Chapter 2: An Insidious Plot: Lillie Targeted
Ash had announced his plans after the Masters 8: He was going to propose to Lillie once it's over, and Kukui is still shocked by this revelation from what Ash said to him, as is Faba, who is still listening to this, covering his mouth.
"Ash, are you certain about this? Yes, you are an adult, 18 years old and all, but marriage is a big thing, especially for your age," Kukui said to Ash, who nodded as Ash understood, given that Kukui and Burnet got married during his time in Alola a year ago.
"Yes, sir, I want to do this. Even if I beat Leon in the Masters 8 or not, I've made up my mind, especially after what had happened to Lillie and her family. My feelings for her are stronger than most of the other traveling companions on my Journey, and this wasn't the only time I had to make a big decision," Ash said to Kukui, who could tell Ash was serious about this.
"What about where you and Lillie will live? Ash, do you have a house of yours here in Alola or Kanto?" Kukui said to Ash, who looked down and thought about it.
"That I didn't think about when I came to this decision. Once my battles are over, I might either choose the region I am champion in or the region I was born in and take Lillie with me. She has been to Kanto, back when we took that field trip to Kanto when Brock and Misty came to Alola. Well, their first trip here, that is," Ash said to Kukui, who patted Ash's head.
"Ash, whatever you choose, I can't stop you. You've been a son to me since you joined our family way back in the beginning here," Kukui said with a smile, as did Ash. "I think she would be fine with whatever you choose, and we can talk to Lillie and her mother in the morning about this," Kukui said to Ash.
Ash smiled at this Kukui has been more of a father than his father has been in his whole life heck, even Ash's father hasn't been around to the point that he doesn't even know if he is still around anymore.
On the other hand, Faba didn't ask for this when he was asked to check on how Ash feels about Lillie, and now he has to report this to his boss. Faba took his leave before Ash and Kukui noticed him as they headed to bed.
Faba arrived back at the Aether Paradise, reporting what he had heard from Ash to Lusamine about what Ash had said to Kukui while still trying to keep his composure about what they had been saying.
"I will talk to Ash and Lillie tomorrow. Until then, I hope that you aren't lying to me. I love my daughter, and I may be overreactive towards her, but she is my daughter, and there are a few things I still don't trust about you, Faba, during that year regardless of what happened," Lusamine said to Faba, who was about to say something. "Not another word. I will visit the Kukui household tomorrow with Mohn and talk with Ash about it. Until then, you are dismissed," Lusamine said to Faba, who nodded and took his leave.
"I haven't forgotten what you've done for my family, Ash. Back when I was possessed, I was able to see you helping my daughter through that tough ordeal. But wanting to be my son-in-law, that's a tall order, especially from your end, Ash," Lusamine said to herself and smiled. "This'll be interesting to see if what I heard is true," Lusamine said with a smile.
Faba listened to all this and couldn't believe that she might go through this and what would happen to him if this happened. He has to keep an eye on what is going to happen next. "This is a Nightmare. This isn't happening," Faba thought.
The following day came as everyone in the Kukui household was enjoying breakfast. Kukui remembers what Ash said last night about him having to make a big decision before Ash chose to propose to Lillie, which he didn't mention to Lillie.
"You said last night that you were asked something big when you were younger, Ash?" Kukui asked Ash, who looked down and reflected on when he was thirteen.
"Yeah, have you heard of the battle frontier Professor?" Ash asked Kukui, which made Lillie curious about it. Kukui had a look at it did sound familiar.
"I won't lie to you, Ash. I did hear something about it when I was the Masked Royal. I even asked to be a part of it but politely turned it down, given that I was more interested in my career here and this was my home. Why do you ask?" Kukui asked Ash.
"Hold on, what is this Battle Frontier before you continue?" As everyone in the household hadn't heard of it, Lillie asked, making Ash and Kukui make an anime sweatdrop.
"Oh right, sorry, I forgot that this is new to you. There are two versions of it. One was in Sinnoh, and one was in my home region in Kanto. I didn't take part in the Sinnoh one, but the Kanto one was just after my top 8 placement in the Hoenn league," Ash said as he explained what the Battle Frontier is all about, including how he won it. Still, it took several tries to win the last two frontier symbols.
