The air was thick with tension as I faced the man blocking my path. His messy white hair, cocky swagger, and smirk that practically begged to be slapped off his face – it all irritated me more than it should have.

"So, this is what they send now to face the mighty Guzma? First some police officers, now this boy? The Champion doesn't seem to be very bothered by us." The man sneered, hands in his pockets like he had all the time in the world.

I clenched my fists, my mind racing, my heart pounding with adrenaline. I wasn't going to let some nobody like him get in my way. "You don't know anything about me, and I wasn't sent by anyone." I spat, already reaching for a Poké Ball from my satchel. The familiar weight of Charizard's ball was in my hand before I even realized it.

Guzma laughed, low and mocking. "Oh, I know enough. You look like the type who thinks some raw power solves everything, like all them Alolan Trainers using those stupid Z-moves. But there's more to this game than brute strength, kid." He cracked his knuckles and pulled out a ball of his own. "I'll show you what real power looks like."

I released Charizard in a burst of flame and heat, its shiny black scales gleaming in the moonlight. The sight always filled me with confidence - this Charizard was a beast, and it'd carried me through a few battles before. I felt that rush, that thrill of the fight building inside me.

But as Charizard's eyes met mine, I noticed something was off. Its gaze wasn't sharp, wasn't focused on me. It was just... waiting. Detached.
Is this what Y/n was talking about?

Guzma raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Heh. Let's see if that Charizard of yours can back up that attitude." He tossed out his first Pokémon - a Golisopod, towering and brimming with menace. The air around it seemed to vibrate as it glared down Charizard.

I didn't hesitate. "Flamethrower!" I commanded.

Charizard reared back, releasing a stream of fire, but Golisopod was already moving. "First Impression!" Guzma barked.

Golisopod slammed into Charizard with brutal speed, the impact forcing it back before it could even react. Charizard snarled, clearly shaken, but I wasn't about to back down. "Dragon Pulse!" I called out, trying to regain control.

The pulse of energy fired from Charizard's mouth, but it didn't hit clean. Golisopod swerved just enough to dodge most of the damage. Guzma chuckled, his arms crossed lazily. "That all you got?"

I felt a flash of irritation. "Charizard, Flamethrower again, full power!"

The hits didn't land as planned. Golisopod took the opportunity to retaliate with Liquidation, drenching Charizard in a wave of water that sent it crashing to the ground.

My heart clenched as I watched Charizard struggle to stand. This wasn't right. It's definitely stronger than this, I knew it. I'd trained hard, battled with all my energy, so why did it feel like I was losing control?

"Charizard, return!" I recalled it before Golisopod could strike again, grabbing my next Poké Ball. "Greninja, let's go!"

Greninja appeared in a blur of blue and black, poised and ready. I smirked, feeling a flicker of confidence return. "Hydro Pump!"

Greninja's attack hit with force, slamming Golisopod backward. But instead of staying down, it retreated, Guzma calmly calling it back. "You've got some hits in, but let's crank it up a notch. Go, Scizor!"

The shiny red-armoured bug-type emerged, its claws snapping menacingly. This would be a test, but Greninja could handle it.

"Dark Pulse!" I ordered.

Greninja darted forward, shadows swirling around its body before unleashing a burst of dark energy. Scizor, however, barely flinched, taking the hit head-on. Guzma's grin widened. "Bullet Punch, now."

Before I could even blink, Scizor was on Greninja, landing blow after blow with terrifying speed. Each strike sent ripples of pain through Greninja, and I could feel the tide of the battle slipping away.

"Get out of there!" I yelled, but Greninja struggled to keep up. Its movements were sharp, but there was no connection between us, no flow. Scizor pressed the attack with relentless precision.

"Your Pokémon aren't listening to you, kid," Guzma taunted. "And that's why you're gonna lose."

I ground my teeth, my frustration mounting. Greninja was strong, so shouldn't it be dodging faster? Every move felt sluggish, like something was missing.

With a final strike, Scizor knocked Greninja down. My hand tightened around the Poké Ball as I recalled it. This wasn't supposed to be happening.

Guzma crossed his arms, his expression smug. "You've got strong Pokémon, no doubt. But strength without trust? That's just hollow. Next time, don't come at me like some spoiled kid with some shiny toys."

I stood there, stunned, for a split second. I reached for another Poké Ball, fingers twitching with frustration, but Guzma's words sliced through the chaos.

