(Sun POV)

Lillie, Rose, Gladion, Megan and I were currently following Hapu to Vast Poni Canyon. Gladion was walking closer to Megan than usual, their hands almost touching, like he was protecting her from Arceus knows what. *Cough* Overprotective boyfriend. Though, you have to admit. They are pretty cute. Despite him being an edgy blunt blonde who is alway so vague, and her being a sarcastic secretive human-pokemon hybrid who can be incredibly childish at times, they bring the best out of each other and- Oh. We're here.

'Okay, y'all. Up ahead is Vast Poni Canyon. But before we go in, I want to know that you are all ready for this. Because once we set foot in there we won't be coming out for awhile.' Hapu explained.

Lillie smiled, and stepped forward. 'Don't worry, Hapu. I assure you we are ready for this.' She said enthusiastically, bawling her hands into fists. Hapu nodded, satisfied with her answer.

'One more thing before we go.' she said, as she made eye contact with me. She walked towards me, and smiled. 'I'd like to challenge you to a battle against my Mudsdale now, Sun. I must see how strong you really are, and why Lillie looks up to you.'

I was taken aback. I definitely wasn't expecting her to challenge me to a battle. But then again, I would have to battle her eventually. She is the Island Kahuna after all.

'I accept!' I told her. She then turned to my friends.

'And you.' She said, referring to Gladion and Megan for some reason. 'You seem to believe in Sun as Lillie does. Is that right?'

Both of them seemed to be surprised at her bluntness, judging from the frowns on their faces. But they were soon replaced by smirks, as they placed their hands on their hips in sync.

'I've seen Sun grow into the trainer he is now. Even at the beginning, he was strong. And I know what person he is. So I'm confident to say he will win this.' Megan said confidently, taking me and Hapu by surprise.

'I agree. So don't underestimate him.' Gladion continued.

I was obviously surprised at their words, but knowing my friends believed in me gave me enough confidence in myself. I would win this for sure.

'Hmm. I see. It does seem you believe in Sun an awful lot. Well if what you say is true, this will be a good battle.' Hapu nodded, before signalling me to get into position. We stood opposite to each other, a few metres apart, ready to battle.

'Go, Mudsdale!'

'Go, Gengar!'

(A/N: K I'm terrible at describing Pokemon battles, so bear with me ^^;)

'Gengar use Sucker Punch!' I yelled, starting the battle. Gengar's fist began to glow as it ran towards Mudsdale. Problem is, Hapu looked completely calm about it, and so did Mudsdale.

'Give 'em a taste of your Earthquake, Mudsdale!' Hapu ordered, and with a whinny Mudsdale began crashing its hooves into the ground. Because of this Gengar was sent off course and into the air, but luckily it was able to catch itself.

I sighed with relief, before going back into battle mode. 'Use Energy Ball!' I ordered. Gengar opened its mouth, and sent out a glowing green ball of energy towards Mudsdale. Luckily it hit this time, and the large Pokemon was hit right in the face. It snorted in irritation, and shook its head to snap out of it.

'That's one strong Pokemon... That move should've been super effective...'

'My turn to be offensive!' Hapu smirked. 'Use Heavy Slam!'

With a loud neigh Mudsdale leapt into the air, and crashed right into Gengar. It cried out in pain, before attempting to throw Mudsdale off it.

'Dang it! Now what... Mudsdale can't really do much, because Fighting type moves don't effect Gengar. But in that position Gengar can't do much. The only move that could get Mudsdale off is Thunderbolt, but Electric type moves don't affect it...'

After evaluating my options, I decided switching out would be the smartest thing to do. 'Gengar, return!' I advised, holding up Gengar's Pokeball as it went inside. 'Standby, bud. I might need you later.'

I reached into my pocket, pulling out a Great Ball in the process, and smirked at Hapu.

'Ice moves will be super effective so-'

'Go, Setsuko!' I yelled, throwing the capsule and unleashing my companion. The light faded revealing my Alolan Sandslash, who glared at Mudsdale intensely. Since she had a tough nature, she took all battles seriously.

