Well, here it is, the thirty-second part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series. Ash's battle with Gladion is over and ended in a victory for the Kalos Champion. That was the final thing that he and Dawn had to do in Alola and with Dawn's requirements for the Majestic Festival it's time to find that next region and leave Alola behind. All that's left to do is decide which region and to wrap things up in Alola with a nice bow. That means it's time for Ash's reward, the decision on which region to visit next, and the desire to return to Alola one day to see more of it and what Alola's own future has in store for the region. That is all the administrative stuff I have for this Part but there is a guest review to respond to and a clarification to make so I will do so now. Do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all.

To Pearl shipper (guest), thank you for your review and I understand your reason to stop watching the anime. For me that occurred earlier, after XY when its style changed so drastically for SM that it just wasn't the same for me after growing up with Gen I (I almost quite after season 8 when the dubbing studio changed but if I had we wouldn't be here). I may try Horizons when it is dubbed, like you I prefer it that way and I find subtitles distracting so I only watch anime in dub but I may give it a try as it is fully new so I'll treat it as a new anime entirely. Thank you for the praise and do keep reading and enjoying my work.

Just to clarify as there is still some confusion, when it comes to captures, mythical Pokémon are in the same category as legendary Pokémon for the sake of this story. If they are a canon capture like Meltan then they are fair game but if they're not then they will only show up as allies like some legendaries will and only if they fit the story. More likely I'll deal with adventures with mythical Pokémon either in the eventual Supplement to this (yeah I know I've failed on that front so far but it will be done one day) where they can have a stand alone fun chapter or they'll show up in the sequel trilogy that I have planned but is many years off at this point but could benefit from allies like this. I hope this clears up the confusion regarding mythical Pokémon.

That is it for this pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXXI: Looking to the Future.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Part CCXXI: Looking to the Future

"Sorry for the wait Ash, thank you for your patience. Here's your prize for beating Gladion."

It was 24 hours after Ash's impressive and comfortable but challenging victory over Gladion in the showdown between the Kalos and Alola Champions and because of that things had been so hectic since then that it had taken this long for them to finally sort this out. Of course, there was good reason for things to be hectic because it had been a battle that many in Alola would be talking about for the rest of the year at least and raised a few questions regarding the quality of Alolan trainers in relation to the more established regions.

Ash did his best to deflect or avoid these questions when he was hounded by reporters as he left Manalo Stadium by pointing out that it had been a 3 on 3 battle. If they'd had a longer battle it could have been different and Gladion had shown plenty of skill and ability in it, he'd just had the better showing.

For his part Gladion had acknowledged that Ash was stronger than he was and that there was a gap between them but that all it did was motivate him to get even stronger for the PWC because Ash represented the upper echelon of trainers at it, he was globally ranked 6th, and Gladion wanted to reach that point and surpass it himself. He promised that when the PWC came around he'd make Alola proud and show the world what their region was capable of on the grandest level.

It had been in that vein that Gladion had opted to go right back to training the day after his loss to Ash. He'd been invited by Ash, via Iris and Lillie, to come back to the Pokémon School with him and Dawn for the aftermath but he'd politely turned it down. He had his own work to do and had headed out to the Haina Desert on Ula'ula Island to do some intensive training but promised that he'd meet Ash again at the end of the year.

However, before he'd gone, he had confirmed that he did indeed have a Mudsdale as Zoroark could only mimic the last Pokémon in his party and this training was to bring Mudsdale up to standard. After that he was apparently going to a grassland to look for a grass type before heading to various other geographies both in Alola and maybe another region or two to really round out his roster for the PWC.

Ash had understood that, he usually threw himself into training after a loss to get stronger and prevent it from happening when he had a rematch. Admittedly, sometimes it took a bit to process one and why it happened such as his most recent loss when he faced Wulfric in Snowbelle City, so he respected Gladion's decision and didn't try to talk him out of it. It was also a good one as it ensured that none of the media would follow him and leave him alone while he trained and worked through his loss.

That wasn't the case for Ash as he was still hounded by reporters even when he returned to the Pokémon Center the night before and had reunited with Dawn, Iris, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, Kiawe, and Kukui. There had been more questions from them once he got there but a sharp word from Kukui allowed Ash to finally get free from them and celebrate in private first with his friends and then specifically with Dawn in their room to cap off the day.

