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Oops, sorry y'all for the slight delay when I originally said the epilogue would be posted mid-July! My beta bobandbill and I got held out with the Get Together and a couple other real life shenigians. Enough of that though, let's get to the finale!!
A few years later...
"And Poppers's Ice Beam aimed perfectly at Hau's Noivern! Cradle crashes to the ground, and the referee declares he is unable to battle! Hau returns Cradle and sends back his Incineroar, Jerome! Hau's Incineroar immediately rushes to Poppers while the Primarina tries to stop him with Sparkling Aria. That slows down Jerome's movement a little bit, but he still manages to strike Popper's throat with Throat Chop! The way Poppers is rubbing his throat, I don't think he'll be able to use singing moves for a while!"
It was Alola's third year hosting its own Pokémon League, where the best trainers in that region compete to be the next Alolan champion. Grimsley was watching this year's tournament with great interest and was impressed with the trainers who participated. Today was the quarterfinal match between Hau and Selene with the winner going up against Olivia. They were down to their final Pokémon now, Selene's Primarina versus Hau's Incineroar.
"And Poppers's Moonblast pushes back Jerome! Oh, what's this? Hau's Incineroar rams into Poppers with Iron Head and it's super effective!"
On the television screen, the Incineroar's forehead glowed and he collided with Poppers. Selene's Primarina crashed on the ground but picked himself up and let out an angry cry. Entertained with this match so far, Grimsley grinned as he sipped his hot tea and leaned back against his sofa.
"Sorry that call took longer than expected," Molayne said when he came out of the kitchen and joined Grimsley on the sofa. "Soffy and one of my other assistants were wrapping up plans for the Stargazing the Alolan Night Skies event."
"It's fine, I know how important that event is for you." He and Molayne shared a quick kiss, Grimsley squeezing his hand. "You still have a couple weeks to get everything done."
Stargazing the Alolan Night Skies was an annual event hosted by the Houkanli Observatory free to the public. There would be a variety of activities like the Charjabug puzzle Sophocles had shown him before. The attendees would also be able to gaze at the stars through telescopes provided by the observatory. This would be the first time Grimsley would go to one and he very much looked forward to it.
"Yeah, I know. I just hope the materials I need will arrive on time." Molayne smiled a little and turned his attention to the television screen. "Are Hau and Selene still battling?"
"They are. Hau has gotten a few lucky hits, but I think Selene will have the upper hand in the end."
It had been several months since Grimsley took his biggest gamble ever: retiring from the Unova Elite Four and moving to Alola.
While back in the Elite Four, Grimsley had gotten his spark back and enjoyed battling more than ever before. Despite that, that wanderlust feeling that drew him into Alola came back in full force. Grimsley let the idea of staying in Alola permanently stew until he discussed this with his mother, Iris, Molayne, and several others. He even asked Nanu's opinion during one of their phone calls, much to his shock. They all agreed if that was what he wanted then he should take the plunge.
A lot had happened the past few years, before and after Grimsley moved to the region. Acerola enjoyed being part of the Elite Four immensely with several island challengers going against her before the Pokémon League. She still oversaw the Abandoned Thrifty Megamart island trial but would need to retire from that soon and pick a new trial captain to take her place.
Colress was still working with Interpol and the Ultra Recon Squad but was also given an invitation from Professor Sonia to study with her in Galar for a little while. They researched both Dynamax and Gigantax and the similarities they had with Mega Evolution and Z-Moves. He and Sonia also went through underground Max Raid battle dens in the Crown Tundra with an adventure-loving man named Peony to further their research. After that project, he planned to go to Paldea as the concept of Testerialize fascinated him and he wanted to gain more knowledge on that.
Before the first Alolan Pokémon League, Gladion traveled through Kanto and Johto to train and participate in a few tournaments. He eventually returned to Alola to finish his Island Challenge and participate in Alola's Pokémon League. Lillie, inspired by Hau and Selene's journey and her brother's overseas trip, began her own Island Challenge. She also participated in the second and third Pokémon League tournaments, making it to the top 32 in the second tournament and the Top 16 before losing to Selene in the third tournament.
Hau became the new trial captain for Melemele Island's Verdant Cavern with the approval of the last Trial Captain Illma and his grandfather Hala. The kind and friendly boy enjoyed his role very much, guiding new trainers beginning their Island Challenge. Grimsley had heard from Selene and Lillie that Hala was very proud of Hau's growth and no doubt would make a great kahuna someday.
