Pokemon Sun: A Ranger's Trials

by ChaosFlash912

When a Pokemon Ranger takes time off from her job to have a nice vacation in the sunny and tropical Alola region, she winds up getting a lot more than what she bargained for. Will it still be the best vacation ever? Probably. A slice of paradise mixed with tales of other worlds, coming up!

25. Final Day Part 2

(Ladies and gentlemen! This is the final main story chapter. This is the final battle. And this is where Alola's first champion is decided. Better be ready, because I know I am.

The Reviews

Jacob9594: Glad you liked it!

LogBook: It really was a sweet moment, though I do hope that the resolution to the internal conflict is going to be just as sweet.)

Some time later, Aubrey, Vanessa, and Jake arrived at the base of Mount Lanakila.

"Well, here we are, you two..." Aubrey mused. "At the top of this mountain lies the Pokemon League."

"Holy crap it's giant! I can't even see the top from here!" Jake's eyes widened in shock. At this point, he had called out Forrest again and even Forrest felt like shivering from the sight of what looked to be a cold expedition. "I mean I have climbed mountains but it's not one of my favorite Pokemon journeying activities..."

"Well what's another ice mountain to the two of us, Brey?" Vanessa mentioned positively.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure we'll be fine Van, but uh...you got anything for cold weather, Jake?" Aubrey asked. "I've been racking my brain at how our uniforms can handle both heat and cold, but the only explanation that makes any sense is our uniforms are somehow able to respond to the area around us." The older ranger paused. "That feels like something I've heard about on TV before though...but it makes some lick of sense."

"Yeah since rangers are basically secret agents in this world. I do have a coat, scarf, and some warm fuzzy pants. That'll have to do for this case." Jake muttered as he pilfered for said items in his bag.

"Get changed. You're gonna need it, man." Aubrey leaned against the foundation wall of the Pokemon Center at the mountain's base. "Once you're good to go, we'll head on up." Jake nodded and went into the Pokemon Center, followed by Forrest, to get properly dressed for the cold expedition ahead. This gave the two Rangers time to converse.

"Umbre umbre!" Vatonage was excited for this climb - they were at the finish line, and boy was he eager to see his partner finish strong.

"Yeah little guy, this is it. We're in the home stretch now," Aubrey responded, kneeling down and rubbing his head. "And then...heck, I dunno what happens from there."

"We will find out together, partner," Vanessa responded.

"Van, look I...I get what you were saying back at Mina's place. But there's just so much uncertainty, ya know?" The older ranger commented. "I mean, I only came here on what was supposed to be paid leave, and yet here we are, staring down what ten year old me really wanted to be."

"I understand that, Brey," Vanessa spoke in a reassuring tone of voice.

"It's like...what if what you were saying does happen? What would we be doing then?" Aubrey stood back up, Vatonage hopping up in her arms.

"Well, let's see here. Well first off we know this place is a hotbed for those Ultra Wormholes right?" Vanessa asked. Aubrey gave her a nod, as did Vatonage. "I imagine we will have to keep any Ultra Beasts or whatever else pops out of those in check. We also have Nebby as well. We might have to go and check out Ultra Space again. Try to learn what we can about these Ultra Beasts in their own homes."

"True...but if we did become Area Rangers...what do you think our base would look like?" Aubrey then asked.

"Hmm…" Vanessa put a hand to her chin in thought. "Well we have a tropical island location, so maybe we can get something beachside?"

"Clearly. It'd suck if we didn't," Aubrey answered with a bit of a smile.

"Yeah, get you a small gym to keep in shape, maybe some relaxation stuff as well," The younger ranger suggested.

"Hopefully we get to pick where in Alola it is, yeah...mmm..." Aubrey seemed to think about where to have it be, pushing the dream of being the very best Steel-type Pokemon user in the back of her mind for the time being.

Jake soon returned in his updated outfit. He had a warm-looking blueberry blue coat with fur lining and a hood, black fuzzy pants, and a neutral-colored infinity scarf around his neck for maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Forrest had been withdrawn into his ball seeing as the trip would be very uncomfortable for the Grass/Ghost Pokemon. "Okey dokey. Are we ready to endure frostbite, ladies?"

After registering what Jake had said, Aubrey looked fired up. "Heck yeah I am!"

"Breon!" Vatonage hopped out of her arms, tail wagging with excitement.

"Let's go!" Vanessa exclaimed.

"Then our championship awaits!" Jake pointed up towards the peak of the mountain as he was fully psyched up now. The three proceeded onwards where they'd find an elevator at the base of the mountain, as well as Hau and Gladion there, having wrapped up a battle with the former having taken the win. Hau would be the first to notice them.

"Hey! You guys made it!" Hau greeted with a wave. "I heard about what happened with Miss Lusamine from Gladion...and what Lillie wants to do."

"We've been waiting here, yes. Decided to pass the time with a battle," Gladion confirmed. "Looks like Hau finally takes battles seriously enough to get a win on me now."

"Waiting here for us? For what we've done?" Aubrey asked.

"Yeah. Words alone can't express how much it means to me," Gladion answered.

"Um, I got a chance to talk with Lillie. She said she was gonna try her luck in the Kanto region to get stronger," Hau informed, getting a bit misty-eyed, but kept his smile. "We're gonna write to each other, tell each other about our experiences and...it'll feel less like she's halfway across the world."

"Well tell her I want to exchange letters with her tooooooooo!" Jake whined, more out of love than frustration. "I'm losing an unofficial daughter in her and I'd love to see and hear all her achievements moving forward."

"Unofficial daughter?" Gladion raised an eyebrow at that.

"I'll be sure to let her know!" Hau answered eagerly.

"Well I took care of her and helped her work things out with you Gladion and motivated her and supported her and fed her and styled her-" Jake's train of speech would be interrupted by Aubrey thumping him on the back.

"Hey, don't act like you were the only one helping her, man." She folded her arms.

Jake gulped and shook off his brief moment of overexcitement. "Sorry Aubrey... Let's just say that having Lillie in my life really made me want to be a parent and a model parent so no kid I know would have to go through something like that again. I'm just so happy that I was able to provide her the means to rebuild her family and start anew. And you gave her strength and courage to execute it."

"Aw, don't sweat it Jake," Hau reassured him. "I'm sure you'll make a great dad."

"Yeah...just don't go too overboard like our mother did, and you'll be just fine," Gladion added. "As far as actual charges...well, we don't have any word on that." To the rangers he asked, "Well? What's going to happen to her after she's medically cleared?"

Aubrey scratched the back of her head. "Uh...I'm not a lawmaker so I wouldn't know..."

"I'm guessing she will simply have to atone for her crimes in some way that Alola sees fit for her. Considering she could plead insanity because of being psychologically damaged and controlled by the Nihilego would benefit her chances of going free." Jake reasoned.

Honestly...I think that would be up to the local law enforcement and the heads of the Union to decide…" Vanessa added. "Honestly if anything due to that poison that Nihilego was affecting her with, she will probably get a reduced sentence if anything at all." She did see Jake's point in the diminished capacity that Lusamine was going through at the time.

"Hopefully. Lillie has been praying that we can be back together one day," Gladion spoke. "And you may be right. Nihilego's neurotoxins apparently do that to you based on what Aether had on those things."

"Anyway...just take that elevator up, and keep climbing up. You'll reach the League soon enough," Hau told the trio.

"Ok. Thank you gentlemen. It's been an honor working alongside you." Jake bowed humbly before them before boarding the elevator. Aubrey and Vatonage were next on, the older ranger helping her partner up as the elevator scaled the mountainside. Once they reached the top of the elevator, they saw they still had some ways to go before they reached their destination.

"Honestly, I think this might be where the last Z-Crystal is," Aubrey mentioned. "Once we find that, we give 'em to Key and boom! Huge payday coming our way."

"Oh? That does sound like it would be here," Vanessa agreed.

"Yeah, because...I think the only one we're missing is Ice, right?" Aubrey mused. "And hey, what better place to hide the Ice Z-Crystal than a snow covered mountain?"

"Well guess we better make like an express and polar through this to complete our collection!" Jake grinned. As they went towards the cave leading them up, they'd see there were trainers here dressed for the occasion, causing Aubrey to crack a smile.

"Well! Looks like we're not alone up here," The older ranger chuckled. "Looks like we've got some last minute practice before the end!"

"Oh dang, this is a proper Victory Road here," Vanessa breathed.

"Ok then. Let's warm ourselves up with some fierce fighting!" Jake smirked.

As they battled through, Vanessa mainly took a backseat, keeping herself busy with Styler practice on the wild Pokemon in the area.

"I had no idea you could make it this far unevolved Pokemon," Jake pointed out in the midst of their battle.

"Well, Scyther does lose Speed evolving into Scizor..." Aubrey commented, trying to be charitable.

"Yeah, but Scizor's got a Mega Evolution and is more badass!" Jake emphasized.

"Okay yeah, I'll give ya that," The older ranger conceded. They'd continue up the path leaving the first cave, snow falling down around them.

Jake caught a snowflake in his mouth and giggled. "You don't usually get snow like this unless you actively look for it. It really is beautiful."

"Yeah...we didn't have weather like this back where I'm from," Aubrey mentioned. "It's so different..."

"Really? You HAVE to make a snowman or Snow-Pokemon! It's the most iconic snow-based activity!" Jake winked.

"Well when you come from a place called Summerland, of course you don't get snow," Aubrey snarked. "Maybe if I was from Wintown I'd see more cold weather like this..."

"I'm saying you should do it right now! DUHHHHHHHH!" Jake snarked back once he noticed Aubrey's reaction was missing the point he was getting at.

"Ah, what the heck...we've got time." The older ranger relented, looking for a good enough spot to do such a thing. They would soon find a good spot near a large icy rock.

"Oh hey, this must be the region's ice rock," Vanessa pointed out.

"Oh yeah...Vatonage could've evolved into a Glaceon...eh, I love him regardless of what he evolved into," Aubrey mentioned, causing Vatonage to smile.

Jake summoned Morality who with their particular limbs, would serve as a great helper for building snow structures. After Jake put on some warm gloves, they worked together at rolling snowballs big enough to serve as the base for the foundation of their snow sculpture. "Ok, so who will be your muse of winter, Aubrey?"

"Obviously the maiden of winter, duh!" Aubrey called out Winter who, once caught up on what was going on, wasted no time helping in making the snow sculpture resemble her. When they finished, she utilized her frosty powers to make it more like an ice sculpture.

"Laaaaas~" She giggled.

"Perfection!" Jake grinned and took a snapshot of it with his Rotom Dex.

"Diancie!" 'Beautiful job'. Morality complimented Winter. Winter coolly took the compliment, brushing it off as if it was no big deal.

"Okay, are we good to move on?" Aubrey asked. "Hoping we can get to the top and find that Z-Crystal..."

"Yes, yes we are. Wasn't it fun doing it for the first time?" Jake asked as he returned Morality.