"Give it up, kid. You've got power, but no control. And that's what'll bury you."

My heart raced, my hand hovering over my remaining Poké Balls, but his words hit harder than I wanted to admit. I glanced at Greninja, who was barely moving, and at Charizard's Poké Ball. Something wasn't right. Something was wrong with me, or with them, I didn't know.

The bitter taste of defeat rose in my throat as I felt a wave of humiliation wash over me. My legs started moving before I could stop them. Turning on my heel, I bolted into the shadows, the sounds of the battle still raging behind me.

Guzma's laughter followed me, a harsh, mocking sound that made my skin crawl. "Run away, kid! That's right! Bwahahaha!"

The wind stung my face as I dashed through the remnants of chaos, dodging fallen debris and grunts as I put distance between us.

The further I got from the police office, the more his laughter echoed in my mind. Cowardly or not, I wasn't about to stand there and take more humiliation. Not from him. Not from anyone.

Your POV

Hours slipped by in a blissful haze as you lay intertwined with Lillie, the weight of the world outside forgotten. You felt a sense of peace you hadn't experienced in a long time. The soft glow from the bedside lamp casts warm light across her features, highlighting the contentment on her face. The sound of the gentle rise and fall of her breath filled the room, and you can't help but smile.

Just as you start to drift off, your phone buzzes insistently on the bedside table, shattering the calm. You reach for it, squinting at the screen to see Kahuna Nanu's name flashing back at you. A sense of urgency prickles at the back of your mind as you swipe to answer.

"Hey, Nanu," you say, trying to keep your voice steady, still half-immersed in the warmth of the moment with Lillie.

"Y/n," Nanu replies, his voice gravelly but serious. "We've got a situation in Po Town."

Your stomach drops. "What happened?"

"Team Skull launched an attack on the police station. They used Electrodes to blow up the walls and let all the prisoners escape, those we had captured since the hostilities started. We drove them back into Po Town, everything seems under control now. However, we lost all our prisoners, including the ones we were interrogating... and Owen, there's no sign of him."

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding. "The officers, are they alright?"

"Yeah, they're shaken up but mostly fine. We're keeping an eye on things, and I'll let you know if anything changes."

"Thanks, Nanu. I appreciate it."

"Just focus on what you need to do, Y/n. We Kahunas are here to help you. I'll handle it here," he assures you.

"Understood." You say, a sense of resolve settling in.

After ending the call, you glance at Lillie, still peacefully asleep, and feel a mix of gratitude for her presence and dread about what's to come. The thought of your responsibilities as a Champion lingered in the back of your mind.

You reached for your Rotom phone again, tapping open the Champions group chat on WhatsApplin. Your fingers moved quickly across the screen as you typed out a message:

"Hey everyone, when's the next Champion's meeting? Just checking in."

After hitting send, you took a moment to glance at Lillie, her peaceful expression bringing a smile to your face. Silently putting the phone away, you settled back against the pillows, pulling her closer.

A few moments later, it chimed with a response from Cynthia.

"We should all call tomorrow, Y/n. Things haven't been going so well in Sinnoh. Could use your charm to brighten my day."

You chuckled softly at her playful tone, but as you drifted off to sleep, a knot of worry tightened in your stomach - tomorrow's meeting loomed large, and the uncertainty of Alola's future weighed heavily on your mind...

Owen's POV

The night was suffocating, the heat hanging heavy in the air. My mind raced with fragments of the battle, Guzma's mocking words echoing in my head, pushing me closer to the edge. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I wasn't supposed to lose, to be left running like a coward.

I flew away from Ula'ula Island, my Charizard slicing through the sky, but there was nowhere to go. No plan. No direction. Just raw, unfiltered frustration bubbling under my skin.

Alola, this damn region, it wasn't mine. None of it was. Not these Pokémon, not this place. Nothing felt real.

I landed near a coastal town, probably a tourist hotspot, judging by the brightly lit shops and scattered crowds. Konikoni City. Perfect. Charizard roared beneath me as we landed, startling a group of tourists. Their confused, wide-eyed looks only made my blood boil hotter. They didn't respect me. No one did. But I'd make them.

I couldn't hold back anymore. "Charizard, Flamethrower!"

