This was another chapter I was looking forward to, and I really hope you enjoy it. It might be a long one though since I have so much to write. But anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 23-New Look, New Island, True Feelings

Waking up the next morning, Collin grunted some more as the pain from yesterday seemed to have not gone away just yet. It wasn't as bad, but there was still a lot of pain. The second thing he noticed was Lillie wasn't in the bed, as it looked like her side of the bed was long abandoned. Before he manged to get out himself, the door opened and Wicke appeared.

"Ah, Collin. Glad to see you are up. You're Pokemon are on the desk there once you are ready to leave." she said pointing towards the desk.

"Thanks Wicke. By the way, have you seen Lillie?" he asked.

"Miss Lillie has decided to take a walk around the Paradise. She asked me to tell you to wait outside the Mansion once you are dressed." Wicke walked up to Collin a smiled. "I personally want to thank you for looking after her. She's been through a lot these past few years, but I can see the love that she has in her eyes. Please, continue to protect her."

"No need for the request, I'd protect her before I'd protect myself." he said with confidence.

"Hehe, she's made a good choice. I'll leave you to get dressed." With that, she left the room. Collin spent his time getting new clothes on him since his old ones were destroyed in the Hydro Pump attack. Gone was his black t-shirt and black shorts, now was a plain red shirt with white shorts. He grabbed his Poke Balls and left the room to face the afternoon sun. As he looked off into the waves, someone walked by his side. When he turned, he couldn't believe his eyes.

"What do you think Collin?" she said. She was no longer in her old dress, she was now in the clothes they bought all the way back in Akala. Not only that, but she tied her hair in a ponytail, which completed the look.

"You look...beautiful." was all Collin could say. The complement made Lillie smile, showing her perfect white teeth. With each passing second, she became even more beautiful.

"Thank you so much. I knew the ponytail would fit." she said, now walking up close to Collin. "I feel like I have so much to do now. We have to save Nebby...and save my mother...if that's okay."

"Of course it's okay. She's your mother. I'm sure we can do something." he said, thinking if there is a way to save her.

"I know we can! And this time you won't be the only one who's gonna try their hardest. I'm gonna try my hardest too, with my new Z-Powered Form!" she shouted as she preformed the Normalium Z dance, although it wasn't exactly graceful. Even still, when the dance was finished Collin struggled to prevent a nose bleed. It was too cute. Lillie saw it and couldn't help but giggle. "Well at least I got a positive reaction out of you. Also, I have to say this." She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "...FUCK!" she cried out and looked around, waiting for someone to yell at her. The only thing that happened was Collin's nose bleeding again due to how cute it was. "Hehe, got that out of my system." Collin managed to clean his nose up just as Gladion came to their side.

"So this is where you are." he said, narrowing his eyes at Collin. "I found this downstairs." He took out a weird looking flute from his back pocket. "This is the Moon Flute, an ancient artifact from Alola's past. With another flute, the Sun Flute, it's said to summon the Legendary Pokemon under the ray of he sun, whatever that means. It's said to be on Poni Island, somewhere. Honestly I don't believe in it."

"Well you better, because this isn't the first time a flute was used to summon a Pokemon. I know, I've tried." said Collin, taking the flute.

"Hmph, if you say so." said Gladion. "The Legendary Pokemon is said to be able to open up a single wormhole. With that, we should be able to get our mother back. I know she's been evil, but she is our mother." Gladion and Lillie sighed at this fact. Gladion's words restated with Collin, as he began to think about his mother and strangely Guzma.

"True. You can't let your family go." said Collin. "So this is the plan; get the Sun Flute, find out where to play it, summon the Legendary Pokemon and get Lusamine and Guzma back."

"Why Guzma?" asked Gladion.

"Because...reasons. Can't have him stuck in there on his own." To save himself from an awkward situation, Hau appeared out of nowhere.

"Hey guys! What's going on?" he asked before turning to Lillie. "Wow! Lillie you look amazing!"

"What?" said Gladion, sounding deadpan.

"By the way Gladion, what are you going to do?" asked Lillie.

"I'm gonna sort things out here. Some people were taking Lusamine's craziness to their advantage to steal Pokemon and other crimes. Someone needs to flush them out." he said, showing a slight grin. "Heh, to think that I'd grow to hate this place, but I'd come back and try to save it. At the very least I can help you two get to Poni Island."

