Chapter Text
There was a soft clinging noise that came from his glass of whiskey as the ice cubes collided with each other. It wasn’t like he normally paid much attention on small details like this, but today the kahuna of Ula’ula Island would take any distraction offered from the more oppressive matters. He wasn't big on drinking hard liquors either, but he had had an extraordinarily rough couple of days so far. What on earth had he gotten himself into?
“I still blame you for this!”
Nanu screwed his eyes shut before he downed the full glass in one go. He needed to feel the burning alcohol fill him before he could even begin to answer the boy. In the back of his mind he knew he was right… At least partly. But it didn’t mean he had to own up to it.
After he swallowed, he let out a drained huff. “Don’t you go accusing me of this, boy. It was you who decided to meddle with the gods, not me.”
Sharp, gray eyes were drilling holes in him as Nanu finally looked up. And he immediately felt like he needed another shot. In his small living room, packed tightly on the corner of his sofa, was sitting Guzma. Or rather, a very tiny version of him. Nanu simply studied him for a brief second before he reached for his bottle again. It wouldn’t make this madness go away, but he could always try. He had been right there when it happened and he still doubted his own eyes.
In order to collect his thoughts, he ignored his company and tried to recap the events of the past two days. It had all started with him leaving for a small trip to meet the Ula’ula Islands Tapu... It was old Alolan tradition for the assigned kahuna to once a year offer a token of thanks to these sacred pokémon. Normally Nanu wasn’t a big fan of festivities and he suspected that Tapu Bulu felt the same. It had, after all, chosen to live in a desert maze, as far out of reach as possible. If that didn’t read “Leave Me Alone”, he didn’t know what would. So he usually let this duty slide, not bothering to bother the Tapu at all.
It all had changed this year however, after he accidentally blurted to Hala that he had never done this trip. The other kahuna had almost preached his ears off, leaving him with two displeased entities to calm. Nanu’s plan had been to drop by the ruins, leave a small bottle of sake for Tapu Bulu there and hope Hala would be satisfied with his efforts for the next 5 years or so.
Two days ago he had finally left the comfort of his home and headed towards the Ruins of Abundance. The journey itself had started well, or as well as it ever could. It was common knowledge that Tapu Bulu lived in the mids of Haina Desert, one of the trickiest places you could find in all Alola.
The desert itself was scorching hot, full of vicious, wild ground-type pokémon and it was extremely complicated to find your way there. Many trainers ended up lost and trapped there until rescued.
To Nanu, navigating itself wasn’t a problem, he had figured out the key elements of the landscape long ago and knew his way to the ruins. With his trusty team by his side, he had shuffled his way through the giant sandbox with a remote ease. But little had he known, leaving the bottle for the Tapu ended up being the hardest part.
Nanu closed his eyes. Remembering everything that came afterwards as clear as day, he let himself drift into a flashback.
--xx--
Nanu released a tired, but satisfied sigh as he saw the Ruins of Abundance growing closer in the distance. The burning midday sun was roasting him as he wiped a stray bead of sweat from his brow, happy that his mission was almost over and done with.
He wasn't as young as he used to be and much more accustomed to the cooler climate they had in Po Town. A good rest inside the ruins after his desert hike sounded like a blessing right about now. Yet, even if he was feeling tired, seeing the ruins made a spike of excited energy rush through him. Hala and these traditions were a pain, but it had been years since he last time visited those sacred grounds. Weighing a bottle of sake in his hand, Nanu smirked to himself. Who knew, maybe he would even share a drink with Tapu Bulu, if it was present. He was actually looking forward meeting the old bullface again.
His light thoughts came to an abrupt end as soon as he reached the entrance. A sound of furious screeching erupted from deep inside the ruins, followed by a tremor that shook the ground and making him halt his steps.
“What in the Giratinas name...?!”
Not waiting for another earthquake, he forced himself to run, hurrying his way inside. Reaching the main room within minutes, he was greeted by a sight he definitely hadn't expected. In the middle of the temple was a on-going pokémon battle happening. That was the only notion he could make before a dark shape leaped through the midair and with crushing speed, landed on the ground. He barely had time to cover his eyes as a cloud of dust rose in the air, momentarily swallowing the whole room. The impact of this unknown attack caused a heavy rumble that yet again shook the whole temple ground.
Squinting his eyes, Nanu tried his best to figure out what was going on. Or rather, who was attacking who? His vision was blurry, but he was able to make out a shape of bell-like creature slowly rising up. Tapu Bulu, Nanu thought to himself.
