Chapter 446:
Returning to the Alola region, Kaede didn't head straight to find Mallow.
Instead, he went to the hills behind the Pokémon School.
He had departed around noon, and by the time he arrived, it was dusk.
Having brought so many Pokémon, he couldn't let them go hungry, right?
First, he released all his Pokémon and had a meal together. Then, he looked at everyone. "Do any of you have places you'd like to go?"
"Ninetales?"
"…eon?"
"Serperior..."
The released Pokémon looked at each other and quickly decided on a plan. The first to step forward was Alolan Ninetales. Although it had traveled with Kaede twice before, both times were for competitions. The only glimpse of the outside world it got was during the first trip to Apricot Mountain for the Junior Cup.
Now, seeing this near-tropical rainforest climate for the first time, it quickly became curious, sniffing around. Seeing unfamiliar Pokémon in the distance, it voiced its idea to Kaede: "Ninetales~" (*I want to go explore around.*)
"Sure, sure," Kaede nodded, then looked at the Eeveelutions. "Do you want to go along too?"
"…eon"
The Eeveelutions looked at each other, then at Alolan Ninetales. Under its gaze, they eventually chose to follow Ninetales for a stroll nearby.
Kaede then looked at Serperior, who shook its head.
Next were Steenee and Tsareena.
Without a doubt, they wanted to return to their former home.
Kaede wasn't surprised by this. He just checked the two Pokémon's levels.
Not checking was one thing, but checking gave him a bit of a shock. Steenee's daily task was using Grassy Terrain in the orchard with Serperior. He thought its level wouldn't be high, but now...
Steenee's level was even higher than its mother Tsareena's.
[Pokémon: Steenee]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Oblivious]
[Aptitude: Purple]
[Level: 44-46]
[Individual Values: …]
[Moves: Splash, Play Nice, Razor Leaf, Play Nice, Sweet Scent, Magical Leaf, Draining Kiss, Charm…]
[Friendship: 100]
[Happiness Value: 65]
[Pokémon: Tsareena]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Leaf Guard]
[Aptitude: Blue]
[Level: 36-37]
[Individual Values: …]
[Moves: Splash, Play Nice, Sweet Scent, Razor Leaf, Draining Kiss, Charm, Stomp, Power Whip…]
[Friendship: 85]
[Happiness Value: 60]
Level 40+ could practically be considered Alpha-level Pokémon in general wild areas.
In the hills behind the Pokémon School, as long as they didn't go anywhere dangerous, there shouldn't be any problems.
Although that was the case, Kaede still added, "Go ahead. Hmm... you can have Ninetales take you back to have a look."
Alolan Ninetales, plus the Eeveelutions squad, probably constituted the strongest team in these hills.
"Ninetales~"
Alolan Ninetales readily agreed to the request.
It just wanted to explore anyway; where it went didn't really matter.
"But I'll come find you when it's time."
"Ninetales~" (*Got it, we'll be back.*)
The Pokémon who had never really seen the world soon vanished into the dusk of the forest. Kaede shook his head, then looked at Serperior.
Serperior immediately shook its head, indicating it wouldn't go.
"What about you two? Primarina, Milotic, want to go see the Alolan sea?"
"Primarina~" (*Yes, yes!*)
Returning to this place clearly stirred Primarina's heart.
But Milotic hesitated. "Milotic?"
Primarina began to persuade it. "Primarina, Primarina!" (*The sea is so beautiful. Let's go see it together.*)
For most Water-type Pokémon, only by visiting the ocean would they understand the vastness of the world.
But Milotic still had concerns. "Milotic, Milotic...?" It was afraid it might not be able to find Kaede when it returned.
"Don't worry. I'll come find you before 9 PM tonight~!"
Kaede gave his assurance and persuaded further, "Go take a look, Milotic. The sea is really interesting."
Only then did Milotic agree.
"What about you, Meowscarada?" Kaede finally looked at the feline. But before he could finish, the cat had already looped its arm around Kaede's neck again. Clearly, it didn't have much interest in the scenery outside, just wanting to stay by his side.
( o=^•ェ•)o : "Meowscarada~"
"Alright, alright, I get it."
Kaede was somewhat amused and exasperated. Meowscarada seemed to be getting increasingly fond of casually draping its arm over his neck lately, and he couldn't really say much about it.
"Then let's go."
Patting Meowscarada's paw and waiting for it to let go, Kaede repacked the Poké Balls. After releasing Milotic and Primarina into the sea, he had Dragonite return to land.
In many parts of Alola, towns differed from the skyscrapers of Eastova. On these island-like areas, most buildings were single-story. Street vendors were packing up their stalls.
With Meowscarada by his side, Kaede looked down at a map of Melemele Island.
They were currently in Hau'oli City.
The hospital location Mallow sent him was nearby.
With his Aura abilities, Kaede's sense of direction was incredibly strong. Thus he was able to locate the area easily.
Soon, a hospital appeared before him. Following the information, he arrived at a specific hospital room door, gave a light knock, and entered after receiving permission.
Who appeared before him wasn't Mallow, but two other "familiar" faces: Lillie with her golden blonde hair, and Lana with her water-blue hair.
Kaede was momentarily taken aback seeing them, and they were equally surprised to see him.
He then looked at the woman on the bed: short grey hair, wearing a white hospital gown, with a kind and amiable face, looking to be in her thirties.
This was Mallow's mother.
Her complexion held an unnatural pallor. His Viridian Power could also sense that her vitality seemed to be blocked and draining away.
"Mr.... Mr. Kaede!"
The first to speak was Lillie. Beside her, Lana also widened her eyes.
They had just been talking about Kaede with Mallow, and now, right after Mallow left, Kaede appeared before them.
"Alola. Hello there."
Though also surprised, Kaede quickly regained his composure and offered a greeting.
Joining in the greeting was Meowscarada, who had followed him in.
"Meowscarada?"
But it might have been better if it hadn't appeared. The moment it did, Lillie let out a startled cry, "Ah..."