Three weeks later, the sun rose gently over Melemele Island, painting the horizon in streaks of orange and gold. The sound of Wingull cries echoed above the villa's wooden balcony where Tharion stood, tightening the straps on his travel case.
The air was warmer here — alive with the heartbeat of the islands.
The Island Trials had ended only a day ago. Each Kahuna had tested him to his limits, but Tharion had cleared them all — from the raging infernos of Wela Volcano to the haunting glow of Ula'ula's mountains. His name had spread fast across Alola; the foreign Champion who completed every Grand Trial in record time, all while holding back the full power of his Pokémon.
Now, it was time to leave.
Selene sat near the window, cradling Aster, who had grown noticeably in just a month. His small fingers now curled around her hair, eyes gleaming with an unusual clarity — one that reminded Tharion of his own fierce determination.
"Hard to believe it's already been three weeks," Selene murmured softly. "It almost feels like the islands themselves didn't want us to leave."
Tharion smiled faintly, fastening the last buckle on his travel belt. "They'll remember our visit — especially the volcano."
As if summoned by that memory, Charizard's Poké Ball trembled faintly at his side. The dragon still burned with the thrill of his last trial, where he'd claimed the Charizard-exclusive Z-Crystal deep within the Wela Volcano's heart.
That trial had been… extraordinary.
Tharion remembered standing on a rocky precipice as molten lava glowed beneath him, the air thick with heat and primal energy. The trial had demanded that a bond stronger than flame itself awaken within trainer and Pokémon. And in that searing crucible, Charizard had responded — unleashing a blazing vortex that split the very peak, a sight that left even the Fire Kahuna speechless.
When the light faded, a small shard hovered above the lava — a crystal in the shape of a burning wing.
"Charizardium Z obtained."
But that wasn't the only surprise.
Two nights later, during a quiet meditation session at the villa, a faint pulse had stirred in his Z-Ring. When Tharion lifted his hand, a shadow emerged — Darkrai's essence flickered in the moonlight, leaving behind a second, unique crystal that glowed with a deep, swirling black hue.
Even Professor Samson Oak and Alolan Kahuna Hala had been stunned.
"There's no record of this kind of Z-Crystal," Samson had said, adjusting his glasses. "It's not typed, it's personal. Like the crystal itself was formed from your bond with Darkrai."
"Which means," Hala had added gravely, "the energy of the world truly is changing. You're proof of it."
Now those ten Z-Crystals — eight type-based and two special — rested carefully in a velvet-lined case beside Tharion's travel bag. Each pulsed faintly with resonance, responding to the G-Max Band and Z-Ring he wore.
He turned toward Selene. "We'll depart tomorrow at dawn. Samson's arranged the transport back to Kanto."
Selene smiled, gently brushing a strand of hair from Aster's forehead. "He'll miss the ocean sounds," she said softly.
Tharion walked closer, crouching beside them. "Then I'll build him a place by the sea when we return. Somewhere calm — away from everything."
Aster gurgled, reaching for his father's finger again. For a fleeting moment, Tharion's stoic face softened.
Outside, Gardevoir and Lucario supervised the other Pokémon as they loaded equipment. Charizard rested on the sand, watching the sunset's reflection ripple across the water, its tail flame burning brighter in contentment.
From behind, a voice called — jovial and familiar. "Packing up already, eh? Didn't even give Alola a chance to throw you a farewell party!"
Samson Oak approached with his usual grin, holding a folder of papers. "You've officially broken our trial records — fastest completion, most Z-Crystals acquired, and… the first to manifest a personalized Z-Crystal. I'm sending that report to Samuel right away."
Tharion nodded with a faint smirk. "Tell him not to faint this time."
Samson laughed, slapping his back. "Man, you're something else. The islands won't forget the name Tharion anytime soon."
As the evening breeze swept across the villa, the faint shimmer of the two unique Z-Crystals — Charizardium Z and Darkraium Z — glowed together, pulsing in rhythm.
Gardevoir turned to Tharion, her telepathic voice soft and reverent. "Master, the crystals' aura… it feels alive. Like they're calling to something beyond this world."
Tharion glanced up at the crimson horizon, his expression unreadable. "Then we'll follow the call when it comes. Until then… we rest."
The waves broke softly against the shore, the sound mingling with the distant cry of a Dragonite soaring across the setting sun.
Tomorrow, they would return home.But tonight, Alola burned with the last embers of their legend.
The night breeze rolled through Professor Samson Oak's house, carrying with it the sound of distant drums from Melemele's shore. The stars shimmered brighter than usual, and the scent of roasted Oran-berry stew filled the air as laughter echoed around the dinner table.
Tharion sat at the low table, Selene beside him, gently rocking a drowsy Aster in her arms. Across from them, Professor Kukui dug into his plate, grinning between mouthfuls.