The following morning, so that morning, they'd woken up early so as to get out before the media noticed and headed back to Melemele Island and the Pokémon School. To add to this they went back in staggered waves so that there was a lower chance of them being noticed by the media that was still camped out near the Pokémon Center. As much as Ash didn't mind the attention, it could get too intense at times especially as they were about to leave Alola for the next region that Dawn needed to go to and they needed time to sort that out.

Thankfully they'd had that by getting back to the Pokémon School early so there was at least 48 hours to determine were to go next but Dawn was already on it and had an idea of where she wanted to go. Naturally, she needed to run it by Ash first just to make sure that he was good with it but she knew that he would be, it was just the polite and proper thing to do.

Now was that time as they were all back in the Pokémon School with Lillie being the last to join them having gone back to the Aether Paradise the night before with her mother and brother and so she'd come from there after Gladion had headed to Ula'ula. Lillie was still in school after all so it made sense for her to return especially if there was a sudden Ultra Beast attack.

As such all of them were back in the school and had been relaxing in the classroom and idly chatting when Kukui had walked in carrying a large case in his arms and addressing Ash. His wife had been unable to join them, she still had a bit of work to wrap up at Aether before she went on maternity leave so she'd stayed behind to sort that out. That meant that it was just the kids and Kukui and while Ash and Dawn didn't pick up on it the others did and Kiawe was the one who asked it.

"Hey, where's the Principal?" Kiawe asked before Ash could respond as Kukui set the case down on the desk. "Shouldn't he be here as well?"

"It would seem that Samson had a bet with his cousin Samuel in Kanto." Kukui said with a chuckle. "They bet on their respective natives in the battle and the loser had to go to the winner's region and be the winner's assistant for a fortnight. As you know Ash won so Samson set out for Kanto this morning not wanting to waste any time. He's actually excited about it though as there's a lot for him to learn out in Kanto and I'm sure he'll come back with a lot to teach you."

"Ha serves him right for betting against Ash." Iris said with a laugh. "I never had any doubts that Ash would lose."

"It's a matter of region pride." Mallow said with a shrug. "We all wanted Gladion to win even if we stayed neutral during the buildup, well other than you and Lillie but that was to be expected. No offense Ash, you and Dawn are great and we're glad to be friends with you but we're all Alolan other than Iris so we supported our own Champion yesterday. We knew it would be a long shot but anything can happen seeing as you were the underdog against Diantha."

"None taken, I'd expect it." Ash said not at all hurt by the lack of support as he'd have done the same if Gladion had been facing Lance and Mallow was right, an upset could have happened. "And I'm sure there is still confusion to some as I'm a Kanto native who is the Kalos Champion which is a bit strange."

"Yeah stranger than me winning the Kanto Ribbon Cup but being from Sinnoh." Dawn said, she'd known the others had supported Gladion due to being in the box with them as she cheered for Ash and didn't hold it against them as she had full faith in her fiancé and besides it was amusing watching Iris win the bets between the girls and gloat about it. "But that's what happens at times. May won her Ribbon Cup in Sinnoh not Hoenn and I'm sure there are others like that out there."

"It's likely and not much of a surprise when it comes to Grand Festivals or Pokémon Conferences though Ash being Kalos Champion is unique amongst the 8 known Champions." Kukui said. "The other 7 are native to the region that they are the Champion of, well if you consider Lance no longer the Johto Champion as well as the Kanto Champion which many, including himself, do. That said Iris did come close to becoming the Alola Champion so we could have had a Unovan as our Champion."

"Gladion threw me by using Zoroark last which meant that he used it without using its Illusion Ability." Iris grumbled. "That's what got me in the end. Also I'm going to have words with him, he held back against me. I've never seen Silvally before."

"I have, it saved me when I was a kid and an Ultra Beast attacked me." Lillie said, over the weeks she'd shared her past with Ash and Dawn so they were aware of her issues regarding contact with Pokémon and how Iris had helped her overcome this but none of them were aware of Silvally's role in it. "It used to have this weird helmet on a well but it broke that off last year with Gladion and me which was when I remembered what it had done for me. He asked me not to mention it as he had to properly bond with Silvally as Silvally, the helmet thing apparently changed it somehow, and so I didn't. I expected him to use Silvally against Iris though."

