During a pleasant afternoon, prior to the day Mallow ventured through the Underbelly of Melemele , Saki sat in a chair within Samson's office. Akemi sat on her lap, observing its surroundings with curious eyes, as its trainer chatted with the school's principal.

"I'm really not bothering you, right? Right?" Saki questioned, unsure of her own presence.

"Of course you're not! Natu at all," Samson assured with his usual unique phrasing. "You're fine. Feel free to stay a Mawile."

The man chuckled lightly, enjoying the silliness of his own words. Saki herself gained a modest smirk on her face, almost enjoying the simple fun in the conversation. It was a knowing smile, as she has come to expect such a thing from Samson Oak.

"Might I ask, what brings you here?" Samson asked, before raising his hand and giving the girl a playful thumbs up. "Just saying hello to your friendly, neighborhood old man?"

Asking favors was never commonplace for the girl. As a matter of fact, such a thing felt like a taboo. It was never a real option, something never to be put into consideration. Yet, she was surrounded by welcoming, open arms. They all offered warmth, and consolation, an alien thing. The earnest amiability everyone possesed overwhelmed her, the new possibility for help and support. She was clueless on what actions to take, what to do with herself in this new situation. She desired advice, and there was one man who's advice she trusted. That is, if she could well up the courage to actually request it.

"Well..." Saki mumbled, her voice carrying a similar sound of a mute mouse struggling to squeak. "I actually wanna... figure something out."

"Hm? I can't hear you quite well. Speak up a bit so I could hear you Loudred and clear, please! So you could be Herdier!" Accompanied with goofy impressions, Samson continued spouting out Poképuns. As 'cheesy' as she found it, the lightheartedness of the man's speech made her feel a bit at ease.

"Excuse me," she spoke apologetically. "I said that I want to figure something out. I... want to know how to..."

Saki paused, having difficulty forcing herself to gag out her sentence. Samson took note of the girl becoming more tense, which caused him to become concerned.

"Yes, Saki? Go ahead and say what you need to say. Don't worry, I won't judge, okay?" Samson encouraged, urging the girl to speak. He folded his hands, and patiently waited with a gentle look upon his face.

"...Okay," Saki softly answered, her voice barely above a mummer. "See... this might sound weird but it's hard to talk about things with... people. Like... I really dunno but... it's been becoming harder to talk to the rest of the class..."

"Most things? What makes you say that, Saki? From my perspective, you have been getting along quite well with your peers," Samson questioned, cocking his head to the side.

"I... I do like them! Don't get me wrong," Saki clarified. "But when I talk to them... I kinda want to tell them... everything. I want to tell them everything that would... expose my weak points, you know? But that's no good... right? I'm much better off keeping to myself... maybe... not even talking with people at all. It would be safer that way... easier that way. And besides, I doubt they really like me anyways. I bet they're just trying to be nice 'cuz I'm in their stupid class. All this niceness... it's probably just an act to turn me into a fool."

"That's wrong," Samson inputted almost instantaneously. "Incredibly wrong."

Saki looked down to her lap, rubbing the head of her Pokémon companion. A sorrowful light glimmered from within her eyes. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because they're your friends, Saki. And they really do enjoy your presence, I promise you that. Their kindness, it's truly genuine," Samson insisted, attempting to console the child's worries.

"...Heh." Saki lightly laughed. It was a rueful laugh. "Who would enjoy my presence?"

"I enjoy your presence," Samson answered.

Saki eyes shot up to meet the eyes of the man, which were sincere. He was sincere. Saki's first instinct was to deny his words, but she realized the truth that stared right at her. A peculiar feeling of shock, relief, and anxiety flooded through her, similar to how one would feel when journeying to a new faraway place. She could have reacted with crudeness, pushing the man away, but she just didn't have that in her. Instead, she muttered a question in which she was already aware of the answer:

"You really do, huh?"

