Mohn gulped. He was standing on what Damien called Aether paradise; an artificial island made for Pokémon. Before him was a grand mansion and inside... was his family.

Damien patted him on the shoulder. Slowly, Mohn approached the door. He knocked gently and waited nervously. Robin and Damien stood behind him.

The door began opening and girl wearing a white dress looked out. Her beautiful face fell slack. Her blonde hair shivered, and her emerald eyes sparkled.

"D... dad?"

Mohn's jaw quivered. He hugged his daughter tightly. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Lillie started bawling and wept into his shoulder. Hearing the sound, Lusamine and Gladion both walked from the house.

Seeing her husband, Lusamine collapsed. Gladion caught her and Mohn staggered towards them. He embraced them both and didn't let them go.

From the middle of the group hug Lille looked at Damien. Tears streamed from her eyes and she smiled. She mouthed the words 'thank you' and he nodded.

Damien laughed inwardly. Years ago, Mohn fell through an Ultra Wormhole and woke up on Poké-Pelago with no memories. Lusamine had built the aether foundation, manipulated Guzma and all of Team Skull. Then she captured the Legendary Pokémon Cosmog so she could find the ultra-beasts and her husband. Her plan didn't work, and Damien had to save her from Nihilego. All that to find one man, but it really didn't have to be that hard. Apparently, in life, the things worth finding are often hiding in plain sight. Robin taught him that.

Damien turned and placed a hand on Robin's shoulder. "I'll be waiting for your challenge at Mount Lanikila. Good luck getting past the Elite Four."

He walked away without another word. Robin smiled. It hadn't been easy getting here: She'd conquered every trial and then had to locate Damien before reuniting a broken family. But it was all worth it. And now, finally, her dream was about to come true. She would be Champion of Alola.

******

Damien stood by the edge of the crystal dome. He looked out over the Alola region with a smile. Nearly a year ago he'd moved to the Alola region from Hoenn. He'd been hesitant to move; he loved it in Hoenn. But after everything that had happened, he was glad to be here.

His smile grew upon hearing footsteps and heavy breathing.

"So, you finally made it," said Damien.

Robin was panting. "Those Elite Four are no pushovers."

Damien laughed. "No, they aren't. But you beat them and now you stand before the strongest trainer in Alola. I'm curious. Who is Alola's true Champion?"

He grinned and threw a Poké-ball in the air. There was a flash of light and a Decidueye stood on the field. The Pokémon glared from underneath its cowl. Damien grinned cockily.

Robin grit her teeth and pulled a Poké-ball from her belt. She threw it hard and yelled, "Incineroar, let's go!"

The fire-dark Pokémon appeared on the field with a defiant roar. Decidueye and Incineroar glared at each other from across the field. Damien didn't show any signs of moving so Robin decided to start things off.

"Darkest Lariat!" Shouted Robin.

Incineroar charged at Decidueye. The bird Pokémon waited calmly. Damien smiled. Decidueye didn't move. Incineroar launched into its attack. Spinning like a top, it menacingly reached for Decidueye.

Decidueye jumped above Incineroar and lashed out with a vicious kick. The blow forced Incineroar to the ground.

"Brick Break!" Called Damien.

Decidueye chopped down on Incineroar and the Pokémon yelped. Robin flinched. That attack hurt. She hadn't expected Decidueye to know a fighting move.

"Again!" Commanded Damien.

Robin was prepared this time. "Catch it!"

Moving quickly, Incineroar leg-locked Decidueye's arm. Incineroar flipped and slammed Decidueye to the ground.

"Fire Fang!"

Flames appeared around Incineroar's jaws and crunched down on Decidueye's shoulder. Decidueye yelped and the light around it shimmered.

Robin's jaw dropped and she looked closer. The illusion faded and Decidueye was revealed to be a Zoroark. Robin grit her teeth angrily. Damien grinned and laughed.

"U-Turn!" He shouted.

Zoroark crashed its elbow sharply into Incineroar's chest. The Pokémon roared in pain and tried to punch Zoroark, but it disappeared. A Kommo-o suddenly stood on the field. Incineroar growled and stood to face it.

Kommo-o punched at Incineroar.

"Use Counter!" Called Robin.

Kommo-o's punch struck hard and Incineroar was forced to its knees. It had taken a beating already and this punch pushed it over the edge. Incineroar's Blaze ability activated. It roared angrily and flung up with a wicked kick.