Before he could take this observation further, he was startled by a low, pleased hum that sounded really close to him. Jerking his head towards the voice, Nanu frowned as the figure of a man he knew well was revealed from the mids of the subsiding sand cloud. The guardian pokémon was fighting its hardest against one of the most stubborn and ill tempered trainers of all Alolan Islands, none other than the infamous boss of Team Skull; Guzma. The man was obvious of him entering the room however, his eyes fixed on the back of his star player. Golisopod looked tired, but it was nothing compared to the state of its opponent. Covered in dirt and scratches, Tapu Bulu was levitating close to the ground, its tail already dragging on the floor. It looked like it could barely hold itself up. Despite this, it let out a mighty roar before attempting to do a Giga Drain on its perpetrator.
Nanu felt a small shiver going through his spine as Guzma yelled a command and his Golisopod managed to avoid the attack.
He was about to interrupt the battle and question the mans reasons for attacking the Tapu when he noticed an ultra ball Guzma held tight in his grasp. The gang leader was about to catch the pokémon. As Golisopod prepared to use Razor Shell, it hit Nanu. If the giant isobod actually landed its next strike, Tapu Bulu would loose. All in all there was nothing illegal, or even wrong in the situation. Tapus, even if seen as the protectors of the islands, were also wild pokémon. Any trainer was allowed to challenge and catch them should they be able to do so. Nanu knew this but… It still felt wrong. Somewhere deep inside him the idea of Tapu Bulu becoming someones possession lit an angry fire in him.
Without even realizing it he threw a pokéball of his own, releasing his Sableye. The small, goblin-like creature entered the battle just in time, blocking Golisopods attack. The bugtype let out a surprised and somewhat frustrated whir when its attack didn't hit its mark, backing away. Trusting his team member to fend for itself, Nanu's full attention was aimed at the guardian spirit that was crouching on the floor. While its opponent was distracted, Tapu Bulu also turned its gaze towards him. For a brief moment, Nanu locked his eyes with the being that had once chosen him as the kahuna. After that, everything that followed happened so fast he barely even understood it.
It took a second for Guzma to realize where the interference had come from. As the gang leader turned around, looking more furious than Nanu had ever seen him, it begun. Tapu Bulu was apparently very good at taking advance of given situations. Before even a single word left Guzma’s lips, the Tapu did… something. Giving out a bright glow, Tapu Bulu released white, blinding light that engulfed the whole room. It reminded Nanu of Grassy Terrain, but at the same time it was something entirely different. There was something mysterious in the air, a feeling of electricity that made his skin prickle. Feeling a heavy pressure hit him, the last thing he saw was the ceiling before he was knocked out of consciousness.
When he woke up, Nanu had no idea how long he had been out. Still lying in the room, the first thing he noticed was the broken sake bottle, its content drenching his clothes. He released an audible groan. Great, it hadn't even been the cheap stuff either... Cursing under his breath, he somehow managed to sit up. There was no acute pain in his body, but his joints were feeling stiff as hell. Blinking slowly, he let his gaze wander around the room. Both his Sableye and Guzma’s Golisopod were there, knocked out and splayed on the floor. Tapu Bulu was gone, which didn't surprise him but... So was Guzma.
Shaking his head, Nanu tried to make some sense in this. He didn't have a high opinion of the Skull Boss, but even he wasn't so rotten he would leave his pokémon behind. Right?
Just when he was about to call his name, something picked his eye. Apparently blown further back in the room by the force of Tapu Bulu’s attack, was a small heap of clothing. They looked surprisingly empty, which confused him, but the Skull insignia on the back of the jacket was unmistakable.
Trying his luck, Nanu yelled. His voice came out hoarse.
“You okay? Guzma!”
There was no answer. The figure lying on the other side didn't even budge.
As the feeling of dread settled in, Nanu quickly retrieved his pokémon back to its ball. His vision swam from moving so fast, but he forced himself to his feet nevertheless and quickly made his way to the gang leader. The kahuna could tell even from the distance that something was wrong with him. But as he got to the guy, nothing could’ve prepared him for what had actually happened to the man….
--xx--
“HEY! Geezer, I’m talking to ya!!”
Nanu was snapped out of his thoughts when a pillow landed on the right side of his head. It didn’t hurt, but it made him spill some of his drink on the counter. To prevent more liquid escaping, Nanu quickly put the glass down and gave a deep sigh. Knowing he couldn’t ignore him any longer, the old officer finally lifted his gaze back to his 'guest'. No matter how many times Nanu saw him, it still filled him with unfair amount of unease. Now standing up on his couch was indeed Guzma, literally fuming with anger. Or rather, approximately a 10-year old version him. Whatever power or trick... Or, hell, black magic the Tapu had used on them, it had turned the big and bad gang leader back into a child.