"You mean this?" Vanessa was standing next to an altar with the Icium-Z in hand, a light blue Z-Crystal with a snowflake design etched into it.

"Yeah, it was great!" Aubrey had her own photo of the sculpture, right as she saw Vanessa holding the last Z-Crystal they needed. "Knew it was here! Nice find!"

"That means we can finally tell Key we got all the Z-Crystals like we promised." Jake clasped his hands together in excitement.

"Sure can!" With a reignited tone, Aubrey resumed their climb to the top. It was right there - here at this league was where it all came down to this. Whoever won here became Alola's first champion, and it was clear as day she wanted it.

It was a challenging climb to get through the mountain and the trainers, but it would be early afternoon by the time they reached a Pokemon Center at the peak. When they went inside, they would see Key seated at the Pokemon Cafe, dressed in bright orange winter wear consisting of a parka and down pants with black lace up boots.

"Key, we made it!" Aubrey called over. The merchant turned to the group.

"Ah, you're here!" She greeted them with a beaming smile. "I've been waiting here for you, admittedly."

"Yeah, and we got some fantabulous news for you Key that'll be worth the wait," Jake chuckled.

"Yup!" Vanessa seconded.

Key gasped. "Did you get all the Z-Crystals? I figured you would come here since you were near the end of your island trials, so I thought 'Maybe they'll have them all by the time we meet again.'"

"WE DOOOOOOOOOOO!" Jake squealed cheerfully as he unveiled the full collection in all its glory of Z-Crystals for Key.

"Wahoo!" The merchant was overjoyed. "Oh, this is wonderful! I can wait till after you two are done at the League to take those off your hands. They'll be returned within a few business days with your payment."

"For now...we best get ready. Once we go in, there's no coming back out until we either win or lose." Aubrey took a seat at the Pokemon Cafe while her team was getting healed.

In the meanwhile, Jake ordered some food at the Pokemon Cafe for them to enjoy as their sustenance for the trials ahead.

As Jake and Vanessa did what they needed to do, Aubrey let out a sigh, the choice now looking her down. Ranger, or Trainer? Key would take notice of this.

"Is something the matter?" Key asked. "You look torn on something."

"Imagine being in a situation where no matter what you do, you have to give up on something you love," Aubrey began.

"O-Oh, well, I can't say I've been in that kind of situation before personally since my family made the move with me to Celadon, so..." Key tapped her index fingers together. "Why don't you tell me what's troubling you."

"Everything I've ever wanted as a kid is staring me down - I can finally be a championship Pokemon Trainer like I always dreamed of and give up being a ranger, or stick with being a ranger and abandon that dream all together," The older ranger informed. "It's like...I can't decide..."

"I see, I see…" Key crossed her legs as she faced Aubrey. "So, you have two equally great opportunities with no clear winner in sight, yes? Is that what I've gathered from all of this?"

"Yeah, basically…" Aubrey sighed.

Key frowned briefly, lifting up Aubrey's chin so their eyes locked, her smile returning once they did. "Miss Ranger, I'm going to make myself very clear. I cannot tell you what the correct choice here is. All I can do is tell you what I would do in this situation. When the costs and benefits balance each other out, there is always one judge you should listen to for a decisive verdict." She poked at Aubrey's chest. "Right there. The heart never lies, after all."

"It doesn't? How do I know what it's picking?" Aubrey asked.

The merchant merely shrugged. "You'll know what it's saying when it wants to speak. Forcing it won't make anything better, either. You have to let it naturally come to that conclusion. Ultimately...the heart wants what it wants, and if your mind is indecisive about what path to take, let your heart decide. It always knows what's best for you."

"Huh...I thought merchants always went for whatever made them the most money," The older ranger remarked.

Key giggled. "Oh heavens no, I'm different from most merchants. I could go and do just that, but if my heart is crying out against it, screaming for me not to do something, then I won't do something. I may be a capitalist, but I have a very strong conscience. I will never betray that conscience even if it means becoming the richest woman in the world."

Jake returned with some Pokemon-shaped crepes, fried meat, chai tea, and a side salad. He noticed the intense intimacy of this moment and sat at a nearby table beside them without a word and started eating and drinking with a smile.

"So just let my heart decide...yeah," Aubrey nodded in agreement. "I think I can do that."

"The question is simple, but your heart will know the right choice," Key responded. "Does it value the road of a Pokemon Trainer more, or does it value the road you're already traveling more?" She gave Aubrey a reassuring pat on the back. "And when it makes its decision, stick with it, okay? You'll only make yourself miserable if you go against what your heart desires."

"I know that now, Key...as much as I want to be a trainer, it's like...is it worth abandoning my partner over?" Aubrey asked. Key shook her head.

"Like I said...you'll know what your heart wants when it decides," She responded, then addressing the group. "Now! All that's left in your way is the League. I shall await your triumphant return here, you two! Make us all and the Alola region proud!"

"After everything we've been through, this Elite Four and Championship is just the curtain call! We'll pull it off gracefully!" Jake nodded.

"You got it. Let's finish strong, everyone!" Aubrey pumped herself up as she went back outside. Key would address Vanessa before going back to her food.

"Ah, Vanessa...if you're going to go with them, do take care of Aubrey, yes?" The merchant requested. "Even if it's up to her what decision she settles on...I have a feeling I know what she'll pick."

"Yeah. Exactly," Vanessa agreed. "And thank you for that. I think that is just what she needed."

"Anytime, Vanessa. Anytime," Key giggled. "Best go with them. I'm sure Kukui would allow you to go in with those two. As for me..." She licked her lips. "I've got a date with this yummy plate of pasta."

"See you around, Key!" Vanessa would take her leave of the Pokemon Center.

"Enjoy your grub!" Jake grinned, following the younger ranger outside.

Standing outside the Pokemon League building was none other than Kukui himself, excited to see the group there.

"Hey, we're all here!" Kukui smiled. "This is it...here's where history's gonna be made, and we're gonna be a part of it! Woo!"

"So how does this work exactly?" Aubrey wondered. "Fight four trainers and then...what exactly?"

"Well...it'll be a surprise," Kukui promised. "Got something special planned for you two. Just head on inside, and everything else should come naturally, yeah."

"Hello!" Vanessa waved to Kukui. "Don't think we have met yet. I'm Aubrey's partner, Vanessa."

Giving Jake a hearty laugh as if to give a resounding yes, he'd respond to Vanessa. "Yeah, Aubrey told me all about you before she came here. Said you were the dependable sort."

With one last nod of acknowledgement to each other, the three went on inside and were amazed at the scene before them. A large chamber carved out from the mountain's interior with blue crystals lighting the walls, with four doors in front of them at a central platform.

"Daaaaaang…" Vanessa breathed in amazement.

"Eat your heart out, Hoenn. This looks like we're in some galactic space station." Jake looked on in awe.

"Four trainers!" Kukui beamed. "Every Pokemon League's got four fantastic trainers to face as one last hurdle before championship! You beat them all, you earn that right to take a shot at the title, yeah!"

"And it looks like we can go in any order we please, right professor?" Aubrey asked.

Kukui nodded. "That's right. Take 'em on in whatever order you want. Once you beat 'em all, we'll head on up to the champion's chamber and ring in the first island challenge champion!"

"Ah, so a bit of Unova and Kalos' Pokemon League here. Those also let you pick where you went first. The other regions have you fight the Elite Four in a set order," Vanessa realized.

"Hmm, now realistically, this will be mentally the hardest trial yet. Dealing with four experts in their fields of Pokemon battling. Buuuuuuuuut it's actually super easy Aubrey so don't worry. You just have to have steadfast strategies and a good analysis of how the battle goes and the trainer fights," Jake supported Aubrey, knowing this was her first time ever doing a Pokemon League.

"Yeah, it's just four fights back to back, right? Shouldn't be that difficult to figure out." Aubrey looked around, wondering which ones of the Elite Four they should take on first. "Let's see...I think from left to right the trainers are Fighting, Rock...I think that's Ghost? And Flying."

"I believe you have met trainers of three of those types. Don't think you have met a Flying-type user, have you?" Vanessa asked.

"Not that I can remember, at least," Jake shrugged.

"Nope, but for those we have met...I think I'll go take on Olivia first. Hala and Acerola should be Fighting and Ghost respectively, and the Flying specialist...well, anyone's guess on who that is," Aubrey spoke.

"I call dibs on it being Winona reinventing herself here," Jake joked.

"Who are you taking on, Jake?" Aubrey would ask.

"Hmm... well let's see. I'm perfectly fine going up against any of them with my team. Morality can clean house with Fighting, Belle and Forrest Ghost, even though that's always poised to be a battle of life or death and you'd have an easier time with Vatonage...and then Flying should be easy with Avenger." Jake said.

"Well Vatonage is just here to cheer me on and watch, right little guy?" Aubrey mused.

"Umbre!" Vatonage was standing outside the door to Olivia's chamber, eager to get started.

"So yeah, I'll take on Fighting and Flying. Ladies first though!" Jake gestured for Aubrey to enter the chamber and sounded excited to see her fight in the highest stakes.

When Aubrey entered the chamber, she'd see Olivia inside on a red-orange battle platform, turning around to face her.

"Welcome to the Rock Chamber, Aubrey!" Olivia greeted, as two cliff-like structures of light emerged from behind her, a ring surrounding the platform to keep Aubrey from leaving.

"What the-!?" Aubrey looked a bit shocked by this, only to be reassured by Olivia's musing smile.

"Don't worry about it. Once you enter a chamber at the Elite Four, you gotta battle to leave," Olivia explained.

"Oh, okay...got it." Aubrey debated on whether to send either Tenor or Don out first, with Olivia reaching for her first Poke Ball.

"No need for introduction, we've battled plenty before," The Kahuna of Akala Island mused. "Ready yourself, this battle is on!" Her lead Pokemon would answer Aubrey's question on who to send out, with her lead being a Relicanth.

"You bet, Olivia! Let's get it started, Tenor!" Aubrey exclaimed, calling out her fellow Water-type for battle.

From the get-go, Aubrey would have Tenor go for Sparkling Aria, while Relicanth went and yawned, looking to make Tenor drowsy. While it would work, their duel of water would end with Tenor barely being able to take down Relicanth before he conked out asleep.

"Eh, heh heh, alright Tenor. I think we're past the worst of it, you can come on back," Aubrey chuckled, calling Tenor back as she went for Don's Poke Ball. "Don, you know what needs doing."

Her Mudsdale came out as the next Pokemon came out from Olivia, a Carbink. The Rock/Fairy type was quick to set up a Reflect, with Don going for a Heavy Slam. This would go on for a bit, Carbink trying to fend off Don with Power Gem attacks, but eventually got defeated by the Draft Horse Pokemon.

