I followed Ash and Utau back to the Alola Islands, unfortunately it had to be for a sad event. I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kahuna Kaeo, he was a great trainer and an even greater kahuna. We all attended his funeral in Alola to pay our respects. During the somber event, we had the opportunity to meet Olivia, the newly appointed Kahuna of Akala Island. We shared stories of our adventures and discussed the challenges that lie ahead for the Alolan region. Especially, for Kiawe's family. The Fire-type specialist was having a hard time, he adored and admired his grandfather and his loss was a big hit to him. Ash had spent most of the funeral by the side of his mentee, even if Kiawe had only attended a boot camp with him. Ash always takes great care of his students, no matter how short of a time they had spent together.

Akala Island might be well taken care off for now, Tapu Lele having accepted a kahuna so fast. However, the issue laid in Poni Island, where Tapu Fini has yet to accept a new kahuna, even when the previous kahuna had passed away last year. Soon it will mark two years without a kahuna for an island... that's not good. This news troubled me, as every island in Alola deserved a strong and capable leader to guide its people and protect its traditions.

"Hey, Ash, Lance," Lusamine approached us with her kids and a blond man. I was surprised to see her wearing black, even though it was expected for a funeral.

"It seems that you achieved your objective," I commented, looking at the man. "You must be Mohn."

"I am," the man smiled, as Zoroark and a Shiny Nihilego appeared behind him. "I would like to thank all of you for the aid you brought my family.

"It was mostly Ash's work," I smiled proudly at my little brother, who blushed under the attention. "May I know what happened?"

"During the accident I was saved by Nihilego, but I lost my memories," Mohn answered sadly. "She had been taken care of my since then, when my children and wife came to me... it took me a while to remember, but I did."

"I'm glad you have," Ash smiled, though it had a sad tint because of funeral. "It seems that Zoroark is back with you, does that mean you have a new pokemon Gladion?"

"No, I am focusing on mostly on training the pokemon I already have," Gladion answered. "I will be entering Alola's first Pokemon League and win!"

"I can't wait to see that," Ash encouraged you, before turning to a shy Lillie. "What about you? Anything new?"

"My Kō evolved into a Sylveon!" Lillie shared with a slight blush. "Also, Magerna became part of my team officially!"

"That's incredible!" Ash beamed at her.

"It is all thanks to you and Espeon! Thank you!" Lillie thanked him. "You saved me and helped me get over my fears. I would not have Kō or Titania, my Magerna, if it was not for you!"

I could see that Ash felt quite bashful under all the praise, luckily for him Lusamine saved him for further embarrassment, not that he should feel embarrassed about any of this. "Sorry, but we need to go and pay our condolences to Kiawe's family."

"Of course," I replied, completely understanding her. "We also have bussiness to attend to," my gaze turned to Utau, who had a frown on her face. Ash and I said our goodbyes and joined Utau. "What's wrong?"

"Tapu Koko was found in the Temple of the Sun and Moon," Utau told me.

"The same of my dream?" Ash asked her startled.

"Yes... and he is just waiting," Utau answered.

"Waiting for what?" I asked confused, this Legendary bussiness was so confusing at times.

"Not what, but who," Ash corrected me with a grimace, as Pikachu growled on his shoulder. "And the answer is me. He is waiting for me."

"We better not have him wait any longer then," I replied.

We then released our pokemon and flew towards Poni Island, Utau on her Altaria, Ash on his Charizard, and I on my Dragonite. Dragons rule! As we stood in the awe-inspiring Temple of the Sun and Moon, we found ourselves face-to-face with Tapu Koko, the guardian deity of Melemele Island. Known for his capricious nature, Tapu Koko had a reputation for being selective about who he would assist. Nevertheless, his curiosity often led him to engage in playful battles with those who piqued his interest. Which meant that he was interested on my little brother, which honestly was not something new when it comes to Legendaries.

"I can feel it," Ash murmured, eyes hauntingly glowing blue. "In this sacred place, I can feel a deep connection with Tapu Koko."

As if guided by an invisible force, the Legendary Pokemon tapped Ash's Z-Ring, causing his Electrium Z-Crystal to transform. Mirroring the events of Ash's dream, the Z-Crystal took the form of Pikachu's tail, a symbol of their bond.

"Ash?" I tried to get his attention, but Tapu Koko kept me away. He kept all of us away... something that Charizard did not like at all. Charizard growled and roared, ready to attack Tapu Koko, but he suddenly stopped. We all did. Tapu Koko had just summoned something and placed it right before Ash and Pikachu, who were acting as if they were possessed.

"How the fuck did he get that?!" Utau cursed, eyes widening in shock. "We left that with Latias in Alto Mare for protection! Did he attack her to get it?! Why was I not informed of it being missing?!"

