The Guardian of Alola

Chapter 2: To What We Were Used To Be

"Young Master, here are the documents for the annual charity as well as the forms requested by the Champion."

"Leave them here."

Gladion leaned against his leather chair as he flipped through the papers clipped on a manila folder. Wicke gently placed the papers on the future president's desk and arranged them neatly in a pile according to priority. She glanced at the young man's Pokémon partner snoozing under the Alolan sun and back to its Trainer.

"The League Championship is approaching fast. It's already the eighth. Are you going to participate, Young Master?"

Silvally perked up at the words League Championship and was waiting for its Trainer's answer with expectant eyes. Gladion took a sip of coffee and placed the cup back on its saucer. He did not even spare a glance at either Wicke or Silvally. "No."

"Ah..." Wicke swore Silvally gave a disappointed whimper before tucking itself back to its daytime nap.

"It's not worth it." He continued as he flipped another paper. "No offense to Hau but..." His voice trailed off. His eyes were still on the folder but his gaze seemed distant. It lasted for a brief second until he waved it the topic off. "Has Lillie returned yet?"

"The Young Miss hasn't returned yet." Wicke answered, watching the young man carefully. "Professor Burnet has asked her to deliver a message to Professor Kukui. I believed she will return within half an hour."

"I see..." Gladion closed the folder and nodded at the documents that Wicke brought in. "Tell moth- no, the President, that I will bring her the documents as soon as I finished reviewing them. I'll note down any necessary recommendations, if any."

"Understood." Wicke nodded. "Then, I will take my leave." She walked toward the door and gave the future president a worried glance before closing the door behind her.

Gladion dropped the folder on his desk and sighed. Silvally peered at him with one eye as the young man rose from his seat and stood by the glass wall overlooking the Aether Paradise mansion. On the courtyard, employees walked back and fro to the mansion and to the foundation as they deliver their reports to his mother. Someday, he will be the one they will be directly referring to. He will more or less be cooped up in the property just like his mother.

"Kyuu!"

He half-turned and saw, Shiron, his sister's Alolan Vulpix standing by the doorway. Silvally jumped up from his nest and trotted cheerfully toward the multi-tailed Pokémon. They rubbed noses as a greeting and pranced around each other. A head poked from the doorway and called him. "Big brother? Sorry for disturbing but there's something I wished to ask you."

Gladion gestured for her. "Come in."

Lillie let herself in, careful not to stumble upon the playing Pokémon. Shiron was with her mother when she left for an errand. By the time she returned, Shiron was waiting by the lobby with her fur smooth and shiny from top to paws. It seemed her mother has given her a throughout grooming.

"How did your errand go?"

"Oh, it went well actually. I already gave Professor Burnet her package and passed along her message to Professor Kukui. And well..." Lillie fidgeted with the hem of her lab coat. "I met Moon's father."

Gladion looked at her like he was hearing things. "What?"

"I met Moon's father." She repeated. This time, however, louder. "I visited Selene-san's house earlier but she wasn't there at the moment. Instead, I was greeted by Elio-san, Moon's father. He is a researcher in Kanto and has just arrived here in Alola."