The Champion and The Runaway (A Pokémon Sun & Moon Fanfic)

Chapter 16: Finals

Hi! Two quick things before I start this part.

- First thing, I have a draft story about another OC of mine, but this one is the My Hero Academia universe. Let me know in the comments or my DMs if you want me to publish that story!

- Secondly, this chapter is going to be LONG, so bare with me. I'm covering both the finals and the stuff after (trying not to spoil. Iykyk). I hope you enjoy!
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Caite walked up to the dock, where she found Gladion and his Pokémon watching the sun set.

"I knew I'd find you here." She said, standing next to him.

Gladion looked over in surprise. "Yeah, I can't help myself sometimes. Alola's sunset relaxes me." He smiled.

"Me too." Caite smiled back and threw her Poké balls. All her Pokémon popped out, ready to watch the sunset too.

"You got a lot on your mind?" She asked, sitting on the pole next to him like he was.

"Just the Finals that's all. I'm up against Ash, my rival." Gladion said.

"Whoever I get to battle, I look forward to it." She said. Haxorus walked up to Caite and put it's claw on her shoulder. She leaned back, hugging its head.

Gladion smiled at them both. "I guess this is a good time to say it." He said.

"Yeah?" She asked.

"I..." His voice trailed off. "I'm...really glad you're my best friend." He said. "I couldn't have asked for anyone else. Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family."

"Gladion, there's really no need to thank me." She said. "I'll always be there for you." He smiled, looking back at the sunset. Caite did the same.

He looked over at her. Maybe now's too soon. He thought. I'll tell her another day.

(Time skip)

"Haxorus, use Dragon Pulse!" Caite commanded.

"Silvally, dodge it, then use Air Slash!" Gladion ordered.

Silvally dodged the Dragon Pulse, then used Air Slash. Haxorus jumped and dodged it.

"Hard at work, I see." Someone said behind them. They saw Lillie and Lusamine walking up to them.

"Mother!" Gladion said.

"Lillie, hi!" Caite said, and hugged her.

"You two must be training hard." Lusamine smiled.

"Don't you think you should get some rest for tomorrow?" Lillie asked.

"It's a very important battle, so I'd like to be as prepared as I can be." Gladion said.

"I want to help him out." Caite walked over next to Gladion. "After all, I am his best friend. I gotta help you out with everything." She put an arm around his shoulder and smiled at him.

"You two are so alike." Lillie said.

"Gladion and his father too..." Lusamine's voice trailed off. Everyone looked at her with surprise.

"He'd get so caught up in training that he'd almost forget to sleep!" Lusamine ranted. "We were almost late getting married because he was so caught up in a battle that was coming up." Lillie smiled while Caite and Gladion looked at each other.

"Now, don't you do that to Caite when you two get married!" Lusamine laughed.

"Mother!" Gladion blushed.