Fire erupted from Charizard's maw, lighting up the night as it scorched the pavement, sending the citizens running for cover. I didn't care about the destruction. I wanted to tear through it all, to burn away this gnawing sense of failure.

A few trainers, tourists likely, tried to stop me, throwing out their Pokémon in panic. Pathetic. I sent out my Garchomp, its glowing scales shimmering under the moonlight. "Earthquake!" I ordered, and the ground beneath us trembled as it unleashed its power.

They had no chance. I barely registered their screams as they recalled their Pokémon, fleeing as fast as their legs could carry them. The streets cracked under Garchomp's power, lampposts flickering and toppling over. The satisfaction was fleeting, though, the emptiness gnawing at me even as I watched them run.

I didn't stop, however. I tore through the streets, battling any trainer that crossed my path, not even caring who they were. Tourist, local, young or old. It didn't matter. Nothing did.

Eventually, I found myself at the outskirts of a dense forest, away from the coast. The stars blinked down, indifferent to my rage, while the world around me felt like it was closing in. I breathed heavily, my hands shaking from the adrenaline. My Pokémon stood around me, victorious but as disconnected from me as ever.

There was no satisfaction. Only the lingering ache of failure.

12 hours later...

The streets of Heahea City were quiet, but not for long. I didn't care where we landed; I just needed a way to unleash this anger boiling inside me, and I didn't care who got in my way.

The moment we touched down near the beach, I recalled Garchomp and stormed toward the nearest group of trainers. A couple of tourists, their Pokémon out, admiring the view of the ocean like nothing in the world was wrong.

"Hey, you!" I barked, my voice sharp and demanding. "You want a battle? Now."

They turned, startled, and I could see the confusion on the face of the guy in a flowery shirt. He hesitated for a moment before flashing a nervous grin. "Uh, sure, mate. Just a friendly battle, right?"

"Friendly?" I scoffed, pulling out a Poké Ball and tossing it with more force than necessary. "This is anything but friendly."

Garchomp emerged in a flash of light, towering over the tourist's poor Alolan Dugtrio. The man's confidence wavered instantly, his carefree vacation smile fading as he realised the mistake he'd made.

"Garchomp, Earthquake," I commanded, my voice flat, devoid of emotion. The ground beneath us rumbled violently as Garchomp slammed its claws into the dirt. The tremors rippled out, devastating the beach. Sand exploded into the air, and the Dugtrio disappeared beneath the force of the attack, fainting instantly. I didn't wait for the man's reaction. "Next."

"B-but, that's it, my Dugtrio's out! We're just-"

"Next!" I shouted again, my voice harsher.

The guy, now shaking, returned his Pokémon and took a step back. His girlfriend grabbed his arm, her face pale. "Let's just go," she whispered, tugging him away. "This guy's crazy."

I watched them retreat, my chest heaving, the emptiness gnawing at me. I thought it would feel good - crushing them, proving my strength - but again, all I felt was hollow.

I stormed further down the beach, not caring where I was headed, eyes scanning for the next target. A pair of young trainers stood near a food stand, chatting with their Pokémon by their sides. I didn't bother introducing myself.

"Battle me," I demanded, stepping in front of them.

One of them, a kid no older than ten, looked up at me in confusion. "Huh?"

"You heard me."

They exchanged glances, unsure, but the older one finally nodded and sent out his Pokémon - a Torkoal. I released Greninja, and before they could react, I was already giving orders. "Hydro Pump."

The torrent of water crashed into Torkoal, sending it skidding backward, knocked out cold in one hit. The trainer gasped, but I didn't care. I recalled Greninja and turned on my heel, not waiting for their reaction.

I tore through the streets, battling anyone and everyone. A trainer with an Alolan Muk tried to challenge me, and I flattened them in seconds. A couple of tourists with Sandygast and Corsola were swept away in my fury. The beach huts near the marina shook as my Pokémon's attacks wrecked the area, leaving shattered wood and debris behind.

People began to run. Word must've spread. The further I went, the more people retreated, too afraid to face me.

Good. They should be. Finally.

As the morning wore on, I found myself in the grassy fields north of Heahea, far from the chaos I'd left behind. The trainers had stopped coming. The tourists had fled. But it still wasn't enough. The gnawing emptiness still ate at me. I'd ripped through everything in my path, and yet... nothing had changed. The rage hadn't gone. The hurt hadn't lessened.