Selene had been training with Brooklet Hills's Trial Captain Lana, a soft-spoken girl who loved to playfully tease and had a mischievous side. When it was time for Lana to retire, she and Olivia chose Selene as the next Captain. Due to her being Alola's most famous rising star trainer, many trainers in the Island Challenge eagerly went to her trial which had them go against a Totem Milotic. She also had Nebby the Solagelo as part of her Pokémon team upon Lillie's request. Lillie believed that Selene was the stronger trainer who would be able to take good care of them. As expected, training a legendary Pokémon wasn't easy for her, so the kahunas and other trainers have been helping her in handling Nebby.
When Grimsley first moved to Alola, it took some time for him to settle into a new region. He was used to Unova's hustle and bustle, so it was hard for him to match Alola's slower and relaxed pace. He soon became a Move Tutor, teaching new techniques for trainers to use on their Pokémon to give them an advantage. Grimsley also discovered the joys of Mantine Surfing and became an excellent Mantine Surfer, often scoring high on the obstacles under the alias, "Big G". The best part of staying in Alola was dating Molayne--they confessed their feelings to each other a few weeks after Grimsley settled in Alola and in a happy relationship ever since.
"Both Jerome's Malicious Moonsault and Poppers's Oceanic Opretta clashed together and an explosion occurred! There's still smoke obscuring the battlefield...wait a moment, everyone! Hau's Incineroar crashes on the ground and doesn't get up! This means Selene and her Primarina win this match and move on to the semifinals against Olivia!"
Grimsley was pulled away from his musings upon that announcement. The television screen showed Selene and Hau shaking hands with their Pokémon beside them. Selene and Poppers then face the cheering crowd, the girl enthusiastically waving at them.
"Your prediction that Selene would win was correct," Molayne said with a small smile. "I can't wait to see how she fares against Olivia in the semifinals."
"Same here." Grimsley picked up the phone he had set aside on the coffee table and gasped. "Oh, we should probably start heading out to meet Nanu and Acerola at Malie Garden."
Molayne quickly checked the watch he wore on his wrist and smiled. "Yes, we should!"
Grimsley turned off the television, and he and Molayne rose out from the sofa. As they left Grimsley's apartment and headed to the gardens, he pondered if Nanu and Acerola had watched Hau and Selene's battle while they waited for them.
xxx
Whenever Nanu dropped by Malie City, he would visit Malie Gardens up ahead. It was a lovely garden with flowers that bloomed most months and Pokémon that were well-behaved. On occasion, trainers would battle here, though luckily disputes between the opposing parties were rare. Often he and Acerola would go to the tea shop and drink the tea, Nanu enjoying the bitter and honey taste of it.
"Oh, Selene and Poppers won their battle against Hau and Jerome and are moving to the semifinals!" Acerola said in a cheery voice. She had been watching Hau and Selene's Alolan Pokémon League battle on her tablet, fully immersed. Nanu only half-paid attention to it, so Acerola would update him on the battle's progress.
"She did, huh?" Nanu said as he quirked a brow and smiled a little. "Good for the kid."
Acerola beamed and nodded. "Ah huh! When she beat me during our Top 16 match, I wasn't upset by it at all as Selene did better on her battle. I believed she would do well the rest of the tournament!"
"I think so, too," Nanu said and sipped his tea. He was pleasantly surprised by how much he warmed up to Selene. Sometimes her insistence on talking and getting to know him better annoyed him, but otherwise, she was a good kid and a great trainer who might actually surpass him someday.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a new voice said, Nanu recognizing it to be Molayne's. He saw Molayne and Grimsley approaching them. "Grimsley and I were watching Hau and Selene's battle."
A wide grin stretched across Acerola's face. "Oh, Uncle Nanu and I watched that match also! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!"
"It was an exhilarating battle, wasn't it?" Grimsley said as he and Molayne joined them at the table. "I thought both trainers synced well with their Pokémon, especially with their Primarina and Incineroar."
"I agree!" Molayne said. "That's perhaps the best battle I've seen them do together so far. They've come a long way since they began their Island Challenge a few years back."
Acerola hummed and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, they have! Would you two like some tea?"
"That would be great, thank you," Grimsley said with a small smile. Next to him, Molayne also nodded.
"Okay, I'll go get some tea for you guys now!"
It was a few moments until Acerola came back with Grimsley and Molayne's tea. Both men thanked her, and after taking a long sip from their cups they told her it was good. She, Grimsley, and Molayne first talked about which trainers were still in the Alolan Pokémon League (Selene against Olivia and Kahili versus Plumeria). At one point Acerola asked Grimsley if he would consider joining the tournament next year as he already had the credentials as the former Unova Elite Four member to participate. Grimsley did a double take at that suggestion before he grinned and responded that he would seriously consider it. After that, he and Molayne mentioned how they were still happily together and what they had been to lately—Acerola was especially interested in Grimsley's new calling as a Mantine Surfer.