"Well he didn't." Iris huffed. "And I used Executor, Excadrill, and Dragonite against him in our battle. He held that back and then broke it out for Ash. He'd better be ready for me when I next see him."

"Oh he is." Lillie said with a smile. "Don't worry he knows to expect your fury."

"Anyway, that is something you can deal with later as Ash still needs his prize and he is likely leaving soon." Kukui said moving them along from the distraction before Iris could build up steam as he reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a small box and walked over to Ash. "Ash, the case contains the Z-Crystals you can choose from, you are entitled to 3 of them for winning one for each Pokémon you defeated, but before that this is now yours. All records indicate that you can use it but try it out in training first just to be sure."

"Right, I forgot about this." Ash admitted as he'd been focused first on helping Dawn and then on the upcoming battle that he'd totally forgotten about what was on the line should he and Gladion have an official battle as he accepted the box. "Thank you. I will try this out in practice first but I can't wait to use it. Z-Moves look so cool!"

With that Ash opened the box and grinned at what he saw inside. Laying in the box was a Z-Ring like the ones that he'd seen Iris and the Alolans wearing only this one was a light bluish gray compared to the various colors the others had and all his. Without hesitation Ash pulled it out and slipped it onto his left wrist.

It fit perfectly and his grin broadened as he felt it there. He was sure that he could use this and couldn't wait to try it out, it would join his Key Stone as part of his battle tactics, and he fully intended to master it. First though he needed the Z-Crystals and he could choose three so once the Z-Ring was set on his wrist he looked up.

"It's perfect, thank you." Ash said again.

"You earned it Ash." Kukui said with a smile. "That was a good battle indeed."

"Well done, now I really want one as well." Dawn said eyeing it enviously. "But there's no time for an Island Challenge and Z-Moves are banned in Contests anyway so it's not a big deal that I don't have one at the moment. Not Mega Evolution though and I can't wait to finally use my Key Stone."

"Hopefully with Pinsir not Banette this time." Ash said as Dawn played with her engagement ring that was also her Key Stone. "That was hard to watch and unlike the others I saw your eyes when you were using it."

"No promises." Dawn admitted. "Though, er, I don't really remember the experience too well. I think the pain shot my brain and it coped as best it could."

"Hold up, pain?" Iris asked confused as they all looked at Dawn. "What are you talking about Dawn?"

"Oh just the odd side effect of Mega Evolving a Banette." Dawn said dismissively. "You need a strong will to even retrieve the Banettite, well I did at least, and that's because Mega Banette inadvertently curses its trainer when it Mega Evolves because it can no longer hold it back so you have to endure that. That said I don't really remember much of what happened, it's a bit of a blur."

"Curses?" Lana asked worried.

"Yeah kinda hard to explain but it is extremely painful." Dawn said. "So much so that I kinda lost my mind while Banette was Mega Evolved. I used May's Key Stone to Mega Evolve Banette in a practice full battle with Ash to help him get ready for the Lumiose Conference. I saved it until right at the end when he used Greninja. It got Ash-Greninja out and thanks to Destiny Bond it was a draw as Mega Banette took Ash-Greninja with him when he was knocked out but, well, I don't have a clear memory of the battle."

"It was hard to watch but Dawn was in control and in sync with Banette even if she was a little different." Ash said. "Her Pinsir can Mega Evolve as well and she has the Mega Stone for her so that's an option."

"It will depend on the situation, that's all I'll say." Dawn said dismissively. "But enough of that. You need your Z-Crystals Ash."

"Yeah have you chosen the ones that you want?" Kiawe asked as the conversations shifted back to Ash's reward. "I want to spar with you when you do to see what you're like with them."

"Same here." Sophocles said.

"Get in line I'm first." Iris said. "And nothing you two can say will stop that."

"Hey, I was the one who first used a Z-Move on Ash." Kiawe said. "So I should be the one he first uses a Z-Move on."

"And? It failed spectacularly and you got Turtonator blasted several feet through the ground because we were in a sunken battlefield" Iris said reminding Kiawe of that battle which had led to Ash damaging his second Pokémon Center in Kalos. "I'm going first."

