The warm evening sun bathes Iki Town in a golden hue as you walk towards the Kahunas. The crowd is lively, anticipating the battle with Hau, but you can feel a lingering tension in the air. The Kahunas - ex-Kahuna Hala, Olivia, Nanu, and Hapu - stand together near the edge of the platform in Iki Town, waiting.

Olivia is the first to speak, her usual smile tempered by a more serious look. "You invited us here, Y/n, and I can't shake the feeling that it's not just to watch you battle."

You take a deep breath, knowing that, while you can't reveal everything, you need to voice some concerns. "It's true. I've been hearing things from the other Champions. Signs of trouble are appearing across different regions. Nothing concrete yet, but enough to make me uneasy."

Hala watches you closely, his face lined with worry. "You mentioned some of this to me already, Champion, and I have heard some rumours too. There's been a restlessness in the world, but nothing that we can put our finger on."

Nanu gives a slow nod, his arms crossed as he leans back lazily. "Restlessness, sure. But Alola's always had quirky defense mechanisms. The Tapus tend to stir things up when they feel something's off. You think they sense any danger right now?"

"I don't know," you admit, glancing down towards Koko's Poké Ball. "But we can't take any chances. Whatever is happening, we need to be prepared. The Tapus have always protected us, it feels like we might need to help them with that."

Hapu steps forward, her voice firm. "It's our responsibility as Kahunas and as protectors of Alola to be ready for anything, even if we don't know what's coming."

You nod, appreciating the resolve in her voice. "I agree. For now, we stay vigilant. No matter what happens, we need to protect our homes. I caught some grunts earlier trying to rob a Trainer. They only said another grunt had ordered them to cause chaos... I'll keep you all informed if I learn more."

Hala places a hand on your shoulder. "You've always carried the weight of Alola on your back, Y/n. Just remember, you don't have to face this alone. The Kahunas and old Hala here will watch over Alola, same as you."

You offer him a small smile, though part of the weight on your shoulders remains. As the four protectors fall back into conversation, you step away, your thoughts lingering on the champions' meeting and what might lie ahead.

...

The energy is palpable as you start making your way to the podium. The vibrant sounds of trainers chatting and Pokémon calling out fill the air. Just ahead, you spot Hau leaning against a wooden post, his usual playful grin plastered across his face.

"Hey, Y/n!" he shouts, waving you over. "Are you ready for this battle? How are you feeling?" He asks,  noticeable concern on his face.

You return his smile, feeling a rush of excitement. "Yeah, I'm ready. It's time to show these people what we've both got!"

Hau's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, and you notice a genuine happiness in his expression. "I'm so glad you're better," he exclaims, jumping up and down, "I knew you could do it! I can't wait to see your team in action. But don't think I'm going easy on you just because we're friends!"

You chuckle, nodding in agreement. "I wouldn't want it any other way. Let's make this a battle to remember!" You say, before you both head to your own side of the podium.

As you are about to step onto the wooden platform, you spot Gladion standing near the edge of the arena, arms crossed, his sharp gaze watching the crowd gather closer and closer. Something in his stance draws you over, and you approach him, sensing there's something on your mind that you need to share before the match begins.

"Gladion," you say, voice low to avoid being overheard by the crowd. "Have you heard anything from Lillie recently?"

Gladion doesn't seem surprised by the question. He exhales, yet for a moment, the stoic expression cracks. "Not much. She's still in Kanto with Mother, as far as I'm aware... haven't heard from her in a while..."
His eyes drift away, and you can see the tension beneath the surface, the same worry that's been gnawing at you.

"I miss her," you admit, feeling the weight of her absence more keenly now. "It's hard not knowing how she's doing, or when she'll be back."

Gladion nods slowly, the concern in his eyes matching your own. "It's tough. But you know Lillie. She's strong, and she's doing everything she can for Mother. She'd want us to keep pushing forwards, not get stuck in our worries."

You sigh, glancing out at the sunset beyond the forest, its light casting long shadows across the town. "It's just... things don't feel right without her here."

Gladion's voice softens, though his usual edge remains. "She'll come back when she's ready. Right now, focus on what you can do. She'd want that from you."

You meet his gaze, feeling the familiar sting of uncertainty mixed with resolve. He's right. Lillie would want you to stay strong, even from afar.

As the call for the battle echoes from the platform, Gladion gives you a slight nod. "Hau's waiting. Show him what a Champion can do. She'll hear about it soon enough."

With a final glance at the horizon, you turn towards the podium, determination hardening in your chest.
As you step onto the wooden platform, the crowd's cheers amplify your adrenaline. You take a deep breath, feeling the solid wood beneath your feet, ready to face Hau and showcase your strength as the Alolan Champion once again.