Nanu was only half paying attention to the three's conversation as his mind drifted elsewhere, musing over how his Interpol colleagues were doing. A couple of years back, Anabel and Looker went to Director Eleanor and had a long discussion with her concerning the UB Task Force and Fallers. As expected, the boss wasn't happy that they brought that subject up, though fortunately in the end they managed to reach a compromise.
Anabel and Looker were to be head of operations and oversee that the Ultra Beasts were being properly taken care of. They last spoke a couple of months back, informing him that thanks to them none of the Ultra Beasts needed to be killed, and eventually were safely returned to their homes. Charlotte still worked with Aether and Interpol with both parties collaborating on the research of Ultra Beasts to learn more about the different Ultra Spaces and gain a better understanding of these unique Pokémon. Nanu was glad that Interpol had slowly changed for the better and hoped it would continue that way.
When Nanu finished his tea and went back to paying attention to everyone else's conversation, Acerola and Grimsley were still talking about Mantine Surfing. Grimsley had taught Acerola how to surf a few times before, but this time the girl didn't want to surf at Ula'ula Beach again for a while because of how secluded it was from the rest of the island and how much harder the waves were to ride.
"That's not a problem at all," Grimsley said, smiling. After he took a sip of his tea, he added, "We can go to Heahea Beach and practice there."
"Heahea Beach sounds better!" Acerola said with a pleased smile. "How about we do that next week?"
"Next week sounds great." Grimsley did a single nod, and he faced Nanu. "I can also teach you Mantine Surfing as well!"
Already Nanu narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "For the hundredth time, no. I'm a bit old and it's probably not safe for me to do so anyways."
"There have been some Mantine Surfers close to your age, but they're rare for the reasons you stated," Molayne said before drinking another cup of his tea.
With a crooked grin on the corner of his lips, Nanu said, "See, even your boyfriend agrees!"
Grimsley's eyes grew wide, as if taken aback by that turn of events. His face shifted to a more relaxed expression, and he chuckled. "Fine, fine, I won't pester you about Mantine Surfing anymore." Grimsley finished the rest of his tea and sighed blissfully. "I always enjoy the tea in the gardens."
Nanu let out an agreed grunt. "I think Sensei's teas back at the Sushi Roller are better, but I liked the teas here too." He got up, groaning and stretching his arms. "Since it looks like we're all finished with our teas, why don't we head out for a little walk around the garden?"
"Yeah!" Acerola said as she rose out of her seat herself. "I want to see how the Pokémon here are doing!"
"Sounds good to me," Grimsley said while he and Molayne got up themselves.
Everyone quickly put the teacups away back at the stand and headed out.
xxx
They passed by several trainers and Pokémon as they strolled, Grimsley spotting some Poliwhirl playing in the lake and Cottonee bouncing around. Above them, Masquerian were flying around and screeching happily. Grimsley held Molayne's hand and their fingers laced together, enjoying the warmth of their palms together.
"Ohhh, I can't wait for the observatory's stargazing event!" Acerola said with a beaming face as she and Molayne were talking about Stargazing Under the Alolan Stars. "I'm especially excited to see which stars we'll be seeing this time!"
With a chuckle, Molayne said, "I've been studying some new stars recently, perhaps you'll get to see them that night."
"That sounds great, I won't miss this one either!" Acerola turned towards Grimsley and her beaming face widened. "I'm happy that you decided to live here, Grimsley! Alola is a wonderful region with lovely people!"
"As do I," Grimsley said, grinning. "I haven't lived here long, but this is the best gamble I've ever done."
Molayne chuckled and squeezed Grimsley's hand tighter. "We'll probably be able to make a long-distance relationship work, but you being here is much better."
"I also agree," Grimsley said as he and Molayne shared a quick kiss.
He glanced over his shoulder at Nanu, his mouth twitching and looking like he was trying to not roll his eyes. He was probably not the biggest fan of affection between two people being displayed in public. Grimsley let go of Molayne's hand and approached Nanu, flinging his arm around the kahuna's shoulder.
"So Nanu, how are kahuna duties treating you these days?"
A small, uneven smile was pulled on the corner of Nanu's lips. "Oh, the usual. Check around the island, pay my respects to Tapu Bulu, and battle bratty trainers who think they're hot stuff. You know how it goes."
Acerola made a pouting face at Nanu and placed her hands on her hips. "Don't call them bratty trainers! Most of them are good and hard-working kids!"
