When the boat FINALLY reached the shore it took me no more than a minute to get onto the firm floor of the land. I may like the historical touch of the boat, but that doesn't mean I want to become part of history itself while on board. Nebby followed me calmly (and outside the bag) while both Kukui and Luna walked side by side toward us.
"LAND AHOY!" Hau jumped from the boat straight to the island without even using the stairs and yelled with all the strength his lungs allowed him. "Akala Island, here I come!"
"Isn't it a bit late to say 'land ahoy' after we've already been onshore?" I asked with a small sigh and then turned to face Luna. "Don't you think so too?"
As if combined, both Luna and Kukui put their hands on their waists and with a serious expression answered me. "The land is certainly ahoy, oh yeah!"
I stared them blankly for a second. I don't know if I should be worried about the fact that apparently, Kukui is actually contagious or that I'm apparently the only sane person here. Even Nebby seems to be laughing off my face, which makes me puff my left check a little in anger. Why does those two like teasing me so much?
"Still haven't managed to find a shirt that goes with your lab coat, Kukui?" A feminine adult but playful voice spoke. Everyone turned to face the owner of the voice. "I've told you're gonna scare the strangers looking like that,"
"Nebby, get in the bag!" I said already trying to reach him.
"Don't sweat it, Lillie," Kukui smiled a little. Obviously, those two know each other.
"Why, hello there. Nice to meet you all, my name's Olivia," The woman looked at us with a smile. She was being followed by another girl, definitely not as old, but still older than me and Luna.
"Hey, thanks for stopping by," The girl has green hair and a smile that rivals Hau's. "My name is Mallow, I'm one of the captains here in Akala," As soon as she finished her phrase Luna narrowed her eyes in a way I can only describe as challenging, however, that stare silently changed its target and both Luna and Olivia glared each other for a few seconds.
Olivia smiled and closed her eyes for a second and something in her changed. In one second I thought I was looking at a very gentle woman, and in the next, I felt like I'm in front of a wild beast that found an interesting pray.
"May I ask your name, both of you?" She opened her eyes again.
"My name's Hau," Obviously he was the first one to answer.
"Luna..."
"Is that so..." Olivia still smiled but asked curiously. "Well, so, what's the plan now?"
"It's up to these kids. It's their island challenge after all," Kukui waved his hand and Olivia nodded.
"Yes, I suppose so. Well, I'll be waiting for my chance to face you when the time comes," She turned her back to us and walked away waving a goodbye. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got!"
"Me too," Mallow agreed and also followed her way.
Those two started to fade away at distance and while Kukui smiled. "I'm sure she wanted to come to see that you made it all right," He laughed. "Not that she will admit it of course,"
"She seems like a very kind kahuna," Luna was still observing the strange duo... Wait...
"Why do you think she is the Kahuna? She hasn't said anything about that," I asked truly confused.
"Can't you tell just by looking?" Hau smiled at me. He doesn't seen mean, but the way he said makes me think that I'm missing something obvious.
"Like you said she's a very gentle woman, yeah," Kukui agreed but his expression was very serious. "Despite her kind heart, her battle style is as brutal as Hala's,"
I opened my mouth in surprise. I always knew Hala is a strong trainer, but yesterday was the first time I've seen him fight, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't impressed. He looked like a completely different man and his pokemon that I knew for so long suddenly seemed like a monster in terms of battle. However, neither Luna or Hau showed surprise like me, instead, Hau smiled challenging and Luna kept her expression like iron.
"Well, what do you guys want to do now?" Kukui suddenly changed the subject. "If you want you can go straight to your next trial, but I suggest you enjoy the island too,"
"It's obvious for me, I'll go search for the closest malasada shop," Hau answered already walking away.
"Maybe I'll see some shopping on my own, and search a thing or two about the ruins too," I put a hand o my chin and said thoughtfully.
"Oh yeah? Well, I have a little thing to solve around here, so I'll find you two later," He turned away but stopped before even starting to walk. "When we met I think I can take you to Burnet's lab, so be prepared for anything,"
I smiled with the idea. There's already some good time since I've seen Kukui's wife so I was obviously expecting for a chance, but something seems off... The way he said it was strange, almost solemn, and why we should be prepared for anything? I don't understand.
But Luna does...
Looking at her I saw that she was barely keeping her emotions under control as if Burnet is some kind of really important piece on the table, and she is not sure if she wants or not to see her by her own.
"I... Will stay with Lillie for a while," For my surprise, she said with a very firm voice and Kukui finally walked away. I gave her a side glance, but I honestly am not sure if I should say something or not, so we just started to walk around the streets of the island.
We walked side by side for a while in silence, but I'm really not good with silence... "So," I stopped observing the surroundings with fake interest. "Akala island seem to have less nature than Melemele, don't you think?"
She gave me a sad smile. "Yes, that seems to be the case," A store got into view and I thought it would be a very good change of pace to see what there's inside, but sadly Nebby got the same idea and tried to break free again.
"NOPE," I caught him before he could go very further, but he managed to break free and jump onto Luna's arms.
"Are you going to search for the ruins?" She asked while petting Nebby's head.
"Yes, they're called ruins of life," I answered with a nod. "Apparently, they house the great guardian of Akala Island, a creature called Tapu Lele,"
"PEW!" Nebby let pretty clear his opinion on the subject.
"I wondered if you'd like to come with us when we go to visit the ruins?" I changed the weight from one foot to the other. I want her to come with me, but saying that would be so embarrassing. "I mean... Little Nebby here seems to like you quite a bit, Luna,"
"PEW," Again, Nebby let clear his seal of approval.
She smiled, this time a real one, and gave Nebby back to me. "Yes, I would like to,"
After that, we went toward the famous hotel that was very close to us.