The Guardian of Alola

Chapter 9: To The Last Thing I Will Do

Lillie brushed her fingers against the steel wall of one of the participants' entrances. From where she is, she could hear the rising excitement from the audience gathered above them. Heart-thrumming, traditional Alolan music blared from the speakers, harmonizing with the cheers of the spectators. At times, she could hear the familiar chant calling out Guzma's name from the former Team Skull members. For a first-time participant like her, the scene was beyond overwhelming.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see her older brother gave her a reassuring smile. Behind him, the other participants were vibrating with energy as they chatted and bid good luck to each other and their partners. Her brother has shed his usual Aether uniform and opted for a darker palette for his clothes. His long, blond hair tied to a thin ponytail reaching just below shoulder level. It reminded Lillie when they were younger; her brother donned similar clothes as his way of rebelling against their mother, though Hau and Moon often poke fun of him being an emo. Not that he was one for most parts. He just struggles with wearing his emotions at his sleeve if it was not for a certain azure-eyed Trainer.

Lillie could tell how much Moon affected him, whether they noticed it or not, though most of the time, she wondered if the previous Champion was messing with her brother on purpose. Lillie swore she usually has that mischievous glint in her eyes whenever she has something up in her sleeves for Gladion. More often than not, she and Hau would get dragged in and well...chaos ensues afterwards.

The music faded to background as Professor Kukui climbed the stage. Just above him, the Kahunas and the Elite Four were seated in two rows. Hau was positioned closest to the battlefield, just between the Elite Four. Behind them were the rest of the Kahunas. Hau seemed fidgety – a contrast to his usual energetic character. He kept patting his cloak and sometimes, glancing at the nearest exit as if he wanted to be out of there as soon as possible. Behind him, Hala placed a firm hand on his grandson and whispered something, perhaps to placate the anxious Champion. Hau pursed his lips before nodding and trying to get as comfortable as he can on his seat.

"Alola!" Professor greeted. "Today marks the eighth anniversary of the Alolan League Championship. It has been five years since the League was held in this very same stadium. I won't be making you all wait long. Let's all welcome our fifty-eight contestants!"

A staff member jogged toward the participants' entrance where Lillie and Gladion were holed up with the other contestants. He herded them to the battlefield as the crowd's cheers rose to a pitch and they met up with other half of the contestants; the chant of Team Reskull and the screams of Ilima's fangirls rising over the rest. Lillie tilted her head and gazed at the luxury box where their mother, Faba, Wicke, Professor Burnet, and Professor Elio were staying at. She could see them waving banners and fans with their names and faces printed on them. Faba was even sporting a bandana and light sticks as if he were in one of Masked Royale's matches. It was touching – having people support you – but it was embarrassing as well. Lillie could feel her cheeks heating up and she resisted the urge to hide behind her brother's back. Gladion maintained his calm but there was tinge of red at the tips of his ears as he kept on averting his gaze away from the luxury box.

"Alola!" Kukui greeted the contestants congregated before him. They greeted him back with more enthusiasm. "I can't tell you how grateful I am to see so many competitors gathered here at the Manalo Stadium. It's been long since Alola witnessed its great Trainers battle out in a grand competition and now you are all here to bring in the Overheat. At this very moment, I hereby declare the eighth Alolan Pokémon League open! It's time to Shift Gear! GIVE US A FULLY POWERED EXPLOSION!"

"YEAH!" The contestants roared as they pumped their fists in the air. Professor Kukui left the stage and exchanged places with the Kahunas who will now officiate the first leg of the League. As the announcer began his introduction, the contestants began moving toward their starting positions. The wide screens around the perimeter of the stadium blinking as the rules of the Battle Royale are explained. Lillie and Gladion sidled next to Guzma and Plumeria who grinned at them.