The beautiful landscape felt like a suffocating prison. Every corner of Akala felt too small, too... meaningless. Guzma was right. I had no control, no purpose. Just anger. And I was alone again.

I stood there, breathing heavily, Garchomp by my side. The wind blew through the tall grass, a stark contrast to the violence I'd unleashed just moments before. I stared down at my hands, fists clenched, trembling slightly.

"What am I even doing?" I muttered under my breath. But I had no answer.

As I paced, I spotted a figure approaching. A woman walked through the grass with a confident stride, her short dark hair glinting in the sunlight. She wore a fitted outfit that showcased her curves and commanded attention, an air of authority surrounding her.

Her powerful voice pierced through my thoughts. "I know you're there. Come out!"

By her confidence, attire and posture, I could tell she was someone important, perhaps a local leader. I felt a rush of adrenaline as she approached, and I instinctively shifted into a defensive posture.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the uncertainty creeping in.

"I'm Kahuna Olivia," she replied, her tone fierce, eyes locked onto mine. "And you've been causing quite the stir around here."

I scoffed, the defiance bubbling up again. "Maybe I just don't care about your precious island."

Olivia narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "People here care about their home, and you've disrespected it. This is my home, these are my people, and I won't let you run wild."

Before I could react, she reached for a Poké Ball and tossed it into the air. "Let's deliver you peacefully to the authorities, and the Champion will decide your fate."

A Lycanroc burst forth, landing with a powerful thud, teeth bared in anticipation of a fight.

Feeling cornered, I called out my own Pokémon. "Garchomp, let's go!" The intimidating Dragon-type appeared, ready for battle.

Olivia's smirk widened. "You want a battle? Let's see what you've got, then!"

The sun shone brightly as I ordered Garchomp to use Earthquake, shaking the ground beneath us. But Olivia was quick; Lycanroc dodged with agility, countering with a Bite that landed hard on Garchomp.

"Focus!" I yelled, frustration creeping into my voice. "Get back on your feet!"

Lycanroc followed up with a Stone Edge, rocks flying toward Garchomp with alarming speed. I felt the panic rising within me as I watched Garchomp struggle to keep up.

"Hm," Olivia said, her confidence unwavering, "you're going to need more than that to win this fight."

Garchomp staggered from the blow, panting heavily. I could feel the weight of defeat closing in again. "I'll show you!" I shouted, pushing Garchomp to unleash a powerful Dragon Claw.

But Olivia was ready. "Lycanroc, use Rock Slide!"

As the rocks rained down, I realized I was losing ground. "Dodge it!" I screamed, but it was too late. Garchomp was caught off guard and took the hit hard, falling to the ground, defeated.

"Your anger is clouding your judgement," Olivia exclaimed, her voice steady. "Now come with me."

Before I could respond, I turned and bolted, a wave of shame driving me to escape. "Lycanroc, chase him down!" Olivia commanded, her tone now serious. The Rock-type darted after me, its speed astonishing.

I sprinted through the grass, heart racing as I searched for an escape. "Get back here!" Olivia shouted, her voice fierce.

Realizing I needed to take to the skies, I reached for my Poké Ball and released Charizard. "Fly!" I called, scrambling onto its back as Lycanroc lunged towards me.

As Charizard took off, I felt a surge of adrenaline. But Olivia wasn't done yet. "Lycanroc, use Rock Throw!" she commanded.

Rocks flew past us as Charizard soared into the air, dodging the attacks with practiced grace. I clung to Charizard's neck, feeling the wind rush through my hair.

"Faster!" I urged, my heart racing as I glanced back. I could see Olivia below, her expression a mix of frustration and determination.

"Let's get out of here!" I shouted, urging Charizard to climb higher into the sky, the morning sun shining brightly overhead.

With one last glance at the ground far below, I felt a breath of freedom once again. But for now, escaping was my priority. As we flew away from Akala Island, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be the last I'd see of Olivia or the consequences of my actions...

Your POV

The soft warmth of the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. You stirred slightly, feeling the familiar weight of Lillie curled up against your side, her head resting on your chest. Her steady breathing was a gentle rhythm, and for a moment, you just lay there, taking in the quiet peace of the moment.

As you shifted slightly, Lillie stirred too, her lashes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, her sleepy eyes finding yours as a lazy smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Good morning," she whispered, her voice still soft from sleep.

