Lillie's POV

The ocean stretches endlessly before me, the waves shimmering under the evening sun. My legs dangle over the edge of the dock, swinging back and forth like I used to do as a child. It's almost hypnotic, the rhythm of the water meeting the metal supports below, the sea breeze brushing against my skin.

I hear footsteps behind me. Light but deliberate.

When Owen sits beside me, I don't need to look to know it's him. He doesn't say anything right away, and neither do I. We sit in silence, the sound of the waves filling the space between us.

When he opens his mouth to say something, I don't give him the chance.

"Why did you do it, Owen?" I ask, my voice sharper than I intended. He closes his mouth, his brows furrowing as he looks at me, but I barrel on before he can speak.

"Why did you rob those trainers? Why did you hurt Y/n with your Pokémon?" The questions tumble out, my chest tightening with every word. "Do you have any idea what that did to him? To me?"

Owen's mouth presses into a thin line, his gaze shifting back out towards the water. But I don't stop.

"You had no right," I say, my voice trembling. "He trusted you. I trusted you. And you just... what? Threw it all away because you felt like it?"

His jaw tightens. "You wouldn't understand."

I freeze, the words hitting me like a slap. A bitter laugh escapes before I can stop it, sharp and angry. "I wouldn't understand? Me? Do you think you're the only one with parents issues?" I twist to face him fully, the frustration and disbelief boiling over. "Do you have any idea what my life has been like? A dad who disappeared from the globe after a failed experiment? A mother obsessed with control, who treated me like a prop in her grand show? Who made me dress up like a freaking Ultra Beast?"

Owen flinches at my words, but I keep going, my voice rising with every syllable.

"She abandoned my brother and I. She disappeared into Ultra Space and fused herself with a Nihilego! I had to fix her. I had to leave Alola - leave everything I knew behind - to find the cure. So don't you dare sit there and tell me I wouldn't understand."

I'm breathing hard now, the waves crashing below like echoes of the storm inside me.

Owen lets out a sharp breath, his shoulders tense as if he's holding himself together with sheer force. When he speaks, his voice is low but heavy with emotion.

"You want to know why I did it? Fine. I'll tell you."

He turns to me, his gaze intense, piercing.

"My mum? She was a home-wrecker. She wasn't stupid - she knew what she was doing, and so did he. And I was their little 'oops'. Their proof that it all meant something. But you know what it really was, Lillie? A mess. She married him, and he stuck around, but it wasn't for her, or me. It was for his plans."

I frown, my anger replaced by confusion, but Owen presses on, his voice harder now, almost bitter.

"My dad... He wasn't just some absent, uninvolved parent. No, he had plans, deals with people you don't even want to imagine. He was always out, scheming, making moves. But when he was finally home, it wasn't to play catch or teach me life lessons. No, it was to turn me into his personal weapon. I had to be the best. Strongest Trainer. Sharpest instincts. Because if something went wrong, if one of his deals blew up in his face, guess who was going to stand between him and whoever came knocking?"

He leans forward, elbows on his knees, his hands clenched into fists.

"I didn't even get a chance to figure out who I was. My dad made sure of that. My only value to him was my strength. And to make sure I had the best, he didn't just get me Pokémon. He got me Wonder Traded Pokémon. All shiny, all perfectly trained. And do you know what that does? To have a team handed to you, with no bond, no trust, no choice? Just strength. That's all they were. And that's all I was to him."

His gaze drops to the ground, his fists clenched. "That's why I left for Kanto. I thought... maybe if I ran, if I trained harder, I could finally be more than his pawn. At first, it was still about him, you know? Becoming stronger for him. Proving myself worthy. But then..."

He looks up at me, his expression softening, and for a moment, I almost see the boy I met back then, the one who seemed lost but full of potential.

"Then I met you, Lillie. You... you were different. You didn't care about strength. You cared about people. You cared about Pokémon. And for the first time, I thought maybe I didn't have to be what my father wanted me to be. Maybe I could be... someone else. Someone better."

His voice catches, his jaw tightening as he struggles to continue.

"But then..." He exhales shakily, his eyes clouding over with hurt. "Then you didn't care about me anymore. Not after Y/n came back into your life. You rekindled whatever it was you had with him, and it was like I didn't matter anymore. Like I never mattered."

