Calem's Alola Adventure

Chapter 21

By: Gandire Alea

Calem breaks the lake's surface with Lana and calls out to his pokemon by the shore. "Noivern!" Whatever is attacking them is hit with dragon pulse the moment it bursts from the water. Calem, able to get a better look now that it isn't zooming through that air, sees that their assailant is a piece of origami.

Lana coughs as she supports herself against Calem. She points towards the sky where a giant, red mosquito like thing buzzes towards them. "It- It isn't alone!" She looks to the shore where her pokemon are and, "Araquanid!"

While Araquanid unleashes scald, Lana says, "Why are they attacking us?"

Calem says, "Not sure," while keeping his attention on Noivern's opponent. It's too strong to risk looking away. "I'll leave that one to you." While he and Lana take small steps back to the shore, he says, "Flame thrower!"

The origami creature spins and cuts through the flames. Noivern swats it with his tail once it gets close enough, but only ends up cutting himself. Close quarter combat is no good. "Boomburst!"

Why's it so furious? He's never seen it before, and Lana sounded just a surprised as he was. "Rotom, what are fighting?"

Rotom says, "I don't know! I've never seen anything like them before! Bzzt!"

Calem and Lana speak at the same time, "Ultra Beasts!"

Lana says, "Do you think there's more?"

Calem says, "If there are, we're deal with them when they come! Noivern, flame thrower!" He waits for the Ultra Beast to cut through the flames again before using their most effective attack so far, "Boomburst!"

The origami is blown away, but Calem can still hear the whistling sound of air being cut. He can't see it, but it's still around. However, if sound is what they're depending on, then they have the advantage. "Noivern!"

Noivern cries out and barrel rolls to the side. He then uses boomburst to throw the origami off balance and follows up with a flame thrower. Calem, upon reaching his bag, throws the beast ball Serena gave him.

The Ultra Beast disappears into the ball which Noivern catches in midair. He gives it Calem, but remains alert and ready to continue fighting. Calem confirming there aren't any more Ultra Beasts, turns to help Lana, but upon discovering that she's holding her own, refrains from helping. He'll jump in if she needs it.

Araquanid over comes the Ultra Beast with her Z-power and collapses. Lana walks up to her pokemon, but collapses before reaching her. Calem catches Lana as she drops forward and says, "Easy, I've got you."

Lana is exhausted. She leans back against Calem without trying to get up. In a weak voice, she says, "Calem… what's going on?"

Calem ignores the pressure she's placing against his ribs and says, "Not sure… Rotom, you took pictures of the battle, right? Send them to Professor Kukui."

"On it bosszzz!"

Professor Kukui calls back less than a minute later instructing him to stay put. "Some people will come for you."

He and Lana change as they wait and in less than half an hour, a helicopter appears. The wait wasn't long, but enough time passed for Lana to fall asleep. As people in black suits secure the Ultra Beast she defeated, a woman with purple hair approaches Calem. "Professor Kukui told us about you. Please, come with us. We'd like to ask you some questions."

Calem doesn't get the impression that she's an enemy. He feels that she's telling the truth. However, with Lana still asleep from the intensity of her battle, he doesn't want to risk placing her in danger. "Who are you?"

The woman takes out a badge, "I'm Anabel of the International Police."

"Like Looker?"

Anabel is taken aback by Calem's remark. "You're that Calem…?" She sighs and says, "Yes, Looker was one of my subordinates. I'm the one who ordered him investigate Team Flare in the first place. He told me quite a bit about you in his reports. I'm sorry for everything that happened, but please, if you could trust Looker, then trust me as well. I promise we won't hurt you or her. Our destination is Aether Paradise."

Calem looks the woman over and then examines her crew. None of them give off bad intentions. He scoops Lana up with a princess carry and boards the helicopter.

A person walks up to Anabel and says, "We can't find, UB-06, Blade."

Calem says, "The origami? We blew him away by mistake."

Anabel says, "Then there's no use wasting time here. UB-06 will sooner or later come to us again. Everyone, let's move out!"

