25 Chapter 25 : Ten Years Later

"Yosh.", a firm voice said, before a clicking sound of a suitcase echoed in his ears.

A rather tall man sporting wavy brown hair could be seen standing next to two singular beds in a loft, which overlooked the rest of the open floor house. A huge aquarium could be seen further down, housing several baby water Pokemon. A wide open living room was off to the south end, near the entrance.

Upon a closer look at this man, he was actually quite tall, reaching 6'5". He was more than half than the squirt he used to be ten years ago. His hair waved in strands off to the left. He wore an ocean blue Hawaiian shirt with white floral petal designs in shapes of Pokemon silhouettes. He wore tan shorts and black shoes.

As for his stature, his body appeared 1uite toned, but wasn't at the point to where he had a six-pack. Yet it still revealed he exercises quite a bit.

However, the most distinctive feature of this man was the white Professor's lab coat he was wearing and his tan skin, for being exposed to the sun a lot.

Yet this man was not Professor Kukui.

"Are you sure you packed everything, Itsuki?", a more feminine voice spoke out to him.

The figure next to him had extremely beautiful pale white skin and long wavy blonde hair going past her shoulders. Part of the hair on the back of her head was braided into a circle to make it more stylish.

It was obvious she was a girl. She wore a fancy sleeveless white shirt with a couple buttons under her neck. She combined that with a black dress skirt.

The man beside this girl was of course none other than Itsuki, appearing fifteen years of age. It was now beginning of year 2010. Itsuki was set to turn 15 in a couple days from now., and celebrate his last big 5.

"Of course. That was the last of it. Amber made sure of it, haven't you?", I said, extending my hand out to ruffle Amber's fur. Amber was currently laying on the bed next to the last packed suit case, who appeared to be a large foxlike creature having nine tails. Amber was pale purple and snowy white.

"Nine!", Amber responded, nuzzling her head against my hand happily. Seeing this, the the girl giggled.

"Hehe, you and Amber sure have gotten really close during these years we spent together. Has it already been ten years since you came to Alola?"

"Just about. I'm turning fifteen in a couple days. Besides, Amber and I aren't the only ones. You've gotten quite close with Snowy, haven't you, Lillie?", I said sneaking to the long blonde haired girl.

I then extend my hand out to the blue-white six tailed foxlike creature currently being held in the girl's arms. Rubbing it's head, she smiled happily.

"Vulpix!", Snowy yelled out happily letting her tails wag.

As for the girl, it was none other than Lillie, who has been staying with Itsuki during these passing years during his stay in Alola. One of the girls he had met at Summer Camp ten years ago.

"It's all thanks to you too, Itsuki. You really helped me overcome my fear of Pokemon, and I'll always be grateful for that. Snowy and I have become the best of friends!", Lillie replied with a smile.

"Vulpix!", Snowy yelled out happily in response again.

Seeing this, I nodded at her and retracted my hand.

"So, you think you're ready to start your Island Challenge then?", I asked her.

Lillie rested her spare hand on her chin, tilting her head a bit.

"I think so. But didn't we already decide on doing something before I start my own Island Challenge?", Lillie asked, confused.

"Eh?"

After I said that, Lillie immediately closed her eyes a bit and gave me a stare "Ji--", stare. (A/N : Not sure how to explain this suffix in English, so I'm just using the JP counterpart lol)

"Don't 'Eh' me, Itsuki. Don't tell me you forgot already?"

I smiled back at her after teasing a bit.

"Haha, of course not.", I said. I then reached into one of my pockets, only to pull out what appeared to be boarding passes to an airplane. There were three of them.

"Why else would we get a boarding pass for you, Lillie? You've always wanted to explore Kanto with me."

"Geez, don't tease me like that, Itsuki." , Lillie pouted.

However, a sound of a door opened resounded in the house they were in right now.

"Haha, having a lover's quarrel first thing in the morning?", an easygoing voice spoke out, soon revealing a tan figure wearing a Professor's lab coat. He could currently be seen holding hands with a similarly tanned white haired girl wearing a gray tank top and black pants.

"I-It's not like that!", Lillie retorted, letting her cheeks blush a bit. "Besides, Itsuki is already in a long distance relationship..."

"Haha, that is true. That girl Serena will definitely be in for a surprise once you two go visit her in person.", The white haired girl responded with a laugh.

"Right? Welcome back, Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet. Did you two finish grocery shopping?", I said with a smile.

"Of course. I'll whip us up a farewell breakfast like no tomorrow. It'll be ready in a jiffy!", Professor Burnet said, releasing Kukui's hands and taking the bags they were holding to the kitchen further inside. (A/N Burnet works at the Aether Foundation. Since I had Itsuki go there way before Ash did, I sped up her relationship with Kukui. They have not gotten married yet though like in the anime. Planning a special scene for that way later)

As Professor Burnet wandered off, Professor Kukui made his way up into the loft and saw Itsuki was all packed. Lillie also had her belongings ready as well.

'Still. Looks like you two are all set eh?"

"We sure are.", I replied.

"Yes.", Lillie also answered.

"Good.", Professor Kukui said acknowledging the two. He then looked at the two Pokemon around them as well.

"Has it really been ten years already since you've come here, Itsuki? Man your Ninetales sure grew up fine. Or wait, it's Amber now isn't it?"