Everyone was impressed, but Ash dropped the decision he had to make once he won it. "I was given a chance to be the champion of the Battle Frontier and a member of it, but I turned it down politely, given that I wanted to continue my journey as a trainer," Ash said while looking down, and everyone looked at Ash. "Now that I think about it, it's no different from being a champion here, but I feel like I'm more at home here than when I fought in my previous league battles," Ash said, which Kukui understood.
"Given the Alola league isn't going to happen for another year as everyone is taking time off to either settle down and considering how long it took you to beat the Trials, I think every year or two is fair. But I feel why you would say that, Ash," Kukui said to Ash.
Ash nodded, and it made sense why he wasn't asked to take part in viewing the league since he won last year. Ash was about to say something when they heard a knock on the door. Burnett went to answer the door. It was Lusamine and Mohn at the door, and Lillie was surprised to see her.
" MOM! What are you doing here?" Lillie yelled at her mother, who was more stern than usual which Lillie noticed as Lusamine's face was on Ash's.
Lusamine and Mohn sat down in the living room Ash could feel a cold chill going down his spine from the look Lillie's mother was giving him, more than when Nihilego had possessed her.
"Don't worry about it, Ash, we are here just to talk," Mohn said to Ash, who hasn't had much time with Lillie's father, so just having this talk is nerve-racking.
"As you know, Lillie has had feelings for you since we returned from our Crown Tundra trip. We thought this was sudden and weren't sure you would have feelings for her either?" Lusamine said to Ash, who gulped and nodded.
"MOM! STOP IT," Lillie said to her mother, but she noticed she wasn't her usual cheery self. Lusamine was more serious than when Lillie had her last talk with her mother, which Snowy also noticed. "You are serious about this question, aren't you?" Lillie asked her mother and father, who nodded.
"It's fine, Lillie, and if it were the other way around, my mom would be doing the same thing," Ash said to Lillie, then he turned to Mohn and Lusamine. "I do share the same feelings for Lillie and already told her that when she confessed it to me the other day, but I have a feeling that she had more feelings for me before that," Ash said to Lusamine, which Lillie blushed.
Lusamine and Mohn looked at each other and turned to Lillie. "So that display back on the boat when we left wasn't just you saying goodbye, huh, dear?" Lusamine said to Lillie, who sighed and looked down.
"Yes, it is. Ever since Ash helped our family out, he's been there for me and helping me get a better feel, not just as a trainer but as a person around Pokémon and a human," Lillie said to her parents, clenching her dress.
Lusamine turned to Ash as Mohn was still getting to know the man his daughter was interested in and didn't have much to say.
"Ash, this family still owes you for helping us multiple times during the past year, and I can see why you are interested in Lillie. Do you feel like taking it further than being boyfriend and girlfriend?" Lusamine asked Ash. Lillie's face was red like a Tomotto berry.
On the other hand, Ash was surprised and noticed that wasn't a usual question. It was as if they knew, and Lillie noticed as well. "You mean you want more than our current relationship, Ash?" Lillie asked Ash, whose face says it all.
"How did you know?" Ash asked Lusamine, who sighed and tried to hide the fact that she sent Faba, but Lillie saw right through that.
"Faba, really, mom? YOU DON'T TRUST ME ENOUGH WHEN IT COMES TO MY RELATIONSHIP THAT YOU WOULD SEND THE GUY WHO IS BEHIND MOST OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST YEAR?" Lillie yelled at her mother, who let her daughter rant.
"I admit that, but that is why we are here, Lillie," Lusamine said to her daughter in a stern tone. "Ash, I have no issues with this, but the choice is yours and Lillie's. You have our blessing. We did say we owe you for what you did for our family," Lusamine said to Ash which made Lillie calm down. Her mother was serious about this.
"That's up to you, Lillie. While I would love to marry you once the Masters 8 is over, which won't be for another six months, we've known each other long enough," Ash said to Lillie, who thought about it as Snowy nuzzled her mother.
