No one's POV
It's been a few days and Lana's Popplio evolved into Brionne, as well as Kiawe obtaining a Flying Z Crystal after completing a Trial from Tapu Fini. Currently on the beach, Nhazul was training with Greninja and Silvally, attempting to master the Syncro Evolution form.
Nhazul: Silvally, Air Slash! Greninja, Night Slash!
Silvally: Vally!
Greninja: Kouga!
Using Air Slash, Sivally sent multiple slashes towards Greninja, as it cut them all down Night Slash.
Nhazul: Aerial Ace!
Rushing forward, Greninja hit Sivally with an onslaught of lightning quick strikes before kicking it back.
Nhazul: Alright, Silvally, use-
Suddenly, Nhazul fell to his knee panting, as the Syncro form dispelled, as Greninja, Eevee and Silvally checked on him.
Eevee: Vee?
Nhazul: Y-Yeah... I'm alright...
Greninja: Kouga.
Nhazul looked up at Greninja and sighed.
Nhazul: Yeah... I guess we should take a break... We've been at this all morning, but it doesn't feel as if we're getting closer...
Nhazul began clinching his fist tightly, which Greninja noticed.
Greninja: Kouga.
Nhazul: Y-Yeah...
Elsewhere, Lana was practicing making balloons with Brionne.
Lana: Now, Brionne! Balloon!
Brionne proceeded to make multiple multi colored balloons that floated up into the air.
Lana: Great job, Brionne!
Brionne: Brionne!
Growlth: Growl!
Sandy: Poreon!
Looking at something in the distance, Sandy started making it's way over to it, confusing Lana.
Lana: Sandy? Where are you going?
Going after Sandy, Lana, Brionne and Growlth all started looking for it.
Lana: Sandy? Geez, where did you go?
Looking around, Lana noticed Nhazul.
Lana: Huh? Isn't that Nhazul over there? And Sandy is with him too.
Walking over, Lana noticed Nhazul was asleep, leaning on a sleeping Silvally, with Greninja sleeping on a rock, and Eevee sleeping on Nhazul's lap. Lana then saw Sandy had his head laying on Nhazul's lap.
Lana: Looks like they're having a good nap. It be bad if I woke them up. I guess I'll wait for them to wake up.
Lana, along with Growlth and Brionne proceeded to sit next Nhazul while he napped, and then looked out towards the ocean.
Lana: The weather sure is nice today.
Growlth: Growl!
Brionne: Brio.
Lana looked back at Nhazul sleeping, blushing slightly.
Lana's thoughts: Nhazul looks really cute when he's asleep...
Looking at a sleeping Nhazul, Lana began yawning herself.
Lana: Oh... I'm getting sleepy just from looking at him...
Sometime later, Nhazul began to stir awake feeling extra weight on him.
Nhazul's thoughts: Huh...? What's with all this extra weight...?
Nhazul opened his eyes and saw Brionne, Growlth and Sandy sleeping around him.
Nhazul: Huh? Lana's Pokémon? What are they-
Nhazul then looked over and saw Lana sleeping on his chest, surprising him and making him blush slightly.
Nhazul: L-Lana...? Why are you sleeping here?
Lana started to stir awake, getting up, rubbing her eyes.
Lana: Nhazul?
Lana started blushing, realizing Nhazul was now awake.
Lana: Did I fall asleep?!
Nhazul: Seems like it. Anyway, what are you doing here?
Lana: Oh, uh, I was looking for Sandy and I found it sleeping with you. I didn't want to wake you, so I was going to wait for you to wake up. But I guess I ended falling asleep too. I'm sorry...
Nhazul: N-No, it's alright, really.
Lana: But I bothered you when you were taking a nap.
Nhazul: I'm not bothered, really. Besides, it looks like you were having a good nap too.
Lana: Y-Yeah...
(Timeskip)
Currently, everyone was at the Pokémon center where they greeted by Hapu, who had saw Kiawe's new Z Crystal. Along with Nhazul, who had been training with his sister's Pokémon.
