Chapter 1

He hated the sound. It was all part of his job, he knew that, but Matthew could never grow accustomed to the sound. The moment of impact was jarring, the way rock would shatter, the silence that filled the air immediately afterward. No matter how many battles he won, no matter how many times he watched an opponent's pokemon get knocked out, it never seemed to get easier for him. Why did he care so much? His pokemon were always fine, he would never let any of them be hurt so badly. These were opponents, enemies even! Yet, was it the Pokemon's fault? No, it was always the trainer's fault.

As the cloud of dust began to settle and clear across the battlefield, Matthew stared sadly at the crater across from him. Please don't get up. Please save yourself more pain. He hoped that despite not knowing the pokemon crumpled in the crater that his internal plea would reach it in time. Matthew knew that his so-called "challenger" would not show the poor pokemon any kindness. From the crater came the unmistakable sound of movement, of claw grabbing at rock. He should have expected it, Incineroars were not known for their wisdom.

"Your pokemon have fought well for you. Withdraw your challenge, and protect them from any further harm. Please."

"No! My pokemon and I will fight until we cannot stand! I will not lose to someone like you!"

From somewhere in his mind, Matthew could hear his Alakazam let out an exasperated sigh. Amos, Matthew's Alakazam had barely broken a sweat in defeating the challenger's team of pokemon. One after another, the older trainer, easily in his 40's, had thrown aggressive attack after another at Amos, and now 6 times the Psi Pokemon had simply swept them away.

What did the man mean by someone like Matthew? Which of the many hate groups did this older trainer belong to? Since Matthew had taken over as the Pokemon League Champion of Alola five years ago, he had been met with a swarm of hateful challengers. Some challenged him because he was not born in Alola though that group had weakened since he was more Alolan than the previous champion, a young boy from Kanto. Despite bearing the blonde hair and bright blue eyes of his home region of Sinnoh, Matthew had moved to Alola at age 18 after traveling through Sinnoh and Hoenn. Now at the age of 25, Alola had become his chosen home and a place he was proud to represent.

This challenger didn't seem to fit that group. His gut told him that the hate was a result of Matthew's age or and frankly more likely his sexuality. While Alola was anything but conservative, many older Alolans had expressed distaste for his decision to host the first ever island Pride Parade. The parade was a huge success and trainers from all over the globe came to celebrate and participate in some friendly battling. Also, nothing could look as funny as seeing a Gyarados painted in rainbow colors and sparkles (courtesy of Wallace from Hoenn). Despite the huge success of the event and the amount of revenue, it brought in to the islands, Matthew still faced the backlash.

Matthew was snapped out of his daydreaming by the roar of the challenger's Incineroar who had finally climbed out of the crater which it had been thrown into. The Heel Pokemon was badly injured, its fur stiff with blood and dust. Even the ring of fire around its waist seemed to glow dimmer by the minute.

"Incineroar, use Throat Chop!" the older man screamed, sending his pokemon charging across the field.

Finish this Amos Matthew spoke in his mind across the connection between him and Alakazam. Teach this foolish challenger some respect.

Without another word, Alakazam moved into action. As Incineroar's left arm turned a nasty shade of black and swung to connect with Alakazam the psychic pokemon vanished leaving only its two spoons floating in the air. Before Incineroar or its trainer could react, Alakazam reappeared directly behind it, the fist of its right hand glowing bright white as it connected with the fire pokemon's back. The force of Alakazam's Drain Punch sent Incineroar hurtling into the sky. Quickly and without command, Alakazam vanished again only to reappear in the air next to the flailing Incineroar. With another Drain Punch this time directed at Incineroar's chest, Alakazam sent the pokemon flying into the steel wall that protected the glass panes of the Champion observatory during battle. The steel made a grinding squeal as it was dented by the impact.

"Incineroar is unable to battle, the winner is Champion Matthew!" screamed the official league referee.

With the match finished, Nurse Joy who Matthew had requested be present for all challenge matches rushed over to the knocked out Incineroar, her Comfy quickly following behind her. Alakazam appeared beside Matthew, its arms crossed in disappointment.

The Incineroar was strong master. With better direction it could have been a challenge.

I know Amos, this trainer has forgotten his role, forgotten the bond between trainer and pokemon.

Will you punish him?

No. I think his defeat will serve as punishment enough. Do not concern yourself with it, go and rest.

Without another word, Alakazam bowed its head before the red light of his pokeball sent him to rest. Matthew confidently strode across the battlefield, his boots leaving imprints in the ground. At his right where she always was, Leia his Espeon fixed her eyes on the opposing trainer. Matthew could feel her malice and hate bubbling inside the small psychic type's mind though he could not tell if she was simply reflecting his mood.

"Nurse Joy how bad are Incineroar's injuries?"

"As always champion your pokemon showed restraint. He will need to rest overnight but had Alakazam wanted to this pokemon could have been killed by the attack. Incineroar's trainer should have withdrawn him the first time it had collapsed. I will take it downstairs and begin treating its wounds."

"Thank you Nurse Joy. His trainer will be down in a moment."

With that Nurse Joy's Comfy summoned a burst of wind to place Incineroar on the remote stretcher. Once that was done, the two led the stretcher to the smaller staff elevator which led to the Pokemon Center, training facility, apartments, library, and other assorted living accommodations. When the elevator doors had closed, Matthew turned to face out the window of the observatory, the metal walls having been retracted at the end of the battle. Molayne would not be happy to see that another portion of the wall would have to be replaced. Matthew could see the challenger in his peripheral, Espeon having taken a position between the two.

"I will not ask you why you hate me so much because frankly, I do not care. Regardless of what you think of me, I am the Champion of this region. I have earned my place here through battle and through confirmation from the great Tapus of our islands. Your performance during this battle was shameful, your arrogance and hate blinded you to the point that it almost got your Pokemon killed. If this was another region and I another champion, I would have your trainer's license revoked and your Pokemon confiscated for such negligence. However, I believe that Alola is a place of healing, a place of peace. Each of us learns from the lessons of our past, the lessons given to us by the Guardians and Kahunas. So I will leave you with a warning. When you leave this mountain, it will be your one and only chance to open your heart and your mind. Let go of your hate, and remember that you are responsible for your pokemon. I will be watching your progress, and if I see even one action out of line then you will answer to a greater power than me."

Without waiting for a response, Matthew walked towards the main elevator, Espeon once again striding next to him. He hit the button for his office and held his breath as the doors to elevator closed. As they began to descend, Matthew let out a shaky breath, anger, pain, and pity wracked his mind. Leia, always connected to his mind and heart stood on her hind legs and nosed at his hand, a soft whine escaping the purple pokemon's mouth.

"Sir, I am sorry to interrupt you but you have an incoming call. I tried to tell her you were unavailable but she insists it is an emergency." the robotic voice of his Rotom which lived comfortably in a specially made wrist bound holocaster chirped.

"Who is calling Rotom?"

"Cynthia, of the Sinnoh League."