Samson nodded his head, a faint, warm smile beginning to appear on his face. "Yes. Saki, we all enjoy you, please don't look down on yourself. Look, your classmates and I are your friends, and friends should be able to confide in one another. If you need to talk about anything, and I mean anything, don't be a stranger, okay? I'm here for you, we're all here for you."

Samson's friendly grin grew wider, stretching ear to ear. Saki's chest grew hot with the feeling of warmth, as she couldn't resist returning the grin with a smile of her own.Her expression was weightless, as if for one single moment, she didn't have a single stress pestering her head.

"Okay," Saki plainly stated.

The walk to Mallow's home from the Underbelly wasn't short, but not unbearably lengthy. Throwing open the door, no hesitation, Mallow announced her reappearance.

"Dad! I'm home! And I brought some company!"

Mallow marched right through the door, her cheerful Steenee skipping beside her. Following close behind, Saki reluctantly entered the inside of the home, uncomfortable with the idea of meeting a new face. Mallow caught this apprehension, turning her head to display a reassuring smile to the unsettled girl.

"Don't worry, my Dad is just a giant teddy bear. He'll like you in a snap," Mallow claimed. Seconds after that statement, the head of a green haired man popped from a doorway that lead to the kitchen, an easy-going air surrounding him.

"Ah! Hello there! You must be one of Mallow's friends," Mallow's father, Abe, greeted. He approached the two, and he appeared to be roundish in shape, still wearing his chef's uniform. The entire place smelled like delicately cooking soup, offering a warm, welcoming vibe. The house itself was lightly furnished and decorated, with the occasional photo of both Mallow and her brother growing up. There was an ambiance of familiarity, an atmosphere that could only be described by the word. "Home". Saki felt as if she were in some alien world.

But to Mallow, it was just a normality. She grabbed Saki's hand and pulled her forward, presenting her to her father with complete confidence. "She sure is," she declared. "This is Saki! Remember? I know I told you about her! Do you mind if she hangs out here for a little while? Maybe even sleep over?"

Abe curiously glanced at Saki, certainly remembering the things Mallow has told him. His glance, though not the least bit intimidating, made Saki flinch, and caused bullets of sweat to slide down her neck. She shuffled herself to the side, trying to discreetly hide herself behind Mallow. She took a sigh of relief once he turned away from her, and patted his daughter's shoulder.

"You really are a sweetheart, Mallow," he praised. "You simply make friends out of everyone. Sure, I don't mind her staying here with you. Just don't get to wild, okay girls?"

"Okay! Thanks Dad!" Mallow cheered. Saki originally was quiet, until Mallow lightly tapped her with her elbow, urging her to thank the man as well.

"Thanks," Saki softly mumbled.

Abe grinned, and waved off the appreciation with his hand. "No need to thank me. Now, pardon me, but I've got to go finish cooking dinner. Hope you're hungry, Saki! You're more than welcome to eat dinner with us tonight!"

Abe reentered his kitchen, leaving the two on their own. The girls soon entered Mallow's room, which had a calming green color scheme and no shortage of cute plushies. The mellow hues made it easier for Saki to rest her mind, putting a stop to the constant struggles rushing through her head. The sweet aroma flooding the room also aided in her easing temperament, not too overbearing and extremely pleasant.

Mallow plopped onto her bed, and Saki sat down beside her. Steenee seated itself on the carpet below them. Mallow turned her head to Saki, and once again, grabbed her hand. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Kinda," Saki answered.

"Please. Could you tell me what's going on?" Mallow asked.

Saki was silent at first, clenching Mallow's hand. Asking for help, she knew she was about to take such an action. Finally opening herself to another was a hard pill to swallow, considering she spent her entire life blocking others away. She was fearful of what could come of this, if there was any more avoidable hurt she could suffer. But holding everything in, coping on her own, it only made things gradually grow worse and worse and worse. Besides, friends were supposed to be able to confide in each other. They were there for her.

"My father," Saki began, already beginning to choke up as she spoke. "He... doesn't have any time for me. He doesn't have time to... worry about me."