Owen's voice cracks as he continues, the weight of his actions finally catching up to him. "That's why I robbed those people, why I made a mess on that island. Why I hurt Y/n. I didn't have anything to hold onto anymore. My father had only taught me to take what I wanted by force, to prove my worth through power. And when everything else fell apart, when I had nothing left but that... that's what I turned to. It was the only thing I knew."

He shakes his head, disgust clear on his face, as if trying to shake off the memories. "I thought if I could cause enough chaos, if I could have enough power, it would fill the emptiness. But it didn't. It never did. I hurt people. I hurt you... all because I didn't know what else to do with myself. Because I thought that was all I was worth. And when I lost even that little bit of power, I didn't know who I was anymore."

His voice trembles, and for a brief moment, I see the vulnerability that's been hiding under all the bravado. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I never meant to hurt you. I just..." He trails off, unable to finish the sentence, the pain in his eyes saying everything he couldn't.

I pause for a moment, taking in the way Owen's gaze seems so lost, so distant. I reach out, placing a hand gently on his shoulder, trying to offer some semblance of comfort.

"Owen," I begin, my voice soft but firm, "you're so much more than the mistakes you've made. I know it's hard for you to see that right now, but there's a kindness in you that can't be erased by everything that's happened. It's there, deep inside. I've seen it, even if you haven't noticed it in yourself."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before continuing, "I can't pretend to understand everything you've been through. But I do know this - you don't have to keep carrying all that weight on your own. You're not alone, Owen. I care about you. I've always cared about you. You're one of my dearest friends, and I'm here for you. I always have been."

I squeeze his shoulder gently, my heart aching for the pain he's clearly carrying. "You're not just a weapon either. You're a person, and you deserve more than just strength. You deserve a chance at peace, at happiness. And I'm here to help you find that."

Owen looks up at me, the shadows in his eyes beginning to fade. A small but genuine smile tugs at the corner of his lips, and I can see the weight slowly lifting from his shoulders. He lets out a quiet sigh, his voice lighter now.

"Actually, I won't be needing your help with that one," he says, his tone warmer now, more sincere. "I've found what I've been looking for... not just strength, but something real." He turns to face me fully, his smile growing. "It's my team. These Pokémon," he gestures to the air in front of him, as if summoning them, "they've made me a better person. They've taught me so much about trust, about friendship. About what it means to fight for something worth fighting for."

He reaches for his Poké Balls, releasing each of his Pokémon with a proud, almost affectionate gesture. A Mimikyu appears first, its mask tilted as it looks up at him with a gleam of excitement in its eyes. Then, Blissey floats into view, her soft pink form radiating a calm, healing energy. Gallade follows, his gaze sharp. Swampert stomps into place, his feet heavy, but there's a playful glint in his eyes, like he's ready to get into mischief. Roserade blooms in a swirl of color, and Corviknight lands with a powerful, majestic flap of its wings.

Owen looks at them, his expression full of pride and affection. "These guys... they've taught me everything I need to know about strength. It's not about being the strongest, or winning at any cost. It's about being there for each other. Helping each other grow. I owe everything to them."

He pauses, his eyes meeting mine, the warmth in his gaze now undeniable. "And, Lillie... I owe a lot to you, too. You've been here for me more than I ever deserved. I want you to know that. And that's why I'm here for you now."

I watch as he stands tall, his Pokémon by his side, the bond between them so clear now. Owen isn't the same person he was before, and I believe it: He's found what he was searching for all along.

I move a bit closer to him, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. His body tenses at first, but I hold him steady, letting him feel the warmth of my embrace.

When I pull away, he shudders slightly, like he's not sure how to react. His eyes search mine, uncertain, and I can see the rawness in his expression.

"Do you really forgive me?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper, "After everything I've done... do you really forgive me?"

I pull away slightly to meet his gaze, my hands still resting on his shoulders. "Of course I do," I say softly, my voice steady. "I may not always understand everything you've been through, but I know you're not the person you were back then. You've changed, and I'm proud of that. You're my friend, always have been, and always will be."

I give him a small, understanding smile, but there's a hint of something more serious in my expression. "But you also have to face Y/n's judgement," I add softly, my eyes flicking down for a moment. "He's been through a lot because of you, Owen. It's not going to be easy to earn his forgiveness. But I know you can handle it."