Lana stirs as the helicopter approaches Aether Paradise. Calem, not sure he should put her down, continues to carry her within his arms. The first thing she sees upon opening her eyes is his face. "Ca-Calem, what's going on?"

"You fought an Ultra Beast and won. It was an intense match, so you ended up falling asleep afterwards."

Lana shuts her eyes and nuzzles her head against him. "I see… So I won…" It's as Calem rises to disembark from the helicopter that Lana perks up her head again. Her face turns red as she begins to realize her situation.

Calem notices Lana getting nervous and says, "Don't worry. We're at Aether Paradise. Just take it easy for now."

"No, no, no… no. I can- I can… walk… That's the reason I… I was given legs… after all."

"You can barely talk. Just go back to sleep."

Lana tries to continue arguing, but falls asleep mid-sentence.

Calem is lead to a room where Gladion, Lillie, Professor Kukui, Guzma, and Kahuna Hala, Olivia, and Nanu are waiting. All of them look exhausted. Lillie herself is sleeping with her face flat on the table. Calem looks around, but doesn't find any place suitable to place Lana. He can't just place her on the table, and the floor is too cold. Resigning himself to continue carrying her, he says, "All of you, too?"

Anabel enters and says, "That right. Ultra Beasts have been appearing and attacking people since the past two days. The first attack was here at Aether Paradise, UB-07, Glutton. According to Gladion, it was targeting both Lusamine and Lillie."

Gladion nods. "It was right after we settled Mother into her bed."

Anabel says, "The next person to be attacked was Guzma. He was helping out at the festival when UB-03, Beauty; UB-04, Lightning; and UB-05, Blaster attacked. Panic was averted thanks to the Kahuna and Professor Kukui."

Hala laughs and slaps Guzma's back, "My new pupil helped out too. Not even a day and he's already making progress."

Calem glances at Lana with growing suspicion that he got her caught up in his mess. "And now me?"

Anabel says, "It's just as you've guessed. Everyone targeted has been through the ultra wormhole. We're not certain, but our scientists believe that passing through the ultra wormhole places a sort of energy on you, one that the Ultra Beasts recognize and are drawn to."

Professor Kukui says, "Well cousin, we believe the Ultra Beasts think it's a way home. When they find out they were wrong, they get frustrated and attack."

Calem says, "That makes sense. The one that attacked me, Blade was it? It was furious. But, what are Ultra Beasts doing in our world?"

Professor Kukui says, "According to my honey's research, recent events have weakened the barrier between worlds, yeah. As a result, Ultra Beasts are slipping through."

Gladion says, "More important is what we do now. We can't just sit around doing nothing."

Anabel says, "We lure them out and capture them. I realize what I'm saying is dangerous, but please, the international police requires your cooperation."

Calem chuckles as he compares Anabels request with Looker's roundabout way of asking for help. He ignores the disproval stares many give his light heart attitude and says, "Sure."

Anabel says, "Are you positive. This will be very dangerous. You could easily lose your life if something goes wrong."

Gladion says, "Doesn't matter. The Ultra Beasts are targeting people who've gone through the ultra wormhole. They won't care for our cooperation."

Calem says, "You make it sound like the world is ending. Besides, it's like Gladion said they'll attack me even if I don't want to cooperate. So, what exactly is the plan? Are you just going to parade us around and hope the Ultra Beast attack?"

Anabel says, "We've been collecting information since arriving. According to our intel, people have been sighting strange pokemon conglomerating on the islands. We ask that you and a group of trainers visit each to clear them out."

Calem says, "What about afterwards? Send them back? They'll just slip out into our world again."

Professor Kukui says, "That's where we come in, woo. By combining my wife's research with that of the Aether Foundation, we believe we can create an artificial world similar to that of the Ultra Beasts, yeah. They should be quite happy inside there while we figure out how to undo the damage on the wall between our worlds, woo."

Hala says, "The alternative would be turning them over to the international police."

Anabel says, "Something I believe all of us would much rather avoid. There's no telling what our scientists might try and do with them."

Calem looks around at everyone gathered in the room. "Is it just three kakuna who'll be helping?"