Lillie smiled at this and turned to Ash. "I would love to one day, Ash when you are prepared. I'm in no rush," Lillie said to Ash, who nodded and turned to Lusamine and Mohn.
"However, we need to do something about Faba. This relationship with your family has more issues whenever he's around?" Ash said to Lillie and Mohn, who looked at each other and asked why he would ask that question.
"And I thought I was dense," Ash sighed. "Let's see here: Kidnapping Lillie nearly put us in danger when his experiment by shrinking us and putting Lillie's life in danger from an Alolan Persian with that experiment. One of the reasons this family was separated was that you were possessed. And let's not forget that he cheated by forcing Melmetal when he was a Melten at the league who was ineligible to battle at the time," Ash said to the couple, who was in shock.
"Ash, are you sure that was his doing?" Lillie asked Ash, who nodded and explained that this situation only happened once, and it was with his Oshawott, who loved to do that, but Melmetal wasn't the type to do that.
"It's as Lillie said earlier. What else is going to happen the more he is around? Yes, he's been useful in the past. But since Mohn has been gone. He's been acting more like Team Rocket than a member of your group," Ash said to Lusamine, who looked down.
Everything that Ash has said is accurate, and Lusamine has been overlooking it lately. Mohn is shocked to hear this as he's known him his whole life, but it makes sense now why this family is like it is.
"Once the Masters 8 is over, we will fire him. He still has a year left in his contract at the foundation, and I want you two to be happy," Lusamine said to Ash and Lillie, to which Lillie pouted.
"It's either him or us, mom. Knowing him, he's probably listening to us right now," Lillie said to her mother. Surprisingly Faba was indeed listening outside the window, hiding, shocked hearing all this.
Lusamine sighed at this and nodded. "I will tell him that he is no longer welcomed back into our company after hearing this. I'm surprised I haven't fired him sooner."
"I'm sorry for what he did to you when I was away. He has been with the foundation since the beginning of its inception. But for my family's sake, I won't hesitate to fire someone who will put you in danger," Mohn said to Ash and Lillie, who nodded.
Faba was surprised upon hearing this outside the window and trying not to scream at them for this assumption, well, most of it as he heard the rest of the conversation. "When we return to the foundation, we will write up his termination because of harmful staff and a liability," Lusamine said to everyone as she and Mohn got up and took their leave.
"Lillie, I may be strict and childish with you and your brother. But I do love you both and do care for you two. Us coming here wasn't just to confirm what I was told but to see what you think about it as well," Lusamine said to Lillie, who was taken aback by this.
"Mom?" Lillie said to her mother, who smiled and hugged Lillie, who was surprised by this, not expecting that from Lusamine as she lets go.
"As your father and I said, you have our blessings and welcome this revelation to the family. We will not let the foundation members know about this aside from your brother until further notice," Lusamine said to Lillie, who nodded in understanding.
"Now we should take our leave, and we will discuss this with your brother when we get home. Take care, you two," Mohn said to Lillie and Ash, who nodded as the pair left the Kukui household.
Faba took his leave as well, mad and upset. Little did he know it, but he was being followed by someone listening to all this.
"Ugh, that brat, Ash, has ruined everything all the time, time after time. He's done more damage to my reputation than he's saved the family. Why can't he leave the family alone? These stupid brats need to be removed somehow." Faba said out loud.
"Trouble with these twerps as well, huh?" A female voice said to Faba Faba, turned to see a girl with Blonde hair with curled hair and a familiar R on her shirt, but it wasn't red, it was a greenish color.
"Speaking of ruining things from time after time, what does your group of failures want? Can't you leave things be," Faba said to the young girl, who laughed.
"Don't lug me in the loser patrol version of Team Rocket, you know, especially since I am here to help get rid of your problem, or should I say problems," the girl said to Faba, who was about to leave but listened when she mentioned that. "That boy, Ash, has ruined my boss's plans multiple times over the past eight years, whether it be through those three losers or ruining our takeover of Unova," she said.
"What do you want from me, and what do you have to gain from what just happened?" Faba asked her, who walked over to him.
