Owen's POV

As I stumbled through the dense foliage, the trees surrounding me loomed like ancient sentinels. I had flown for what felt like hours using the rest of Charizard's power, even all the way to a different island, but I still felt a thousand miles from home. My heart raced with the prospect of being found. I needed to get away from the chaos, and I could only hope that Alola's wilds would provide some cover.

I hadn't realised the mess I'd left behind until I landed here. This island is quieter, not in a peaceful way but in a tense, almost suffocating silence. Everywhere I turned, I could feel the weight of it - the damage I caused. Pokémon Centres had been flooded with trainers nursing their Pokémon back to health, people I had crushed in battles that I fought more out of frustration than anything else. Their expressions haunted me: some looked at me with anger, others with fear. I didn't know which was worse.

I hadn't just hurt them - I had scared them. The trainers avoided eye contact as if I was something to be feared. Even the tourists who had come to Akala for its beauty were leaving. I could see them packing up, avoiding the areas I had rampaged through as if my presence still lingered there.

And it wasn't just the battles. The damage to the land, the broken paths, the shattered rocks... it all hit me at once. I didn't just hurt trainers. I hurt the island itself. And that thought was slowly taking my breath away.

Eventually, I broke through the trees, emerging onto a sun-drenched clearing. In the distance, I spotted a small village I hadn't seen before. My body ached from the flight, and I needed to rest, but first, I needed information.

As I approached the outskirts of the village, I noticed an elderly man training on a small patch of grass, his movements fluid and precise. His white moustache swayed slightly with each strike, and the Pokémon beside him - a sturdy Machamp - watched attentively, ready to react at a moment's notice.

Curiosity tugged at me. This man seemed formidable, despite his old age. I hesitated, unsure of how to approach without revealing too much about myself. I was a stranger in a foreign land, and who knew if this man had heard of my exploits in Akala.

I stopped for a moment before walking over. "Excuse me," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Do you know where I can find... help?"

He looked up at me, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Help comes in many forms, young one. What kind of help are you seeking?"

"Honestly? I'm just trying to get my bearings. I'm new here and..." I trailed off, feeling the weight of my situation pressing down on me.

"Ah, a lone wanderer," he said with a knowing nod. "Sometimes, the path we find is not the one we were looking for. My name is Hala. And you are?"

"Owen," I replied, still cautious. "I'm... on the run."

Hala took a slow sip of his tea, considering my words. "Running can be a way to escape, but at times it can also lead you to where you need to be. Tell me, what brings you to this part of Alola?"

"I've been through a lot," I admitted, glancing down at my hands. "I lost my mind, and things have been... complicated. I thought I could find a place to figure things out."

His expression softened, and he gestured to the seat next to him. "Why not sit for a moment? Sometimes, all it takes is a little pause to see the world more clearly."

I hesitated, then sat down. "I don't know if I deserve a break. I really messed up."

Hala chuckled softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "Mistakes are a part of growth. Even the strongest Pokémon and Trainers stumble at times. It's how we learn to rise that defines us."

I stared at Hala, my mind racing. Something about his words struck a chord deep within me, reminding me of the way Y/n had talked to me.

"I don't know if I can do this," I muttered, more to myself than to Hala. "I thought I was strong, but all I did was hurt people. And the land... the damage I caused..."

Hala remained silent for a moment, watching me with those calm, knowing eyes. "Strength without control can indeed lead to harm," he said softly. "But the fact that you recognise what you've done - that is the first step. Many go their whole lives without ever realising the impact of their actions."

I swallowed, the memory of the broken paths and the shattered rocks still fresh in my mind. "What if I lose control again? What if next time... it's worse?"

Hala nodded, as if he had expected this. "Fear is a powerful force, Owen. But fear can also be a teacher, if you let it. You've already learned what happens when you act without understanding the consequences. Now, it's time to learn restraint; to harness that strength, not let it consume you."

"I don't know if I can do that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The thought of losing control again, of hurting more people, suddenly terrified me.