"Thanks Gladion. What about you Hau?" asked Collin.

"Actually, I'm gonna continue the Island Challenge and train up." he said. "I learned something yesterday. I need to get strong because who knows what can happen, and I want to be there to help others and I'm not going to be able to do that if I'm weak. Plus I still have to do the Ghost Trial."

"Oh, fair enough. I guess we better head to Poni Island now before it gets dark." said Lillie. "Gladion, lead the way."

"Good luck everyone!" shouted Hau as Collin, Lillie and Gladion made their way to the docks on Aether Paradise. The three got onto Gladion's boat and they set sail to Poni Island, ready to face the world.

It was late in the afternoon by the time they arrived on Poni Island. Specifically, Seafolk Village. The village itself was made up of wooden walkways and fishing boats, reminding Collin of a certain small town he visited in Hoenn. The three got off the boat and had a look around.

"Thank you Gladion." said Lillie, but she didn't look happy. "...when you took Null and left Aether two years ago, you left me alone with mother! If it wasn't for Wicke being there, I'd don't know..." she said before being hugged by her brother.

"I'm sorry Lillie. I wish I knew how badly you needed me back then, but all I could think about was Null and getting out. I should have taken you with me. But now, you have your own fight. And with Collin by your side, I know you can do it." he said, smiling at his sister. "Now go find the Kahuna, they should know where to find the Sun Flute."

"Okay. I'll see you later Gladion!" said Lillie, breaking the hug and walking into the village. Before Collin could follow, Gladion grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Listen, Wicke told me that you slept with Lillie." he said in a threaten voice. "Did you do anything to her last night?" Collin knew what he was asking, causing him to accidentally blush.

"N-No. She wanted me to stay with her. Nothing happened last night." Gladion eyed him, not convinced. Collin sighed. "Look, I like her. I really do. But there is no way in hell would I do anything like that to her without her consent. Hell I don't even know if she likes me the same way."

"Fair enough. She seems happy when you are around, so I guess you are okay." he said, before tightening his grip. "But if I find out that you hurt her, in anyway, you'll regret it." Gladion let go of Collin and walked onto his boat and sailed off.

"Fucking protective asshole." he muttered under his breath. He finally joined up with Lillie, who was talking with some trainers. "Hey Lillie, find out anything?"

"Not yet. Seems that no one knows where the Sun Flute is. Maybe the Kahuna is the best bet." she said.

"MAYBE I CAN HELP!" shouted someone. Collin and Lillie looked around to see a man standing on one of the boats.

"Oh my Arceus!" cried Lillie as the man jumped off the boat and walked towards the two.

"Just call me Chief young lady. I here Hapu might know where the Kahuna is. She should be somewhere along the Ancient Poni Path." said Chief

"Oh? Hapu lives here? Thank you so much Chief!" said Lillie.

"Hey no problem. Hope that helped you."

"It did. Thanks Chief." said Collin and the two began to make their way to the Ancient Poni Path after asking some people where it was. Exiting Seafolk Village, they came across some grass land and some trainers. "If you don't mind Lillie, I'm gonna train up my team."

"That's okay! I get so see some up close and personal training too. Great if I want to become a Trainer myself." she said. Collin smiled at how confident Lillie has become now.

"Thanks Lillie." As Collin went off to train, Lillie was more focused on him rather than the actual fights. I've only known him for a short time, but he's done so much for me. If it wasn't for him, who knows what could have happened to me. I got to tell him somehow. Her train of thought was cut off when Collin walked up to her.

"Finished already?"

"Yeah, I think they are ready for now. Shall we go find Hapu?" Lillie nodded and the two continued their way to the Ancient Poni Path. Once they got there, they spotted a familiar looking Mudsdale.

"Hello Mudsdale! Glad to see you in fine form." said Lillie, as she walked up to pet the Pokemon, making Hapu turn to face them.

"Ah, been a while since I've met you two!" she said, coming up to the two. "And Lillie, maybe it's just the clothes, but there is something about you that changed. Like I can feel the confidence flowing from you or something."

"Thank you Hapu. I feel like I found my true self!"

"I'm glad. So, what brings you to Poni Island?" she asked.