"I think names are in order before we go to negotiations, Faba. I go by many names: 009, the Black Tulip, but you should call me Domino. As for how I know your name, I read your files, and I must admit the twerps have a point. You're working for the wrong group. You're more suited for Team Rocket," Domino explained to Faba, who was angered by this, seeing that she sided with Ash there.
"Shut it, will you? You are no better than those two. Why should I trust you especially given that your group failed here in Alola," Faba said to Domino.
"You want revenge against those two, not just the family, do you?" Domino said to Faba, who calmed down. "I can make one of them disappear if you want to help with that. Let's say we aren't the same Team Rocket you are known to see," Domino said to Faba.
Later that night, Ash was walking home with Lillie holding her hand, as Goh followed the two, happy to see that they were enjoying each other's company as Snowy was walking with Lillie and Pikachu was on Ash's shoulder.
"Thanks again, Ash, for being there for me when my parents were talking to us. I thought they would be angry over something like this," Lillie said to Ash, who nodded.
"Yeah, but I hope things go well with telling him about our relationship works out, given that Gladdion is a bit overprotective towards you," Ash said to Lillie, who nodded.
"From the amount of time I had with the guy. I can see why he is like that, and after hearing all that happened with your family, I can see why." Goh said to Ash, who nodded.
"Yeah, he was my rival during my time here, along with Kiawe, but he's started to mellow out a bit from the looks of it after seeing that his dad is back. Hopefully, things will be back to normal," Ash said to Goh.
Lillie was about to say something when Pikachu and Snowy sensed something nearby. Ash, Lillie, and Goh looked around, only for a Bug Buzz attack to be sent toward the group that got out of the way.
"Hey, who was that?" Ash yelled out to whoever did that as it was a Pokemon that Ash and Lillie weren't expecting to see a Pharamosa, which Goh had never seen before.
"Humph, well, you are good at getting out of the way more than you are at ruining our plans," a voice called out to Ash which Ash instantly recognized. "Been a long time, Ash seems from your expression you haven't forgotten our last interaction," Domino said to Ash while appearing behind Pharamosa.
"Domino, it seems you are still with Team Rocket?" Ash said that Goh and Lillie were confused about who this person was. "Don't let her appearance fool you guys. She's as deadly as she looks," Ash said. "The most dangerous member of Team Rocket," Ash said, glaring at Domino. "What do you want?" Ash said to Domino.
"Oh, nothing. Other than revenge for all you did to our team and all that," Domino said to Ash, who stood his ground. "Seems like you being in the Master's eight has gotten you more confident young man, but unlike the last time we met, things have changed, and Team Rocket has gotten stronger," Domino said to Ash.
Pikachu and Snowy were ready to take part in stopping whatever Pharamosa had planned, as suddenly Bewear showed up, ready to throw down with the Pharamosa as well. As the bug Pokemon was ready to fight, the trio. Not caring if something terrible happens to them or not.
Goh sent out his Inteleon to help as Pharamosa used an Energy ball at the group, Pikachu used Thunderbolt, and Snowy used Icy Wind. Inteleon used Snip Shot which caused an explosion as Pharamosa slammed her arms right into the trio of Pokemon, sending them back as Bewear slammed right into the Pokemon with a Brutal Swing.
"Try as you might, this Ultra Beast is strengthened by Team Rocket's technology. This Pharamosa isn't the same one you two faced over a year ago," Domino said to Ash and Lillie. Domino was about to command her Pokemon, only for a Moonblast to be sent toward the Pharamosa. It was from Lusamine's Clefable.
"Hmph, more trouble, the two who are technically the reason responsible for this attack in the first place," Domino said to Lusamine and Mohn. They were confused, only to see that Pharamosa went missing during that explosion and behind Lillie.
"LILLIE," Everyone said as Pharamosa had her in its feelers and moved next to Domino.
"We got what we are after. If you want her, I suggest you try and follow her," Domino said as she pulled out her black rose, which Ash knew was coming as she tossed it.
"Everyone moves now and get out of there before that rose explodes," Ash said, only for it to be too late as it caused a massive burst of petals made of electricity, hitting everyone. Faba was beside Domino and used this to get them out of there through a dimension barrier.