"What do you mean he has no time to worry about you?" Mallow questioned, unable to imagine a parent unconcerned with their child. The mere idea of such a thing made her stomach begin to grow hot, a steady anger beginning to ignite. The shift, although not of a grand size yet, was noticeable in her voice. "He's supposed to worry about you!"

Saki shook her head. "It doesn't matter if he supposed to or not, he just doesn't. I don't know if he ever did. I mean... I guess since he's working all the time... and since his mind is always... overwhelmed... he just can't accept another burden."

"That is no excuse! There is no excuse! I don't care if he's working twenty-four seven, he still needs to care for you!" Mallow exclaimed, her teeth gritting. She didn't even know the man, but yet, she was already developing a hatred due to the pain she witnessed within her friend. "And I'm almost certain he's not working twenty-four seven! Why can't he take five minutes, and ask you if-"

"He comes home drunk," Saki spat out.

Mallow paused, swallowing her words and wanting to gag. The development was a bit stunning to her, though, to most, it probably wouldn't be a massive surprise.

Saki sighed, and focused her eyes on her feet. "After work, he goes to the bar and drinks. When he gets home, he drinks. He begins to say... stuff. Just stuff."

Mallow leaned a bit closer to the girl, her face twisted with concern. "Stuff?"

"Stuff," Saki answered.

Another pause followed, the two sitting in silence. Mallow made an attempt to break the silence.

"Saki-"

"He always tells me that I shouldn't exist. I'm just a problem. I'm just a problem. He says I'm an eyesore! I'm not even family to him, Mallow. I'm just his problem," Saki interrupted, speaking with a soft, yet strained voice. She began to take short gasps of air, holding back tears with every ounce of strength she had. She squeezed Mallow's hand tighter and tighter, nearly causing the girl ache.

Mallow's heart broke in two. The tears of her friend grew more and more frequent, soon enough making her begin to tear up as well. She released her hand, and wrapped her arms around Saki in a tight hug. She placed a hand on the back of her head, and rested her chin on her shoulder.

"I don't wanna see you fall apart," Mallow whispered, her own words unsteady. "Please, don't fall apart on me. You don't deserve this, really you don't. That man... that man is wrong. He's so incredibly wrong..."

"How do you know? I always cause problems. I do terrible things. So why wouldn't his words be true?" Saki sobbed, crying into Mallow's shoulder. The question made Mallow's heart throb painful beats. Saki believed such terrible things about herself, her lack of self worth revealing its ugly head. Such a thing, it was awful to witness. Just awful.

"...You... you poor thing. You... poor thing," Mallow sighed, but not giving up on convincing Saki otherwise. "You really believe what he says. But Saki, you are more than a problem. You're a person. You matter. You matter to me."

"...I... do?" Saki whimpered.

"Yeah," Mallow assured. "You do."

Saki continued to cry, gentle weeping being the only sound echoing through the small room. Mallow continued to hold on to her, while thinking to herself, how despicable. Her friend faces such troubles, and now she knew someone to blame. Someone who made Saki sob. And though she suppressed it under her role as a comforter, she was enraged. She wanted to take action.

After several minutes passed by, and the cries grew softer, Mallow removed Saki from her grasp. She looked at her, directly in the eyes, and began to carefully suggest a course of action. "Things can't stay like this. They can't. I won't let them. We need to confront your father, directly."

At the mere sound of such a confrontation, Saki panicked. She shuffled away from Mallow, shaking her head violently. "No! No!... What if he gets mad? Mallow... I don't want to approach him about this."

"Then he'll never become better. This problem won't be solved. We need to tell him he needs to change. And you don't have to confront him alone, Saki. I'll be there with you. And I also plan on getting an extra hand. There is a friend of my Dad's who happens to be a certified family therapist. I think he was a social worker at one point, too! I'll give him a quick call, and ask him to meet us at your place tomorrow morning. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help," Mallow spoke, trying to convince Saki to go along with her plan.