Next out was an Alolan Golem, but Don didn't have much trouble with this one, his Stamina in full swing with an Earthquake attack. It wasn't until Probopass did Don have any trouble, with a Sandstorm raging in the chamber courtesy of Probopass, using the weather as cover to attack with Earth Power. Don was able to power through it however, using Earthquake and powering through the sandstorm to land a finishing Low Sweep.

Don looked like he had reached the limit of his stamina, forcing Aubrey to recall him. "Great job, Don...Tenor, finish this up!"

By the time Tenor came back out, the sandstorm had subsided with Olivia's Lycanroc being the last Pokemon standing for her. Dancing around Stone Edge, one last Sparkling Aria landed beautifully as a cleansing burst of rain fell on the battlefield.

"Whew...lovely showcase from you and your Pokemon!" Olivia smiled. "I don't see the same look in your eyes when we first met on Akala Island, Aubrey. Looks like you've done a lot of growing up over these past few days, haven't you?"

"You could say that, Olivia," Aubrey responded. "Thankfully this growing up has been nothing but a good thing for me."

A circle behind Olivia glowed a rainbow color. "Well, it's time for you to move on. Whatever you do from this point onwards, carry these experiences with you in your heart forever."

"Gladly!" Aubrey would step on the glowing circle, taking her back to the center of the main chamber. Their next stop would be the Ghost Chamber, where she and Vatonage would see Acerola standing there waiting for them.

"Hiya! Acerola here, bringing a royal touch to the Pokemon League!" The Ghost-type specialist waved.

"Where's Nanu?" Aubrey asked as she stepped into the arena, as purple colored ghastly flames surrounded the battlefield.

"Nanu said he maybe can't refuse a Tapu choosing him to serve as a Kahuna," Acerola explained. "But he'd be darned if he had to serve the Elite Four because Kukui asked him! So like a good friend, I decided to take his place here!"

"Aww, how thoughtful of you. Guess we better see if you can battle hard in his place, huh?" Aubrey mused with a smile.

"You bet! Oh, and uh...you weren't lying about that encounter with the Totem Pokemon. It looked soooooo much happier once you and Jake had finished your trial." Acerola decided to send out her first Pokemon for this battle, which was a Sableye.

'Week's pay says that Sableye has Fake Out.' With that line of thinking, Aubrey had decided to lead off with Erwing for this fight. Turns out her read was right, with Sableye using Fake Out to start the fight. With Inner Focus giving her value, Aubrey would swing away with Aerial Ace to combat Sableye's Shadow Claw attacks, coming out on top with some effort.

Next up would be a Drifblim, with Aubrey having an idea. "Erwing, U-Turn!" Using the attack, Erwing would retreat into his Poke Ball, the older ranger calling out Nom. "Nom-"

"Vikaaaaaaa!" Nom went and attacked with Thunderbolt, but Acerola had seen this coming, having Drifblim use Baton Pass to switch into Palossand to tank the hit.

"...Dang, I got outplayed hard," Aubrey blinked in surprise.

"Yup! Baton Pass is a great move!" Acerola giggled.

Their battle resumed, as Nom wasn't deterred by flitting around Shadow Ball attacks, going on the offensive with Crunch. She'd come out on top, with Acerola sending out a Dhelmise to combat Nom.

"What is that Pokemon?" Aubrey wondered.

"Dhelmise! It can knock out a Wailord in a single blow with its mighty anchor!" Acerola informed.

Aubrey grew surprised with this. "Oh...oh my. Nom, you think you'll be okay?"

"Vika vol!" Nom adamantly stood her ground. She stayed mobile, waiting for an opening before striking with Crunch. It would take some more effort from her, but Nom was able to bring down Dhelmise.

"Atta girl!" Aubrey beamed, Nom looking a bit exhausted from the effort. She took this as a cue to recall her Vikavolt and send out Tenor to help clean up.

Acerola's next Pokemon was Drifblim, who was utilizing Amnesia to soak Tenor's Shadow Ball barrage, before using Baton Pass again to switch into a Froslass.

It was a great battle between the two of them, trading Shadow Ball attacks and colliding with one another. Both were tired and exhausted, but in the end, Tenor was able to come out on top, taking a bow as he did before falling.

"You did good, Tenor. Come on back." Aubrey smiled, switching him out for Winter.

"How am I doing so far?" Acerola asked.

"Doing excellent, Ace! Nanu would be proud," The older ranger complimented.

With her Drifblim out, it would be a very volatile, and very quick finish with Winter managing to scrape by a win.

"I'm...I'm speechless! We had a great battle!" Acerola was amazed at how they both did. "There goes my chances of smashing you to smithereens and taking the championship for myself!"

"Aww, it's okay Ace. I sure had fun." Aubrey saw the circle behind her glow rainbow. "I've got two more battles to do after this."

"Yup! Good luck to you!" Acerola giggled. "I better get ready for Jake."

"I guess it's my turn now! Let's see how Hala stacks up to the dream team of Alola!" Jake smirked. He was not feeling cocky or arrogant about his chances, he was feeling excited and empowered. Ready to close the book on the story that was his evolution from an Alolan outcast to an Alolan angel.

"Well I'll have to battle Hala and the other one too!" Aubrey called, rolling her shoulders.

"I know, talk about a gauntlet. Ok, here I go. Wish me luck radiant Rangers and I'll do the same for you!" And with that, Jake strutted into the chamber. The golden, gem-studded chamber housed Hala in the very middle of it.

The Kahuna gave a pleased look upon seeing Jake and rested his hands upon his hips. "Old Hala is here to make you holler!"

"Great seeing you again Hala. Like what you see or do you think I still need to prove myself as Alola's Champion?" Jake asked playfully. As arms of the stage flexed and a ring formed around what was to be the battleground, Jake got his answer.

"Your old Kahuna is now also a member of the Elite Four. You know what it's like being a Champion I hear, but that's not going to stop me from testing you rightfully for Alola's future. I believe in your righteous potential with the way you saved Alola, but I want to see what my grandson got to see in you. This time I'm not holding anything back! Time for you to see what I can really do!" Hala declared with a jovial uproar.

"Let this be the battle of the century then! I'll meet your fists head-on!" Jake grinned and pulled out his Cherish Ball.

With the declaration met, Hala sent out his first Pokemon, a sturdy Hariyama. Jake then followed suit by starting with Morality. Hala gave a surprised glance at seeing the glorious Gem Pokemon. "Hoh... did you actually catch a Diancie in Alola? The sight of one has never come to pass here!"

"Ok long story short buuuuuut I sort of brought them to my team from Hoenn just for Operation Mommy Rescue. Turns out that they just happened to stay on my team for the rest of this journey. If it's any consolation I'm pretty sure Aubrey has Solgaleo on her team." Jake explained though with a small blush on his face as he knew that this Pokemon would cause a stir here.

"The Legendary Pokemon of the Sun...Hmm...I see you two truly have met the destinies of this region. I'm honored to face you! Now, no hesitation!" Hala did a powerful and sturdy fighting stance, lifting his leg up before landing on it with impressive poise and Hariyama even mimicked his old trainer's movements to show how in sync they were.

The battle would proceed surprisingly smoothly once Morality Mega Evolved into its radiant true form. Hairyama attempted to stun and knock Morality aside with aggressive slaps of Knock Off and Fake Out but Morality kept safe distance from being tossed aside silly and endured the Fake Out flinches to soon knock out Hairyama with a powerful Moonblast.

"In the name of the moon I've knocked off you!" Jake teased.

"No matter, even the rocks bow to the sea!" Hala commented as he called upon a Poliwrath.

"Hmm. Return Morality." Jake knew the switch was the right call here if he didn't want to make the utterly foolish decision of letting his main ace for this battle die early to a counter. Forrest was beckoned forth and even though they took the swift blow of a rushing Waterfall from Poliwrath, he used his talons to catch the Water/Fighting-type's arm and toss him away, leaving them helpless in mid-air. With swift and eloquent movements, Forrest flew through Poliwrath several times dealing a devastating Leaf Blade combo with the same swiftness as an assassin. Poliwrath fell to the ground, out quickly by Forrest's sheer power.

"Two done, three left. Go Bewear!" Hala sent out a very familiar and somewhat intimidating Bewear Pokemon to meet Forrest's threat.

"Yeahhhhh I don't feel like having my Pokemon get executed by bear hugs. Forrest return, Morality, make another debut!" Jake made another switch although this time Morality felt the brunt force of a vicious Brutal Swing knocking them straight into the ground and causing them to skid significantly back. Morality was slightly dazed as it didn't do the most damage but the raw power of Bewear was enough to hurt it.

"Alright Morality! Get ready for another round of Moonblast!" Morality sent a powerful Moonblast hurtling into Bewear when it tried to follow up and it was enough to once again one hit ko the Bewear.

"Stupendous!" Jake cried out in glee.

"Excellent effort Bewear, it's a shame that that Morality of yours has such a massive impact. However, whereas most trainers would call it quits, I don't surrender! That's never an example I want to show my grandson, much less trainers. Primeape, I choose you!" Hala sent forth his fourth Pokemon.

Hala's declaration was met with Jake not relenting on his pressure. As though this battle truly reflected Jake's might as a full-fledged former Champion, Morality continued to position themselves masterfully to get away from Primeape's strictly close combat quarters and the round ended with another first-hit finish from Moonblast. Hala was down to his ace in the hole.

"So who is your final Pokemon Hala?" Jake asked with heightened interest.

"... Go Crabominable!" A white, strangely furry yet clearly aquatic-inspired, and bruisery looking Pokemon appeared before Jake.

"Huh. Rotom Dex, give us the deets!" Jake checked on his Rotom Dex.

'Crabominable. The Wooly Crab Pokemon. It aimed for the top but got lost and ended up on a snowy mountain. Being forced to endure the cold, this Pokémon evolved and grew fur.' Rotom Dex responded.

"... Wooly... Crab? What the hell is mother nature up to these days? Also Ice and Fighting? Isn't that... you know... kind of a squishy combination?" Jake and even Morality exchanged skeptical glances. The Crabominable seemed saddened by this vocal doubt and frowned.

"As dire as the situation sounds, this Pokemon has felled many foes in the past so underestimating him would be a disservice to your honor as a trainer." Hala insisted though by his tone it seemed he maybe was inclined to agree with Jake to an extent.(edited)

"Well there's only one thing to do here... Belle, come on out!" Returning Morality yet again, Jake instead brought out Belle who seemed delighted to be summoned for such an important event. She waved hello to Crabomiable.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Hala paled.

Crabominable looked like it wanted to beg for mercy.

"Belle this is your time! Let's Z-Move this popsicle stand!" Jake got his Firium-Z out and did the dance.

One Inferno Overdrive later and Crambominable was down for the count.

"Wahooooooooo!" Jake jumped up and down in a chipper celebration. Belle also did a graceful dance and cried in victory. 'Chandelureeeee'

"Well I can't deny the sheer fact presented to me now Jake. I could feel the power you gained on your journey through Alola. You are a marvel and someone who was a loyal friend to my grandson and kept him safe from harm. I and Alola are forever in your debt." Hala nodded his head calmly with a gentle smile as he withdrew his fallen Pokemon.

