You wake with a start, disoriented for a moment as the remnants of the night's disturbances linger in your mind. The oppressive stillness of the room only amplifies the uneasy feeling that grips your chest. Shaking off the lingering unease, you sit up, rub your eyes, and take a deep breath. The events of last night replay in your mind - the relentless knocking, the empty hallway, and that bitter tea Cheryl made you drink which, granted, did make you fall asleep instantly.

Rising from the bed, you feel the weight of the night still pressing down on you, and your eyes wander around the room. Its eerie silence still remains during the day, only the distant creak of old wood and the occasional groan of the mansion settling. You pull on your clothes, every slight rustle seeming too loud in the quiet, and decide to head downstairs, hoping to find Cheryl again. Maybe she has some explanation, or maybe you can at least get a clearer sense of what's going on.

The staircase creaks underfoot as you descend, each step deliberate, your senses on high alert. You reach the bottom, expecting to be greeted by Cheryl's serene smile or to catch a glimpse of her green dress in the corner of the room, but instead, you see the figure of a man. His back is to you, dressed in an immaculate but slightly old-fashioned butler's uniform. He moves with practiced efficiency, dusting an ancient-looking cabinet with a pristine white cloth.

You clear your throat, and the sound seems to echo unnaturally. The man freezes. He turns slowly, and his eyes go wide when he spots you standing there, as if you're the last person he expected to see. There's a moment of tense silence before he seems to collect himself, and he offers you a slight bow, the surprise still evident on his face.

"Goodness," he exclaims, his voice smooth but wavering, as if it's been strained by the shock of seeing you. "I-I wasn't aware I had a guest." His eyes dart around nervously, and you notice his hand tremble slightly as he quickly adjusts his waistcoat, and starts stroking his white, bushy moustache, trying to mask his surprise. Gradually, he regains his composure and straightens his posture, a professional smile slipping onto his face. "My name is Higgins, sir. I'm the caretaker of this estate. How may I be of service to you?""

His words throw you off balance. It's as if he's stepped out of a different era altogether, the kind of butler you'd expect to see in some old mansion from a hundred years ago.

"I'm, uh... just looking for something to eat," you manage to say, feeling a bit disoriented by the man's sudden appearance and his skittish behaviour.

You extend a hand and add, "I'm Y/n, Champion of Alola. Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, sent me here on a mission."

Higgins nods rapidly, as if he's only half-absorbing your words, before snapping back to attention. He clasps his hands together with a small, awkward bow. "An honour, sir - truly. I am fully at your disposal, especially for such an esteemed guest."

He guides you back to the dining room, and this time the table is bare compared to last night's setup. A single place is set with a small plate of bread, a bowl of fruit, and a pot of tea, clearly meant for just one person, none of the extravagant variety you saw before.

The butler, noticing your dissatisfied expression, quickly picks up on the need to provide more. His eyes widen as he makes an apologetic bow. "Forgive me, sir. I'll fetch something more appropriate for a guest of your stature," he says, nearly tripping over himself as he rushes to the kitchen. You can hear the clinking and clattering of plates, the hurried shuffle of feet, and the hiss of a stove being turned on.

While he's busy preparing a more substantial meal, you call out to him. "By the way, Higgins," you begin, curiosity getting the better of you, "where's Cheryl?"

For a moment, there's a pause in the kitchen noises, as if your question had reached through the walls and stilled his movements. Then, you hear him reply, his voice polite, "Ah, Miss Cheryl... yes. She stayed here for a while in the past in the first room on the upper floors. She spends most of her time in Eterna City nowadays. You might find her there!"

As Higgins enters the room with a larger, more satisfying breakfast, the warm smell of freshly cooked food fills the space. His movements are careful and precise, as if he's accustomed to serving those with particular standards.

You take a seat at the table and wait for him to settle the dishes before speaking up. "Higgins," you say, cutting into your breakfast. "As I told you, I'm here on a mission. My task is to find Trainers who can help me take down Team Galactic. I don't know if you've heard about them, but they're causing chaos. If you know anyone who could assist in that, or if you're able to help in any way, it would mean a lot. I'm a stranger to these lands and, frankly, I don't even know where to start..."

