A/N: Well, after another year and change later, I've returned with more Pokemon fic lol. It makes sense this is my default fandom since they're the only games I really play anymore. After my initial play through of Moon I was inspired for a Hau/male protagonist pairing but never really got anywhere with it. (I went down the sad, unrequited romance route...didn't feel it lol) BUT after playing Ultra Sun I thought I'd revisit it since the story is expanded a bit and their bond becomes a lil more fleshed out? Also I took some liberties with story elements but I think they're within reason. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Alolan Love!

PS I couldn't tell if that signed picture was the Thunder Badge or the Rainbow Badge but I thought having a past with Erika was cute and made more sense? Also I couldn't imagine writing a scenario with Lt. Surge like...nah fam that's a dub lol.

It's, like, the opposite of separation anxiety—the sensation when returning to a place you were familiar with after a long absence. There's that fear somehow your home, or school, or even your friends are different than you remember, insufficient, or that you haven't really changed as much as you thought. Can you bear the loss of your memory, pure and shining, for the gritty, sobering truth? I thought about that as my ship bobbed amongst the waves, and I prepared to visit Melemele Island for the first time in five years. The crisp brine of the sea and the expanse of fresh air expanded my lungs into a fullness I had missed. Due to extensive traveling on the road my skin still had a respectable tan, but the Alolan sun was already caressing it to a deeper shade. I was afraid and overjoyed at the same time. These feelings boiled down to one irreducible aspect: Hau. Would I be anything to him at all after this much time had passed? In my dreams I still saw his smile, lighting a path I dared not to follow, until now, once necessity dug its talons into my flesh.

Unfortunately realization isn't always instantaneous; it dawns slowly like spilled milk as it spreads across the floor. I knew for the time we travelled and fought together he was the closest thing I ever had to a best friend, that I started looking forward to his sudden entrances into my days, filling them with a casual though nonetheless incandescent joy. If I were made to choose a moment when I fell in love with him, retrospectively and with the knowledge post-pubescence affords, I would say it was two fold: when he shared his big malasada with me, and when he declared me his hero. When he showed that he considered me a loved one, in Ms. Wicke's words, and when someone's life became more important than my own. That is why my decision to leave, though at the time entirely logical, came to break my heart.

After becoming Alola's first champion, inside I felt a hunger rise. Dominating the small archipelago wasn't enough. My mother and I moved from Kanto, and I was consumed with the desire to test skills I had honed, in Alola, in my native Pokemon League. Telling her was the easiest part, because I could sense she anticipated it. I didn't expect her to come with me. She had just finished unpacking, not to mention that she and Meowth were happy and building a life in Hau'oli. She gave me her blessing and I began to prepare: packing a few bags, looking for accommodations, notifying the League of my interest to participate. News traveled quickly regarding Alola's somewhat audacious move in creating its own Pokemon league and diverging from the simple tradition of trials, captains, and kahunas. To already have a champion, much less one as young as I, was a bit of a media coup. Thus, the League welcomed me with haste.

When I told Kukui he laughed and said that while he figured I would keep expanding my titles, I might take something of a break first, enjoy my position atop Mount Lanakila. He too approved, though; after all there was no want for successors. The Elite Four battled amongst themselves—Kahili's ambition winning out—only for Hau to arrive and best her. I found it fitting that he would reign over the region he loved dearly, surpassing his familial legacy, and creating one of his own. I wanted to travel to Ula'ula Island to congratulate him, but things were moving rapidly and I was expected to arrive in Kanto sooner than I imagined. The transoceanic trip between the two regions took long enough as it was. Of course, I dreaded the thought of saying goodbye, of in some way letting Hau down, knocking that precious smile off his face. I wanted to keep his memory of me, and mine of him, unstained. The last time I would see him before everything changed would be in Iki Town, right after a rematch with Hala. He had his starter beside him, both of them radiating a contagious glow of contentedness and pride. I really hoped he'd still get to see the world, and not be too bogged down in his newfound glory.

