"But, I've decided. I have to go to Kanto." Lillie sighed, her warm breath fading into the cold air of the Alolan night. "To help my mother get better..." she sighed again, I could feel a tear in my eye beginning to drip, "But more than that... to help myself get stronger." She closed her eyes, as I looked down, my tears beginning to flow. "Of course I'm sad to leave Alola..." She opened her eyes, and we looked at each other, "but the thought of going to Kanto fills my heart with excitement! I'm going to become a real Trainer and meet all kinds of wonderful Pokemon... I'm going to travel all around Kanto, just like we did here on Alola for your island challenges!" That smile, that wonderful, wonderful smile, it brightened this sad moment, even if it was just for a second. "And no matter what happens on my journey... I'm going to be OK. Because of the smiles that you shared with me. You and Sun and everyone here... thank you all so much!" I stood there, speechless. Did she really have to go? Why couldn't she stay here, with me, and Gladion, and Hau, and the Professor? "And that's why someday... someday I'll come back to Alola again!" After saying a few words to Hau, she turned to me again, this time she had tears in her eyes as she pulled out her bag, pulling from the endless items, a worn clefairy doll I'd seen her hold quite a few times throughout our many adventures. "Sun..." she spoke somberly, almost a whisper. "It may look a little worn, but... that is because this was my most treasured belonging once." She handed it to me, the indent of her fingers on the doll still there. "Then I suppose... this is goodbye." her tears flowed again, she wiped them away, and smiled at me.

"Goodbye" was all I could muster in that moment as she turned to board her ferry and waved at Hau, Kukui and I. Her ferry's horn blew as she made her way into the evening mist. Fading ever so slightly into the past.

I still remember that day. Most find it hard to remember something that happened that long ago. I was only eleven then. I guess what keeps me chained to that night ten years ago, is what I felt. At eleven years old, I can say that I felt heartbreak, and loss. I remember the pain of that melancholy moment as well as the excitement that was radiating from Lillie as she left. I wanted her to succeed. I did. I guess I always thought she'd be doing it with me by her side.

"You're not the only one who's been through a lot." I turned to the red-haired man sitting across from me, who had an annoyed look on his face. "My parents basically abandoned me. My old man ran off to who knows where, while my mom went and rebuilt my dad's old criminal organization." He sighed, and put his hand on his chin, "I've had some ups though, I was champion of the Johto Region for a little bit, then I got beat by this kid from a region that's not even on the map and traveled with him for about 8 years."

I chuckled lightly, "Yeah, well, I've got hope that she'll be back. It's only been, what? ten years? I've still got my life in order, well, somewhat. At least I can pay the bills and keep myself looking decent. Battling's no sweat either. I'm still undefeated, I've made friends with a few of my challengers. The life of a champ y'know?"

"Just wait until Otoko comes for your title, Sun." He grunted, "He's no joke. I saw his last Champion Battle, hell I was his freakin coach! His team mopped the floor with that guy's pokemon."

I rolled my eyes, "Silver, you know that guy's not been seen in a competitive battle in like eleven years right?"

"Disappeared without a trace, huh? Typical." Silver sighed, standing up, "Alright, I better head back to the apartment. See ya around, Sun." he put on his coat, and left the diner that we'd met at.

I merely waved; I'd fallen into contact with Silver only recently. Silver was an ex-champion of Johto, like most other champions I'd met. Silver wasn't the brightest, but he opened up after a few cups of Pinap Juice. It was nice to get to know an ex-champion that wasn't from Kanto.

I stood from my seat and walked outside. Feeling the cold night air on my face I decided to take a walk to the marina.

The air was crisp and dry, unlike Alola's usual air climate. I could taste the sea's salt every time I breathed through my mouth. I let out my Decidueye: Umo, named for the darker interior of the inside of his feathery cloak, which was a rare sight among most of the species.

"Feels almost like we're ten years back, ay Umo?" I smiled, and a happy hoot came from his beak, which earned him a light pat on the head and a pokebean. "You miss her too, don't you?" a somber hoot came from him this time, signaling a yes.

I heard footsteps coming from behind us, out stepped a figure in blinding white. "You guys aren't the only ones that miss her." The figure took a gloved hand from the pocket of his coat to gently take his hat off of his head. "She stopped writing. I haven't had a single letter from her in... quite a while"

I looked toward the man's face, green eyes, long blonde hair tied into a ponytail, not to mention the trimmed beard that now adorned the man's face. This was the face of an Aether. "Gladion, it's been... too long, old friend."

He smiled lightly, his silvally following close in suit. "Eight years. Not since Hau's crazy inauguration party." he chuckled, "I figured you might be here."

I turned back to the sea, "I'm here most nights. Me and Umo."

"I was sort of looking for you-"

"I don't want the damn job, Gladion. I don't care how much it pays-"

"IT'S ABOUT LILLIE!" he yelled, "I'm sorry, I went overboard. I have ferry tickets... to Kanto. I'm going to find her, and my mother. I want to know if you want to accompany me on my endeavor."

I looked back at him, and gave a quick nod, "You'll have me."

The Aether Brother put his white hat back on, "We leave tomorrow at dawn, pack your things."