"Morning," you replied, brushing a few strands of her hair away from her face. The tenderness in the gesture seemed to make her melt even further into you.

For a moment, neither of you moved, just basking in the warmth of the bed and each other's presence. It was a rare pocket of serenity, away from the chaos of the world outside, and you both savoured it.

Lillie sighed softly, her fingers tracing absent patterns across your chest. "Do we have to get up yet?"

You chuckled, shaking your head. "Not if you don't want to."

She gave a playful smile, lifting her head to look at you properly. "Good. I like this." Her voice had a teasing edge, but there was sincerity behind her words.

You leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Me too."

After a few more minutes of lying there, soaking in the comfort of each other's presence, Lillie eventually stretched and sat up. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she tucked a few strands behind her ear as she looked back at you, her expression still drowsy but content.

"Let's make some breakfast," she suggested, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm starving."

You grinned, getting out of bed with her. "Alright, but I'm not letting you cook alone."

Downstairs, the kitchen was quiet, the morning sun streaming through the windows as you both moved around in a comfortable rhythm. Lillie rummaged through the cupboards, pulling out ingredients for pancakes, while you set the table, sneaking glances at her as she worked.

At one point, she caught you looking, a smirk playing on her lips. "Are you going to help or just stare?"

"Can't I do both?" you teased, stepping closer to wrap your arms around her waist from behind. She let out a soft laugh, leaning back into you.

"You're impossible," she murmured, turning her head to press a quick kiss to your cheek.

With the pancakes cooking and the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of syrup and butter, you both sat down together at the small dining table. The moment felt so normal, so wonderfully domestic, that for a second, it was easy to forget everything else. No Champion meeting, no Team Skull, no worries about the rest of the world. Just you and her, sharing breakfast and smiles.

Lillie speared a piece of pancake with her fork, her gaze meeting yours as she took a bite. "I could get used to mornings like this," she said softly, her tone warm and affectionate.

You smiled back, reaching across the table to take her hand. "So could I."

As you and Lillie finished breakfast, the peaceful atmosphere lingered, though the weight of your upcoming responsibilities was starting to creep in. Lillie noticed your distant expression as you stared at the empty plates, your mind already shifting to the impending task ahead.

"You're thinking about the meeting, aren't you?" she asked, her voice gentle but knowing.

You nodded, squeezing her hand before standing up. "I need to check in with the others. Things are starting to get more intense here in Alola, I have to inform them and check on how their regions are doing, as well."

Lillie stood up with you, wrapping her arms around your waist and resting her chin on your shoulder. "You'll figure it out. You always do."

Her words were reassuring, but there was an edge of worry behind them. You turned around to kiss her gently, letting the warmth of her touch ground you before you pulled away.

"I'll be quick," you said, heading towards the study where you kept your Rotom laptop.

Lillie smiled, watching you go. "I'll hold you to that."

You opened the WhatsApplin web app and saw the notification - time to join the Champions' conference call.

You clicked to join the video call, and the familiar faces of your colleagues appeared on screen. You noticed Leon, casually leaning back with his usual laid-back confidence, Steven looking sharp as ever, Cynthia with her calm, composed smile, Lance in his iconic cape, ready to lead...

Leon was the first to speak. "Morning, everyone. How's it going in your regions? We've got a lot to cover today."

Steven chimed in, his voice measured. "Hoenn's been relatively quiet now, though there's been some minor disturbances around Route 134. Team Aqua and Magma are still at each other's throats, hereby also bothering the citizens."

"Always some strife going on in Hoenn," Leon chuckled, earning a small smile from Steven.

Lance folded his arms, nodding. "Johto and Kanto have been stable for the most part, but I've noticed a few grunts from Team Rocket skulking around Mahogany Town. We've got them under control, but we're keeping an eye out for anything bigger."

You listened quietly, thinking about the recent unrest in Alola. When it was your turn, you cleared your throat and spoke.

"Alola's had a bit of a rough time lately. There was a prison break last night in Po Town - Team Skull orchestrated it. They used Electrodes to blow the walls of the police station, and we lost track of some grunts and one quite dangerous individual. Right now, Nanu and the local police are trying to contain them in Po Town, but things are tense. I'm keeping an eye on it."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Team Skull's causing problems, huh? Thought they were more of a goofy bunch."

You nodded. "Yeah, I thought so too, but it looks like something, or someone, has been stirring them up. We're handling it, though."