"Hau is an amazing kid! You took great care of him and we both know he is destined for great things! Thanks for the match." Jake chuckled.

"It is only when the balance of the old and the new is just right that you can create something truly original. Spirited youth and elderly wisdom... take heed of these attributes throughout the rest of your journey." Hala urged.

With a gleaming smile, Jake withdrew Belle and waved goodbye to Hala with parting words, "That's a promise I can keep! Take care!" Once Jake returned to the main chamber, he ran into Aubrey again.

"So now it's time to find out who the elusive flier is... Should I be intimidated by the mystery Aubrey?" Jake asked his partner cheekily.

"Uh...not really?" Aubrey scratched the back of her head. "I'm gonna go fight Hala, and then after her you have...who left to fight?"

"The Kawaii Ghost Princess," Jake said with his best facial impression of Acerola.

"Okay! And I'll have that Flying-type specialist afterwards!" Aubrey smiled. "Let's get it!"

Jake entered the emerald arena and saw a mysterious woman with luscious platinum blonde locks, a sky blue and orange golfing outfit, a visor, patronizing but beautiful blue eyes, and a Toucannon-colored golf club in her hand. She turned to face Jake with a composed pose.

"So, here you are... Why don't we see who the winds favor today, you... or me?" She spoke with an airy tone.

"Uhhhh... me obviously. Wait no, who are you? I never saw you around Alola. Are you a spy?" Jake put a hand on his hip while pointing at her in a faux-accusatory fashion.

"Spy?" The golfer looked confused by this.

"For someone NOT from Alola?" Jake clarified.

The arena formed with the radiant wings taking flight, flapping with feathers descending gently in light. The golfer sighed and tapped her golf club against her palm as if contemplating whether or not to whack Jake with it.

"Ok I suppose you are right that I haven't been in Alola up until recently. But calling me a spy? Really?" She asked incredulously.

"Sorry, it was just a joke but I was under the impression Kahunas and the most trusted Alolan trainers with the highest skill were becoming the new Elite Four for this region." Jake nervously apologized.

"My name is Kahili. A few years ago, I was a champion of this island challenge, too. Like you've proven yourself to be. I've been traveling around the world to improve my skill as both a trainer and as a golfer." The Flying-Type Elite Four member started twirling her golf club casually as she relaxed her arms.

"OHHHHH! Now I recognize you! You won a national golf tournament in Unova that was all the rage in the sports forums online last year! They said you were a great trainer too so I guess that settles it." Jake pointed out.

Kahili smiled. "That was one of my most recent adventures and the success was welcome. When I heard that they'd made a Pokemon League in my own home region, I came flying back to serve Alola. Apparently, it's also been all the rage with Aether and Ultra Beasts lately."

"Trust me, you didn't want to be around that." Jake said reassuringly as he pulled out the Ultra Ball carrying Avenger.

"I do know that I want to be around to see if Alola's future is in good hands. You got the right energy but are you disciplined enough to get a condor? Have a look at my fantastic Flying-type team!" Kahili crouched down carefully in a characteristic golfing stance as she also pulled out her first Pokemon.

A Skarmory emerged, ready to challenge Avenger who was summoned and entering a combat stance, ready for a fearsome offense. Skarmory snickered as it let loose some Spikes for it's opening move, making it so that if Jake was too switch happy, his Pokemon would take minor damage from the recoil. Avenger didn't even bother to give Skarmory any mercy as it leapt up, tackled Skarmory and let loose a point-blank Discharge that electrocuted the Armor Bird Pokemon to a crisp.

"Strong opening! Go, Mandibuzz!" Kahili wasn't deterred and practically hit her next Poke Ball with a gentle Golf Swing to summon the Bone Vulture Pokemon.

To Jake's shock, the Mandibuzz swept in with a Bone Rush attack that pelted Avenger quite badly and did noticeable damage as he found himself too sluggish to block the bones wielded by Mandibuzz's talons.

"Yikes...Avenger, quickly retaliate and send the vulture flying with Thunderpunch!" Jake urged Avenger to stay steady and firm.

Avenger nodded and with a sudden but reactive right hook, charged with pure electricity, Mandibuzz got wholloped in the stomach and was blasted off into the ceiling by the electrical blast that ensued from it. Kahili returned the Mandibuzz as it fell towards the earth and summoned Crobat next.

"Aim like the hole in one is within reach. No miscalculation can stop you when you've honed in!" Kahili pointed towards Crobat's mark and encouraged her Pokemon.

Crobat unleashed a Supersonic on Avenger that left Avenger dazed and confused. Jake frowned as he knew from Aubrey's own Erwing that Crobats were extremely evasive yet formidable opponents. 'They could whittle and disorient just as effectively as they could deal damage and lay on a beatdown. I might need to do this for now, it's the best option!' Jake thought to himself.

"Avenger, get ready to give Crobat a full-on shock therapy Z-Move style." Jake pulled out his Electrium-Z. Avenger managed to just get it together long enough to hear his trainer's plea and feel the strength of the Z-Crystal flowing through him. As Jake did a gutsy set of movements, ending in an angular and vogue-like pose, Avenger unleashed its full-force Z-Move. Gigavolt Havoc!

"Thunder... feel the thunder..." Jake whispered to himself as Avenger soon surrounded itself in a mighty ball of electricity, as luminous as a sun. Then it shot forth a mighty beam of electricity that honed in as a mighty and fiery-like spark of pure lightning. Upon landing on Crobat, it unleashed a radiant energy before transforming into a pure lightning strike that left a ring of light in its wake. "Lightning and the THUNDER!" Jake cried out boldly with the same energy as sentai hero as the attack finished its impact and Crobat was knocked unconscious. Though Avenger soon hit himself after the attack was done and grunted in pain. He was looking worse for wear.

"...Even if you are a little goofy, you do showcase a full understanding of you and your Pokemon's strengths. A tool-set vital for any Champion. Maybe I will lose but until the final hole has been reached, any golfer knows the game's still afoot!" Kahili confidently seemed ok with the result of this battle being against her.

"Yeah, I mean, there's still one more battle ahead of the Elite Four after all." Jake chuckled as he decided to return Avenger to his Ultra Ball to give him a break.

"... You still have much to learn. Oricorio!" Kahili sent out a graceful Oricorio of the Baile style.

"Dew, I choose you!" Jake summoned Dew who mockingly mimicked Oricorio's pose just to get a rise out of them.

"Araquanid Ara!" 'I'm fully ready to bring myself and my trainer to glory!' He declared.

Oricorio made elegant wing motions to send a mighty Air Slash at Dew but Dew's old tried and true Spider Web utility pulled them out of the hectic gale and he pulled himself forward and crushed Oricorio with a full force Liquidation!

The dance was over before it started and Dew teabagged the dancer as if to suggest that he was more focused on being strong than looking good.

"...Is that Pokemon always so rude?" Kahili asked, folding her arms and tsking the Water Bubble Pokemon.

"Well there's always going to be that one... special case on a Trainer's team. Dew is mine. At least he can produce results." Jake confessed.

"... Fair enough. But is he strong enough to match up to a true Eagle? Toucannon go!" With a final shot from her golf club, Kahili sent out her last Pokemon. A Toucannon.

"Ooh, that is a pretty Pokemon!" Dew looked delighted to challenge them but to his dismay, Jake returned him to his Net Ball. "Sorry bud but that thing looks like it'll mop the floor with you. Morality, come on out!"

Morality emerged gracefully and Mega Evolved but to both Jake and Morality's surprise, the Toucannon seemed to lock onto Morality and suddenly sent forth mighty Bullet Seeds the size of paintballs at the Legendary. Morality grunted as it took the full force of them and found that the aim of Toucannon was relentless.

"Oh geez. Morality, use Reflect!" Jake instructed. Morality quickly formed a psychic barrier that managed to weaken the speed and potency of Bullet Seed though Toucannon was unfazed. To them, this was just a temporary diversion from Morality's utter demise. "Ok enough is enough! Diamond Storm!"

Morality ascended suddenly and majestically into the sky before summoning glittering, gleaming, countless pink gemstones that descended onto the battlefield. Toucannon found itself overwhelmed as a pile of them collapsed onto the Cannon Pokemon. Morality then finished off the attack, taking advantage of Toucannon being submerged and pinned down by the diamonds with a Moonblast to blast it all away. Toucannon was found unconscious amidst the blast radius of the attack.

Kahili looked momentarily dismayed but then she held a hand out as a sign of respect towards Jake. "It's frustrating to me as a member of the Elite Four, but it seems your strength is the real deal. Game, set, and match!"

"Let's face it, this was the only avenue I could hope to beat you in. Still, you made one hell of a first impression. Hoenn has a fabulous flying muse too, named Winona. She inspired me a lot in my first Pokemon journey and I'm sure you have done the same as she has," Jake beamed.

"Thank you for the comparison. Any Trainer dedicated to feeling and being one with the wind has learned and known of serenity and that serenity has helped me in many facets of my life. You know... I'll think you'll bring a breath of fresh air to the Alola battle scene. I was honestly annoyed when Kukui kept pestering me to come here, but I'm glad I did." Kahili set her golf club on the ground and nodded with a confident smile at Jake.

"Kukui is not all-knowing but his intuition is outstanding and I think you'll make a great challenge to trainers wanting to make a name for themselves in Alola." Jake said with a humble bow before returning Morality and making his departure.

Once he returned to Aubrey he said, "Cool chick named Kahili. Expert golfer. Erwing is going to meet his twin. Brace yourself."

"Got it." Aubrey nodded.

With one more battle apiece for them, the circle in the center of the main chamber glowed its rainbow hue, with the rangers, Jake, and Kukui knew what time it was.

"It's time...championship time, baby!" Aubrey exclaimed, her mood best described as being light as a feather as she was first through.

"And we're breaking tradition for this region in the process. We could become mainstays in the history books if we pull out all the stops! And hey, I'm proud of us." Jake responded, his mood best described as a steady ship that knew the destination and journey but was eager to embrace the exploration and the seas.

When the group entered the champion's chamber, they found that...no one was there, fittingly enough, with one throne-like seat at the far end of the bright blue battleground, Alola's sun setting to create a breathtaking visual inside the dome they were in.

It was when they stepped up to the throne did Kukui speak. "Congrats! You're island challenge champions!" He exclaimed, but then shook his head. "Wouldn't it be nice if it were that simple? Truth is..you two have one last opponent to face before either of you can become champion."

The professor didn't say anything past that, when the reality of their final battle was sinking in.

"No way...you want us to fight each other?" Aubrey looked surprised by this revelation.

"Eh? Wait, wait, wait. Aren't we fighting you, Kukui?" Jake looked confused.