After he had woken up and found Guzma like this, the only solution he had come up with was to carry the child home. From that moment on his mind had been racing with questions, but no answers were yet to surface. Who knew Tapus could even do such things?
The boy had been unconscious for the rest of the evening and had only woken up late in this afternoon. It had been both a blessing and a curse for the kahuna. On one hand he had started to really fear the boy wouldn’t ever wake up again. Seeing him stir back to life had been a huge relief to Nanu, but after realizing what had happened to him… Let’s just say the boy hadn’t taken it too well. There had been almost an hour long stream of cursing, yelling and half-panicked temper tantrums from the kid. Nanu had managed to calm him down not too long ago, after he had promised to make Tapu Cocoa for him. Lots of it.
The fact Nanu still hadn’t answered him seemed to tick Guzma off even more. It manifested in a form of another pillow, again aimed at the officers head. This time Nanu was able to dodge it, leaning out of the way as it flew across the room. Landing with a soft 'thud', it still managed to scare off few of his Meowths that were lying in the room, napping.
Normally he wouldn’t tolerate this kind of behavior in his house, but right now he felt like he deserved it. Besides, pillow wasn't the worst thing the kid could've picked to throw at him.
Raising his eyebrows in question, he coaxed the boy to repeat himself. Guzma gave him an evil eye, before plopping back down and crossing his arms. He was wearing Nanu's old t-shirt and a pair of plain shorts the kahuna had found from the 'Lost and Found'-box. The shirt was a lot smaller than Guzma's own, but he still looked like he had a small tent wrapped around his tiny torso.
“I said, none of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t interrupted us! And they’re not gods, just pokémon!”
Nanu scowled at him. He had a question of his own, already thought out and burning in his mind. “Why would you even try to catch a Tapu in the first place? You know how important they are for the people of these islands.”
Guzma just snorted at him, trying to look as arrogant as possible. He knew better than taking his bait, but Nanu wasn’t completely able to keep the irritation out of his voice.
“… I mean it boy. Some folks might have gotten really heartbroken for having their guardian spirit taken away.”
Guzma just raised his brow at him.
“Who? People like you? Is that why you stopped me from catching it?”
Leaning slightly towards Nanu, Guzma put a finger under his eye and trailed it down slowly, as if he was shedding a tear. Feeling pressure rising to his temple, Nanu tried to massage his upcoming headache away. No matter how small, Guzma seemingly had always had the talent of riling up people.
“You really don’t know how to pick your fights, do you now?” With this comment he was referring both to himself and the Tapu Bulu alike. Guzma, however, seemed to pick only the latter and he gave him a defiant pout.
“Like said, I wouldn’t be in this mess if you hadn’t interrupted. This is your fault, so fix it!”
The comment was thrown in the air with such confidence, it was like Guzma thought there was no room for argument.
Nanu, on his own part, had to take a double look on the boy for his bold demand. The kid was staring cockily at him from the couch, like he had the upper hand. In the end this summoned an actual laugh out of the officer.
Guzma furrowed his brow, but waited until Nanu managed to stop his wheezing. Wiping a stray tear from his cheek, Nanu finally huffed.
“Kid, even if this was remotely my fault, I have no idea how to ‘fix it’. You’re on your own with this one.”
The look on Guzma’s face went from confusion to anger and settled on disbelief. He sputtered. While trying to find his words to answer Nanu’s flat-out denial, the kahuna looked at the clock on his wall. Ten past eight, time to feed his Meowths.
Nanu slapped himself on the knee before rising to his feet. Leaving the young delinquent sitting alone in his living room, he wandered to his kitchen. Idly he started digging though his cabinets for cat food, making a ruckus on purpose. And sure enough, the familiar sound soon lured five out of his pack of eight to his side. Nanu almost sighed in relief as the way his Meowths kept mewling and pushing his feet immediately helped him relax.It was working way better than his drink anyway.
Unfortunately his peace of mind was short lived. While he shoveled pellets in one big bowl, he heard how small foot steps came closer to the kitchen, stopping near the doorway. Ignoring this, he worked as if he was obvious of being stared at, having no hurry to feed his pets.
The silent glaring continued, the boy wasn't giving up. Nanu didn't expect the kid to vanish, but his whole... Presence was starting to wear him down. He wasn't sure how long he could take his rude comments and annoying attitude on top of all that had already happened.