"I... I can do that," Owen says, his voice more resolute than before.

We sit there for a moment longer, and then I turn to lead the way inside. But as I start to step forwards, something catches my eye - Hala, standing not far off, watching us. His warm, wise smile is as familiar as ever, but what surprises me is how easily it stretches towards Owen...

I shake my head slightly, more to myself than anything, and then turn back to head inside.

Hau's POV

I push the door open slowly, stepping into the dimly lit room. The nightly quiet is almost suffocating, only the hum of the ceiling fan keeping the silence from becoming too oppressive.

Carmine stands by the window, her back to me. She's looking out at the horizon, her posture casual yet somehow distant, as though she's lost in thoughts I can't even begin to understand. The way the light hits her face - just enough to cast soft shadows around her features - makes her look like an angel from another world, like she's made of moonlight rather than flesh. Her beauty is the kind that doesn't demand attention; it just is.

I take a step closer, but she doesn't move, doesn't acknowledge my presence. It's as if she's unaware of me, yet there's something about the way she holds herself that makes me hesitate before speaking.

I clear my throat softly, but still she doesn't turn. "Hey," I begin, my voice breaking the stillness. "You okay?"

"I'm fine, just sleepy." Carmine responds without turning around, her voice steady but distant.

I take a breath, steadying my voice. "Carmine, I need you to be honest this time. Why did you come back?"

Her eyes flicker, the guarded expression I know so well slipping into place. For a moment, I think she's going to deflect again, but I hold her gaze, refusing to let her off so easily.

"Please," I add quietly. "No jokes. Just tell me the truth."

She hesitates, crossing her arms as her eyes drift to the window. The moonlight softens the sharp edges of her face, but it can't hide the tension in her posture. "I came back because I couldn't stop thinking about you," she says finally, her voice quieter than I've ever heard it. "I thought I could. Move on, go back to Kitakami, live my life there as if you never existed. But..."

She trails off, her fingers tightening on her arms. "I couldn't stop thinking about the way I left things. About how I just... walked away."

Her words sit heavy between us, but before I can speak, she glances back at me, her expression tinged with something darker. "And then I saw them. The Galactic ships. They were heading towards Aether Paradise, Hau."

Her voice cracks slightly, but she steadies herself, exhaling sharply. "I couldn't ignore it. I couldn't ignore you. If I hadn't come back and something had happened to you..." She shakes her head, her voice trailing into a whisper. "I'd never have forgiven myself."

She finally looks at me, her usual confidence stripped away. "You deserve better, Hau. And maybe I'm not the person who can give you that, but I wasn't about to let anyone take you away before I could at least try."

I don't even think. Before I can stop myself, I close the distance between us, my hands finding her face, and I kiss her. It's not hesitant or careful; it's everything I've been holding back.

She stiffens for just a second, surprised, but then she leans into me, her hands gripping my shoulders. For a moment, it's like nothing else matters - just her, just this.

When I finally pull back, my breath is shaky, and so is hers. "Carmine..." I start, my voice barely above a whisper. "I forgive you. I do."

Her eyes search mine, and I can see the walls she always tries to have up are now completely shattered.

"But I need to know..." I continue, "Are you planning to stay this time? Or is this just another goodbye waiting to happen?"

The words are heavy, but they're honest, and I know I can't hold them back anymore.

Carmine exhales slowly, her gaze steady but tinged with sadness. "I'll stay," she says, her voice quiet but firm. "I'll stay for you, Hau. For Y/n, for Lillie. Until the fighting is over, until we've made things right."

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, I let myself feel a flicker of hope.

"But..." she continues, her eyes softening, "I'll have to go back after that. Kitakami is my home. My family is there. It's not something I can just leave behind forever."

I feel the weight of her words settle on me, but I don't pull away. Instead, I nod, forcing a small, understanding smile. "I get it," I say, even though it stings. "I just... I'm glad you're here now."

She tilts her head, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Hau."

For a moment, we sit in the quiet, the unspoken promises lingering between us. Then, that quiet is suddenly interrupted.

"You know, you're lucky I came back. Without me, you'd probably have gotten yourself flattened by a stray Hyper Beam or tripped over your own feet trying to impress someone." Carmine says, smiling, "'Not to mention, I couldn't just sit back and let all those girls keep throwing themselves at the great Melemele Kahuna. Someone's gotta keep your ego in check, for now."