Saki turned away, her hands resting limp in her lap. "I don't know," she hesitated.

"Saki, please. I'm trying to help. Trust me, okay? Trust me, and everything will be fine. I promise," Mallow pleaded. Her eyes were large and shining, begging for Saki to accept this request. Drained from tears, she had little energy left to argue.

"Okay..." Saki mumbled. "I'll trust you. I'll try to trust you on this one."

Mallow softly smiled, and stood up. "Thank you, Saki. I promise you won't regret this. Now, let's try to relax for now. We've got to rest up, because tomorrow is important."

Saki wordlessly nodded, wearing a slight sulk. Mallow placed her hands on her hips, not accepting the remaining somberness.

"Let's cheer you up now. Say, you wanna make fun of the outfits on Project Runway?" Mallow asked.

Saki peered at Mallow, her face lifting only a tad. "Maybe a little."

Mallow's grin grew larger, and her hands clapped together. "Then that's how we will cheer you up!"

(Gap)

The following morning, not too long after the sun rose and greeted the citizens of Alola, the two girls both left Mallow's home. Saki took the lead, walking straight into the Underbelly that she called home. Mallow following her loyally. This time, Mallow felt not the slightest bit of nervousness despite the intimidating atmosphere surrounding her. She had her friend by her side. Everything was going to be okay, she knew it.

Saki, on the other hand, her heart was beating a mile a minute. She was fearful, terrified even, as she had to directly face her woes. But, with Mallow pushing her forward, there was no going back. No going back at all.

After making their entrance, they found themselves standing before an apartment building. Like all the other structures in the neighborhood, it was withered and mucky, blending in with ease. Waiting for them at the front door was a man that stuck out like a sore thumb, tidy and well-kept in appearance. His gray hair was perfectly combed, his white buttoned up shirt was spotless, and his black shoes were freshly shined. Under the shadows of the gloomy complex, he shimmered like an absurd oddity.

Mallow stepped in front of Saki, and waved to the man with her token friendly smile. "Scott! Scott! Hello! We're here!"

"Why, hello," the man greeted. He adjusted his glasses so they rested in the most perfect position on his nose. Approaching forward, he shook Mallow's hand, and grinned at Saki.

"You must be Mallow's friend? Nice to meet you, I'm Dr. Scott. What might your name be?" He asked with a gentle tone.

Saki kept her gaze downward, as she cupped her hands together and pressed them against her stomach. Her answer was spoken it what was barely a whisper. "Saki."

"Saki? Ah, such a pretty name. Really, it's a pleasure," Scott kindly complimented. He extended his hand to the girl, ready to complete his formal introduction. Saki remained motionless, however, refusing to shake his hand. The man was forced to retract the friendly offering.

Scott then attempted to get straight to the point, seeing that flattery had no effect on the girl. "I hear you've been having issues with one of your parents. Could you please elaborate for me, so I could understand how I could help you?"

Saki store blankly at the man, before turning away. She brushed past both him and Mallow, and gripped the handle of the door. "I don't wanna talk. It sucks to talk about it," she confessed with a huff. "So just see. See for yourself."

Walking inside, and shutting the door right before the two's faces, Saki coldly paced towards her destination. Her palms were sweating, her breathing was barley steady, but she wore a emotionless countenance as she continued onward.

Mallow apologetically looked to Scott. "I'm so sorry! S-she's not very good with new people! You have no idea how long it took for her to get used to our classmates...please excuse her behavior!"

Scott patted Mallow's shoulder, shrugging off both Saki's actions and Mallow's apology. "Trust me, I've dealt with some awfully behaved kids in my time, and even worse behaved adults. This is nothing. Now come on, let's see if I could help with your friend's situation, whatever it may exactly be."

Mallow and Scott both followed Saki up the stairs and onto the third floor. She approached an apartment with the number "#315" plastered on the door. She reached into her pocket, grabbed a key, and twisted it into the doorknob. As the door opened, a foul scent instantly slapped the three across the face.