Higgins pauses in his movements, his hands shaking slightly as he adjusts the plates. For a moment, his gaze seems distant, as though he's considering the gravity of your words. He then straightens up and offers a polite smile, though it's laced with some unease. "I see. Team Galactic, you say... That's troubling indeed. I believe I may be able to arrange a few meetings. I have a sizeable circle of contacts - individuals who might be of help to you. Some have connections to Trainers, others to the more covert elements of Sinnoh. I'll reach out to them and have them come to the mansion. It may take a day or two, but you'll have some solid leads to follow."

You nod, your expression resolute. "Thank you, Higgins. I appreciate it. I'll leave the arrangements in your hands. I'm very grateful for your help."

Higgins offers a polite bow, a rare smile crossing his face as he stands straighter, his posture exuding a sense of duty. "It's my pleasure, sir. I'll get to work immediately."

With that, he begins to move quickly, stepping away to make the necessary calls and arrangements. You remain seated for a moment, the weight of your mission pressing down on you. With these plans now set into motion, you feel a glimmer of hope.

...

You reach the door to the room you've been staying in. Cheryl's room, you remind yourself, your thoughts lingering on the oddity of the situation. At least now you have some leads, a plan, and a sense of purpose. You're ready to grab your Poké Balls and bag and start exploring, ready to make progress with your mission.

With a deep breath, you reach for the door handle, your heart still racing as you push the door open.

What you're met with is a stark contrast to the disarray you'd left behind.

The room is completely transformed - neatly arranged, spotless, and entirely devoid of your belongings. No bag, no Poké Balls, no sign of the items that had been hastily left around the room.

You freeze for a moment, your mind racing. Had someone come in and taken everything while you were downstairs? Had it been Cheryl or perhaps Higgins? The unsettling thought makes your stomach tighten.

You step forward cautiously, scanning the room for any clue as to what happened. But everything appears untouched - almost as if the room had been freshly cleaned and aired out. The bed is perfectly made, the floor spotless, and the curtains hang still, undisturbed. The sunlight filters through the windows, casting gentle shadows.

It's not just the tidiness that unnerves you - it's the absence of anything familiar. There's not a single sign that you ever spent the night here.

The stillness settles heavily around you, almost mocking. The odd tranquility of the space only intensifies the discomfort gnawing at your gut.

Sprinting out of the room, your heart races as you tear down the hallway, frantically pushing open every door you come across. Room after room, each space appears untouched - pristine and eerily empty - your panic mounting with each passing second. Where could your Poké Balls have gone? Your mind swirls with possibilities, each more unsettling than the last.

But then, just as you're beginning to fear the worst, you stumble upon a smaller room at the end of the hall. The door creaks open, and you freeze, catching sight of something familiar. Your Poké Balls are neatly arranged on the bed, lined up as if someone had taken great care to place them there. The bed is made with the same precision you noticed earlier, the sheets smooth and unruffled.

Relief and confusion battle within you, your breath hitching as you step closer.

You slowly release each of your Pokémon, your hand tightening around each ball as you press the buttons. With a series of flashes, they emerge one by one.

Primarina appears first, gracefully stretching her fins, then turning to you with her usual calm, attentive gaze. Haxorus's sharp eyes show no sign of distress. Lycanroc bounds up to you, and nuzzles your hand with a reassuring warmth, eager to comfort you.

Tapu Koko gives an approving chirp, unbothered by the previous night's strangeness. Silvally gives a soft growl, sensing your concern, but its eyes remain calm. Lastly, Nebby seems utterly unfazed, lowering his head to yours in a gentle gesture of familiarity.

Each one checks out fine, their reactions entirely normal. They look back at you expectantly, waiting for your next move, completely unaware of the worry gnawing at your mind. Relief floods your chest, but it's tinged with confusion. Everything feels normal, but nothing about this place is.

You hurry to the top of the staircase, gripping the banister tightly, and call down, your voice echoing in the quiet house. "Higgins! What in Arceus' name happened to my bag and Poké Balls?"

There's a brief silence before Higgins appears at the base of the stairs, wiping his hands on a tea towel, eyebrows raised in concern. "Sir?" he asks, genuine confusion clouding his face. You hurry down the stairs, explaining quickly, "I left my stuff in the first room I slept in - Cheryl's room - and now everything's in a different room. All my things moved without me touching them! And the rooms, they're all clean and... made up."