"Well first Ash has to choose which Z-Crystals that he wants." Kukui reminded them as he opened the case one the desk. "There is one of each type along with the ones for specific Pokémon like final forms of the Alolan starters, Kommo-o, Mimikyu, Eevee, Snorlax, and Pikachu among others. Ash you can choose three that you want."

"I've already decided on two of the ones that I want." Ash said as he got up and headed to the case while the others watch and Dawn noted again that if her Jangmo-o fully evolved she'd have to get his specific Z-Crystal, as well as her Popplio, but all in good time as she first needed a Z-Ring and that was a long ways off for her. "First I have to get the the Pikachu specific one for Pikachu."

"Pika pi!" Pikachu said nodding agreeing with this and it was the obvious choice as he'd be with Ash through the end of it. "Pikachu."

"And the second one that I want is the grass type one." Ash said. "I caught Florges this year so she's going to be a major Pokémon for me on my journey to, and at, the PWC, and she knows mostly grass type moves so it's beneficial for her. That and people would expect fairy for her not grass which is another advantage. The last crystal, well I'm not sure yet."

"The Grassium Z is a good choice, it will turn any grass type attack into Bloom Doom, and you also have a Rowlet who could benefit from it and." Kukui said with a nod as he indicated a bright green crystal in the first of two rows of 9 that were above a row of 11 that didn't look like any Ash had seen before like Dawn's Waterium Z or the ones that Iris had. "However unlike the others that are specific, there are actually two Pikachu specific ones. Pikanium Z and Pikashunium Z."

At that Kukui indicated two of the Z-Crystals in the bottom row. The first, which he had indicated when he said Pikanium was a standard diamond shaped Z-Crystal in a bright yellow color though with two lightning bolts in it instead of one like the yellow Z-Crystal in the top row. The second though was an odd one as while it was yellow and diamond shaped, it had the zigzag tail of a Pikachu over it with a lightning bolt carved in the center.

"I take it that there's a difference between the two ones that are Pikachu specific." Ash said as he took the Grassium Z confirming his first choice. "What is it?"

"They only work if Pikachu knows a specific move and the move differs depending on the crystal." Kukui explained. "Pikanium will turn the move Volt Tackle into Catastropika and Pikashunium will turn Thunderbolt into 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. I know your Pikachu knows the latter but does he know the former? Given what I saw yesterday I don't think so."

"Pikachu did know Volt Tackle but not anymore." Ash said and Pikachu nodded at that. "He learned it back in Kanto when I was challenging the Battle Frontier several years back but he forgot it early on in Unova, same day Krookodile evolved from a Sandile into Krokorok if I recall."

"Pikachu." Pikachu confirmed with a nod.

"But that's fine, Thunderbolt is his best and strongest attack." Ash said and Pikachu nodded enthusiastically at that. "So I'll take the Pikashunium Z then."

"Good choice." Kukui said as Ash took it out and put it in his other hand with his Grassium Z. "And your final one? You have a Snorlax if I recall the footage we watched of your second attempt at the Indigo League so that's a Pokémon specific one you could claim, and if your Rowlet fully evolves it can use Decidium Z."

"I'm not sure." Ash said especially as he got the feeling that Rowlet didn't want to evolve though that was more a gut feeling than anything as Rowlet popped his head out of Ash's backpack where he'd been since Ash recalled him that morning as he intended to only take his post Champion captures and Pikachu to the next region until he had a battle and had to decide on the lineup for it. "Give me a sec to think as I need to decide what is best."

Kukui nodded and Ash thought on it. He knew what he wanted to take and it would make sense but at the same time it was the only one he didn't need per se. True he should own one but it made more sense, at least for the moment to go with something else especially because the main reason for having it couldn't be used in the PWC due to the rules regarding powerups. As such Ash decided to go for what would make his best team even stronger and reached into the case and pulled out the bright red Firium Z.

"Ah Firium Z, that will turn a fire type attack into Inferno Overdrive." Kukui said with a nod. "And the one you first faced, right? Kiawe did talk about his battle with you and Mega Charizard when you met the class in Kalos last year."