"Hey, I'm only kidding!" Nanu said with a snort and a dismissive hand wave. He released a deep sigh. "I know I complain about being a kahuna often, but most of the time I'm glad that Tapu Bulu has given me a chance to rebuild my life."
While pondering over Nanu's words for a moment, Grimsley recalled his story on how he became Ula'ula Island's kahuna. Since he moved here, they have hung out together on occasion. Usually at the Sushi Roller or Malie Gardens. Sometimes he observed how Nanu interacted with the people and Pokémon--while he still mostly kept to himself, there were instances where Nanu spoke more than a few words or so with other people and gazed fondly at the Ribombee and Floette at Ula'ula Meadows. Smiling a little, Grimsley was also glad that Tapu Bulu blessed Nanu with a second chance at life.
Grimsley and the others continued to move forward until they were at the far left corner of the gardens. They stopped in front of the lake, shimmering against the sunlight. He scanned around and grinned with his hands on his sides.
"This looks like a perfect spot for our battle," Grimsley said, facing Nanu.
Nanu also looked around and gave an approved grunt. "How many Pokémon do you want for this battle?"
"I'll let my coin decide," Grimsley said as he took the coin out of the pocket of his shirt pocket. "Tails for a double four on four, heads for a single three on three." A sly smirk was pulled on the corner of his lips. "The winner pays for dinner tonight at the Sushi Roller."
"Again?" Nanu said with a disappointed frown. Right after, he smiled a little. "How about both dinner and beer at the supermarket?"
He and Nanu had done this a few times where after a battle, the loser would do something for the other like pay for dinner. Nanu had won their last battle, a single three-on-three battle and Grimsley ended up paying their last dinner together at Sushi Roller.
After considering Nanu's offer for a moment, Grimsley's smirk widened. "I actually like that. I accept."
Once the offer was accepted, Grimsley tossed the coin and caught it while it was in mid-air. He opened his palm and revealed it to be tails.
"It's tails, so a four-on-four double battle it is."
"A double battle? Oh, that will be exciting!" Acerola said, grinning.
"Indeed it will," Molayne said with an eager smile. "I can be the referee for this match. Nanu, Grimsley, bring out the first two Pokémon you'll be using for this match."
Both men took their positions on their chosen battlefield, Grimsley on the left and Nanu on the right. They pulled out their pokéballs and released their Pokémon. Grimsley let out Queen his Kingambit and Roulette his Absol while Nanu went with his Persian and Honchkrow.
"Your Persian and Honckrow, hm?" Grimsley said, a grin stretching across his face. "This certainly will be fun, and I'll be sure to beat you this time."
Behind him, Queen and Roulette raised their heads and cheered. They readied their battle stances and narrowed their eyes at their opponents.
"Cocky as ever," Nanu said with his trademark crooked smile. He quickly turned to his Pokémon. "Perry, Honchkrow, keep your guard up."
Perry and Honchkrow nodded and cried out in understanding. His Pokémon turned to Queen and Roulette, staring at them in return.
With a raised voice, Molayne called out, "This will be a four-on-four double battle between Kahuna Nanu and Grimsley." He raised his arm. "Let the battle begin!"
As he and Nanu made their commands, their Pokémon launched into action. Already Grimsley could hear the songs and drums of Alola, the voices and drumbeats rising higher with great anticipation. Alola, Alola. Unova was his home for the longest time, but he warmed up to the idea of Alola as his new home with friends, loved ones, and memories that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Author's Notes:
Ahhhhh finally after seven years, Foul Play has come to an end! What was once started as originally planned to be a short fic of Grimsley and Nanu becoming bros ended up being "rewriting the Ula'ula Island arc, Poni Island arc, and USUM's ending but with focus/character study on Grimsley and Nanu" lol. There were times I wasn't sure if I'll have motivation to finish this (points to the two year hiatus), but happy that I picked this back up and finished the remaining few chapters.
So, what's next from me? For Pokemon, I'm unsure as while I did get some inpsiration from Scarlet/Violet, I'm not sure if I have it in me to do long-form Pokemon fics at the moment. I have been getting some ideas for a Sword/Shield fic that has some scenes I thought of and reference to Scarlet/Violet, but nothing's set in stone yet. If you're into Fire Emblem Three Houses and Dimileth though, I have one over at AO3 I posted a couple weeks ago (not gonna link as it's explicit, so read at your own risk LOL) and a few more ideas after!
BIG, BIG thanks to bobandbill for being betaing this monster of a fic from beginning to end and offering some suggestions here and there when some events are missing gaps and such. Also thanks to the readers who waited patiently during the hiatus and stick it out to the end! Would love to hear from you if I stick the landing!