Her tone is playful, but the way her eyes linger on me tells me there's a little more to her words.

She walks over to the bed, sitting on the edge before patting the spot next to her with a soft smile. "You know," she says with a teasing tone, "it's getting really late and it's been a long day... I'd love to talk more and spend the night together. Don't make me beg, though." She grins playfully, her usual bravado giving way to a hint of vulnerability as she looks up at me. "I just really don't want to sleep alone tonight in this creepy white building."

I hesitate, glancing at her with a raised brow. "Weren't we supposed to go to Lusamine's dinner with everyone else?" I glance at the bed, then back to her, unsure of how to handle the situation.

Carmine chuckles softly, her tone light but teasing. "Oh, let it go, silly," she says, waving a hand dismissively. "They won't miss us at all. Besides, we've never actually shared a bed before. Wouldn't you like to try it before we go back to your old tutu's house?"

That's true, I think to myself, and I lie down next to her, feeling the bed shift under me. There's a moment of stillness, and I can't help but feel like something's different now. It's not that we've never been close before, but this... this is new.

I glance over at her, wondering if she feels the same way. I clear my throat, unsure of what to say, as I can feel my heart beating faster than usual.

Carmine shifts slightly, and I feel her hand lightly brushing against mine as she gets more comfortable. I'm still trying to figure out what to say, but then she chuckles softly, her voice teasing yet affectionate.

"You know," she says with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief, "it's cute how you're so unsure about all of this. You're as red as a Magikarp already."

I can't help it. My face heats up instantly, and I shift awkwardly on the bed. "I-I'm not!" I protest weakly, though I can feel the warmth spreading across my cheeks. Carmine's teasing is effortless, and somehow, it always makes me feel a bit flustered.

She gives a soft laugh, leaning over to nudge me playfully with her shoulder. "You're adorable when you're like this. Don't worry, I won't bite... yet." She winks, and I can feel my pulse race even faster.

I try to keep my cool, but it's hard when she's this close, teasing me in that effortlessly charming way of hers. "I'm not cute," I mutter, but I know she's right. It's just... a little hard to stay composed when she's around.

Carmine leans back, propping herself up on her elbows in a way that subtly shifts her posture, making the curve of her body more pronounced. Her smirk deepens as she watches me, that teasing, almost predatory gleam in her eyes, like she knows exactly what effect she's having. "Oh, you definitely are. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

I try not to let my eyes linger for too long, but the playful way she moves only makes it harder. I clear my throat awkwardly, forcing myself to focus. "You're impossible, you know that?" I say, doing my best to hide the warmth creeping up my neck.

She chuckles, clearly enjoying this. "I know. But you like it," she teases, nudging me with her foot, that same confident glint in her eyes.

I shift uncomfortably, trying not to let her get under my skin too much, but it's impossible. Her teasing is infectious, and despite myself, I find myself smiling at her.

"But seriously," I say, trying to regain some semblance of control, "it's strange that we've never done this before. Shared a bed, I mean."

She shrugs casually, the playful tone in her voice fading just slightly. "It's not a big deal. We're a couple, and I think we could both use the company tonight." She looks at me with a softer expression now, the teasing giving way to something a little more sincere.

I swallow, trying to process her words, but it's hard when she's looking at me like that. "Yeah, I guess so," I reply, my voice quieter now.

She smiles again, her eyes softening. "Just relax, Hau. We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. Just... stay. Please."

I nod, feeling a strange, comfortable warmth.
With a small sigh, I let myself relax a little. "Alright, I'll stay. But you're still impossible," I mutter, a smile tugging at my lips as I finally fully settle in beside her.

She chuckles softly, and for a moment, everything else fades away. It's just the two of us, here, together, in this strange, unexpected calm.

Without another word, she leans forward, brushing her lips against my cheek in a soft kiss. The warmth of her touch lingers long after. Then, she rests her head on my chest, her breath slowing as she also settles into a more comfortable position. Her hair brushes against my skin, and I can feel the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest.

"I love you, Hau," she whispers, her voice barely more than a breath, as if she's sharing a secret with only me.

Her words, simple as they are, feel like everything I've needed to hear since she left. Before I can say anything back, she's already dozing off, the sound of her steady breathing filling the space between us...