"Normally, it would be the case. But think about it - both of you are currently the strongest challengers out there in Alola," Kukui explained. "Jake, with your Mega Evolution mastery, and Aubrey, with your Capture Styler swiftness! Jake's mastered the Z-Moves, and Aubrey's tactically gone without them! It'd be the best final hurrah for your island challenge, and a great way to ring in the Pokemon League for Alola, yeah!"

Jake suddenly looked a little taken aback. If Aubrey's dream wasn't going to come true, it'd be because he'd defeated her. From the sounds of Key's convo with her, she probably had accepted that possibility but Jake still felt a twinge of guilt with this. It was easier for the final fight to be against a stranger than it was to be against someone you knew as a best friend for life who had the same motivation.

"I'm flattered, Professor but don't you think this is going to result in emotional turmoil for the both of us?" Jake asked, sounding as positively and unaffected as he could.

Aubrey meanwhile, shook her head. "Nah...it's totally fine with me, man."

"Aubrey...?" Jake turned to look at Aubrey in surprise. It confirmed one of his suspicions but he wanted to know why Aubrey was fine with this.

"Look, Jake...you should know me by now that I will never back down from a good fight," The older ranger spoke, standing confidently and valiantly. "When Key and I were talking, she said to listen to my heart if I didn't know what to do. And well...didn't know what to do at first, so you know what? I listened, and almost instantly my heart's screaming out to 'Stand up and fight!' I don't even care if I lose to you, because...well, I've already made up my heart and mind on what to do after this last battle...so please, if you would, humor Kukui, would ya? Better not throw it for me because we're buddies!"

She would adopt a more resolved Ranger pose, starting with a frontflip but ending with a roundhouse kick and low fighting stance, eyebrows furrowed but possessing that bright, warm smile that her two traveling companions knew her for.

With those words, that confidence, that sheer belief in the desire to stand up and fight and secure this future of Alola cleared all of Jake's doubts. He felt foolish for doubting her even when this was the highest stakes situation for their personal lives and the full enjoyment of their time here. It started with each of them coming from two different crossroads and meeting together into one and the only one of them could win. This was not a duel to end one another's dreams, it was a duel of convictions and who was going to be able to realize their dream fully. He let out a small and refreshed laugh."...You know I'm not THAT acrobatic." Jake responded flatly but lovingly once he gathered his thoughts.

With a nod of acknowledgement, they stood ready for this final battle to officially start.

At the final arena, the two Trainers who had journeyed together through thick and thin stood in their places. Spectating them were Kukui and Vanessa though in Jake's mind, Lillie was there with them too. Aubrey's mind was focused on the battle itself, having no idea what Jake was planning on doing.

'I think the best option is to play it safe...I can't be careless against a skilled trainer like him.' She had Erwing's Poke Ball in hand, ready to send him out to lead the charge.

Jake thought realistically that Aubrey would likely send out her heaviest hitter first, a dauntingly durable and destructive Pokemon. Nebby the Pokemon that eats the Sun.. So there was only one Pokemon on his team that he was fully confident could quickly down Nebby. Belle. He clutched his Dusk Ball tightly, waiting for the signal to start.

"Let this battle...begin!" Kukui signaled them to start, both challengers sending out their leads.

"Belle, this is the final ball! Show Aubrey your fire still burns as bright as when we found you!" Jake declared boldly, wanting to make this as theatrical and epic as possible. Belle appeared with a dignified air about her and she even curtsied politely to her opponent.

Erwing responded with a cheerful twirl. "Okay Erwing...we're up against a really tough opponent, so we're all gonna have to play this safe, got it?"

"Cro!" Erwing knew what move his trainer was going to suggest with that command, immediately racing forward for a U-Turn.

Belle as fast as she could took to the sky to attempt to avoid Erwing's blow before firing a stream of Flamethrower back at Erwing. She was aware U-Turn antics were a thing and they could be quite dangerous. Fortunately for Aubrey's Crobat, he was able to retreat before getting singed, with Aubrey sending in Tenor for the swap.

"Tenor, this is our last concert...better make it good with everyone!" Aubrey was buying into the silliness that Jake had shown earlier, hamming it up for this final showdown.

Her Primarina boldly came out of his Poke Ball, looking like he was getting a standing ovation as he got ready for what to do.

"Don't get intimidated by their awe-inspiring appearance and sea-faring serenade Belle. We got a new trick up our sleeve! Energy Ball!" Jake declared.

Belle casted a green glow upon herself before harnessing energy into a plant-based projectile and fired it with great accuracy at Tenor.

"Crap! Shadow Ball, Tenor!" Aubrey exclaimed in shock, Tenor getting the attack out just in time before it collided with him. It was clear that she wasn't expecting that move, but quickly recomposed herself.

Both blasts exchanged hits with Belle coming out slightly behind that exchange, though both had taken a significant blow.

"Tsk... not a one hit KO and a heavy blow." Jake tsked.

Aubrey was quick to act on this, not letting this deter her in the slightest. "Erwing, get back out here!" She swapped Erwing in for Tenor, simply because out of everyone she had available, he was the one best suited to handle Belle without running the risk of going down.

"Inferno the Crobat!" Belle nodded and sent a blazing inferno flying at the Crobat.

"Fly up and avoid that!" Erwing followed Aubrey's instruction, flying up to avoid a searing blow. He'd then go in for an Aerial Ace. Belle took the hit but in what looked to be her final moments, unleashed a point-blank Shadow Ball strike that sent Erwing flying back in pain. Reeling from the attack, Erwing was still able to stay airborne, putting on a brave face for Aubrey.

"Oh no..." Jake's eyes widened as Belle fell to the ground, his first loss. "Ah well, you fought with valiant vigor as ever. Take a good rest." Jake returned Belle to her Dusk Ball and took a moment to take a deep breath." Hmm... Gotta says yours is tougher than Kahili's by a long shot, Aubs."

"Whatever Kahili did, it wasn't what I did, that's for sure," Aubrey responded.

"Avenger, make the true heart of Aether proud!" Jake summoned Avenger who gave a grunt of respect towards Erwing as he stood resolute in fighting for his trainer's seat as Alola's Champion.

"U-Turn Erwing, and be careful!" Aubrey ordered, not willing to sack off her Crobat like this.

Avenger smirked and once Crobat came in for the blow, swung a Thunder Punch at it just in the nick of time to shock Crobat to the core. However, once the blow finished, Don was suddenly towering over Avenger and glared down at the Electivire.

"Umbre!" Vatonage cheered.

Jake quickly returned Avenger seeing that even if he used some other move, Don would likely be able to counter him just as easily. "Forrest, the first of my many Champions, grass is greener on this side so let's win together!" Forrest appeared and managed to barely dodge an oncoming onslaught of Rock Tomb.

He stared Don dead in the eyes with a look that said 'Friends we may be but I will show no mercy'. The Ground-type simply gave a huff in response.

"Yeah...I hate to be playing this way against you, but I need to fight smart, not dumb here," Aubrey apologized, not willing to let Don stay out against a type disadvantage. She wasn't one to try and screw the laws of reality for the sake of a more exciting battle.

"Same here, girlfriend." Jake chuckled warmly.

Her switch in would be Erwing once more, as Aubrey had something up her sleeve for this. "Leech Life, buddy!" She exclaimed.

Even though Erwing was barely hanging on by a thread, the Leech Life was able to hit Forrest and give Erwing some healing. Forrest smirked though and Shadow Sneaked into the shadows. Forrest would reappear from under Erwing and uppercut him with a rising strike from his shadow immersed wings.

With quick thinking, Erwing was barely able to sink his fangs in for another Leech Life, both of them taking a hit in the process. Forrest grunted in annoyance at Erwing's persistence through taking so much damage and still enduring and shot forth a Spirit Shackle arrow to keep Erwing pinned in and unable to keep being such a sturdy pest.

"Crap, Erwing!" Aubrey shouted out.

Vatonage frowned, looking concerned for Aubrey here. He was standing next to Vanessa, trembling with anticipation. "Umbre umbre..."

Erwing crashed onto the ground unconscious as the stings of the shadowy energy arrow quills finished him off. Forrest huffed in relief and Jake grinned proudly at his starter Pokemon. "Brava Forrest! Brava!"

"It'll be fine, Vatonage," Vanessa reassured, kneeling down and petting his head. The Umbreon's frown turned upside down, nuzzling against the younger ranger.

"Okay, what's my plan here..." Aubrey thought about what to do, though had some sort of idea in mind on what to do. It was a big risk, but she had to do what she deemed right. After all, this was banking on a read. "Winter, come and help us out here!"

The Froslass didn't seem too bothered by having to fight in this battle, floating around and ready for the final showdown.

"Forrest go, Shadow Shackle!" Forrest nodded and aimed his spectral energy high at Winter, however Winter had another idea up her sleeve. And that idea was Ice Beam, avoiding the arrow in the process. Forrest was struck down and crystallized by the icy blast, colliding down onto the ground in a fit of glory as the ice shattered and Forrest was knocked out by the sheer power Winter brought to the table.

Jake frowned and held his heart as seeing his starter taken down was always a bitter pill to swallow. "Forrest...you fought honorably and you should have no regrets," He returned Forrest to his ball.

'Pretty much had to bank on Jake thinking he could win this fifty-fifty basically...' Aubrey thought to herself. It was perhaps the biggest risk she had taken the whole fight so far, but it was something that paid off in her favor. In the back of her mind, she was pretty confident that Nebby didn't have anything to worry about. All she had to do was have Nebby take down Morality, and she had this in the bag. But she didn't get ahead of herself, oh no. She could still lose this at any point if she got overly reckless, so the older ranger resolved to keep her wits about her.

And oh boy Jake could tell that, this side of Aubrey feeling like it was something new.

"I gotta say you have legendary composure befitting a champion, Aubrey. First time I've been this nearly on the ropes in a long time," Jake said sincerely.

"Heck yeah, but you can make me punch myself tired if I get careless," Aubrey responded, a metaphorical fire in her eyes. "You're that much of a challenge for me, man...any point feels like I could screw up and lose this." Of course, she didn't say that if she lost it'd be totally fine, but she wanted to give this her best effort if only for the sake of showing her best battle for Alola.

"Don't fret about the fear of losing. Letting that happen keeps you from giving it your best effort. Come on out Byron! Unyielding bravery is what we need right now!" Jake summoned Byron to the table.

"Bastio..." 'Sorry if I hurt you too badly.' Byron apologized quickly to his opponents before putting on his game face.

"Fros lasssssss~" 'Don't apologize, dearie~' Winter quickly responded before being recalled. Aubrey swapped in Don, a battle of the bulky boys about to ensue.

Byron didn't back down and tossed Rock Slide at Don to give Don a hard time but also to create some terrain to gain some positioning opportunity! Mudsdale's response was to kick the rocks back at Byron with Low Sweep, not letting him take the high ground for free! Byron made a Protect barrier to avoid the attack, able to keep the rocks from breaking completely and letting him have some rocks to catapult himself. He then hopped onto one and then leapt towards Don with startling speed in a Heavy Slam attempt.