The odor matched the environment perfectly. Even just peeking in from behind the girl, both Mallow and Scott noticed the lack of care for cleanliness. Empty food containers and beer cans rested on the floor, they could see that the sink was filled with dirty dishes, the carpet was saturated with stains and marks. The lighting was dim, spreading a discouraging ambience. On the grubby couch, a man slept. His face was dark with soot, his hair was disheveled, his hand held onto an empty can as it dangled from the side of the couch.

Saki walked into the apparent, and slowly took step after step towards the couch. He breaths grew slower and heavier, not looking back at her friend, as her focus remained on her father. She didn't want to interrupt him in his sleep, she knew that would not end with a good outcome. But she had an audience following her, she was really doing this, so she was going to do this. She was going to make herself do this.

Everything will be fine, right?

She grabbed her father's shoulder, and begun to shake him into consciousness. The groggy man slowly opened his eyes, before snapping into awareness. An immediate rush of annoyance dashed through his head, as he swung his arm back and knocked Saki right off her feet. She fell to the ground with a thump, as Mallow immediately ran to her side.

"Saki! Saki! Are you okay?" She knelt down and wrapped her arms protectively around Saki, almost as if she were her big sister. She looked up to the man, who she just watched strike the girl, with disgust. "What is wrong with you?!"

"..." With a blank expression, that man named  Aiden, glared at Mallow with slight confusion. Then, his face scrunched up in distaste, revealing once again that he himself had a short temper.

"Whaddya...?" He began to slowly mutter, stumbling over his words. He shifted himself upwards into a sitting position, still slopped over, leaning on the couch cushions as if he were to fall over again. "Whaddya doing here? Get out.. get out... my head's throbbin'..."

"Of course it is..." Saki mumbled, as Mallow's grip tightened. Mallow bared her teeth, as if trying to seem intimidating, though truthfully it was an act of restrained rage.

"No! No I'm not getting out! Not until you apologize to Saki, and promise you'll be a better dad!"  Mallow bellowed, her eyes nearly beginning to tear. Aiden did not react kindly to her declaration.

"You kidden? You gotta be. I ain't got shit to apologize for... no. I put this roof over that snot's head... don't I? I do fine," the man grumbled, before his voice shifted into a roar. "Now, do what's best and get yourself outta my house and business!"

Aiden slowly began to stand up, but before he had a chance to approach the two girls, Scott stepped in between, acting as a barrier. The new intrusion only served to make the groggy Aiden even angrier. Without waiting a singular heart beat, Aiden shoved his face into Scott's, and shouted.

"I dunno who you are, but you ain't stayin'! I'll rip ya a brand new one if you don't leave now! I'm warnin ya' now!" Aiden's screams progressively began to grow louder and louder in volume. Scott gritted his teeth.

"Frankly sir, I don't appreciate the threats. I came here to help with some 'problems' you and your daughter were said to be having. And I think I've found the source," Scott stated. His words were sharp, but his tone was calm and flat. It was a major contradiction, but the man weaved those words and his voice as if it were second nature.

Aiden did not step down, nor did he disengage. Instead, he felt an obligation to shove Scott with all of his strength. The older man was sent to the ground, as Aiden fell to his knees and balled his fists.

"Shut up! Shut up! You don't know anything! Why won't you all leave? Why won't you all leave?! I'll make ya!" Aiden exclaimed.

Aiden began to bang his fists against the man's body, causing Scott to release grunts of pain. Saki buried her face into Mallow's side, while Mallow was frozen in both horror and worry. Time almost seemed to stand still, where Aiden would continue to strike Scott for an eternity.

But the onslaught ended, as Scott gripped Aiden's arms and flipped him over. Aiden scrambled to get back up, rolling onto his stomach and trying to push himself off the ground. However, his mind was still misty and disoriented, making it difficult for him to move quickly. Scott naturally took advantage of this, jumping on top of his back and pinning him down. He grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back, for good measure.

Scott looked up to the girls, and instructed with urgency. "Call the police!"