Lillie's POV

As I walk into the dining room, I feel an unexpected sense of calm wash over me. It's the kind of warmth that only a home-cooked meal and familiar faces can provide. Tonight's dinner, to celebrate the defeat of Team Galactic in Alola, feels like a moment of peace in the middle of everything that has happened.

Mother greets us with a welcoming smile, her presence warm and gentle, a stark contrast to the woman I once knew. Her kindness, her care, it's all so different from the cold, calculating figure she used to be. It's easy to forget how much I missed having her around in the past.

"I'm so glad you could all make it," Lusamine says, her voice full of genuine happiness as she ushers us into the dining room. The table is set beautifully, each dish more exquisite than the last. The scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread fills the air, and my stomach growls at the sight of it all.

Gladion takes his seat silently on my right, the faintest smile on his face as he eyes the food, though his usual quiet nature doesn't seem to waver. I know he's happy to be here, even if he doesn't show it much.

Owen sits down on my left, glancing at me as if checking to make sure I'm okay. It's nice to see him trying to fit into this moment, to embrace the sense of normalcy that Mother has worked so hard to create.

While we're eating the delicious meal - and honestly too much of it - I notice an Umbreon is curled up at Gladion's feet, her golden rings softly pulsing in the dim light of the room.

"You didn't tell me you had an Umbreon!" I say, gesturing towards Umbreon with a surprised expression. "She could be friends with my Vaporeon!"

Gladion nods, taking a slow sip of water. "Yeah. I've had her since you were little, actually."

Owen leans forward, smirking. "So, what's her name? Has to be something edgy, right?"

Gladion shifts uncomfortably, looking down at his plate. "...Princess."

For a moment, there's silence - then Owen nearly chokes on his drink, laughing so hard he has to set his glass down. "Princess? No way!"

I can't stop the grin spreading across my face. "Wait, you, brother? Gladion, the 'too-cool-for-everything' guy, named his Umbreon Princess?"

Gladion glares, his cheeks turning pink. "It wasn't my first choice, okay? I wanted to name her Darkblood Shadowmoon."

"And what happened?" Owen asks, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.

Gladion sighs heavily, glancing my way. "Lillie happened."

I blink. "Me?"

He rolls his eyes. "Yeah, you. You were, what, six years old? You took one look at the Eevee I brought home and said, 'Her name is Princess!'"

I press a hand to my mouth, stifling a laugh. "Oh, Arceus, I remember now. I thought she was so cute!"

"And I argued for hours," Gladion mutters, crossing his arms. "But eventually, you said, 'If you don't name her Princess, I'll tell Mother you stole her.' So... here we are."

Owen bursts into laughter again, shaking his head. "Gladion, that might be the most tragic origin story for a nickname I've ever heard."

"Whatever," Gladion grumbles, though his lips twitch in a faint smile.

Owen leans back, still chuckling. "Well, you know, my Gallade didn't get his name forced upon him, but the way we met was kind of special."

Gladion tilts his head, curious. "I'm always up for a nice encounter story."

"I found him in a place near... Verdant Cavern, I think it's called? Hala sent me there," Owen says, his voice soft but steady as he recounts the memory. "He was just a Ralts back then - hiding under some brush near the Trial site. I think he was scared of something - or someone - but he let me approach him. I offered him a Sitrus berry, and... I don't know. He just stared at me for the longest time before deciding to trust me." Owen pauses, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Didn't even need a Poké Ball - he followed me out of the cavern like it was his own choice. And now, he's one of the best partners I've ever had. Not that I've had many."

His words carry a fondness I haven't heard from him before, and it makes my heart ache a little for how far he's come.

But before I can respond, the dining hall doors creak open.

The clinking of silverware stills, replaced by the echo of measured footsteps. Everyone turns towards the sound, and I feel a strange twinge of tension in the air.

A woman stands in the doorway. Her hair is tied into a long ponytail with a small black bow, the ends curling just above her waist. A few shorter strands frame her face, one falling delicately across her right cheek. Her bangs are perfectly aligned, emphasising the neat, composed image she projects.

Her violet eyes, framed by bold lashes, are alert and calculating, scanning the room as if taking in every detail at once. She wears the dark suit and tie of the International Police, paired with matching black gloves and heeled boots. There are even buttons adorning her gloves and boots, adding a touch of meticulous design. A small teal-green communicator rests in her left ear, a subtle indicator of her role, even if she doesn't seem to be actively using it.

