Professor Kukui muses aloud as the two mega pokemon engage one another. "I've been dying to see two Mega-pokemon duke it out, yeah! Just what kind of moves will they show us?"

Kuhuna Hala says, "Look at them. They battle with everything they've got with nothing but smiles on their faces. Calem's up against a champion, yet he isn't one step behind her."

Kahuna Olivia says, "That boy, Calem really has come a long way from what the two of you told me. He didn't show any capability of being able to use Mega-evolution when I fought him. Serena really wasn't lying when she declared him her rival."

Professor Kukui says, "Lana, you've fought alongside those two, yeah? What's their best moves, woo?" After waiting a while without receiving a reply, he looks around saying, "Lana?"

Ilima stops gritting his teeth to say, "Lana left right before the battle started."

Acerola says, "I traveled alongside those two as well. My breath was taken away when they partnered up on Aether Paradise. Their coordination was just amazing. Watching was like spectating an endless waltz. Mega-Mawile's best move has to be iron hea- There! Just like that!" She jumps in place and points at the image of Mega-Absol being sent flying to the edge of the ring Calem and Serena made on the snow.

As Mega-Abosl gets up, Acerola says, "Mega-Absol's best attacks are either night slash or psycho cut! There it is!"

Mega-Mawile meets Mega-Abosl's psycho cut with fire fang. Her mouths lunge for the dark pokemon's legs, forcing him to dodge and redirect his attack into a snow bank. Mega-Mawile pounces with play rough.

As the two pokemon tumble through the snow, Professor Kukui says, "What I would have given to battle either of them myself, yeah! It's a real shame neither of them partook in the league championship."

Hau says, "I don't get it. When did Calem get this strong? It's like he became a different person on Ula'ula Island."

Mallow says, "Don't you get it? He was holding back and looking down on us. I bet je was laughing whenever we turned away."

Kahuna Olivia says, "Mallow, that's going too far. This is nothing more than a lost child finding his way again. You should all be happy for him."

Kahuna Hala laughs, "If anything, be happy for now we have another strong opponent to overcome. Even Tapu Koko found satisfaction in battle against him the other night."

Iiima gasps. He noticed Tapu Koko flying through the night sky, but thought the guardian pokemon was celebrating the birth of the first Alola Champion. Before he can comment, everyone's attention is redirected to the screen.

Serena calls back Mega-Absole and drops her head into her hand with a sigh. "So… I still can't beat you. I'll use this loss to make myself better!"

"Maw!"

Mallow gasps upon seeing Serena admit her defeat. "I can't believe it! That guy actually won?" She then looks to Mahina, "Between the two of you, if you were to battle, who would win?"

At the same time, Guzma laughs. He holds his stomach while saying, "Seeing this really makes me feel better about my loss. That kid's miles ahead of me. I never stood a chance. Hey, girly, I'm curious too. If the two of you went full out, who'd win?"

Mahina glances to her emerald hexagon ball. "You mean if we used all of our pokemon… I can't say. Calem still hasn't used all of-"

Hau points at the laptop and says, "They're not finished!"

Serena holds her rainbow ball and says, "You may have defeated me, but there is still one test left."

Calem holds out his black ball as he backs up towards the edge of Mount Lanakila. The determination in his face is one forged by every hardship he has overcome. He holds the ball against himself and drops off the cliff.

Serena holds her rainbow ball to herself as she says, "Yes, this is not yet the time for words." She takes off running and leaps as she throws her rainbow ball ahead of herself. She lands upon the emerging pokemon's back as it grows and takes shape. Xerneas cries out as it hops up onto its hind legs. Lush green plants sprout around its feet despite the mountain's freezing temperature and altitude.

The verdant flora wither brown as a three pronged shadow flies up from Mount Lanakila's edge. Kneeling atop of Yuvelta's back with one hand holding on to its neck is Calem. The focus within his stare hints to battle to come. Traces of hesitation can also be seen with a closer look.

Calem points at Xerneas with his free hand, "Oblivion wing!" Yveltal claps its wings together and a beam of darkness reaches out from it.

Professor Kukui's eyes pop open upon realizing his mistake. Yveltal isn't emitting a beam, but "is absorbing energy." Whatever touches the black space is subject to a powerful force strong to even trap light.

Serena looks at the encroaching darkness and says, "Heal pulse!" Xerneas fires a rainbow beam at the darkness from its antlers. The attack not only halts the darkness's advancement, but also pushes it back. The two attacks stabilize midway between the two pokemon. Xerneas pushes its attack forward and Yveltal absorbs it. The two remain locked in place for more than ten minutes before breaking away.

Ilima notices Serena's triumphant expression and says, "What's she so happy for? All she did was make him stronger. Just look at Calem's smug face."