For a moment, Higgins just blinks at you, clearly caught off-guard. Then, with a small, almost hesitant smile, he shakes his head. "Ah... I'm afraid that's simply not possible, sir. Nothing in this house moves on its own. Perhaps... you misplaced them? Besides, none of the rooms are spotless. This place is too old for that, after all." He takes a careful step forward, his voice soft and oddly soothing.

"This mansion, it can play tricks on you sometimes," Higgins continues with a faint smile. "It's an old lady, she is. I've been taking care of her my whole life, and every now and then, she likes to remind us who's really in charge." He chuckles softly, but there's a strange sadness behind his eyes. "You get used to it, sir. You really do."

His words hang in the air, as if they hold some deeper meaning you can't quite grasp. You stare at him, the unease in your chest tightening. He seems sincere, but there's an odd, distant quality to his reassurance, as if he's talking about more than just the house...

12 hours later...

"...and that's when I realized my Empoleon's Ice Beam could be the key," the Trainer says, his voice full of excitement. "I mean, if we can hit them hard before they can set up with their Psychic Terrain, we'll have a real shot at throwing off their strategy! And if we work together, I'm confident we can overpower their defenses."

The Trainer continues, barely pausing to take a breath, his energy almost overwhelming.

"So if I lead with my Electivire, it should be enough to break through their screens with Brick Break, and then, when you come in with your Tapu Koko—"

"Sorry, who are you again?" you interrupt, the words blurting out before you can catch them. The Trainer's excitement falters, and he stares at you, clearly startled. It's as if he's just now noticing the way your eyes have been drifting, the distant look you didn't mean to let slip.

Higgins leans in close, his voice a whisper in your ear. "This is Hammond, sir. The Trainer you asked me to invite. He's been talking to you for about five minutes now."

You clear your throat, forcing yourself to focus. "Sorry, I... I just lost track for a second. You were saying about Tapu Koko?"

You give Higgins a quick, apologetic glance.
Hammond's eyes narrow a bit, but he shifts back into his confident persona quickly. He lets out a nervous chuckle and continues speaking, but his words come a little slower now, as if he's not quite sure where to go from here.

"Anyways, as I was saying... with my experience in handling high-level battles, I'm certain we'll have the upper hand. I've already researched their strategies extensively. Their grunts rely heavily on methodical, calculated moves. But once we-"

But before he can finish, a soft, familiar voice interrupts his speech. "Don't worry, my love. You can rest."

Your heart skips a beat as the words ring out, a chill running down your spine. The voice is unmistakable.

You turn, your pulse quickening, but you can't quite make sense of the sight before you. The room seems to shift, and there she is - Lillie, her form as ethereal as ever, her eyes filled with that warm, teasing light you miss so much.

You blink, your mind struggling to make sense of the figure before you. The room seems to blur, her body more of a wisp than something solid, and yet there she is, unmistakably her.

"Lillie?!"

Lillie's POV

"Lillie!"

Hau bursts into my room, his voice loud and urgent. I jolt awake, sitting up abruptly as my heart races.
"Hau, wha- what are you doing here?! What's up with people barging into my room when I'm sleeping this week?"

My voice comes out sharper than I intend, the rude edge betraying my flustered state. Hau freezes, his wide-eyed expression faltering as he takes in my reaction.

"I'm sorry for barging in, Lillie," he says quickly, his voice softer now. "But I've been trying to reach Y/n all day, and he's not at home. He's not answering his calls, either. I didn't know what else to do, and you're the only person I could turn to."

He rubs the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable with the urgency that pushed him to wake me up so abruptly. "I didn't mean to scare you, but you've gotta help me. Carmine wants to board this ship and I don't know what to do."

I blink, confused, "Board a ship?"

Hau barely waits for my question to sink in before he's pulling at my arm, urging me out of bed. "There's no time, Lillie! Come on, we have to go!" he insists, his grip firm but not rough.

I can't help the giggle that slips out as I glance down at my nightgown, partly hidden underneath the covers. "You want me to go to the docks like this?" I ask, the lightness of my tone making Hau freeze. His face goes bright red, and he quickly drops my arm.

"R-right! Of course, you need to get dressed!" He stammers, stepping back hurriedly, his eyes darting away in embarrassment. "I'll, uh, wait outside!"

Chuckling, I offer Hau a playful smile. "Thank you," I say, drawing out the words in a teasing tone before I slip out of bed. I quickly dress in my Z form outfit, the one that makes me feel strongest and most ready for whatever's coming. Hau waits outside, his anxious energy almost palpable through the closed door.