"You can," Hala said firmly. "You already have strength, but now you must find the discipline to wield it wisely. And I can help you with that, if you're willing."

I hesitated. I had always relied on my power to get me through, usually against weak opponents, but maybe that had been my downfall. Maybe... maybe it was time to try something different.

"Alright," I said finally, my voice steadying. "I'll try. But I'm not a charity case. I can handle myself, and I don't need anyone holding my hand."

Hala chuckled, a deep, warm sound that reminded me of a crackling fire. "I wouldn't dream of it, Owen. This is your journey. I'm only here to offer guidance. The steps you take are your own."

I glanced around at the lush greenery surrounding us, the quiet village in the distance. This place felt different - calmer, maybe even healing. Maybe... this was where I could start over.

"Okay," I said, more certain now. "Let's do this."

Hala's smile widened. "Very well, Owen. We'll begin your journey of growth and control. But first, there's no point in starting anything on an empty stomach." He stood, brushing some grass off his robe. "What do you say we start this journey with a little barbecue?"

I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the wilds behind me. However, I was exhausted, and a meal sounded better than another night sleeping in the woods.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a small smile tug at the corner of my mouth. "Barbecue, huh? Sure. Why not?"

Without another word, I followed him through the clearing and along a winding path. The air was thick with the scent of tropical flowers, and the further we walked, the more the tension in my shoulders eased. Eventually, we arrived at a large but welcoming home nestled at the edge of the village. The thatched roof and wooden beams gave it a rustic charm, and a large Tauros was lazily grazing nearby.

"Welcome to my home in Iki Town!" Hala said with a smile, pushing the wooden door open.

As we stepped inside, the scent of grilled meat filled the air. Two figures were already seated at a low table, laughing about something. One was a young man with tan skin and big dark eyes, his carefree expression radiating a sense of joy. Beside him sat a girl with fiery black and red hair, her sharp eyes catching mine the second I entered.

The young man's laughter faded as he looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, hey there!" he said, jumping to his feet. "Didn't expect company, but the more the merrier!"

"Ah, Hau," Hala said warmly, placing a hand on his grandson's shoulder. "This is Owen. He's... passing through, and I thought he could join us for dinner."

"Owen, huh?" the girl said, eyeing me up and down with a smirk. "You look like you've been through the wringer. Name's Carmine. Don't worry, we won't bite. Much."

I tensed, unsure how to respond to her teasing. Hau, however, seemed oblivious to any tension, grabbing a plate and holding it out to me. "Come on, sit! You've gotta try this barbecue. Gramps makes the best."

Hala chuckled, shaking his head. "You flatter me, Hau. But yes, please, Owen. Make yourself at home."

I took the plate, cautiously sitting down beside them. The food smelled incredible, but my mind was racing. These people didn't know who I was or what I'd done. But maybe, for just one evening, I could pretend I was like everyone else.

As I started to eat, I noticed Carmine still watching me, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "So, Owen," she said, her tone light but probing. "What brings you to this side of Alola?"

Hau leaned in, nodding. "Yeah, you don't look like a local. What's your story?"

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "Just... needed to get away from things for a while. Alola seemed like a good place to clear my head."

Carmine raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my vague response, but thankfully, Hala cut in before she could press further. "Alola is good for that," he said, his voice soft with understanding. "You'll find what you're looking for here."

I nodded, though my thoughts were still tangled. I wasn't sure what I was looking for. But maybe, just maybe, this place held the answers I needed.

The smell of sizzling meat and sweet barbecue sauce wafted through the small kitchen. I sat by the wooden table, staring at the intricate carvings that adorned its surface, tracing them absentmindedly with my fingers.

Hala moved around the room with a calm grace, setting plates and cutlery as if this were just another day in his peaceful life. Hau and Carmine sat across from me, deep in conversation about something I wasn't really paying attention to.

Just as Hala placed a plate of food in front of me, Hau's Rotom phone buzzed loudly on the table. He glanced at it, his face lighting up with recognition, and quickly picked it up.