Hapu: Why, is this not... A Flying Z Crystal?!
Ash: Kiawe's new Z Move was so cool!
Mallow: I wish I got to see it too! Your, um...
Kiawe: Supersonic Skystrike! Yesterday, I surprised myself!
Hapu: Does that mean you conquered Tapu Fini's Trial? I wish dearly that I mar be accepted as Island Kahuna soon.
Kiawe: It's all thanks to my grandfather.
Serena: Grandfather?
Kiawe: During my battle with Tapu Lele, I recalled my late grandfather's words. And then our power welled up...
Ash then looked over and saw a magazine with an older man on it, surprising him.
Ash: This old man, Kiawe...! Look, it's the guy we met yesterday!
Kiawe: You're right!
Hapu: Is my grandfather familiar to you?
Ash and Kiawe: "My grandfather"?!
Rotom Dex: You mean the Island Kahuna before the last one?!
Kiawe: No, look, we met this guy yesterday!
Sophocles: Can't it have been someone else? I mean Hapu's grandfather is already...
Ash: But I know it was this old guy! He was doing crazy well, too!
Hapu: That must be Tapu Fini's power.
Everyone: Huh?
Hapu: The Guardian Deity at the Ruins of Paradise, Tapu Fini possesses the mystical power to grant the living audience with those who have passed.
As soon as Hapu said that, Nhazul and Mallow's eyes widened. As Sonia's Pokémon all looked surprised.
Mallow: Huh...?
Nhazul: ...
Both Lana and Serena immediately noticed Nhazul and Mallow's reactions, as Lillie spoke up.
Lillie: So it was true... My brother, Gladion said that his reason for coming to meet Tapu Fini was to meet our deceased father.
Hapu: I understand.
Lillie: Hapu, do you believe that Tapu Fini will let us meet our father?
Hapu: I very well understand how you feel... But you must be cautious. Some have found themselves unable to return from the world within Tapu Fini's mist, where this world and the next intersect. When they finally reunite with those they wish to meet, the inevitable second parting to be faced becomes all the more painful. The ones who can't endure this pain will be forever trapped within the mist...
Suddenly, Mallow began stepping back slowly.
Mallow: Sorry... I... I'm going to go outside for a bit...
Mallow proceeded to walk outside, as everyone watched her leave.
Lillie: Did Mallow have someone, too...?
Lana just looked down saddened.
Lana: Back when Mallow was little, her mom fell ill, and...
Lana proceeded to walk out as well, before everyone noticed Nhazul was also gone.
Kiawe: Wait, Nhazul's gone too.
Serena: Yeah... He walked out a few minutes ago... You see... Nhazul's-
Ash: His big sister, Aya.
Serena looked at Ash surprised.
Serena: How do you...?
Lillie: When we first met Nhazul's mother, she informed us of everything...
Serena: ...
Elsewhere, currently Nhazul was outside, looking out in the distance towards the sea.
Nhazul: ...
Serena: So this is where went.
Nhazul didn't say anything, as Serena had found him and walked up behind him.
Nhazul: ...
Serena: Nhazul... I know what's going through your head right now, but-
Nhazul: And I already know what you're going to say... And my answer is no...
Serena: This is something you need, Nhazul.
Nhazul: No it isn't... all I need is for this conversation to end...
Serena: You need closure, Nhazul! I know how you feel, but you can't keep going on like this! If you had the chance to see her , to talk to her , then-
Nhazul: SHUT UP!!! Just shut the hell up, Serena!
Serena looked at Nhazul surprised, as he turned back to her, tears welling up in his eyes.
Nhazul: You know how I feel...? Tell me... How do you know how I feel?! How?! It's not like you ever had a sibling in the first place!
Serena: ...
Nhazul: You're an only child! YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING!!!! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, HUH?!
Serena: ...
Serena didn't saying anything, looking down.
