Chapter 103: Party Time
After the excitement of Ash's win had died down, the closing ceremonies could begin. All of the 16 competitors who had made it past the preliminaries were gathered, with each of the Kahunas shaking their hands and congratulating them for their hard work. Then Professor Kukui stepped up to the podium to give his closing speech.
"For years, I've wanted to spice up the Island Trials, make them something not just for Alola, but for all the world to experience. Creating the league was my way of making Alola more than a vacation spot, but a place trainers would come to get better. To say I'm pleased with how these events transpired would be an understatement. Words can not express how proud I am of all of our competitors, and I want to thank you all for making my dream a reality. Now, I present to you the world's newest champion, Ash Ketchum!"
He stepped aside, allowing Ash to take center stage while Kukui handed him the Winner's Trophy.
"Congratulations, Ash. You deserve it."
"Thank you, Kukui. I couldn't have done it without my Pokemon."
Ash grinned as he held the trophy in his arms. It didn't feel real, and yet, it was...
"Go ahead buddy, check it out."
Pikachu sniffed the trophy curiously. He smiled, knowing that this was the result of all their hard work.
"Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech!"
Ash chuckled nervously as the crowd chanted.
"I don't know. I don't really have anything prepared..."
"Aw, go ahead. Give the crowd what they want!"
Realizing he didn't have a choice, Ash took the microphone and spoke what was on his mind.
"I can't tell you how thrilled I am. I've been in a lot of leagues, but this one has been the most crazy. Which just makes my victory that much sweeter! First, I'd like to thank my Pokemon, who fought their hardest for me..."
Pikachu nodded, proud of his hard work.
"Next, I'd like to thank all of my friends, both here, back home, and elsewhere, for believing in me..."
The rest of the gang smiled, happy for their friend.
"But most of all, I'd like to thank someone very close to my heart, who's taken me on my greatest adventure yet! She knows who she is, and I love her!"
Lillie blushed, looking away in embarrassment while her friends laughed.
"I can't wait to come back next year! And to anyone who's looking to take my title, bring it on!"
Fireworks went off behind him, officially marking the end of the competition and the birth of a new champion.
Later that night, Iki Town had a big festival to celebrate Ash's win. There was dancing, games, even a mock Battle Royal between all 4 Kahunas. To everyone's surprise, Hapu came out the winner, beating Hala's Crabominable with her Mudsdale in a very close match.
"Ha! Told you I'd win!"
"Good match, Hapu."
Nanu scoffed, turning away from his fellow Kahunas.
"Bah. Would've won if we could've used Z- Moves."
"Aw, is Nanu a sore loser?"
"Shut it, Olivia."
Everyone had a good laugh, but Lillie couldn't help but notice the man of the hour was missing.
"Has anyone seen Ash?"
"He said he wanted to be alone and think. Guess he's not one much for parties."
"Thanks, Brock."
Lillie took off towards Route 1 in search of Ash. She found him on Ten Carat Hill, gazing up into the starry night sky deep in thought.
"I thought I might find you here."
Ash looked up, smiling when he saw Lillie coming towards him. Scooting over a bit, he patted the ground beside him, motioning for her to join him, which she did.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"I still can't believe I won. It feels so surreal, almost as if its a dream..."
"But its not. You won because you believed in your Pokemon and they in turn believed in you. You deserve it."
"I know. Just trying to think of what I'm going to do next."
"Probably off to the next region to compete in their league, huh?"
Surprisingly, Ash shook his head.
"No, it wouldn't feel right being a Champion and all. Let someone else have the spotlight."
"Oh. Then...what will you do?"
"I'm thinking of traveling the world, exploring the regions again. There's a lot I missed the first time I went through this, plus it'd be nice to spend more time with my friends."
Lillie nodded, before it dawned on her what Ash was getting at.
"You're leaving Alola, aren't you?"
Ash nodded sadly.
"Don't get me wrong, I love it here, but...I miss home. I haven't seen mom, Professor Oak, and my other Pokemon in ages. I've already talked to Kukui, and he said as long as I come back for the next league I'm good to go, and that I'll always have a home here with him and Burnett. I just...its time to go."
"Then is this...goodbye?"
"It doesn't have to be. You can come with me, explore the world and see all that it has to offer. Wherever my journey takes me next...I'd be honored if you'd join me."
Lillie thought about it for a minute. It did sound enticing, seeing the world with the man she loved. But she'd never been outside Alola before, and...
"I don't know, Ash. It's a lot to think about. Can I have some time?"
"Of course. I won't be leaving for two weeks, you can give me your answer then if you want. Just know that whatever you decide, I support you."
Lillie smiled, leaning in to give him a passionate kiss. No matter what, she was going to make the most of those tow weeks.