"Y/n's calling," Hau said, grinning as he answered. "Hey, what's up?"

I kept my eyes on my plate, picking at the food, trying to act like I wasn't listening to the conversation.

"Po Town? You need some help with something there?" Hau's tone shifted, a little more serious now, "Got it! I'll be right there."

Signing, Hau sinks back down onto his chair.
"Y/n's gonna need some help in Po Town, that place is crawling with Team Skull causing trouble," Hau said, looking down at his Rotom Phone with a slight frown. "I've gotta go help out."

"I'm going with you," Carmine interjected immediately, her tone not leaving any room for argument.

Hau gave her a sideways glance. "What do you mean you're coming with me? It's my region, and I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"Please. You? Alone against Team Skull? That's cute," Carmine said with a smirk, leaning back in her chair, arms crossed. "I'm not letting you go off and get yourself knocked out. Besides, I'm way better at battling than you."

Hau shot her an annoyed look. "I beat you last time!"

"That was a fluke," Carmine waved her hand dismissively. "Besides, it's different out there in the field. You need someone with actual skill."

They went back and forth, bickering over who was more capable. Hala sat calmly, sipping his tea, clearly accustomed to their rivalry. I tried to keep my distance from their conversation, but the mention of Y/n's name had made my heart race for just a moment.

"Are you sure you both want to go?" Hala finally cut in, his voice gentle but commanding enough to silence the banter. "Team Skull has been causing a real ruckus as of late, you'd better be careful."

Hau and Carmine both quieted down, and Hau stood up, brushing the crumbs off his lap. "I know, Gramps. But Y/n's my best friend. I've gotta be there for him... and I'll take Carmine, even if she thinks she's better."

Carmine stood as well, shaking her head. "Better and smarter. But yes, together we'll be strong."

"Alright, alright," Hala said, smiling lightly. "But remember, it's not always about strength. It's about knowing when to fight and when to step back."

As they gathered their things, I felt Hala's gaze on me. He always seemed to know when something was stirring inside me.

"What about you, Owen?" he asked with a gentle smile. "Are you ready to learn the ways of Pokémon?"

I blinked, realising they were waiting for my answer. The noise in my mind quieted for a moment. "Yeah... I'll stay," I replied, managing a faint smile. "I think I've got a lot to learn."

Hala chuckled softly. "Then let's begin. I think Acerola is willing to lend us her place for a bit."

Your POV

As you and Lillie approached Po Town, a chill ran down your spine. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the dilapidated buildings surrounding the town loomed ominously around you, their paint peeling and windows shattered. You could feel the weight of despair hanging in the air, a stark contrast to the vibrant landscapes of Ula'ula Island you were used to.

Spotting Nanu leaning against a crumbling wall, you felt a rush of determination. His expression was grave, and he crossed his arms tightly over his chest as he regarded you with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Well, you're here," he said, his voice low. "Team Skull's holed up in the town, and they've barred the gate. No one's getting in or out without a tough fight."

You exchanged a glance with Lillie, whose eyes sparked with resolve. "We'll solve this."

Nanu raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting you to show up. "You know, I didn't think you'd actually come here. I told you my men and I can handle this."

"We can't let them terrorise this area any longer, and we need to find answers for their misbehaviour fast," you replied, determination solidifying your words. "The other regions need our help. We'll find a way to break through."

Nanu nodded, but the furrow in his brow suggested he still had doubts. "It won't be easy. They're using everything they've got to keep this place under control."

Without another word, you took a deep breath and summoned the power of your Z-bracelet. The air crackled with electricity as you focused your energy.

"Everything they've got won't be enough for this. Tapu Koko, I choose you!" The familiar form of the Melemele Guardian emerged in a brilliant flash of light, its wings shimmering like a beacon of hope.

As the Z-move charged, you felt the energy build between you and your Pokémon, forming a connection that surged with determination. "Tapu Koko, use Gigavolt Havoc!!"

