Your POV

"Well, here we are! Home sweet home." You exclaim, unlocking the gate to your mansion.

After discovering the injured Team Skull grunts, it didn't take long for the police to arrive after your call to take them for questioning. As Lillie seemed scared by the blood and the gore of the scene overall, you decided it'd be a good idea to spend the rest of the night at your house in Hau'oli City, where everything always felt safe and secure. On the flight to Melemele Island, you informed Lillie of the champions' meeting and what it entailed. After a relatively fast flight, you finally arrived in Hau'oli City.

"Wow, it's... amazing," Lillie says, her eyes wide as she takes in the grandeur of your home. "And such a nice location, right in front of the beach!"

Your mansion is a sight to behold, standing tall and proud with its elegant architecture. The entrance hall opens into a wide courtyard filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a warm welcome. The large kitchen, complete with a spacious island, hints at the culinary adventures you've had. Two living rooms boast plush sofas and large windows that let in the soft glow of the setting sun, while the three bathrooms and five bedrooms promise comfort and space.

But more than just size and function, the house held an unmistakable Alolan warmth. Tiki statues lined the entrance hall, small wooden carvings representing the Tapu guardians, watching over the house like silent protectors. The scent of the sea was faintly present in every room, mixed with the earthy tones of woven floor mats made of palm fronds that covered the wooden floors.

The walls were adorned with framed pictures you had taken of the ocean at sunset - occasionally featuring your friends - and the furniture - crafted from rich, local wood - was sturdy yet elegant. A pair of surfboards stood propped against the wall in one of the living rooms, a reminder of the island's vibrant culture. On the center table, seashells and coral were carefully arranged in bowls, adding a coastal touch to the décor.

Lillie's eyes caught on every detail. "It's really beautiful, and it's so... you," she said, smiling as she looked at the décor. "It's like this place is filled with Alola's spirit. Not bad for a Kantonian!"

You smiled back. "That's the goal. Alola's home now, after all."

You lead her into the living room, where soft, warm lighting casts a cosy glow. The room smells faintly of vanilla, mixed with the earthy tones of the wooden furniture. She looks around, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, before they land on the couch and a portrait of you with your Pokémon on the wall. You've never really noticed how big the house feels when you're alone, but with Lillie here, it suddenly feels... right.

"This place really suits you," Lillie says, her voice soft as she runs a hand along the back of the sofa. "It's like the whole house is filled with your memories and victories." She smiles, but there's something about the way her fingers linger over the cushions that tells you her mind is elsewhere.

"Lillie..." you start, stepping closer. "Are you okay?

Her fingers stop tracing the cushions, and she turns to you, eyes soft yet a little distant. "I am, I just... seeing your life like this, all of your success, it's amazing. But it's hard not to think about how much time we've lost. Sometimes I wonder what things would have been like if I'd never left for Kanto. How much we missed, how much I missed seeing you grow into your role of Champion."

You take a step closer, your hand finding hers. "I've thought about that a lot too," you say, voice gentle. "But you're here now, and that's what matters. We can make up for that lost time, together."

She squeezes your hand, her eyes softening. "You're right." Her voice is a whisper, as if she's still processing the idea. "I don't want to lose any more time with you."

Her words send a warmth through you, one that settles deep in your chest. You pull her into a gentle hug, and she leans into you, her head resting against your chest.

"We've got all the time we need now," you say, your voice barely above a murmur as you stroke her hair.

After a long moment, she pulls back slightly, a small smile on her lips. "Do you want to show me the rest of the house?"

You smile at Lillie's excitement and lead her to the next room. "Well, this is my personal training gym. It's fully equipped for both me and my Pokémon to train."

Lillie walks in, taking in the sight of the workout machines, a dedicated Pokémon battle area, and a collection of weights. "This is incredible! It's like having your own private training centre!"

"Yeah," you nod, looking around. "I've spent a lot of time in here getting stronger, preparing for battles... It'd be fun to practice battling together here sometime, don't you think?"

