That night after the intense series of Exhibition battles most of the Galar Gym leaders decided to take them camping in the wild area which seemed extremely fun for them which gave Allister a chance to teach Ashlyn how to evolve her Galarian Yamask into Runerigus, a Pokémon composed of an oblong, irregularly-shaped clay slab, with an outline of a stylized serpent with sharp teeth painted onto it in red. Two sections of the slab at the upper left and upper right side, along with a piece bearing the serpent's head and a small piece bearing the tip of the image's tail, have broken off and are held in place by shadowy black tendrils that form its arms, neck, and tail respectively; the "tail" fragment also resembles the piece carried by Galarian Yamask. It has five black fingers on each hand, which extend from the ends of the fragments forming its arms. It has a single purple eye located in the same spot as the painting's eye
"Thank you very much, Allister," Ashlyn said as they both walked back to their campsite at the same time as Piers and a slim young girl with emerald green eyes, dark black hair, and very pale skin. She has a strange hairstyle, with a partially shaved side, tufts of hair that resemble horns, and messy twin-tails tied with red ribbons. Her bangs are also on her right side and partially cover her eye.
"This is my younger sister Marnie," Piers said
"Nice to meet you Marnie" Ashlyn greeted before heading over to start making some Pokémon treats
"Hey! I hope you don't mind that I brought my little brother and his friends" Leon said as he walked towards the campsite with two familiar faces and a short, slim young girl with fair skin, chin-length brown hair with a long strand on the left side, and brown eyes. She wears a gray hoodie over a magenta button-up dress, tartan green socks, and brown boots with light brown laces. She also wears black modesty shorts and dons a dark green and white tam o' shanter on top of her head.
"Woah, hey! Max May" Hop said grinning
"Hi!" May said smiling as her Eevee, Skitty, and Yamper played with Vee
"Hey!" Max said as he played with his Zigzagoon, Piers' Obstagoon, Melony's Darmanitan, and Kabu's Centiskorch
"This is my sister Ashlyn and our friend Alain, Guys these are Hop and Victor" May introduced with a smile
"Yeah, we know who you guys are we watched your battle. It was so awesome!" Hop said before he got pushed to the side by the girl with them
"My name is Gloria Victor's sister, just wanted to say that you guys were the best battlers I've ever seen," the girl said smiling making Ashlyn blush while Alain chuckled as Gloria reminded him of his sister's brash attitude
"Thank you but it was really challenging to win against Kabu and Allister," Ashlyn said before placing her attention back on the Pokepuffs she was making while Pikachu, Alain's new Toxel, and her Sobble tried to get some frosting which Ashlyn occasionally allowed them to get
That night when almost everyone was asleep Ashlyn decided to read the letter her papa left for her wanting to know what it said
To my dearest Aurora,
If you are given this letter, It means that I have broken my promise and died during our mission into team Rocket's base. I have so many things to tell you my princess but I really don't have time, I'm writing this an hour before we have to leave, may as well start with the important things, your uncle Green and I are in a relationship in fact as of the time I'm writing this letter we recently got engaged and we're currently planning to take you and Gary to Alola where we're going to live after the mission, away from Delia, so she can never hurt you again. Where we can be a family, we already bought a house there; the deed should be in the envelope with the letter. I know that in the events of my untimely death you'll take care of all my Pokémon and grow into a beautiful, kind, and intelligent young woman, I'm just sorry that I can't be with you. I love you Aurora never forget that. You are my greatest Treasure and the best thing that has ever happened to me
Papa loves you so much, Angel
Red Ketchum,
"Ashlyn?" she heard Alain say making her turn around
"Sorry I-" she said before trying to wipe her tears away
"It's alright to cry, come here," he said opening his arms for a hug which she took
