Alola readers! Brav is back!
This is it. The last entry in Lillie's Diary and the last chapter in the regular storyline for the Sun/Moon arc. Eight years in the making when I wasn't really sure where I was gonna take this story to this 93rd chapter documenting Elio, Hau, Lillie, Gladion and so many others on their journeys of growth.
This is not the end of AHHK. There's still a few more chapters left, but the bulk of it is complete. I head out on a long vacation early next month, so while I doubt the next chapter will be out before then, you never know.
Alright, we got a big party to throw and some other surprises. This was such a treat and I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I did writing.
I couldn't wait to congratulate Elio on his long and hard fought victory! He's earned it through and through with a thrilling battle against Professor Kukui! I cheered and yelled until I could hardly talk anymore, but what made it even better was that everyone else was doing the same. Gladion, Hau, Leilani, Professor Burnet, Elio's mother Elaine…it was surreal to watch. I was here to see Alola's very first champion…no…Koa.
The party was everything I wanted and more. But…things happened to turn for the worse with Mother and I knew that it was going to be hard to say goodbye…
"We're coming to you live from downtown Hau'oli City where thousands have gathered to finally see the very first Koa of the Alola region, Elio Northstar!"
Lillie glanced up in the direction of the television at hearing the news anchor Jessie Nomora speaking. She rubbed her eyes, finally finding an opportune moment to be away from her laptop even for just a couple of moments.
Just to the side of the desk, Lusamine had drifted in and out of consciousness in her king size bed with plenty of tubes hooked going in and out of various incisions on her body. Though she still had her regular alabaster skin tone, some of the color had returned in a slow recovery that had taken months. It was improving slowly but steadily.
However the issue was that while most of the toxin from the nihilego had been extracted, there were still trace amounts that lingered in her system. Anywhere from vivid hallucinations, shivers and moments of extreme thirst persisted. While the high of feeling free and rejuvenated was invigorating of its own, its lows and withdrawal symptoms were just as brutal. Thankfully, the Aether Foundation's toxicologists did not find any chemical or composition that suggested that nihilego's neurotoxins were particularly addictive.
Lillie wasn't well educated on envenomation or internal poisoning, but it was almost as if they and the Paradise's medical staff were suggesting they look more into actual pokemon fusion for a solution of isolating the remaining poison in Lusamine's system.
That brought her to a contact of her parents' in Kanto, who had some experience in humans fusing with pokemon. Since the discovery and breakthrough, the practice was immediately deemed unethical and taboo with any attempts to further the research swiftly struck down.
However, the scientists who had first started the practice had been kept in contact with Interpol in case their expertise was needed again. Controversy boiled around and she hadn't really given it much thought until the doctors brought it up again.
Moving Lusamine wouldn't be easy. Interpol reluctantly approved, provided they were closely monitoring her at all times. The contact was willing to help, but there was also no timetable of when an extraction could be done. If it was even possible.
Lillie sucked in a breath at the part she dreaded the most about this whole thing.
Leaving Alola.
Born and growing up in the Paradise's artificial island, she had never truly felt as if she was from Alola at all. Until her escape with Nebby, she had never lived on the islands, hardly associated with the people and didn't truly feel integrated into its culture. She didn't feel like kama'aina like Hau called it.
Then came the fateful day she had to take Nebby and run. She did and never looked back.
But now in actually having done so, she saw how much had changed. How welcoming they had been to her plight, offering her shelter, food, anonymity and whatever they could do to pitch in and help. Professor Kukui, Burnet, Hala, Hau…each one had done a part and she felt like it would only be a disservice to leave them all.
But I have to do this.
Applause coming from the crowds from the television drifted into the room. Lusamine's head was hidden by the disheveled masses of blonde hair that fanned out from the bed, but she began to move.
Mother. She quickly put the computer to sleep and moved to the bedside as Lusamine's pale arm brushed away matted bits of her blonde hair.
"Hi." She whispered, seeing that Lusamine's eyes settled on her. "How are you feeling?"
"B-better." The reply was still raspy and weak, but she could detect hints of Lusamine's original voice starting to return. While the toxin was still festering, being pumped with a saline full of electrolytes appeared to be doing a decent enough job to where she wasn't fluttering in and out of consciousness. Getting her to eat and drink was a chore of its own. Lost appetite being another side effect. Lillie and Gladion suspected that she hadn't eaten a full on proper meal since she had jumped through the ultra wormhole when they confronted her in that horrid basement.
"I'll have someone bring tea. Hōjicha with a little bit of lemon and coconut sugar?"
"Y-you remembered."
Lillie's heart skipped a beat. "Mother of course I did. I could never forget."
Lusamine sighed. "Of all the things…torn. The ones that remain…odd."
Her daughter laughed lightly and she felt her heart soar when she saw the edges of Lusamine's lips curl up as she did. "This family's been through much worse than forgetting our favorite drinks."
"And Gladion?"
"He'll come around." Lillie almost had to hold her tongue to prevent herself from lying. Truth be told, her older brother had definitely reacted not in a way she was predicting. Since she stuck by Lusamine's side almost the whole time, Gladion only went into the room if it was to talk to her. When it came to their mother, he had said a total of eight words to her since the return to the Paradise and none of them were particularly pleasant.
As acting President of the Foundation, Gladion had a monumental task of restoring its reputation and mending the strained relationship with the Alolan government. The kahunas, led by Hala Kealoha, had been more understanding of how Lusamine used the Foundation as surveillance to locate the escaped cosmog and ensured that them and the new Alola League would be working together more to put the past behind them.
It was less so for many of the people. While the Aether Foundation had their Paradise and main base of operations on the edge of Alolan waters, it was still seen as foreign. Understandably, many of the locals were less than happy that an organization with goodwill principles had been secretly combing the islands for the source of what would be the eventual cataclysm that unleashed creatures of unimaginable destruction on their homeland.
Lusamine had put herself, her family and everything she had built up…on the line for something. And Lillie had a feeling she knew why. With Gladion in a nonstop frenzy to put out those fires, she wasn't sure if he remained absent because he hardly had spare time, or if he was dancing around the donphan in the room.
"I can't believe you came for me." Lusamine wheezed. "After everything I've done."
Lillie swallowed a lump in her throat. "I couldn't let you walk away like this after endangering all of Alola. The people who looked up to us in a time of need and you had to go and betray their trust in us like that."
When Lusamine said nothing, she went on. "I love you Mother. Just as much as I do Father and Gladion…but I can't overlook it all because we're related by blood."
Another breath. "I wanted things to be okay. To go back to normal, maybe some semblance of a family again that I always loved and cherished…but…I knew that once you stepped into the portal. You never looked back, no care for anyone except for yourself and the Ultra Beasts. You never held any regard for the lives you put at risk."
She sniffled, fighting a wave of tears that threatened to well up. "And for what? It's ripped everything you've built apart, this family, the Aether Foundation. Gladion's doing his damndest to prevent us from becoming a pariah."
Lusamine kept quiet and sighed.
"Mother…we have a lot of work to do. You do. You just have to learn to trust us. I don't want to hurt anymore. I can't go back on what I did."
She stared at her daughter, now starting to see that Lillie was not the same meek girl she had ran off with the mischievous cosmog a couple years ago. Her head was held high, in a posture of grace and bravado not unlike the strong and powerful trainers she had seen before walk through the halls of the Paradise.
"And I don't regret it either. It wasn't easy. But I know what I had to do to make things right. To make you see reason and why it was wrong. It hurt. It really did."
She was her own person. One that was forged without choice or consent, but for the better. More importantly, the fact that she was finally out of her mother's shadow was strangely alluring. Like this was in a way who she was meant to be.
Similar to Gladion; Lillie had to have walked a difficult path and with her ordering the Aether Foundation to hunt her and the cosmog down, she had to have reliable allies. Only after coming to her senses did she realize it had been Professor Emilio Kukui and his wife Professor Linda Burnet who had taken her in. Through all her efforts, Lillie remained resourceful enough to stay off the grid and in her few interactions with either of the couple, neither of them even gave as much of a hint that she was taking refuge there. It was admirable and she knew she would've seethed if she had discovered it before.
And then there were the boys. Hau and Elio.
Hau Kealoha had made the minor slip up when they first visited the Paradise with Wicke. The unfortunate coincidence when the lab's attempt to replicate a wormhole had succeeded and a nihilego had actually appeared. Her initial glee at the breakthrough nearly caused her to forget about it. Hau clearly cared for Lillie and knew her for some time. Considering the kid was rumored to be next in line to assume the kahuna of Melemele Island succeeding his grandfather, it was no surprise Lillie spoke highly of him.