Her eyes light up at the suggestion. "I'd love that! I'm sure I could teach you a thing or two," she adds with a playful grin.

You smirk, crossing your arms. "Oh, I'm sure you'd be a tough opponent!"

Lillie laughs, her laughter softening the tension still lingering from earlier. "Well, you've been the Champion for a while, so it might take me some time to catch up... but I'd love to try."

The thought of training alongside her fills you with excitement. "We'll make it happen."

Her smile turns soft as she looks around once more before turning back to you.
"Now let's go see the kitchen! I'm excited to see what culinary victories you've achieved while I was away."

The smell of fresh ingredients and herbs filling the air. The bright countertops glisten under the light, and you can't help but feel a sense of pride in your space.

"Wow, this place is incredible! Do you actually cook? I was just joking earlier." she asks, a playful grin spreading across her face.

You chuckle, scratching your head. "I dabble a bit. I'm no gourmet chef, but I can whip up a decent meal or two. What about you?"

Lillie's cheeks flush slightly. "I enjoy cooking! It's calming for me, and it makes my Pokémon feel happy. Maybe we can cook together sometime?"

"Sounds like a plan!" you reply, "I'd love to learn some of your recipes."

Her eyes sparkle at the thought, and you continue. "We could even make a special dinner; just for us."

"Now that's an idea I could get behind," she says, her voice teasing. "Just you and me, a delicious meal, and maybe a little dancing afterward?"

You laugh, feeling lighter. "I can see it now - the grand dinner of Hau'oli."

Lillie rolls her eyes playfully, but her smile is bright. "Just don't burn the kitchen down, okay?"

"Hey, I'll have you know I've only set fire to it once," you tease back. "But I promise to keep it under control."

"Good!" she replies, leaning closer. "Because I'd hate for you to miss out on cooking for me." She adds, and you share a laugh.

"Now, how about we check out your room?" Lillie says with a playful grin, nudging you as she takes your hand, leading you down the hallway before you can respond.

As you open the door to your bedroom, you can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Welcome to my fortress of solitude," you joke, revealing the expansive space filled with trophies and memorabilia.

"Wow, is this bed made for a Wailord? It's huge!" Lillie exclaims as she steps into your room, her eyes roaming over the spacious king-sized bed. She shoots you a teasing look, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. "Do you really sleep here alone? Or is there something you've been keeping from me?"

You chuckle, scratching the back of your neck as you lean against the doorframe. "I've held the record of being the only person to ever enter this room - until today, that is!"

As she explores your room, her gaze lands on the trophies adorning the shelves. The Alolan Champion trophy shines proudly, alongside your  '100% Pokédex completion' certificate. A candid photo taken by Rotom of you, Lillie, and Hau during happier times rests on your bedside table, alongside a picture Lillie took of your Popplio, now a majestic Primarina.

On the shelf above your bed is a pristine Master Ball in a protective case, alongside a couple of volcanic rock sculptures from Wela Volcano Park. The sunlight filtering through the windows gives the room a warm, golden glow, and you can see the ocean stretching out in the distance.

"It's all so impressive," she says softly, her expression contemplative. "You've worked really hard for all of this."

You nod, a sense of pride swelling within you. "But it wouldn't mean much without someone to share it with," you reply, stepping closer.

Lillie takes a seat on the edge of the bed, her fingers trailing lightly over the soft covers. "Well, I'm honoured to be the second person in here," she says with a playful wink, but then her smile fades slightly as she looks up at you, her eyes searching yours.

You take a step closer, sitting down beside her. The air between you feels charged, a quiet intensity settling over the room. You can feel your heartbeat quicken as you look into her deep green eyes, reflecting the soft light of the room.

"Lillie," you begin, your voice low, "I need you to know something... When you told me how you felt earlier, it meant more to me than you could ever know."

