... As for those that were already done before, there's probably no way to do that.

That night, Qiao Ran gathered all the girls together and talked with them in detail about what had happened that day.

Especially Mei and Lillie, they couldn't be there because of their own things, but it's still necessary to tell them what happened here.

"Mainly after we entered that Ruins... You know Cynthia, right?"

"Well, back then we were..."

Qiao Ran and Cynthia exchanged glances and began to recount what had happened. However, when they heard that Qiao Ran had gone to that space and summoned Cynthia, everyone was completely stunned.

Everyone was stunned when they heard how Qiao Ran summoned the Cynthia, and no one could say a word for a long time.

"Is... it really possible to do this??"

Just because I thought of Cynthia, I called out Cynthia's name too???

"Hmm... I don't know the specific reason, but... I think there should be a connection, right?"

Whether or not one can summon whatever one thinks about is something Qiao Ran doesn't know if this is an eternal truth, but judging from the current situation, it seems to be true.

"It's fortunate that Tapu Lele appeared suddenly, otherwise we would definitely be in real trouble."

"Yes..."

As Qiao Ran and Cynthia spoke, they both nodded simultaneously, recalling the thrilling scenes in that space, those scenes seemingly still etched in their minds.

At that moment, they truly felt they had reached a dead end, and were even prepared for the end. Fortunately... Tapu Lele appeared before them like a miracle.

"After we've reached the last island and ascended the Altar of the Moone, if we have time, let's go see her again."

"Um."

This time, even Cynthia, who had initially said she was in a hurry, agreed with Qiao Ran. They truly couldn't repay Tapu Lele's help this time...

Every adventure is bound to have some unexpected events that deviate from their initial plans. However, as the exploration deepens, Qiao Ran's understanding of that world also grows, which can be considered good news.

After Qiao Ran and Cynthia explained what had happened inside, Lillie Mei also talked about what they had done that day. Lillie and Lusamine's mission was actually similar to the one on the previous island: to meet with the members of the Aether Foundation on the island and explain the next course of action. After such a big incident, it would not be easy to continue the organization's operation, but neither Lusamine nor Lillie seemed to have any intention of letting the Aether Foundation collapse.

In particular, after Lillie traveled to so many islands and witnessed the contributions of other Foundation members to Alola, she became even more convinced of this idea.

Mei's day was much simpler. She spent a very ordinary day with her mother, chatting casually and having a meal together.

"That's so nice..."

Mei Mei able to see her family and get some rest, since their homes were still very, very far away.

"Let's get some rest tonight, and tomorrow... well, let's set off in the afternoon."

Considering that everyone has been fighting all day, it would be too much to ask them to set off so early tomorrow morning. Putting aside his and Cynthia's situation for the time being, the key is Mei and Acerola, who have been fighting outside for an hour. They are the two who are the most exhausted.

"There's only one small town on Poni Island where we can rest. We'll probably have to fly until tonight and then just stay there for the night. If that doesn't work... we'll just have to figure something out along the way."

Poni Island, the last island in Alola, is almost completely undeveloped and pristine compared to the other Alola islands. It has no tourist attractions, and even the only human settlement on the island is at the "village" level, with houses and major facilities made of boats.

The locals call this village the "Seafolk Village," where residents live on boats and only moor them on the village's piers when they need to rest.

Qiao Ran even had some doubts: with such a big incident, could all the villagers have already fled...?

Moreover, considering that Lusamine couldn't be with them...

If they go straight to the Real World and find nothing, then they'll really have to camp out among the Ultra Beast...

"That..."

Seemingly sensing something, Lillie spoke up at this moment.

"Actually, it's like this: Mom said she won't go to the last island; she'll probably stay here after that."

"Um?"

Qiao Ran looked at her with some surprise.

"That's right. There are very few traces of human activity on Poni Island. It's a pretty good nature reserve in itself, so the Aether Foundation has no need to operate there. They only go to the island for some field research and exploration. As for other times, they don't have any long-term operating stations."

Lillie explained in detail that, having worked with Lusamine for so long, Lillie had also learned a lot about the operation of the Aether Foundation, things that the original Lusamine would never have told her.

"And... Mom said she has something to discuss with Professor Burnet. Once Melemele Island returns to normal, they'll go to the Space Research Lab on Akala Island together."

"Yeah..."

Professor Burnet is indeed a very important figure, Lusamine probably sought her out because of her own obsession.

Qiao Ran shook his head helplessly. Everyone has their own ideas, and as long as they are acceptable and do not harm others, he has no objections.

Moreover, he was quite uneasy Lusamine by his side all the time, especially after what she had said to him earlier. If she found out about Lillie and Mei Mei's current situation, wouldn't she immediately send the entire Aether Foundation to hunt him down?

Lillie: "?"

Suddenly feeling Qiao Ran's gaze fixed on her, Lillie's head was filled with a question mark, but she quickly lowered her head slightly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

No... no way, I just said Mom wasn't coming along, is he... is he implying something?

