Snow was falling across Mount Lanakila, adding to the beautiful white landscape. It was the only place in Alola that harbored so many ice type pokemon. One such group was currently locked in combat. A small pack of Sneasel were up against a gathering of Vulpix. Amidst them all, a single Weavile clashed with a Ninetales, and behind Ninetales was a red-haired girl, dressed in a fluffy, black coat with pants and boots. Weavile swiftly moved in, preparing to use Metal Claw.

"Ninetales!" Chloe called. "Dodge it, then use Dazzling Gleam!"

The fox pokemon ducked and dodged the multiple claw swipes of her opponent. She managed to jump back away from it before her body was enveloped by a rainbow of bright colors. She charged forward, slamming into the Weavile and knocking it out.

"Nine, ninetails nine."

All the Sneasel stopped, seeing their leader lying in the snow and hearing Ninetales's brave words. The group immediately picked up Weavile and fled, causing the Vulpix to cheer. Ninetales went to give each of them a lick and a nuzzle, remembering them all from when she lived there as a Vulpix. She was always the most quiet and timid of the bunch, and was always the victim of the Sneasels' harassment. But now, when her old friends needed help, she boldly stood up to defend them.

"Way to go, Ninetales." Chloe stroked her head with a smile. "You did a great job. Now all these Vulpix can live in peace."

The pokemon smiled with delight, swarmed by the Vulpix. "Ninetales nine."

Chloe crouched to pet all the Vulpix. "Now you all take care. We've got to get going."

The Vulpix cheerfully scampered away. Chloe returned Ninetales and called out Braviary, climbing onto his back. They took off, leaving Mount Lanakila behind.

Nearly a month had passed since the adventure to Nihilego's world. Alola had been peaceful ever since, and there hadn't been any more wormholes. Chloe and Gladion had traveled together for a bit, and the girl had even gone through her Island Challenge thanks to Gladion's encouragement. She not only wore a Key Stone on her armband, but she also had a Z-Ring on her left wrist, though she didn't use it much, still getting accustomed to it. After spending so long despising Z-Moves like Guzma, it was taking her time to accept using them. Though she had no trouble using the Key Stone, mostly because it was like a gift from her parents.

Chloe and Gladion had spent a lot of time together since their big mission, and they'd only gotten closer. But there were occasions when they'd split up---whenever Gladion had work to do at Aether or Chloe wanted to hang out with the goons she called family. They'd always meet up again to continue their adventures though.

"Let's hurry, Braviary," Chloe urged. "I didn't realize we were gone for so long."

"Bravi brav."

Gladion was waiting for her at the Ferry Terminal in Malie City. He'd recently been contacted by his family in Kanto---his mother and his sister were coming home, and with news on his father's whereabouts. Chloe had simply gotten distracted while visiting Ninetales' old home. She was excited, but also fairly nervous about meeting his family. There was always the fear that they wouldn't approve of her. She silenced those thoughts when they arrived at Malie City, and to her surprise, she saw a familiar man standing by the Apparel Shop.

"Daddy?" The ride pokemon landed, and Chloe hopped off, approaching Guzma. "What are you doing here?" She eyed the bag in his hand.

Guzma gave a kind smile. "You said you and Gladion might be going on a trip, right?"

Chloe was hesitant, half-expecting him to object. She nervously tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. "That's right. His family's coming back from Kanto, and they invited me to join them on a trip to find Gladion's dad."

"Well..." Guzma held out the bag to her. "I got you a little something for your trip. Some new clothes imported from a region called Galar, all for you, Princess."

Chloe gasped, peeking into the bag to indeed see some new clothes. "Whoa, they look so cool!" She grinned up at him before suddenly engulfing him in a hug. "Thank you, Daddy! You're the best! I'm going to go change right now!"

She excitedly returned Braviary and rushed into the shop, going straight to the dressing room. She got changed, checking out her new threads in the mirror. She was now in a pink mini dress with a studded black leather jacket and studded black boots. She still had her hair fixed up in a side ponytail, and her nails were painted black instead of the usual red, which matched the outfit. And she still wore her multilayered choker.

(This is the outfit, and yes, I know it's Marnie's clothes, but it fits so well with Chloe's style)

After stuffing her other clothes into the bag and exiting the shop, Guzma was there waiting for her with a smile. "Wow, don't you look pretty?"

She happily twirled for him, showing off her clothes. "Thanks, Daddy. I really appreciate it." She hugged him again. "So, you're really okay with letting me go?"