"Yes it is." Ash said as he held the three Z-Crystals in his right hand looking at them. "I was considering Waterium Z because Greninja did win it all for us and he could use it as he's one of the ones I use a lot but not only does Dawn have it so I could always borrow hers but, well, Battle Bond is a natural Mega Evolution-like ability that is triggered during a battle when we get really into it so it will be considered Mega Evolution for the PWC. That means that if I have Greninja in my roster he's the default Mega Pokémon so I need something else. Firium makes sense as Charizard can use it and he's as strong, if not stronger, than Greninja, and I have other fire types who could benefit from it as well."

"I can attest to that Charizard's strength personally." Kiawe said. "It's no joke and that's before Ash Mega Evolved it."

"And we all saw it against Wikstrom and Diantha." Mallow added. "It's really strong no matter how Ash battles with it."

"I see then that makes sense." Kukui said as he closed the case and pulled out a small pouch from one of his coat pockets and handed it to Ash. "Here, keep the ones you don't have in the Z-Ring in this."

"Oh good idea, thanks." Ash said taking it and putting in the Grassium and Firium Z before putting in Pikashunium into his Z-Ring and feeling it powerup on a level that was hard to explain but which felt right. "Oh man I can't wait to test this out."

"Let's do that now then." Iris said excitedly. "We can have a battle and see what it's like. This is a school and the best place to make sure that it works."

"Hold on Iris." Kukui said as Ash returned to his seat. "We can in a moment but Ash and Dawn will be leaving soon and I for one want to know what their plans are so we can watch whatever happens in the next region they visit. Gladion was just a start for Ash after all and Dawn's one of the Top Coordinators going for the Majestic Festival so the Contests that she enters will be notable."

"Yeah where are you off to next?" Lillie asked. "And when?"

"Next day or two." Dawn said taking over as she was in charge of their trip plans. "I, um, got a message from one of my friends on the Contest circuit last night. She congratulated Ash on his victory as she and her friend who she travels with watched it on TV. Afterwards she realized that there is Contest to the south of where she is at the moment and it's in a week's time. She thinks would be great for me and her attempt to get her third ribbon. Plus it would put us in the right direction to further explore the region."

"A week's time is pretty soon." Kukui said. "Is that enough time for you? I know that things were quick here in Alola but we are a small region, the others not so much."

"It's soon but the Contest is less than a day out of Wyndon and her companion wants Ash in Wyndon before then as there's apparently a strong fighting type there that he failed to beat so he thinks that it would be a good match for Ash." Dawn explained. "And he wants to see it beaten because he's a specialist in that type."

"Strong fighting type?" Ash asked intrigued. "I'm down to try to beat it and see what it's like but, er, where is Wyndon?"

"Huh?" Dawn asked turning to blink in surprise at Ash. "You forgot already?"

"Was I supposed to remember?" Ash asked back. "This is the first I'm hearing about where you want to go next. You are in charge of that so I leave it up to you as I don't mind where we go as I get to see the regions and help you out but I don't recall Wyndon. That said it does ring a bell."

"Well yeah it should, it's where the Pokémon World Championship is being held." Dawn said. "It's the main city in the Galar region. There are other Contests in the other regions within a good timeframe but I do want to see Galar as it's the only one we've not yet been to so I felt that this was the best one to hit up."

"Oh right now I remember." Ash said grinning as he recalled the information he'd received on the PWC. "So Galar is next, I totally am down for that. It will give me a chance to see the city where the PWC will be held, catch some new Pokémon, and maybe test out this Leon guy who's supposed to be the number one in the world."

"And I can get my next ribbon there and meet up with Emily." Dawn said while the others blinked at the potential battle Ash would have in Galar as that would be huge. "She's my friend there who I've helped out a bit over the years as she's blossomed into a contending coordinator."

"Isn't she the fiend who uses those evil fairy types." Iris said with a shudder. "We watched the Kalos Grand Festival because Serena was in it and we wanted to see how she performed and learn from her and I recall the name Emily. She was a favorite who Serena beat in the semifinals."

"Correct and I beat her in the Kanto semifinals though that was before the revelation of fairy types but the change did ensure she upset Nando to reach the semis." Dawn said with a smile. "She's come a long way since then. When I first met her in Cerulean City, she's from the Mt. Moon area in Kanto, she wasn't a challenge but after some instruction from me and time to grow she ended up going the full 5 minutes against me for the first time in the Grand Festival. After that she headed to Kalos to continue her coordinator journey and becoming a favorite there. She's been traveling with a fighting expert called Adam who's helped her grow more than I could have imagined."