However, I was not paying attention to her panic attack, as I watched, almost enchanted, the reaction of Ash and Pikachu had when they saw it. Empowered by this extraordinary moment, Ash and Pikachu synchronized their movements, striking a series of precise poses to channel their combined Z-Power. The air crackled with electricity as dark storm clouds gathered overhead. Pikachu, wearing his Trainer's World Cap, leaped into the air, absorbing the raw energy from the brewing tempest.

With determination in his heart and a resolute spirit, Ash chanted with unwavering conviction, "This is bigger than a thunderbolt, yah, this is much bigger. It's 9 million times bigger, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!"

In a dazzling display of power, Pikachu unleashed a torrent of electrical bolts, each vividly colored like a rainbow. The bolts streaked through the sky, converging on the Giant Rock, their combined might threatening to shatter its destructive potential. As the thunderous attack struck the Giant Rock, an explosion of energy erupted, shattering it into countless fragments. The danger it posed to Kalos and the world had been averted, thanks to the combined efforts of Ash, Pikachu, and the Tapus.

Exhausted but satisfied, Ash and Pikachu shared a moment of triumph, their bond stronger than ever. They had fulfilled their duty, protecting the balance of the pokemon world and ensuring a brighter future for all.

"Cha-charizard!" Ash's Charizard roared worriedly, as Ash and Pikachu fainted.

We all rapidly tried to get to their side, but Charizard was not letting anyone close. Growling threateningly at anyone that took one step towards them and glaring with so much hatred at Tapu Koko that it sent shivers down my spine. My little brother's pokemon were strong, more than capable of taking lives if they did not have such a fine control of their powers. Yet they all shared Ash's pure heart, one that desired everyone to live in safety and happiness. I've never expected to see one of his pokemon have that look on their eyes... the look of a someone who was ready to kill.

The worst of it, is that now as a Champion, Ash will need to take those kind of decisions. The same way, I decided to get rid off Giovanni, as he was too dangerous and charismatic to be left. If he ever escaped, which was more probable than not, he would have gone into hiding and we would have not been able to find him until it was too late. Which is why I took the harsh decision that I knew the world needed.

With a solemn expression, Tapu Koko conveyed the gravity of the situation to us. "Destroying the Giant Rock was necessary," he began, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "It posed a significant threat, not only to Kalos but also to the delicate balance of the entire pokemon world."

"That much we knew!" Utau spat at the deity. "When you spend years dealing with criminal syndicates that want to rule the world with the enslavement of Legendaries, you end up learn a couple of things!"

"Though, it seems that there was more to this than we expected," I commented, looking at Ash sadly, before turning towards the floating Tapu Koko. "What would have happened if Ash had not destroyed the Giant Rock?"

"Had the Giant Rock been left untouched, it would have teleported away searching for more primal energy," Tapu Koko explained. "At the end, Lysandre would have gotten it and kept it, hooked by the continous feeding of energy." So, that's why Lysandre needed Alain to keep on Mega Evolving Charizard and battling stronger and stronger opponent, I though in realization. "It would have caused catastrophic destruction in Kalos, laying waste to the region and endangering the lives of countless people and pokemon. The immense power within the Rock had the potential to unleash chaos on an unprecedented scale. Beyond the immediate danger," Tapu Koko continued, "the Giant Rock had the capability to create roots that would have spread throughout the region, ensnaring the land in an everlasting threat. These roots could have continued to grow, bringing devastation for years to come, and if not carefully contained, they could have even reached beyond Kalos, endangering the entire world."

I listened attentively, my heart heavy with the realization of the immense peril that had been averted. I understood that Ash's actions in destroying the Giant Rock were not only crucial for the safety of Kalos but for the preservation of the world we held dear.

If only it did not have to fall upon a sixteen years old boy, I thought with sadness. Yet cruel the world is.

Grateful for Tapu Koko's wisdom and guidance, I nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Tapu Koko," I told him earnestly. "Though, next time do not give my little brother cryptic prophetic words and dreams that drive him mad."

Tapu Koko nodded and left the temple, leaving us to our thoughts.

"What now?" Utau asked. "Without it, what will Lysandre plan to do?"

"Well, he does not know it's gone and it being missing might be adressed as Ash's medling," I answered. "He will continue to collect energy through Alain and maybe try to use it as a beacon to attract the Giant Rock. Let's keep it like that."

"Yes, sir!" Utau saluted and took out her Xtransceiver to communicate with her team.

"Utau," I called her out.

"Yes, Champion Lance?"

"Let's keep Ash out of this for now," I replied, looking at Ash and Pikachu's fainted body being held delicately by Charizard. The poor fire-type pokemon looked ready to cry at any given moment. It was then that I realized he looked so tired, more tired than a young pokemon like him should be. "They have all worked hard enough as it is."

There was a moment of silence, before I heard a soft: "Yes, sir."