From The Ground Up (A Heart Of A Champion Prequel)

Chapter 9- A Truly Merry Christmas

Christmas Day

I stretched awake, it's been 3 weeks now since my win over Hau in Manalo Stadium and I'm feeling great. I'm excited to spend Christmas with everyone... but at the same time the pit in my stomach is growing rather large. I would've loved to spend Christmas with Lillie, I never had before she left and I also would bet that she hasn't ever had a good one, or I suppose not for quite a few years. It really is a shame. I sighed as I once again pushed myself off my bed and in to the kitchen, Mom already waiting for me. "Merry Christmas Sun!" "Merry Christmas Mom." We hugged and then gave each other some gifts. It was a fun day. I decided to go see Kukui and Burnet after a little bit. They welcomed me in as soon as I got there. I had gotten them each something for Christmas, not anything huge, I got Kukui a model Manalo Stadium and I got Burnet some really nice coffee, like that really good high quality stuff. We talked happily for a little bit before Kukui held up a finger as if to say 'wait a second' before pulling out a rectangular gift wrapped in red wrapping paper and tied together by a green bow. I thanked the both of them before opening it. I opened it and wasn't sure exactly what it was, but after unfurling it, and examining it, I realized it was an Alolan flag. I smiled widely and looked it over, it's orange and purple colors looked a lot fresher than most I had seen. Kukui smiled, "That's for our Champion, I think you'll look great with it draped on you when you're walking out in Manalo." I nodded, "Yeah I think so too! Thanks guys!" I then left for the house. It was a great Christmas. I had a lot of fun with my family. Apparently the surprised weren't over yet. I opened our mailbox and saw a letter from Kanto! It's from Lillie! I walked to the desk in my room and sat down in the wooden chair I had near it. I laid the letter down and slowly opened it, pulling the paper out and reading each word carefully.

Dear Sun,

Thank you so much! I'm sorry to hear you're so sad though, I wish I could be there with you, trust me. This last year has been miserable and I've been missing you a lot. I know by the time this gets here it'll probably be Christmas...so I wanted to get you something but I don't have any money right now that I can spend. I apologise for that, but really having you as my friend still is going to make this holiday season so much better for me. I figured I'd tell you that I have been at least starting to work here, so maybe at some point I'll send you a few make up gifts. Just know I still am thankful for you every day, and I miss you and can't wait to see you again.

Your Friend
Lillie

I smiled and got a little misty eyed, she's always so sweet to me, I hope she got my gifts as well, she's the best. I did start to feel sad again though, as great as this Christmas was, I would've loved it so much more if she would've been here with me...

Lillie POV

I'm usually kind of sad here. I mean I get to work a little bit which does help me distract myself from it sometimes, but on Christmas it just doesn't work. I haven't had a good Christmas in...years...many years... and I think I could've finally had one this year or last, but I left Alola. I sighed, why I acted so suddenly and harshly... I've been trying to come to terms with my decision, I know it's what I needed to do, but I should've thought it out more. I've been away from my friends for far too long. A nurse came through the door as I was sulking by the window. "Hey Lillie, Merry Christmas, we got a package for you." She handed it to me and I thanked her. That's odd, I wasn't expecting anything, probably was a mistake. I checked the label, this package came from... Alola! It was from Sun! My heart raced as I threw myself on to my bed and peeled the tape off the package before opening it, there were quite a few things in it, most important to me though was the letter from Sun on top, which I began to read

Dear Lillie,

Merry Christmas! I wish you were here to enjoy the holidays with me, but I figured I could at least get you something. It isn't much, I know, but hopefully it's enough to know I'm thinking of you. Since these things take so long to get delivered I'm actually writing this on December 3rd, tomorrow I've got a huge match as Champion against Hau, if I win... things are gonna be good here. That's if, as you know Hau has endlessly prepared to beat me. Hopefully things aren't too bad over there, I'm doing my best to still be my most positive self despite how bad I miss you. Hope I can see you sometime soon.

Your Friend
-Sun

I smiled as I finished reading it. I'm so thankful to have such a good person as my friend. I began to sift through the things he got me, first off some sweet malasadas! my favorites! I've missed these a lot... second off a photo in a picture frame of Me, Sun, and Hau in Hau'Oli City, I never thought I looked good in that photo, but Sun likes it and looking back, I guess I do too. It'll be nice to have a reminder of my friends all the time. Lastly he got me all sorts of pens of different colors, and even a really big notebook to write or draw in! That's gonna be an amazing way to kill time! I held the notebook close to my chest, closed my eyes and smiled again. I think I can officially call this a good Christmas. One that's been long overdue. Only way it could be better is a big celebration at the Professors' place with Kukui, Burnet, and Sun.
Sun mentioned that he was going to battle Hau, and apparently if he won things were gonna be looking up for him. I wonder how that went? I think he won, I'll never doubt him, but the way he sounds, he may not be at full strength. I decided to ask a nurse, "Hey you wouldn't be able to give me some match results from Alola would you?" The nurse took out his phone and looked them up. "I'll see what I can get ya... most recent Championship match...Sun beat Hau 6-5, so I guess Sun was the champ before and defended his title." I nodded, "Cool! Thank you!" he nodded, "no problem... heh, says here he called out the Champions... kid might be in over his head a bit." The nurse walked away as I pursed my lips and crossed my arms. Sun can tend to seem over his head, but behind his sometimes overconfident guise is a calculated and shrewd brain that has a plan. Plus I know him well enough to know that he's a calm and easygoing guy until he's given a reason to not be. Obviously I think he's feeling cheated in some way. Hopefully things get better for him. For me too.

Author's Note

Just one more chapter and then the time skip! I know my author's notes haven't been exciting or anything but I'm still super grateful for all of you guys.