From out my cabin's porthole I saw the sun glazing the horizon like melted gold, before taking its slow ascent. I lacked the courage to stand upon the main deck and take a last sight of the blessed earth I called home so briefly. There were many memories that would sting if revisited. Even at age eleven, I knew there were things upon which you didn't look back, that this led to ruin. I would keep Hau by my side, never changing and constantly moving forward. In this way I wouldn't hurt, or miss. He remained as blameless and natural as wind against my hair. The journey's length hung heavily over me, and I decided to sleep away as much as possible. Darkness, too, would ease the nausea I already started to feel as we lolled out the dock. Aside the threat of tears and the seasickness, welling up inside me was the thrill of new beginnings. Pokemon never seen or known waited to be caught, battles waited to be hotly won, a new titled waited to be claimed. While the fact that no one would be making these strides with me left a hollow smarting, it also meant that whatever success I found would be from my efforts, solely.

The last place my mother and I lived in Kanto was Celadon City, so I figured it would be a fitting place to return. Right outside of town she came across our Meowth and caught him without issue. Erika, the gym leader of Celadon City, and she were old friends, one who gave me some advice before we left on how to train and battle with Pokemon. She was even so kind as to autograph a photo for me. Most trainers lodge at Pokemon Centers as they traverse their regions, unless they're lucky enough to have friends in the towns through which they pass. But when Erika heard of my challenging the League, she called my mother and told her I could stay at the gym. For this I was very grateful; it would be restorative to spend some time there after such a long journey–to indulge in aromatherapy, kind attendants, peace and quiet.

After catching up with her I was shown to my room and left to myself. It was then the scope of the challenge ahead of me truly landed. As a child I could recall Erika gracefully besting would be adversaries. She was the mistress of status conditions and draining moves. Trainers would show up with a type advantage thinking the win was theirs, only to walk out in a daze of defeat. And Erika was only the fourth gym leader. I didn't like the idea of having to go against her, but I crossed paths with many friends on the field of battle. In the end, it is how you get to know someone, deep down. I knew Hau best because we battled the most. Toward the end, I could anticipate his every move. His strength and weakness both rested how open, honest, and guileless he was. A soft rapt on my door interrupted my thoughts, and I went to answer it.

"Sorry to bother you, Sun, I know you must be tired. I just wanted to give you some advise before your big day tomorrow."

"That's ok, Erika. Come in." She shook her head.

"Oh, I'll be but a moment. I can tell there's something on your mind," she sagely noted, her shy smile while faint nonetheless betraying her knowledge. "It would be wise to let that go. The trainers you'll face in Kanto are different than those in Alola. Tradition and kindness are all well and good, but that's not what makes a champion." At this she giggled, "Not that you aren't kind. But…well you're not even Alolan and you're their first champion! That says something. And I remember Kukui. His awakening was swift. I don't want you to face the same fate because you underestimated the rigors of training here, ok?" I nodded, and she smiled again.

"Good. I wish you could stay longer, but I'll at least see you back to Vermillion City, where you will sail to Pallet Town. Normally trainers use HM's, but I know in Alola you don't have these. A little more work for you, but it'll be nice to take in Kanto. Goodnight."

As I laid in bed, ready to fall asleep, her words of warning remained fresh. She was right. Something, or someone rather, was on my mind. Only I couldn't let him go. I was Kantonian, yes, but I was Alolan now as well. I would use both histories to become the strongest. And I did. One day Professor Oak was giving me a new starter, and seemingly the next I felled Lance's Dragonite. The gym leaders proved increasingly devastating, the Elite Four as well. But more than just competition and skill drove me. I had a reason to be the best, someone to make proud. Only I couldn't allow the Indigo Plateau to be the end. Johto lay just beyond Mt. Silver. Then there was Hoenn and Sinnoh. Unova and Kalos. In the blink of an eye, I was taller, older, my voice deeper, muscles tauter, my team unstoppable. And Hau went from my guiding light to the tawdry ember that lit dreams which left me stained in the morning. I was becoming strong because I wanted it selfishly, all the while forgetting him. The Pokemon World knew me as the Unsetting Sun, youngest trainer to conquer every region. But this designation rang emptily.

Hau'oli City grew on the horizon, and again I felt more whole, more like me. The farther I found myself from home, the less of myself I found. Not being a terribly sentimental person, this surprised me. But I couldn't wait to see my mother, Meowth. And him… We weren't little boys anymore. What would he look like, I wondered? His hair, would it still be long and tied back, or would he have since cut it, or let it grow longer? His smile, would it still bloom upon his face so easily, or had he decided to play it cool, or grown serious? His skin, would it still gleam beautifully in the sun, possess such a rich color? I knew that had to remain. But would we be a similar height, or taller, shorter? Would puberty have affected him as much as myself? I tried to imagine him with a gravelly voice and laughed at the thought. Maybe… I'd see him again, and what I thought was love all these years would be nothing more than a snapshot in time of someone who no longer existed. I sighed and shook my head, letting all the anxiety go. People do not change, they just become more true versions of themselves.