Mahina says, "Smug? You don't know Calem at all. He's always walked as if the entire world was chained to his shoulders. It's really obvious when he sleeps."

Hau says, "Really? He always looked pretty normal to me?"

Mahina sighs. "It isn't really something you can just see…"

Acerola nods. "That's true. There are times he feels like a lost ghost."

Mahina then grins. "But now, he looks like those chains have been completely shattered." She then fist pumps and says, "Go, Calem!"

Acerola says, "Yeah, show us what you're made of!"

Kahuna Hala says, "So this pokemon is what was weighing young Calem down so much. I see… He accepted its terrifying power as his own responsibility to watch over."

Hau gasps and points at the laptop. Yvelta dives forward with steel wing.

Serena says, "Close combat!"

Yveltal dodges each of Xernea's thrusts and jabs to deliver a powerful strike into the fairy pokemon's side. Then, as Xerneas staggers back up onto its feet, Yveltal releases, "Hurricane!"

Serena braces herself atop of Xerneas's. "Moonblast!"

Yveltal swerves to the left and separates itself from Xerneas, dodging the beam with a barrel roll. The distance created allows it to swirl around Xerneas and disappear with phantom force.

"Misty terrain!" Serena uses the pink mist to search out where Yvelta will appear from. She looks left, right, above, below, behind, and forward, but can't find the pokemon. Yveltal appears a few feet behind where it vanished from and dives forward with another steel wing.

Calem tackles Serena as Yveltal takes Xerneas by surprise. The two trainers roll over a pill of snow with Calem finishing on top of her. He swings his fist towards her and holds it above her face. Calem grins at Serena's confusion and flicks her forehead. With the words, "Told you this place needs a bridge," he helps back onto her feet.

Serena makes a face as she and Calem recall their pokemon. She puffs some air, but then smiles. Her expression is one of complete relief. "I admit defeat."

As she steps back, Calem lowers himself down onto a knee and bows his head. From their pokeballs burst Mawile, Noivern, Ponyta, Mimikyu, Absol, Chesnaugh, Vaporeon, and Altaria. The pokemon make a circle around Calem and Serena while also bowing their heads.

Serena holds out her hand and says, "Vaporeon." The water pokemon creates a sword with ice beam and then lowers her head again.

Serena taps the sword upon Calem's shoulder and says, "Calem, I acknowledge your victory over me, the Kalos Champion." She then sticks the ice sword into the snow and drapes the champion's mantel over his shoulders. "Rise." She ties the ends of the mantle together as Calem gets up. "Be loyal with your actions and words, and serve Kalos as best you may. Be humble and courteous wherever you go, boast not nor withhold yourself. Always be gracious with your speech. Be brave and upright with your pokemon by your side. Be without fear as you face your enemies and always speak the truth. Speak it even if it leads to your death. With this sacred oath, I hereby declare you the new Kalos Champion." She then drops to her knee, bows her head, and presents him with the ice sword.

Calem holds the sword before himself and says, "I swear to uphold the Oath of Kalos, so help me my pokemon."

Serena gets up and stretches out her arms, "Finally! I ain'ts gotta worry 'bout my image no more!"

"How long have you been waiting to say that?"

Serena laughs free of inhibition, but the grace she practiced remains. "Years! You have no idea, but just wait. Everything you do from now on has to be with dignity and elegance. No matter how mad you get, always remember to maintain you image."

"Yeah, not a chance."

"What do you mean, "not a chance"? This is your responsibility as the new Kalos Champion!"

Calem clicks his tongue. "Just that, not happening. Or, maybe I should say it like this, it ain't gonna happen. Deal with it. By the way, don't think you're getting out of this that easily. You're part of my elite four."

"What?"

The smile Calem releases is a heavy one. It's a mix of sorrow, hope, uncertainty, and reprieve. His tone is gentle, but also firm. "Serena, let's go back to Kalos."

"Impossible, don't you remember why the Pokemon League abandoned our home in the first place? We'll be attack the minute we set foot there!"

"I've been thinking about that. You said that happened soon after I left Kalos. Pokemon are better connected to nature than we are." He then gestures to his black ball. "They felt when Zygarde was blown away by Team Flare's ultimate weapon. Then they felt me take Yveltal away. Once all three legendary pokemon are returned, they should stop rampaging. Mahina is going to have to help with this, too."

"Okay, let's say that works. The Pokemon League has already declared Kalos as abandoned."

Calem's grin reflects his experiences in Alola. "I met this maverick of a professor. He's completely unorthodox. He doesn't wear a shirt and let's pokemon attack him so he can understand them better. You'd never believe you'd ever be able to learn anything from him. But you know what, he taught me something incredible. He taught me something so simple, I feel like an idiot for not noticing. The people are who create the Pokemon League. The current one left? Fine, we'll just make a new one."

"And you're first step is making an Elite Four?"