Both big boys would collide with each other, each going for their own Heavy Slam - every attack was only making Don tougher through his Stamina, leaving Aubrey confident in the results of this brawl.

Byron didn't relent, he was in it to win it and had too much backing up on him and his development as a Pokemon to help his Trainer triumph in the very end, battering and tackling Don with the ruthlessness of the Pokemon of his long-gone era. And Don wasn't going to give in easily either - he remembered Hunter, and everything they've been through together. Hunter wouldn't have wanted him to give up here, she'd have wanted him to fight on till he couldn't fight any more. And with the stakes being as high as they were, he shared that fire in Aubrey's eyes as he battled on with Byron.

Finally, Jake decided to bust out the big-guns. "Ok Byron, one more final blow should do the trick! Steelium-Z, activate!" Byron, heavily wounded but still standing, found himself focused and honed in as Jake clenched his fists twice and shot them forward in a power pose. Byron was ready to unleash Corkscrew Crash! Shooting forth at blistering speed like a propellor and a missile rolled into one, Byron skid across the ground and collided viciously into Don, torpedoing through him and leaving streaks on the ground. Then like a mighty drill, he flew up and descended down onto the Mudsdale and sent him deep into the ground.

"Fight the power!" Jake winked.

It was sudden, but the ground of the arena trembled, with Don managing to endure the Z-Move, retaliating with Earthquake!

"Stamina is one heck of a drug, Van..." Aubrey mentioned.

"Yuuup. Yes it is," The younger ranger agreed, commenting on how incredible Don's ability was.

Jake's Bastiodon was sent spiraling up into the sky by the vicious vibrations of Earthquake and sent crashing hard onto the ground with a powerful slam, bringing them to the brink. Byron struggled desperately to get up, eyeing Don with blurry vision. Don seemed to nod in deep respect to Byron's newfound strength and confidence, recognizing him as a worthy Ground-Type in his own right. Ultimately both Pokemon teetered and leaned so far that they fell down, knocked out in a deuce of a checkmate.

"Wow a Double KO!" Jake beamed. "That's the true testament of a good battle."

"The inevitable result of two walls colliding," Aubrey mused, not even disappointed by the outcome. She had a feeling this would come.

"So now I just have Dew, Morality and Avenger..." Jake commented to himself. "Ok, I think it's time! Dew I choose you! Please try to be more respectful this time!" Jake summoned Dew who looked the most hyped up they'd ever been for a battle.

Fighting his rival's team of opponents was the greatest challenge of all, more than those pesky Ultra Beasts ever were.

"Nom, help us out here!" Aubrey called out her own Bug-type, the Head Bug in Charge herself.

"Vikaaaaaaa!" Nom exclaimed, as if challenging Dew to do his worst.

"Araquanid!" Dew seemed to be telling Nom to step aside, pointing out that no matter the situation, he would come out victorious. And he began by sending an Infestation at Nom. She wasn't too bothered with his tricks, using Charge to start things off. She was not going to step aside - oh hell no. Not this bug.

Dew then created his usual Spider Web platform to get a high ground of which he could easily steer himself and be able to strike Nom at the most advantageous times. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to help him this time on an opponent that could fight back at range like he could.

"You might have the high ground...but it's over for you, Dew! Thunderbolt, Nom!" Aubrey smirked, hamming it up just as much as Jake was now.

Dew suddenly gasped as a thundercloud emerged right above him in the same vein as Avenger's own take on the attack and electrocuted him so suddenly he didn't have time to dodge. "ARAAAAAAAAAAAAA...!" With an exaggerated cry of pain, Dew took a hefty blow to his pride and his health and soon he plummeted from the destroyed webbing and towards the ground. A one hit ko!

"Oh geez...though for some reason I'm actually not so mad at this result." Jake stated with a small smile.

"I don't think any of us are," Aubrey mused. "Dew was primed for a humbling."

"Yeah, maybe next championship, Dew." Jake returned Dew to his Net Ball. With two Pokemon down and the infamous Nebby still up for the running, Jake was getting a bit antsy. Infestation would keep Nom in place for a few more turns or until they were knocked out which gave Jake some breathing room but it was a two versus three scenario. He'd have to play this flawlessly in order to keep his chances of winning alive. "Ok, time to pull out the big guns. Morality, I choose you! Be the Endgamer you were always meant to be!"

With a flourish, Morality was summoned and they looked very happy to participate in such an important battle. In defiance, Nom readied herself for another Thunderbolt strike, knowing the Infestation lingering wasn't going to keep her in the fight much longer. If Aubrey wasn't going to back down, she wouldn't either.

Morality Mega Evolved in radiant glory before actually taking the time to set up, utilizing Reflect to create a mystical barrier to defend against any potential physical blows. Then, tanking the Thunderbolt skillfully enough, Morality summoned a cascading rain of Diamond Storm to topple Nom.

"It's all good Nom...I can take it from here," Aubrey smiled, recalling her Vikavolt. Now that Morality was out in the open, she knew it was time. "Alright big guy...this is our first battle together, but I need you now more than ever. Nebby, time to show the world your stuff!"

Nebby didn't need much of an introduction, just a roar to let the world know he was ready for battle. Jake didn't even bother taking the risk, switching Morality out for Avenger right away.

"Question is, will they serve you as well as they served Lillie?" Jake asked in a faux-mocking tone, hamming up the situation of this battle.

"You better believe he will. Crunch, Nebby!" Aubrey responded without hesitation.

Avenger took a bite in the arm from Nebby and seethed as he felt himself become more vulnerable from lower defense but with intense vigilance, he responded with a Fire Punch in turn with his other arm.

This move certainly surprised Jake's companions. "What the-!? When did you get Fire Punch!?" The older ranger exclaimed.

"Move Relearner! I'm not pulling any punches when this objective is so great for the both of us," Jake pointed out.

"Move Relearner...when was that?" Aubrey asked, as Nebby endured the hit and went for Zen Headbutt.

Avenger swerved in time, taking in mind all the practice battles he had in the wild and at Aether Foundation under Gilda's guidance, and went for another Fire Punch but Nebby evaded it with the magnificence of a lion by leaping stoically back.

"Back at the Pokemon Center I think when we got the mall food and you had that super sweet moment with Key!" The Hoenn trainer informed. Aubrey was amused how Jake could sound so matter-of-factly in the middle of a high stakes battle. And yet, she was also internally panicking here. She wasn't in the right mindset to have sought out a Move Relearner, and not only that...but she was the first one out of the center to begin with.

'...Dammit! If Nebby goes down here it's over...' She thought to herself. 'All because of that one stinking moment of weakness...'

Nebby in that moment though roared with an impassioned cry, piercing through the swirl of negativity Aubrey had. There was no other trainer that could pull off such a glorious victory with his stakes such as her. She had to believe in herself. Vatonage was even getting in on the action, running around in circles and cheering, egging her on to push through this!

Avenger swung forward with Fire Punch thinking there would be an opening but...it was then, Avenger realized his mistake - it was not an opening, but rather his own special move coming into play on his own volition. Sunsteel Strike! Nebby reared up like he did yesterday before they went into the Ultra Wormhole, a sunlike orb materializing around him before slamming into Avenger with the force of a meteor.

Avenger coughed out an ounce of spit as his eyes went white and he was propelled fiercely into the walls of the arena with a shattering crash of incredible force. The Critical Hit and the defense down from earlier meant this intense attack, the very fury of the sun itself, had brought Avenger down to his knees. He grunted weakly... "Elect... ivire..." 'You made... Lillie proud...' With his final breath of stamina, he sent a Thunderbolt crashing down on Nebby for minor damage due to it being unfocused and he thudded to the ground, taken out.

"Holy Arceus...! That was...breathtaking...!" Jake gasped, suddenly realizing a once advantageous position had now transformed into a closing checkmate. Yet, it was an undeniable testament to how they raised their teams nearly flawlessly.

"Almost there...can't get complacent though," Aubrey noted.

Jake knew he had but one Pokemon left as he returned Avenger and gave the Ultra Ball a warm kiss of appreciation...he quickly grabbed his Cherish Ball. "Morality, it's all or nothing now!"

Morality emerged and looked inspired by the momentum of being the final Pokemon and facing down the Legendary of Alola. All they had to do was bring the half-down lion down and then finish off another half-down Pokemon and a Pokemon of which it had the edge.

"Also I can't believe I'm saying this but...you really forced my hand Flash. I had to CHANGE my Diancie's moveset for the first time just so I could have a multi-coverage set-up I was proud of! To think I could call myself a former veteran champion for having to adapt so desperately." Jake complained comically.

Aubrey stared dumbfounded by this rant, as did the others in the room.

"Uhhh..." The older ranger blinked.

"Let's...not worry about that, yeah," Kukui spoke up.

"Morality... HIDDEN POWER!" Morality surrounding itself with mysterious energies, glowing and luminscent, before suddenly shooting out magical green orbs that pelted Nebby with concussive force and burned with the heat of a raging fire.

"Ooooh, Hidden Power Fire!" Vanessa noted. It was enough to shift the momentum back in Jake's favor, bringing the beast that devours the sun down in a very ironic manner.

"Whew...I'm still in this...! Thank goodness psyching your opponents out still works in these times." Jake sighed a breath of relief. Morality had to scoff at this. Much like Forrest, it sometimes had to be a bit put out with his trainers' wild ramblings and on the spot ideas and improvisation.

Aubrey looked at her only options left, a hurt Tenor and a healthy Winter. There was only one obvious choice to send in here. "Okay...Tenor, c'mon! We need a miracle here!" Her Primarina was definitely ready to try his best, even if the daunting opponent before him had an overwhelming amount of power, he would not bow.

"Original versus Original! How immaculately fitting!" Jake pointed out the comparisons between the Pokemon. "May the winner take it all!"

"Sparkling Aria, Tenor!" Aubrey exclaimed.

Morality didn't let the serenade of the sea deter them as they sent a powerful Moonblast through the water to hit Tenor as best they could. It was a valiant stand, but the Energy Ball from earlier didn't do Tenor any favors as he flopped to the ground at the hands of Morality.

"Tenor!...I..." Seeing her defeated Primarina, she really only had one chance left to pull this back, seeing Vatonage run to her side. "It's okay buddy...I'm not giving up yet, okay?" She held Winter's Poke Ball, gripping it tightly once Tenor was recalled. "Okay Winter...you're our last hope! Whatever you can do, do it!"

Jake took a deep breath and shook his fingers unconsciously. The final stand between both teams was here and it was looking lopsided on close inspection but Jake knew Winter had oneshotted Forrest and that she was also very fast. If they somehow got the edge on Morality with a powerful blast, it would mean Jake would lose and Aubrey would be the ultimate winner. They had to do something to limit Winter's speed as effectively as possible but with no Trick Room anymore, Jake would have to resort to resourcefulness.

