The sun rose over Melemele Island, its golden rays casting a gentle glow on Selene’s seaside home. The salty sea breeze carried the sound of playful splashes as Selene’s Popplio pups tumbled through the shallows.



Selene the Primarina stood at the water’s edge, her pearl-like eyes scanning the scene. Her voice, once commanding operatic stages, now carried over the waves in a sing-song call. “Breakfast time, my darlings! Come along now before the tide carries you off!”



A chorus of chirps and squeals answered as her 15 Popplio pups bounded toward her, droplets glistening on their smooth, rounded bodies. Amaya, her Brionne daughter, was the last to arrive, her nose buried in a book even as she shuffled to join the group.

Selene sighed, shaking her head fondly. “Amaya, dear, you’ll trip on the sand if you don’t watch where you’re going.”

“Yes, mom,” Amaya replied absently, flipping a page. Her siblings giggled, one nudging her playfully with a flipper.

“Careful with that!” Amaya huffed, clutching her book protectively.

Selene silenced the teasing with a gentle yet firm look. “Now, now, we’re all family. Let’s show some kindness, hmm?”



Back at their cozy home, Selene prepared breakfast. Her fins worked deftly, weaving kelp and shellfish into a hearty seafood platter. Zilik, her trainer, entered the kitchen, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

“Good morning, Zilik,” Selene greeted warmly. “You’re just in time to set the table. The little ones are quite the handful today.”

Zilik smiled and nodded, used to being treated like one of her own. “Got it, ma!” he teased, though he truly appreciated her nurturing care.

The pups swarmed the table as Selene placed the food before them. She guided each one to their spot, making sure everyone had their fill.

Amaya took her portion and quietly slipped to a corner with her book. Selene noticed and sat beside her. “You know, darling, it’s important to spend time with your siblings. They may tease, but they love you.”

“I know,” Amaya murmured, her cheeks puffing slightly. “But I just love reading so much, mom! It’s how I learn.”

Selene smiled and kissed Amaya’s head. “And I love that about you, my little scholar.”



After breakfast, Selene took her pups to the tide pools, keeping a watchful eye as they explored. Her heart fluttered whenever one wandered too close to the deeper waters.

“Stay where I can see you!” she called, her voice tinged with worry.

Amaya stayed behind, sketching diagrams of starfish in her notebook. Zilik joined her, offering quiet companionship. “Your mom’s got her hands full,” he said, watching Selene herd the others.

“She always does,” Amaya replied with a smile. “But she loves it.”

As the sun dipped lower, Selene gathered her brood. “Let’s head back, dears. We’ll sing a song together before dinner.”



Back home, Selene led her pups in a melody that echoed through the house, her voice soaring above theirs like a guiding star. Even Zilik joined in, laughing at his clumsy notes.

After the song, Selene prepared a light supper and tucked her pups into their beds, her lullaby drifting through the air like a gentle wave.

She paused by Amaya’s room, where her daughter was still engrossed in her book. “Goodnight, my dear,” Selene whispered.

“Goodnight, Mom,” Amaya said, her voice soft but full of love.