Tapu Koko hovered nearby, now outside of its Poké Ball, watching the proceedings closely, its presence energizing the crowd with every crackle of electricity.

"Well, here we are, once again," Hau said with a grin, the usual carefree energy still present but underpinned with a focus you hadn't often seen in him before. "Let's give them a show, yeah?"

You nodded. "Ready when you are." You confidently say, readying your first Poké Ball. When Hala arrives in the middle, he bellows out a shout:
"Ready?! Let the battle... begin!!!"

"Go, Silvally!" you called, sending out your first Pokémon. The silver beast took the field, its RKS system adjusted to Dark Type, which gave it a natural advantage over Hau's predictable lead.

"Let's do this, Raichu!" Hau shouted, releasing his trusty Pokémon.

The moment the battle started, Raichu zipped across the field using its speed to its advantage, launching a quick Thunderbolt at Silvally. However, you had prepared for this.

"Silvally, Crunch!" you commanded.

Silvally charged, its fangs glowing dark as it lunged at Raichu, biting down with a devastating attack. The move hit hard, Raichu wincing from the super-effective damage. It was severely weakened but still in the fight. Hau gritted his teeth, knowing this wasn't Raichu's best matchup.

"Raichu, use Focus Blast, now!"

Raichu unleashed the powerful blast, aiming to deal heavy damage to your Silvally. However, it narrowly dodged the hit, leaping aside with impressive agility.

You seized the moment. "Finish it with another Crunch!"

Silvally lunged again, this time knocking Raichu out with the second blow. The crowd cheered as Hau recalled his Raichu, but he still had plenty of fight left.

Hau quickly sent out his next Pokémon, Crabominable.

"Silvally, Multi-Attack!" you called, trying to land another powerful hit before Crabominable could react. The dark energy swirled around Silvally as it charged forward, but your rival was ready.

"Crabominable, Close Combat!"

Crabominable barreled forward with incredible force, landing a brutal punch on Silvally. The super-effective move hit hard, and Silvally was knocked out in one blow.

You nodded as you recalled Silvally, appreciating its effort. It was time to turn the tide.
"Let's go, Solgaleo!" You sent out your legendary guardian of the sun. Its massive form barely allowed it to fit onto the podium, and the crowd roared in excitement.

Hau clenched his fists. "Crabominable, another Close Combat!"

Crabominable swung its powerful fists toward Solgaleo, but the move only did moderate damage. You knew this was your chance.

"Solgaleo, Zen Headbutt!"

Solgaleo's head glowed with psychic energy, and with one swift motion, it rammed into Crabominable, sending it crashing into the ground, knocked out cold.

Hau didn't waste a moment and called out his Incineroar next. His starter roared as it took the field. You knew Solgaleo was at a disadvantage here.

"Solgaleo, return! Great job," you called, switching it out before Incineroar would hit it with a powerful Darkest Lariat. "Go, Primarina!"

Primarina took the field, its Water/Fairy-type combination giving it the perfect advantage against Incineroar. The feline Pokémon snarled as it prepared to attack.

"Incineroar, Darkest Lariat!"

Incineroar spun into action, the dark energy swirling around it as it aimed for Primarina. But the damage wasn't too bad, Primarina could take the hit.

"Primarina, Sparkling Aria!"

A melody of water erupted from Primarina, crashing into Incineroar. The power of the move sent Incineroar reeling, but Hau nor Incineroar was giving up yet.

"Incineroar, return! Go, Leafeon!"

Hau's Leafeon hit the field, and you knew that Primarina was at a disadvantage now. Luckily, you had a good move up your sleeve.

"Primarina, use Ice Beam!"

You knew you had to act fast. Primarina unleashed a freezing beam, the attack streaking through the air in a flash of white light. The temperature plummeted around you as the icy blast shot towards Leafeon, frost forming on the wooden platform beneath it, but Leafeon was quicker, dodging the attack while sliding.

"Leafeon, go for Leaf Blade!"

Leafeon darted forward, its blade-like tail glowing green as it slashed Primarina, knocking it out with one powerful hit.

You sent out Haxorus, ready to turn the tables once again. The huge dragon growled, its eyes locked on Leafeon.

"Leafeon, use X-Scissor!"

Leafeon leapt forward with a cross-shaped slash, aiming for Haxorus. But you had a counter ready.

"Haxorus, Poison Jab!"

Haxorus's claws glowed purple as it struck Leafeon with a poisonous blow. The move was super-effective, and after a short but intense exchange, Leafeon fainted.

