An Ultra Past Forgotten (Pokemon Sun & Moon)

Chapter 23

Snow was falling across Mount Lanakila, adding to the beautiful white landscape. It was the only place in Alola that harbored so many ice type pokemon. One such group was currently locked in combat. A small pack of Sneasel were up against a gathering of Vulpix. Amidst them all, a single Weavile clashed with a Ninetales, and behind Ninetales was a red-haired girl, dressed in a fluffy, black coat with pants and boots. Weavile swiftly moved in, preparing to use Metal Claw.

"Ninetales!" Chloe called. "Dodge it, then use Dazzling Gleam!"

The fox pokemon ducked and dodged the multiple claw swipes of her opponent. She managed to jump back away from it before her body was enveloped by a rainbow of bright colors. She charged forward, slamming into the Weavile and knocking it out.

"Nine, ninetails nine."

All the Sneasel stopped, seeing their leader lying in the snow and hearing Ninetales's brave words. The group immediately picked up Weavile and fled, causing the Vulpix to cheer. Ninetales went to give each of them a lick and a nuzzle, remembering them all from when she lived there as a Vulpix. She was always the most quiet and timid of the bunch, and was always the victim of the Sneasels' harassment. But now, when her old friends needed help, she boldly stood up to defend them.

"Way to go, Ninetales." Chloe stroked her head with a smile. "You did a great job. Now all these Vulpix can live in peace."

The pokemon smiled with delight, swarmed by the Vulpix. "Ninetales nine."

Chloe crouched to pet all the Vulpix. "Now you all take care. We've got to get going."

The Vulpix cheerfully scampered away. Chloe returned Ninetales and called out Braviary, climbing onto his back. They took off, leaving Mount Lanakila behind.

Nearly a month had passed since the adventure to Nihilego's world. Alola had been peaceful ever since, and there hadn't been any more wormholes. Chloe and Gladion had traveled together for a bit, and the girl had even gone through her Island Challenge thanks to Gladion's encouragement. She not only wore a Key Stone on her armband, but she also had a Z-Ring on her left wrist, though she didn't use it much, still getting accustomed to it. After spending so long despising Z-Moves like Guzma, it was taking her time to accept using them. Though she had no trouble using the Key Stone, mostly because it was like a gift from her parents.

Chloe and Gladion had spent a lot of time together since their big mission, and they'd only gotten closer. But there were occasions when they'd split up---whenever Gladion had work to do at Aether or Chloe wanted to hang out with the goons she called family. They'd always meet up again to continue their adventures though.

"Let's hurry, Braviary," Chloe urged. "I didn't realize we were gone for so long."

"Bravi brav."

Gladion was waiting for her at the Ferry Terminal in Malie City. He'd recently been contacted by his family in Kanto---his mother and his sister were coming home, and with news on his father's whereabouts. Chloe had simply gotten distracted while visiting Ninetales' old home. She was excited, but also fairly nervous about meeting his family. There was always the fear that they wouldn't approve of her. She silenced those thoughts when they arrived at Malie City, and to her surprise, she saw a familiar man standing by the Apparel Shop.

"Daddy?" The ride pokemon landed, and Chloe hopped off, approaching Guzma. "What are you doing here?" She eyed the bag in his hand.

Guzma gave a kind smile. "You said you and Gladion might be going on a trip, right?"

Chloe was hesitant, half-expecting him to object. She nervously tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. "That's right. His family's coming back from Kanto, and they invited me to join them on a trip to find Gladion's dad."