Lillie sat hunched on the chair beside her brother's bed. It has been three hours since Gladion and Hau were admitted in the infirmary of Aether Paradise and two hours since the family doctor left them with a bit of good news. They received no major injuries, just a few bruises and scratches. Gladion, who was in better shape between the two, managed to report experiencing severe nausea and could barely stand upright even with Wicke supporting him. Hau was staying in the room beside Gladion's and basically delirious by time he was hauled to the infirmary. Lillie's heart clenched tight in her chest every time the Champion wakes up to only vomit whatever was left in his stomach. His grandfather arrived in a hurry and decided to stay by Hau's side for the night. Hala urged Lillie to look after her brother and rest. She, herself, was affected at a distance, but was lucky enough to have recovered fast and be able to watch over the two.
Lillie brushed Gladion's bangs with delicate fingers. His pale complexion has gotten better compared from three hours ago and the steady rising and falling of his chest reassured her that he is having a fitful sleep. Just by his feet, Silvally was curled into a tight ball with the edge of the blanket draped on its body. Acerola came by to bring Silvally back after a long, terrifying battle against the Ultra Beasts. The Elite Four member did not stay long, as she has to help her uncle with island matters.
It will be fine. Lillie thought to herself. The doctor said that Big Brother will be fine tomorrow, just in time for his match against Sophocles. Letting out a tired sigh, she leaned against the backrest, knocking off the jacket draped on the armrest with her elbow. She slid down to pick it up; her fingers curling against the blue and white fabric.
"I'll be back for you. Don't worry."
Sun said that, made that promise, and returned. He came back for her a few minutes after the Ultra Wormhole took back the Ultra Beasts it unleashed and brought her to Aether Paradise on the back of his Corviknight. She did not manage to thank him properly as he left immediately with only a few parting words.
"Look after him for me, Miss Lillie."
By him, Lillie knew that Sun meant Gladion. She has not figured who Sun really is, but the red-eyed Trainer seemed to have taken a keen interest to her brother. Maybe it was because Gladion actively pursues him because of his uncanny knowledge about the string of events happening in Alola right now, or maybe because of the deal they have made. Even so, Sun has proven to be both a dangerous foe and a formidable ally. He has the incredible skills of a veteran Trainer or even something greater. He has information about Moon and her five-year disappearance, and has helped take down Ultra Beasts during tonight's attack. He does not seem to be bad person, but he has a lot of secrets that he wants others to figure out themselves.
Lillie glanced at her brother. Should I tell her about Moon's Z-Power Ring? Gladion would undoubtedly be furious and the matter will reach the League within an hour or less. And Sun? He might not be pleased and break off the deal between them. They might never find out what is happening in Alola if that happens. He might even end the agreement between him and Lillie, and she will never know what happened to one of her best friends.
Am I being selfish? Sun assured her that it has nothing to do with her brother – that Gladion will not get hurt – but something about it felt wrong. It felt wrong to hide the fact that she knows who has Moon's Z-Power Ring and to keep it a secret from others that she finally has information about Moon, albeit for one year only.
"Your Moon is not here. Stop depending on someone that is not here for you. Is it that difficult to face that reality?"
Sun's words hold true, but it still stung painfully. He wore such indifferent expression when he said it, like he could not careless Moon's importance to them, or the bonds the First Alolan Champion shared with the region.
YOU ARE READING
The Guardian of Alola
FanfictionShe was the First Champion and Hau is the next. She was her protector and now Lillie is the one who protects. She was once at his reach but now Gladion can only chase after her phantoms. Two years they spent growing together and five years spent mou...