You continue.
"To tell you the truth, I've been wanting to say this even since before I became a Champion. Seeing you leave was one of the hardest things, no, the hardest thing I've ever been through. For the past five years, I've felt regrets every single day about not telling you about the things I felt for you before you left... how I've wanted to be yours, and for you to be mine. Being Champion, having this mansion, having my Pokémon by my side... all of it means a ton to me. But none of it means anything if I can't have you by my side, always. I've been holding onto these feelings for so long, and... I love you, too. I love you so, so much. More than you'll ever know."

Her breath catches, and for a moment, neither of you speak. The only sound is the distant crashing of the waves outside. She blinks, tears glistening at the edges of her eyes, but her smile returns, softer this time, more vulnerable. "I've wanted to hear you say that for so long," she whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "I've wanted you for so long."

Before you can respond, Lillie leans in, her lips brushing against yours, tentative at first, as if testing the waters. But when you respond, tilting your head to deepen the kiss, it's like something between you finally snaps. Her arms wrap around your neck, pulling you closer as your hands find her waist, holding her gently yet firmly. The kiss grows more passionate, more urgent, as if all the moments of longing, all the words left unsaid, are finally being expressed.

Her fingers tangle in your hair, and you feel the warmth of her body pressing against yours. Time seems to slow, the world outside fading away until all that matters is her - her touch, her warmth, her love. Every movement is a silent promise, a confirmation of everything you have both been holding back.

You pull back just slightly, enough to rest your forehead against hers, both of you breathless but smiling. "I've wanted this for so long, too," you confess, your thumb brushing her cheek as she closes her eyes, leaning into your touch. "I've been waiting for this moment, waiting for you."

"I'm here now," she murmurs, her lips brushing yours again, softer this time. "And I'm not going anywhere."

She pulls you back into another kiss, and this one is slower, deeper, filled with all the tenderness and affection you both had been craving. Your hands roam her back, holding her close, and her fingers trace soft patterns along your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

When you finally break apart again, Lillie laughs softly, resting her head on your chest. "I can't believe it," she whispers, her breath warm against your skin. "It feels like a dream."

You smile, your hand gently stroking her hair as you kiss the top of her head. "If it is, I don't want to wake up."

For a while, you both just sit there, holding each other in the quiet comfort of your room, wrapped in the warmth of the moment. It feels perfect - like everything has finally fallen into place.

After the tender conversation in the bedroom, you and Lillie decide to head downstairs for dinner. The air feels lighter as you both walk through the grand hallway, her hand resting in yours as you lead her to the kitchen.

The warmth of the evening outside contrasts with the cool, modern space inside. You pull out a chair for Lillie at the island while you start prepping the meal. "How about something simple? I can't remember the last time I cooked at home."

Lillie smiles, watching as you move around the kitchen. "I'd love that. Anything's perfect when it's with you." She says it casually, but the warmth in her voice sends a familiar flutter to your chest.

As you prepare the meal - grilled Magikarp with a fresh salad - the conversation flows easily. Lillie laughs, recounting an old memory of when she m saw you and Hau face off for the second time during the Island Trials in Iki Town.

"Hau was so determined to win," she chuckles, "but you... you, Popplio and Rockruff were so focused. I knew you were going to be Champion the moment you stepped onto that platform."

You smirk, placing the plates down in front of her, the scent of the food filling the room. "I had to win. Otherwise, how would I have impressed you?"

Lillie's laughter fills the space, and for a moment, everything feels perfect again. You both dig into the meal, the chatter between you light and carefree. The food is delicious, but you're more focused on the way Lillie's eyes sparkle in the candlelight, the way she smiles when she talks about her time in Kanto, and how comfortable everything feels, as though the world outside doesn't exist.

As the meal winds down, there's a lull in the conversation. Lillie picks at her plate for a moment before glancing up at you, her expression softening. "Y/n... I've been thinking about earlier," she says gently, her voice lowering slightly.

You pause, placing your fork down, giving her your full attention.

"I know we haven't had much time to talk about it, but... what happened with those Team Skull grunts..." she hesitates, as if weighing her words, "...it's been on my mind."