Nhazul: I'm suffering now because I had those ties! HOW THE HELL COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO LOSE THAT?!?! HUH?!
Serena didn't say anything, looking down before she spoke up.
Serena: You're right... I am an only child... But... I know... I know because Aya was like a big sister to me too...!
Serena then looked up at Nhazul angrily with tears streaming down her face.
Serena: Do you think you were the only one who was effected by Aya's death?! I loved Aya just like you! She treated me like a little sister, regardless if we were related! But I know how much you loved her, how much you looked up to her! I know how much pain you were in because of her death, which is why I tried to be there for you, which is why I want you to find closure, but all you're doing IS SHUTTING ME OUT!!! Just like you did before!!!
Serena then proceeded to storm off away from Nhazul, as the others, including Sonia's Pokémon had all overheard the argument. Seeing Serena walk off, Nhazul looked down, but returned looking out into the distance.
Nhazul then proceeded to clinch his fist tightly, to the point they started bleeding.
Nhazul: ...
Watching from after, the Shiny Tapu Fini had heard everything as well.
Shiny Tapu Fini: ...
(Timeskip)
It's later in the day, and everyone was currently following Hapu to her house, to help her work on the farm and spend the night.
Hapu: It has been a very long time since having so many guests stay over. This is quite exciting!
Lillie: We're happy to be here!
Eevee then looked at Nhazul, nuzzling his face.
Eevee: Vee?
Nhazul: I'm fine, Eevee.
Suddenly, Glaceon jumped onto his other shoulder, catching him off guard.
Glaceon: Glace.
Sonia's other Pokémon all crowded around him, making him sigh.
Nhazul: I'm fine, all of you, really...
Nhazul said, looking over at Serena, who was currently talking to Lillie.
Nhazul: ...
Serena then took a glance back at Nhazul, before returning to Lillie.
Serena: ...
Upon reaching Hapu's farm, everyone proceeded to help her with all the farm work, surprised by how much work it was.
Mallow: I can't believe she does this on her own all the time...
Lana: Hapu's incredible!
Suddenly, without warning a thick layer of mist began to surround everyone, surprising them.
Hapu: Could this perhaps be... Tapu Fini's mist?!
Hapu then looked towards where everyone was, looking for them.
Hapu: Are you all there?! Heed my call!
Serena: Hapu?
Lana: Where are you?
Sophocles: I'm over here!
Kiawe: Don't move! We're coming to you!
Serena, Lana, Kiawe and Sophocles all made their way over to Hapu.
Sophocles: The weather was so nice until just now...
Kiawe: This is just like the mist from yesterday.
Hapu: Where are the rest?
Everyone looked around and saw Nhazul, Ash, Lillie and Mallow were missing.
Hapu: Nhazul! Mallow! Lillie! Ash! Can you hear my voice?! Respond to my call!
Serena: They're all gone...
Hapu: They have been trapped within Tapu Fini's mist... They all could be near, yet at the same time beyond our reach. Somewhere they may reunite with one who has departed this world...
Sophocles: Lillie said she wanted to see her father, didn't she?
Lana: Mallow muse have wanted to see her mom!
Kiawe: Then what about Ash? Does Ash have somebody he wants to see in the mist, too?
Serena: And Nhazul and his sister...
Serena's thoughts: Despite what you said, deep down you really do want to see her..
Elsewhere, currently, Nhazul, Eevee, Latias and Sonia's Pokémon were walking around aimlessly within the mist.
Eevee: Vee...
Nhazul: What happened...? How did we even end up here?
As they continued to walk around, they're suddenly stopped by the sound of a voice of a Pokémon.
???: Tios.
Everyone proceeded to look back, as Nhazul and Latias's eyes widened completely shocked to see Latias's older brother, Latios.
Latios: Latios.
Nhazul: What...?
Eevee: Vee?
Latias: Latias!!!
Without warning, Latias flew over to her brother, hugging him tightly, as he did the same.
Latias: Tias! Latias!
Latios: Latios.