"Man, I still can't believe it's already over," Kukui said, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "Clearing all the Island and Grand Trials in just three weeks… you might've just set a record Alola won't ever break!"
Selene smiled, though her gaze lingered on Aster's sleeping face. "He didn't do it for fame. He wanted to understand the Z-Energy of this region."
Samson chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Well, he got more than he bargained for! Two personal Z-Crystals, a new phenomenon no one's ever seen, and half the Kahunas still talking about that volcano explosion!"
Tharion allowed himself a faint smile, the flicker of amusement hidden behind his usual composure. He reached over and adjusted the blanket covering Aster. "It's peaceful nights like these that make it worth it."
But then —
A flash of golden lightning tore across the sky.
The entire room flickered white for an instant, the windows rattling as an electric hum filled the air. Kukui dropped his fork mid-bite. "Whoa! That's not a storm—"
Selene turned sharply, clutching Aster closer. "Tharion…"
Tharion was already standing, eyes narrowing toward the window. The faint silhouette of something glowing — jagged and divine — hovered outside. Sparks danced around its mask-like face as the guardian of Melemele Island descended, its cry echoing like thunder over the sea.
Tapu Koko.
The deity's voice resonated not through words, but through presence — powerful, commanding, ancient.
"Tharion of another world. Bearer of the crystal forged by fire and shadow. Prove your strength to me."
Tharion's gaze hardened. "So, you've been watching."
Tapu Koko's eyes blazed brighter. "You carry the fire of trial, yet I sense no true resonance. Show me the bond between your soul and flame."
Before anyone could speak, the guardian lifted its arms, lightning flashing across the beach.
Kukui stood, stunned. "He's… he's challenging you!"
Samson, already fumbling for his camera drone, exclaimed, "The island guardian's calling for battle? This is history in the making!"
Tharion stepped out into the night, Charizard's Poké Ball already in hand. The electric god hovered over the water, sparks dancing from its shield-like wings.
Selene watched from the doorway, Aster in her arms. "Be careful…"
Tharion nodded once, tossing the Poké Ball high. "Charizard! Ignite the night!"
A burst of flame erupted into the air as Charizard emerged, roaring, its wings fanning out in challenge. The dragon's tail flared brighter than the lightning behind him.
Tapu Koko tilted its head — a spark of excitement flickering in its eyes. "Show me your power, mortal flame."
Tharion raised his right hand. The Charizardium Z pulsed with fiery light."Kukui!" he shouted. "You've used Tapu powers before — lend me coordination!"
Kukui blinked, then nodded quickly. "Got it! You take the lead — I'll sync Tapu Koko's energy!"
At that, Tapu Koko produced a radiant crystal from its armor — Tapunium Z — and handed it to Kukui in a crackle of lightning.
"Use this to bridge my energy. Tonight, we test the future of Z-Energy itself."
Kukui's Z-Ring blazed as he positioned beside Tharion. The entire horizon lit up as both raised their arms in synchronization.
Samson Oak shouted over the wind, "This— this is incredible! The Guardian granting Tapunium Z for a mortal battle! Unprecedented!"
Children from the nearby Pokémon School — Mallow, Lillie, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles — had gathered at the edge of the sand, eyes wide in awe. The ground trembled beneath them.
Tharion exhaled slowly, feeling the synchronized surge between himself and Charizard. He raised his hand high."Let's go, Charizard! Burn through the heavens—"
The Charizardium Z flared, fire swirling like a miniature sun."Infernal Ascendance Overdrive!"
Flames erupted into the sky, surrounding Charizard as its form shifted — wings glowing molten gold, tail igniting into a blazing comet. Charizard roared, energy converging into its chest before exploding outward in a beam of pure inferno.
Tapu Koko answered in kind — lightning cascading like divine rain, forming a barrier of electric light.
The two forces collided, shaking the beach, parting clouds, and illuminating Alola's night like dawn.
When the light finally subsided, Tapu Koko hovered amid smoke and steam, its armor cracked slightly — but its laughter echoed like thunder.
"You honor Melemele's spirit. The flame and shadow within you burn with truth."
It hovered closer to Tharion, the air buzzing around its form."Protect this world as you have others. When the next guardian calls, you will be ready."
With that, it turned into a streak of golden light and vanished into the stars.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Samson Oak shouted, "I GOT IT ALL RECORDED!" waving his camera drone like a trophy.
Kukui exhaled, staring at the empty sky, still glowing faintly with residual energy. "That… was the most incredible thing I've ever seen."
Selene smiled softly from the doorway, Aster asleep against her chest once more. "He never stops surprising the world."
Tharion turned to her, lowering his arm as the Z-Ring's glow dimmed. "The world keeps testing me," he said quietly. "But tonight, it learned I'll always answer."
Charizard stood beside him, tail flickering proudly against the moonlit sea.
And somewhere in the night sky, lightning still danced — as if Tapu Koko watched from above, pleased with the warrior it had chosen to acknowledge.