"Yep, I'm inviting Korrina next."

"Because she can use mega evolution?"

"Mega-evolution is the legacy of Kalos. Honestly, I'd prefer everyone on my Elite Four be able to use it, but I don't know any other trainers who can. None of them survived…"

"What about Sina and Dexio? They can mega-evolve."

"I had a match with them during the Pokemon League. They're not strong enough. If anything, they'd be pokemon researchers." Calem shrugs and turns to the side, "So, how about it, Gladion? Want to join my Elite Four?"

Gladion emerges from the cave and shakes his head. "You're asking me just like that?"

"Yeah, your pokemon trust you, you fought to preserve the Alola region, and you're wearing a Z-ring. You meet all the qualifications."

Gladion drops his head into his hand with a sigh, but then looks up with a smile. "You know what, fine. I'll even give you the full backing of the Aether Foundation. So, who's our final member?"

"I have no idea. I figure that wi-" He stops as a Charizard comes into view. "Difficulte resolu."

Lana hops from the fire pokemon's back and says, "Calem, you're the new Champion now, right?" At Calem's nod, "I knew it! Then, if you're still looking for Elite Four-"

"Okay."

Lana chokes on her words at Calem's instant acceptance. Once she finishes coughing, she says, "Just like that? You aren't going to consider it before accepting? Heck, you didn't even let me finish!"

"What are you talking about? Remembering these past few weeks is more than enough. I'm more surprised you knew what I was trying to do. Anyway, it's cold out here. Let's continue inside."

Rotom flies out of Calem's pocket as they enter the Pokemon League building. From it comes Professor Kukui's voice, "Hey, cousin! We all saw that magnificent battle of yours over the security cameras, woo! I gotta say, hearing those words really got to me. Anyway, I just want to let you know that we really admire that spirit of yours, yeah! So, you can count on our support to rebuild your home! Mahina says she's with you, yeah!"

Calem is taken aback by the phone call. He looks to one of the security cameras and smiles. "Thanks."

Professor Kukui says, "Well, you've still got a lot to do, woo. So, good luck, yeah!"

Serena hugs Calem as Professor Kukui hangs up. "Calem, this is great! If this works, then we really will be able to rebuild our home!" She releases him and says, "All that's left is to call Korrina, right?"

"I don't have her number…"

Serena dials the number on her holo-caster and then hands it to him. Korrina answers after a few rings. She sounds as though she's suppressing a yawn as she speaks, "Serena? What's wrong? I just fell asleep."

"Hey, Korrina. Sorry about that, but this is important."

"Calem? It's fine, it's fine, more importantly, what happened? You sound like your old self!"

"I'll summarize. Serena and I just had a match. I'm the new champion. We're going back to Kalos. I need an Elite Four. Are you interested?"

"Wait, wait, you just skipped all the important details! I know I've said you should roll with the punches, but this is too much. People can't return to Kalos anymore. Are you claiming you can resolve that issue? That we can go home?"

Calem takes a breath. As much as he wants to, he cannot in good faith say yes. "I think I know why the pokemon began to rampage. Can you come to Alola?"

"Yes! Of course! Even if it's a slim chance, we have to take it! I'll be there by tomorrow!"

"That fast?"

"I'm buying my ticket, now."

"Great, we'll see you then." Calem hangs up and returns the holo-caster to Serena. Once his Rotom copies the number into the Rotom-dex phone book, Gladion says, "So, what now?"

"Look up a current satellite image of Kalos? Assuming that returning Zygarde, Yveltal, and Xerneas Kalos does appease the wild pokemon, we'll need to figure out what we're working with. Reconstruction was started, but after being abandoned for over a year… The river on route 12 leads to Lumiose City, there's also a natural bay to its east, and the power plant, or its remains anyway, aren't far from there either."

Gladion says, "You have no idea what you're doing."

"I've put plenty of thought into this. I just need to figure out what resources are available. Food, running water, electricity, and shelter are my priorities. We should rebuild the gyms first. They don't have to be anything fancy, just something large to unite everyone. Other than being makeshift headquarters, we can use them as medical stations and storage areas as we redevelop."

Gladion places a hand upon Calem's shoulder, "Well, you've got my company and Alola supporting you. Once everyone sees that they can return to Kalos, even more help will show up."

Calem gives his him brightest smile yet, "Thanks."

…..

Calem wakes up on his bedroom floor to someone pounding on his front door. He looks at his laptop. On it is a satellite image of Kalos. Must have fallen asleep. Scattered around him are documents Professor Kukui and Gladion provided him listing the type of aid the Alola region and Aether Foundation are able to provide. The numbers shocked him at first, but it probably won't be enough.

