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

Chapter 19: Bon Voyage, and the Journey Continues

"So um, I've made up my mind." Lillie said to her friends. "For my vacation, I've decided to go traveling with Gladion and Mother." Her friends gasped.

"We're going to go look for Father." She said.

"Traveling? Traveling where?" Mallow asked.

"Wherever Magearna wants to lead us." She patted its head.

"What about Caite?" Ash asked.

"I'm staying in Alola." Caite said, walking up to them.

"Caite!" The group exclaimed.

"You're staying in Alola? How come?" Ash asked.

"I have duties to fulfill here. Besides, I think they should look for him." She looked at Lillie. "They are a family after all."

"But, you were close to their father! Don't you want to find him too?" Kiawe asked.

"Don't you have one of his Pokémon?" Lana asked.

"And most importantly, aren't you Gladion's girlfriend? What's gonna happen with your relationship?" Ash asked.

Caite looked down. "Those are all very good reasons for me to go with them, but Gladion and I talked it over and thought it would be best. After all, I still am the champion of Alola. I can't just leave this place. I also want to go out and find the rest of Mohn's Pokémon." She explained.

"I think it's a good idea that she stays here." Lillie smiled at her. "What happens if Alola is in danger? She's needed here."

(Time skip)

Gladion was packing for his trip, when he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in." He said.

The door opened, and Caite walked into his room.

"Caite!" He said.

"Hi." She waved. He ran over and hugged her.

"What are you doing here?" He looked at her.

"I'm here to help you with preparations for your trip." She smiled.

Minutes later, the two of them were packing and talking.

"You know Caite, you're always welcome to come with us on our trip." Gladion said.

"I know." Caite said, writing stuff down. "But I told you already, I should be staying in Alola. As much as I would love to come with you and Lillie, I have to stay here." She stood up and walked over to him.

She handed him a Poké ball.

"Huh?" He looked at it. "What's this?"

"Haxorus. Take it with you. And once you find Mohn, give it back to him." Caite said.

Gladion looked at it, smiled, and shoved it back at her. "You should keep it." He smiled. "Once we find Father, then you can give it back to him when you see him again. Plus, Haxorus would be much happier with you right now. We just started telling it about Father."

Caite took the Poké ball back, and smiled. "Right."

(Two days later...)

Everyone was gathered at the dock, ready to say bye to Gladion, Lillie, and Lusamine. All the Pokémon, including Gladion's and Caite's were saying goodbye to one another.

"Take care, Lusamine." Burnet said as she let go of her.

Caite walked up to Gladion. She grabbed his tie and redid it. "How many times do I have to do this for you?" She smiled up at him.