The last flicker of lightning faded beyond the horizon, leaving only the sound of the waves and the faint crackle of embers where Charizard's flames had scorched the sand. The moon emerged once more, soft and serene, as if Alola itself was exhaling after witnessing the duel of legends.
Tapu Koko was gone — the guardian's light now only a faint echo in the air.
Tharion exhaled slowly, lowering his glowing arm as the Charizardium Z returned to dormancy. Charizard turned its gaze skyward, rumbling low in pride before bowing its head toward its master.
From the edge of the shore, Samson Oak was still trying to calm his shaking camera drone. "I got it! I got every single frame!" he shouted gleefully. "This is going to rewrite half of Alolan mythology!"
Kukui laughed breathlessly beside him, still feeling the residual Z-Energy ripple through his veins. "Man, that was wild! I've never seen Tapu Koko so fired up — or so pleased! You sure know how to make a statement, Tharion!"
Tharion offered a small nod, his expression composed yet faintly warm. "He tested my resolve. I gave him an answer."
Selene stepped forward from the veranda, Aster sleeping peacefully in her arms once more, the storm now long gone. The night had returned to stillness.
And then — the sound of running footsteps.
Five figures appeared at the far end of the beach, their silhouettes outlined by moonlight — Mallow, Lillie, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles, still in their Pokémon School uniforms, their eyes wide with excitement.
"Professor Kukui!" Mallow called out, voice bright with awe. "Was that really Tapu Koko?! The guardian actually showed up?"
Kukui turned with a grin. "Sure was, Mallow. And you all just missed one of the most intense battles this island's seen in years!"
Lana's blue eyes sparkled. "We saw the light from the town! The whole sky turned gold! Was that— was that a Z-Move?"
Kiawe, fists clenched, looked nearly vibrating with energy. "That wasn't just a Z-Move. I felt the power from half a mile away! Who was fighting Tapu Koko?! I wanna battle them next!"
Kukui chuckled, gesturing toward Tharion, who stood quietly beside Charizard. "Kids, meet the man of the hour — Tharion. He's not just any trainer… he's the Champion of three regions: Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn."
All five students gasped in unison.
"Champion?!" Mallow exclaimed.
Sophocles adjusted his glasses, stammering. "T-three regions?! But that's— no one's ever—!"
Lillie blinked, stepping closer with her usual gentle curiosity. "You're… the Tharion Professor Oak mentioned in his lectures, aren't you? The one who mastered G-Max and Mega Evolution both?"
Tharion inclined his head politely. "That's correct."
Kiawe's eyes blazed with admiration. "Man, you're amazing! I can't believe someone like you's here in Alola!"
Before Tharion could reply, Mallow's curious gaze shifted toward the veranda — where Selene stood with Aster. Her expression softened instantly.
"And who's this?" Mallow asked with a grin. "She's beautiful! Is she your wife?"
Selene's cheeks flushed pink at the sudden attention, but she smiled politely. "Yes," she said softly, rocking Aster gently. "I'm Selene."
Lillie, eyes bright, stepped closer, fascinated by the sleeping baby. "He's so tiny! What's his name?"
Selene looked down with warmth glowing in her eyes. "Aster. He's just twelve days old."
"Wow…" Lana whispered, crouching slightly to look closer. "He's adorable! Look at those tiny hands…"
The three girls — Lillie, Mallow, and Lana — couldn't resist gently touching Aster's blanket, their smiles soft and full of wonder.
Selene giggled softly. "Careful, he's a light sleeper."
But to everyone's surprise, Aster stirred only slightly before curling back into his mother's arms, his small hand gripping her pendant — a gift from Tharion himself.
Kukui chuckled as he watched the scene. "Looks like even Alola's next generation knows how to respect a strong bond — in battle and in family."
Mallow grinned teasingly. "Well, it looks like the Champion of three regions is also a full-time dad now!"
That earned a rare smirk from Tharion. "A title I wear with more pride than any other."
Kiawe laughed. "Man, that's awesome! Strongest trainer and a dad — you're like the definition of goals!"
Sophocles nervously added, "Um… Mr. Tharion, sir, do you think— maybe someday we could— you know— see one of your battles up close?"
Tharion's gaze softened slightly. "If you train hard and earn your place… I don't see why not."
The five children exchanged looks of awe and excitement, whispering to each other in disbelief.
Behind them, Samson Oak closed his recording drone and sighed with satisfaction. "This is going straight into the archives," he said proudly. "Generations from now, they'll still talk about the night Tapu Koko acknowledged a Champion — and his family."
As the evening wind rustled the palm trees, Tharion turned back toward the sea — Charizard at his side, Selene behind him, and Aster asleep in her arms.
For a moment, the world felt perfectly still — peace after storm, fire after light.
And high above the waves, far beyond sight, a single spark of golden electricity flickered — a silent promise that Tapu Koko still watched over them.