The air grew still as Hau's Noivern took the field, its wings casting a shadow over the platform. You knew this was going to be a battle of speed and raw power - both of your dragons had everything to prove. Noivern let out an ear-splitting screech, and Haxorus growled back in defiance. The crowd fell into a hushed silence, sensing the weight of the clash to come.

"Noivern, Dragon Pulse!" Hau commanded, his voice sharp with focus.

Noivern flapped its wings once, taking to the sky, and unleashed a roaring beam of draconic energy. Haxorus braced itself, taking the hit squarely, but it staggered under the force of the powerful move. You clenched your fists, knowing that this was just the beginning.

"Haxorus, Dragon Claw! Don't let it get away!"

Haxorus roared and launched itself at Noivern, its claws glowing with savage energy. They tore through the air, and Noivern tried to dodge, but Haxorus caught its wing, slashing through it with a brutal strike. Noivern shrieked in pain, spinning wildly in the air as it regained control, but it wasn't down yet.

"Noivern, Air Slash!" Hau called, eyes narrowing.

Noivern whipped up a vicious gust of wind with its wings, sending razor-sharp blades of air toward Haxorus. Haxorus growled as the wind slashed across its body, leaving visible marks, but it stood its ground. Both dragons were panting now, injured but unwilling to back down.

"Haxorus, Poison Jab!" You yelled.

Haxorus, its claws glowing with a toxic purple aura, leapt into the air, aiming to strike Noivern again. Noivern barely managed to twist in time, avoiding the brunt of the hit, but the poison still grazed its body, leaving it sluggish and intoxicated.

Hau wasn't giving in. "Noivern, Hurricane!"

With a flap of its wings, Noivern conjured a fierce whirlwind. The storm of wind and debris slammed into Haxorus, forcing it to dig its claws into the ground to stay upright. The force of the wind was overwhelming, pushing Haxorus to its limits, and even the crowd had to worry about taking cover.

You had to end this now.

"Haxorus, Outrage! Give it everything!"

Haxorus's eyes glowed red as it entered a berserk state, charging at Noivern with reckless abandon. It leapt into the air, claws swinging wildly, slamming into the flying dragon over and over. The sheer power of the attack sent Noivern crashing into the ground. But the effort took its toll; Haxorus was exhausted, panting heavily as it stood over its fallen opponent.

Hau clenched his fists. "Noivern, get up!"
But Noivern couldn't. It collapsed, fainting from the sheer damage. At the same time, Haxorus wobbled, its exhaustion from Outrage too much to bear, and it too fell, fainting beside Noivern.The crowd erupted, stunned by the simultaneous knockout.

The arena buzzed with energy as you sent out Lycanroc, your Pokémon's eyes gleaming under the evening sky. Hau's Tauros hit the field, snorting and scraping at the ground. The crowd watched in anticipation.

"Tauros, Zen Headbutt!" Hau shouted immediately, wasting no time. Tauros charged forwards with blinding speed, its head glowing with psychic energy. Lycanroc barely had time to react before the massive bull crashed into it, sending your wolf tumbling backward across the platform. You winced; Lycanroc had taken heavy damage, but it managed to rise to its paws, teeth bared.

"Lycanroc, Stone Edge! Hold your ground!"

Lycanroc howled as sharp stones erupted from the ground, launching toward Tauros with deadly precision. The stones struck Tauros head-on, causing it to stagger, but it was far from finished. It shook off the attack, its eyes burning with determination.

"Tauros, Close Combat!" Hau roared.

Tauros charged again, this time with even more force. Its powerful hooves pounded the wooden floor as it slammed into Lycanroc with a barrage of kicks, each hit striking with crushing force. Lycanroc yelped in pain, struggling to hold on as Tauros pressed the attack. The damage was immense, and Lycanroc was on the brink of collapse.

But you weren't giving up. "Lycanroc, one more Stone Edge! Make it count!"

Summoning its last reserves of strength, Lycanroc let out a ferocious growl, its claws digging into the ground. With a final effort, it sent a volley of jagged stones hurtling toward Tauros. The rocks slammed into Tauros's flank, causing it to skid to a halt. Both Pokémon were now on the edge of exhaustion, breathing heavily, their movements sluggish.

Tauros snorted, preparing for one last charge.

But you had another move in mind.

"Lycanroc, Accelerock!"

In a blur of speed, Lycanroc dashed forward, its body glowing with the power of its signature move. It struck Tauros head-on before it could react, landing a direct hit. Tauros stumbled, its legs giving out as it finally collapsed, fainted.