With a burst of lightning, Tapu Koko summoned a swirling storm of electric energy around itself. You watched in awe as the energy coalesced into a massive thunderbolt, streaking toward the gate with breathtaking speed. The gate shattered into splinters, sending Team Skull grunts behind it scattering in all directions.

"Let's go!" you said, charging into the town alongside Lillie. The adrenaline surged through your veins as you dashed past the debris, your heart racing with excitement and purpose.

As you rounded a corner, a group of Team Skull grunts emerged from the shadows, their sneers betraying their overconfidence. The air crackled with anticipation as the grunts gathered.

"Look who decided to show up, ey? You'll regret coming 'ere today" one of the grunts taunted, brandishing a Poké Ball with a cocky grin.

"Bring it on!" you replied, the thrill of the challenge surging through you. You glanced at Lillie, who stood beside you with Vaporeon poised and ready for action. "Let's show them what we've got!"

"Vaporeon, let's do this!" Lillie called, determination flashing in her eyes.

The first grunt sent out his Pokémon: a Zubat, its wings flapping aggressively as it swooped towards you. "Zubat, use Supersonic!"

You reacted quickly. "Tapu Koko, let's go! Use Thunderbolt!" A crackling surge of electricity erupted from Tapu Koko, the bright bolt hitting Zubat squarely. The small bat Pokémon flinched and dropped to the ground, unable to continue.

"Now, Vaporeon! Hydro Pump!" Lillie commanded, and Vaporeon unleashed a powerful jet of water that sent a second grunt's Machoke tumbling back.

With the first wave of grunts down, the remaining two exchanged panicked glances. "You think you can take us all on, yo? Yo skills ain't good enough for this show!" one of them sneered, but his bravado was faltering.

"Let's give them a show." You declared, adrenaline pumping through your veins. "Tapu Koko, get closer and use Electro Ball!"

Tapu Koko zipped forward, evading the incoming attacks with effortless agility. The sphere of electric energy that followed slammed into the grunt's remaining Pokémon, an Alolan Raticate, sending it sprawling.

Meanwhile, Lillie was holding her own. "Hydro Pump again!" she shouted, and Vaporeon unleashed another torrent of water, this time aiming for a Liepard. The attack hit hard, knocking it out in a spectacular splash of water.

With the two grunts now panicking, you noticed the tension rising. "Let's finish this!" you yelled, heart racing. "Tapu Koko, use Dazzling Gleam!"

Tapu Koko glowed as it flew into the air, launching a wave of light at the nearest grunt's remaining Pokémon, a troublesome Mightyena. The impact sent shockwaves through the area, and with a final, brilliant explosion of light and electricity, the fight ended with the grunts collapsing to the ground, defeated.

As the dust settled, you took a moment to catch your breath, glancing over at Lillie. She was beaming with pride. "We did it! They didn't stand a chance!"

"Great job, Lillie! Your Hydro Pump training really paid off," you said, a smile breaking across your face as you celebrated your victory together.

Lillie stepped closer, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I couldn't have done it without you, my love." She murmured before leaning in and giving you a gentle kiss. Her touch lingered for a moment, filling you with warmth.

Just then, more grunts appeared from behind a nearby building, their eyes wide with disbelief. "What the-? That Champ's taking us down so easily!" one of them shouted, frustration evident in his voice.

"We're just getting started," you replied confidently, your heart racing with the thrill of battle.

As you took down the first Team Skull grunt, a familiar argument caught your ear. In the distance, you could hear voices growing louder as they bickered.

"I'm telling you, I took out more of them on the way here!" You recognised Hau's voice, his tone frustrated yet competitive.

"As if!" Carmine's high-pitched voice shot back, her words dripping with playful mockery. "You barely got past the last grunt without tripping over your own Tauros! I've got double your count already."

Their back-and-forth carried through the air, but soon enough, they approached you, still arguing.

"Hi Y/n! Lillie. Is everything alright here?" Hau exclaimed, eyes wide as he surveyed the scene. "Man, looks like we missed most of the fun!"