You sit up straighter, sensing the shift. "Yeah... they didn't look great. It's not normal for something like that to happen here," you begin, your tone more serious now. "Whoever did this must be serious. It's rare for someone to physically hurt others in Alola. This may not be random. It might be connected to what I told you about earlier, about what the other Champions have been telling me."

Lillie's brows furrow, worry creeping into her features. "Kalos, Sinnoh, Hoenn... all these regions facing a rise in dangerous groups. Do you think... it has come here too?"

Before you can answer, the sudden ringing of your Rotom phone interrupts the moment. You exchange a quick glance with Lillie, tension knotting your stomach. It's not a usual time for anyone to call.

You check the screen, noticing the unfamiliar number. Something about it feels important. After a brief hesitation, you swipe to answer.

"Hello?"

A stern voice comes through the line. "Is this Y/n, the Alola Champion?"

Your grip tightens around the phone. "Yes. Who's calling?"

"This is Walt from the Malie police department. We've interrogated the two Team Skull grunts you brought in earlier. One of them doesn't remember jack shit, but the other mentioned something... strange. He said the person who attacked them had a black Charizard. That's all we've got for now, but we'll keep you updated."

The moment the call ends, a chill settles over the room. You set your phone down, the weight of the information sinking in.
Someone with a shiny Charizard?

Lillie is quiet for a moment, her fingers nervously twisting a strand of her golden hair. "A black Charizard..." she whispers, almost to herself. Then, she hesitates, her voice faltering.

"Owen... has one, but he wouldn't do something like this," she continues, almost as though she's trying to convince herself. "But... if it was Owen... do you think... it could be him?"

Her voice trembles slightly, torn between the affection she feels for the guy and the heavy suspicion hanging in the air. You can see the inner conflict in her eyes as she meets your gaze. She wants to believe the best in him, but the information seems to fit too well. He might be the only person in Alola with a Pokémon like that.

Your heart tightens at the sight of her torn expression, the hesitation, the unwillingness to believe it, and the fear that maybe, just maybe, her suspicions are right.

"Love, there's only one way to find out," you say, reaching across the table to take her hand in yours. "But no matter what, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."

She nods, squeezing your hand back. You stand, a sense of grim determination settling over you as you reach for your Poké Balls. The weight of uncertainty lingers between you, but you know that whatever comes next, you can now face it together again, like old times.

Owen's POV

The Aether Foundation is quiet at this hour, the faint hum of machines filling the sterile halls. I like it here at night, when there's no one to bother me. But tonight feels too quiet and too heavy.

I toss my black jacket onto the nearest chair, staring out the window into the dark ocean beyond that surrounds the whole building. My mind drifts back to Malie City, the rush of power, the satisfaction of watching those grunts crumble under my Pokémon's strength. A twisted part of me enjoyed it.
Power... that's what I've always craved, right? But now that I did what I did... I'm not sure if I still do.

I close my eyes, and that familiar voice creeps into my thoughts - Father. His words still ring in my ears, a ghost from the past.

"You need to be the strongest you can be, Owen. The world only respects power, and we need to be in control if we're going to change it. Remember, everything I've done, I've done for our goal. One day, you'll help me complete it."

His research, his ambitions... and me, always the weapon. Even when I wanted to walk away, he pulled me back in with promises of greatness. Recognition. Maybe that's why I did it, why I hurt those grunts. Part of me wanted to prove I was more than part of his plan. That I could control my own fate.

But then I see their faces. The fear. The way they crumbled beneath Charizard's gaze. It wasn't right... was it?

My chest tightens, and I let out a long breath, pushing the doubts aside. I've always been good at that. Shoving away the uncomfortable truths.

After a long silence, I hear footsteps approaching. My eyes snap open, and I see Gladion standing by the door, arms crossed, his usual hard gaze fixed on me.

"Mr. Gladion," I say, trying to mask the tension in my voice.

"Owen," he responds, stepping further into the room. There's no accusation in his tone – at least not yet. He seems to have this uncanny ability to look like he knows more than he's saying. "I wanted to talk. About Kanto. About what you did for my family."