Epilogue
A few years later...
"And Poppers's Ice Beam aimed perfectly at Hau's Noivern! Cradle crashes to the ground, and the referee declares he is unable to battle! Hau returns Cradle and sends back his Incineroar, Jerome! Hau's Incineroar immediately rushes to Poppers while the Primarina tries to stop him with Sparkling Aria. That slows down Jerome's movement a little bit, but he still manages to strike Popper's throat with Throat Chop! The way Poppers is rubbing his throat, I don't think he'll be able to use singing moves for a while!"
It was Alola's third year hosting its own Pokémon League, where the best trainers in that region compete to be the next Alolan champion. Grimsley was watching this year's tournament with great interest and was impressed with the trainers who participated. Today was the quarterfinal match between Hau and Selene with the winner going up against Olivia. They were down to their final Pokémon now, Selene's Primarina versus Hau's Incineroar.
"And Poppers's Moonblast pushes back Jerome! Oh, what's this? Hau's Incineroar rams into Poppers with Iron Head and it's super effective!"
On the television screen, the Incineroar's forehead glowed and he collided with Poppers. Selene's Primarina crashed on the ground but picked himself up and let out an angry cry. Entertained with this match so far, Grimsley grinned as he sipped his hot tea and leaned back against his sofa.
"Sorry that call took longer than expected," Molayne said when he came out of the kitchen and joined Grimsley on the sofa. "Soffy and one of my other assistants were wrapping up plans for the Stargazing the Alolan Night Skies event."
"It's fine, I know how important that event is for you." He and Molayne shared a quick kiss, Grimsley squeezing his hand. "You still have a couple weeks to get everything done."
Stargazing the Alolan Night Skies was an annual event hosted by the Houkanli Observatory free to the public. There would be a variety of activities like the Charjabug puzzle Sophocles had shown him before. The attendees would also be able to gaze at the stars through telescopes provided by the observatory. This would be the first time Grimsley would go to one and he very much looked forward to it.
"Yeah, I know. I just hope the materials I need will arrive on time." Molayne smiled a little and turned his attention to the television screen. "Are Hau and Selene still battling?"
"They are. Hau has gotten a few lucky hits, but I think Selene will have the upper hand in the end."
It had been several months since Grimsley took his biggest gamble ever: retiring from the Unova Elite Four and moving to Alola.
While back in the Elite Four, Grimsley had gotten his spark back and enjoyed battling more than ever before. Despite that, that wanderlust feeling that drew him into Alola came back in full force. Grimsley let the idea of staying in Alola permanently stew until he discussed this with his mother, Iris, Molayne, and several others. He even asked Nanu's opinion during one of their phone calls, much to his shock. They all agreed if that was what he wanted then he should take the plunge.
A lot had happened the past few years, before and after Grimsley moved to the region. Acerola enjoyed being part of the Elite Four immensely with several island challengers going against her before the Pokémon League. She still oversaw the Abandoned Thrifty Megamart island trial but would need to retire from that soon and pick a new trial captain to take her place.
Colress was still working with Interpol and the Ultra Recon Squad but was also given an invitation from Professor Sonia to study with her in Galar for a little while. They researched both Dynamax and Gigantax and the similarities they had with Mega Evolution and Z-Moves. He and Sonia also went through underground Max Raid battle dens in the Crown Tundra with an adventure-loving man named Peony to further their research. After that project, he planned to go to Paldea as the concept of Testerialize fascinated him and he wanted to gain more knowledge on that.
Before the first Alolan Pokémon League, Gladion traveled through Kanto and Johto to train and participate in a few tournaments. He eventually returned to Alola to finish his Island Challenge and participate in Alola's Pokémon League. Lillie, inspired by Hau and Selene's journey and her brother's overseas trip, began her own Island Challenge. She also participated in the second and third Pokémon League tournaments, making it to the top 32 in the second tournament and the Top 16 before losing to Selene in the third tournament.
Hau became the new trial captain for Melemele Island's Verdant Cavern with the approval of the last Trial Captain Illma and his grandfather Hala. The kind and friendly boy enjoyed his role very much, guiding new trainers beginning their Island Challenge. Grimsley had heard from Selene and Lillie that Hala was very proud of Hau's growth and no doubt would make a great kahuna someday.