Mallow and Saki remained still, which tested his patience. He spoke more firmly. "Call the police! NOW."

Mallow jumped up. The normally mild Scott snapping at her was more than enough to push her into action, though she did have an anchor around her waist. Saki still gripped onto her tightly, not wanting Mallow to leave her stranded in this situation. Mallow felt guilt creep against her back, but she knew what had to be done.

"I'm sorry Saki! I'll be back! But I have to help Scott!" Mallow pulled her way from Saki's grip and rushed to find the phone. Once she called the police, it didn't take long for them to arrive...

The police practically burst through the door, weapons drawn, already weary of the neighborhood they were patrolling. Scott, unharmed, was questioned by officers while Saki and Mallow sat together a short distance away. They were silent, leaning on each other while they listened to the chatter of those around them. Aiden was arrested, taken by a cop car and headed towards the closest police station. The event, it was over, but the aftermath remained.

Soon, one of the officers approached the two girls. Scott followed behind him, as if they were partners. Saki, who felt nervous when around cops, began to bite at her nails while staring at the floor tiles.

"Misaki, we'd like to take you down to the station-" the officer attempted to explain.

"B-but I didn't do anything wrong!" Saki panicked

"Calm down, calm down," Scott pleaded. "You're not in trouble. This kind officer here just wants to know more about your life with your father. How he treated you..."

Mallow rubbed Saki's shoulder, continuing her support. "You've gotta tell them Saki, so they could make sure you never have to live with him again. So he has to stay far, far away from you."

Saki looked down to her hands, which were folded in her lap. Her eyes closed as her lip lightly quivered, her feelings on uncertainty overwhelming her. "But then what do I do? Where do I go?"

"We'll worry about that soon, sweetie," the officer answered. "But first things first. Come with me, please."

Saki lifted herself onto her feet, her eyes still glued to the ground. Mallow stood up as well, still concerned about her friend. "Can... I go with her?"

The officer looked to Scott, who shook his head. Scott placed his hands on Mallow's shoulders, and spoke with modest, but clear authority.  "You need to head home, the adults will take it from here."

"B-but-"Mallow began to argue.

"Mallow, you've seen enough for one day. Get some rest. Your friend is in good hands," Scott stated before turning his head back towards the officer. "Please, feel free to go about your business."

The officer nodded, beginning to head towards the exit, gesturing for Saki to follow along. She did, as Mallow watched with her eyes gleaming with worry.

As they walked, the officer asked a simple question. "Do you have any relatives you'd like us to contact?"

Saki rubbed her arm, somberness within the air surrounding her. "No."

"Anyone you'd like us to call at all?" The Officer questioned.

"...Maybe," Saki answered.

After question upon question, Saki's life being prodded at as if it were a science experiment, the girl simply sat at the police station. She picked at the loose threads of her shirt, not having an alternative to focus on. They didn't even know what to do with her, it felt like. It was as if they threw her out of the room to focus on what really matter to them, charges to stack up against her father. At least, that's what it felt like to her.

Akemi sat at her feet, making soft whimpers of empathy. Saki was too emotionally lost within her own head to take notice. Yet, soon enough, a sudden appearance forced her to pull herself out of her mind.

"Saki! There you are! Are you all right?"

The voice of Samson called out to Saki, who's head jolted up. The man had received a call from the station, alerting him to the previous events that has just transpired. The girl didn't know who else she could have asked them to call, she didn't know if she was wrong to have them call him in the first place. But what's done is done, and the concerned man now stood before her.

"I'm sorry that-" Saki blurted, almost like an automatic reaction. Samson knelt down so he was on eye level with the sitting girl, and cut her apology short.

"There is no need to apologize, Saki. No need at all. Please, just answer, are you okay?" Samson asked, wearing a soft and sympathetic expression.

Saki shrugged her shoulders, shuffling her feet. "I guess."

There was a pause. Samson shook his head, unsatisfied with the girl's answer. "You guess? Saki, please, be honest with me. Are you okay?"