Despite her poised appearance, there's an air of quiet resolve about her, a strength that doesn't need to announce itself.

Her eyes settle on me, and she offers a small, composed smile. "Lillie," she says, her tone calm but firm, "Y/n has told me much about you."

For a moment, I'm caught off guard. The mention of Y/n sends a ripple of warmth and curiosity through me, but there's also an edge of uncertainty. "I hope only good things," I manage, my voice steadier than I feel.

The woman's smile softens ever so slightly. "Only the truth," she replies, her words cryptic but somehow reassuring.

"My name is Anabel," she says, her voice calm and measured. "I'm a member of the International Police. A while ago, Looker, Y/n, and I set up the UB Task Force, an initiative to stop the Ultra Beasts your mother let loose in Alola."

The room goes quiet for a beat. I can feel Owen shift slightly in his seat, his focus narrowing on Anabel as she speaks.

I glance at Mother, half-expecting her to flinch at the reminder of her past mistakes, but she remains composed, her hands folded in her lap. "That was a difficult time for all of us," Mother finally says, her voice soft but steady.

Anabel nods, her gaze steady yet understanding. "It was. But with Y/n's help, we were able to contain the situation."

Hearing Y/n's name again fills me with a strange mixture of pride and longing. "Why are you here now?" I ask carefully, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Anabel turns her attention to me, her composed smile softening just a fraction. "The Champions have informed the International Police that all evil teams in their respective regions – except for the Remnants in Kalos – have ceased their operations. at least for now."

The weight of her words hits me like a wave of relief. My heart, which has been burdened by so much uncertainty, suddenly feels a little lighter. I can't help but let out a soft breath, the corners of my lips curving into a genuine smile.

"That's... incredible news," I say, my voice laced with hope.

Anabel's eyes narrow slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she considers her words carefully. "Not exactly," she says, "The fact that they've all stopped simultaneously can only mean one thing. They were a distraction all along, a distraction that no longer seems necessary now that they must be nearing their goal."

Her words hang in the air, heavy with implication. "Whatever it is... it's happening now, in Sinnoh. It's time to go, now or never."

I feel a chill run through me.
"Sinnoh," I repeat quietly, "Then we must go," I say, the weight of determination settling in my chest. "That was the plan all along anyways. We reunite with Y/n and stop them, whatever it takes."

Anabel's lips curve ever so slightly, the hint of a smile breaking her usually composed expression.
"I was hoping you'd say that," she replies, her voice calm but purposeful. "But before we go, I'd like to introduce you to someone. I found him researching technology at the Hokulani Observatory. Thought he'd be of use."

She turns toward the door and beckons with a subtle motion. A man steps in, his presence striking and unusual.

His golden hair sweeps upward into a sharp crest, curling toward the back in a way that seems both deliberate and eccentric. A pair of sleek, rectangular glasses rests on the bridge of his nose, catching the light as he adjusts them with a gloved hand. His piercing gaze moves across the room, pausing briefly as if calculating everything in sight. He wears a pristine white lab coat that flares dramatically at the hem, revealing a black and blue ensemble beneath. The sharp angles of his coat and the geometric patterns of his outfit give him an almost futuristic air.

But it's his glove that catches my attention - a sleek, mechanical design that hums faintly as he moves. Its surface glows intermittently with blue lines of light, and he keeps brushing his fingers over it, as though scrolling through limitless streams of data, creating a constant beeping sound. The motion is methodical, almost unconscious, but the intensity in his gaze suggests he's processing far more than he lets on.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he says, his voice smooth and confident, with a hint of intrigue. "My name is Colress. I specialise in Pokémon technology and energy."

He raises a sleek tablet in one hand, the screen glowing with schematics and data streams that look incomprehensible at a glance. His mechanical glove flickers again as he taps the tablet, the two devices appearing to synchronise effortlessly.

"I understand you're heading to Sinnoh," Colress continues, tilting his head slightly as if he's already anticipating the conversation to follow. "If their plan involves machinery or energy manipulation, I can help... or perhaps, stop them entirely."

Anabel steps forward, folding her arms as she glances between us. "The man has a... history. But he's a real genius. If anyone can find a way to counter Team Galactic, it's him."