When I step outside, he doesn't waste a second, summoning his Noivern. The large bat-like Pokémon spreading its wings wide as Hau gestures for me to climb on. I shake my head, unable to hide a grin. "No need! Lead the way!" I say, reaching for my own Poké Ball. With a flash of light, my Altaria, Seren, appears, her puffy feathers shimmering like soft clouds.

Hau's eyes widen in surprise. "Whoa, you have an Altaria now?"

I just nod, trying to mask the nerves fluttering in my stomach as I climb onto Seren's back. My hands grip the downy feathers of her upper back, and my breath catches when she shifts under me. This isn't like holding onto Y/n or sitting in front of him being held while he rides Charizard. This is different - I'm the one in control now, and the realization fills me with equal parts exhilaration and fear.

"Okay, Seren, let's do this," I whisper, my voice wavering. Hau's eyes are on me, filled with concern and encouragement as he waits on Noivern. I take a deep breath and nudge Seren's side. She lets out a melodic trill, her wings spreading wide, and suddenly, the ground is falling away beneath us.

For a heart-stopping second, I panic, feeling weightless and unsteady as my body jolts upward. I clutch tighter, my pulse pounding in my ears as Seren flaps her wings, struggling to maintain my balance. The wind whips through my hair, and I squeeze my eyes shut as we rise higher.

"Lillie, you got it!" Hau's voice calls, cutting through my fear.

I force my eyes open and adjust my grip, slowly finding the rhythm in Seren's movement. There's a strange, dizzying freedom in the way she soars, the clouds drifting below us, and I feel something click - like this is where I'm supposed to be. A thrill rushes through me, and I manage a shaky laugh, sending a determined nod Hau's way.

"Lead the way," I repeat, the words braver this time. We're flying now, together, and even though my heart still races, I'm ready.

...

Soon after, we land smoothly, the waves gently lapping against the wooden docks as I slide off Seren's back, my legs wobbling a little from the adrenaline of the flight. Hau hops down from Noivern with practiced ease.

Ahead, Carmine stands near the edge of the dock, the sea breeze pulling at her clothes and tossing her hair. Her stance is firm and confident, eyes fixed on something distant, as if the whole world depends on whatever mission she's about to undertake. But the moment Hau calls out to her, something in her expression shifts. The determined line of her mouth softens, her eyes flickering with a brief, almost imperceptible vulnerability.

"Hau," she acknowledges, her voice calm, but there's a gentleness in the way she says his name. She gives him a small, almost reluctant smile, and for a moment, the tension in the air seems to ease, "why did you come here? Couldn't you stay asleep just a little longer?"

Hau steps closer, his eyes firm. "You're leaving Alola, aren't you? You're seriously heading back to Kitakami?"

Carmine's expression falters, a mixture of guilt and determination crossing her face. She nods slowly. "Yes, it's time I go home. I've been away too long... but I wanted to do it quietly, without any fuss."

"This is how you wanted us to end? You didn't even say goodbye, just packed your stuff and slipped away. I found it straight away, by the way." He holds up a crumpled piece of paper, the same one he's clearly read a dozen times, his fingers tightening around it.

Carmine's expression softens, but there's a flash of regret in her eyes as she looks at the letter. "I thought it'd be easier that way," she admits quietly. "I didn't want to make it harder... for either of us."

"But you said you loved me," Hau blurts out, his voice breaking. He takes another step closer, his gaze locked on hers, desperate for answers.

Carmine's shoulders tense, and for a moment, she looks like she might turn away. Then, slowly, she nods. "I meant every word," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of the waves crashing against the docks. "But I still have to go. Kitakami is my home. I need to be there... my grandparents are probably worried sick about me, not to mention my little brother might be freaking out now that his buddy is travelling."

She hesitates, her fingers tightening around the letter in her hand. "I came here to Alola on vacation," she continues, her voice softer now, tinged with a bittersweet tone. "To see more of the world, to experience something new. I wasn't expecting to meet someone like you. I wasn't expecting to..." She trails off, her eyes flickering down to the ground for a moment before meeting his. "To fall in love."

Hau's breath catches, and he takes a small step closer, his eyes fixed on her like she's the only thing holding him together. "Then stay," he pleads, his voice trembling. "If you love me, stay."