"Right Adam, I beat him in the last 16 of the Lumiose Conference." Ash said recalling the guy' name. "And in the final of the Fighting Tournament. He's good with fighting types so if one can beat him then I really want to face it and see what it's like."

"Yup, all this fits well so if it's ok with you I say we go to Galar next." Dawn said. "It will complete the set of the regions in the PWC and Majestic Festival for us in terms of visiting and who knows what adventures we'll have there."

"Works for me." Ash said with a nod. "Make the arrangements as you're the one with the permissions."

"Will do though expect attention yourself." Dawn said. "We are heading to the host city of the PWC and you're one of the favorites for it so it could get interesting."

"Yeah I was expecting that." Ash said. "But that's fine, I don't mind and it might get Leon's attention which I want to get while in Galar."

"Alright then I'll book the flights for tomorrow morning." Dawn said with a smile. "Galar here we come."

"But don't worry, we'll come back to Alola one day as there is so much more that we want to do and see here." Ash said looking around as Dawn pulled out the device the Contest Committee had given her that would ensure she could book the flight she needed to get her and Ash to Galar. "There are two whole islands we still need to check out and who knows what Pokémon still to meet. We've had a lot of fun but, well, Dawn's requirements are tough."

"We understand." Iris said and the others nodded at that. "We knew that this was coming since you arrived and especially since Dawn won her Contest. All that was left was Gladion's challenge which ended everything on a high note and we can still spar in a bit."

"Definitely, I need to test out this Z-Ring." Ash said holding it up. "And as Dawn needs to get one we'll be back for that and her Island Challenge one day."

"Count on it." Dawn said, not looking up as she sorted things out. "I will earn one when the time is right for me to do so but the Majestic Festival comes first and we're now back on track for that after the delay in Kalos."

"Of course and when you return to Alola it might be very different in how things are done." Kukui said. "Or at least changing rapidly depending on when you come."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked surprised. "There are going to be changes?"

"I've mentioned them a bit but yes there will be." Kukui said with a nod. "In fact your win over Gladion only reinforced the need for them and to help bring Alola up to international standard so we can show the world what we're made of here."

"It did?" Ash asked confused now.

"It did because it highlighted the current gap in talent that many perceive there to be between Alola and the other regions." Kukui said. "For as good as Gladion is, and he is good, he's not at the level of an established region's Champion or even their Elite Four. He's a Conference winner so a top level trainer but he's not top tier yet."

"It's true and Gladion knows it." Lillie confirmed. "He spoke to me about it last night. He's not upset, he understands that his position is different to Ash's, and seeing that has only incentivized, especially because of the battle that Ash gave him. He knows that he didn't earn his rank the way Ash did, he didn't face elite and long established trainers or an established Champion, and the recent battle reinforced that so he's going to work extra hard to close the gap."

"I know he will but right now he might struggle to fend off the challenge from the next Manalo Conference winner whoever it may be." Kukui said. "And the winner of that battle is who will take Alola's Champion slot at the PWC and the 8th seed that comes with it."

"It will be me." Iris said confidently. "I know it."

"Perhaps but there's word that someone strong may come for the Manalo Conference as it's still open which could be interesting as we need to attract strong contenders to really show what we can do." Kukui said. "Whatever the case, it's clear that Gladion needs to improve and while he could win an established region's League Conference, though he's never participated in a full battle that I am aware of as he didn't have 6 Pokémon when he won the Manalo Conference so he couldn't have one, he wouldn't beat a member of an Elite Four right now. This needs to change not just for him but all of Alola if the Alola League is to be taken seriously."

"Makes sense." Ash said understanding what Kukui was getting at. "Gladion is strong though so I'm sure it will take off in the coming years."

"I'm hoping it will and over the next few years we will establish what we need to get stronger as a region." Kukui said. "So it's time to replicate the other regions, well other than Galar which doesn't have and Elite Four but they do things a bit different there anyway."

"Wait so that means that you're going to have an Elite Four here?" Ash asked.