"Right on time, guys. Get ready to jump in!" you called, as more grunts prepared to engage.

"I'll take down more on the left!" Carmine declared, striding forward with confidence.

"You wish! The right's where the real action is!" Hau shot back, sprinting in the opposite direction.

Lillie grinned and nodded at you, ready for another round. "Let's finish what we started!"

With your friends by your side, you surged forward once more. "Tapu Koko, let's go again! Thunderbolt on the next target!"

The battle continued to intensify, the sound of Pokémon clashing filling the streets of Po Town. Your team worked in perfect harmony, anticipating your commands as you pushed back the grunts. Lillie called out to her Togekiss, who swooped down and unleashed a powerful Air Slash at the opposing Golbat, knocking it out of the air with a sharp strike.

As the grunts regrouped, you caught a glimpse of Carmine dodging an attack from one of the grunts' Pokémon - a Hypno - before calling out her own Mightyena. The Dark-type lunged forward, its fangs glowing as it sunk a Crunch into the opposing Pokémon.

"Carmine, watch out!" Hau shouted as another grunt's Noivern came flying in Mightyena's direction with a powerful U-turn.

With a smirk, Carmine quickly sent out her Toucannon, who immediately responded with Beak Blast, intercepting the Noivern's attack and sending the grunt's Pokémon crashing to the ground.

"Thanks, Hau! I've got this!" Carmine called back confidently, before signaling her Scrafty to enter the fray, hitting the next wave of Pokémon with a powerful High Jump Kick.

Meanwhile, Hau's Alolan Raichu was zipping around the battlefield, unleashing Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt, making quick work of the grunts' underprepared teams. His Leafeon stood at the ready, launching a precise Leaf Blade to cut through an incoming attack from a grunt's Palossand.

On your side of the battle, the balance started to shift in your favour as well. The synergy between your team and Lillie's was palpable. Her Ribombee darted around, using Pollen Puff to heal your Lycanroc as it landed a crushing Stone Edge on an opposing Muk. The battle was chaotic, but your combined strategies, along with Hau and Carmine's fierce teamwork, slowly whittled down the enemy forces.

As the last of the grunts fell, defeated, and their Pokémon returned to their Poké Balls, you stood amidst the aftermath. Po Town was quieter now, a dark, brooding atmosphere present.

"Let's push forward to the mansion," you said, glancing at your friends, who were catching their breath. "Guzma won't know what hit him."

"Right behind you!" Lillie replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

With your team united and the spirit of triumph igniting your hearts, you moved toward the mansion, ready to face whatever awaited you inside.

The air inside the Shady House feels thick, oppressive, as you and your team step through the graffitied halls and into the main room. The dim light of a flickering bulb barely illuminates the figures lounging around in the shadows, but one stands out - Guzma, the self-proclaimed 'big bad boss', leaning lazily against the banister of the staircase. His signature grin spreads across his face the moment he sees you, as if he'd been waiting for this moment all night.

"Yo, look who finally decided to crash the party!" Guzma calls out, throwing his arms wide in mock celebration. "Champion Y/n and the rest of Alola's All-Stars. What's the matter? Couldn't get your reservations at the malasada shop, so you figured you'd bother me instead?

Ignoring his bait, you scan the room, noting the grunts lurking in the shadows, eyeing your group with cold stares. Beside you, Lillie stands firm, her Clefable at her side, while Hau and Carmine step forward, each casting steely glances towards Guzma.

We're not here to play games, Guzma," you say, your voice steady. "We're here to put an end to this... again." You take a step closer, your gaze sharp. "What even happened to Team Reskull? Last I heard, Hala was helping you turn things around."

Guzma's grin grows wider, but there's something bitter beneath it. "Ah, yeah, Reskull," he drawls, flipping a Poké Ball lazily in his hand. "Yeah, Hala's rehab camp was somethin' else, I'll give ya that. Meditation, discipline, all that mumbo jumbo. Turns out, it actually works - kept us outta trouble for a while."