Then there was Elio. Not as talkative or naive as Hau, but there was something Lusamine could sense about him that was unlike any of the other trainers…or men she had encountered. Like Lillie now, he had carried his head high and his piercing stare had that quality that naturally drew people to him. He didn't speak often, but when he did, people listened.
It was only natural if Elio knew Hau, who knew Lillie, the two would eventually meet. Yet even as she confronted them both while summoning the wormhole in her inner sanctum and when she drove that blade into his shoulder to pierce his flesh, she sensed that the bond they had established went more beyond simple friends and acquaintances. She had returned from the Pokemon League at his champion challenge with the most excited and jubilant attitude she had ever seen from her young daughter.
Lillie was adamant to go to Elio's party that was being held in Iki Town that evening. Though Lusamine also wanted to attend in faith to earn eventual forgiveness; Lillie had to reason that the person who tortured him just a few months ago at a scene to commemorate his greatest triumph might be in bad taste.
Plus she was still far too weak and barely made it on trips to the bathroom, let alone a hike up to Iki Town.
"E-Elio." She whispered. Lillie glanced up.
"What is Elio to you?"
I wonder if Mother is being judgmental? Lillie thought to herself. She had almost asked the same thing when they were on their way to rescue me.
"Elio…he's…just more than just a boy. He's been such a shining sun whenever things got dark. When I was at my lowest, nowhere to go, I felt like I was on my own journey alongside him even without a pokemon of my own." To her credit, Lusamine continued to listen. "I'll be forever grateful for him and how he's shaped my life to who I am. I felt with him encouraging me to press on, I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to."
Lillie sighed. "Mother, do you want to know how we met?"
Lusamine had kept her silence, hearing Lillie speak fondly of the boy that accompanied her through Ultra Space, putting aside his own reservations to help someone who in his own mind did not deserve it. However he stayed there to help Lillie when Lusamine began to pull her back. In turn, he pushed her forward. She could hardly believe it when her own daughter talked about how humble he was in person.
She gave a weak smile, all it took for her to see that her own mother still was in the dishieveled figure draped in the bedding. "Please."
Gladion held a folder in his hand as he approached the family's bedroom and stopped as he heard Lillie conversing with Lusamine. He first dismissed it as one of his sister's usual ramblings, but immediately tuned in with how she was referring to Elio.
She spoke highly of him with a fond, pure affection that he could tell was straight from her heart. Lillie held her mother's hand as she talked and Lusamine was listening with wide, attentive eyes. He knew that Elio had been a big positive influence on his sister's life and truth be told, it didn't surprise him that feelings had surmounted.
Gladion wasn't sure what to think. He'd always felt as if it was his own duty to keep Lillie safe and felt as if it extended to boys. They were at that age where curiosity was starting to get ahold and express more than just platonic interest in the opposite sex. Lillie's both physical and personal growth were turning her into a very attractive young woman. Though he had always wondered how she'd react to boys being interested in her, he never initially expected one she spoke so fondly of to be that big of an importance to helping them make things right.
Truth be told, if there was anyone who would treat his sister right. It'd be Elio. He'd proven that time and time again, protecting her when he could not and had his own battles to fight.
He felt a little more guilty about sharing what information he had discovered that was contained in the folder.
Gladion cleared his throat, prompting both women to look at him standing in the doorway.
"Lillie, there's uh…something I gotta talk to you about."
He saw her nod and kiss their mother on the cheek before rising up to join him. Lusamine tried to say something as she left, but he had quickly turned away before either of them had a chance to speak. Any more time and he'd probably go on about something he'd regret later.
"Glad," Lillie started. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." He agreed, but his voice and mind happened to be elsewhere. "Don't worry, we're not canceling going to Elio's championship party tonight."
He saw Lillie sigh with relief. Good because I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Weathered fingers opened the folder and he handed it to her. "Wicke came through. She reached out to an acquaintance back in her younger days back when she traveled through Kanto and he said he might be able to help us."
Lillie scanned the contents of the documents, her eyes settling on the name that dominated the paragraphs. Bill Sonezaki. They widened in recognition.
Bill Sonezaki was a Johtoan-born researcher famous for his rather unorthodox breakthroughs in computer science, but was even more renowned that much of his fame had been self-made. His original workshop lab in Goldenrod City was nothing more than a garage in a townhouse. In an interview where he recounted his younger days, it was discovered that he ate and slept on a traditional futon while working twenty hours a day.
Yet the painstaking work had paid off. His invention of the pokemon storage system had revolutionized how trainers regulated and managed pokemon in their inventories. With his help, trading pokemon was now possible over the growing dependency of the internet and one was able to conduct exchanges at far greater distances than in normal times.
Though Bill had since made himself a fortune that he could splurge forty times over, he kept to a modest life in a cottage on the outskirts of Cerulean City. Elio's hometown. I wonder if he knows anything about the Nugget area. Since then, many of his other associates that helped with the creation of the pokemon storage system or PSS, had shared knowledge with the firms and regional governments to ensure it was kept running smoothly and freely accessible by all trainers, something he had been criticized for not taking advantage of monetizing.
He lived alone, being widowed after his domestic partner had passed away nearly eight years ago and his lone daughter was set to graduate at Entente Academy in Lumoise City within a few years.
What brought them to his expertise was an accident decades ago during the PSS' infancy stages where he had accidentally fused himself with a pikachu, assimilating its body with his own consciousness controlling the machinations. Though an accident, it spawned tons of other theories and questions after Bill was able to properly reverse the transformation.
Lillie saw where this was going. If Sonezaki was capable of reversing all effects of his accidental infusion with a pikachu, it could be possible the same with their mother and the remnants of the nihilego.
There were too many variables either way. Lusamine grew weaker each passing hour and the doctors had grown concerned that the lasting aftereffects would significantly shorten her lifespan if they weren't swiftly treated.
"Well?" Gladion asked. His impatience was one thing that hadn't changed much since his own escape.
"I…I think it could work." Lillie said. "But what about the cost? Did Wicke tell you anything about what he'd want from us?"
"No." Gladion said.
"Then it's something we can work out."
"No, as in he offered to let us all talk it over. We don't know how much longer Mother has and he said that once the process is done…if it's even possible. He didn't ask for any payment and said that just getting the chance to research how this happened and whatever is needed to reverse it is payment enough."
I still feel like we need to repay him somehow. I'll think of something.
Yet still, in spite of that; a small flame of hope flickered within.
"How soon can he get here?"
At her question, what little warmth was in Gladion's expression had faded. Lillie knew that was something that she wasn't going to particularly like.
"I spoke to a representative at Ginkgo Shipping this morning. They've got containers large enough to move Bill's lab equipment and a ship scheduled to depart Vermillion next week and stop here on its way to Gateon Port. We have plenty of energy and whatever resources he needs here at the Paradise."
He sucked in a breath, taking a second to figure out what to say. "But Bill says that it's all so sensitive, that he doesn't want to risk bringing anything over. Risk of moisture, corrosion for being at sea for days and the like. One thing is off calibration and it could make things ten times worse."
Lillie shook her head in dismay. "So…you're saying the only thing we'd be able to do-"
"Is to go to him." Now she understood why Gladion had been so hesitant to give her all this information. It was feasible. Lusamine could be transported away from Alola with Interpol's permission, provided they gave the details down to the exact location. "We'd have to leave Alola."
"I can't do it Lillie." Gladion said. "It might be the only option we have. There's still too much work to be done. I'm up to my elbows in paperwork day in and day out. I still don't understand how Mother handled this on a daily basis."
"So that means me," Lillie trailed off. That meant going to Kanto.
And leaving Alola.
And leaving Elio behind.
"No." She whispered and shook her head. "No, I can't. I can't do that."
It felt like betrayal. Everything she had worked for, to restore her family and heal the wounds the ultra space had ripped through. The widening rift finally mended between herself, Gladion and Lusamine. She was finally free to set her own path, to make her own name rather than the one living in the shadow of her successful parents.
Now the idea to leave the region she had called home for months and made lasting friendships with the people sickened her. They gave her everything she needed to succeed and moving on felt insensitive.
Worst of all, leaving Alola would mean leaving Elio right as he achieved one of the most important feats of his young life. She had been there for him, supporting him and they'd always share the things and adventures they'd had while exploring the islands and towns. Lillie found it fascinating and endearing how passionate Elio sounded when he talked about his pokemon, the trials they faced during the island challenge. She had her own things to talk about, even if half of it was hiding and trying to keep secrets.
Gladion watched the range of emotions play across her face and sighed. He knew.
"I'm sorry. Really. I am. I know he's going to be devastated."