"I still can't believe that much time has passed already. Amber was just a Vulpix back then but now she grew into a fine Ninetales. I'm not one who would hold back on an evolution unless one of my Pokemon absolutely wants to do that."

"Ninetales!", Amber said happily in response.

"Well, some trainers can be like that. You'll be starting your journey after making a quick stop at Kalos to pick up Serena, right? I also would of liked Lillie here to start her own Island Challenge first but looks like she wants to travel with you instead.", Professor Kukui said.

"That's the plan."

"I'm sorry, Professor. I'll definitely cone back to my own Island Challenge in the future. I really am grateful for you looking after us. I know Mother is a busy person. And since Itsuki decided to stay here with you guys instead of at the Aether House, I followed suit."

Hearing that, Professor Kukui smiled. He then walked toward us, and gave us a big hug.

"Nonsense. You two are family here. It's like looking over a son and daughter we never had. You two have your own families to return to, but you'll always be welcome."

"Professor...",, Lillie said, enjoying his hug.

"Thank you, Professor Kukui.", I also smiled at him.

"Ninetales!", Amber yelled out.

"Vulpix!", Snowy yelled out as well.

"Haha, can't forget you two either.", Professor Kukui laughed. "Since the packing is done and we still got time before your flight, let's go have some breakfast.

I nodded my head and we headed on down.

Several moment later, after many sounds of a chopping board being used, my last Alolan-style home cooked meal at Kukui's home was revealed before me. We ate a scrumptious meal, and our Pokemon had their fill as well.

I didn't forget to call over Mew who was playing around outside well. Ever since I came to Alola, I decided to reveal Mew to Professor Burnet and Professor Kukui. They were shocked to meet Mew like Mom was, but they accepted Mew. I decided to do that since I stayed ten years here where those two would constantly be around Me. I even went to Pokemon School in Alola.

I had recently graduated Pokemon School alongside Lillie and many Alolan natives. I had made friends all over the islands as well as the Aether House. It was sad for Ash, Gary, and Green since they expected me to go with them to School, but it would've been hard communing between regions just for that. They understood the situation.

It's been ten years since I came here, and I am no longer the same kiddo I was when I arrived. I now look like an adult, and I will legally be an adult in just a couple days. In this world, people become come of age at 15 after their last big 5 is celebrated. One must also turn 15 to start their journey.

But before then, we will make a quick trip to Kalos and surprise Serena and bring her to Kanto with Lillie and I.

And no shocker there, Serena and I started a long distance relationship. During my times off each year, every so often I would take a trip to Kalos to see her. The relationship actually didn't kick off until a couple years ago though. Up until then, we were only close friends.

Yet little does she know we're about to drop a bomb on her. Thankfully she did tell me she had no recent plans since she graduated from Pokemon School herself.

The reason why I had three boarding passes, one for me, one for Lillie, and one for Serena. I decided to extend my Kanto region travels to these two. I was thinking of travelling alone back then, but it's always more fun travelling alongside other people, no?

Concluding that thought, we finished breakfast and packed up Professor Kukui's car. Closing its trunk, we all got in.

The only bad thing is Ninetales's size after evolving. I can no longer carry her in my arms when we move about when changing regions so it was unfortunate, but I had to recall her into her ball for the flight. Lillie was lucky she still had Vulpix.

Mew also hid itself away from sight, but I could tell it was around my shoulder.

Before long we arrived at the closest airport on Melemele Island. We said our goodbyes, and once I start my own Island Challenge, we would be sure to visit them again.

We then proceeded to board the plane after checking in, and we lifted off. The plane vanished from sight.

*Loud airplane noises in sky*

"Off they go, eh?", Professor Kukui replied, looking at the plane soaring into the sky.

"Yes. We'll miss them, but I know the Little Professor will do well on his journey." Professor Burnet smiled.

"Little Professor, haha! Itsuki's always hated that title ever since the Kanto league accepted his thesis, becoming one of the youngest professors we know. Good thing you didn't say that when he was still here. It's ironic even, seeing how tall he became.", Professor Kukui said with a laugh.

"Right? Let's go home and double check to make sure Itsuki and Lillie didn't forget anything. I know they said they didn't, but you never know."

"Yeah.", Professor Kukui responded.

The two left the airport, and returned to Professor Kukui's lab, which was also their home.

I was now on my way toward Kalos, ready to surprise Serena and pick her up. From there, we will fly back to Kanto, celebrate my last big 5, and then choose my starter Pokemon to start my journey!

*

A/N : Aht here. Note down here today.

First chapter of Vol 2!

I had Itsuki evolve Vulpix.

Lots happened off screen during these ten years which will slowly be shown over time.

One major thing is Itsuki started dating Serena. I may show his confession in a side chapter at some point.

I also had him help Lillie overcome her fear of Pokemon, which is why she has Snowy already.

As such, she, alongside Serena, will be Itsuki's travelling partners during his Kanto journey.

Won't be long till Itsuki chooses his starter!

Power stones are appreciated as always. Don't forget to comment!

Love the support you guys are giving for the latest poll.

As it currently is, excluding the several same name votes, Cynthia is winning 60-40% compared to Lillie. I'm surprised s lot of people are supporting Lillie and I do too!

So don't hate me if I end up choosing Lillie =3=