"Kahuna…" Lana mutters in her sleep.

Everyone pauses to stare at the girl in Calem's arms. Many of the adults crack smiles at her interruption. Calem clears his throat and continues, "What about Serena, Hapu, and the trial captains?"

Olivia says, "We were discussing just that when you're call arrived. Although some of the trial captains are strong enough, most of them would simply be putting their lives in jeopardy. The few who can help have already been notified and are on their way. Young Hapu has been entrusted with watching over the festival."

Lana stirs and says, "I'll help, too." Calem sets her down as she motions to get up. She hops when her bare feet touch the cold floor. In her drowsiness, she forgot to put her shoes on earlier. Still tired, she leans against Calem for support and says, "I was attacked, too. I'm already involved."

Olivia says, "Lana, with how exhausted you are now, a drawn out battle will be dangerous. You should sit this one out."

Lana says, "But that means I can still handle one. I don't have to win, just keep it busy until someone else is free to help."

Gladion says, "Depending on how many Ultra Beasts there are, we'll need her help."

Lana's sneeze disrupts the growing tension.

Calem nods and says, "I agree, Lana can help. Now, what about Serena? Should I call her, or has someone already called?"

Professor Kukui says, "You're already deciding her participation, woo? We shouldn't involve someone from outside of Alola, yeah."

Calem says, "Serena is the Final Champion of Kalos. She has a responsibility to involve herself in all matters related to pokemon." He shrugs and adds, "I guarantee that she'll say exactly that the moment I tell her about this. Besides, she's really scary when she gets mad. She'd will never forgive me if I leave her out of this."

The doors slide open and in walks a girl with long black hair. "He's right, you know. Serena once scolded me for an hour straight after dining and dashing."

The espurr at her side nods as she says, "Murr, murr"

"Emma!" Calem steps forward to give her hug. She's a few years older and wears a sleek outfit different from the dirty, patch clothing she used to wear, but Calem still recognizes her. "Vous etes vivant!"

Emma hugs Calem back. "It's thanks to Looker. He had a feeling something was going to happen and tricked me into leaving. He told me who he was and why he was in Kalos and that it was time to call in reinforcements. He was afraid the message would get intercepted and needed me to deliver it to Anabel."

Lana takes a hesitant step toward Calem and Emma and says, "Umm, sorry, but you're also… from Kalos?"

Emma separates from Calem and says, "Yes, I'm one Kalos's survivors and a special agent of the international police, Emma "Essentia" Looker."

Calem says, "So Looker was able to adopt you, then? He really worried over whether filling to adopt you was the right thing to do. He lost a lot of sleep because of it."

Emma is touched by Calem's confession. Then, after wiping a tear from her eye, shakes her head. "No, but he was the first person I ever had that was a father to me. That's why, I want to carry his name." She pauses with a smile and then adds, "too."

Calem scratches his cheek. "Oh, so you heard."

Emma hugs Calem and says, "That's right. Ohana."

Calem returns the hug while saying, "Ohana?"

Hala says, "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."

Lana's voice trembles as she says, "Ca-Calem, wh-what does she… what does she mean?"

Calem sighs. "Before the raid on Team Flare's base, Looker took me aside and told me he was giving me his codename, "Looker" as thanks for all my help."

Emma says, "When Looker said goodbye to me, he entrusted me with telling you that you were like a son he never thought he'd have." As Calem blushes, Emma turns to Lana. "See, Looker was a father to both of us. Therefore, if Calem has the name Looker and I have the name Looker, that makes us family."

Calem gives a bashful smile as he says, "I guess that mean's I've got a sister now… Or, actually…"

Professor Kukui clears his throat. "As we were saying, I suppose you're right, cousin. We're too short handed on this to not ask Serena for help, woo."

…..

A phone call and thirty minutes later, Serena walks through the door. Lana say, "You got here fast."