"Is there any way…any, that we can convince Bill to come so that Mother could receive treatment here?"
"Wicke said that he was pretty adamant on staying put due to not risking his equipment." Gladion said. "And I think I'd agree since it means a better chance of helping Mother."
"Gladion, I can't leave Elio." Lillie pleaded. "Please tell me that there's another way this will work."
Gladion tried to speak, but held his tongue. Truly he had no answer.
"This means that the party tonight will be the last time I see everyone for a long time. Elio…I'm so sorry…I have to do this. For my family…for myself. I hope you understand one day."
"Tickets are booked." Wicke said just at the doorway to Lillie's room. The blonde had been busy for the past several hours making sure that two large duffel bags were full of her belongings. A backpack lay at the edge of her bed, all around it were arranged essentials she had learned to carry while out in the field on Poni Island. Lastly was a passport that would be stamped with a visa upon making port at the ship's destination in Vermillion City. Her trainer license was already good to go, with Kanto being one of the regions that formally recognized the Alola League.
The Assistant Branch Chief sighed. "I know you already know, but the ship leaves early tomorrow. Are you sure…this is something you want to do?"
That question had hung in Lillie's mind well before she made the decision. While she was pretty sure everyone would wish her well on the next stop of her journey, she truthfully had no idea how Elio was going to react.
Part of her suspected that it would be rather poor. Elio had let it be known that Lusamine deserved none of his empathy when he had initially refused to mount a rescue. She couldn't blame him with the torture she had inflicted. How his initial defiance quickly had given away to anguished cries of pain while her mother smiled as she drove the knife deeper into his shoulder.
How could anyone? Lillie understood…wait, no she could never understand that like him. I can't make assumptions.
She felt so incredibly lucky that after everything, him defeating Lusamine and passing out from exhaustion, he still accompanied her to the last island, whether it was to finish the last of the trials or just to be with her. It had to have meant something to him.
He stuck by her side and they laughed, joked together and adventured through just like the previous three islands. Only this time, it was just the two of them.
And then Exeggutor Island, when they went up alone and into the cave while it started to rain.
They remained silent for just a few moments, but it was all needed when they locked eyes and leaned closer. Lillie still felt as if her kiss from Elio had still branded itself on her lips. It was so invigorating where those seconds were somewhere she could lose herself, all her struggles, her troubles and everything else clouded with doubt or dissent. All in that moment was just the two of them.
She was definitely glad that Elio had his hand on her to steady her, otherwise she might've fainted on the spot. Suddenly she wondered if he'd kiss her again.
Either way, if she was going through with this and leaving to Kanto, it'd be the last time she'd get to see him. Her heart fluttered with both dread and excitement.
"I know it's hard." Wicke's voice shook her out of her thoughts and Lillie realized that she had been silent for a palpable amount of time. "You're doing something incredibly admirable for your age. All these years of watching you grow up, it's been nothing short of astounding of seeing you like this, like this was who you were meant to be."
She stepped forward, allowing Lillie to brush a few tears out of her eyes. The young blonde put her arms around her and sobbed quietly.
"T-thank you." She stammered. "I…I really don't want to say goodbye, but…I feel like this journey, this trial isn't quite over. Mother is back, but she is still weak and our family is still broken. I feel so bad for leaving the new one I made to fix the old."
Wicke released her grip and she glanced back at her belongings arranged out on the bed.
"But I know what I have to do. I'll never forget what each and every one here has taught me, that I'm free to live my life and accomplish whatever goals I wish as long as I put forth the effort."
Lillie glanced down at the single poke ball on her hip. Kalua, her first partner, was at her side and ready to go.
"This isn't the end. It's the beginning and there will be one day I'll return to Alola to see all of you!"
Wicke stood by and smiled, but they were interrupted by Lillie's phone buzzing with a text message. She turned the screen over and her heart nearly stopped, Elio.
Elio: Hey! Party's starting in an hour and it's been a tiring day of photo shoots and speeches. I'm ready to kick back and relax with the real ones! You gonna be there in time?
"Go." The Assistant Branch Chief told her before the blonde could say anything. She slowly backed out into the hallway. "Finish packing and then…enjoy what little time you'll have left with him before you leave. If he knew…then that would be what he'd want too. For the both of you to make the most of what you have left."
Lillie waited until Wicke had left before snatching up her phone. Her heartbeat began to increase again as she contemplated whether or not to break the news.
Lillie: Yes! Professor Kukui said he's coming to pick me and Gladion up shortly! You know we'd never miss something like your Koa celebration for anything!
Elio: That's awesome and I love it! I can't wait to see you.
"Heh." Lillie smiled to herself. I can't wait to see you too. I…I almost want to tell him out loud. I've never admitted to being in love with someone. Would he? Of course he would, he was the one who wanted that kiss. Well…I kinda did too. Maybe something special will happen tonight. She unlocked the phone and thumbed a reply.
Lillie: Same! As cool as it is being famous, I don't envy the new publicity you're about to get. You deserve for everyone to know who you are and your story. It's not an end, it's a beginning!
Elio: I can't wait to see what else this has. There's been other champions congratulating me on Festival Plaza. Cynthia, Lance, Brendan…THE Brendan Maple!
Lillie: That's incredible! What did he say?
Elio: "Be seeing you." and then he put an eyes emoji. It's not even that much and I'm excited as hell.
Lillie: Wow! I'm so glad you got one of your idols to say something like that! I bet he'll keep his word and you'll meet him one of these days.
Elio: Yeah, it's crazy. I can't believe it.
The thought of telling him that she would be leaving tomorrow suddenly hung over like an uninvited rain cloud threatening to douse their fun. She frowned, not really looking forward to the conversation and she still had no idea if Elio was going to support her or not. Would he look at her the same if she chose to help her mother through her severe envenomation over staying with him?
Lillie: Hey, there is something I wanted to talk to you about.
Elio: Yeah of course. Anything.
The "anything" felt like she just got jabbed by an angry pokemon's poison sting. With the more of her dwelling on talking about it, the more she knew that he would end up having a rather upset reaction.
Lillie: Remember when you told me that you wouldn't let me go?
Elio: Yeah and I meant it. Just because I'm the Koa doesn't change who I am. I am not going to stop doing the things that got me here.
Lillie: Thank you for saying that. I was in a rough place with everything crazy happening all at once and you were that rock holding me steady. I'll never forget it.
Elio: You had your own path and destiny to carve. To tell you the truth; you really didn't need me. You just had to find your goal and believe in yourself enough to feasibly achieve it. Just like me. Now I like to battle with pokemon and happened to be along for the ride.
Lillie: I see your modesty hasn't changed since you became champion.
Elio: Lmao, you'll have to reach down my throat if you want to drag any bragging rights out of me.
She stifled a laugh at that. While she couldn't see Elio on his own phone, she already knew he was smirking at the screen.
Lillie: And that's why we all love you. I hope you stay the same just the way you are Elio.
Elio: Of course. And Lillie? There's something I want to ask of you too.
Lillie: What is it?
Elio: I'd actually rather wait until the party and ask you in person. If that's okay…if not then, uh…I dunno. I'll tell you later?
She frowned, wondering what it was that he could be asking of her.
Lillie: Ok, party it is. Professor Kukui should be here any minute, so I gotta finish getting ready. I can't wait to see you in all your glory!
Elio: Thanks! I'll see you!
Lillie: Same! Take care until then!
She nearly sent the message and hesitated. Her fingers darted back to the virtual keyboard on the screen. I love you.
Just when she was about to send the text with that added on, she quickly erased it and sent the part for him to take care. Imagining the heartbreak on his face if she confessed that and then left him the next day. It'd crush him and she couldn't bear to do something like that.
What could he possibly want to tell me in person instead of over text message? Could it be the same thing I'm so indecisive about?
The unstoppable grin was flashing across Elio's face as he finally made his way into Iki Town, easily able to see the rising smoke of the bonfire in the center coupled with the unmistakable thumping beat of drums. Elaine was next to him, waving to Hala Kealoha, who stood next to the gigantic blaze with the other three kahunas. His own smile matched them and a number of the guests that were already assembled at the party noticed his presence, including several trial captains like Lana, Mallow, Kiawe, Ilima, Mina and Sophocles. Pokemon played out in the field off to the side with Nebby among them. Subconsciously, he straightened his shirt and gave his hair a once over to make sure it had remained combed.
"Ah, well if it isn't our guest of honor!" Hala smiled and raised a dark bottle of beer amidst the screaming and wild cheering of the crowds of Iki Town. People and pokemon mingled all around the town's center platform. "Koa Elio! We couldn't wait to start this without you! It is time to celebrate in ways that will both shame and awe our ancestors."