His expression darkens as he gestures around the Shady House, the broken furniture and graffiti-covered walls standing as a stark contrast to his words. "But then, along comes an offer too good to pass up. You know how it is, Y/n - money talks, and when it talks loud enough, even the best of intentions get drowned out. Combine that with promises too good to pass up on, and there you have it - the rebirth of Team Skull, baby."

His Golisopod clacks its claws beside him, looming in the low light. Guzma tosses his Poké Ball in his hand casually, his smirk never fading. "But enough about that... let me guess: you just stroll in here, throw some Poké Balls, and fix everything, yeah? Same old Y/n, thinking you can clean up Alola like it's your damn personal backyard."

"That's exactly what I'm going to do," you reply evenly, stepping forward.

Guzma barks out a laugh, the sound echoing through the crumbling house. "Oh, man, you've got jokes! I like that. You think you're some kinda hero, huh? Big-shot Champion, swooping in to save the day. But here's the thing, kid - Po Town doesn't need savin'. This is Team Skull's turf. It's always been for the rejects, the freaks, the ones your precious Alola kicked to the curb. You wouldn't know anything about that, though, would you? Nah, you're too busy chillin' in your fancy little mansion, sittin' on your throne."

He steps closer, pointing at you with a sneer. "And don't even get me started on your little crew. What, you brought little Hau to sweet-talk me? This random chick to glare me into submission? And Lillie-" He pauses, glancing her way. "What's the deal with her, huh? Here to hold your hand and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Cute."

Lillie bristles, and Carmine takes a step forward, her eyes flashing with anger, but you hold up a hand to stop them.

"We're not here to argue, Guzma," you say, keeping your voice calm. "We're here to stop you from destroying the island. What's the point of all this? What do you even want? I thought we were way past all this."

Guzma stares at you for a moment before letting out another laugh, this one louder, harsher. "What do I want? I want to have some fun, skullface! That's what we do best, right? Team Skull ain't about plans or rules or any of that nonsense. We're about chaos! It's also just fun watching you squirm, all high and mighty, thinking you can handle it."

"You're right, we stopped for a while. But this time - this time's different." He lowers his voice, leaning in. "Someone promised me a lot of good stuff, Champion. Things you couldn't even dream of. Gave me a few toys, too. Allow me to introduce you to my new friends!"

He jerks his head toward the back doors, and suddenly, they swing open. Several grunts step into the room, each accompanied by strong Pokémon encased in mechanical suits. The Pokémon's eyes gleam through reinforced visors, their movements stiff but powerful. Five imposing Pokémon - Houndoom, Tyranitar, Salazzle, Drapion, and Bisharp - stood ready, their eyes glinting menacingly beneath their helmets.

"Surprise!" Guzma sneered, gesturing grandly. "Meet my new and improved muscle. These toys pack a punch, just like me!" Turns out, with the right connections, even Team Skull can upgrade. That fancy title of yours might not mean much when you're up against... well, let's call 'em my 'enhanced' crew."

The Pokémon positioned themselves strategically, effectively blocking all possible exits. Your heart raced as you realised the situation was far more dire than you had anticipated. Guzma's smirk deepened, relishing the chaos unfolding around him.

You decided to focus on the battle at hand. "Let's go, Primarina!" you shouted, sending out your graceful partner. "Sparkling Aria on the Houndoom!"

With a flash of light, Primarina launched a swirling vortex of water toward the Pokémon. The attack connected with a tremendous explosion, but to your shock, Houndoom barely flinched. The metallic suit absorbed much of the impact, leaving the dark Pokémon still standing and smirking at you.

"Vaporeon, we'll back him up!" Lillie shouted, stepping forward with resolve. "Use Hydro Pump!"

With a burst of water energy, Vaporeon unleashed a powerful stream aimed directly at Houndoom. The torrent slammed into the Dark/Fire type, the water exploding around it in a dazzling spray. However, as the water settled, you realised with growing frustration that Houndoom still stood largely unharmed, the metallic suit absorbing most of the attack's force.