"Poetic that it would come down to a one versus one. Once upon a time it'd have been physical for you but now... it's as a full-fledged trainer. We're truly even duelists at last." Jake spoke with a resonating faith in everyone involved.

"It doesn't get any better than this, woo!" Kukui grinned from the sidelines.

"Oh trust me...if my last stand was gonna happen, it was gonna happen no matter what," Aubrey remarked. Vatonage would say something to Winter in Pokespeak before she nodded, taking the field one last time.

"Morality, Diamond Storm the skies!" Jake commanded. Morality nodded and with the full essence of their power, summoned a surge of Diamonds before sending it flying upwards and causing the Diamonds to descend like a glittering shower of projectiles. Winter would have to risk placing themselves in a vulnerable position or lose the match to a super effective hit.

What looked like a decisive win, would soon prove to be anything but as a chill wind surrounded a Protect barrier, the diamonds sticking together in icy links.

"Winter, what are you...?" Aubrey was surprised by this, but Vatonage shook his head.

"Umbre, umb umbre," He responded, as if telling her to simply trust them.

"Okay...but this is pretty insane for a plan you've got here." The older ranger folded her arms, letting Winter do what she was doing.

"Huh...? A Unison Raid? A Counter Shield...? A Hyper Combo...? What is that technique...?" Jake looked on in awe and slight panic once he realized that the ice was freezing the diamonds upon contact and suddenly Jake wondered if Hidden Power was the way to go! "Hidden Power, Morality!" Morality showed less fear, believing in the opportunity presented before them that they could win and shot a surge of Hidden Power flying at the construct Winter was making.

It would soon be revealed what that construct was, the Hidden Power striking one of the diamonds Morality had used, now linked into a mass through Icy Wind.

"Frosss..." 'You should come to realize that you cannot contain the harshness of Winter's chill...' Winter coolly spoke before launching the mass of diamonds and ice right back at Morality with an all or nothing Ice Beam attack!

Morality panicked and tried to fly up to safety but the construct was simply too big and it collided with the Gem Pokemon in a magnificent burst of pink snow and broken gems that fell elegantly like cherry blossom petals.

"Unhnnhnhh...!" Jake gasped and then pretended to fall over from the recoil of the attack though in his eyes, he was clearly shaken.

Aubrey put her arms up defensively as this collision happened, almost afraid to look. "Did...did it work?" She asked, slightly nervous.

When the elegant effects settled, Morality lay on the ground defeated, on a pile of fresh snow from the ice Winter threw out, and pure diamonds.

"...GG." Jake said sadly at first but once he picked himself up, and shook off his nerves and accepted his fate, he gave the biggest grin. "You are the champion, Aubrey!"

Aubrey meanwhile, had a look of shock at first, but then it turned to pure euphoria. "YES! HECK YEAH, BABY!"

"Umbree!" Vatonage cheered, happily glomping on to his partner. Winter simply did a curtsy, as if it was an ego thing to say that the stunt she pulled off wasn't that big of a feat.

"Whoowee! I have never seen any sort of insane moves like that!" Kukui exclaimed. "But he's right, Aubrey! From me to you, congrats on being Alola's first ever champion!"

"Congrats, partner!" Vanessa was happy too, running over and pulling Aubrey into a hug.

Jake returned Morality to their ball and walked over, applauding politely. "You did so brilliantly! You are a star of Alola now and you've officially made history!"

"Yeah...yeah, I guess I did," Aubrey responded, still over the moon ecstatic over the victory. Kukui decided to join in on the celebration.

"It's like I've always said, the best moves are the ones the trainer and Pokemon choose in the heat of the moment - when it counts the most," The professor mused. "And you just proved me right! Either way this went down, I can safely say you'd both be champions Alola would be proud of!"

After taking a moment to let the surge of adrenaline die down, Aubrey's smile dropped a bit. "Professor, I...before I fought this battle with Jake, I was dealing with a hard decision this whole time."

"Oh? What decision?" Kukui looked interested.

"Either I follow this path to be the trainer I always wanted to be, or stick to this path to stay as the ranger I already am," The older ranger explained. "I let my heart decide...and I think it has spoken on what it wants." Jake looked on in an understanding fashion and clutched Aubrey's hand caringly and smiled at her. His following nod conveyed the support Aubrey would have from him no matter what her decision was. Vanessa would do much the same.

Unsurprisingly, Kukui gave a nod of understanding as well. "Regardless of your choice Aubrey, nothing will take away the fact that you are or were Alola's first champion. You'll always carry that accolade with you for the rest of your days, yeah. So...what's your heart telling you?"

After setting Vatonage down, Aubrey turned to Vanessa, looking mighty misty-eyed. "My heart's telling me that there's no way in heck I could ever abandon you, partner." She'd return the hug, her words choked up by tears of joy. "You...you've always been there for me when I needed you most, and like...even if I chased my dreams, I'd feel guilty as heck if I left you behind. So that's why...I want to stay a ranger with you, Van."

"Mmmm..." Jake hummed cheerfully and fondly. A curious response at first but Aubrey realized after thinking it over it was his way of saying 'I suspected as much'.

"I figured you'd make that choice, Brey," Vanessa simply responded, rubbing her back.

"Yeah, because...all the fame and fortune of being a trainer wouldn't be worth jack squat if it means leaving your best friends in the dust, ya know?" Aubrey continued, sniffing. "I just can't do that...to you, or to the Pokemon I protect."

"Mmm...I always knew you were the selfless type, Aubrey," Kukui commented. "Figured you as much from the second you arrived in Alola. As soon as I asked you to go looking for old Hala, what did you do? You immediately jump in to help with a smile on your face, yeah! And then you go and save my assistant and her Pokemon without a second thought." His attention turned to Jake. "After that, at the festival you took on all this work for a man you only met a week ago. Being a ranger is a perfect job for someone like you, Aubrey...and as the guy running this League, I'm gonna respect your decision all the way."

"But...what about the vacant championship title?" Aubrey then asked.

"Oh don't you worry about that. I'll host a good ol' fashioned tourney with the best trainers around Alola, and the winner takes the title! Woo!" Kukui grinned. It seemed he had this Plan B up his sleeve just now.

"You just came up with this, didn't you?" Vanessa immediately pointed out.

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Kukui simply responded.

"Well that's I think a true destiny that you are seizing, Aubrey. Why stop at something that brings you the most fulfillment, right? You are going to protect Alola the up close and personal way rather than just at the League." Jake said assuringly.

"Depends on if Professor Hastings even does what Vanessa said he might do," The older ranger informed. "Speaking of which...my paid leave's about to end. We ought to go say our goodbyes to Key, hand in the Z-Crystals, and then..." She didn't want to finish that sentence in front of Jake, so she simply knelt down and rubbed Vatonage's head, hugging him tightly. "You were such a big help, little guy...you, Tenor, everyone..."

"H-hey...no need to be so down...we'll all reunite someday...! Plus they'll ALWAYS be your team and no one can take that away from you eh?" Jake, quickly getting misty-eyed, reassured Aubrey.

"Exactly." Vanessa wasn't as emotional as her two companions, but still moved nonetheless.

Kukui had to agree. "Regardless, if your work or travels ever do bring you back to Alola, we'll all be waiting for your return. I don't think anyone will be forgetting your deeds here for a long time."

"Yeah...they sure won't," Aubrey's smile picked back up a bit.

With a final handshake and registering Aubrey's Pokemon in the Hall of Fame - all of them, mind you - Kukui would wave them goodbye, for now at least. "Be seeing you three! Happy trails!"

"Thanks for the expedition of a lifetime, Professor Kukui. I'll never forget how you revolutionized this region and been such a role model!" Jake encouraged sweetly as he waved goodbye.

"You as well, professor!" Vanessa waved back as they took their leave from the League.

Outside the Pokemon Center they stopped at, Key was waiting outside, smiling upon seeing their return. "Ah, you're back!" She greeted. "Sooooo, how'd it go? Which of my two friends became a champion we can all be proud of?"

"Would you believe neither?" Jake teased with a wink.

"Neither?" Key looked puzzled. "What happened back there?"

"Aubrey chose her heart's true desire. To be a Ranger with her platonic partner and lifelong friend Vanessa. Even after beating me she knew that the life she wanted was what she already had." Jake explained fondly.

It suddenly made sense now to the merchant. "Aww, how sweet. I think we all knew what your choice would be, Miss Ranger," She mused.

"Was I...really that predictable?" Aubrey rubbed the back of her head.

"Well, when you're more than willing to put your neck on the line for those you've only just met, yes!" Key answered with a giggle. "So you have to go now, right? All that's left is to hand me the Z-Crystals. If you would be so kind..."

Giving Key a nod, Aubrey handed over all the Z-Crystals that they had acquired together during their trek through Alola, bringing a smile to the merchant's face.

"Ah, they're all so pretty...no doubt this will be a hit with our buyers!" She mused. "I will have these returned to you as well as a generous royalties payment within a few business days. But for something more immediate...you still have my card, right Miss Ranger? Anytime you need me for anything, all you need to do is call, and I'll come running provided I'm not busy with something."

"Really? W-Wow..." Aubrey looked surprised by the generosity.

"Better than Dragonite mail if you ask me! You've been the wonder of the world Key! I'm definitely going to recommend you to my friends and family too!" Jake grinned.

"Wonderful! As for me...I had just gotten a call from my boss. Once I get back, I'll have to get ready for my next excursion," Key explained. "There's a vast, untapped marketplace in the Galar region, and based on my success here, I've been chosen to scout out what it's like there!"

"Ooooh, good choice," Vanessa responded. "Battling is huge there."

"And it's a posh and competitive environment. Too much for me but it seems like a great choice for you, Key! I wish you all the world there!" Jake beamed.

"Mhm. So until then...I suppose this is goodbye for now." Key would put the Z-Crystals away in her bag, wrapping Aubrey in a hug. "You and your friends have made this trip far more enjoyable than I ever could've imagined..."

"Tell me about it...regardless of what happens, Key, this was the best vacation I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing," Aubrey responded with a smile. "But I have to ask...why are you so generous to me? And all this 'Miss Ranger' stuff?"

"...To be perfectly honest, I'm not quite sure how to explain it. Your aura, the way you conduct yourself, the altruistic bravery you exhibit...it's just so cool!" The merchant answered. "I can't help but view you as this all loving heroine straight out of a Pokestar Studios blockbuster! C'mon, I can't be the only one who sees her this way!"

"Well, never seen a Pokestar Studios Movie, so I could not tell ya," Vanessa admitted.

"You should ask her out to see a Pokestar Studios blockbuster together!" Jake suggested cheerfully. "You two would totally have a great time and Aubrey could tell you how she outdoes all the stunt people." Though Key could sense that behind Jake's tone was serious case of 'shipping encouragement'.