Guzma chuckled. "You'd go even if I didn't. Not like I can stop you. Besides, you're a big girl, you can decide for yourself." The girl giggled at him. "Come on, you don't want to be late."

He escorted her down to the Ferry Terminal where Gladion was waiting at the pier. Gladion was dressed up for the trip as well. He wore a white shirt with a black vest, black pants, and brown boots. He looked quite classy, and it made Chloe thankful that she got some fancier clothes as well.

(This is Gladion's outfit)

Chloe snuck up behind her boyfriend and covered his eyes with a smirk. "Guess who."

Gladion chuckled. "Chloe, you can't fool me." He removed her hands and turned around, gasping softly when he saw her. "Wow..." He looked her up and down. "You look beautiful." He kissed her cheek before noticing Guzma. "Guzma, didn't expect you to be here."

A light pink spread over Guzma's cheeks as he turned his head away. "Yeah...well...had to see my little girl off."

Gladion decided not to push him since he was actually kind enough to be there for his adopted daughter. "The ship will be here soon. We won't have to wait long."

The three of them talked for a bit, and Chloe was glad to see her boyfriend and her dad getting along. Just as Gladion had said, the boat arrived before long, pulling up to the dock. Chloe stayed close to the blond, nervous once people started crowding off the ship, but he reassured her by draping his arm around her shoulders.

"Gladion!" a light voice shouted through the crowd.

Gladion smiled when he saw his sister approaching. "Lillie! Over here!"

Dressed in a fancy white dress and hat, a blond girl stopped in front of them with a Vulpix in her arms. Chloe could tell just by her features that she was related to Gladion.

Lillie smiled brightly. "Gladion, Mother's treatment went very well. All of Nihilego's toxins are out of her system, and she made a full recovery. It was actually quite enjoyable to see her back to her old self again." Her gaze wandered over to the redhead. "Alola! You must be Chloe, my big brother told me all about you. It's nice to meet you. My name's Lillie, and this is my partner, Snowy."

"Vulpix!"

"Alola," Chloe replied with a smile. She reached out to pet Snowy, feeling the kindness and trust the pokemon had for its trainer. "Snowy really likes you, Lillie. I can tell."

The blond girl smiled in awe. "So it's true, you really can understand how pokemon feel! That's incredible!"

A sudden squeal filled the air, followed by a woman in an elegant blue dress sprinting through the crowd. It was Lusamine, and she wore a giddy grin as she rushed over. She abruptly pulled her son into a big hug.

(By the way, Lillie and Lusamine are both dressed up like this)

"My little Gladion has a girlfriend! I'm so happy for you!"

Gladion struggled out of her hold. "Mother..." He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Chloe's waist. "This is Chloe, the girl I told you about."

Chloe gave a timid smile and a wave, and Lusamine's gaze softened. "Yes, I remember you. Guzma brought you to Aether years ago. You're the girl that connects with pokemon on a deeper level." She smiled sadly. "I'm sorry for my behavior in the past. I was a different person back then."

Chloe shook her head. "It's okay. Let's just start over, please."

The woman nodded. "Yes, let's." She finally realized who was standing back behind the redhead. "Guzma, I've heard you've changed as well."

The man crossed his arms. "Same to you, Miss President. You look after my princess on your trip, got it?"

"Rest assured, Chloe will be fine with us," Lusamine told him. "I am glad to see you walking a new path though, Guzma. I'd say we've both become better since the last time we teamed up."

Guzma nodded in agreement. "You got me there." He looked at the redhead. "Chloe, be careful on your trip. I'll always be here in Alola waiting for you."

The girl looked up at him with a smile. "I know, Daddy. I'll miss you." She hugged him tight, and he returned it without hesitation. "I...I love you, Daddy."

Guzma blushed, and noticed her red face as well. "Love you too, Chloe," he quietly admitted.

When she released him, she waved as she turned to follow Gladion. They boarded the next ship, and Chloe stood at the railing, waving to Guzma. She slowly looked at Lusamine. "Is it really okay for me to come? This is a family matter, isn't it? Finding Gladion's dad?"

The woman smiled kindly. "It is. But you are dating my son, so consider yourself a part of our family."

That made the girl blush, and Gladion wrapped his arm around her with a smile. Chloe watched Guzma fade into the distance, along with the rest of Ula'ula Island. It was quite a new experience to leave Alola, but it was exciting. Wherever their investigation led them, she would gladly go anywhere with Gladion.