The kick caught Kommo-o square in the face, and it flew backwards across the field. Kommo-o struggled to get up, but it stood nonetheless. It roared angrily and lowered itself onto all fours.

Robin frowned. The fighting-dragon type Pokémon took a lot of damage from Incineroar's counter and thanks to the Blaze Ability one more attack should knock Kommo-o out, but Incineroar was weak too. It was all or nothing.

"Incineroar, Flare Blitz!"

Flames engulfed Incineroar's body and it dashed forwards.

"Clanging Scales!" Shouted Damien.

Kommo-o shook its scaly body and the attack rippled outwards. The soundwaves collided with Incineroar and both Pokémon fought for the upper hand. Incineroar dug its claws into the ground and leapt forward. The soundwaves broke and Incineroar shot through. It crashed into Kommo-o and an explosion shook the mountain.

Damien and Robin both covered their eyes and coughed through the smoke. When the air cleared, they looked to see Incineroar and Kommo-o lying unconscious. A double knockout. Robin gritted her teeth. Incineroar had done well; with Zoroark hurt she had a small advantage, but Damien wasn't just going to let her win.

He laughed and returned Kommo-o to its Poké-ball. "Good work," he told his fainted Pokémon.

Turning back to the battle, he pulled another ball from his belt and threw it onto the field. A Golisopod appeared on the field. Robin grit her teeth; was this really a Golisopod or was it that Zoroark again?

Robin called her Bewear onto the field and eyed Golisopod cautiously. Damien grinned, he could see her trying to work whether this was a real Golisopod.

"Brick Break," he ordered.

"Sky Uppercut!" She responded.

The two Pokémon clashed, throwing punches and jabs. This wasn't good, his Zoroark had known Brick Break and Golisopod can use that move too. Is this a Golisopod or Zoroark!?

Damien took advantage of her confusion. "Liquidation!" He shouted.

Golisopod blasted Bewear with a jet of water and Bewear staggered. Robin smiled; at least she knew what she was fighting now.

"Earthquake!"

The arena shook at Bewear's attack and Golisopod was thrown off balance.

"Superpower!" Called Robin.

"Soak!" Shouted Damien.

Golisopod spat a weak glob of water. Bewear broke through the water and punched Golisopod hard. Golisopod soared backwards before disappearing inside its Poké-ball.

Robin frowned. The Emergency-Exit ability: If Golisopod's health fell too low it would automatically retreat from the battle. What would he call out next?

Damien didn't waste any time, he whipped out another Poké-ball and from it sprung his Zoroark. Robin smiled; he was panicking, making mistakes.

"Bewear, Superpower again!"

Bewear ran forwards with its massive fist ready to deliver the powerful punch.

"Low Sweep!"

Zoroark ran to meet Bewear. Zoroark ducked low and swept Bewear's legs. The bear Pokémon tripped and began to fall.

"Foul Play!" Commanded Damien.

Zoroark flipped and kicked Bewear in the stomach. There was a shockwave as Bewear flew backwards. It crashed into the wall and slid to the ground. Large cracks spread outwards from where Bewear had hit the wall.

Robin's face fell.

Damien laughed. "Do you understand what just happened? Before Golisopod was returned to its Poké-ball it used Soak, a move that turns the foe into a water-type. Being water-type meant that dark-type moves became more effective against Bewear. When I called Zoroark out in its normal form you got careless and dropped your guard."

"This ain't over till the Jigglypuff sings! Ninetales!"

An Alolan Ninetales appeared on the field. Damien smiled; he'd always liked Alolan Ninetales, they were majestic and beautiful, but he could tell that this one was also dangerous. It was well trained. He'd have to take it down fast.

"Metal Claw!" He shouted.

Zoroark raced towards Ninetales with its claws sharpened, hardened and ready to strike.

"Dazzling Gleam!" Commanded Robin.

A bright light shot outwards from Ninetales and caught Zoroark in the chest. It collapsed and skidded along the floor. Robin silently celebrated; another one down, only four more to go. And with Golisopod injured she had the advantage again.

Damien called Golisopod onto the field and the bug Pokémon chattered weirdly.

"Poison Jab!"

Golisopod's claws glowed purple and it charged towards Ninetales. Robin grinned; the same tactic, really?

"Blizzard!" Shouted Robin.

Ninetales howled and an icy blizzard roared towards Golisopod. The resilient Pokémon endured through the blizzard and punched Ninetales. It yelped and fell backwards.

"Toxic!" Commanded Damien.

