I. Disaster in paradise

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The Vargas family was filled with excitement as they boarded the plane in Hoenn, ready for their adventure to Galar. Elara held her baby boy, Ilios, tightly in her arms, his bright eyes wide with curiosity, taking in the world around him. Marco, with his camera slung around his neck, captured every moment, his heart full of joy as they prepared for takeoff.

“Look at him, Marco,” Elara said, smiling as she adjusted Ilios’s tiny hat. “He’s going to love exploring Galar. Just think of all the new Pokémon we’ll see!”

“Absolutely! I can’t wait to show him everything,” Marco replied, a grin spreading across his face. He turned his camera toward Ilios, snapping a quick photo. The plane began to ascend, and the family watched as the lush landscapes of Hoenn shrank beneath them.

The flight was smooth, and laughter filled the cabin. Other families shared their own stories of adventure, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Ilios cooed happily, his baby sounds mixing with the chatter. Elara and Marco couldn’t have imagined a more perfect start to their journey.

As they soared above the shimmering sea, the sky turned dark, and a fierce storm rolled in unexpectedly. The once serene atmosphere became tense, and the air crackled with anticipation. Marco frowned, glancing out the window. “I didn’t see this in the forecast,” he muttered.

Before they could grasp the change, a blinding flash illuminated the cabin. A deafening crack of thunder followed, and the plane shuddered violently. Panic erupted as passengers screamed, and Elara instinctively tightened her grip around Ilios.

“Hold on, my love!” she cried, but the plane shook uncontrollably, plunging toward the unknown.

The crash was a cacophony of screams and shattering metal as the aircraft tore through the clouds and descended into the depths of the Alolan wilderness. Moments later, silence enveloped the wreckage, smoke curling into the sky, and debris scattered across the forest.

When the storm cleared, the world was still. The only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves and the faintest whimper that cut through the silence. Ilios, miraculously unscathed, lay nestled among the remains of the aircraft, his tiny hands reaching out, confused but alive.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, shadows grew long, and a sense of foreboding settled over the wreckage. The cries of the baby echoed in the stillness, summoning something ancient from the depths of the forest.

In the gathering darkness, a figure emerged—a Pokémon with vibrant, feather-like wings and an aura of mystery. It was Tapu Bulu, the guardian spirit of the forest, known for its wisdom and fierce protection of nature. Drawn by the sound of Ilios’s cries, Tapu Bulu approached cautiously, its heart heavy with sorrow for the family that had perished.

“Bulu… Bulu…” it called softly, its voice resonating like a gentle breeze through the trees. It knelt beside the wreckage, sensing the profound loss surrounding it, yet feeling an inexplicable pull toward the infant.

Ilios, despite the chaos around him, reached out, his innocent gaze filled with trust. The Pokémon hesitated, considering the situation. The sight of the baby alone amidst the wreckage stirred something deep within Tapu Bulu.

“Bulu!” it exclaimed, a melodic sound that conveyed concern and urgency. It leaned closer, examining the boy. The guardian felt a flicker of hope—the spark of life in the tiny human could not be allowed to fade.

But as it contemplated its next move, the distant sound of marching drew closer. Tapu Bulu's instincts kicked in; rescuers were searching for survivors, and they would soon arrive. The guardian knew that Ilios would not be safe if they found him here, alone among the wreckage.

Time was short. Without a moment’s hesitation, Tapu Bulu gently scooped up Ilios, cradling him in its wings, which shimmered like leaves in the sunlight. The baby cooed, instinctively calming at the guardian’s touch, sensing a profound sense of protection enveloping him.

“Bulu!” Tapu Bulu whispered, its voice imbued with determination as it took to the air, gliding away from the chaos of the crash. The forest below was a sea of greens and browns, teeming with life, and Tapu Bulu navigated through the treetops, knowing it had to find a safe place for the child.

As they soared, Ilios gazed up at the guardian, his wide eyes sparkling with wonder. He was unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded but felt a deep comfort in the presence of the mystical Pokémon. Tapu Bulu's heart swelled as it looked down at the boy, realizing the importance of its mission—to nurture and protect this innocent life.

The sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the forest. Tapu Bulu descended into a secluded grove, where the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a soft, warm embrace. The area was untouched by the storm, alive with vibrant flowers and the sweet scent of blooming plants.

Carefully, Tapu Bulu laid Ilios on a bed of soft moss, ensuring he was safe and warm. The guardian lingered, watching over the baby as he cooed softly, reaching for the dancing sunlight that filtered through the leaves.

In that moment, Tapu Bulu felt a profound connection to Ilios, a bond that transcended the chaos of the world outside. It was a promise—a vow to protect and care for the child, to raise him in the heart of the forest where the magic of nature thrived.

“Bulu!” it affirmed, the sound resonating with determination and love. This was no longer just a moment of survival; it was the beginning of a new story—a tale of hope, guardianship, and the unbreakable bond between a child and a guardian spirit.

As the stars twinkled in the night sky above, the forest enveloped them in its tranquility, a sanctuary where life could flourish once more. Tapu Bulu knew that, despite the tragedy that had occurred, this was a new beginning for Ilios—a chance to grow and thrive in a world filled with wonder and magic. And in the heart of Alola, the guardian vowed to be there every step of the way, nurturing the child of destiny.

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