Serena says, "Of course. Mega-Altaria might not be the fastest pokemon, but she is dependable." She then regards everyone in the room: Calem, Lana, Lillie, Gladion, Professor Kukui, Kahuna Hala, Kahuna Olivia, Kahuna Nanu, Guzma, Ilima, Mallow, Acerola, Mina, and Anabel. She gasps upon seeing Emma and gives her a hug. She releases her after a few minutes, and after wiping away her tears, says, "What is our plan?"

Anabel says, "Before that, you've been briefed of the danger, correct? Despite knowing you could lose your life helping with this, you wish to continue?"

Serena grabs her mantle and pulls it across her self to show its emblem. "I am the Final Champion of Kalos. If pokemon and people are in danger or in conflict, then I have a responsibility to act. No matter how dangerous my journey may be, I refuse to shriek from my responsibilities."

Emma says, "See, just like Calem said."

Lana nods. "I'm more surprised at how well he mimicked her tone."

Anabel says, "I see, thank you. Very well then, everyone, listen up. My subordinates have been combing the Alola Islands for information upon arriving and have pinpointed where the Ultra Beasts are slipping into our world. Our objective will be to visit these nests and lure them out. To this end, we'll be splitting into three groups. Calem, Ilima, Mallow, Acerola, and Mr. Nanu are Team One. You'll be investigating the Moone Altar on Poni Island. Guzma, Serena, Lana, Mina, and Hala are Team Two. You'll be investigating the Lake of the Sunne on Ula'ula Island. Gladion, Lillie, Kukui, Olivia, Emma, and myself are Team Three. We will remain here on Aether Paradise as protection for Lusamine and the scientists working to create the artificial Ultra Space for the Ultra Beasts. Any question? No? Then, the helicopters are ready and waiting. Let's move out!"

Serena exchanges a glance Calem as they all file out of the room. They do not exchange any words, but the message, "Stay safe," is communicated between them.

Once on the helicopter and in the air, Mina says to Serena, "Calem your boyfriend?"

Lana chokes on her drink upon hearing the question. She tries act nonchalant by glancing out the window, but strains her ears to catch everything Serena will say.

Guzma also directs his attention towards Serena. He leans hunched over against the helicopter wall with crossed arms and his leg propped behind him, but stares right at her. At Serena's questioning stare, he says, "That guy, Calem, told me your story back at Po Town. I really don't get him. Said he's stronger than you, but let you become the champion anyway. Just the heck goes on in that head of his?"

Everyone turns to Serena at Guzma's claim. While they're shocked to hear her say, "So, Mizzy told you the truth…" only Lana gasps. Serena smiles to herself and says, "To answer Mina's question first, no. Mizzy and I do not have a future together. Right now, I doubt his heart can even consider concepts like love. Had history gone differently…" Serena shakes her head, "Mizzy and I will never move on if we are together." She then gives Lana a wink, "You have nothing to worry about from me."

Lana blushes and turns away.

Guzma says, "Well, what about my question? Why didn't he want to be champion? How can someone not be interested in a title like that?"

Serena says, "If I recall Mizzy's words correctly, back at Malie Garden, you said you held no interests in such titles."

Guzma hesitates on how to answer to which Hala clears his throat. Guzma grits his teeth and says, "I lied, alright? I just didn't want to admit I wanted to be a trial captain. Happy?"

Hala says, "One will never grow strong if he lies to his heart."

Guzma says, "Yes, teacher…"

Serena holds in her giggle and says, "Mizzy might have eventually challenged me for it, but his heart belonged to racing. Becoming the champion meant tying himself down into matches defending his title. Honestly, Mizzy is the kind of man who comes and goes as he pleases." Serena turns to Kahuna Hala, "You are the one who convinced Mizzy to go on the Island Adventure, correct? Thank you so much!"

A/N: Bet you were all thinking the pokemon league was next. Nope, we're shaking up the order a bit. We need to give everyone some time to complete their Island Trials too. Then again, some trial captains were taken away from their sites. Some trainers are probably freaking out around now. Hau's probably crying, "Where are you?" out to the ocean. Anyway, was anyone else over joyed to see Emma still alive? I hope you all caught that little tidbit she mentioned about Calem's family. Any ideas as to what that could mean?

Thanks for reading, leave a review

-Gandire Alea