"I never thought that my father actually planned to take me away, you know Vee told me was that the last thought my papa had was me welcoming him home with Gary and uncle Green," she said cuddling into his warmth "That we were happily living in a peaceful place near the sea and that we were a happy family. It's what he wanted the most a family with the person he loved and that he knew would love me. His last thought was still me"
"He's your papa it's understandable really. He loved you" Alain said as he continued to hug her "Hey remember that Applin I caught, here you can have it"
"What?" she asked looking at the Pokeball being offered to her, before laughing softly and pulling out the Quick Ball which contained the Shiny Applin "I caught a shiny one I was planning to give you"
"Ha-ha that is a great coincidence," he said taking the Quick Ball as he placed the Pokeball in Ashlyn's hand "I'll take care of it don't worry"
"He's a male, Alain" Ashlyn giggled
"And yours is a she," he said smirking
That morning Piers found them asleep against each other and just wrapped them in a blanket before he started to make curry for everyone with Pikachu helping him. When they woke up Steven told them that he plans to head to Alola and asked if they all wanted to come to which they agreed. The remaining days were spent teaching Piers about Mega Evolution, helping Victor, Hop, Gloria, and Marnie train attending Piers' concert which Ashlyn, Alain, May, Winona, Steven, and Volkner really liked, spending time with each of the Gym Leaders and revisiting the Isle of Armour to say goodbye to Master Mustard and Miss Honey where Ashlyn found a strange Cleffa who was sky blue and seemed to love following her and later named Joy. When it was time to leave they were sent off by all the Gym leaders and Leon
"We'll visit again Allister, don't worry and who knows maybe you can join us during one of our journeys when it's your off-season," Alain said to the teary-eyed boy
"R-Really?" he asked
"Really just call me or Ashlyn"
"O-Ok" Allister said before he hugged Alain tightly before doing the same to Ashlyn
"Thanks, a lot for teaching me about Mega Evolution kid," Piers said smiling
"Thank you for giving us your album we and our Pokémon love it a lot," Ashlyn said smiling
"Means a lot kid"
"Have a safe journey to Alola dears"
"But before you all go here you are dears," Opal said as she gave Gary the Fairy Badge, while Gordie gave May the Rock badge also Kabu and Allister gave the Fire Badge and Ghost badge to both Ashlyn and Alain "Even if it wasn't official you lot did defeat us, seems only fair"
Upon landing in Alola they were all greeted by a dark-skinned woman with dark brown eyes and black hair that reaches to her shoulders. She has pink crystal earrings, a crystal necklace, and a crystal ring on her right hip. She also wears light pink lipstick. She wears a light pink midriff top and dark pink shorts with light pink sandal heels. She wears many anklets around both ankles and equal amounts of bracelets on her left arm. Olivia also has a Z-Ring around her left arm and has a teal nail polish just as Steven told everyone the real reason they all went to Alola
"Steven, Alola my dear friend oh and this must be Winona she's as beautiful as you said," she said making the Hoenn Champion blush while May and Winona giggled behind him
"Thanks for that Olivia" Steven grumbled
"Oh you're welcome anyway I've already talked to my fellow Kahunas regarding the favor you asked and we've all agreed to help," Olivia said smiling, "Oh and Kahili took care of your accommodation while staying here"
"Thank you ms. Olivia" Ashlyn said smiling
"Oh it's nothing dear and I think it would be best of you and your brother to visit Professor Kukui first he's the one who met with your dads," Olivia said softly
"We will," Gary said as he placed a supportive hand on his sister's shoulder
"Well I think we should get our bags to the resort first shall we?" Steven said before everyone nodded
"Wow this place is even prettier than the Isle of Armour," May said in awe of the gorgeous beaches
"It certainly is and you'll all have a chance to explore it for a week before we have to go back," Winona said smiling at them all
"I really want to catch a lot of new Pokemon," Max said smiling