Carmine's lips press into a thin line, her jaw tightening as if she's trying to hold back tears. "It's not that simple," she says, her voice cracking. "Kitakami is my home. My family is there. My life is there. I can't just abandon everything I've ever known..."

Her words hang in the air, weighted with unspoken pain, as the sound of the waves fills the silence between them.

In the silence, my curiosity gets the better of me before I even think twice.

"Hold on, wait just a minute," I say, stepping forward with a raised eyebrow. "You two were dating? When exactly were you planning on telling us?"

Hau freezes, his face turning bright red, but Carmine reacts instantly. She whirls toward me, her black and crimson hair practically whipping around her face. "Stay out of this, Lillie!" she snaps, her voice sharp enough to cut through the sound of the waves crashing against the docks.

I blink, momentarily stunned, but her glare doesn't let up. Her eyes are fierce, burning with a mix of anger and frustration. "This has nothing to do with you," she continues, her voice dropping low, like a warning. "So don't butt in where you're not needed."

For a second, I feel my own frustration bubbling up - who does she think she is, talking to me like that? - but then I glance at Hau. He's standing there, head down, his hands curled into fists at his sides. He doesn't look at me. He doesn't even try to stop her.

"Fine," I say, holding my hands up in mock surrender, though my tone is sharper than usual. "I was just asking... didn't realise it was such a big secret."

Carmine narrows her eyes at me but doesn't say anything else. Instead, she turns back to Hau, her shoulders tense, as if bracing herself for whatever comes next.

Upon seeing his saddened eyes, her fiery expression softens slightly as she takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Hau," she says quietly, her voice losing its sharp edges but still firm. "I really am. But I have to go."

Hau lifts his head, his voice trembling as he takes a step closer to her. "Then... let me come with you," he says, desperation shining in his eyes. "I'll go to Kitakami. I don't care where we are, Carmine. I just-"

"Stop."

Carmine's voice is quiet but firm, and the look she gives him makes him freeze in his tracks. She shakes her head, her hair falling over her shoulder. "You can't."

"Why not?" Hau blurts out, his voice breaking again. "What's stopping me? I'll-"

"You were chosen by Tapu Koko," Carmine cuts in, her tone fierce yet filled with a quiet sadness. "It appointed you the Melemele Kahuna, Hau. You have a duty here. To Alola. To the people who need you."

Hau flinches, her words hitting him like a hammer. "But I need you," he says, his voice barely above a whisper now.

Carmine closes her eyes for a moment, as if trying to keep her composure. When she looks at him again, her gaze is steady, though her shoulders are trembling. "You're stronger than you think, Hau. You don't need me holding you back."

"You're not holding me back!" he protests, taking another step closer, his hands outstretched like he wants to reach for her but isn't sure if he should.

"I am," she insists, her voice cracking slightly. "If you leave now, you'll be turning your back on everything you've worked for. On everything Tapu Koko believed in when it chose you. Can you really do that?"

Hau stares at her, his breathing uneven, but he doesn't answer.

I watch them in silence, my heart aching for Hau. I want to say something - anything - to make this easier for him, but there's nothing I can do. This is his fight, and Carmine isn't giving him an inch.

"I'm sorry," Carmine whispers again, her voice almost lost in the sound of the waves. She steps back, putting more space between them, like she's afraid he'll try to follow. "But this is goodbye."

For a moment, Hau stands frozen, his fists trembling at his sides, his eyes wide with disbelief. The tension in the air is so thick it feels like I can barely breathe.

Then, to my surprise, Carmine hesitates. Slowly, she takes a step forward. And then another. Before Hau can react, she's standing in front of him, close enough to touch.

"I'm sorry," she says one last time, her voice barely audible.

And then she kisses him.

It's slow and soft, a kiss filled with everything she can't put into words. Hau's eyes widen in shock, but he doesn't pull away. His hands rise hesitantly, brushing against her arms as though he's afraid she might vanish if he holds on too tightly.

The moment stretches on, timeless and bittersweet, until finally, Carmine pulls back. She lingers for just a second, her forehead almost touching his, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Take care of yourself, Hau," she whispers, her voice breaking slightly.

Then, without waiting for a response, she steps away. Hau doesn't move, rooted to the spot as he watches her turn and walk towards the gangplank of the waiting ship.

The wooden boards creak under her boots as she climbs, her hair catching the light of the rising sun. She doesn't look back. Not once.