Robin winced; she couldn't let that attack hit. "Ice Beam!" She shouted.

Ninetales Ice Beam struck Golisopod in the chest and it was blasted backwards. It collapsed in an unconscious heap.

Robin grinned. "For all your tricks I'm still ahead!"

Damien laughed. "Indeed, you fight well, but the tricks end now. Lycanroc!"

Damien's Dusk-form Lycanroc appeared on the field. It crouched low and growled menacingly.

"Accelerock!"

Lycanroc shot forwards and before Robin could react Ninetales lay fainted on the battlefield.

Robin growled. That Lycanroc was fast, she'd need a way to stop it.

"Dhelmise, your turn!"

The ghost-grass Pokémon appeared on the field. It floated spookily. Lycanroc growled at its new opponent.

"Crunch, Lycanroc!"

Lycanroc roared and charged forwards.

"Whirlpool, Dhelmise!"

Dhelmise threw a whirlpool but Lycanroc dodged around it and crunched down on Dhelmise.

"Anchor Shot!" Shouted Robin.

A ghostly chain appeared and wrapped itself around Lycanroc. Lycanroc yelped and struggled against the chains.

"Throw it, Dhelmise!"

Dhelmise whipped the chains about, lifting Lycanroc into the air before slamming it into the ground.

"Giga Drain!"

Dhelmise sapped Lycanroc's strength and the dog Pokémon wobbled unsteadily to its feet.

"Fire fang!" Shouted Damien.

Lycanroc shook its head before roaring and leaping at Dhelmise.

"Whirlpool!" Robin screamed.

It was too late to dodge and Lycanroc was swamped by the water attack. Lycanroc hit the ground and fainted.

Damien sighed. "Well, it's been fun. Now the battle gets serious."

Robin's face fell. He hadn't been serious before?!

Damien slowly pulled a Poké-ball from his belt. He held the ball out and dropped it. It clattered to the floor before popping open. A Blaziken stared at Dhelmise. Damien raised his wrists and Robin froze at what she saw. On his right hand was a Z-ring and on the left was a Mega-Bracelet.

He touched his key stone and a light shone out. Blaziken glowed. The light was dim at first, but then it brightened. Robin shielded her eyes and when the light faded a Mega Blaziken eyed her down from across the field.

"Blaze Kick," said Damien.

Blaziken closed the gap to Dhelmise in one bound. Flames licked around Blaziken's feet and it kicked downwards. Dhelmise was struck across the face and slammed into the ground. Blaziken backflipped away from the fainted Pokémon.

Robin grit her teeth. This Blaziken was strong, but her last two Pokémon were strong too.

"Let's go Mimikyu!" She shouted.

Mimikyu appeared creepily on the field and looked weirdly at Blaziken.

"Earthquake," said Damien.

The stadium shook. Robin glared, he'd busted Mimikyu's Disguise ability. Robin couldn't let this fight go any longer. She pressed her hand against her Mimikium-Z.

"Mimikyu, use your Z-Move! Let's Snuggle Forever!" Shouted Robin.

Mimikyu leapt at Blaziken and covered it completely. Blaziken struggled valiantly against the prison of Mimikyu's disguise.

"Blast Burn!" Commanded Damien.

Mimikyu struggled and smoke could be seen from under its cloak. There was a huge explosion which rocked Mount Lanikila to its core. Mimikyu and Blaziken both fainted. Another double-knockout. It was now a one-on-one fight for the Champion's title.

Damien smiled and laughed loudly. "Splendid! I must thank you, Robin. I have very much enjoyed this battle. No hard feelings once it's over."

Robin was sweating and breathing heavily. She grinned. "Okay, but don't cry when you lose."

Damien grabbed his last Poké-ball. He flexed his palm and the ball flashed open. A Decidueye stood beside Damien.

"Blaziken was my first Pokémon, but Decidueye is my partner. We're not going down easy."

"Well, neither are we."

Robin threw her last Poké-ball onto the field. A Salamence roared as it burst out.

Damien smiled. "I saw your Mega-bracelet when we first met, and I've been wondering ever since; what was in your last Poké-ball. Now I finally know. Robin Regalia, this last fight will determine whether or not you become the next Champion of Alola."

"Then let's not waste any more time."

Damien smiled, he raised his hand and cast it dramatically over the battlefield.

"Decidueye, Spirit Shackle!"

"Dodge it!"