Incineroar, damaged from its earlier battle, returned to the field. Lycanroc was exhausted but determined to fight.

"Incineroar, Flare Blitz!" Hau exclaims, swinging his arm.

Incineroar charged forward in a fiery rush, slamming into Lycanroc and finally knocking out your brave Pokémon.

"You did well, buddy," you whisper, "you can rest now, we got this".

Your final Pokémon, Tapu Koko, took the field. The legendary guardian crackled with energy, its eyes locked on Incineroar.

"Incineroar, Flare Blitz!" Hau called, desperate to knock out your last Pokémon.

But Tapu Koko was too quick. "Tapu Koko, Dazzling Gleam!"

A burst of brilliant light exploded from Tapu Koko, the shiny move hitting Incineroar with blinding power. Incineroar staggered, then collapsed, fainted.

The battle was over. The crowd erupted into cheers, Tapu Koko floated around triumphantly as Hau returned his Incineroar, and it let out a cry, indicating it was pleased with another brilliant battle in which it took part itself for once.

"You really gave me a run for my money, Y/n," Hau says, a tired but wide smile on his face. "I thought Incineroar had you there for a second."
You chuckle, rubbing the back of your neck. "It was close. I was lucky to have two legendaries on my team."

Hau's grin softens into something more genuine, his usual carefree attitude giving way to sincerity.
"I'm genuinely glad you're feeling up for this kind of battle again. You seem... different, but in a good way."
You nod:
"Yeah, I guess I am. I had some things to figure out, but... I'm getting there."

Hau's smile grows, and he extends his hand.
"Well, whatever it is, keep going. Today, you felt like the Champion everyone always talks about."
You take his hand, shaking it firmly. "And you like the title challenger everyone always talks about."

Hau laughs, pulling you into a quick hug. "Hey! Next time, I'll take that title from you. Mark my words!"
You both laugh, the tension from the battle melting away into the warmth of your friendship.

As the post-battle festival celebrations get underway, you spot a new face among the crowd; someone who seems like they don't belong in the cheerful festivities but stands out all the same. A girl with long, dark hair and fiery red tips walks with purpose through the crowd, giving her an air of confidence and defiance. Her yellow headband catches the light of the evening torches.

The sharp gaze of her bright yellow eyes sweeps over the scene, clearly unimpressed by the jovial atmosphere. But when she spots Hau, her expression changes slightly, her eyes narrowing with intrigue.

"Is that the best Alola's got?" she teases, crossing her arms over her chest as she walks over to the two of you. Her voice is brash, but it has a playful edge to it. "You were good out there, but I've seen better. The name's Carmine, by the way." She gives Hau a challenging smirk.

Hau blinks, surprised, then grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Thanks, I guess... but you haven't seen me on my best day yet."

Carmine raises an eyebrow, her arms still crossed. "Well, maybe I will someday. But don't think I'll go easy on you when I do."

Her presence feels electric, bold, like someone who isn't afraid to speak her mind. There's a tension between them that you can't help but notice. You exchange a knowing glance with Hau, remembering your advice about girls and showing his brave side. Seems like Carmine might just be the one to bring that out even more. As they fall into casual conversation, you subtly slip away into the crowd.

The festival had now begun to wind down; the cheers and laughter that had filled Iki Town throughout the evening had softened to a content murmur as the crowd began to disperse. You stood near the Kahuna's house, reflecting on your recent victory.

Suddenly, you spot a figure rushing through the thinning crowd. An Aether Foundation grunt, breathing heavily and clearly agitated, was pushing past bystanders as he made a direct line toward Gladion, who stood nearby, observing the festival with his usual demeanor.

You narrow your eyes, stepping closer. The sight of a hurried Aether grunt was unusual enough to raise your suspicions, and the fact he was heading straight for Gladion made you uneasy. You approach just as the grunt reaches him.

"Gladion, sir!" the grunt pants, bending over to catch his breath. "There's... there's a boat coming in from Kanto. Miss Lusamine's on board."

The words hit like a Shockwave. You exchange a glance with Gladion, whose expression remains unreadable, though the tightening of his jaw doesn't escape your notice.

Your mind races, and before you can stop yourself, you ask, "Is Lillie with her?"

The grunt looks between you and Gladion, his eyes wide, shaking his head quickly. "I-I don't know, sir. I wasn't told, but the ship is already docking. I was sent to alert you."

The possibility of seeing Lillie again swells in your chest, a bittersweet mixture of anticipation and anxiety. If Lusamine was coming back, perhaps Lillie was with her... or maybe not. You hadn't seen her in so long, and the uncertainty gnawed at you.