I swallow, trying to keep my emotions in check. Kanto... Lillie... I'd spent months watching over her and her mother while the latter recovered from the neurotoxins that nearly destroyed her mind and body. Cooking for them, trying to help Lillie navigate her fear of losing her mother... it all feels like a blur now, like it happened in another lifetime.

"You helped them," Gladion continues, his voice softer than I expected. "Lillie told me everything. You didn't have to stay with them, but you did. So... thank you."

I blink, caught off guard by the gratitude in his voice. "I just did what I thought was right," I say, keeping my tone even. "Lillie needed someone. I wasn't just going to leave her alone."

Gladion's eyes narrow, but there's something more thoughtful behind his usual cold expression. "You really care about her."

I nod. "She's one of the few people who sees me for who I am, not just for what I can do. And sometimes, that's enough."

Gladion pauses, like he's weighing his next words carefully. "Lillie's always been good at that – seeing the best in people. Maybe that's why I feel so protective of her."

"I understand," I reply, feeling a flicker of something in my chest. "She's... she gives me hope. Hope that maybe I can be better."

Gladion watches me for a moment longer. "Better... that's right. Whatever happens, we always have to remember why we want to be better."

Just as he turns to leave, he pauses by the window, his gaze sharpening. "Ah, they're here."

I follow his line of sight and spot Y/n's Charizard descending into the Aether Foundation courtyard, Lillie sitting in front of him. They land in a hurry, and it doesn't take long for me to figure out why.

Gladion watches, his brow furrowed. "Wonder what's going on."

Without waiting for Gladion, I head towards the door. He follows, curiosity in his step, but I'm already bracing myself for whatever's coming next.

Your POV

You and Lillie land in the courtyard, Charizard's wings stirring up dust as it touches down. The tension is palpable, and you can feel Lillie's grip on your arm tighten as you slide off the saddle. Gladion is already there, eyes narrowing in confusion as he watches you approach, but his focus shifts when Owen steps in front of him. His expression is calm, too calm, as if he's been expecting this.

"Owen!" Lillie's voice trembles. "We need to talk... about what happened. They said they... that a person attacked them with a shiny Charizard." She swallows hard, clearly torn, her voice faltering. "Owen... it was  you, wasn't it?"

Owen's eyes flicker to her for just a moment before locking onto you, his posture rigid. His face hardens, a bitter smile twisting his lips. "So that's why you came here to see me - to question me? I should've known."

Gladion shifts behind him, frowning. "Wait, what? What is she talking about?"

Owen doesn't look back. His voice drips with sarcasm. "And I'm assuming you didn't bring your perfect Champion boyfriend for a friendly chat."

You take a deep breath, steadying yourself. "This is not about me or Lillie, Owen. It's about what you did – why did you do it?"

For a moment, Owen's jaw tightens, his fists clenching at his sides. His emotions swirl beneath the surface, but instead of crumbling, he lets out a sinister chuckle. "Always so righteous, Y/n. Always the perfect little gem of Alola, adored by everyone. You've always had it easy, haven't you?"

You shake your head, trying to keep your voice calm. "This has nothing to do with that. This isn't a competition."

"Isn't it?" Owen snaps, stepping closer, his eyes flashing with years of buried frustration. "You've had everything handed to you. A perfect life, perfect Pokémon, a perfect family, the perfect girl!" His voice cracks, though he tries to hide it. "I've had to grind and claw for everything I've got. Do you even know what that's like? Even Pokémon didn't know me, didn't trust me.  I had to Wonder Trade just to get my team. While you? You were handed a legendary Pokémon on a silver platter, for crying out loud! Arceus, you didn't even have to fight a Champion to become one!"

His words hit you hard, the anger and pain behind them clear. Lillie's face pales, her hands trembling at her sides as she steps forward. "Owen, I-"

"Shut up!" Owen barks, his voice hoarse. "You don't get it either. No one does. While you were in Kanto sick with worry, I was picking up the pieces. Watching your mother, taking care of you... I helped you, Lillie, I did! But you barely even notice me anymore ever since this stuck-up prick showed up."