Hau's hands fall to his sides, his head dropping as the ship's horn blares. I can see his shoulders shaking, and for a moment, I think I should say something. But the words don't come.

I stand there in silence, watching as the ship begins to pull away from the dock, taking Carmine - and Hau's heart - with it.

The ship fades into the horizon, and the sound of the waves lapping at the dock is the only thing that breaks the silence. Hau stands there, staring after her, his body trembling.

I step closer, my heart aching for him. "Hau..." I begin softly, unsure of what to say.

But then he collapses onto the dock, sitting with his knees pulled to his chest, his shoulders shaking as soft sobs escape him. I hesitate for a moment before sitting down beside him, close enough to let him know I'm here but not close enough to crowd him.

He wipes at his face with the back of his hand, his voice cracking as he mutters, "Professor Kukui once told me... when you're saying good-bye to someone you love, you gotta show them one last smile..."

I glance at him, my chest tightening.

"It was when you left for Kanto," Hau continues, his words thick with emotion. "I couldn't stop crying that day. I was so scared you wouldn't come back." He sniffles, lowering his head. "Kukui saw me. He said those words to me, all serious and wise-like, and I promised him I'd try. That no matter what, I'd smile for the people I love when it's time to say good-bye."

He shakes his head, his tears falling harder now. "But this... right now... it's impossible. How am I supposed to smile when it feels like my heart's been ripped out? How did you do it, Lillie? How did you leave us and smile at the same time?"

I take a deep breath, searching for the right words to ease his pain. But before I can speak, the faint roar of engines cuts through the air. It's distant at first, almost drowned out by the crash of the waves. But then it grows louder, steady and unmistakable - the hum of motorboats slicing through the ocean.

We both turn towards the horizon. There, in the distance, a brigade of sleek, dark boats surges toward the centre of the ocean, their engines roaring in perfect unison. The boats are marked with something that makes my stomach drop - an unmistakable yellow "G" emblazoned on their sides.

Team Galactic.

Hau stiffens beside me, his tears momentarily forgotten as he stands. "What the-... What are they doing here?" he mutters, his voice thick but edged with alarm.

I scramble to my feet, my mind racing. The boats are heading towards something out in the open sea, their movements precise, like they've planned this carefully. I know exactly where they are going.

"They're coming for the Aether Foundation," I reply, my voice low.

Before I can say anything more, Hau's face twists with fury. His usual light-hearted demeanour is gone, replaced by a raw, seething anger I've never seen before. "They're not getting away with this," he snarls, his fists clenching.

"Hau, wait-"

But it's too late. He's already pulling a Poké Ball from his belt. The brilliant flash of light erupts, and Noivern emerges once again, its wings stretching wide as it lets out a sharp, determined cry.

"I'm not letting them hurt anyone!" Hau shouts, his voice breaking as he swings himself onto Noivern's back with practised ease. It snarls, sensing its Trainer's rage, and beats its powerful wings, lifting them into the air.

"Hau, stop!" I yell, reaching out uselessly as Noivern rockets skyward. "You can't just-!"

The wind from Noivern's takeoff nearly knocks me off balance as they soar toward the fleet, Hau leaning forward with an intensity I've never seen. I can only watch, helpless, as they fly closer and closer to the dark shapes cutting through the ocean, his rage propelling him straight into danger.

My pulse races. "Hau..." I whisper, dread pooling in my stomach. Team Galactic won't hesitate to fight back, and Hau's charging in alone.

I have to do something. Now.

I fumble for a Poké Ball at my waist, my heart pounding in my chest. "Seren, I need you!" I shout, tossing the ball into the air.

With a flash of light, my Altaria emerges, her cottony wings unfurling as she lets out a melodic cry. I waste no time, gripping her soft feathers as I swing myself onto her back.

"Follow Noivern!" I command, and Seren doesn't hesitate. With a powerful flap of her wings, we launch into the air, the docks shrinking beneath us as we climb higher and race after Hau.

The ocean wind stings my face, and my pulse thunders in my ears. Ahead, Hau and Noivern are closing the distance to the fleet, the sleek boats glinting ominously in the sunlight.

"Please, Hau, don't do anything reckless," I whisper, clutching Seren's cotton tightly as we speed after him.Below us, the motorboats carve through the water like predators closing in on their prey.