"Brah!" Hau pushed his way through and slammed into his best friend with a bone crushing hug. Au'wana the decidueye trailed quietly after his trainer. "Koa Elio! You made it just in time!"
"Hau, ribs." Elio croaked, causing the other boy to profusely apologize and let go. He massaged his side, taking a deep breath. "It's great seeing you! Everyone else too!"
As Hau released him, Elio had done a quick scan around, his own happiness dampening when he didn't see her. She said she would be here. Relax. You just arrived yourself.
"Take it easy on him okay?" Leilani was right behind her boyfriend, wearing a gorgeous rose gold dress that shimmered in the evening light. The surfer's dark hair was swept to one side, complimented by a yellow hibiscus flower atop her left ear. Elio had to do a double take. She may have been his best friend's girlfriend, but there was no denying she was incredibly pretty.
"We got a whole night of partyin' to do! And the roast is nearly done! Tutu's been working on it since the crack of dawn!"
"An entire roast of kalua pork?" Just Hau saying that made Elio's stomach growl as he realized he had hardly eaten all day from an entire morning and afternoon of making public appearances as Koa.
But while the interviews, parade in Hau'oli City had been fun, he had been most looking forward to celebrating it rather quietly with the close friends and family. While he was constantly told that much of it was by his own merits and accomplishments, there was no way he would have ever gotten this far just by himself. The guidance of all the captains running his trials and the island kahunas who served as a check for an aspiring trainers before they went to the next island all played a part.
The rise to championship meant publicity and fame were skyrocketing. Before making his first appearance in the parade, Elio could barely believe that his Festival Plaza social media account had passed over a hundred thousand followers and it showed no signs of stopping. He wondered what the count was now after waving to the crowds on the parade through Hau'oli City.
Many champions and well known trainers were also quite active in their communities with charitable works, organizing drives and making appearances at events for children or folks in fire, police, medical or military service. Elio found himself wanting to do more, to give back and make at least a little of a difference for the people who had never gotten the types of opportunities he was blessed. Brendan Maple was known to organize book drives and camps, being a strong advocate for teaching Hoenn's youth about the importance and responsibility of being a pokemon trainer.
"Hold on there Koa." Professor Kukui admired his drive. "Trust me, there will be time for that as well as the less fun stuff. Now is the time to enjoy yourself."
And then there was that. There were other champions that enjoyed a high profile lifestyle with Elio seeing some such as Professor Oak's grandson winning the Indigo League. The younger Oak's victory against Lance was followed by a flashy collage of pictures and videos of him taking lavish exotic trips around the world. It took no time for him to become incredibly popular from the posts featuring him on gigantic yachts surrounded by an entourage of stunning women in skimpy bikinis.
Lance was famous for saying during the post-match conference. "Whatever you do, don't stop doing any of the things that got you there." The young Blue Oak had nodded, but the advice must've not gone to heart. Just a matter of weeks after attaining the Indigo League title, he lost it again. Elio knew that his time as Alola's champion would eventually come to an end as there would be rivals aiming for his seat as Kahili had told him. If he wanted to remain worthy to be at the top, he had to continue to train in order to be at said top of his game.
Plus he'd settle for nothing less than going out on his own terms of being defeated.
Elio's ascendancy to the championship hadn't all been completely welcomed in Alola. Some of the hardline traditionalists had taken to online to express their disdain for having someone not native, a haole as the strongest trainer in their region. Though he hadn't seen what exactly had been said, he was neither bothered nor shunned. Given how welcoming Professor Kukui, Hala, Hau, Leilani and all the others, it was evident that the ones that took issue were just a very vocal minority. Besides, if they're so repulsed by it. They can come and dethrone me themselves.
"Elio!"
That voice.
He turned around just in time to see Lillie and Hapu Encarnaçion arriving with Miles the mudsdale trailing behind. The blonde rushed forward, practically barreling into the boy in another bone crushing hug. All thoughts about the dissenters aside, Elio winced remembering how uncomfortable it had been when Hau squeezed him a little too tight and was surprised as he instinctively reached out and caught her. She laughed as he spun her around, earning a round of "awws" and whoops of approval from the crowd. News traveled fast and it didn't take long for people close to him to pick up on how special she had been to his journey.
"Lillie!" Elio's smile got wide enough that his cheeks were starting to get sore. "You're actually here!"
"Of course silly! I'm here to congratulate the new Koa!" She laughed as he let her go and stepped back, her eyes dilating with approval. "For someone like you?! No way in the reverse world I'd miss it!"
He saw that she was dressed in a casual off shoulder skater dress with the straps hanging just below her shoulders. It was a deep violet hue that seemed to radiate and glow in the evening light. Her hair was undone from its ponytail and curled in a slight wave and she smiled at him while gently brushing a stray lock from the side of her face. Aside from a tiny bit of lipstick that was carefully applied, she hardly had any makeup on at all.
Okay, that's not fair.
Despite that, Elio was convinced she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He wanted nothing more than to just freeze time and stare at her for as long as he wanted.
Luckily, he managed to snap out of his stunned daydreaming before it turned awkward. Though he struggled to find the words after.
"You…you look…very uh…nice."
"See? I knew he'd be virtually speechless!" Lillie grinned and glanced back at everyone, earning a round of laughter. Elio shook his head for a moment before joining in. It was a celebration to enjoy themselves, not take anything seriously.
"Then you better keep your hands to yourself." Elio stopped as he saw Gladion approach from behind Lillie. Silvally strutting proudly at his side, its hawkish eyes glancing about. He gave a penetrating stare up until he stood next to his sister. The Koa was about to say something when the frostiness behind Gladion's demeanor instantly melted and he offered a thin smile and his hand. "Just messing with you."
"Look at you, lightening up a little." Lillie pat him on the shoulder. "And you don't need to be looking out for me all the time like that."
"It's my job." He said, while Elio firmly grasped his hand and shook it. Silvally leaned over and greeted him as if he were an old friend.
"It's good to see you both." The Koa said, gently rubbing its beak. The chimeric creature purred loudly in delight before spotting the cadre of pokemon playing in the grass and sprinted off to join them.
Like when he had come by his house for a rematch, he had the gray polo that was completely wrinkle free with dark brown shorts and a black belt. Seeing both Hyacinth siblings in outfits far different from what he had been used to on the journey was astounding. Their postures were confident, but also joyful in adding more to an incredible glow-up. "Thank you again for protecting Lillie and helping her. I know it wasn't in your best interest, but we and the rest of the Foundation are in your debt."
He gave a knowing smirk. "I hear Alola has a pretty strong Koa by now. Don't think you're safe on that fancy throne, because I'm coming for that title."
"But Gladion, how are you going to find time to be the Koa if you're also running the Aether Foundation?" Hau butted in.
"At least let me issue a warning dammit." The blond hissed through clenched teeth. Tension broke again when the smirk returned and he muttered something under his breath about Hau being right. After being told about how the job of being a champion also involved paperwork amidst other things, Elio was wondering if the actual part that involved pokemon battling was just a small portion of his new duties.
"But can we talk about Elio getting lei'd?" Lillie asked, causing an even bigger round of laughter to erupt from everyone except for Elio and Gladion. The former with barely concealed surprise and the blood drained from the latter's face. The joke aside, Lillie freely being herself and so at ease around everyone just made her all the more gorgeous. Elio was beginning to think with a kindle of hope that he'd get the right opportunity for them to share another kiss.
Hala and Olivia excused themselves from the conversation to go and check up on the roast which was expected to be ready to serve. That left Elio, Lillie, Hau and Gladion together in a circle. Leilani returned a moment later, handing out cups of freshly squeezed passho/aguav juice to everyone. While a celebration that had cocktails and alcohol, they were still technically minors.
"I haven't seen either of you in weeks." Elio started. "How is everything back at the Paradise?"
Gladion shook his head. "Kinda chaotic. Interpol is everywhere, crawling all over. They're really putting their foot down on the activities and basically reduced to the bare minimum. Mother opening Ultra Wormholes has put them and tons of regional governments in a frenzy. They want answers and they're pressuring Interpol to get them out of her."
"How is she?" Hau asked.
"Mother…they're treating her at the Foundation." Lillie told them, her eyes meeting Elio's. "She…she really wanted to come tonight. Start to maybe make right."
Everyone's eyes went to the Koa. While nobody else besides them was privy to what Lusamine had done to him and Lillie, they knew something like that weighed heavily on his mind. Elio suddenly became aware that if it ever went to trial at Interpol's Court of Justice in Castelia City, he might have to give his own testimony and recall the torture he suffered with the verdict decided on his word.