"We are looking for the Island Kahuna. Any idea where they would be?" asked Collin. The smile on Hapu's face disappeared.

"Sorry, but there isn't a Kahuna here." she said. Lillie's eyes widened once she said that.

"WHAT?!" she shouted. "Oh Collin, now what are we gonna do?" Hapu began to think to herself.

"Hmm...I suppose it's time...yes...after battling that creature too." she muttered to herself. "Tell you what, meet me at the Ruins of Hope. It's just down this pathway. I'll see you two there." She walked off along with Mudsdale.

"I guess we should follow her." said Collin. "Not like we got anything else to go on."

"True. But we must keep moving forward!" said Lillie. The two walked hand in hand, following the path Hapu told them to, to the Ruins of Life.

As they walked along the path, Collin battle more Pokemon and trainers, leveling up his Pokemon as he went. When they finally reached the entrance to the ruins, Collin had to stop and sit down.

"You okay?" asked Lillie.

"Yeah. I'm still a bit sore from last night." he said, stretching his muscles. "She really gave me a hard time." Lillie looked concerned.

"You said that you faced worse yesterday. What did you mean by that?" she asked. All Collin did was lift up his shirt and Lillie noticed a faint scar that was across his chest that she didn't notice before. "Oh my..." she said, in shock and awe from the scar, and the fact she got to see his naked upper body again. "How did that happen?"

"Happened in Unova. Got hit by some ice spears by Kyurem. Wasn't pretty, I'm surprised it healed this well." he said, pulling the shirt down. "So a Hydro Pump and slamming into the wall is nothing."

"Still, you really should take your time with these things. I don't want you to get even more hurt."

"I promise I won't let it happen again." he said, getting up from the ground. "Ready to go in?"

"Yeah." The two made their way into the ruins. They were quiet apart from the faint sound of someone praying. They walked through the hallway until they came across Hapu, who was praying at some sort of idol. A light came from the idol and Hapu stood up and bowed.

"Thank you for your great blessing. As Kahuna, I swear to protect the people and Pokemon of Alola." she said and finished her prayers.

"What was that all about?" asked Collin, startling Hapu.

"Oh! You two were watching that?" she said as she walked away from the idol and up to Collin and Lillie. "So I've been blessed by Tapu Fini and I'm now the Kahuna of Poni Island." Lillie's eyes lit up.

"That's amazing Hapu! I'm so glad you have become one! You'll be a great Kahuna. I'm sure of it." she said.

"I hope so. My grandfather was the Kahuna here. He was loved and was powerful." she said, frowning. "But he passed away recently and the Island had no Kahuna. But Tapu Fini seems to think that I have the strength to live up to him."

"I'm sure you can Hapu." said Collin. "Just be yourself and you'll be great."

"Thanks Collin. So, is there anything you want to know?" asked Hapu.

"Oh yeah, we need to know how to summon the Legendary Pokemon. Do you happen to have any idea how to do it?" asked Lillie. Hapu began to think about what she was asked.

"Hmm...well the Pokemon you are talking about is Solgaleo. The only way to summon him is with the Sun and Moon Flutes on the Alter of the Sunne." she explained. "May I asked, why do you need to summon Solgaleo?"

"My mother entered the Ultra Wormhole and we need to save her. I hope you understand." said Lillie.

"That explains the creature that Tapu Fini and I fought. Well, if it helps sort this mess out, then count me in." she said, smiling.

"Thank you Hapu. Do you where the Sun Flute is?" asked Collin.

"Well the last time I heard about it was on Exeggutor Island. It's not far from Seafolk Village but you'll need to get their by boat." she said.

"Exeggutor Island? I did read about that place before." said Lillie. "I think we can get there before night fall."

"Then lets not waste any time. Hop onto Mudsdale and we'll get back to Seafolk Village in no time." All three exited the ruins and got onto Mudsdale, who was waiting outside. They road along the path, all the way back to Seafolk Village.

"Right so we need to rent a boat to get to Exeggutor Island right?" asked Collin.

"Yep, Chief should have one. Just ask him and he'll lend you one." said Hapu as the two of them got off Mudsdale.

"Thank you Hapu and thank you Mudsdale." said Lillie, petting Mudsdale.

"That's what friends do Lillie." said Hapu.