Guzma cackled from his vantage point, relishing your dismay. "That's cute! You thought you could wash away my new toys? I made sure my fire dog would be waterproof so that it'd be able to swim, you see.'"

Frustration bubbled inside you, but you couldn't let it show. You needed a new strategy. "Hau! Carmine! We need to focus on teamwork! Let's hit it all at once!"

With all four of your Pokémon attacking Houndoom at once, the air started to shift a little. Primarina unleashed another powerful Sparkling Aria, but Houndoom stood its ground, the torrent barely making a dent.

"Leafeon, Leaf Blade!" Hau shouted, and his Pokémon lunged forward with precision. This time, the sharp leaves cut into Houndoom, delivering a critical blow that sent it staggering back, its energy waning.

Lillie took advantage of the opening, her Clefable unleashing Fairy Wind, creating a swirling gust that disoriented Houndoom.

"Let's get out of here!" you shouted, urgency driving your voice.

Just as Houndoom regained its footing and lunged to intercept you, Hau's Leafeon struck again, dealing another swift blow that left the Houndoom close to fainting.

"Now!" you yelled, and with a burst of adrenaline, you, Lillie, Hau, and Carmine sprinted past the Houndoom and out of the mansion, Guzma's laughter echoing behind you as you escaped.

As you burst out of the mansion, the chaos of Po Town surrounded you, but you quickly spotted Nanu and his police officers rushing towards the entrance.

"Get behind us!" Nanu commanded, his voice steady amidst the mayhem. The officers formed a protective line, ready to confront the approaching Team Skull grunts.

"Don't worry! We'll cover your escape!" Nanu added, glancing back at you with a nod of reassurance.

You felt a surge of gratitude and urgency. "Thanks, Nanu!" you shouted as you and your friends slipped past the officers, their Pokémon ready for battle.

The sound of Tyranitar's roar echoed behind you, but the officers quickly sprang into action. With Nanu at the helm, they launched a coordinated strike against the approaching grunts, creating a barrier that allowed you to escape safely out of the streets of Po Town.

"Are you all right?" Lillie asked, glancing back to ensure everyone was keeping pace.

"We're fine! At least we made it out!" Hau replied, his usual cheer gone amidst the chaos. "But we can't stop now. The police won't be able to stand against them for long. They'll be right on our tails!"

You nodded, your mind racing. "We need to regroup and plan our next move. Guzma won't stop at the edge of Po Town; he'll come after us with everything he has."

Carmine, her expression serious, added, "And whatever those crazy 'toys' were,  we have to find a way to destroy them! That Houndoom was crazy strong, and we don't know how many more of those they have."

As you took a moment to breathe, you could feel the weight of your title as Champion pressing down on you. You had a responsibility to protect Alola, and you weren't about to let Guzma or Team Skull ruin it.

"Let's head to Ula'ula Meadow and figure out our next steps," you suggested, glancing at your friends.

As you pushed onward, the sun began to set behind the horizon, casting long shadows across Route 17. You could sense the tension in the air, a foreshadowing of the challenges that lay ahead.

The fight wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Owen's POV

Hala and I walked through the quiet path toward the 'Abandoned Thrifty Megamart' - as he called it - and I could feel the weight of the silence between us. He hadn't said much since we'd left the Iki Town, but now, as we neared the old store, he finally spoke.

"Owen," he said, his voice low but steady. "You've been through a lot, and I know you're fighting to find your own path. Sometimes, the only way to truly understand your strength is to face your fears without any crutches. That's what I'd like you to learn today."

I scoffed, glancing away. "So, what? You're going to leave me here, at some run-down store, like I'm supposed to find some kind of... revelation?"

Hala chuckled, his tone almost fatherly. "Something like that. But it's not about what I want you to find. It's about what you'll find within yourself."

The closer we got, the colder and darker it felt, and doubt started creeping in. "I don't know, Hala. I'm just... me. Alone."