He glanced down at the arm sleeve, having changed it to a clean black colored one before going out that morning. So far, he had remained discreet in keeping them washed with the rest of his laundry to avoid his mother asking questions. However he knew her and it was only going to be a matter of time before she would eventually find out about him. A mother always found out.
"I…I don't know what to say about that." He finally found the words to speak, lowering his voice so nobody outside could hear. "I still haven't told anyone else about what Miss Lusamine did to me or Lillie…and I'm not really sure what or how I'd react if she ended up coming." Elio definitely knew and it was going to be less than pleasant. However his distaste would show that there was something else going on under the surface that people didn't know about which meant a follow up of questions that he didn't want to get asked.
"Hang on, you haven't even told your mother?"
Elio shook his head at Hau. It went without saying how poorly Elaine's reaction would be if she discovered the fading scars on his arm were caused by Lusamine's own hand. The very next trial at the Court of Justice would end up her own.
"What about Team Skull?"
Gladion shrugged. "Last I saw, Guzma was treated at the Paradise for malnourishment and acute dehydration. Once they discharged him, he took a ferry back here to Melemele Island and as far as I can tell, nobody's seen him since. Rest of the group seems to have vanished to the wind. I last went to Po Town a couple days before Elio's match at the Pokemon League and it's just as abandoned as when they first found it." His face fell just a bit. "Not even Plumeria was anywhere to be found."
Crazy how Team Skull just up and disappeared. Elio thought to himself. Lusamine discarding Guzma and all them aside was the final straw and now they're gone. I had hardly noticed.
"For what it's worth, I'm glad the both of you are here." His eyes settled on Lillie. "With everything, I'm just looking forward to relaxing and not worrying about stuff for a little while."
Lillie nodded. "I can imagine, the tension was so thick in that stadium. Everyone was holding their breath probably about a dozen times trying to see the outcome."
Talk about heart stopping. I'm pretty sure mine was that way too.
Elio made to talk, but was interrupted by Hala returning.
"Koa, all preparations are complete. I hope all you keiki are hungry. If you could perhaps, say a few words before we call for celebration?"
He nodded and started to follow Hala. Before leaving the group's semicircle, Lillie stepped forward and gently clasped his hand in both of hers. The sensation sent a shiver through him in spite of the evening Alolan air.
"You'll do great." Her smile helped calm a little bit of nerves.
Truth be told, he had no idea what to even say or where to start. However if Lillie believed in him, there was no way he'd prove her wrong. Besides, I was in front of a crowd of thousands earlier. Just a few friends and family this time? I got this.
Hala led him through Iki's central area up to the center stage as the crowds parted for them and he stood on top next to the Melemele kahuna.
"Koa Elio Northstar." Hala started. "It felt like it was only yesterday when you were here on this very platform to pick out your first ever pokemon to take with you on this island challenge. We all watched as you and your litten took to all Alola with wide eyes and eagerness to the trials that lay before you. Each one brought you experience as a trainer and in completion to be properly recognized as an adult."
He paused for a moment. "I know you've been giving speeches all day, but I think everyone would love it if you had a few words to say before our celebration."
Elio nodded and stepped forward. He took a deep breath, scanning all the faces looking up at him. At first, he couldn't really find the proper words.
"Okay…well…I'm not one for long and sappy speeches." He started, slowly finding his voice again. "And I'm not really much of a braggart. It was a long road and I don't fully remember all the battles I won or lost along the way, each one just gave me a learning experience that I could take to heart or ignore entirely. Alola's built a fantastic League and I see everyone here that made it as hard as it possibly could for me to get there." That caused a loud bit of laughter to erupt from the crowd. Olivia and Kahili gave him subtle winks while Hala couldn't help the grin spreading across his weathered features.
"But it's worth bragging about, at least a little bit. We're a young League and we're just getting started. It's been a fantastic journey and I can't wait to keep on giving pro battling in Alola the badass reputation that the rest of you can brag about just like me." Elio felt his stomach grumble. "And my stomach's doing a fine job in telling me to stop ignoring it. I'm hungry. So let's eat!"
Hau led the cheers and whooping as everyone present began to make their way to the buffet tables. Despite his own hunger, Elio refused to be deliberately served first and had joined up in line with Hau, Leilani, Lillie and Gladion. In contrast to the Island Challenge festival when he first moved here and hardly knew anyone; he was warmly welcomed by all and they talked with a relaxed casual conversation as if he had lived there his entire life. Young kids kept clamoring for him to come play after he ate his food while the adults joked around. Everyone was in good spirits and he couldn't find any reason to not be happy if there ever was one.
The music started up again, a band of players with traditional Alolan drums and flutes began to play lively island music as Trial Captain Kiawe and his marowak lit the ends of their staff with flames and spun them masterfully to the rhythm of the beat. With the party in full swing, the conversation was lively as they ate their fill of kalua pork, macaroni salad and rice. Hau was talking about his own first time trying to surf when he was younger, making exaggerated motions with his arms as the rest of the group laughed. Even Gladion was grinning and pitching in his own jokes and stories. What was once an event he experienced as a hardship was now a thing of the past to reminisce.
After a while, the full party-goers moved from the tables to the center stage after Kiawe had vacated. The band and some speakers began to play pop music, turing the stage into a dance floor. Elio saw his own mother among those out there and he smiled at seeing her so carefree. After spending so much painstaking time raising him as a single mother, she deserved a break to let loose.
Their storytelling was interrupted by Gladion's cell phone ringing. Cursing, he brought it out with a grimace and put it up to his ear while excusing himself from the table. Lillie frowned as he left, Elio and the others hardly paid any attention as Hau was in the middle of launching into the story of them together going out to rescue Leilani during the surf tournament on Akala Island.
As if the conversation caused it to happen, the surfer had winced and reached down to touch the antidote band on her thigh. Her expression quickly turned to relief.
"How is your leg?" Lillie asked.
"Oh it's fine. A lot worse than it looks." Leilani surprised them all when she rolled up her dress to show them. Lillie saw that her umber skin tone slightly paled, but a large portion of her thigh had a long patch of mottled puffy red swelling and dark brown. A blemish on an otherwise flawless complexion. The antidote band covered the center where she assumed the envenomation had been at its worst. "I still get some flareups from time to time, but the dosage has been lower since when it's first administered. I use up one dose every day."
"For how long?" Elio asked.
Leilani shrugged. "I don't know. Could be months, years. The doctors said that while the pain might eventually dull out to where I don't feel it anymore…all this stays."
She gave a wan smile. "Bye bye bikinis."
"Nonsense!" Hau shook his head. "You'd never disappoint. I'll just have to find you one where you look irresistible."
Elio and Lillie smiled as Leilani brightened up at the encouragement. She leaned into her boyfriend standing behind her. "Mahalo Hau."
It's awesome. My best friend and rival is in love with the person he's always admired and loved.
Before anyone else could say anything, the drums and music started up again. They all glanced over at the stage to see the dancing had resumed, people waving their hands and shaking their hips to the hypnotic beats.
Leilani's smile immediately brightened and she stood up, grabbing Hau's hand. "Alright mister! The dance floor's calling! Come and show me a good time!"
The boy was in the middle of shaking off his surprise when she nearly yanked him off his seat and dragged him off to the dance floor. Whatever he said was drowned out in the shouts of joys that followed, seeing them both join everyone else.
Lillie shook her head. "Such a whirlwind, those two."
Elio had to agree with her. "Yeah. But I'm glad they're finally together. After everything that's happened, Leilani's injury and Hau supporting her, it feels like a happy ending that they both rightfully deserve."
"But it's a beginning." She finished for him.
Yes. A beginning. Elio nodded as Gladion approached and pocketed his phone. He caught sight of a frown that was quickly masked upon nearing, not sure if it was from him and Lillie being so close or if it had been about something else. A wave of his hand summoned Silvally back to his side again.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah, yeah." Gladion brushed it off with a wave of his hand. He gingerly pat his partner on the side while sitting back at the table. "Business stuff. Never ends."
"Well today's not about business." Elio told him. "Trust me, I hear what Kukui has me doing and the actual battling part of being the champion is basically gonna get the least amount of time."
"That's genuinely awful." He accepted another drink and clanked it against Elio's. "Here's to doing what we both love best behind oodles of paperwork."
Lillie watched as they downed the rest of their drinks and heard another round of whoops. Looking back up at the stage, they saw that Hau and Trial Captain Kiawe had gotten into a dance off, much to the delight of the others surrounding them. Leilani cheered on her boyfriend, nearly heard over everyone else.
