99 Chapter 99: Aftermath

Power stones please?

Let's try to get to 500!

*

"Itsuki!", A worried voice suddenly reached my ears after Mew's Teleport finished teleporting us back. I made sure to use it discretely and changed back into my normal clothes instead of the Aether Foundation uniform before coming here. I then saw two figures rush out. One was ahead of the other, heading fast my way.

"Oof.", I uttered, only to see one of the two figures dash right into my arms. A familiar warmth started to spread inside of me. It was a beautiful pale-white skinned beauty with blond hair reaching past her shoulders, wearing her usual frilly white skirt.

"Are you unhurt?", The girl asked, with worry appearing in her eyes

"Of course. Sorry if I caused any worry.", I responded back with an apologetic look.

"You idiot...", Lillie retorted. "You didn't return with Brother even though he said the mission was complete. I thought something had happened to you!", Lillie said, letting out a compliant. Even a tear started to form in her eyes.

"Lillie was scared, you know?", Serena also said, who was the other figure standing behind her.

"Lillie...", I calmly said back to her. As I did, Lillie wrapped her arms around my back, hugging me tightly.

"Lillie, look at me.", I decided to say, which caused Lillie to look into my eyes. it was clear she was upset, but I didn't say anything else. I only leaned my head in, tilting it a bit. My lips met with hers. Using my tongue, I squeezed into her mouth. Lillie's eyes turned wide seeing this sudden movement, but then a blush appeared on her cheeks. As her eyes slowly shut, she calmed down, and started to respond with her own tongue. The two then danced around for a bit.

"Mmm...", Lillie tried to say, letting out a light groan. In the next moment, our kiss ended and our mouths parted. I then rubbed her head with my hand, ruffling her hair a bit.

"I guess the scar hasn't been fully healed. Here I thought enough time had passed. And didn't I tell you Itsuki would be fine?", A third voice said with a hint of scorn. Not directed to Lillie, but to what had happened several years back. It wasn't a pleasant situation, that was for sure.

"Brother...", Lillie uttered. We saw Gladion approach with Hobbes in front of the Pokemon Center. It was well into the night now so there was hardly any people out in the streets beside us. I figured the nighttime would be crowded due to it being one of the biggest shopping cities in Kanto, but I guess we have a night like this every now and then.

"Back then was definitely lamentable, but the young Missus has definitely grown since then, Gladion. Congratulations on a mission well done you two. Itsuki, while you were gone, Master Lance said he would come to pick up the two items you two secured. He should be arriving momentarily without a minute to waste.", Hobbes said, giving us a bow, welcoming our return.

Hearing that, even I froze up.

"Did you just say Lance is on his way here? How can he have the time for that?"

"It's only my guess but these two items are treated with upmost importance. Once we crack the code on these, Snag Machines as they call it, we'll have a fighting chance to that rising threat. The Madam only tasked you to retrieve it, so you will be safe to resume your journey starting tomorrow. And if I may, this really wore out Miss Lillie, so you may want to call it a night here.", Hobbes explained.

As he did, I could feel Lillie not let go of my arm. Despite her blush from our kiss just now, I could see tiredness in her eyes. I then looked at Serena who nodded back at me.

"Very well.", I concluded, only to look at Gladion next.

"Can I leave the delivery to you, Gladion? The three of us are going to clock out tonight. Also what you discovered, I was also given something so we can talk over it tomorrow. Tell Lance I said hi.", I said to Gladion.

"So that's what happened while you were with 'him'. Understood, but do you not wish to see Lance yourself? I know we just had that call, but..."

"Nah. Hopefully by the next time we meet in person, it will be in a giant stadium surrounded by fellow Trainers and the crowd."

"Feeling confident is one thing but it sounds like your journey is progressing well. I will bid you guys farewell and depart with Gladion after your get together tomorrow."

"So Brother really is going to hang out with us tomorrow?", Lillie asked, and her eyes lit up a bit.

"Just to talk about some research we have gathered. After that, I must make way back to our home."

"Even if it's for a little bit, I'm glad you're able to take some time out of your way for us. I'm also curious as to what you two will talk about.", Lillie replied with a smile.

"Color me interested as well. If its research related, it wouldn't happen to be related to 'those', would it?", Serena asked while tilting her head.

Spot on, I must say. Serena likely guessed it, that this matter is pertaining to the Rainbow and Silver Wing that Ho-Oh and Lugia respectively blessed me with.