Nhazul: Latios...
Latios looked over at Nhazul, smiling at him. Nhazul walked up to it, petting its head, smiling.
Latios: Tios.
Nhazul: It's good to see you again. But...How are you-
Nhazul's eyes widened completely and utterly shocked, remembering what Hapu had said earlier.
Nhazul: Wait... This is... Tapu Fini's mist...! That means...
???: Oh my god... You've gotten so big! There's no way you're my crybaby, baby brother.
Hearing the voice, Nhazul and Sonia's Pokémon's eyes widened. Looking behind them, they were met by Aya, completely and utterly shocking them, as she smiled at them.
Aya: Hiya! Long time no see!
Upon seeing their trainer after so many years, they all immediately rushed towards her, tears within all their eyes, tackling her to the ground, hugging and nuzzling her, making her smile and laugh.
Aya: It's been so long! I've missed you guys!
Greninja then walked up to Aya, as she looked at it and smiled.
Aya: Greninja! Long time no see.
Greninja began tearing up his self, nodding.
Greninja: Kouga!
Nhazul: ...
Suddenly, a black blur flew past behind Nhazul, releasing Garchomp, Lucario and Silvally, surprising him.
Nhazul: All of you?
Upon noticing Nhazul's Pokémon, Aya looked completely shocked.
Aya: Oh my god, are these all your Pokémon?
Aya walked over and first grabbed Eevee, surprising her.
Aya : You have an Eevee too? I remember when I first caught my Eevee.
Aya then started cuddling Eevee, making her smile.
Eevee: Vee! Eevee!
Aya looked over at at Latias and Latios.
Aya: Awe, no way! You caught a Latias too? That's impressive.
Aya began petting Latias, as she nuzzled her face.
Latias: Tias!
Aya: Aww, you're so adorable! The way you're smiling, Nhazul must be taking really good care of you.
Garchomp: Gar!
Aya then turned her attention to Garchomp, surprised, as she started scratching it's head.
Aya: Are you really are the Gible aunt Cynthia gave Nhazul?! I can't believe he raised you up into a Garchomp! He did such a great job.
Garchomp proceeded to playfully bite on Aya's head. Sonia then turned her attention to Lucario and Silvally.
Aya: You have a Lucario, too? I guess we really like taking Pokémon from their teams.
Lucario: Cario?
Aya then looked at Silvally.
Aya: And I've never seen a Pokémon like this before. I wish I came across one during my journey.
Aya started rubbing Silvally's head, and petting Lucario's as well.
Lucario: Cario...
Silvally: Vally...
Aya: I can tell he's raised you with such love and care. It's still strange, because he used to be such a crybaby.
Nhazul: ...
Aya just sighed and finally turned her attention to Nhazul.
Sonia: Hey, are you just going to stand there and ignore me the entire time? It's not every day your favorite big sister comes back from the dead to see you , you know.
Nhazul didn't say anything, turning away from her, making her pout.
Nhazul: ...
Aya: Oh, I see what's going on here. You're at that age, I forgot. The age when you don't want to be bothered by anyone, huh?
Nhazul: ...
Aya looked at Nhazul with a devastated look.
Aya: Oh no... I feared this day would come...The day you'd stop adoring me... I remember when you were little and were attached to my hip. You were so cute!
Nhazul started to get more frustrated, clinching his fists, which the Pokémon noticed. As Sonia continued to talk, putting her hands on his shoulders.
Aya: "Big sister, can we go here today?" "Big sister, can we take pictures before you leave?" "Big sister, I love you " Oh, how I'll miss those days...
Nhazul: STOP IT!!!!!
Aya: Huh?
Aya looked at Nhazul confused, as he turned to face her, slapping her hand away from him.
Nhazul: STOP ACTING LIKE EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT!!! I'TS NOT!!!
Nhazul then started clinching his fists even more, looking down.
Nhazul: How...? How can you stand there and act like everything is fine...? I killed you... I MURDERED YOU!!!! I robbed you of accomplishing your dreams...!!! So why...? Why...?