"I should go." Gladion said. "I've got a busy day tomorrow."
"Gladion,"
"Hold up there Aether President." Elio sauntered over. "Lay off a little for one night. Have another drink, go dance with someone and let loose brah. You and I aren't going to get nights like this often."
For a moment, the other boy thought about it and did want to take up the offer. The luau was turning into a dance fest and he knew that people from Alola would be well at it until the wee hours of the morning. If there was ever a region that knew how to party.
"It's tempting." He finally said. "It really is. But I can't. We have some important assets that are being moved tomorrow and I want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible." Elio didn't miss the look the two siblings gave each other.
"Requires your utmost attention. Got it."
"But I'm sure we'll be back. Me wanting to shoot for that Koa title myself wasn't a joke." Gladion told him as Silvally trilled in agreement. "We've been training every chance we get, so we'll be ready to take whatever it is you can throw at us."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"And I'm also looking forward to working alongside you. Interpol seems to think that there's more beasts on the loose in Alola's wilds and it's tasked us to working alongside the new League and the Alolan government to see about how we can get them contained and released safely."
"Safely?" Lillie asked. Elio noticed that she had been quiet nearly the entire time since Gladion broke the news of leaving early. "You mean that-"
Gladion nodded in the affirmative. "Since the champion possesses the legendary pokemon of Alola that can travel between our world and that of the beasts, we finally have a method where we can reopen ultra wormholes to where they can't come out, but we can send them in back to where they belong. Lunala is capable of doing that much quicker and doesn't need to suffer from extreme stress in order to do so."
"Because the beasts didn't intentionally come here." Lillie finished out loud. "All this time, they had just been in their own worlds when Mother practically reached down and sucked them into our world. No wonder some of them were so aggressive, they were in a place as unfamiliar as when Elio and I went to ultra space."
Elio shrugged his shoulders. "I'm in. And I know Nebby will be too. As Koa, these beasts are formidable and we'll have to be as good and strong as we can get in order to take them on." His mouth twisted into a grin. "If that's the case; you might want to hold off on shooting for the title unless you want double work."
Gladion stifled a laugh, but stopped himself. No doubt the other boy was finally getting to him.
He reached into his pocket and removed a red and white poke ball. Elio's first thought was that it was Silvally's, but was taken aback when he gave it an underhanded toss in his direction.
Okay, it's definitely not Silvally's.
He got a slight smirk from the blond from his confused expression. "If you remember when we were in the labs down on the sublevel of the Paradise, where Null was built, well...more than one was created. I stole the first when I initially ran away, another was put into indefinite stasis and the third cryogenically preserved."
Elio shuddered at the last one, remembering the large blocks of ice in Lusamine's inner sanctum displayed like game trophies. Imagining a pokemon subjected to such a cruel fate…
I just hope something was done about it. The pokemon freed or something. Nobody deserves that.
"Silvally and I want you to have the second one." Gladion told him. "It can be a difficult pokemon to work with, but you're the Koa, the strongest trainer in Alola and the world according to my sister. You're the only person I know who could do a better job at raising and training that experiment than myself."
Experiment? Elio blinked and then it dawned on him. The rather degrading insult he had given Null upon first encountering them both. Now with one in his own possession. You were waiting for this one. Karma you sly sonofabitch.
This time though, he could only smile and laugh. Having a Type: Null that was his pokemon was some of the pettiest and sweetest revenge Gladion and Silvally could've cooked up to him after how he treated them in the past.
"You'll never let me live that one down. But truly, I'm honored Gladion," Elio finally said softly. "You too Silvally."
The creature stepped forward and nuzzled Elio on the side.
"I should get going." He turned to Lillie and gave her a gentle hug. "Be safe Lils and enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you for coming, even if it's just for a little bit. And I'll take damn good care of this Null."
"I know you will." Gladion stepped forward and the two boys clasped hands before Elio pulled him into a hug of his own. The older boy stiffened for just a few moments before relaxing. "I'll see you 'round. Koa."
"Alola."
"Alola." With a smile and wave of his hands in the traditional region greeting, Gladion turned to usher Silvally towards the road back to Hau'oli City and vanished down the slope.
Elio and Lillie watched him leave in silence before she breathed out a sigh of relief.
Now it's just the two of us…again.
"I'm glad he's found some peace and closure." He said. "I may not have liked the guy at first, but he's definitely grown on me."
"You've definitely grown on him too." Lillie agreed. "You and Hau both pushed him to be a strong trainer and pursue something he truly loves in pokemon battling. I've never seen him like this before, but at the same time it's almost like he's more himself. It hasn't been easy, but after everything…I'm really glad I came to Alola!"
It wasn't just meeting you…it was traveling with you, sharing all those experiences. To think that it's all about to reset when I leave tomorrow.
"Yeah." They heard more jubilant shouting from the town's center and saw that the dancing had given way to a limbo contest. Captain Mallow was currently up and as she bent her back and crossed underneath the bar, she had lost her balance and nearly struck her back if it hadn't been for Sophocles and Lana to catch her. Elio and Lillie joined in the laughter as a sheepishly grinning Mallow was helped back up.
"So. Back to the party?"
Lillie looked deep in thought for a second and cupped her chin. "Hmm, actually…it looks like it's going to be going strong still. I…I was wondering if maybe we could sneak for a sec on back to the Ruins of Conflict?"
Where I first met and fell in love with the bravest handsome boy on the planet.
"Uh sure?" Elio's cheeks heated up a the thought of them alone on the quiet Mahalo Trail. "But isn't the bridge gone?"
"I heard from Kahuna Hala that there's a much sturdier one that was built."
"Okay, but why?"
Lillie sighed and shook her head. "I think maybe Tapu Koko must be waiting. It's like I can feel it waiting for you."
"Well, I guess I can't refuse." Elio chuckled softly and moved to her side. Lillie felt all the more relaxed when she felt his hand slip down to gently clasp hers. The action felt almost as natural as everyday walking. "Let's go."
Elio was certain nobody noticed the two of them slipping through the crowds still engrossed in another game of limbo that now featured Kiawe's staff which was lit on both wicking ends as the bar to clear. Quickly, the trees had swallowed them up from view as they followed the pathway marked by smokeless flame torches on each side. The cries of wild pokemon in the brush echoed all around them.
In a contrast to when she was last on the Mahalo Trail, Lillie was taking small timid steps all the way up at a tiny little cosmog's urging. The near-complete darkness of the trees surrounding coupled with the pokemon felt like a suffocating hand that closed like a vice around her throat. Her body barely had the will or the nerve to move forward, the only thing keeping her going was for the sake of the little one that writhed within her oversized duffel.
Now she felt no fear or uncertainty walking that same path which was illuminated by the torches. But her heartbeat was rapid for an entirely different reason.
The boy that had followed her on that fateful day.
It took them just a few minutes through the Mahalo Trail until they heard the roar of the waterfall from up ahead. Elio felt crazily nostalgic, instead of curiosity and nervousness, he kept his head held high.
Up ahead, the ravine stretched before them with the waterfall continuing its unending ebb and flow to their left. What was new had been the remains of the plank bridge from their side to the other end all cleared of debris. A much sturdier one that had a metal frame had been built in its place.
"Now this really takes me back." Lillie said quietly. "Back then, I could barely think about anything. I was so desperate. But thinking on it now…it really was Lunala…I mean Nebby that brought the two of us together."
"Yeah." Elio wished that Nebby could've come along, but she was having too much fun herself playing with all the other pokemon.
This is your chance man. Go for it. Kiss her. Tell her how you really feel,
He stepped forward, eyes focused on her hands and her lips.
"C'mon let's go!" Lillie pumped her fists and bounded across the bridge. Elio was so taken aback that he hadn't noticed the goofy smile creeping across his face as he followed. There will be another time.
"The Ruins of Conflict." Lillie whispered in awe as he caught up and the two of them walked the short distance to the decorated entrance. "Where Tapu Koko lives. I still wonder why it helped us that day."
"I'm honestly glad it did." Elio said. "Otherwise I might be here to have this conversation."
"Could it maybe be because of Lunala and Nebby's connection as the legendary pokemon of the Alola region?"
I honestly don't know. Elio thought as he and Lillie walked forth and stepped through the entrance. For some reason, he couldn't place the sensation he was getting, but he knew that he was being watched.
Like the Ruins of Hope, the layout was nearly identical except for the area around the stone pathways had been overgrown with shrubs and moss. In the Ruins of Conflict, there was no tide that would come in to flood and overflow the chambers. A faint acrid smell of something burned was lingering in the air.