"In time yes though it is at least 5 years off." Kukui said. "But the goal is to have four of the five winners of the first 5 Manalo Conferences serve as part of the inaugural Alola Elite Four with the 5th as Champion."

"Hold on." Ash said trying to wrap his head around it while Dawn listened but was still sorting out flights so wasn't going to contribute to the discussion at the moment. "So if you win the Manalo Conference in the next 4 years you'll be invited to the Elite Four?"

"Correct." Kukui said. "The next winner will face Gladion for his title and the winner of that battle will either retain or usurp the title of Alola Champion while the loser becomes the first member of the Elite Four, should he or she accept it of course. This will be repeated over the next 3 years to fill out the Elite Four and then, once that is done and we have a Champion and Elite Four, we will change it to how the other regions do it with the challenge to the Elite Four and then the Champion."

"It is how most of the other regions do it so having the same standard will show that Alola is on equal footing to them." Ash admitted. "Though what about the next Manalo Conference winner? Shouldn't they still get to challenge the Champion?"

"No because we need to set up the system like the other regions do it to be on equal footing as you pointed out." Kukui said shaking his head. "And besides, by then the other thing will hopefully be in place so the level of competition will increase and that will be reflected in the Elite Four challenge."

"Other system?" Ash asked.

"Gyms of course." Kukui said. "I fully intend to implement an 8 Gym system here in Alola the way the other regions do it. It will be a bit different as instead of cities and towns we'll do it as two per island a senior and a junior gym that will be located wherever the gym leaders want them to be located and you will have to beat the four junior ones first and then the four senior ones securing 8 badges and entry into the Manalo Conference. Oh and once the gyms are up and running that will be the only way in and you must get the 8 badges even if you've competed in the first 5 Manalo Conferences, or at least one of them. That will significantly increase the competition and allow for full battles starting in the 6th Manalo Conference."

"Give me a moment." Ash said as he tried to wrap his head around it and processed it though he noticed that Iris and the Alolans weren't surprised by this at all showing that they were already well aware of the plans. "I get the system and it is a little different making it unique like how the other regions have their own tweaks to it but what of your Island Challenges?"

"Oh they'll remain as they're needed for Z-Moves." Kukuis said. "But they'll be factored into everything."

"I see." Ash said. "It looks like there's been a lot of planning into this."

"There has and the class has helped work it out in fact." Kukui said gesturing to them. "Kiawe, Sophocles, Lana, Mallow, and Lillie are all being tapped as potential Gym Leaders if they don't win a Conference between now and then. They all did make it past the battle royale last year and should again this year which will be the standard for gym leader consideration. Iris would as well but she's already tapped to succeed Drayden as the Opelucid Gym Leader in Unova."

"Not yet though, I still need to get more dragon types and train more." Iris said. "So after this year I may go to Galar or even Paldea for a year to keep growing. Then, when I know I can beat Drayden's best team, I'll go back and challenge him so that I can see how I stand."

"We're just excited to be considered but we need more experience." Mallow said. "So after this year we're going to go our separate ways and grow in other regions for at least 2 if not 3 years before returning to Alola and helping implement the new system here regardless of whether or not we're selected as Gym Leaders."

"But if we're selected as Gym Leaders the badge requirement is waved so we can still enter Manalo Conferences." Lana added. "All 5 of us are talented and experienced in a single type so it makes sense but we need to grow and catch more Pokémon. I know that I want to meet the other great water specialists like Misty, Wallace, Juan, Wake, Cress, Marlon, Nessa, Kofu, and Seibold so that I can learn from them just in case I get the chance to run a water type gym."

"Same for me with ice types as I need to know, and hopefully catch, more." Lillie said as Iris shivered showing she still had some level of fear for ice types. "And I want to try out Contests and Showcases, the former are fun and the latter look it."

"Oh they are and you're the type of girl that would thrive in Showcases, Lillie." Dawn said finishing her work and looking up as she rejoined the conversation. "Different though and they are only available in Kalos. Of course the best place there for ice is Snowbelle. Wulfric is intense and arguably the strongest Kalos Gym Leader though I never spoke to him."

"I faced him twice; he really is strong." Ash agreed implicitly revealing that he'd lost to Wulfric on his first attempt. "There's a lot that an ice type specialist can learn from him."