"F-Friends? With a trainer like you Hapu?" asked Lillie.

"Of course! Well I best be off. See me tomorrow once you get the Sun Flute. Good luck!" said Hapu and her Mudsdale road off back to the wilds.

"She'll be a great Kahuna." said Lillie.

"Of course she will be. Come on, let's get a boat and we'll get ot Exeggutor Island." They walked to the boat where Chief jumped off when they first met. "Hey Chief!" called Collin.

"Yes? Is there something you need?" he asked.

"Yeah, Hapu said you can lend us a boat to get to Exeggutor Island. Mind if you do that?" he asked.

"Sure, there is a small motorboat is just outside. You do know how to use one right?"

"Yeah. Thanks Chief." The two walked outside and got into the small motorboat. "You ready Lillie?"

"Yes. Fire away!" she said. Collin started the engine and the two set off to Exeggutor Island.

Dark clouds began to form as Lillie and Collin reached the Island. They tied a rope around a wooden pole and got off the motorboat.

"Phew, I think I'm getting used to being on boats now." said Lillie.

"I'm not." said Collin, trying not to get sick.

"Can I ask, why do you hate boats?" asked Lillie.

"Went on the S.S Anne when it almost sank. Ever since then I hated boats or ships." he confessed.

"Oh that sounds awful. We'll take our time walking through here." Collin nodded as the two slowly walked around the Island. What caught Collin completely by surprised was the size of the Exeggutor on the Island.

"Holy shit look at the size of these things!" he shouted looking up at them. "They're bigger than a house!"

"Why? They not normally this big?" asked Lillie.

"They aren't even half the size!" he said, looking back up at them. Suddenly, a drop of water fell on his face. Within a few seconds, it started to rain down hard. "SHIT! I SHOULD HAVE LOOKED AT THE WEATHER!" shouted Collin.

"THERE'S A CAVE OVER THERE! LET'S TAKE SHELTER!" cried Lillie. The two ran towards the cave, with Collin lagging behind.

"Ow ow ow ow ow!" he cried as he finally reached the cave. "Fuck me I can't run with this pain." he said.

"Sit down and take a break." said Lillie. Collin sat down and took out a towel for him and Lillie to dry themselves. As she dried herself, Collin looked at his phone to see what the weather was going to be like, and it didn't look good.

"Fuck me, it's supposed to be raining all night." he said, showing her the phone. "Guess we are stuck here for the night. I'll get camp set up."

"Okay." Lillie went to the front of the cave and watched the rain fall. When Collin finished setting up a light source and some sleeping area, he joined with Lillie and sat beside her. "You know, this makes me nostalgic." she said.

"Oh? How come?" asked Collin.

"It reminds me when I was little. Remember the movie "Singing in the Rain"?" Collin nodded in response. "I watched that when I was little and I loved it. I loved it so much that when it rained one day, I went outside and danced in it. My mother saw me and I thought she would be angry...but then she smiled...and joined me. We ended up getting a cold that day and we slept in her bed for days."

"Sounds like you and her were close." said Collin. Lillie gave him a small smile and looked back at the rain.

"Yeah." she said. Tears slowly began to flow from her eyes. "I miss her so much. First my father disappeared, then my mother went insane, then Gladion left me. I was so alone, I didn't have anyone. Now with mother in Ultra Space or wherever she is, I'm so scared I'll loose her. Yes she's done terrible things, but she's still my mother. Now...I'm scared I'll loose you too someday." she said, letting the tears flow down her face. Collin wasted no time and cupped her chin, slowly wiping away the tears.

"I know how you feel." he said. "I was close to my mother too. Every time I came home from a long journey, she would make me the best meal ever. She pushed me to become the person I am today. To say I was heartbroken, that's an understatement."

"I'm sorry for your lose Collin." she said, placing her hand oh his cheek. "We got to make sure that we don't loose each other Collin. I don't think I can bare it, not after everything we been through these past few weeks."

"I promise you, nothing will take us away from each other. I'll make sure of that." And with that, he slowly inched his way forward and planted his lips on Lillie's, kissing her. At first, Lillie didn't know what to do or think, but slowly she melted into the kiss. Before she could make any movements of her own, he broke the kiss, making them both breathless.

