The dinner commotion ended with Dawn's apology. Meloetta finally understood that Piplup hadn't wanted its bread—he liked it. Though Meloetta still didn't understand what "like" meant.
But while Meloetta was innocent, few of the Pokémon at home were. Led by Flutter Mane, they all told it to stay away from Piplup so he couldn't take advantage of it.
"Melo..."
What was the big deal?
Weren't they all friends?
Meloetta hadn't seen much of the world, so it didn't really understand...
The others remained fiercely protective, determined not to let some random Pokémon sweep it off its feet. They all set their sights on Piplup. If that round, chubby penguin tried anything, his friends would make sure he learned his lesson!
"Pip..."
Still unconscious from overwhelming excitement, Piplup suddenly shivered. He had the strange feeling something terrifying had set its sights on him...
The battle court behind the Villa offered a view of Undella Town's beach at night. Mingyou and Akari stepped out together into the cool sea breeze and gazed toward a stretch of ocean where Jellicent floated in the distance.
"The pink Jellicent are pretty cute. They gather out on the water and even glow."
Akari brushed back the hair the wind had blown across her face. Smiling, she turned to Mingyou and asked softly, anticipation filling her heart, "This should be far enough, right? What did you want to tell me?"
"Um..."
Now that they were finally alone, Mingyou hesitated again. A short distance behind them, Ogerpon had followed instead of staying with the others to protect Meloetta. Hidden from sight, it watched with impatience written all over its face.
"Pon!"
You can do it!
As though encouraged by its silent support, Mingyou made up his mind. His cheeks reddening, he turned to Akari and met her gentle