Moon's appearance genuinely surprised Aiden.
Days earlier at Professor Kukui's lab, he'd noticed what seemed to be the future protagonist's residence—yet the house lacked even a nameplate. Clearly unoccupied.
Moreover, Moon was canonically a Kanto native—only relocating to Alola with her mother when the Sun/Moon storyline began, embarking on her own "Victory Road."
Thus Aiden had assumed he wouldn't encounter her during this trip.
Yet here she stood—in Alola—chatting casually with Lillie as if old friends.
Though puzzled, Aiden didn't dwell on it.
After all—this Moon remained merely an ordinary girl. Years separated her from becoming the legendary Trainer who'd nearly rival Red himself.
Tonight's focus? The Grand Trial Festival—and showcasing Alola's culture to his stream viewers.
So Aiden paused only briefly before claiming a front-row seat.
"Students—today marks Melemele Island's annual Grand Trial Festival," he addressed his stream. "With luck… we might even glimpse the legendary Island Guardian~"
The professional streamer smoothly pivoted to Alolan mythology:
"Legend says Alola's four Island Guardians each protect an island. The locals host annual festivals to express gratitude—hoping to catch their deities' attention."
"Today, these festivals have become vital Alolan traditions—complete with unique performances."
He panned the camera toward skeletal Pokémon dancing oddly in a plaza corner.
"Those are Alolan Marowak. They generate fire by vigorously rubbing their bone clubs against their foreheads—then spin the ignited clubs in dance. Locals call them 'magicians'."
"Their performances are festival highlights. When inspired, they'll even drum rhythms to soundtrack the celebration."
Isolated on remote islands, many Pokémon evolved Alolan forms—with Raichu even surfing on its tail—
Thus fire-wielding, spirit-channeling Marowak felt… normal.
At least to Aiden.
[Teacher Azure—I get the lore, but regional forms are too wild! How does Ground-type become Fire/Ghost?!]
[Actually… Marowak is already dead. What controls it is—]
[DAMN YOU PARAS LITERATURE STILL HAUNTING ME!]
Festival energy clearly infected viewers. Chat turned lighthearted—immersing in Teacher Azure's Alolan journey.
"Speaking of Ghost-types—the bone club is said to be its mother's skull," Aiden mused aloud. "Hence the blue-green 'will-o'-the-wisp' flames when ignited."
"Perhaps… even beyond this world, they silently protect children who must grow strong."
"Ah—so does that mean… every newborn Cubone's arrival accompanies its Marowak mother's passing?"
A vibrant girl's voice cut in—curious, slightly troubled.
Aiden: ?
He turned—meeting Moon's gaze. She'd somehow materialized beside him.
When?!
[??? WHO'S TALKING?!]
[Another cutie beside Teacher Azure?! Does Champion Cynthia know her knives are sharpening?!]
[Seriously though—that question's kinda dark. Don't ruin our wholesome Pokémon fairy tale!]
[So adorable! And the blonde girl in the dress behind her too!]
Viewers instantly fixated on the newcomer—shattering the educational atmosphere.
"Ah! I forgot to introduce myself!"
Noticing Aiden's confusion, the red-beanie-wearing, black-bobbed girl slapped her palms together.
"Hello Teacher Azure! I'm Moon from Kanto—your loyal fan!"
"—Hello?"
Aiden faltered.
Same first impression as before—Alola's true protagonist is a social butterfly extraordinaire.
"And Lillie too—good evening."
Politeness demanded he greet Lillie—receiving a response starkly contrasting Moon's.
Compared side-by-side… Lillie shrinking behind her was textbook social anxiety.
"So Teacher Azure—do you know the answer to my question?"
Moon blinked—curiosity undimmed—pulling the topic back. Eager for definitive answers.
"..."
Aiden fell silent—mind racing.
Logically? Moon's deduction was correct.
Marowak appeared in Oak's original Pokédex. Decades of research made major errors unlikely.
Though unconfirmed—their births likely did coincide with maternal deaths——
Even the skull helmets they wore were mothers' final protection.
But he couldn't say this aloud!
Explaining such grim reality to girls barely twelve? Not his style.
Thankfully—he devised a gentler interpretation:
"Sometimes Pokédex entries aren't perfectly accurate. Perhaps those bones belong to ancestors?"
"Marowak are deeply communal Pokémon. Legends say they sense special power within ancestral bones."
"I see…"
Moon nodded—accepting the explanation without further debate.
"Thank you for answering, Teacher Azure!"
"No problem."
Aiden waved—relieved to dodge that bullet. He glanced toward chat —only for Moon to immediately volley another question:
"So why are Alolan Exeggutor so tall? Don't their long necks get tired?"