Selene had been training with Brooklet Hills's Trial Captain Lana, a soft-spoken girl who loved to playfully tease and had a mischievous side. When it was time for Lana to retire, she and Olivia chose Selene as the next Captain. Due to her being Alola's most famous rising star trainer, many trainers in the Island Challenge eagerly went to her trial which had them go against a Totem Milotic. She also had Nebby the Solagelo as part of her Pokémon team upon Lillie's request. Lillie believed that Selene was the stronger trainer who would be able to take good care of them. As expected, training a legendary Pokémon wasn't easy for her, so the kahunas and other trainers have been helping her in handling Nebby.
When Grimsley first moved to Alola, it took some time for him to settle into a new region. He was used to Unova's hustle and bustle, so it was hard for him to match Alola's slower and relaxed pace. He soon became a Move Tutor, teaching new techniques for trainers to use on their Pokémon to give them an advantage. Grimsley also discovered the joys of Mantine Surfing and became an excellent Mantine Surfer, often scoring high on the obstacles under the alias, "Big G". The best part of staying in Alola was dating Molayne--they confessed their feelings to each other a few weeks after Grimsley settled in Alola and in a happy relationship ever since.
"Both Jerome's Malicious Moonsault and Poppers's Oceanic Opretta clashed together and an explosion occurred! There's still smoke obscuring the battlefield...wait a moment, everyone! Hau's Incineroar crashes on the ground and doesn't get up! This means Selene and her Primarina win this match and move on to the semifinals against Olivia!"
Grimsley was pulled away from his musings upon that announcement. The television screen showed Selene and Hau shaking hands with their Pokémon beside them. Selene and Poppers then face the cheering crowd, the girl enthusiastically waving at them.
"Your prediction that Selene would win was correct," Molayne said with a small smile. "I can't wait to see how she fares against Olivia in the semifinals."
"Same here." Grimsley picked up the phone he had set aside on the coffee table and gasped. "Oh, we should probably start heading out to meet Nanu and Acerola at Malie Garden."
Molayne quickly checked the watch he wore on his wrist and smiled. "Yes, we should!"
Grimsley turned off the television, and he and Molayne rose out from the sofa. As they left Grimsley's apartment and headed to the gardens, he pondered if Nanu and Acerola had watched Hau and Selene's battle while they waited for them.
xxx
Whenever Nanu dropped by Malie City, he would visit Malie Gardens up ahead. It was a lovely garden with flowers that bloomed most months and Pokémon that were well-behaved. On occasion, trainers would battle here, though luckily disputes between the opposing parties were rare. Often he and Acerola would go to the tea shop and drink the tea, Nanu enjoying the bitter and honey taste of it.
"Oh, Selene and Poppers won their battle against Hau and Jerome and are moving to the semifinals!" Acerola said in a cheery voice. She had been watching Hau and Selene's Alolan Pokémon League battle on her tablet, fully immersed. Nanu only half-paid attention to it, so Acerola would update him on the battle's progress.
"She did, huh?" Nanu said as he quirked a brow and smiled a little. "Good for the kid."
Acerola beamed and nodded. "Ah huh! When she beat me during our Top 16 match, I wasn't upset by it at all as Selene did better on her battle. I believed she would do well the rest of the tournament!"
"I think so, too," Nanu said and sipped his tea. He was pleasantly surprised by how much he warmed up to Selene. Sometimes her insistence on talking and getting to know him better annoyed him, but otherwise, she was a good kid and a great trainer who might actually surpass him someday.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a new voice said, Nanu recognizing it to be Molayne's. He saw Molayne and Grimsley approaching them. "Grimsley and I were watching Hau and Selene's battle."
A wide grin stretched across Acerola's face. "Oh, Uncle Nanu and I watched that match also! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!"
"It was an exhilarating battle, wasn't it?" Grimsley said as he and Molayne joined them at the table. "I thought both trainers synced well with their Pokémon, especially with their Primarina and Incineroar."
"I agree!" Molayne said. "That's perhaps the best battle I've seen them do together so far. They've come a long way since they began their Island Challenge a few years back."
Acerola hummed and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, they have! Would you two like some tea?"
"That would be great, thank you," Grimsley said with a small smile. Next to him, Molayne also nodded.
"Okay, I'll go get some tea for you guys now!"
It was a few moments until Acerola came back with Grimsley and Molayne's tea. Both men thanked her, and after taking a long sip from their cups they told her it was good. She, Grimsley, and Molayne first talked about which trainers were still in the Alolan Pokémon League (Selene against Olivia and Kahili versus Plumeria). At one point Acerola asked Grimsley if he would consider joining the tournament next year as he already had the credentials as the former Unova Elite Four member to participate. Grimsley did a double take at that suggestion before he grinned and responded that he would seriously consider it. After that, he and Molayne mentioned how they were still happily together and what they had been to lately—Acerola was especially interested in Grimsley's new calling as a Mantine Surfer.