What was I, then?

I knew the answer resided with him.

Stepping out on the marina once again, memories from five years ago flooded back. Facing Team Skull for the first time, meeting the one and only Ilima, taking that longwinded tour of Hau'oli with Hau, and Lillie of course. Ha, Lillie… I hadn't thought of her in ages. I heard through the competitive battling grapevine that the daughter of the Aether Foundation's president decided to try her hand at the Indigo League. This was after I had already moved on. I suspected this was only newsworthy because after the Rainbow Rocket incident other regions took an interest in the Aether Foundation and its work. Thus Lusamine became something of a celebrity. However, Lillie didn't possess Gladion's battle savvy. She never made it to the Indigo Plateau. I felt a distant sort of pride, that she even attempted it, much less assembled a team of pokemon. I couldn't find out what happened to her after she withdrew.

Something I never got used to was the staring, the stopping for autographs, the random congratulatory whoops. I, too, rose to celebrity status. While I believed in myself, I found it hard to picture myself as something worthy of reverence. Partly because my pokemon were the ones deserving of all the praise, but also because being put on a pedestal made me uncomfortable. Perhaps, it stemmed from Hau. I couldn't bear the thought of letting him down, much less total strangers. Although, I did enjoy talking to young trainers, encouraging them. I was lucky to have many older, talented trainers looking after me as I started my journey. The least I could do was answer some questions and pose for a few pictures. Much to my surprise though, the streets of Hau'oli were relatively quiet. I got stopped a few times, but not to the degree I expected upon my return. Only when reaching the Outskirts did I catch on. Even at the base of the hill I could hear the telltale songs and cheers. There was a festival going on in Iki Town. It had to be quite a match up to leave the bustling streets of Hau'oli all but deserted. I made a mental note to ask my mother about it after being doused in hugs.

My house, however, was empty. I called out, checked the lanai, my mother's room, and after leaving my bags in my bedroom I gathered she and Meowth must be out. Shopping, surely. Neither of them could pass up an opportunity to fawn over anything new and shiny. I didn't really feel like doubling back into the city and going on a wild Farfetch'd chase, so I decided to see what all of the fuss was about in Iki Town. First I unpacked, setting aside all the soiled clothes for a much needed wash, and then took a shower. It felt strange to interact with everything after years. The shower wasn't so big as I remembered, though the water still scalded perfectly. How I missed the convenience of geothermal energy. I amassed a pretty diverse wardrobe after traveling through so many geographically diverse regions, but most of them didn't suit life here. My old Alolan clothes of course no longer fit, so I put together an outfit of suitable items I bought in Kalos.

Between my walk home and my preparations, late afternoon turned to twilight, and when I opened the front door I was greeted with the first twinkling of stars. I had to stop for a moment to turn my gaze skyward. Still, the clarity and beauty of Alolan nights astounded me. Nowhere in all my travels could you see the heavens like this. I took it as a good omen, and started my small trek up the hill. As I climbed Route One the sounds of merrymaking grew more and more prominent. Suddenly I was eleven again and receiving my Z-Power Ring, visions of Tapu Koko freshly emblazoned upon my mind. I was battling Hala for my Grand Trial. I was celebrating my champion win with all my friends and family. The whistling of launched fireworks followed by their colorful burst diverted my thoughts before nostalgia could turn to sadness. Once I reached the steps of Iki Town, the chatter of village people along with Hau'olians tipped me off to what was going on this evening.

"To think we'd be blessed with the youngest kahuna, ever!"

"It's not surprising considering his family tree."

"It must be hard for old Hala…"

"What do you mean?! He's tickled pink!"

"What is it about Melemele? First Ilima, then Sun, and now Hau! It's like the island breeds the best trainers."

"Maybe it's Tapu Koko?"

"I can't wait for the battle to start!"