"Wait," Ash and Goh said as the two escaped as Lillie struggled to get out of Pharamosa's grip.
Everyone was recovering from the shock of Domino's infamous black rose attack. As he fell to his knees, Ash figured this would happen after their discussion with the Aether family. He knew that Faba was somehow behind this entire thing. Mohn and Lusamine ran over to Ash after they recovered to see if their future son-in-law was alright.
Gladdion had just arrived upon hearing the commotion, and his mother had explained what had happened. "Ugh, again, why does Faba have to make our lives even worse than last year," Gladdion said before looking at Ash, who was shaken. "Ash, get up. We can't just give up. I'm not faulting you for what happened to my sister. We can try to figure out something," Gladdion said to Ash.
Ash was about to break down and cry, realizing he had no way of getting Lillie back, only for Solegalao to show up upon sensing what just happened with an Ultra beast. Ash got up and ran over toward Solegalao.
"Maybe you can help me out. We need to get Lillie back," Ash said, determined regardless of his health safety during that attack as Goh and Gladdion ran over to Ash.
"I'm going after Lillie. I can't let Team Rocket get away with this," Ash said to the two, which Goh and Gladdion wanted to help. "I need one or both of you to stay behind and let the league know what happened, not to mention Lance and the other members of the masters 8 to let them know that I won't be back until I get Lillie back," Ash said to Gladdion and Goh.
"I'll do it. Ash get my sister back, please or so help me, Arceus," Gladdion said to Ash, who nodded. On the other hand, Goh wasn't just going to stand by and do nothing.
"Ash, I'm going with you. I need to keep everyone in touch with what is going on, and I can use some help doing so," Goh said to Ash, who sighed and nodded, and pulled out Dragonite's Pokeball, and handed it to Gladion.
"I am taking Pikachu, Lucario, Sirfetch'd, Gengar, Dracovish, and Incineroar with me. Both Lance and Iris are Dragon-type masters. They can understand her." Gladion nodded.
Ash turned to Goh "You can come, but bring Suicune with you. Something tells me we will need all the help we can get. Goh nodded as they ran off to the Pokémon Center Goh received Suicune, Flygon, and Scizor from Professor Cerise.
Ash and Goh ran to Kukui's house, and Ash explained the situation to both his current and Alolan Pokémon, who nodded in understanding. Dragonite was upset, but she understood Ash's logic. The two boys then met up with Lillie's parents.
"Do you even know where you are going? I mean, there are a lot of dimensions/wormholes the last we heard. Are you going to be okay?" Lusamine asked Ash, who nodded.
"Solegaleo should sense where they are. I'm not going to stop until I find her. They made it personal for not just you but me as well," Ash said, showing that he was determined to save Lillie as Goh and Ash got on Solgaleo as they took their leave into the same portal that Domino used after everyone made their goodbyes.
Little did the group know it, but Domino watched this from afar and made contact with Giovanni. "Reporting, Ash took the bait. He's heading into one of the many dimensions we are taking over. Want me to take part, or should I return to the dimension that I started to take over," Domino asked her boss, who smirked.
"Return to base. We will leave Ash to our fellow agents in that dimension. Well done, Domino. We just started taking them over before coming to this dimension and fulfilling our plans as Rainbow Rocket," Giovanni said with a grin. "Even if Ash does reach Lillie, he's all alone with his friend and no one he knows, return to base," Giovanni said to Domino, who nodded and ended the call and returned to base.
This was happening just as Ash and Goh on Solgaleo were going through the path in the portal. Little did they know this new dimension had different rules like nothing they had ever seen.
Done and done. I'm ending it on this cliffhanger as my co-writer wants to start the first duel in the next chapter. Again I want to thank my collab partner, who is doing the editing as I wrote this chapter, cause a current Hurricane hit the area he is in and affected the internet, so I have taken over the chapter for this one. So thank you to DraconicFireLord for the editing and EmperorDraco7 and KevinSchomaker for helping us with ideas for the chapter, and patients for me getting this done. It's the first duel of the story next, and these chapters will be out when they are done, folks, so no updates, please, in the reviews.