"W-W-What was that for?" she asked, confused and unsure what the kiss meant.

"To seal the deal." he said with a smirk. Lillie giggled at his snarky remark.

"Can you make sure? Just to be safe?" she said. Collin complied and kissed her again, this time the both of them getting into it. It wasn't exactly the most elegant kiss, it was a bit sloppy at some points, but they didn't care. They were in total bliss right now. Lillie felt more safe than ever before as she sat upon Collin's lap, continuing to kiss him. All good things must come to an end though, as the two broke the kiss to breathe.

"Wow...that...was amazing." he said, breathlessly.

"Yeah." said Lillie, panting like crazy. "Does this mean me and you are...you know..." she said, unable to finish.

"Yeah." responded Collin. "If you want to that is." Lillie responded by wrapping her arms around Collin and pecking him on the lips.

"I thought you'd never asked." she said, smiling. "I can't believe this is happening."

"Same...Arceus you are beautiful."

"You're not so bad yourself." The two laughed at each other and Lillie lay her head on his shoulder. "I wish we could stay like this forever."

"Well we have all night so that's better than nothing." he said. "Wanna talk about anything to pass the time?"

"Yeah. Something has been bugging me." Collin looked at her, with a confused look across his face. "What's the deal with Guzma? You seem to be worried about him. I mean he's in just as much danger as mother, but you look like you didn't care about him back in Malie Garden." Collin took a deep breath.

"Okay...remember when I said Giovanni was my father?" asked Collin.

"Yeah?"

"Well turns out that Guzma is actually my father." he confessed.

"WHAT?! HOW?!"

"He and my mom were together when she lived her. She got pregnant and moved to Kanto when her parents found out. Had me shortly afterwards. They didn't keep in touch from what he told me back in Po Town." he said.

"Wow. So you never knew?" All he did was nod in response. "I guess you want to save him because he's your father huh?"

"I guess. I mean I barely know him but he's family so I'm not gonna leave him."

"You should talk to him when this is all over." she said. "You never know, it might help you in the long run."

"Maybe, I'll wait and see."

"I hope things work out for you." she said. "Can you tell me another story about your journeys? They all sound amazing."

"Sure. Let me think." Collin starred off into the rain and thought about a story to tell Lillie. "Did I tell you about the time I went into space?" Lillie looked at him like she got slapped across the face.

"Collin, I think I would remember the time you told me you went to space." she said with a deadpan voice. "How in the name of Arceus did you get into space?"

"Well, it's a long story." Collin began to tell Lillie all about how he went into space, sparing no detail untouched. By the time he was finished, it was nighttime and both of them were tired.

"Gee, you're amazing Collin." she yawned out. "I don't know about you, but I could sleep for a year."

"Well I hope you don't, we have a lot to do tomorrow." he said. He wrapped his arms around her body and lifted her up bridal style over to the sleeping area.

"You know I can walk right?"

"Yeah but I wanted to be romantic." he said, laying her down onto the blanket.

"Well I can certainly say, it was quite romantic." she said, giggling as he lay beside her. "Collin, are you sure you want to be with me?"

"It's not even up for debate. Of course I do." he said, cupping her cheek. "You're smart, beautiful, funny, caring and everything in between. You're perfect." he said. Lillie could help but blush and kissed him again. It didn't last as long as the one before, but it felt so much better. She broke the kiss and snuggled up to him.

"I know it's obvious at this point, but I love you. I can't believe this is actually happening." she confessed. "I feel like when I close my eyes, this is all going to be a dream."

"Well I hope not, because I love you too. More than anything right now." he said, kissing her forehead. "And nothing will get in the way of that." He let out a sudden yawn, which made Lillie yawn as well. "I guess we better get some sleep now."

"Yeah." Lillie closed her eyes before she whispered, "Goodnight Collin. I love you."

"Love you too, sweet dreams." The two fell asleep in each others arms. Collin couldn't believe that after all this time, he's finally with the girl of his dreams. Now with her on his side, there was nothing but light at the end of the tunnel.

Oh man! So how what that eh? Confession done okay? I hope so. Honestly I'm scared of the reactions to this. I'll be taking a break this time, as I'll be busy tomorrow. But as always reviews and comments of any nature are welcomed and as always, I'll see you in the next chapter. Cheerio!