'Sandslash, huh? That's quite a defensive Pokemon there, and an Ice type nonetheless.' Hapu murmured, sounding impressed with my choice of Pokemon. 'But it is weak against Fighting types, so Mudsdale Double Kick!'

Mudsdale ran up to Setsuko, before turning around and attempting to kick her with its hind legs.

'Setsuko, quickly use Protect!' I commanded and with a grunt, the Ice type surrounded herself with a protective bubble. 'Now, use X-Scissor!'

She nodded, before Placing her claws in an X position and launching at Mudsdale. Direct hit! Mudsdale cried out, losing balance and falling on its front legs. Hapu smiled.

'Mudsdale! Activate Stamina!' She ordered. Mudsdale whinnied, and surrounded itself with a yellow aura.

'Stamina? What's that?' I asked, tilting my head to the side.

'Let me explain.' Hapu began 'Stamina is an ability that only Mudsdale and its pre-evolution, Mudsbray can have. Each time it gets hit by an attack, its defense is raised. So thanks for that X-Scissor, Sun.' She smiled.

Dang, Setsuko's moves won't do much now due to that defense raise... I'm gonna have to count on Icicle crash to do the damage... But how am I going to get through its defense?

'Alright, Mudsdale, now I want you to hold your ground!' Hapu ordered. What? She's not using a move? She must have something up her sleeve. I took a good look at Mudsdale, before getting an idea. Everything has a blindspot, and I think I've found its.

'Setsuko! Use Aerial Ace!' I called out. Setsuko growled and ran towards Mudsdale at great speed.

'Stand your ground, Mudsdale!' Hapu ordered.

As soon as Setsuko was close enough, I smirked. 'Go under its legs, and attack it from behind!'

Setsuko dashed under Mudsdale's legs, making it look under itself and losing sight of her. She then jumped into the air and landed on her opponent's back. Mudsdale, surprised, jumped about and whinnied loudly. Leaving multiple open spots. That was my chance.

'Setsuko! Use Icicle Crash!'

With a cry, the Sandslash surrounded itself with icicles and collided them into Mudsdale's back. It cried out in pain and kicked about, finally getting Setsuko off and flinging her into the air.

'Quickly use Double Kick!' Hapu ordered. Mudsdale kicked its hind legs into the air, hitting Setsuko twice and sending her rolling into the dirt.

'C'mon, Setsuko you gotta get up!' I urged, gritting my teeth. Thankfully, Setsuko was able to stand, and once she did she let out a powerful war cry. Though, it was obvious she was getting tired. Double Kick dealt quite a lot of damage, since it was super effective.

'Use Earthquake, Mudsdale!'

Mudsdale stamped its front legs into the ground, causing multiple eruptions.

'Use Aerial Ace to dodge!' I yelled, voice cracking. I had to get Setsuko away from that attack. She dodged the eruptions with speed, but was too slow with the last and was hit. She fell onto one knee, wincing in pain.

'Setsuko!'

'Now use Heavy Slam!'

God Dammit! If that hits its over! But wait, thinking back to when my Mudsdale battled Gladion. When it used Heavy Slam it slowed down, as did its recovery.

Flashback

'Mudsdale, use Heavy Slam!'

'Neigh!'

The large Pokemon began to charge at its enemy, before throwing itself into the air to land on top. But just as the attack was about to hit:

'Null, dodge!'

In time with Gladion's words, Type:Null moved to the side quickly. Which resulted in Mudsdale crashing into the ground. What made it worse is that it was taking awhile to recover. Which unfortunately gave Gladion time to attack.

'Now, use Pursuit!'

End of flashback

That's it! If I can get Mudsdale to hit the ground, I can get it to hurt itself and give myself enough time to finish it off.

Mudsdale ran at Setsuko at full force, before jumping into the air to crash into her I eyed it carefully, waiting until the last minute to strike. I suspected this made it look like I had given up. Then, I saw the opportunity.

'Setsuko! Dodge with Aerial Ace and then run behind Mudsdale!' I yelled desperately, my voice cracking, hoping I didn't leave it too late. As Mudsdale's body came crashing down, Setsuko was able to dodge just in time by only a hair. She ran behind the large Pokemon and awaited her next directions, while Hapu stood there shocked.