I know of in Pokemon myths there is the tale of the Rainbow Hero. However, I had not come across any tales pertaining to a Silver Hero, unless that name was lost through time. That was very likely, as the book I received from Giovanni was titled "The Lost Hero"...

I hadn't the faintest clue why he had such a book in his collection but it is what it is.

As much as I wanted to dive into this tonight, the aftermath of the mission had gotten to me as well, we really ought to get to bed.

With that in mind, I took Lillie by the hand and bid Gladion and Hobbes good night. Serena walked beside me and we entered the Pokemon Center. As for Gladion, he said he would check in at a nearby hotel for the night.

As for the helicopter they asked Nurse Joy for permission to let it stay where it was for the night, as Gladion said they would depart in it after talking with us. Since it was just for one night Nurse Joy accepted and the two left for their hotel. Lance came shortly after and successfully retrieved the two Snag Machines. He wondered where I was at but Gladion simply said we were too tired, and went to bed early.

Lance understood and left soon after, heading back to the League to further research the newly acquired Snag Machines.

I could now be seen in the hallway of the second floor of the Pokemon Center with no one but us in it. The lights were dim as it was very late at night now.

Seeing us three alone, I leaned down a bit, only to swoop my arm down. Very quickly I wrapped my arm around her legs, and swooped her up, bringing Lillie into a princess carry.

"Ahh...", Lillie uttered softly. Seeing me bring herself into a carry, her cheeks turned red again.

"Oh my.", Serena also said, revealing a grin.

"I won't leave your side tonight. I made it back safe and sound.", I spoke out quietly, letting a smile bloom on my face.

"Itsuki...", Lillie also said, and she smiled in response. As she did she nestled into my chest. Feeling my steady heartbeat followed by my warmth, we saw Lillie slowly close her eyes, only to enter a peaceful sleep not long after we arrived in front of our door.

Serena used our key and opened it. After closing the door we walled to our bed. I gently led Lillie's head down who now could be seen fast sleep. I sat on the bed beside her and Serena sat down to the right of me.

Patting Lillie's hair which caused her to smile, I turned toward Serena and spoke out softly.

"Are you curious, Serena?"

As I asked that, Serena also gently placed her hand on Lillie and answered.

"Can't say that I'm not curious. It is a matter you have yet to bring up, but seeing this...you really took care of Lillie like this back then, didn't you?"

"I did. She hadn't any outbursts since we started our journey. Like Gladion said I thought the scar had healed by now, but something like this may still happen. Though what you saw tonight probably isn't even ten percent of she went through back then.", I explained a bit. (A/N: When Nihilego took Lillie's mom in the anime as a kid)

"Not even ten percent...", Serena responded, looking a bit worried at Lillie. Seeing this, I leaned in, and gave a kiss to Serena as well, which caused her eyes to raise, before she accepted my tongue, letting our mouths dance around for a bit. Parting ways, Serena leaned her head into my chest as well.

"It isn't just Lillie, Serena. You are also precious to me. We will stay by each other's sides while we journey, even when we head to other regions."

"Itsuki...", Serena responded back with a gentle tone. "Thank you. You know I love you for saying that, right?"

"Heh, I love you, and I love Lillie too.", I replied with a grin.

"What about that Cynthia? You love her as well don't you?"

Hearing Serena suddenly ask that, I froze up.

"...I won't deny that.", I retorted.

"Hehe, and Cynthia even issued that challenge to you. You have to beat her to get her heart.", Serena replied with a giggle.

"That's going to be a struggle in of itself. We still have half of Kanto, and Johto and Hoenn to get to before Sinnoh. I hope she doesn't mind waiting a bit more."

"Probably not. Anyways I'm beat. I don't think I have enough energy left to suck you off tonight.", Serena said as she changed her position to lie down beside my right side.

"Haha, you don't need to. I'm pretty exhausted myself. We have some lore diving to get into tomorrow so need to get a good rest tonight.", I replied with a laugh.

"Lore hunting huh? Sounds fun! Goodnight.", Serena said, saying goodnight. She then fell fast asleep not too long after.

"Goodnight.", I responded. I let the darkness sweep my eyes, and fell fast asleep. Lillie's snores also grew steady.

The next day came before we knew it. It was now the last Saturday in February. Our gym battle was scheduled to be in two days, but before that it was time to see what Gladion found out and to see what this book I received is!