Lana and Serena are on his bed. Lana hugs a laptop to herself. On it she sorted the names and contact information of everyone who volunteered to help out: the Champion, the Kahuna, the Elite Four, the trial captains, former Team Skull members, International Police members, and random citizens. Serena has her laptop on the bedside table. On it she sorted their finances: their total, who it came from, and how much was donated. She also brain stormed potential fund raising opportunities to increase the amount they have.

Calem pushes himself onto all fours as the pounding continues. A blanket slips off his shoulders as he stands. He stares at it for a few seconds. Serena was the first one to fall asleep and he didn't cover himself. Was it Lana?

The two girls begin to stir as he hobbles out of his room. Before Calem is halfway to the door, Hau bursts in saying, "Calem! It's a disaster! A total disaster!"

"Hau? What's go on?"

"I'll explain later, but… but… You've gotta come with me right now! If we don't hurry, the ship is gonna leave! Hurry!" He then runs out the door.

Calem calls out Rapidash and leaps onto his back from atop of his porch. Hau said ship, that means, "No time to lose! We've got to get to the port!" Calem wonders what Hau meant as Rapidash races to the port. Hau wasn't very clear, but everything should make sense once he gets there.

He soon passes Hau who rides atop of Tauros and reaches the port. Professor Kukui and Lillie stand near the end of the dock. She's leaving? Did he mishear or is Lillie is going to Kanto?

Hau arrives before he can say anything and says, "You didn't tell us!"

Calem says, "Lillie, what's going on?"

Lillie gives the two of them a sad look. "Hau… Calem… I'm sorry… But I've decided. I have to go to Kanto. To help my mother get better… but more than that… to help myself get stronger." She takes a breath and continues, "Of course I'm sad to leave Alola… but… the thought of going to Kanto also fills my heart with excitement! I'm going to become a real trainer and meet all kinds of wonderful pokemon… I'm going to travel all around Kanto, just like we did here on Alola for your island challenges!" She then turns to Calem, "And no matter what happens on my journey… I'm going to be okay. The smiles everyone on Alola shared with me, Nebby, Sandslash, Meowstic, I know I have all of you to give me strength. Thank you so much!"

Calem smiles as he thinks back to the conversation he and Lillie shared during the festival the other night. "Lillie, you are a trainer. Keep pressing forward."

Lillie nods, "You're right! That's why someday… someday I'll come back to Alola again!"

Hau says, "But… but… I haven't gotten to say any of the things that I wanted to say yo- you! So… so… Arghhh!"

Calem looks at Hau who's holding his head and says, "You've still got a few minutes."

Hau glares at Calem and jabs him with a finger. "You, how are you so calm? Aren't you sad to see Lillie leave?"

"Hau, Lillie's going on journey, not dying." He points to his face, "Our job is to see her off with a smile and wish her the best."

Hau cries out again and says to Lillie, "I'm gonna send you a letter! A really, really long one! You'd better wait!"

Lillie smiles and says, "I will, Hau. Please, take this." She then turns to Calem. "Here, it may look a little worn, but… that is because this was my most treasured belonging once." From her bag, she gives him pokedoll.

Calem looks the doll over as he takes it with both hands and smiles. "You know, over in Kanto, Clefairy inhabit Mt. Moon. You could probably catch on there."

"I'll have to look for one, then." She takes a breath and says, "Then, I suppose… this is good-bye."

Lillie boards the ship and waves as it departs. Calem goes to wave back, but instead runs to the edge of the dock and makes the Alola greeting with his hands. Emotions overcome and compels him to say, "Lillie, Alola! Once you finish with Kanto, come to Kalos! It will definitely be ready by then and I'll- I'll be waiting for you as the champion! I'll see you at the Kalos Pokemon League! Alola!"

Hau begins to cry as Lillie disappears from sight. Professor Kukui lets him have a few tears before saying, "Hau, I know what it's like when you can't help but cry. But you know… it's like Calem said. When you're saying good-bye to someone you love, you gotta show them one last smile, yeah!"

"Y-yeah… I… I think I wanna go see my gramps…"

"Yeah, let's all go home. We've got people waiting for us… Our families are waiting for us." Professor Kukui begins to walk away with Hau, but then turns to Calem who remains by the water's edge. "Aren't you coming?"

Calem sits down one the pier's edge. He kicks his legs underneath himself as he stares at the ocean. "Korrina is going to be here soon. I want to wait for her." Lana, Serena, and Gladion join him after 2 hours to greet Korrina with him.

A/N: The End! Wow, this story took a lot longer to finish that I thought it would, but it was worth it. The gaiden chapter is still left, but that's more of an after story, and will be a little longer to come out. The date it comes out is already planned, but I'm not spoiling when. So, what did you all think? Anything you regret not getting to see? What parts did you enjoy most? If at any point you felt sad or happy for anyone, then I'd say this journey was a success. Anyway, I'll see you all one last time.

Leave a review,

Gandire Alea