"This reminds me of when Hapu became the kahuna of Poni Island." Lillie whispered. Though she kept her voice down, it sounded as if she was talking normally. "My heart is pounding in my chest, could it be because of Melemele Island's sacred guardian?"
Truth be told, their hearts were both pounding for an entirely different reason. Up ahead, the shrine stood atop a raised platform with two sets of worn stairs. The idol at the middle sported colorful feathers and small trinkets that had been presented as offerings had been laid in front from small painted totems to a pendant of the island deity that Elio wore around his neck.
"Great Tapu Koko," Lillie spoke softly with a newfound reverence. "It was because of your help that allowed Nebby to evolve into Lunala. Please, allow me to thank you on its behalf. Aie au ia oe. Mahalo wau."
As she finished, the idol and the shrine remained silent. Yet neither of them were disappointed. One often would be disappointed in an immediate reaction. The fact that mattered was that they had come to thank it for making the entire journey possible from the very start.
Lillie gave a satisfied nod. Though there was no visible effect, she knew that her thanks had been heard and received.
"It's your turn."
She stepped off the shrine, allowing Elio to cross over and gently reach out to touch the idol. The top section of the stone was worn, telling him that such a thing was allowed and not considered sacrilege.
Tapu Koko. I may not have understood all that came to pass since arriving, but I have found a place to call home while others say that perhaps this is where my destiny lies. Where I am meant to be. I'm glad you saved my life that day and changed it forever. Couldn't be who I am if it wasn't for you. Mahalo wau.
For a few seconds, nothing happened. Then Elio heard something like a faint whining sound. Glancing down, he saw the source had been from his Z-Power Ring. Lillie looking over at him indicated that she could hear it too.
Koa of Alola.
The voice came from the ring, just like it had done with Tapu Fini at the Ruins of Hope. However this one sounded younger, more eager and a masculine undertone.
Lillie gasped at something up above and Elio glanced up to see a swirl of electrical sparks that undulated like the petals of a flower. Something materialized in the middle and descended, revealing the easily recognizable patterns of Tapu Koko's halved shell.
With the grace and poise of a seasoned warrior, the protecting god of Melemele Island opened the shell and peered at the two humans standing on its shrine.
How…curious. Koa of Alola. You appear to thank me in spite of all your merits.
"T-Tapu Koko, I meant no disrespect." Elio stammered, a little disbelieving that he actually managed to successfully summon it there. "You just saved my life."
I understand. You are correct in that your fall from the bridge would have been fatal if it weren't for my intervention.
"But you gave me the strength I needed to complete the island challenge after that."
This time, the land spirit cocked its crested head in curiosity. Did I?
Huh? Elio thought. What does it mean?
Perhaps it was my doing, or perhaps like people have always said that they've always had that innate strength to work together alongside people and pokemon. You could have very well taken a different path. However you…Koa, completing the trials of old…there is something different. Peculiar.
The guardian deity drew back its arms. You stand before me as Koa of Alola, protector of our islands and her people. Upholder of her traditions. There is much that lies ahead for you Koa. Strong battles that you are aptly prepared to take on and a legacy that both of you and your bloodline shall continue to tell for all eternity.
Tension relaxed as Elio nodded. "Great Tapu Koko, I must ask…what compelled you to appear when I fell?"
For a few seconds, the guardian deity was silent.
If I were not to have appeared in time to rescue you from the fall…what had been your final thoughts?
"That I wish I would have done things and lived my life differently."
I saw someone with much potential and strength. I also saw someone who was ready to put themselves in harm's way to protect and nurture those younger and weaker. Your heart is in the right place and it remains up to you to use that strength to serve your people.
"I see." Elio looked even more confused, but Lillie chalked it up to the usual cryptic manner the Tapu had during their extremely rare appearances to others. A spark of light zigzagged before materializing into a solid object that clattered to the floor.
Take this. There may come a time where me, my kai'kuana and kai'kuahine require your aid through your Zenith Power vessel. That Tapunium Z-crystal is the key.
He reached down, picking up the irregular shaped stone that glittered a bright pink, the same as the Fairium-Z that he had obtained from Trial Captain Mina.
"One more thing. Are you glad it was me? The one you saved?"
Tapu Koko cocked its head once again. Yes. I am. After all, you became the Koa.
The land spirit pokemon spun around and closed its shell, causing a harsh cascade of sparks bright enough to force Elio and Lillie to look away. As it faded after a couple of moments, Tapu Koko had disappeared once more without as much of a trace as it had even come to them.
"Wow." Lillie said breathlessly. "I…I didn't think we'd get so much as an audience with Tapu Koko. But I'm glad we could come. It'd been weighing on my heart for so long."
"It sort of gave me an answer I wasn't expecting. But that's really what's expected of the island guardians." Elio said with a chuckle.
"Yeah. Right." Lillie nodded and glanced back to the entrance. "We should go back to Iki Town. If we don't return soon, people are gonna find out we slipped away from the Festival!"
Not like that's a bad thing. Lillie and I secretly went away to be alone…just like a couple of schoolkids who didn't want anyone else catching onto a crush.
She led the way down from the shrine and through the antechamber with Elio following close behind. He cast one last look inside, still wondering the true meaning behind Tapu Koko's words before he stepped outside on Mahalo Trail.
Amazingly enough, the celebration was still in full swing and nobody had noticed their absence. The limbo game had to have outstayed its fun as it had been taken down and the floor was once again populated with people freely dancing. The island themed music was also gone with speakers erected on posts above the center stage playing pop music catchy enough that Elio's foot and head starting moving to the beat.
"Well?" Lillie asked him as they blended in with the crowd. "How about the dance floor?"
"Uh sure."
"There you two are! Bzzt!" The teens jumped in surprise as Rotom Dex floated above them with a clearly panicked expression on its screen. "I have been looking everywhere for you! Bzzt! They've been danzzzing like they ate zzzzomething bad and I am running out of zongz to play! I zwear the mochi wazn't poizzzoned!"
"Sorry buddy." Elio laughed, looking down and see that he was still holding Lillie's hand. Like him, the girl hadn't noticed either. "We're back now. So do what you gotta do."
"And that'zzz this!" The music faded and a slow romantic ballad began to play from the speakers. With such impeccable timing at the end of the upbeat dance club music, everyone was quick to pair up, Hau and Leilani among the first to do so.
Oh no. Elio thought to himself. Rotom Dex did this on purpose, didn't it?
"You still want to dance right?"
"Y-yeah." The redness in his cheeks had returned as Lillie tugged on his hand to lead him out to the floor. Seeing everyone move so flawlessly together made him realize how little he actually knew about dancing.
Lillie found an open spot and turned to await him. Elio's mind was absent as he could only see her in all her glory at the center, everything else blotted out so just the two of them remained.
"C'mon silly!" She waved. "Come dance with me. I want to be the first one to dance with the Koa!"
He tentatively took a step forward, passing to an intimate distance away and barely able to hear the music from the pounding of his heart in his ears.
"I…uh," the words eluded his mouth. "I'll be honest in that I have barely the foggiest idea of how to dance like this. Just never…occurred to me."
"It's okay." Lillie laughed and smiled at him where he thought he might've melted on the spot. "I'll teach you. It's very simple."
She stepped forward and gently took his hands in hers. "The first thing you gotta do…is relax."
Elio tried, loosening his arms and legs, finding it even harder to focus. How was it that he was able to speak to the island god with her at his side so easily just a few minutes ago, but seized up when it was just a simple dance.
"I said relax." Lillie stifled a giggle to avoid it breaking the calm sweetness of the music. She gently tapped his shoulders. "I can't dance when you're stiff as a sudowoodo."
It took him to taking a deep breath and finally loosening his muscles while she slowly took his hands and lowered them down until they settled around her waist. Once secure, she put them around the base of his neck and shoulders. They were so incredibly close that Elio's nose was just a couple of inches away from her own. He smelled a faint pleasant scent of the lipstick that Lillie had applied.
"Okay, now we'll move together." She told him. "Easy does it and we'll be in business. Left."
She had meant her left and they stepped in opposite directions that caused them both to laugh out loud.
"I meant my left!"
Elio got himself under control and stepped forward, finding it a lot easier to put her in his arms. He could see that she shuddered at his touch when she felt his hands touch the bare skin on her back.
"Okay. Let's try this again. My left then right."
Doing as he instructed, they quickly linked together in a synchronic pace, swaying to the music.
Elio felt as if everything else was just melting into the background and irrelevant. It was just him, a romantic melody in a flawless evening the girl he was undeniably in love with.
"See?" Lillie whispered to him as they quickly matched the rhythm of the other couples that had paired up close by to them on the floor. "Easy."