"Er... it's kinda... like... I dunno," Saki spoke with a choking hesitant. "My... dumb dad is finally out of my life. But... you know... like... I dunno what I'm supposed to do now. I don't really have any other family. I heard some of the people here mention a foster home, but I don't want that. I don't want that at all."

Once again, tears began to build within Saki's eyes, as her head lowered. She gripped her hands together. "I feel trapped, Oak. I feel so incredibly trapped. I'm going to be stuck in some place where I don't know a single soul, have to answer to some new authority I never accepted. Maybe it'll be better... but what if it's worse than before? Somehow, what if it's worse. I'm scared. I'm really, really scared."

She let her face drop into her palms, and allowed herself to sob. Soon enough, she felt a hand rubbing her back, offering as much comfort as it could.She didn't raise her head, she didn't look back at the man, but still, she was thankful.

Samson closed his eyes, and thought. He considered a course of action that he was more than happy to take, though it was one he was reluctant about. It's a situation he wasn't quite sure the girl would accept, or if it was even the best action to take. But Samson, he was a kind, generous man. So, he put aside any hesitance, and made a decision.

"I'm so sorry. This must be so much for a young girl to have to deal with. I wish to help you in any way I can. I really do," Samson assured.

"What could you possibly do?" Saki questioned through her cries.

"Well, I could take you in, if you'd like," Samson offered. "I have more than enough room in the house, really, it'd be no problem."

Saki's head jolted upwards, an expression of disbelief written across her face. "Wait... do you... do you really mean that? Like an... adoption sort of thing?"

The man chuckled with a simple. "I suppose so, but only if that's what you-"

He didn't get to finish his statement before Saki grabbed him in a hug, her tears losing their misery, and gaining relief. Her hope, it was blossoming.

Days passed, and life at the Pokémon school was, for the most part, normal. Yet, for those past few days, Saki was noticeably absent. Her peers have become aware of the previous events, and worried, but they continued with their normal routines. Mallow, however, was drowning in her worry. She had a desperate need to apologize to Saki, whatever strife she could have caused. But the girl wasn't there to apologize to, so the unsaid words lingered in her throat.

On a Thursday morning, her fellow classmates gathered around her, trying to cheer her up. Lana even gave Mallow a free cupcake, which did bring a smile to the girl's face.

"Really, thank all of you! You are so kind," Mallow asserted with a bashful look. "But you really don't have to do this! You don't have to worry so much!"

"Nonsense!" Ash exclaimed.

"You've been so down lately, and we don't like seeing you so down," Lana admitted.

"S-so we'd like to... cheer you up..." Lillie stammered.

"You're always the first to try to cheer us up when we're feeling down!" Sophocles explained.

"You're such a great friend to us," Bob stated. "So we're going to be great friends to you!"

Mallow lightly smiled, before looking down at her cupcake with uncertainty. "I'm not so sure that I'm such a great friend. I... might have made things worse for..."

Mallow choked up, unable to finish her sentence. The students tried to offer words of comfort, until they were interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open.

"Alola, everyone!" Kukui greeted, an excited expression upon his face. "I have some good news!"

"Is the school getting a bigger budget?" Kiawe asked with a straight face.

"That would be awesome, but no! I've got even better news!" Kukui enthusiastically announced. "We have a long awaited return happening this fine morning!"

"Oh my God! They're releasing the third Thinning movie?" Ash asked.

"Kukui... please say Ash is wrong. Please, for the love of all good movies, say Ash is wrong..." Kiawe begged.

"Ash," Kukui stated. "You're wrong."

"Oh..." Ash muttered.

"By long awaited return, I mean one of your peers!" Kukui clarified, before stepping out of the doorway. "Come on in, Saki!"

Saki revealed herself, stepping into the light of the classroom, having quite a different appearance. Her face was red, as if she was embarrassed to show of her new aesthetic. Her hair was a tad bit neater, her token bow still in her hair. She wore cleaner, newer clothes that suited her quite well, opposed to the worn clothing the class has last seen her dressed in. She seemed more rested as well, despite the massive changes happening within her life.