"And that dark Meowth over there—did it get sunburned black from too much Alolan sun?"
Chatterbox Moon fired regional-form questions nonstop—leaving Aiden mildly exasperated.
But she was his fan. Patience it was.
He began patiently answering each query.
[TEARS—Teacher Azure so gentle I'm crying!]
[Since when was Teacher Azure this gentle?! Totally different from when I challenged Sunshine Gym!]
[You don't get it—he's luring rookies to Sunshine Gym… then teaching them a real lesson!]
[R-r-really?]
Chat cried foul over the uncharacteristic softness.
As Aiden patiently explained, Lillie behind Moon quietly observed him.
Truly worthy of Teacher Azure—knowing Alolan Pokémon so well!
And Moon too—approaching Teacher Azure so naturally, just like chatting with me earlier.
If it were me… I could never converse so easily with strangers——
Lillie glanced at Moon—eyes brimming with admiration.
Just as Aiden finished his final explanation—earning two "little fangirls'" awestruck gazes——
A powerful drumbeat erupted nearby.
He turned—spotting Island Kahuna Hala now standing on the festival stage, gazing past the bonfire toward the waiting crowd.
"The Grand Trial Festival begins!"
A local's exclamation triggered waves of cheers from tourists.
"Seems Q&A time's over."
Aiden smiled—waving at Moon.
But she showed zero intention of leaving. Instead—stars in her eyes—she boldly declared:
"Teacher Azure—can Lillie and I sit here?"
"I heard the festival includes battles! You'll join too, right?!"
"—Of course."
Aiden couldn't refuse.
Thought I was socially bold… but here's a master?!
"After all—it's an annual festival. Not participating would feel incomplete."
"And… we might glimpse Melemele's Island Guardian."
"—Wonderful!"
Moon nodded wistfully—then deflated slightly.
"Pity I'm not a Trainer yet… guess I'll have to wait until moving to Alola next year to make up for this."
"Then you, Lillie?"
Suddenly recalling she'd ignored her new friend while geeking out over Pokémon—Moon turned to Lillie.
"—I'm not a Trainer either."
Lillie shook her head—expression complex.
Aiden noted this—guessing correctly:
It was likely the same situation as the anime depicted—childhood trauma made her fear Pokémon contact, leading to introversion.
Actually… It's a relief.
Game-canon Lusamine was a dangerously obsessive villain—neglectful of Lillie and Gladion——
But anime-Lusamine? A loving mother who cherished her children.
At least future interactions should be… manageable.
As Hala took the stage—Iki Town's chatter hushed. Even wild Pokémon fell silent—awaiting his opening words.
Hala spoke briefly—then laughed heartily, waving his arms.
Eager Alolan Marowak surged forward—circling the bonfire, swinging bone clubs in synchronized dance.
"I declare—the Grand Trial Festival begins NOW!"
"To let Lord Tapu Koko feel our passion—battle with all your heart! Forget victory or defeat!"
Hala stepped aside—clearing the plaza center for local youths and tourist challengers.
"The festival battles will continue until a final victor emerges."
Aiden addressed his stream:
"The winner earns a challenge against Island Kahuna Hala—that's the true main event."
"Tapu Koko may appear at the climax. If so—I'll capture it on camera for you. Teacher Azure's a pro at snapping Legendaries."
"Cool!"
Before danmaku could react—Moon beat them to it.
"But Teacher Azure—you're not battling?"
Aiden shook his head—expression wry.
"Let the kids warm up the crowd first. If I join now… it'd feel like bullying toddlers—"
He surveyed the plaza: flashing Poké Balls releasing mostly unevolved Pokémon—Rowlet, Litten, Yungoos.
A legitimate Gym Leader + Type Master champion crushing children? Bad optics.
"Okay—I was hoping to witness Teacher Azure's battling style firsthand. I could've learned so much…"
Moon sighed regretfully—then brightened, watching the plaza's chaotic free-for-all.
"How wonderful—to command beloved Pokémon in battle!"
"Do you have a favorite Pokémon, Moon?"
Her enthusiasm piqued Aiden's curiosity.
"You mentioned moving to Alola next year—planning to claim a local starter and begin the Island Challenge?"
"Mm! I love Rowlet!"
Moon's voice swelled with passion.
"And—after watching Teacher Azure's streams… raising a powerful Incineroar seems great too! So reassuring!"
Aiden: ?
Oh no—a genuine stream fan!
He'd nearly smiled at her innocent admiration—
Until she name-dropped Incineroar—apparently influenced by him—?
Has this Moon been "corrupted" by me from the start?!
Wait—or… is this the correct path?!
Aiden's expression turned complex.
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