Decidueye raised its arms and fired a single ghostly arrow. Salamence took flight and soared into the air. The arrow suddenly changed course and shot upwards, intercepting Salamence's path. The dragon roared as the arrow exploded against its side, but Salamence didn't falter nor flinch. It dove towards Decidueye with jaws open.

"Use Crunch!" Shouted Robin.

"Sucker Punch."

Menacing black jaws opened wide, threatening to devour Decidueye, but the ghost bird fell downwards into its shadow. It leapt upwards again a moment later, striking Salamence in the stomach.

This time Salamence was thrown off-course. It crashed into the ground and rolled across the battlefield. Robin grit her teeth in determination; she was going to win this, no matter what.

"Salamence, mega evolve!" Cried Robin.

Salamence roared and was covered in a bright light. Damien and Decidueye shared a knowing look: The real fight started now.

Mega Salamence growled as it stared down Decidueye. Decidueye, to its credit, didn't even blink; it fearlessly faced its powerful opponent. Under normal circumstances a Decidueye would've fallen before a mega Salamence, but Decidueye had never lost a battle before, and it wasn't looking to start now.

"Flamethrower!" Yelled Robin.

"Brave-Bird," commanded Damien.

Decidueye flipped stylishly upwards, dodging the flames.

Decidueye dove straight downwards, aiming for Salamence's head. Upon hearing Robin's command Salamence angled its Flamethrower upwards; roasting Decidueye. Decidueye charged through the flames and slammed its talons against Salamence's head, forcing its jaws shut.

"Leaf Blade!" Shouted Damien.

Decidueye raised its hand and slashed Salamence across the back.

"Thrash!" Screamed Robin.

Salamence began struggling wildly, fighting for control and freedom from Decidueye's grip. Salamence threw Decidueye off and it flew awkwardly through the air before righting itself and landing calmly.

Damien grimaced; normal types moves like Thrash don't affect Ghost Pokémon, but Mega Salamence's Aerilate ability turns normal types moves into flying moves.

Salamence growled; it had defeated tough opponents before but this Decidueye was crazy strong. This battle couldn't last much longer, they had to finish it as soon as possible. Salamence turned its head and looked at its trainer. Robin nodded.

"Giga Impact!" She cried.

Damien smiled. One way or another, the battle ends here. He raised his hand and pressed a finger to his Z-crystal.

"Decidueye, Sinister Arrow Raid!"

Salamence flew upwards, circled once and dive-bombed Decidueye. Decidueye waited calmly with closed eyes. Arrows of shadow rose up out of the ground. They spun and pointed at the rapidly approaching Salamence.

Decidueye's eyes opened and dozens of arrows launched at Salamence. Time seemed to slow. Salamence saw every arrow rocketing towards it. It spun and flipped, narrowly dodging every bolt. Salamence made it through the barrage and jetted towards Decidueye, and victory.

Behind Salamence, the arrows turned and shot downwards. They arced into Salamence's shadow and the mighty dragon Pokémon roared in pain. Salamence whizzed past Decidueye's head and crashed into the ground.

Salamence lay on the battlefield and reverted to its normal form. The once mega Pokémon didn't stand again. Instead, it lay fainted and still.

Robin dropped to her knees. She'd come so close, but she'd lost. She stared in disbelief and sadness. After every trial, every battle, she'd finally made it here and then... she'd failed. The battle was over. She'd lost.

Damien patted Decidueye on the head and approached his challenger. Damien smiled gently and offered Robin his hand. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. Robin returned Salamence to its Poké-ball and sighed.

Damien placed a hand on her shoulder. "I, Damien Spence, hereby certify you as the Pokémon league Champion of the Alola Region. Congratulations."

Robin's jaw dropped. "What? But you won the fight. You were a step ahead of me the whole time and I didn't even know it."

"Be that as it may, that fight taught me something."

"Taught you what?"

"That you are Alola's true Champion."

"But I-!"

"Robin Regalia," interrupted Damien. "Do you swear to protect the Alola region? To defend it with all your might?"

Robin was frozen in time. Eventually, she gulped. "I do," she whispered.

"Will you serve the people of Alola without reserve or fear?"

"I will."

"And finally, can you accept every challenge, fighting with honour and valour?"

"I can."

"Then, as the Champion of Alola, I pass on my title and bestow it to you. Robin Regalia, from this moment forth, you are the rightful Champion of the Alola region. Congratulations."

Tears sprung to Robin's eyes. She fell forwards and threw her arms around Damien's neck, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you," she yelled.

Damien laughed and patted her on the back. "Don't thank me. You earned this."