"For me it's fire." Kiawe said. "So a lot of talented trainers to learn from all over the world and I'll learn from whoever will teach me."

"Electric for me." Sophocles added. "It will be a lot of fun."

"Well it looks like you all have a lot to plan for." Dawn said. "I can't wait to see how it turns out."

"Yes traveling the world for a few years will be good for all of them and Alola as a whole." Kukui said. "We're an emerging region and we intend to show that we can compete with the others soon so having well-traveled and experienced Gym Leaders and Elite Four members will be big."

"I know you will." Ash said. "So we'll be back then to see what it's like, though we'll likely be back before then as well."

"Yup, I do have a Z-Ring to get after all." Dawn said. "But for now it's the Majestic Festival and all is booked for the next leg of qualification for it. We leave for Galar in the morning."

"Then no time to waste." Iris said standing and pointing at Ash. "We only have a few hours left so let's get busy. Ash I challenge you to a battle. Axew v. Pikachu. I have Dragonium Z so it will be fair. Let's see you use one of those Z-Moves that you can now use."

"You're on." Ash said standing as well. "All of you are if you want."

"Then I'm second with Turtonator." Kiawe said rising as he spoke. "I know that at times you can't stop Iris so I'll wait for her to lose."

"Hey!" Iris protested but everyone ignored her.

"And I'll go third with Togedemaru." Sophocles said rounding out the battles as he rose. "You do have three Z-Crystals to try out after all. Bring in a fire type and let's see how you use them, Ash. That said I'd prefer to face your Florges. Togedemaru is a steel type which should be a good challenge."

"That works for me, I like facing type disadvantages." Ash said. "You can't get stronger if you can't overcome a weakness after all."

"All that's fine by me because I want a rematch with your Charizard." Kiawe said. "Only pure Z-Moves this time."

"Works for me." Ash said grinning while Kukui made a note to look over the budget given the destruction Ash tended to cause when he used his Charizard though he hoped it wouldn't be on the level of what he did when he faced Wikstrom a few months ago. "Bring it on!"

"And we can ask Dawn about the other regions and get her perspective on them." Mallow said as Lana and Lillie nodded. "That way we can properly plan our years away as well as get any final tips for Contests."

"Of course, I'm happy to help." Dawn said and as she'd already exchanged contact information with the girls she was sure that they'd reach out over the year. "And we can watch the boys and Iris try to out macho each other, again."

"Always fun." Lana agreed.

"Well what are we waiting for, let's go!" Iris said turning and heading to the classroom exit. "Bring it Ash, I'll show you what I can do with a Z-Move."

"It's already brought Iris." Ash said following Iris hot on her heels and eager for another battle. "You're going down."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu agree.

"Axew." Axew countered sticking his hear out of Iris's hair as they left as he got into the trash talk as well.

The others just laughed at that as the remaining girls got up before they all headed to the battlefield so that Ash and Iris could spar and they could all see if Ash could use a Z-Move and how he used it if he could while Kukui finished up in the classroom before going to join them and officiate the battles. It had been an exciting and whirlwind time in Alola for Ash and Dawn as they'd seen a bit of the region, caught two Pokémon each, and won their events here, the Iki Town Contest for Dawn and Gladion's challenge for Ash.

Now, though, it was time to bid goodbye to Alola for now and what better way then with a battle. Next up was Galar, their 8th region, the second and final new one of the year, and Ash and Dawn couldn't wait to see what it had in store for them as their latest journey continued.

Well there it is, the end of the Alola arc nicely wrapped up with Ash getting his Z-Ring and Z-Crystals and their next destination determined; Galar. It's time for Ash and Dawn to visit the last of the 8 regions that were known during Gen VIII and the last that will be seen in the main Hearts series as they head there for the first Galar arc and all that awaits them in the region and trust me there's a fair bit. I know Alola was short and a bit of a whirlwind but some of the regions will be like that in this arc and don't worry, I have big plans for Alola in time during which Ash will catch his final canon Pokémon in Alola but that's for after the Hearts series when I get around to the sequel trilogy. For now, Alola is in the rear window and while it may or may not reappear in Champions, it's had an impact for sure one which will be felt going forward. However, going forward we must and it's time for the Galar region to be introduce. Anyway, that is all that I have for this Part so I will leave it off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time.

Stringdog