Soon, Hau is already on one of the boats, his Noivern circling above as Incineroar takes hit after hit from Team Galactic's Pokémon. The deck is chaos - Alakazam's eyes glow as it fires a Psychic move at Noivern, while Toxicroak lands a brutal jab on Incineroar, its claws glinting with poison.

Hau doesn't say a word. His jaw is clenched, his fists trembling as he commands his Pokémon silently, pointing and gesturing with sharp, furious movements. I can see the rage in his eyes, the way it radiates off him like heat. But it's not enough.

There are too many of them. A Magnezone hovers nearby, launching a Thunderbolt that sends Incineroar staggering to its knees. Noivern lets out another screech, blasting a Boomburst that barely forces the opponents to flinch. The odds are stacked too high.

"Hau," I whisper, fear clawing at my chest.

Seren lets out a soft trill, sensing my panic. "We have to help him," I say, even though she already knows.

We dive.

The Grunts look up as we descend, their shouts lost beneath the roaring engines and screeching Pokémon. I leap from Seren's back the moment her feet touch the deck, landing unsteadily but holding my ground. My heart is pounding, but there's no time for fear.

"Dazzling Gleam!" I shout, and Seren's wings shimmer as she releases a burst of radiant light. The Grunts shield their eyes, and the Magnezone reels, sparks flying as it loses control and crashes to the deck.

Hau turns towards me, his expression wild, almost unrecognisable. Sweat and seawater streak his face, and his fists are clenched so tightly I'm afraid he might hurt himself.

"You can't do this alone," I say firmly, stepping closer. He doesn't answer, his breathing ragged, his gaze flicking back to the grunts.

"Seren, take out Toxicroak!" I command. My Altaria soars forward, wings glowing as she slams into the Toxicroak with Fly, sending it sprawling across the deck.

Hau's eyes meet mine for a brief moment, and just nods, his face hardening again as he turns back to the fight.

Together, we face the onslaught, our Pokémon side by side. It's chaos, but I refuse to let him bear this alone.

Hau's POV

Everything feels like it's on fire inside me. My chest is tight, my hands are shaking, and my thoughts won't stop screaming her name.

Carmine.

My chest is tight, my breaths shallow, and my vision blurs at the edges. All I can see are the grunts closing in, their Pokémon pressing harder against my team.

Noivern is grounded, its wings trembling from exhaustion. Incineroar is barely holding itself upright, its fur scorched and patchy. And it's not enough. Nothing I do is enough.

Nothing feels real. Not the sharp commands from Lillie behind me, not the way her Altaria's cotton wings shine like a shield, not even the grunts screaming orders at their Pokémon.

Why did she leave me?

"Tauros, help Noivern!" I shout hoarsely, sending out my next Pokémon. The moment Tauros materialises, it charges forward with a bellow, slamming into a Golbat with horns glowing from Zen Headbutt. The Golbat is flung aside, crashing into one of the grunts, but more Pokémon keep coming.

Toxicroak lunges at Incineroar again, claws glowing with poison, and I grit my teeth. "Flare Blitz!"

Incineroar barrels forward, cloaked in flames, and the two collide. For a second, I think we might turn this around - but then the recoil hits. Incineroar stumbles, its legs giving out as it collapses onto the deck.

"No! Stay up!" I yell, but it doesn't move.

A grunt sends out a Beedrill, and my heart sinks as I realise I've lost my heavy hitter. "Raichu, it's your turn!" My Alolan Raichu bursts forth, hovering above the deck with sparks crackling at its cheeks.

"Thunderbolt!" I command, and Raichu fires off a bolt of electricity, striking the Beedrill dead on. It screeches and plummets, but another Toxicroak leaps into the fray, aiming straight for me this time.

I don't even have time to react.

The Toxicroak's claws swipe toward me, glowing with venom, and my feet won't move. I can't think, can't breathe, can't-

A flash of orange and a deafening roar erupt beside me. Toxicroak is ripped away, sent flying into the ocean.

I blink, my head snapping to the source.

It's her.

"Get your head on straight, lowlife!" Carmine snaps, her Scrafty standing protectively in front of me. Its fists are still glowing from Drain Punch, and it bares its teeth at the remaining Grunts, daring them to try again.

My heart lurches, a mix of relief and something I can't name. "What are you-"

"Saving your sorry arse, obviously!" she barks, glaring at me like I'm the idiot for asking. "You think you can just die on me and leave me with all this unresolved crap?"