"Sounds great!" Key agreed with a smile.

"Yeah...could be a good way to spend the day," Aubrey agreed, the 'shipping encouragement' flying over her head. "Maybe I could be a stunt double for one of those actresses."

"Oh no no, you'd definitely do your own stunts," Key responded. "Well, I better get going. You'll be hearing from me soon! Bon voyage!" With that last remark, she would take her leave by heading down the mountain.

"Well...it's...really coming to a close then huh? We finished that mission we started together days ago..." Jake clutched his bag sentimentally.

"Hey man, we're not saying goodbye forever," Aubrey took her turn cheering Jake up. "I've still got that wedding of yours to attend, right?"

"Obviously, but it'll feel so drab for a while not going on these adventures anymore, and knowing we've seen everything in Alola together, but you won't be here by my side. You know the feeling when you don't see someone you spend forever with like your family and you miss them? I'll miss you, Aubrey." Jake admitted. "You will always have my back even if I can't serve as a Ranger."

"Buddy, I've had your back since we met on Melemele. Of course I'll have your back," Aubrey mused. "I've had the backs of people, Pokemon, and nature the second I started Ranger School. And I don't plan on going back on that vow."

"Though you can rely on me just as well as I can rely on you now. Especially for a laugh." The Hoenn trainer chuckled at his own comment. "Well then...what next?" Jake looked between Vanessa and Aubrey. The older ranger would look to Vanessa to give an answer.

"Well, after we got off the Union back on to Ula Ula here, I was told that we would need to call HQ from the Union to give our report about what happened for both of us, Brey," Vanessa explained.

"Ok then. Get ready for you two to brag like hell about how amazing both of you are!" Jake gave them a thumbs up.

"And I sure as heck won't forget you in my report, man." With a firm handshake and a hug, Aubrey would tell Jake, "As long as the memories of this week stay in your mind, like they will for me...we won't be that far apart, yeah?"

"It's already cemented its place in my heart and my brain Aubrey. Nothing could keep us from being together in spirit. I guess I'll go back to my old Alolan apartment then and prepare to head back to Hoenn. I'm positive you two will have a bright future as Rangers and live fulfilling lives that Pokemon and humans will look up to." Jake declared sweetly as he shook Vanessa's hand next.

"It was good to meet you Jake. Until we meet again," Vanessa solemnly spoke. It was a long goodbye, but once they left the mountain, the trio went their separate ways.

The rangers returned to Maile City's harbor, boarding The Union as they were getting ready to deliver their report. "You really think we'd be getting a promotion from all this, Van?" Aubrey asked. "Not to be pessimistic or anything, but...it just sounds too good to be true, ya know?"

"It is certainly a possibility, Brey," Vanessa responded. "Honestly this has been a pretty unbelievable week all things considered."

"True! And all of this time I was supposed to be getting some R&R!" Aubrey chuckled with a proud grin.

"Exactly." Vanessa smiled. "So, let's see what our fate is shall we?"

"We'll have to see it eventually. Time we face the music." With a firm nod, Aubrey went with Vanessa, letting her lead the way to where they needed to go.

The duo would be in the main communication's room of the Union where Vanessa would input a number for them to get connected to the Ranger Union. Aubrey waited with bated breath, keeping her anticipation contained. Vatonage meanwhile was looking around the room, amazed with all the stuff they had inside. Soon enough they would see Professor Hastings on Screen.

"Rangers Bradford and Parker. I understand that your vacation and missions took a bit of an odd turn based on the small report I got from Murph," Hastings said.

"Heh, you could definitely say that, Chief," Aubrey responded, using the name she always referred to Hastings when addressing him.

"Yeah. Who do you want to start first, Sir?" Vanessa asked.

"Well, Ranger Bradford of course," Hastings answered.

Aubrey didn't leave any details out - meeting Jake, Lillie, Hau, and all the colorful characters associated with the Ultra Beasts and Aether Foundation, the whole deal with Lusamine, and how she became champion...for all of about two minutes. Hastings could only chuckle at Aubrey's last part of her report.

"Ah, a Champion Ranger. That will be one for the Recruitment Drive," He mused. "Now, as for you, Ranger Parker?"

Vanessa would go over her time in Kanto dealing with the seemingly extra dimensional team Rainbow Rocket lead by Giovanni, and her journey through Kanto posing as a trainer to keep them unsuspecting of her, eventually ending on her saving Mewtwo from their clutches and it dropping her off in Alola.

"Hmm.. Interesting…" Hastings put a hand to his chin. "As it stands, these Ultra Wormholes and the Pokemon who live beyond them are of great concern. As evidenced by what happend to Lusamine and Alola when they all opened at once."

"We still don't know everything about them, Chief," Aubrey mentioned. "I mean, I did meet those Ultra Recon Squad guys but Jake thought they were total weirdos. Would be nice to get more intel on them..."

"Yeah. It would...I don't think I even ran into them when I was with you," Vanessa mentioned.

"They're not evil or anything. In fact I can understand why they turned down Lusamine's offer to work with her in the first place," The older ranger confided.

"Yeah," Vanessa agreed.

"Well as it stands with Aether in the shape that it is in based on reports I have been given…" Hastings decided his course of action. It will be a while until Miss Wicke and Young Gladion can get that situation back under control. And as your reports to me just now have shown, the Alola Region needs to have a careful eye on it." This next bit of news would come as a happy ending for the duo. "Ranger Bradford and Ranger Parker! As of this moment, you are now assigned to the Alola Region as Area Rangers."

Aubrey perked up at the mention of that, but it was a moment of shock. "F-For real, Chief!?"

"Yes, 'for real', Ranger Bradford." Hastings gave her a small smile. "You have endeared yourself to the people of Alola by partaking in their sacred tradition and you even became the first champion of the region. And we are not in the habit of breaking up working pairs."

"Thank you, sir!" Vanessa was surprised as well.

Once this all settled in for Aubrey, she gave her boss a nod. "You got it, Chief...only question now is...where's our HQ gonna be?"

"We are currently looking at a property in Heahea City that should give you a good middle ground for the region," Hastings informed. "I do, however, have a couple of tasks for you in this region."

"Of course, sir," Vanessa responded. "What are they?"

"First, you must investigate these Ultra Wormholes and the Ultra Beasts. With the aid of the Legendary Pokemon you have acquired you should be able to navigate these Wormholes should you need to head inside of them," Hastings spoke.

"And I assume the second one is to bring down Team Rainbow Rocket with Giovanni's capture, right?" Aubrey asked.

"Correct. And lastly. Try to find out what caused Team Skull's Situation. That has gone on long enough," Hastings added.

"We did promise after all," Vanessa commented.

"And you should keep that promise." Hastings was about to go before he remembered something. "Oh yes, before I go. I am sending you two new recruits. They have just graduated from the Academy and this should be a good assignment for them. I will have their files sent over once your new Headquarters is completed. Until that is done, you will have rooms in the Hano Grand Resort. This should only take a day as I will have the equipment loaded and on track to Alola by this evening."

With all of this in mind, Aubrey looked to Vanessa. "Well partner, you know how the saying goes." She motioned for Vatonage to come on over, both of them doing their ranger pose with Vatonage doing a frontflip to match Aubrey, hoisting his head up to the ceiling with a smile. "Ain't no rest for the wicked."

Vanessa did her pose to match. "No there is not! Shall we go and give the good Professor and the Kahunas the good news?"

"Yeah! See ya when we get these things done, Chief!" Aubrey closed off the call with that as they headed outside, eager to let the others know.

What started as paid leave turned into a journey that Aubrey Bradford would have never forgotten. She met all sorts of new people, new Pokemon, and tackled all sorts of new challenges she otherwise never would've gotten the opportunity to do. But most important of all, she had finally made her decision, one that she would stick to. While being a trainer was all well and good, being a ranger gave her all the opportunities to travel around and see all the things she wanted to see. Most importantly however, what's fame and fortune if there's no one to share it with? Empty, that's what.

Even if it was all over, for these two, things were starting up again…

(It took...eight months, and I put off basically every other writing project I had for this, but the main story of this is finally done. There's two more bonus mission chapters we'll be doing, but until then, this story is more or less complete.

Oh my god, there's so many things I want to say and people I want to thank. First of all, let me give a huge shoutout to Lolitafashionfreak88, the man who inspired this whole story in the first place. A bit of a backstory - he was truly adverse to the Ultra Beasts in Alola, and after we talked about it, I pitched the idea of writing out a story that went alongside my current Sun playthrough as Aubrey. He was on board with the idea, and thus, this fic was born. So if it wasn't for you, Lolita, this story never would've become a reality in the first place. He's also the man who made me appreciate the X and Y campaign again after we did a co-op let's play of Pokemon X on the Discord server we met in. Yes, that is the prequel to this, and yes, that will be coming. Though the details on when it'll debut and who is posting it, we'll work that out together.

Secondly, massive shoutout to Cody the Worldwalker, the creator of Vanessa. His energy and input added a whole new layer of creativity to this story, and after we've known each other for years, it was a huge deal to finally work together on a fic with him. Vanessa is the perfect foil to Aubrey both ability and personality wise, and in a way, I guess that reflects my relationship with Cody since we're not so different from each other when I think about it. Huge props for tagging along, and adding some extra elements to this story from Ultra that were good - like Team Rainbow Rocket!

Additionally...Farla, if you somehow read this all the way to the end, funny enough, I want to include you in the people I want to thank. It was your review complaining about the creative liberties I took with Lillie where you told me to take creative liberties that acted as a massive motivation to see this story through to the end, while taking as many creative liberties as we possibly could. You'll notice as we went along, we added progressively more and more things that weren't in the games or didn't play out in the way they did gamewise to make it stand out. It was your salt that drove us to do this, because let's be real, I play Dead by Daylight and I have gotten PLENTY of salt for how I choose to play a video game. I've been called all sorts of things before, and even been called a pedophile IN RUSSIAN before. I learned to laugh it off because in my mind, seeing people salty over how I choose to play a video game is a sign of me doing something right. So in a weird way, I guess I have you to thank. But seriously, you can cut it out with Pokemon Month, you've been doing layups in a Fisher-Price basketball hoop for a decade now. I would send in some of your work to a college professor I had in creative writing, but I don't want them to have a stroke.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has read this story and stuck it out with me on this long road. I know my upload schedule is basically non-existent, but I do my best to do something that I personally love to do on my own time. I understand there are some of you out there who want me to get back to writing my fangan, and trust me, I want to get back to that too - seriously, I made a Chapter 3 case not suck, that's a massive accomplishment for someone who doesn't have a high opinion of himself. Completing a story ranks up there. I'm gonna take a few days to get to some gaming stuff that I've wanted to do for a while but had other commitments, and then I'll get back to work for you wonderful people.

Until then, Flash signing off! Bye for now! Stay tuned for the bonus missions!)