He turned to me with a look that felt like it pierced right through. "Sometimes, that's all you need. Plus, maybe tonight, you'll find you're not as alone as you think."

With that, he stopped, giving me one last nod before stepping back and leaving me standing in front of the silent, eerie store. Hala's footsteps faded into the distance, and the air grew heavy with silence.

I scoffed, the sound echoing in the empty night like a cry of a wounded beast. "Not as alone?" I muttered, shoving my hands deep into my pockets as if hiding from the truth. "I'm always left alone when it matters." The bitterness tasted like ash in my mouth.

My frustration boiled over, words spilling out like a dam breaking. "Why am I always the one on my own? Trained to be the best, forced to keep pushing forward, but somehow... I'm still a weak ass loser!"

Kicking at a stray can that clattered across the ground, I pushed open the Megamart's doors and stepped inside. The darkness felt alive, curling around me like an unwelcome embrace. Shelves cast strange, shifting shadows in the dim moonlight filtering through the cracked windows. I paused, taking in the silence, broken only by the occasional creak and groan of the old building.

I muttered into the dark, "What am I even supposed to find here?" My voice sounded hollow, almost mocking in the empty space.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I caught a flicker of movement - a small, ragged shape with hollow, dark eyes peeking out from beneath a tattered cloth. It stopped, staring at me, its gaze intense. My frustration faded, replaced by curiosity - and an odd, unsettling sense of familiarity.

I watched the little figure move, its cloth mask swaying with each step. It crept closer, eyes behind the cloth never leaving mine, as if it, too, was sizing me up. It was hard to tell what it wanted - or even what it was thinking behind that face drawn on its tattered sheet.

Seeing the Pokémon peek from the shadows, I felt a pang of recognition. It was a reflection of my own struggle - a mask worn to hide the pain within. I couldn't help but wonder if, beneath that tattered cloth, lay a heart as vulnerable as mine.

"Hey," I said, barely a whisper. The Pokémon stopped, cocking its head like it was curious. "What're you doing here all alone?" The irony stung. Here I was, calling out someone else for being alone.

The little creature moved closer, and as it did, the light caught the shadows beneath its disguise. There was something broken and raw in its eyes, a feeling that made me ache somewhere deep inside.

I held out my hand. "You don't have to hide, you know," I murmured, the words feeling foreign, as if meant more for me than it. The creature hesitated before its soft head brushed my hand.

I held it there, our connection quiet and mutual, both of us searching for something we didn't know we needed. The dimness of the Megamart no longer felt suffocating, and for the first time in what felt like ages, the silence felt like a comfort rather than a reminder of isolation.

The Pokémon shifted, its head lowering a bit more into my hand as if accepting my presence. "Looks like it's just you and me, huh?" I whispered, more to myself, but the Mimikyu - as that's what the Pokémon was - nodded ever so slightly, like it understood. I couldn't help but let a half-smile slip. "Alright, then. Do you want to come with me?"

I held a Poké Ball in my hand, staring at it with an intensity I hadn't felt in a long time. In the empty, echoing darkness of the Megamart, I felt the tiniest flicker of something - like warmth fighting its way through the shadows. Mimikyu had chosen me, reaching out in its own quiet, strange way, and I was left standing here, realizing that maybe I wasn't entirely alone.

For the first time, I wasn't just following someone else's plan, just another cog in their schemes. Mimikyu and I, two forgotten shadows, bound by loneliness and something more. A faint determination stirred inside me, whispering that perhaps, I could finally forge my own path.

Maybe, I could be something more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi everyone! Chapter 10 was a long one! Took me a while to write, and this is only the first part of the two parter: there's still much more to come.

The story is now getting more serious! Stakes are being added, so there will be few relaxing chapters from here on out xD

I hope you liked reading the chapter! Let me know what you think of it.

Question of the chapter:
Who's your favourite rival and why? For me it has to be Gladion (though is he really a rival?), otherwise Nemona.

Hope you're well, take care! Go away now
~Golf