Still Lost On Her Path

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi had been shaken badly by Dark Dream. She truly had lost her way, allowing herself to forget who she was and all of her dreams and desires... whatever they were. She had to figure out what she needed to do, find her way back, fight through years of mistakes and other worlds and everything else.

Which is why she's at Poni Island, alongside Mallow, heading for Tapu Fini's shrine.

"...um, thanks for coming along..." Nozomi said, letting out a small sigh. "I do need someone to help out, but... I don't think anyone else would understand."

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[cureofmanyworlds]

“I... I...”

She knew it. Deep down, she knew she’d never see Betterplace again. That, despite deluding herself that she’s show Mako and Corrin her family and her world... she never could.

Tears ran down her face before she finally said that word. “Yes!” She sobbed dropping to her knees. “I wanted to come back, I thought... I thought I could just slip away and see everyone one more time and...! I’m alone, Rin. I’m scared and alone!”

[fallers_npcs]

"That's the thing Nozomi, you might have lost us, but you've gained something along the way. People who love, and support you along the way." said Rin gently. "When was the last time you truly decided on something? Hmm?"

Looking up at Mallow, Rin asked her, "Mallow, can I ask you a favor? Take care of Nozomi for me. Show her that Alola is a place that she can feel at home. Like she doesn't need to travel, or run anymore."

"I will," said Mallow.

Kneeling down next to Nozomi, Rin wiped her tears from her best friend. "I'll always be with you, Nozomi. Forgive yourself for trying so hard. Not because you lost your way, but you need to remember that when you're lost and all alone, there's always the clear sky above, and the bright sun of Alola around you."

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi sniffles and looked up at her friend. She wasn’t alone. She never was alone. And she should stop running.

Running. Was that what she was doing? And her deciding... “I... I haven’t done that in ages... not with conviction... I... I need to...”

Desperately, she hugged Rin once more. “I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye, Rin. I love you all and I miss you so much...”

[fallers_npcs]

"You silly..." said Rin softly, letting Nozomi bury her face in her shoulder. "What do you think you're doing now? Hmm? You get to say goodbye to me. So c'mon, out with it. All your tears, all your crying. And then, face me, dry your eyes and say the words you want to say with the smile I love."

[cureofmanyworlds]

And Nozomi lets herself cry a little more, burying her face in Rin’s shoulder before she finally ran out. Pulling away, she wiped away her tears with a big smile on her face. “No more running. Alola is where I stay and I’ll make sure everyone can treat it as their own!”

“KETTEI!”

[fallers_npcs]

At the proclamation, the world around them bloomed into flowers, gentle sweet smelling flowers as Rin smiled. "I'm sure you will, go get them, Nozomi...!"

With a final smile, Rin faded away in a rush of wind and a tongue of flame, as a Pokemon stood there, looking up at Nozomi. It approached Nozomi and with a smile, hopped up towards her shoulder and ascended it to sit there.

Shaymin, who sat on Mallow's shoulder, let out a familiar cry of happiness at the sight of Victini who cheered right back. And Mallow smiled as she wiped her eyes at the touching moment shared between friends.

"I think you're in good hands, Nozomi," said Mallow softly.

[cureofmanyworlds]

“Oh...” Nozomi uttered softly, noticing her new companion. She smiled softly as she looked back at Mallow. “I think I am, too.”

She reached a hand out, intending on reaching for Mallow to pull her into a hug. “I know what I need to do now.”

[proteamallow]

"Good," said Mallow, hugging her. "I'm sure you've got plans. Let's go."

Mallow giggled as she sloshed her feet about. "The tide's coming in."

[cureofmanyworlds]

“Oh, that’s not good at all!” Nozomi said. “We’d better get going, then!” Releasing Mallow and taking a hold of the Victrini so it wouldn’t get caught up, Nozomi grabbed her shoes and started to head out.

“I really needed this. I’m feeling a lot more clear-headed!”

[proteamallow]

"I'm glad you've found a direction! Not many people find what they're looking for in the mists, but you did. And it's amazing, you found a Victrini! It's a Mythical Pokemon!" exclaimed Mallow.

"Shay!" Exclaimed Shaymin.

[cureofmanyworlds]

“He’s a...?” Nozomi said, pulling Victrini in front of her. “Wow... he must have seen something in me and came calling... then, I’ll make sure I’m worthy of his presence!”

And her stomach growls. “Can we get something to eat first? All of those emotions is making me hungry!”

[proteamallow]

"Sure, I'll make you a Alola Plate! A double meal too!" Exclaimed Mallow. "C'mon, let's stop at Hapu's for some Radish's."

[cureofmanyworlds]

“Alright! Lead the way!” Nozomi said.