'Alright, Setsuko! Use Icicle Crash to circle round Mudsdale!' I ordered, getting my confidence back. With a cry, Setsuko summoned multiple icicles which circled around the large Pokemon. The motion of the attack confused it, leaving an opening. 'NOW!' I yelled, and Setsuko sent the attack crashing down on Mudsdale. A large cloud of dust appeared, making me shield my face so it wouldn't get in my eyes. As it cleared, I saw Mudsdale lying on the floor and unable to battle. Hapu sighed in defeat, yet smiled in approval as she returned her Partner to its pokeball. I did the same to Setsuko after thanking her for her awesome work.

'That was a real great battle, Sun. I am proud to say you have passed my trial. Congratulations!'

I grinned, before turning towards my friends. Lillie rushed over to hug me 'Phew! You had me worried for a moment there Sun. But I knew you'd pull through! You always do!' She said, making me blush slightly. Rose walked over smirking, giving me a thumbs up and mouthing 'good job'. Even Gladion seemed impressed. But then I noticed that there was someone missing from our group.

'Where's Megan?' I asked.

Almost immediately, a hand raised from the bushes which told us where the girl was.

'I'll be out to congratulate you in a minute, Sun! Just bear with me!' She called in a very... embarrassed sounding voice, as her hand shrunk back behind the plant. We all sweatdropped at this.

'That's your girlfriend, Gladion...' Rose whispered to the male, who immediately turned bright red.

'O...kay then... anywho! Sun, I am proud to present to you this Z Crystal: Groundanium Z!' Hapu spoke as she proudly handed me the brown Z Crystal. I bowed my head as thanks, before staring at it in awe.

(A/N: I'm going to timeskip to the Legendary's altar now, or else this book's gonna be waaaay too long)

(Timeskip)

After completing the final trial, and claiming the Z Crystal for my own, we were ready to push on past the trial grounds. We all walked through the tunnel, until we came across the light at the end which lead to the Altar of the Sunne and Moone.

'There it is.' Megan said in a low voice, sounding completely serious which was unlike her. 'Are you guys ready to do this?' She asked, turning to Lillie and I.

Lillie nodded. 'We're ready. We've come so far and we can't back away now.' She replied with a fire in her eyes, as she bawled her hands into fists.

'Yeah, we are ready for this.' I agreed. Megan nodded at our answers, and all five of us continued until we made it out of the tunnel. We looked up at all the steps we had to climb, which earned a very irritated groan from Rose. Gladion drew a sharp breath, probably from nerves. Lillie looked determined as ever. While Megan's face remained stone cold, making me wonder what was going on in her mind. Gladion seemed to notice this to, as he lay his hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

'You okay?' He asked.

She nodded slightly, as she looked down at her feet. 'Yeah... Just nervous.' She told him, in the same serious voice as before.

'I don't blame you. I mean, I can't believe we're actually here!' Lillie told her, while looking all around at the place. 'Let's go! I wanna see what's up there!'

'Do we have to?' Rose groaned again. 'That's a lot of stairs...'

'You're welcome to stay down here.' I told her, eyes narrowed as my lips formed a pout.

'No no, I'll come!' She blurted, waving her hands around.

'Then stop complaining.' we, meaning Gladion, Megan, Lillie and I told her in sync. Even Prince seemed to say it, though all we heard was him say his name. Rose shut her mouth, and began to sulk. We all began walking up the stairs. And the closer to the top we got, it felt as if this wasn't real. But we were here, and at the top was where we had to play the flutes. We were ready.

A/N: So yeah, sorry for that timeskip. But I really had to move the story along. This book is getting really long, a bit too long for my liking. But yeah. A couple changes of plans. I've decided that Just Frenemies will be the third book in the series, not the second. The second book will be about Megan and Gladion's relationship when they are sixteen and seventeen years old. Along with the other main characters who find their other half. I just thought that would be a better idea than ending this book with them dating, and in the next book they pop up and say 'Eyy guess what? We're married now!' Anyway I'm gonna let you guys go now~

Baiiiiiiii