"Owen," Lillie whispers, her voice strained with emotion. "You're my friend. I appreciate everything you've done, so much, but this isn't about Y/n and I."

The deep-rooted scars from his past begin to unravel before you. You take a cautious step forwards, lowering your voice. "Owen, I barely know you. I don't know what you've been through."

"Of course you don't," he mutters, eyes dark and hollow. "Because you've never had to struggle. You've never had to fight for something that wasn't already meant to be yours. You have no idea what it's like to live in someone's shadow, to constantly be second best."

His voice drops, and for the first time, the vulnerability beneath his anger cracks through. "I moved back to Kanto to finally be someone. There, I met Lillie. She was... so gentle, so kind. For the first time, I thought I found someone who cared about me – for who I am. Not for what I could be."

Owen's gaze flickers toward Lillie, and she stiffens under its weight. "I even followed her to Alola. Here, I thought I could finally be the person I was meant to be. The strongest Trainer, maybe even someone she'd need by her side, someone she'd appreciate having around."

His voice rises, the bitterness creeping back. "This Champion she'd been talking about, whom she hadn't seen in five years? I thought he would have long forgotten her. And then... I arrive, and what do I see? This perfect golden boy waiting for her. You - loyal, polite, brilliant as always."

He spits the words out, trembling with the weight of his emotions. "She didn't even have words to say to me after that. Every day, it's been 'Y/n this' and 'Y/n that.' And once again... I'm back to second best."

You hear Owen's words, and your blood begins to boil, but you keep your voice steady. You exchange a glance with Lillie, who is on the verge of tears, her hands clenched in front of her. You step forwards, standing between him and Lillie, your tone calm yet firm.

"Owen, don't involve Lillie in this. She's not some trophy to be claimed, nor is she obliged to be around you. She chose to be with me because of what we've been through, because of the bond we share – not because I'm some 'perfect golden boy.'"

Your eyes lock with his, your chest tightening with a mix of frustration and sympathy. "You think she doesn't care about you? She was worried sick when she heard the news. She wanted to believe you wouldn't do something like this. But causing needless commotion, hurting people... that's not who she believes you are. And it's not who you need to be."

You soften your voice, though your resolve remains strong. "I don't know the full story of what you've been through, but this path you're on... it's not going to lead you anywhere good. Being strong isn't about causing pain. It's about protecting the ones you care about."

Owen's eyes narrow, his fists clenched at his sides as he lets out a bitter laugh.

"Protection's just another word for control. And I don't trust anyone enough to hold the reins but me." He says, and pulls out a Poké Ball, the tension in the air crackling like electricity.

You finally step forward, standing face-to-face with Owen. "If you want a battle, I'll give it to you. But this isn't about proving who's better. This is about you facing consequences for what you've done."

Owen meets your gaze, his jaw tight. "Let's see if the boy also bleeds gold."

He hurls his first Poké Ball into the air with a flash, and a shiny Garchomp materializes on the battlefield, snarling.

Without hesitation, you call upon your Haxorus, its imposing form landing with a thud, ready for battle.

Owen's Garchomp strikes first with Swords Dance, its power growing dangerously. But you stay calm. "Haxorus, Dragon Claw!" Your dragon lunges forward, slashing through the air and landing a clean hit on Garchomp's side.

Owen shouts his own command: "Dragon Claw!"
However, you notice something strange. Its movements seem mechanical; precise, yes, but there's no fire in its attack, no passion. It strikes Haxorus hard, but the impact feels hollow, like it's just going through the motions.

"Dragon Claw again!" you command, and this time, Haxorus's claws glow fiercely as it strikes with devastating force. Garchomp collapses, knocked out.

Owen growls, his frustration building as he recalls Garchomp. "Mitsuki told me this one was unbeatable," he mutters, but he shakes it off and grabs another Poké Ball.

He sends out a shiny Scizor next, its green metallic body gleaming in the sunlight. You switch to Lycanroc, the Dusk Form's golden eyes gleaming with determination.