"Yeah. Easy."
Her features flickered into a smirk. "For someone who can deal with battles on the highest level, it is a little funny to see how incapable you are of dancing."
"I feel like sometimes even experienced dancers find themselves having trouble adjusting. I may have battled Hau and Gladion several times in our journey, but they were always coming up with new strategies. Kept me on my toes for sure."
That is true. Lillie had to agree with his assessment. As they continued, she could feel Elio's grip losing its tension and it felt like they were naturally meant to be. She also sensed his eyes on her, once she looked up they seemed fixated and lost on each other's gaze. Yet despite that, they continued to move together in perfect harmony.
"Or maybe," his voice dropped lower and Lillie swore it took on a slight husky tone. "I have yet to find the right partner."
Oh Elio. Her heart began to flutter as her eyes fixated on him. His dark gray eyes, defined jawline and they were drawn to his shoulders. The blonde had to chide herself after her thoughts abruptly went wild in imagining her running her hands up his shoulders, tracing the scar her mother inflicted on him at their lowest moment.
Wishing it could disappear and soothe him.
The music was ending as Elio eventually slowed down and held her close. Lillie settled her head on his chest as he gave her a reassuring squeeze. He couldn't believe how perfectly she fit in his arms…or how right it felt.
"It's a beautiful festival, isn't it?" Lillie asked. "Everyone looks so happy."
She looked at him, meeting eyes again. "I hope…I hope that you'll always just stay the way you are Elio."
"But, growing as a person and trainer means I'm going to change."
"Not like that. Just the way you are, Elio. As a person. Someone who's so handsome, kind, smart and the best thing that could've ever happened to me. Look how much your achievements and joy has brought so much light to everyone here!"
This might be my chance. Kiss her.
Elio's mouth hung open, yet he couldn't find the words.
"I think that even my mother would've smiled and laughed to see this, if she did come. Or before she-"
"It's okay Lillie." He told her softly. "I know."
"I've been trying to help her understand what she did wrong, gently of course. But someone had to scold her…and Interpol isn't letting her get off as scot free as she thinks."
"Listen…uh, there's something I've been meaning to tell you since the beginning of the festival."
"Oh? What is it?"
Okay, here goes. "I…I…well, um." Elio cursed himself for not even being able to find the right words or where he could begin. How the hell do I tell her that I love her? That she means more to me than anything else and that I want her to be my girlfriend?
He hadn't noticed it, but as his thoughts flashed in his mind, his own head and face had started leaning closer. Lillie was unaware of this as she continued to look back at him.
Her hand reached up, cupping his chin and something just clicked in her mind that it was the right thing to do.
In the heat of the moment, an unspoken confession of consent that both of them got at the same time, they were never prepared for what would come next.
Their lips had barely made contact when a loud popping of fireworks exploded above the town. Elio and Lillie recoiled back with a yelp of surprise and his fight or flight instincts took over as if they were under attack. Seconds after the first; four more fireworks launched, showering the sky with a dazzling array of colors that awed the crowd. There was no attack.
Though he hadn't done anything rigorous, Elio's heart pounded in his chest and his breathing was ragged. Inwardly, he fumed at them being the worst possible timing.
Lillie looked conflicted afterwards. She knew almost right away once her eyes were beginning to close and lean into him that they wanted a kiss. That same flame she felt that lit on Exeggutor Island was back and this time, it'd be here to stay.
I'm in love. I'm in love with Elio Northstar. I can't deny it anymore.
While she should've been elated, knowing he clearly had mutual feelings, it only felt even worse now knowing what would happen in the morning.
Leaving him behind.
How could she? How could she profess how much she loved him, kissed him and then leave? It felt like she was going to commit the ultimate act of betrayal on the night where he was the happiest. Where he was more than grateful for everyone who came along to share and celebrate in his ascension to Koa, where they both got closure and an audience with the guardian deity who bound them by fate. Yet in all of that, she felt like he thought of her as the greatest thing of it all.
I can't…I can't do this to him. She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head, luckily escaping his notice. I can't break Elio's heart like this.
He was gone when she opened her eyes, ushered up the steps to face the remains of the partygoers with Kahuna Hala, Olivia, Nanu, Hapu and most of the Trial Captains who were also attending.
"Woo! Everyone's fired up like an inferno!" Kukui said, causing the crowd to cheer loudly. An entire night of laughter, shouting, talking had barely diminished though Lillie was certain that she'd have a little bit of a sore throat the next day.
"We got to witness the rise of Alola's strongest trainer, the Koa!"
"Yeah you bet!" She heard Hau somewhere up ahead and pushed her way to the front. Elio stood in front with Hala, Hau, Professor Kukui and Elaine at his side.
"I'm gonna be training with captain Ilima, beat Tutu for real…and then I'll be coming for you, Koa Elio!"
"Probably going to happen a lot sooner than I think. I look forward to it." The two boys bumped fists.
"Before we conclude our festivities tonight," Hala stepped forward. "I'm sure everyone wants to see your partners Elio. I'd like to ask our new Koa to show us all the pokemon he had used on his journey!"
"Yes!"
"Come and show us those partners that were there for your discoveries, new experiences and adventures of a lifetime on your Island Challenge!"
"Let's see them, Koa!"
Elio hesitated for a moment as his mother gave him a hug. "Go on k'ou wahi anela. You're positively glowing!"
Thanks Mom.
He stood at the center of the stage and took out all six pokeballs before tossing them into the air.
"Come on out everyone!"
It was nearly two in the morning when everyone began to disperse for the party. Elio and Elaine had bid many farewells, sharing a few more laughs and memories before making their way back to their home in Waimanalo.
His mother was incredibly tired and gave him a kiss on the cheek goodnight before retreating to her room. Elio made for a quick shower and lay on his bed, the whirlwind of thoughts still going through his mind just as quickly. He still couldn't get Lillie out of his head, how radiant and beautiful she looked in that dress. How close he came to sharing a proper kiss that he thought was meant to be. While trying to look for her afterwards, she was nowhere to be found.
Must've had a long day and turned in. But there's always tomorrow. And I will do it. No going back on this one.
One thing did linger on his mind and though he hadn't put much thought into it recently…maybe it was time that changed.
His hands reached for his phone and he opened the clock app to check the time differential. Kanto was several hours behind, so it was not overly late there.
He punched in a number from memory, hitting the "call" button and waited with a tense breath as the line rang and rang.
Just as he was about to hang up, he heard someone pick up on the other end.
"Hello?"
That voice, I hadn't heard it in only a few months.
"Hello?"
Like with Lillie, Elio found himself unable to fully speak before the flood of emotions broke like a damn to saturate everything. He knew what he wanted to say, but couldn't find the words.
"Dad."
There was a long enough pause where he had to look at the phone to see if it hadn't disconnected.
"Elio?" Cal's voice seemed just as shaky on the other end of the line. "It's…been a while."
"Yeah it has Dad. Almost a year."
"A year…wow." Cal gave a slight laugh. "I saw your new accomplishment…the Alola region's very first champion. It made the news. Congratulations son. I know you don't want to hear it from me, but I am so so incredibly proud of you and I know your mother is too."
Honestly, that was the thing I was hoping you'd say.
"Thank you Dad. I-" He felt his voice trailing off as a fresh wave of tears had to be wiped from his eyes. "Thank you."
Taking a deep breath, he knew that this was something he wanted to do…to make good on a promise to the girl he loved.
"Dad…I just wanted to wonder if you could talk? If you have the time."
There was more silence on the other end of the line before he heard Cal exhale. If he had to guess, his father was having a similar reaction to him.
But what did he want to talk about?
Anything. Everything.
"Of course, son."
Woah. So I did not expect to have this much of an emotional reaction to writing this chapter. I know it took quite a while with balancing everything else, but I'm glad it's finished and putting a "done" stamp on the Diary Entry main section of the story as this is Elio & Lillie's final moments together before the inevitable happens at the end of the games.
All successive chapters will be taking place some time after, closing out the arcs of Team Skull, the Ultra Beast post-game story and a few more things! Just a few more left until I can finally click the complete box in this fic's status.
I also have launched a second novelization of a Pokemon game, this one on Violet. A Life You Will Remember is up and running. Do check it out!
Translations:
Koa - Champion/Warrior
Keiki - Children
Aie au ia oe - I am in your debt
E pili mau na pomaika 'Ila oe - My blessings ever be with you
Mahalo wau - I give thanks
Kai'kuana - Brother
Kai'kuahine - Sister
K'ou wahi anela - My little angel
As always, mahalo for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose.
Brav