Nanu was only half paying attention to the three's conversation as his mind drifted elsewhere, musing over how his Interpol colleagues were doing. A couple of years back, Anabel and Looker went to Director Eleanor and had a long discussion with her concerning the UB Task Force and Fallers. As expected, the boss wasn't happy that they brought that subject up, though fortunately in the end they managed to reach a compromise.
Anabel and Looker were to be head of operations and oversee that the Ultra Beasts were being properly taken care of. They last spoke a couple of months back, informing him that thanks to them none of the Ultra Beasts needed to be killed, and eventually were safely returned to their homes. Charlotte still worked with Aether and Interpol with both parties collaborating on the research of Ultra Beasts to learn more about the different Ultra Spaces and gain a better understanding of these unique Pokémon. Nanu was glad that Interpol had slowly changed for the better and hoped it would continue that way.
When Nanu finished his tea and went back to paying attention to everyone else's conversation, Acerola and Grimsley were still talking about Mantine Surfing. Grimsley had taught Acerola how to surf a few times before, but this time the girl didn't want to surf at Ula'ula Beach again for a while because of how secluded it was from the rest of the island and how much harder the waves were to ride.
"That's not a problem at all," Grimsley said, smiling. After he took a sip of his tea, he added, "We can go to Heahea Beach and practice there."
"Heahea Beach sounds better!" Acerola said with a pleased smile. "How about we do that next week?"
"Next week sounds great." Grimsley did a single nod, and he faced Nanu. "I can also teach you Mantine Surfing as well!"
Already Nanu narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "For the hundredth time, no. I'm a bit old and it's probably not safe for me to do so anyways."
"There have been some Mantine Surfers close to your age, but they're rare for the reasons you stated," Molayne said before drinking another cup of his tea.
With a crooked grin on the corner of his lips, Nanu said, "See, even your boyfriend agrees!"
Grimsley's eyes grew wide, as if taken aback by that turn of events. His face shifted to a more relaxed expression, and he chuckled. "Fine, fine, I won't pester you about Mantine Surfing anymore." Grimsley finished the rest of his tea and sighed blissfully. "I always enjoy the tea in the gardens."
Nanu let out an agreed grunt. "I think Sensei's teas back at the Sushi Roller are better, but I liked the teas here too." He got up, groaning and stretching his arms. "Since it looks like we're all finished with our teas, why don't we head out for a little walk around the garden?"
"Yeah!" Acerola said as she rose out of her seat herself. "I want to see how the Pokémon here are doing!"
"Sounds good to me," Grimsley said while he and Molayne got up themselves.
Everyone quickly put the teacups away back at the stand and headed out.
xxx
They passed by several trainers and Pokémon as they strolled, Grimsley spotting some Poliwhirl playing in the lake and Cottonee bouncing around. Above them, Masquerian were flying around and screeching happily. Grimsley held Molayne's hand and their fingers laced together, enjoying the warmth of their palms together.
"Ohhh, I can't wait for the observatory's stargazing event!" Acerola said with a beaming face as she and Molayne were talking about Stargazing Under the Alolan Stars. "I'm especially excited to see which stars we'll be seeing this time!"
With a chuckle, Molayne said, "I've been studying some new stars recently, perhaps you'll get to see them that night."
"That sounds great, I won't miss this one either!" Acerola turned towards Grimsley and her beaming face widened. "I'm happy that you decided to live here, Grimsley! Alola is a wonderful region with lovely people!"
"As do I," Grimsley said, grinning. "I haven't lived here long, but this is the best gamble I've ever done."
Molayne chuckled and squeezed Grimsley's hand tighter. "We'll probably be able to make a long-distance relationship work, but you being here is much better."
"I also agree," Grimsley said as he and Molayne shared a quick kiss.
He glanced over his shoulder at Nanu, his mouth twitching and looking like he was trying to not roll his eyes. He was probably not the biggest fan of affection between two people being displayed in public. Grimsley let go of Molayne's hand and approached Nanu, flinging his arm around the kahuna's shoulder.
"So Nanu, how are kahuna duties treating you these days?"
A small, uneven smile was pulled on the corner of Nanu's lips. "Oh, the usual. Check around the island, pay my respects to Tapu Bulu, and battle bratty trainers who think they're hot stuff. You know how it goes."
Acerola made a pouting face at Nanu and placed her hands on her hips. "Don't call them bratty trainers! Most of them are good and hard-working kids!"