"Saki!' Mallow jumped up immediately, rushing to her friend and tackling her with a hug. "Oh Saki! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have made you wake up your dad like that! I shouldn't have made you go home! I wasn't thinking straight! I...I just!-"

"Mallow! Mallow! Please, calm down! Calm down!" Saki pleaded, hugging the girl back. "You don't have anything to apologize for. I promise. Everything's fine now, like you'd say it would be. Mallow, you gave me a second chance."

Mallow removed her grip and looked back at Saki with shimmering, large, doubting eyes. "You sure?"

"Yes, Mallow, yes," Saki assured.

"B-but you got knocked over! And you... and you were terrified and!-" Mallow began to object, but Saki asserted otherwise.

"Yeah, that confrontation thing could have gone better, sure," Saki lightly chuckled. "But really, it was all for the better. I... doubt after all that, my dad would ever be able to take custody of me again. And now... I have a new home. Jolly old Oak... he's allowing me to live with him."

"Principal Oak?!" The other six students gasped in surprise. Kukui, being the exception, grinned, not the least bit shocked. To him, it was almost a foreseeable action, knowing the principal quite well.

Saki nodded her head in confirmation, before showing Mallow a bright smile. "Really, everything seems to be becoming... better for me. And it's thanks to you, Mallow. You are the greatest friend a person could ever ask for. The greatest friend I ever had."

Saki gripped Mallow in a second hug, as grateful tears began to spill from Mallow's eyes. After the embrace, and the two released each other, and Saki turned to the rest of her peers and her teacher.

"You all are also... the best group of friends that could ever be. You never gave up on me... you were all so kind to me. I could never express how grateful I am. Really. You all are amazing." Saki continued to smile as she spoke her truth. The words were touching to all of the class, a couple of them even tearing up just like Mallow. However, one boy couldn't help but to play with her a tad.

"Thank you a bunch, Saki! Say, you think you could write 'Ash is the greatest friend ever, he's always right, and I dedicate my life to him' on your forehead? Particularly, in permanent marker?" Ash joked.

Saki's smile fell into a scowl. "Okay, I might have softened up a bit, but be warned. I still ain't taking any bullshit, not from anyone, and not from you."

Everyone laughed.

"She's still our Saki!" Sophocles said through his laughter.

"Looks like she wasn't replaced by a robot," Kiawe quipped.

"Or an Alien!" Ash exclaimed. Kiawe gave him an annoyed side glance.

"We're... so happy your back! And that... you're in a better than a place than before," Lillie spoke.

"This calls for a celebration! Come on, Saki! We're gonna go have a fiesta!" Lana declared, grabbing onto Saki's arm and beginning to tug her towards the exit.

"I agree with Lana! Let's go party!" Bob shouted, throwing his arms into the air.

The six dragged Saki out the door, not even worrying about technically skipping class, leaving Mallow and Kukui behind. Kukui chuckled.

"Ah, such excitable, happy kids. It warms my heart, really. I'm incredibly happy with my class  this year," Kukui confessed. He looked to Mallow, and patted her head. "Though I wish you guys wouldn't run out before the bell rings. When you left in the middle of class last time... I hear you were caught red handed."

Mallow grew a guilty look, as she remembered the teacher with short, red hair that stopped her in the hallway when she was trying to follow Saki. "Yeah... kinda."

Kukui cringed. "She used your little endeavor to flirt with me for fifteen minutes. That Ms. Apricot... damn. She's a bit desperate. Actually, that's an understatement. She's just desperate."

Kukui's face then flushed with embarrassment. "Ah! I really shouldn't be telling you this! Go Mallow, go have fun with your friends! If anyone asks, you guys are headed on a fieldtrip. I told you guys that I'd catch up with you."

Mallow couldn't help to giggle. "Thank you, Kukui!"

She ran to go join her friends.