Catching Up
After they ate a small portion of their winnings, Skye showered from her and Ruki's recent adventures across Sinnoh and replaced their bedding with a satin white blanket and light blue sheets. Skye bundled her hair up into a ponytail for the day. She was currently pulling a new pair of panties and white thigh high socks over her legs, and above them was a short pink skirt, a white tee, and a pink leather vest over top of it. She also wore pink high boots. "We're going to meet a friend from my past today, Ruki," she said while straightening out her outfit. "You probably don't remember her. You were so young."
He never remembered any of Skye's friends, only the pokémon of theirs that he'd befriended and regularly sparred with, but he was sure he'd recognize her upon seeing her. He stretched his limbs and hopped down from the bed while Skye studied her map of Sinnoh.
"So, she's in Sunyshore City. That's not too far from us. I arranged for us to meet right before we left Alola. Come on, Ruki," she told him while storing the map in her back pocket and heading out the door.
He squeezed through the door before it closed and shook out his fur under the warm weather. Upon looking around, one of the first things he noticed was that sylveon he'd recently met along with its trainer leaving the courtyard grounds, though they both glanced back after hearing the door close.
"Going somewhere too?" Skye asked once she caught up to Aaron.
He nodded, "we're trying to go out every day, even though we've been here multiple times already," he replied while walking beside her. He glanced down at her very cute getup, hoping that she wouldn't notice.
She immediately did, but he couldn't be blamed for it. "Same here, we only have four days left in Sinnoh before it's back to Alola."
Meanwhile, Ruki kept beside Skye. He avoided looking at Sylmi as it was rather awkward for him after their first interaction, but he felt the sylveon's eyes on him every so often.
"Four days?" Aaron asked.
"Mhm, we're only here for a week, so we're making the best of it," she replied. They were nearing the entrance to Route 213, where they'd part ways.
Aaron didn't know what to say to that. It did put a halt to him getting to know her, though. He'd only just met her, but he liked Skye's energy a lot, not to mention her general outfit choices and physique, but he saw now that it wouldn't be wise to get attached to her.
"Ruki and I even battled at the restaurant here yesterday. It was fun."
Aaron looked over at her, "oh, I thought you needed two pokémon for that. Did you win?"
"He took a beating, but yes, my baby is a fighter," she smiled. "They allowed us to do two against one."
"So... you won the seven-course?"
"Yup... I mean, I don't think we'll be able to eat it all. If you want, I could give you and Sylmi some of it once we get back later," she offered as they entered the route.
He wouldn't pass up an offer like that from her. "Of course, I'll probably be inside, so you could just knock whenever you're ready."
"Sounds good, I'll see you then," Skye told him and turned left with Ruki toward Route 222. "I really want to see Sunyshore's lighthouse. Maybe I'll ask Ella to take me there."
--
Ruki looked over at the beach lining the route as they sauntered along the grassy terrain behind it, and then ahead as they neared the entrance to Sunyshore. He couldn't wait to see how it looked. Ruki would love to explore every inch of Sinnoh, adventure was simply in his nature, but he was more than grateful Skye brought him to see just a portion of what the region had to offer.
They entered the city a few minutes later, and just ahead was a dirt path that led to elevated blue walkways one could walk across to venture through the city. Skye noticed a female standing by the beginning of the walkway with a luxray wearing a blue-collar sitting beside her. That was Ella, and as Skye approached, she noticed how much different she looked from when they used to know each other a few years ago. Ella was quite a few inches taller than Skye and older by two years as well. Skye knew it was her by her wavy cyan colored hair, light freckles on her cheeks and nose, and a very slim build. Not even Skye watched her physique to that extent.
Ella grinned as soon as she saw Skye and began walking to meet her. She wore a more casual sided outfit than Skye, neon blue short shorts and a matching long-sleeved shirt and running shoes, though it still stood out quite a bit. "Skye!" she said excitedly and jogged the rest of the way to tightly hug her waist without warning.
Skye giggled and hugged her back just as tightly. "It's been so long."
Ella pulled away after a few seconds. "I know... about four years. How've you been? I missed you!"
"Just fine, Ruki and I," she replied.
"Oh, the last time I saw him was when he was a little vulpix." Ella kneeled and ran her hand over his erect ears. "He's such a big boy now."
Ruki gave Ella's hand a friendly nuzzle. He very vaguely remembered her. Her hair color helped out a lot.
"Come and say hi, Lustri," Ella called over her luxray.
After everyone was acquainted within the following couple of minutes, Skye brought up that she wanted to see one of the city's main attractions, and Ella led her and Ruki across the unique walkway to the white, red-striped lighthouse where they took the elevator up to the observation deck.
"I love this region..." Skye said while looking ahead at the vast blue ocean. "Do you ever miss Alola?" she turned to ask Ella.
"Sometimes, I might go back to visit. Lustri has never been there. I want him to see it," she replied. "...By the way, you find anyone yet?"
"Hm?"
Ella smiled. "Your special someone, y'know?"
"Heh, no, no, not yet. My life is just starting for real, though." Skye glanced down at Ruki while saying this.
He thought nothing of it, though. Ruki was still her pokémon. He wouldn't be jealous if Skye did find someone to truly fall in love with. A special kind of love was reserved for him.
"Right, take your time with it," Ella giggled. "You're cute enough to land just about anyone, but... don't. Wait it out."
"Of course, I'm patient when I want to be. Are you?"
"I wasn't, that's why I'm reminding you to be, kind of like a parent does. You were never as wild as I was, though. You'll be fine," Ella grinned warmly. "You wanna see where I stay?"
"Yes, of course," Skye perked.
"Come on." Ella held her hand out beside her, prompting Skye to take it.
She did, just like they used to, and went back down into the sunny city.