I know it's been a long time since I left with Kahuna Hala, and even longer since I experienced that fiery personality of hers. I regretted leaving, seeing her face when Old Man Hala pulled me along, burned in my mind for the longest while. I tried to immerse myself in battling, so I could try to forget about her for a while. But how well do you think that went? Every time a new challenger approached, I thought of her. How she defeated me right there in that garden. 

I finally reached Red and Blue, the two legends at the head of the Battle Tree. But I wasn't strong enough. Golisopod and the others worked as hard as they possibly could, but we were still set back to zero. It's not them. It really is me. Usually, I'm focused and ready to go, but we all knew there was a problem. 

I knew I was getting distracted, and Old Man Hala knows this. He told me to take a break, and I decided it was for the best. I'd see her again. I'd take her somewhere, have a nice dinner maybe. And I'd take her home in the beautiful starlight, finally showing that I love her. I chuckle as I walk towards the ferry, eager to see the girl hot as fire. 

===

I was home for only a little bit, relaxing after beating the Alola League yet again. The third time, I think. Fira was curled up on the floor by the counter, despite being huge. Mom was out checking the mail, so I'm here relaxing when some Pikipek drops a letter on the deck. It made a "tweet" sound, then flew away, leaving it there. I wondered what it was for, worried it might be a trap for some reason.  I slowly walk over to it, and pick it up. It was addressed to me as Ms. Gwen Baum, and no sender address. I carefully open it and pull out a sheet of paper, almost looking like it was typed. 

"Miss Gwen, 

I have been away for a while, and I'd like to see you again. I miss that smile of yours, and your desire to win. If you can, arrive at Hau'oli City's beachfront, and I'll be there. 

-A Friend" 

..."A Friend." Which? I've beaten lots of people, and all of them took a liking to me... even Nanu. I haven't seen Gladion in a while. Goes the same for Hau. Then there's Lillie, who's been stuck in Kanto for three months. But then I remember seeing him back at his parents' house, slouching as usual, when he told me to battle him on the beachfront. The beachfront... that's where they asked me to go. All of a sudden sudden, I knew who was waiting there.