Note: So...I let this slip for a while. Oops. It's been busy for me, folks. Anyway, I suppose I'll make up for it by posting two chapters over the course of today, so look out for that and enjoy.

They had been holding Lusamine over at Aether Paradise for a week. Lillie spent nearly the whole time either at her mother's bedside, or sleeping at Wicke's insistence. Even in all that time, Lillie wasn't sure what to make of her last interaction with her mother, and how it had affected her. She almost wished her mother would wake up solely to confirm or deny the things she was feeling.

Holtz was with her. Of course, Holtz was with her. He'd put his trial aside and stayed to support Lillie at the foundation. They hadn't done all that much talking, come to think of it. They'd spent almost all their time together, even slept in the same room, but so much of Lillie's days consisted of sitting by her mother's side, talking to her, pleading with her to wake up, and Holtz had chosen to show his support by letting her go on, holding her hand in silence. When not doing that, Holtz was more often than not playing with his Pokemon around the foundation. Some days she would go to find him, to take him to see Lusamine with her, only to see that he was happily grooming Magno or Erin, or climbing along and tickling Nebby. Seeing this, she would leave him be. On the occasions that Holtz would interact with Gladion, or Wicke, or Faba, she would hear the old enthusiasm in his voice, laced with cutting remarks but also genuine light.

She missed that light. She missed her Sun.

When Wicke told her that it was doubtful Lusamine would wake up anytime soon, Lillie realized that sentiment wasn't the only way she was being selfish. She never had asked Holtz if he really wanted to be there. She was so worried about her mother, she hadn't even thanked him for being there for her. And so she steeled herself one night, before bursting into their room with her best 'determined' face.

"ELIO!"

"Whaaaaaaa!?" the boy yelped as he woke, staring up at her in shock.

"Get up, pack your things. I've kept you here too long. We're going to finish the island challenge, and you're going to be champion!"

"Wha-but, your mom-"

"Isn't waking up anytime soon. I can't hold you here anymore. It's not right. You...you deserve to be champion, Holtz. And I want to be there when that happens."

They looked at each other in silence, Lillie already full dressed and ready to go while Holtz sat in his pajamas. He looked her up and down before speaking. "So...you're coming with me, then?"

Lillie nodded. Part of her, a big part, wanted to stay with her mother, but an even bigger part knew that she couldn't bare to not be with Holtz in this moment, and Wicke would take of her in the meantime.

"We've made a step for me. Now let's make another for you."

"...ok."

Lillie would unfortunately always remember the undignified yelp she let out when Holtz stood and began changing clothes right in front of her. The boy gave a nervous chuckle as she turned around in a panic.

"Hehe...sorry. Not all awake yet."

On their way out, the two saw none other than Gladion waiting by the entrance in his signature pose.

"Hey, Glad." Holtz said,before leaning over to Lillie. "Hey, was he this much of drama queen when you were kids, or is that new?"

"So...you two are leaving?"

"Yes." Lillie said. "Are you going to try and stop us?"

Gladion shook his head. "I'm just here to see you off, I suppose. And to thank you, Holtz. For everything you've done for us. For our mother. I appreciate it. Maybe more than you know."

"Yeah, well, what else was I gonna do?"

"As it so happens, the only gift I can offer you in thanks is a great battle."

"And as it so happens, that's a gift that's right up my alley."

Lillie almost felt her cheeks hurt. This had to be the first time she'd smiled since they arrived at Aether, and it was a wide one. As the two boys proceeded, she decided that watching them spar verbally was just as uplifting as watching them battle. It was like seeing two sides of a reflection; Holtz with Beady on one end and Gladion with Null on the other. Both boys, so very near and dear to her heart, were completely in their element as barbs were exchanged as well as blows, and even Gladion had to crack a smile at the silliness of the dances required.

"You must have a surplus of dignity to do that habitually, Elio..."

"Hey, is your hand cramping? I always get an arthritis vibe from you. If you wanna put this off til the shakes go away, make it more fair, I'm down..."

"I can just imagine the time mother must've had battling you..."

"Hey hey, looks like Null got an upgrade. I like..."

"You cant use Nebby! That's not fair..."

When the dust cleared, Holtz was of course the victor, but the feeling of elation was shared between the three of them.

"Well...looks like you weren't wrong." Gladion said, turning to Lillie. "He really just might be the best Pokemon Trainer in the world. I can't let down my guard yet if you're progressing this fast."

"Wait...what?" Holtz said, staring dumbfounded at Lillie who was blushing profusely for the second time that night. "...You said that?"

"Well...I think it's true."

"Lillie." Gladion said. "I can look after mother while you two are gone. I know that what you want more than anything right now is to be with each other..."

As if to confirm his notion, Lillie and Holtz exchanged a smile and clasped hands.

"Not to mention, I'm sure he'd be completely useless without you."

"Hey!"

Lillie let out a loud belly laugh this time, before running up to hug her brother. He returned that hug wholeheartedly, and they remained that way in silence, before letting each other go.

"Thank you, brother."

Taking Holtz hand again, the two proceeded to walk to the boat, before Gladion's voice called after them.

"Lillie! If I have to call him brother in law, I'm gonna kill him!"