She doesn't wait for my answer, turning back to the grunts. "Toucannon, Beak Blast! Scrafty, Brick Break! Clean this mess up!"

Her Toucannon swoops down, its beak glowing red-hot as it slams into an Alakazam, sending it sprawling across the deck. Scrafty follows up with a sharp strike that takes down the last Golbat.

I can barely process what's happening, but I know one thing for certain: she came back.

The grunts' Pokémon are faltering now, their strength dwindling under the combined force of our teams. But my mind is racing, stuck on the sight of Carmine standing in front of me, fierce and determined, like she was never going to leave in the first place.

The morning sun breaking through the clouds seems to revive our spirits, but my legs feel like they're going to give out.

"Don't just stand there gawking!" Carmine shouts over her shoulder. "If you've got more Pokémon left, then fight!"

Her words snap me out of it, and I call Raichu back into action. Together, we drive back the last of the grunts. One by one, their Pokémon collapse or retreat, until the decks are clear.

The grunts start scrambling for their boats, barking orders and cursing under their breath.

I stagger forward, my knees weak, but my eyes never leave her. "Why..." My voice cracks. "Why did you come back?"

Carmine turns to face me, and for a moment, I see something vulnerable in her eyes. But then she smirks, crossing her arms. "What, you thought you could survive without me?"

The words are playful, almost teasing, but there's something in her eyes that makes my chest tighten. It's not the whole truth, and we both know it. But I don't have the strength to push her for the truth.

Not yet.

Slowly sinking down onto the deck, I let out a long sigh, running a hand through my hair. My body aches, and my mind is still a mess of emotions, but one thought bubbles to the surface, steady and clear. "Well, now that's done, let's go get some malasadas," I mutter. "I'm starving."

Carmine raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything. Her arms are crossed, and she's watching me carefully, like she's trying to figure out what to say next.

But before anyone can respond, a low hum of engines cuts through the air once again, steady and growing louder and louder by the second.

Lillie sighs, and when I glance at her, her expression is weary but focused. "I don't think we can go get malasadas just yet, Hau..."

We all turn towards the sound, and my stomach sinks. A whole fleet of ships slowly emerges on the horizon, at least five times the size of the brigade we just took out.

"Seriously?" I growl, forcing myself back to my feet. "These guys are not messing around."

Carmine's smirk fades, replaced by a determined scowl. She steps forward, her gaze locked on the incoming ships. "Good. Neither are we."

Lillie steps forward, her gaze fixed on the massive ships looming closer. "That's right," she says firmly, glancing between me and Carmine. "But there are way too many for us to take on by ourselves."

She turns to me, her expression urgent but composed. "We have to head to Aether Paradise. Gladion and the Aether grunts will help us. We'll need every bit of support we can get, and they're already prepared for the worst."

I clench my fists, frustration bubbling in my chest. Running feels wrong after everything we've just fought through, but she's right. There's no way we can hold off a fleet like that on our own.

Carmine steps beside me, her jaw tight. "Fine. But we'd better move fast. If those ships reach Aether Paradise before we do..."

"We won't let that happen," Lillie cuts in, her voice resolute. She turns to her Altaria, who's perched nearby, feathers ruffled but ready. "Let's go."

I nod, determination overriding the exhaustion in my limbs. "Noivern can still carry me. We'll make it."

Carmine whistles sharply, and her Toucannon swoops down from the sky, its beak glinting in the fading light. She climbs onto its back with ease, shooting me a look over her shoulder. "Try to keep up, yeah?"

With that, the three of us take to the skies, the roar of the engines below growing fainter as we rise. My grip tightens on Noivern's neck, my eyes locked on the horizon. Alola is counting on us.

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

Golf here! Almost 7000 words, now that's something!

I'm sitting here at the Brazilian beach while making the final adjustments to this chapter, and wow, does it give me Alolan inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! The next ones are already pretty much finished, so they'll be uploaded this weekend and probably the next.

I have no Wi-Fi here so pretty much the only thing I can do on my phone is write.

Question of the chapter:
Who has been your favourite character so far in the book?

Mine has definitely been Carmine, and though I wouldn't ship her with Hau under normal circumstances, it's been fun so far!

Anyways, hope you're all doing well. Take care, and I'll see you in the next chapter! Go away now.
~Golf