"Hey, I'm only kidding!" Nanu said with a snort and a dismissive hand wave. He released a deep sigh. "I know I complain about being a kahuna often, but most of the time I'm glad that Tapu Bulu has given me a chance to rebuild my life."
While pondering over Nanu's words for a moment, Grimsley recalled his story on how he became Ula'ula Island's kahuna. Since he moved here, they have hung out together on occasion. Usually at the Sushi Roller or Malie Gardens. Sometimes he observed how Nanu interacted with the people and Pokémon--while he still mostly kept to himself, there were instances where Nanu spoke more than a few words or so with other people and gazed fondly at the Ribombee and Floette at Ula'ula Meadows. Smiling a little, Grimsley was also glad that Tapu Bulu blessed Nanu with a second chance at life.
Grimsley and the others continued to move forward until they were at the far left corner of the gardens. They stopped in front of the lake, shimmering against the sunlight. He scanned around and grinned with his hands on his sides.
"This looks like a perfect spot for our battle," Grimsley said, facing Nanu.
Nanu also looked around and gave an approved grunt. "How many Pokémon do you want for this battle?"
"I'll let my coin decide," Grimsley said as he took the coin out of the pocket of his shirt pocket. "Tails for a double four on four, heads for a single three on three." A sly smirk was pulled on the corner of his lips. "The winner pays for dinner tonight at the Sushi Roller."
"Again?" Nanu said with a disappointed frown. Right after, he smiled a little. "How about both dinner and beer at the supermarket?"
He and Nanu had done this a few times where after a battle, the loser would do something for the other like pay for dinner. Nanu had won their last battle, a single three-on-three battle and Grimsley ended up paying their last dinner together at Sushi Roller.
After considering Nanu's offer for a moment, Grimsley's smirk widened. "I actually like that. I accept."
Once the offer was accepted, Grimsley tossed the coin and caught it while it was in mid-air. He opened his palm and revealed it to be tails.
"It's tails, so a four-on-four double battle it is."
"A double battle? Oh, that will be exciting!" Acerola said, grinning.
"Indeed it will," Molayne said with an eager smile. "I can be the referee for this match. Nanu, Grimsley, bring out the first two Pokémon you'll be using for this match."
Both men took their positions on their chosen battlefield, Grimsley on the left and Nanu on the right. They pulled out their pokéballs and released their Pokémon. Grimsley let out Queen his Kingambit and Roulette his Absol while Nanu went with his Persian and Honchkrow.
"Your Persian and Honckrow, hm?" Grimsley said, a grin stretching across his face. "This certainly will be fun, and I'll be sure to beat you this time."
Behind him, Queen and Roulette raised their heads and cheered. They readied their battle stances and narrowed their eyes at their opponents.
"Cocky as ever," Nanu said with his trademark crooked smile. He quickly turned to his Pokémon. "Perry, Honchkrow, keep your guard up."
Perry and Honchkrow nodded and cried out in understanding. His Pokémon turned to Queen and Roulette, staring at them in return.
With a raised voice, Molayne called out, "This will be a four-on-four double battle between Kahuna Nanu and Grimsley." He raised his arm. "Let the battle begin!"
As he and Nanu made their commands, their Pokémon launched into action. Already Grimsley could hear the songs and drums of Alola, the voices and drumbeats rising higher with great anticipation. Alola, Alola. Unova was his home for the longest time, but he warmed up to the idea of Alola as his new home with friends, loved ones, and memories that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Author's Notes:
Ahhhhh finally after seven years, Foul Play has come to an end! What was once started as originally planned to be a short fic of Grimsley and Nanu becoming bros ended up being "rewriting the Ula'ula Island arc, Poni Island arc, and USUM's ending but with focus/character study on Grimsley and Nanu" lol. There were times I wasn't sure if I'll have motivation to finish this (points to the two year hiatus), but happy that I picked this back up and finished the remaining few chapters.
So, what's next from me? For Pokemon, I'm unsure as while I did get some inpsiration from Scarlet/Violet, I'm not sure if I have it in me to do long-form Pokemon fics at the moment. I have been getting some ideas for a Sword/Shield fic that has some scenes I thought of and reference to Scarlet/Violet, but nothing's set in stone yet. If you're into Fire Emblem Three Houses and Dimileth though, I have one over at AO3 I posted a couple weeks ago (not gonna link as it's explicit, so read at your own risk LOL) and a few more ideas after!
BIG, BIG thanks to bobandbill for being betaing this monster of a fic from beginning to end and offering some suggestions here and there when some events are missing gaps and such. Also thanks to the readers who waited patiently during the hiatus and stick it out to the end! Would love to hear from you if I stick the landing!