Finally Guzma got fed up and stated accusingly. “You’re a cop. Aren’t cops supposed to help people?”
Nanu lowered the bowl on the ground. He ended up addressing the kid with his gaze still fixed on the floor, watching his Meowths attack the meal he had served.
“Well kiddo, cops are also supposed to catch criminals, but there you and your gang are.”
This earned him an audible whine. Guzma was growing impatient, he could tell.
“…Someone once told me you used to be a secret agent, or something.”
Nanu shrugged. It was unnerving to hear there were rumors like that going around about him. But if Guzma believed it, there was no point in trying to deny it. He was stubborn, after all.
“It was a long time ago, but uhh... Something like that” He wouldn't use a word 'secret agent', but it was close enough.
“Then you must know how to solve cases!” Guzma tried.
Nanu noted how his voice was rising to even higher pitch. There was a hint of desperation, which made Nanu ponder his words. It was true he had past experience in solving crime and doing the detective work, so in theory Guzma's suggestion wasn't bad thinking. There really might be some clues Nanu could dig up if he put in the effort. But the biggest problem he had with this whole ordeal was simple; he didn't like the guy.
Guzma had caused enough grief in his day to deserve all the bad karma that came his way. Maybe this would finally teach him the lesson he needed. And besides, dealing with kids had always been too much hassle to his taste.
Not giving up, Guzma still went on. “You can’t do this old man! You have to help me!”
Coming silently to his conclusion, Nanu stared at the kid for a while, and then, mimicking the boy from earlier, put his finger on his cheek and slowly made the crying gesture. Guzma had no witty come-back to this, he just gaped dumbly at him.
Nanu knew it was petty to tease him like this, but he needed to unwind his own frustration as well and this was doing the trick nicely. Besides, it served the brat right, trying to guilt trip others to do his bidding for him.
He was about to give the kid another jab, hoping he might even leave his home if he was rude enough. But before he could release his sass, something caught his eye. It was very subtle, but the boy’s lower lip was quivering. This stopped Nanu on his tracks and instinctively he fixed more observant gaze on the boy. And sure enough, the kahuna found out he was giving off more signs of distress. Guzma was shifting his balance from one foot to another, shivering so lightly it was almost unnoticeable. With one hand he was taking support from the door frame while the other was clutching the fabric of his shirt tightly. Even his eyes, no matter how observant, had glassiness in them.
Nanu cursed inwardly. The kid had been faking it.
All the guilt he had been able to push back earlier by getting angry with the boy came back like a flood, nearly drowning him. Nanu had always considered the Guzma in his twenties to be a kid, because in comparison, he was. Now, standing in the dim light of his kitchen, wearing a shirt way too big for him and holding back tears, was a real child. What ever Tapu Bulu had done to him, that much was certain. And as an adult, he was expected to take responsibility. Not only by Guzma, but by the courtesy of common sense. Coming terms with reality, Nanu knew what he had to do. It didn't matter if he liked the Skull Boss or not, he didn't have the luxury of turning him away.
Heaving a deep sigh, Nanu closed his eyes and prepared himself for a ride he wasn’t ready to hop on. Curse his soft heart and still-existing sense of justice.
“Fine,” he let the word out with his breath.
This sudden change of heart made Guzma freeze. While he stared at him like he had spoken in a foreign tongue, Nanu gave him a tired but firm look.
“I’ll… try to figure something out. But I can’t promise you anything, boy. I’m not a miracle worker.”
His half-assed promise for assistance seemed to be enough for the kid however. Not being able to mask it, a relieved, almost goofy smile engulfed Guzmas face. It only lasted for a second, before he caught himself and quickly sobered up. Clearing his throat, he tried to cover his earlier panic with though-guy act.
“Yeah? That's what I thought! I…”
The warning glare Nanu gave him made Guzma shut up before he could start a new tirade. At least he was wise enough to actually zip it.
They stayed silent for a while.
“So... What about that Tapu Cocoa you promised?”
--xx--
Hours later, after Guzma had had his cocoa and settled to sleep on his couch, Nanu still rolled in his bed, wide awake. He was so tired it almost hurt, but he couldn't sleep. Looking through his bedroom window, he watched as the first droplets of rain hit the glass softly. There was going to be a storm tonight. Probably a big one, too. They hadn't had any real storms in a while...
He sighed. He was trying to think anything else than the matter in his hands and yet... One question relentlessly popped back, refusing to let go.
What on earth had he gotten himself into?