Nhazul then looked up towards Aya, tears streaming down his face, with a face full of guilt.
Nhazul: WHY DON'T YOU HATE ME?! Why aren't you cursing me?! Why aren't you blaming me...? Why aren't you saying it should've been me...?!?!
Nhazul just fell to his knees, looking down at the ground.
Nhazul: WHY?! WHY...?! Why...?
Aya just looked at Nhazul, kneeling down to him, smiling.
Aya: Do you really need to ask why? It's because I love you.
Hearing Aya say that, Nhazul's eyes widened, as he looked up at her.
Nhazul: Huh...?
Aya: I said it's because I love you. No matter what kind of dream or goal I have or ever had, if giving it up was the price I needed to pay to protect you and keep you safe, then I'd 100% pay it without a second thought. Because you're more important to me then any dream, any goal, any trophy,any praise, any title, any rank. There's an endless amount of opportunities for them, but there can only be one of you. Something irreplaceable. And nothing in this world could ever replace you. My favorite little brother.
Nhazul just looked at his sister at a loss for words, tears continuing to stream down his face.
Aya: So please stop. Let go of all the guilt you've been holding onto for all these years. You didn't kill me. You are no murderer. I didn't die because of that. I died doing the job I was given 16 years ago. Protect my baby brother no matter what. And that's exactly what I did, and what I'm going to do again.
Even more tears began streaming down Nhazul's face, as he broke down and hugged Aya tightly, crying into her chest.
Nhazul: Big sister! Big sister! Big sister!
Aya just smiled, hugging Nhazul back.
Aya: You said you robbed me of my dreams, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. My dream is alive and well, within you.
Nhazul: Huh?
Aya: I do agree with dad to a certain extent, I wish you didn't give up your original dream of photography, for the sake of mine. But you were able to find a new dream. Although originally not your own, you've come to make it yours. Our dream is now one in the same, and I know you'll achieve it. For the both of us.
Nhazul: Big sister...
Suddenly, the mist slowly started disappear, as Aya began to glow, making her sigh and stand up. Seeing this, Nhazul and the Pokémon all looked shocked.
Nhazul: Big sister!
Aya: I guess my time is up.
Aya looked towards all the Pokémon, both hers and Nhazul's.
Aya: All of you. Please keep looking after my baby brother. I know he can be a handful at times, but he means well.
All of the Pokémon, with tears in their eyes all nodded in agreement. As they did, Aya looked at Nhazul and Greninja.
Aya: And one last thing, Nhazul. Word to to the wise. Believe in Greninja.
Nhazul looked at Aya confused.
Nhazul: Huh?
Aya: You're having issues with that transformation. Synchro Evolution is what it's called, right?
Nhazul just looked at Aya surprised.
Nhazul: You know about that...?
Aya: Of course I do. And the problem is right here.
Aya said, pointing at Nhazul's heart.
Aya: Deep down within your heart, you still have doubts.
Nhazul: Doubts?
Aya: Yeah. Doubts of being worthy enough to be Greninja's partner. In the back of your mind, you believe Greninja doesn't truly think you can do this. Believing he only came with out an obligation to look after you for me. But the truth is, Greninja has complete faith in you. He knows you have what it takes to make our dream come true. Because if he didn't, obligation or not, he'd never would have gone with you to begin with.
Nhazul looked at Greninja surprised, as he nodded at him.
Aya: Believe in Greninja. Trust him the same way he trusts you.
As Aya began to glow even more, she brought Nhazul into one final hug.
Aya: I'm always with you little brother.
Nhazul tearing up again, hugged Aya back
Nhazul: Big sis...
Aya: Even if you don't see me, my heart is always with you, mom, dad, aunt Cynthia and even the Pokémon.
Breaking the hug, Nhazul, along with all the Pokémon smiled at Aya.
Nhazul: Right. I love you, big sister..!