"I'm sure you will but first we need to rest up the flight from Galar to Alola must have tired them out," Professor Oak said looking at Ashlyn and Alain sleeping
"Well our last day in Galar was a really great one, almost makes me want to take on their gym challenges," Gary said as he looked at his fairy badge Opal gave him
"I know what you mean," May said looking at her Rock badge
The next day as everyone was having breakfast Olivia introduced them all to the new Kahuna of Poni Island Hapu who told them all about the mist that they were there for. This caught Alain's attention but he didn't voice it out
"At high noon is usually when the fog rolls in be careful" Hapu said before Ashlyn just stood and left the room with Winona right behind her
"Alain, do you want to see your mom again?" Max asked shyly
"I don't really know Max" was all he said "Almost time," Gary said as he hugged Ashlyn
"I know" She whispered as she hugged Joy tightly
"Here it is," Olivia said before as if on cue a thick mist started surrounding everyone there but it was denser on Ashlyn and Gary plus Alain
"May? Max? Aunt Winona? Uncle Steven? Alain? "Ashlyn started calling out when she noticed that she and Gary were now all alone
"Already calling out to a boy," a person said making both Ashlyn and Gary freeze "Our princess is growing too fast, dear"
"It has been Nine Years, Green," another voice said this time Ashlyn ended up falling to her knees and almost dropping Joy
"I guess you're right," the first voice said before a tall, thin young man with light skin, brown eyes, and tall, red spiky hair wearing an outfit consisting of a black short-sleeved shirt with buttons, green pants, and shoes. He also wears a pair of sunglasses and carries a gray backpack walked into their line of sight followed by a man has black hair, grey eyes, and pale skin wearing an outfit, which consists of a white T-shirt with red short sleeves and a logo, blue jeans, red and white sneakers, and a slightly redesigned cap. He also carries a new yellow backpack.
"Hello my Aurora" Red said making Ashlyn stand slowly before she bolted into his arms and cried her heart out
"You're an idiot! You didn't even say goodbye I-I-"Gary shouted before he started crying into Green's chest "I-I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I don't hate you, dad. I never did I'm sorry"
"I know son trust me I know," Green said as he hugged
"I'm so so sorry papa I-I couldn't help Mr. Mime. He-" Ashlyn said before breaking down in her father's arms allowing her newly resurfaced grief to flood her mind and heart
"I know honey and neither of us blames you," Red said as he soothed his daughter
"B-But I-I-"
"You were frightened child honey. I'm the one who should apologize I should have taken you to Norman right away or at least entrusted you to Kukui before I left. I'm so sorry you had to go through five years of your life in pain and alone" Red said also hurting because of his failure as a father
"No! papa it's not your fault at all! " Ashlyn exclaimed shaking her head in protest "You couldn't have known"
"And you couldn'thave done anything about Mr. Mime without getting yourself hurt or killed," Green said as he reached out to hug her as Red got to hug Gary
"Uncle Green," Ashlyn said as she returned his hug
Meanwhile, with Alain, he was shocked speechless when he saw who was in front of him. A woman with long dark wavy hair, Pale skin, and Silvereyes wearing a beautiful white dress smiling at him proudly
"Bonjour mon beau fils," she said as she walked towards him
"Maman?" Alain said in shock as he was skeptical about this mist
"Oui, mon fils, Je Suis Juste ici," she said before she finally got to hug her son in seven years
"I thought I would never get to see you again," Alain said as he started to get teary eyes
"Shhhh... I'm right here sweetie I'm right here" she said softly before pulling away from their hug "Oh just look at you... You've grown into such a handsome young man and from what I've seen a kind person. I am so proud of you Alain"
"Merci Maman" he breathed before he smiled at her "I've missed you so much mama and so has père"
"I've missed you both as well but let's not dwell on that. I would love to know more about you" she said