The conversation moved on, with each Champion giving updates. The regions seemed to be in various states of stability, some with minor issues, but nothing out of control. Until Cynthia spoke up.

"There's something strange happening in Sinnoh," Cynthia began, her voice carrying an unusual weight. "We've been seeing signs of Team Galactic becoming active again."

You leaned in closer, attention fully on her now.

Cynthia continued, her expression growing more serious. "Galactic has been attempting to steal equipment that Cyrus once used during his efforts to capture Dialga and Palkia. The troubling part is... Lucas and Dawn haven't been heard from in several days."

A heavy silence fell over the group. You could see the tension ripple through the other Champions. Dawn and Lucas were Palkia's and Dialga's trainers, and their disappearance couldn't be a coincidence.

Steven's brow furrowed. "Any leads on what happened to them?"

Cynthia shook her head, frustration flashing in her eyes. "Not yet. I've got every available resource searching, but it's as if they've vanished. If Galactic is involved, this could mean they're targeting Dialga and Palkia once again. Whatever they're planning, it's dangerous."

Leon leaned forward, his easy-going demeanor replaced by a rare intensity. "We can't let them get their hands on those Pokémon again. If they succeed in controlling time and space, the whole world might be destroyed in a matter of seconds."

You felt a chill run down your spine. The thought of Team Galactic trying to harness the power of Dialga and Palkia again was terrifying. You thought of Lillie, still peacefully asleep beside you, unaware of the mounting dangers.

"We need help," Cynthia said, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing her expression. "The Pokémon League can't face this alone, especially not without Dawn and Lucas. If you're able to come, I could use the support."

You hesitated, weighing your options. "Alola is in a bad spot right now too. With Team Skull stirring up trouble, I can't leave just yet. But I'll be watching closely, and if things get worse, I'll be there."

Cynthia nodded in understanding, but the weight of the situation remained. "I appreciate it, Y/n. Hopefully, we can handle it before it comes to that."

Just as the tension began to settle, another voice broke through, one you hadn't expected to hear. Geeta, the Champion of Paldea, spoke up, her expression unreadable as always.

"I'll send a team of two Champion-level Trainers," she said calmly. "They're more than capable, and I think they'd relish the chance to help in Sinnoh."

A murmur of relieved surprise passed through the group.

"Thank you, Geeta," Cynthia said, a look of relief passing over her face. "That'll make a big difference, I'm sure."

The meeting wrapped up shortly after, but the tension lingered as everyone signed off. You sat back in your chair, staring at the now-empty screen. Alola was your priority, but the problems outside of it were mounting. There was no telling when you might need to act.

The weight of responsibility felt heavier than usual. But as you stood up, heading back to the kitchen where Lillie waited, you reminded yourself that no matter what was coming, you weren't facing it alone.

"Lillie," you began, your voice soft but resolute, "I think it's time we go to Po Town."

She looked at you, concern flashing in her emerald eyes as they widen slightly. "Are you sure that's the best idea?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "After what happened there... things could be dangerous."

I nodded, squeezing her hand tighter. "I know it's risky, but we can't ignore it. I can't just sit here while the situation worsens."

"But what if-" Lillie started, her voice trembling slightly. I could see the fear in her eyes, the worry that I might get hurt or worse.

"I promise I won't let anything happen to us," I assured her, my voice steady but filled with resolve, "but I need to see what's going on for myself. I'm done sitting around."

Lillie's gaze softened, and she reached out to take your hand. "Then I'm going with you, no matter what."

You squeezed her hand, thankful for her support. "We'll be careful. We'll just scope things out and see if there's a way to break through. But I need you by my side."

Her smile was small but determined. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Together, you prepared to face whatever awaited in Po Town, the bond between you growing stronger with each step into the unknown...

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

That was way faster than I expected! And 5000 words long, that's 1000 in the right direction ;)

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! It's a bit of a linking chapter on the road to greater things, but I loved writing it either way.

I've written a lot so far! My story at this point is 0% like the  original, but imo it's much better. If I continue at this pace, I think the book will be around 20-25 chapters long.

Question of the chapter: what's your favourite thing from the Pokémon leaks so far? Mine has to be the peanut dinosaur, I love him so much, he's like a better Breloom, I wish he was real.

Also southern Kalos.

Anyways, I hope you're having a nice day! Take care, and go away now!
~Golf