Qiao Ran: "??"

Seeing Lillie's expression, Qiao Ran was instantly filled with question marks. Wait... what happened??

Did I say anything strange?

"Cough... cough cough."

Soon, the others present also noticed that the atmosphere was a bit off, especially Mei and Mei, who immediately started coughing.

What are you two doing? What if Acerola Cynthia find out?!

The conversation ended in a strange atmosphere that night. Fortunately, both Cynthia and Acerola were quite tired today and didn't notice anything unusual.

"Why."

Qiao Ran lay alone in bed. So much had happened today, and most people probably wouldn't bother him tonight. But ever since he started getting busy with things in Alola, he had spent much less time with his Pokémon and less time living in the Real World. Over time, a sense of loneliness began to creep into Qiao Ran's heart.

Most importantly, he was a little too tired.

Hopefully Pokémon World will return to normal soon.

This is something he has always hoped for.

The next day arrived quickly. Qiao Ran and the others who had participated in the battle the night before made a point of sleeping in a little longer. Mei and Lillie, on the other hand, got up very early. After all, they might have to part ways with their mothers today, and the remaining hours would be their last time together.

"I hope you Tailwind. The people of Melemele Island will remember what you did."

King Hala of the Island Kahuna specially prepared an incredibly lavish feast for the group. From the morning onwards, the other islanders busied themselves preparing to offer their own tokens of appreciation.

"Once the Alola League is established, I'll go and attract investment, and how about I help you erect a few statues to put at the entrance?"

Professor Kukui, with his arm around Professor Burnet's neck, spoke up with a smile. Judging from his expression, it was unclear whether he was just egging her on or genuinely had the idea.

If the Alola League is actually established, with statues and such... will that really attract investment?... No, wait, within Alola, the first person you'd think of to offer that kind of investment is probably that certain chairman of the council, right?

Qiao Ran's expression froze for a moment.

If it were her... if Lillie were inside the statue, she might actually give the money. After all, for Lusamine, money is a minor issue; the key is what comes with it.

"..."

Qiao Ran suddenly felt a little worried about Alola's future. After all, these were all rather reckless individuals, and who knew what kind of trouble they might cause in the future? The thought was quite frightening.

"Lillie, from now on you guys have to work hard on your own. I'm not going to hold you back."

Lusamine also gave Qiao Ran and the others a few words of advice.

"Also, remember what I mentioned before? Go to Exeggutor Island before going to the Altar of the Moone and get the flute used for the Ritual. That thing was specially stored on the island."

In the Alola Region, Poni Island remains the last undeveloped island not only because it is unsuitable for human habitation, but also because...

This place holds a special place in the hearts of the Alola people. Several important Altar and places where important items are stored are located here. This is also the final battlefield where the two ancient mythical beasts, "Sun" and "Moon," saved Alola. The Altar of the Moone was built to commemorate this event.

"Don't worry, we will definitely go."

Qiao Ran reassured her that they would naturally keep this matter in mind; Lusamine had already mentioned it so many times, they certainly wouldn't forget.

By blowing the Moon Flute at the Altar of the Moone and then playing the Sun Flute in Ritual, the true power of the Child of the Stars can be awakened, which is one of their ultimate purposes in coming to Alola.

--Little Nebby.

It has been asleep for far too long; it's time to wake up.

Before leaving, Qiao Ran handed over the supplies he wanted to leave behind to Lusamine. Since Lusamine planned to stay, Lusamine Qiao Ran simply gave her the food, clothes, and other things he originally intended to leave for the island. He couldn't afford to buy many resources anyway, so these things were basically his small Present and tokens of his goodwill.

"Don't worry, I'll use it well." Lusamine nodded and smiled. These things were rare items in this day and age, so she would naturally put them to good use.

Parting is always a sad time. Lillie was alright, but Mei was the main one. They had only met for a little over a day before they had to part ways. It was indeed very difficult for the mother and daughter to accept. However, they both had experience as Pokémon Trainer, so even if they found it hard to accept, they could accept it.

"Keko."

Tapu Koko also made a special appearance before everyone to see them off. Perhaps because it was unable to return to its own Ruins, it did not give Qiao Ran and the others its Last Resort Z-Crystal like the other two Tapu. However, in these final moments, it still solemnly offered its blessings to Qiao Ran and the others.

No matter how stubborn it was, it was very grateful for Qiao Ran and the others' help. Of course... if it weren't for Tapu Lele's influence, it probably wouldn't have been so awkward.

After finishing everything, Qiao Ran and the others set off for the last island, Poni Island, a journey that would likely take quite some time.

The terrain of Poni Island is mostly composed of large canyons made up of various uneven yellow Rock-type. There are some places with green plants, but these are relatively rare. It is precisely because of this unique terrain that some special Pokémon can only live on this island.