"Scizor, Swords Dance!" Owen yells. Scizor obeys, its claws gleaming, but the usual fierceness is missing. The movements are sharp, calculated, but lack any real vigor.

"Lycanroc, Fire Fang!" you shout. Lycanroc dashes forward, its fangs engulfed in flames, and bites down on Scizor, exploiting its glaring weakness to fire. The metal bug stumbles back, severely damaged.

"Damn it, Scizor! Roost!" Owen commands, and follows it up with a second order. His hand trembles as he points, his mind racing. For a split second, he seems to hesitate, but he grits his teeth, shoving it aside. "Scizor, attack Y/n-" he hesitates, voice shaking, then forces himself to shout, "hit him with a Bullet Punch!!"

Scizor looks torn, but with a pained expression, it lurches forward, moving reluctantly toward you.

"Lycanroc, protect me! Fire Fang!" you command, and Lycanroc intercepts Scizor, dealing another blow. Scizor stumbles, visibly struggling to follow Owen's orders.

You take full advantage. "Fire Fang again, Lycanroc!" This time, Lycanroc lands a decisive hit, and Scizor falls.

Owen curses under his breath, calling back his Pokémon with a fuming look on his face. "They were supposed to be perfect...."

With clenched fists, Owen throws out a shiny Greninja next. You send out Tapu Koko, its electric aura crackling around it.

"Greninja, Ice Beam!" Owen's shout is desperate now.

"Tapu Koko, Thunderbolt!" You respond immediately. A powerful surge of electricity strikes Greninja, knocking it off its feet and leaving it paralysed.

Owen's eyes widen in frustration. "Greninja, Hydro Pump!" But Greninja, weakened and unsure, fails to muster the strength for a full-powered move. The blast is weak, barely grazing Tapu Koko.

"Hit the trainer! Dark Pulse!" Owen barks, his voice sharp. Greninja looks conflicted, glancing between you and Owen before it hesitates again. But with a resigned sigh, it launches the attack, the blast grazing your arm lightly.

"Not like this! Thunderbolt, Tapu Koko!" you shout, wincing slightly, and with another crackling strike, Greninja collapses, unable to continue.

Owen's grip tightens around his next Poké Ball. "That damn Mitsuki said they were perfect..." he mutters again, but it's clear now that perfection wasn't what these Pokémon needed.

Owen throws out a shiny Metagross, its metallic body gleaming as it lands with a resounding clang. You send out Silvally, transforming it into a Dark type to counter it.

"Silvally, Multi-Attack!" You shout, your voice steady. Silvally lunges forward, launching a powerful dark-infused strike that slams into Metagross, sending it reeling.

"Get it together, Metagross! Bullet Punch!" Owen barks, frustration creeping into his tone. The attack is executed well, but Silvally also takes the damage well.

"Silvally, Crunch!" you call out, and Silvally launches itself at Metagross, jaws snapping shut with a fierce bite. The attack lands solidly, and Metagross stumbles back, visibly weakened.

"Finish it with Multi-Attack!" you command. Silvally charges forward again, delivering a decisive blow that knocks Metagross out cold.

Owen watches in disbelief as his Pokémon falls, the frustration in his eyes deepening. With a frustrated shout, he calls forth a shiny Umbreon, its sleek form stepping onto the battlefield. You send out Primarina, ready to take advantage of the situation.

"Umbreon, use Toxic on Y/n!" Owen orders, but Umbreon hesitates, its eyes darting between you and Owen, unsure of the command. It finally manages to unleash the attack, but it's half-hearted, failing to fully connect, though it hits you, and you feel the poison seeping into your shoulder.

"Primarina, Moonblast!" you counter, in pain, your arm feeling as if it's burning. Primarina unleashes a ball of light, crashing into Umbreon with incredible force. The Pokémon reels back, clearly affected by the attack.

"Umbreon, Foul Play!" Owen tries again, his voice tinged with desperation. This time, Umbreon hits Primarina well, but the attack is still not very effective.