"I wouldn't want to be Kahuna Hau's first challenger, that's for sure…"

Recognition washed over me. I was stunned, and immensely proud. I felt like crying. To think that the boy I met right here was now a kahuna… It made perfect sense, that Tapu Koko would choose him after all of Hau's victories, and with Hala was getting on in years. On the initial examination it seemed like a demotion, to go from reigning Island Champion to a kahuna. But I knew how much this meant to Hau, and that in this role he could help the place closest to his heart. He wasn't like me, someone who only thought of the victories ahead. What really mattered to him was his pokemon, and leaving the world a little better than he found it. I scanned the crowd for any familiar faces and found no purchase. As I made another pass, a hush fell over the town. Torches around the ceremonial battle site seared to life. A boy approached the stage. I wondered if we seemed so small to the adults in our lives when we battled for Tapu Koko. Everyone cheered in support, which didn't seem to help the boy's sheepish expression. I shook my head. He wouldn't win if he failed to summon some inner strength, not against Hau.

Against the glinting flames his face betrayed everything and nothing. As always, he wore a handsome smile. But now there was more than youthful cheer coloring his expression: the steely confidence of a champion lined it as well. The crowd roared but their vociferation fell silent in my mind. All I could see was how perfect he looked. Desperately, I wanted to freeze this moment and hold on to it forever. His hair was pulled into a high bun, one that was considered sacred to his people. Dressed sparsely, in nothing besides board shorts, a denim vest, and sandals, almost all his muscles were on display. He seemed to glow in the combination of firelight and moonlight. The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down my spine. I had no way to prepare for how well the years treated him. He was a total babe, no doubt about it.

"Greetings everyone! I am thrilled at the turnout tonight, as we honor our guardian with this first battle as kahuna. I have dreamed of this since I can remember… And I know this kid is no less stoked to continue his Island Challenge! I want to thank my Tutu for guiding me… and Tapu Koko for trusting me with this responsibility. Now! Let us shake heaven and earth and bring honor to our island!"

The match was over in an instant. Hau synced seamlessly with his team, launching a barrage of coordinated moves. He used the final evolutions of the three Alolan starters, and finished the battle with Sparkling Aria, dousing everyone in a spray. I felt bad for the young upstart, but he took his loss in stride, and was congratulated for his efforts. Once they began to chant Hau's name, I took the opportunity to sneak out of the commotion, not wanting him to catch sight of me somehow. A part of me wanted to walk right up and challenge him, but this night wasn't about me, and I didn't want anyone else to take part in our reunion. Walking home, my body still shook with the thrill of hearing his voice once more–smooth and enthusiastic, watching him in action, how his team responded to his commands without doubt, and improvised on the stop if a call failed to go as planned. I was so wrapped up in replaying it all in my mind that the sudden, loud meow nearly had me trip over myself and roll down the hill.

"Perrrr-rrra!"

I looked down and found an Alolan Persian winding between my legs happily.

"Meowth…could that be you…did you evolve?"

"Perrr-sssiiian!"

"Where's Ma, Persian?"

"Oh… she's around here somewhere."

I turned around and saw her giddy face, then ran up and gave her a huge hug. Until I saw her I forgot how much I missed having my mother around. Persian sat patiently and watched, its tail twitching happily.

"It's so good to see you, Sun."

"You too, Ma."

"I see you stumbled upon the festivities tonight."

"Well, when I found no one home I figured it was a good guess."

"That's my smart boy…" She ruffled my hair and put her arm around me, leading us back down the hill. "Gosh, you've gotten so big. I was worried you wouldn't be eating enough on your travels and you'd come home smaller than when you left!"

"Clearly your worries were for nothing."

"That's for sure! All the same I'll rustle up a nice dinner for us. And some poke beans for Persian too!"

"Perrrrrr!"

"When did Meowth evolve?"

"Oh…maybe a year after you left. I got kinda bored once the house was all set up, so I decided to do a little battling around town. I didn't expect Persian to look like this! But Kukui came by and told me all about the different Alolan forms. I bet you already knew that, huh?"

"Yep, I did."

"My smart boy strikes again…anyway, what did you think of the battle?"

"Hau was…fantastic."

"I'll say! I had no idea he got so strong. Why didn't you say hi to him?"

"It just wasn't the right time."

"Mmm, that's a good point. Call in the morning and see what he's up to."

"Yes, ma…"

"'Yessss maaa…' Don't sound so excited!"

"I'm just tired. That boat ride is a killer."

"Goodness I forgot all about that. Well, I'll have dinner ready in a jiffy. Why don't you play with Persian for a bit? I'll call you when it's ready."

"Sure thing."

"And Sun?"

"Yeah ma?"

"Welcome home."

Home. Only one thing was missing, and I would see him tomorrow.