I study him for a moment, still trying to process the eccentric figure before me. There's an undeniable brilliance in his eyes, but also something unreadable - something that suggests he's as much of an enigma as the technology he works with.

"Then let's get to work," I say firmly, nodding. "There's no time to waste."

...

Hau groans, throwing his arms into the air as we follow a winding path. "Four days! It's been four days since we left Alola, and we still haven't arrived in Eterna City. My feet hurt - can't we all just fly there?"

I can't help but chuckle at his exasperation, even as the weight of the past few days presses down on me. "It's not exactly a vacation, Hau - we're here on a mission. Who knows if Team Galactic would spot us." I say lightly.

"Hopefully Y/n has some nice malasadas for us when we arrive," he sighs dreamily, kicking a small rock down the dirt path.

I glance back at him, noting his restless energy. Hau's cheerfulness is usually unmatched, but the truth is, ever since we arrived in Sinnoh, my chest has also started feeling heavier and heavier.

My brother's absence only adds to the weight. He stayed behind in Alola, as he's the head of the Aether Foundation. I know it's the right place for him, and I'm relieved he's safe. But part of me misses having him here - his sharp observations, his quiet strength.

The edge of a forest looms ahead, its dark shadows stretching out like silent warnings. The sunlight barely breaks through the dense canopy, leaving the path ahead shrouded in gloom.

Colress slows his pace, raising his gloved hand. "We'll take the route around," he announces, his tone sharp. "This forest is... not safe."

"Not safe?" Carmine raises an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "What, you afraid of some wild Pokémon, science guy?"

Colress adjusts his glasses with a faint smirk, his glove lighting up as he swipes through glowing data. "It's not the wild Pokémon I'm worried about. Eterna forest is notoriously easy to get lost in. Add to that the potential presence of Team Galactic operatives, and it becomes a tactical error to enter. Efficiency is key, and detouring around it minimises unnecessary risk."

Anabel nods, her sharp gaze cutting toward the forest. "He's right. It's a tactical risk we don't need to take. The detour adds some time, but it's safer."

I glance at the forest, a shiver creeping down my spine. It feels wrong - dark, ominous, as if the trees themselves are waiting to close in around us. Y/n would have probably gone straight through without hesitation, confident in his ability to handle whatever was inside. But he wouldn't want me to put myself in danger needlessly.

"All right," I say, keeping my voice steady. "We'll go around."

Hau lets out a relieved laugh, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "Thank Arceus. That place gives me the creeps."

Carmine huffs in irritation but doesn't argue.
Owen stays silent, but it's hard not to notice the way his eyes keep flicking towards the forest anxiously.

I match his stride, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

"Fine," he says, his voice clipped. But the tension in his shoulders tells me otherwise.

I don't push him. Instead, I fall quiet, letting my thoughts drift. My focus keeps pulling back to Y/n. I can almost see him now - his confident smile, his gorgeous eyes...

"You're smiling again," Carmine calls over her shoulder, her teasing tone unmistakable. "I bet I know who you're thinking about."

I feel my cheeks flush, but I don't bother denying it. "I can't wait to see him," I admit, the words soft but full of certainty.

"He'll be glad to see you too," Hau says with his easy grin.

I hope so. No, I know so.

The path curves away from the forest, and we fall into a steady rhythm. Colress mutters something to himself, still swiping at his glowing displays, while Anabel marches ahead, her gaze sharp and watchful. There's a faint rustle from the treeline, but it's distant, harmless.

Eterna City is still a mile or more away, but each step feels like it brings me closer to Y/n. I wonder what he's thinking about now, where he might be. Whatever lies ahead, I know I'll find my strength in him. And he'll find his in me.

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

There's chapter 18 for you! I hope you enjoyed reading it!

In all honesty, I haven't written much this past week. I've been completely finishing Legends Arceus for the first time ever, and man, this second playthrough has made my opinion completely change on it.

However, I finished the whole game now, so now it's time to finish writing this book. Currently I'm on chapter 24, and I'm thinking it'll end around chapter 25-27.
I have a bunch of ideas for future stories, both with Y/n & Lillie and without.

Question of the chapter:
Which region would be the most interesting to have a Legends game based in?

That's all for now! The next chapter will be posted in around a week as always! See you soon, go away now
~Golf