"Primarina, Sparkling Aria!" you shout, and Primarina launches a wave of water that explodes against Umbreon, knocking it off its feet.

"Umbreon, use Wish!" Owen calls out, but Umbreon hesitates, its trust wavering under pressure.

"Sparkling Aria again, Primarina!" you command, and Primarina releases a powerful wave of water that overwhelms Umbreon, sending it sprawling.

Umbreon falls, and Owen's face twists in frustration, the cracks in his confidence deepening.

Finally, he sends out his shiny Charizard, its black wings flaring as it lands on the field with a snarl. You call upon Solgaleo, the legendary Pokémon roaring in response.

"Charizard, Flamethrower!" Owen commands, but Nebby quickly dodges the incoming blast.

"Solgaleo, Zen Headbutt!" You shout. Solgaleo charges forward, its head crashing into Charizard with a brutal impact. Charizard stumbles, its wings flapping unevenly.

"Get back up, Charizard! Dragon Claw!" Owen bellows. Charizard charges up his attack, his claws gleaming dark blue.

You seize the moment. "Finish this, Solgaleo! Sunsteel Strike!" A beam of light envelops Solgaleo as it launches a powerful blow, striking Charizard directly and sending it crashing to the ground. The battle is over.

Owen stares at his fallen Charizard, his chest rising and falling with each breath, but there's no fire in his eyes. Just confusion, a hollow expression, as if he's questioning everything.

You take a few steps forward, your own body feeling the weight of the battle. The burn from the poison surges through your veins, but you push it aside for the moment.

"Owen," you say softly but firmly, "battling like this – using these traded Pokémon – will only bring you emptiness. Pokémon are more than tools. They need you, just as much as you need them. Build those bonds, grow together, and you'll find real strength. Only then will you be able to win, not just against other people, but against yourself."

Owen's eyes widen slightly, but his posture remains rigid. He clenches his fists, staring at the ground. Silence fills the air, only broken by the soft breath of your Pokémon and the distant sounds of the Aether Foundation.

Lillie walks over cautiously. Her voice is calm, though her expression remains pained. "Owen... this doesn't have to be the end for you. But you've made a bad choice... and there are consequences." She glances at you, her eyes filled with concern.

You give a weak nod, pulling out your Rotom dex and dialling the authorities. The weight of the situation presses down, but there's no malice in your actions – only a sense of duty.

Owen looks up, confused, as you put the phone to your ear. "Wait... you're calling the police?"
His eyes dart toward the edge of the courtyard, and you can see his body tense – he's about to run.

Before you can stop him, a sharp pain shoots through your shoulder. You stagger, the poison from Umbreon's Toxic surging through your body. The world starts to spin, your strength draining as the toxin works its way through your veins.

Owen takes his chance, turning and making a break for it.

"Lillie..." you manage to call out weakly as your legs buckle beneath you.

But Lillie is already moving. "Togekiss, stop him! And keep him there!" She shouts. Her Togekiss swoops down in an instant, releasing a shimmering pulse of air that cuts off Owen's escape. The gust of wind forces him to the ground, holding him in place.

Owen struggles against the force, but without any more Pokémon to call upon, there's nothing he can do. He glares up at Lillie and Togekiss, defeated but too stubborn to admit it.

Lillie turns to you, her expression torn between concern for you and frustration with Owen. "The police are on their way, Owen. Don't even try to run again. Y/n, are you okay? Hold on, you'll be fine." She says, placing you gently into her arms.

The last thing you see is Owen, pinned and motionless, his face twisted with a mixture of rage and regret, as the world fades to black.

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

There you have it, folks! Chapter 6 is finished! This one took a little longer, I wasn't entirely sure about the final part of the chapter but I think it turned out alright. If you have any recommendations, leave them in the comments here :)

I enjoyed writing it a lot, and I'm excited to start chapter 7! I hope you enjoyed it just as much!

Question of the chapter: what's your favourite gen and why?

That's all for today! Go away now, take care!
~Golf