After three hours the mist around them began to become thinner, letting everyone know that it was time to face the heartbreaking goodbye
"I am so proud of you Aurora, you've become this kind-hearted, intelligent, and amazing young lady. Remember I will always love and look after you no matter where you are" Red said as he cradled Ashlyn's head in his hands before kissing her cheeks
"Same with me GarBear only want to see you happy. I have always wanted that for both of you and Ashlyn I have always thought of you as my daughter" Green said smiling as he hugged Ashlyn while Red held Gary close
"I love you Gary and I've also always seen you as my own"
"Love you too uncle Red," Gary said hugging the older man
"It's time for me to leave mon fils," Alain's mom Francine said as she hugged her son close "Je suis tellement fier de toiAlain I am sorry to have left you alone as a little boy I should have fought harder for you and your father"
"Maman you fought for us with all your strength, Pere and I know that," Alain said as he held his mother
"Speaking of your father, tell him that it's time for him to move on and find new love. He can't keep living in the past" Francine said as she allowed herself to cry knowing that this would be the last time she would ever get to hug her baby boy
"He's going to be stubborn about it" Alain chuckled with a watery smile
"I know but convince him. He deserves happiness" She said before she kissed his cheek "Je t' aime Alain always and forever and I think you should tell this Ashlyn girl about your feeling who knows she may feel the same"
"Qui maman,je t'aime" Alain said as his mother started to fade from his arms leaving him to cry on the ground
"Time for us to go," Red said before Ashlyn once again hugged him tightly
"I don't want you to go, papa," she said as she cried
"We have to Princess as much as we want to stay with you," Red said as he invited Green and Gary into their hug
"We're sorry darling but we don't make the rules," Green said as he and Red started to fade
"I know dad and don't worry I'll take care of her," Gary said trying to suppress his tears
"We love you kids and we're glad to have this final chance to say that" Red said before he and Green finally disappeared leaving both trainers on the ground crying
Later that night, Winona decided to stay with all three of them to make sure that they were alright, and to her surprise they were already smiling and laughing which showed just how positively the visit had affected them. This made Winona smile before walking back to her room with a soft smile on her face.
Hello my beautiful son,- Bonjour mon beau fils,
Yes my son I am right here- Oui, mon fils, Je Suis Juste ici,
Je suis tellement fier de toi- I am so so proud of you
Pokemon update:
Ashlyn
Pikachu{male}Lucario{female}Persian{female}*Gardevoir{female}Altaria{female}Absol {female}*Charizard/Hestia{female}Sceptile{male}Hydreigon/Hecate{female}*Milotic{female} Rowlett{male}Meowth{male}Flygon{female}AlolanVulpix/Eira{female}Espeon/Vee{Female}Sobble{female} Bulbasaur {Male}Urshifu Rapid Strike Style {Female}*Applin {male}Rockruff {female}Meinfoo{female}Runerigus {Male}DracovishHattrem{female}Snom{female}GalarianMr.Mime{male} Vaporeon{Female}Flareon {female}Sylveon {female} Corviknight{female} Sky blue Cleffa/Joy{female}
Alain
Charizard{male}MetagrossGarchomp{male}Hydreigon{male}Breloom{male}Growlithe {female}Litten{male}*Zoroark{male}Salamence{male} Scorbunny{male}Grookey{male}Squirtle {female}Urshifu Single Strike Style{male} Applin{female}Rockruff{male}Gallade{male}Dracozolt *Morgrem{male}FalinksJolteon{male} Hakamo-o{male}Drakloak{female} Umbreon{male}Duraludon {male}Toxel{male}
May
Eevee{female} Blaziken{female}Beautifly{female}Skitty{female}Brionne{female}Lairon{female}Plusle{male}Minun{male}*Vulpix/Solana{Female} Yamper{male}*Gossifleur{female}*Goomy {female}Axew{Female}ArctozoltGalarian Ponyta{female}Galarian Darumaka{female}Leafeon{female} Glaceon{female}
Max
Marshtomp{male}Castform{male}Vigoroth{male} Swellow{female} Komala{male}Galarian Zigzagoon{male}*Wooloo{female} Skwovet{male} Oranguru {male}Lillipup {male}Tauros {male} Blissey{male}Indeedee/Mason{male}Indeedee/Madison{female}DittoBewaer{male} Drampa{male}
This chapter as a whole was inspired by the episode from Pokemon Sun and Moon where Mallow meets her mother again.