Aya then smiled at all of them as well.
Aya: Yeah. I love you too, little brother. Tell everyone, including Serena and Margo that I love them too.
Nhazul: Right!
Keeping the smile on her face, Aya proceeded to disappear, Latias looked at her brother, seeing him disappear as well. Before he did, he held out his hand to Latias, with her smiling, doing the same, tearing up, saying their goodbyes.
Latios: Tios.
Latias: Tias!
Disappearing along with Sonia, the mist disbursed, to reveal Ash, Lillie and Gladion at Hapu's farm.
Lillie: Are we...?
Nhazul: Lillie! Gladion!
Lillie and Gladion: Nhazul/ Son of Dark King!
Kiawe: Look!
The others made their to Nhazul, Ash, Lillie and Gladion.
Kiawe: You're okay!
Sophocles: We were so worried about you!
Mallow: Everyone!
Everyone looked over and saw Mallow walking over, holding a Shaymin.
Lana: Mallow! What a relief!
Rotom Dex: That's the Mythical Pokémon, Shaymin!
Mallow: Shaymin?
Rotom Dex: Shaymin. Gratitude Pokémon. Grass Type. When it curls up it's body, it looks like flowers. When Geacidea flowers are in season, it changes forms and flies off to deliver feelings of gratitude.
Mallow lifted up Shaymin, smiling at it.
Mallow: Will you stay with me until you fly off?
Shaymin: Shaymin!
Mallow: Thank you!
Lana: Shaymin is so cute!
Mallow: I met my mom!
Lana looked at Mallow surprised, before smiling at her.
Lana: That's great!
Serena looked over at Mallow, before looking back at Nhazul, as he did the same, before looking down.
Serena: ...
Nhazul: Serena... I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry for everything I said to you earlier. You were only trying to help, and I did exactly what you said. I pushed you away...
Serena: No... It's alright. I know you didn't mean any of what you said. You were just upset. I get it.
Nhazul: Still... I won't do it again. I won't push you away. I promise. So, can you forgive me?
Serena looked at Nhazul, before smiling at him.
Serena: Of course. Did you see Aya?
Nhazul: Yeah. I did. And she told me to tell you she loved you.
Serena looked at Nhazul surprised, before smiling and tearing up. Ash then walked up to Nhazul with an excited look.
Ash: Nhazul! We met Stoutland!
Nhazul looked at Ash surprised.
Nhazul: Stoutland?! You mean Torracat's friend?
Ash: Yeah!
Lillie and Gladion both looked down disappointed.
Lillie: We...
Gladion: Why didn't dad appear?
Hapu: Is it not because he still lives?
Everyone looked over and saw Hapu walking up.
Hapu: The fact that you couldn't see him, despite your strong desire to do so, means that your father still lives, somewhere in this vast, vast world.
Both Lillie and Gladion looked completely and utterly shocked.
Lillie: Somewhere in this vast world...
Gladion: We have to tell mom!
Lillie: As quickly as possible!
Gladion called out his Silvally, getting ready to leave, but Hapu quickly stopped him.
Hapu: Gladion. When you next set foot on Poni Island, you may undertake my Grand Trial!
Everyone looked at Hapu surprised, when she said Grand Trial.
Serena: "Grand Trial"?
Sophocles: Doesn't that mean...?
Hapu: Tapu Fini has accepted me as the Island Kahuna.
Lana: The explosive brith of an Island Kahuna!
Mallow: Congratulations, Hapu!
Lillie: Congratulations!
Ash: Well, then, please let me take your Grand Trial right now, Island Kahuna!
Nhazul: ...-_-... You are so impatient...
Hapu: Thar he is. The Grand Trial must wait until I have completed the ritual to become the Island Kahuna.
Ash: Okay, after that then?
Hapu looked at Ash and smiled.
Hapu: I accept your challenge.
Hapu then looked at Nhazul.
Hapu: I look forward to our battle as well, Nhazul.
Nhazul: Yeah. I am too.