Gladion, still quiet, eventually nods. "We need to go to the docks." He turns to you, his normally cold expression softening just a bit, as if he understands what you're thinking. "If she's with them, we'll know soon."

You swallow hard and nod. There was no way you were going to miss this, whether it was just Lusamine or if Lillie was there too.

The docks were illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, the ocean reflecting the moonlight in gentle ripples.

You stood beside Gladion, his arms crossed, face stoic as ever, though you knew him well enough by now to sense the undercurrent of emotions swirling within him. The Aether Foundation grunts milled about as the boat from Kanto pulled in, the soft churning of water the only sound as it docked.

Your heart pounded in your chest, excitement and nerves tangling together. You could distinguish the silhouettes of a few people walking through the crowd of those disembarking. One of them caught your eye first – a man around your age, his expression serious, and a cocky swagger to his step.

The wind tousled his y/c hair as he adjusted the Poké Balls at his hip. His outfit was strikingly dark: black shoes, jeans, and a jacket layered over a black and blue shirt. A sleek black necklace bearing a Mega Stone rested against his chest, while his wrists were adorned with contrasting accessories – a black iron bracelet on one and a Dynamax Band on the other. Completing his look was a sharp, Galarian-style hat tilted just enough to hint at his self-assured attitude.

But your attention was quickly drawn to the woman strutting just ahead of him, golden hair catching the last rays of the setting sun. Dressed exactly like you remembered her, exuding confidence with every step - it was Lusamine, the former president of the Aether Foundation. Alongside her were a few grunts, the same ones who had accompanied her to Kanto.

Without thinking, you jumped off your Charizard ride and rushed towards the approaching group. Your eyes scanned everyone anxiously, heart thumping in your chest as you searched for the one person you had been dreaming of for years. Panting from excitement, you came face-to-face with Lusamine.

"Miss Aether!" You exclaimed, a rush of relief and anticipation in your voice. "I'm so glad you're here... are you... you know...?"

Lusamine greeted you with a short hug, her golden hair brushing against your cheek.
"Better? Yes, Y/n, I'm safe and healthy!" She replied warmly. "Bill helped me so much to reach the point where I am right now. The toxins are all gone, thank Arceus! And how have you been?"

You managed a smile, hastily sharing details about your life in Alola, but your eyes never stopped darting around, searching the faces in the crowd. Still no sign of her.

Before you could ask another question, Gladion stepped forwards. His usually cold demeanor softened, his eyes glistening slightly. "Mother..." he whispered, pulling her into a long, tight embrace. You blinked in surprise, realising this might be the first time you'd ever seen Gladion show such open emotion.

But your thoughts quickly shifted back to her.
"Miss Aether, if I might ask," you started cautiously, feeling guilty for interrupting this family reunion, "where's-"

A sudden tap on your shoulder stopped you mid-sentence. You turned around, and before you could process what was happening, the familiar warmth of a familiar hug engulfed you. The smell of her hair, that familiar golden blond, the perfume she always wore... Dressed in her Z-form outfit, pink bag slung over her shoulder, looking exactly as you remembered - the most beautiful woman you've ever seen.

Her voice, soft and teary, whispered into your ear, "Y/n."

You could still remember the last time you held her this close. It had been on these very docks, with the ocean waves lapping gently against the pier as she boarded the boat to Kanto. Her arms had wrapped around you tightly, just like now, her words soft in your ear, full of hope for her mother's recovery. "I'll come back, Y/n, I promise." You had smiled for her, telling her you'd wait, but deep down, you had feared that moment would never come. The feeling of her warmth as she pulled away, leaving you standing on the dock with the cold sea breeze blowing through your hair... it had stayed with you for years. Until now.

You hugged her back tightly, your heart swelling with emotions you hadn't allowed yourself to feel in years.

"Lillie..."

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

There you go! Chapter 3 is done! The speed at which I'm going can't continue forever, surely? Until here, I mostly rewrote the dialogues, descriptions and some events, but the plot remained more or less the same. From here on out, I'll have to fully rewrite almost everything!

Either way, I hope you have enjoyed everything so far! If you have issues with anything, let me know, I'm open to any criticism (or compliments)! :)

Stuff will get even better from now on since Lillie will now essentially be one of the main focuses of the story (duh). Y/n and Lillie's reunion was inspired by my own first time meeting my partner at the airport. I couldn't find her for the life of me and suddenly she appeared behind me xD

Anyways, that's it for today. Hope you're all doing well wherever you are in Alola! Go away now, take care!
~Golf