Yesterday did not end well for any of them.

There was a lot to unpack from everything revealed last night, and none of them is taking it well. Lillie is not taking it well. Knowing that Moon left the region because of reasons to protect the region was one thing. Learning that her best friend and one of her Pokemon almost died without any of them knowing was another. She can understand the former, but the latter…she could not eat dinner last night. She did not have much appetite for breakfast this morning either.

Her mother, no, the other Lusamine called her, and Lillie has to feign ignorance that the person at the other line was not her mother at all. It would not come easy to her, lying like that, in normal circumstances, but the lies came smoothly out of her mouth, and Lusamine did not suspect anything at all. She wondered if she already knew their involvement yesterday and was just going along with it, but it sounded like it was not the case. Or that, Lusamine wanted to keep an eye on them to make sure they did not interfere with her plans.

There was another meeting this morning, but Lillie did not attend. Gladion just messaged her that he divulged to everyone what was going on in Aether Paradise and everything else that was left unsaid last night. She had left the makeshift conference room first and ran out of the Pokémon Center with no particular destination in mind the night before. Her feet led her to MIssus Selene and Professor Elio's doorstep, and when the door opened, she fell into a sobbing mess in the arms of Moon's mother.

The older woman, whom she regarded as an aunt and a mother, gently ushered her inside the house and sat her down at the dining table. Her Kantonian Meowth climbed on Lillie's lap and purred to calm the crying girl as Selene worked in the kitchen. The questions did not come until Lillie had her fill of Selene's version of Tapu Cocoa, dried her tears and snot with the towel Meowth retrieved from Selene's room, and eased down just enough to speak coherently.

As Lillie recounted the day's events, Selene held the young girl's hands, rubbing her knuckles with utmost care and gentleness. The younger Aether sibling nearly choked in tears as she confessed everything discussed in the meeting – about how Shiron was taken away, Professor Elio being kidnapped along with the others, the contents of Moon's adventure notebook, and the revelation Nanu made. She expected Selene to be shocked upon hearing the heart-wrenching news about her daughter, but the older woman simply squeezed her hands and gazed at her eyes with emotions that only a loving mother would understand their depths.

"I know." The admission was not something Lillie expected. "Moon told me four years ago, from that phone call. She didn't want anyone else to know, not even her father, given that he's a worrier. I have known for a long time now, but hearing about it from anyone does not make it less painful. It will never be for any parent. I'm sorry all of you have to know about it this way."

"I…" Lillie sniffed. "I…I should have known. I should have known that something is wrong. I'm her best friend, but I…."

"Lillie…" Selene said softly. "Don't blame yourself for what happened. It isn't your fault nor Moon's. It is mine. I know she is a strong and independent person, but it is my duty to watch over her as her mother. I am her mother, yet I failed to protect her."

"That's not true!" Lillie shook her head vigorously. "You're a wonderful mother to Moon, MIssus Selene! I'm sure she'll agree with me. It's not your fault either. She's…" She extracted a hand and wiped the incoming tears on her sleeve. "She's doing her best as Champion. She's just trying to protect Alola, even though she knows the stakes. Moon is strong, really strong. I look up to her, just like everyone else. She's so amazing that I want to follow in her footsteps. That's why I decided to become a Pokémon Trainer to show her that I can stand on my feet like her. That I am not the same person I used to be, and that she can be proud of me as her best friend."

"I'm sure she does, Lillie. More than anyone else in the world."

"But she didn't get to see!" Lillie exclaimed. "She left, and worse of all, she was badly hurt, and she told nobody. She kept smiling, laughing, and joking with us, but she was hurt. She and Primarina almost died! I can't forgive myself for not noticing. I really can't… I'm so sorry…I just can't…."

Lillie buried her face in her hands as she sobbed and hiccupped apologies. A chair screeched on the floor as Selene stood up and embraced the trembling girl. The older woman said nothing, but her sorrow was no less than the child's. Meowth sidled and curled next to the two women, silently crying his heart out with them. The mug of Tapu Cocoa has gone cold, and the night grew darker and still. Lillie barely remembered being escorted to bed amidst the fog of exhaustion. She curled under the thick covers and mourned her regrets until she succumbed to sleep.

When she woke up that morning, she found herself in a room that was not hers. The room was less spacious than her room in the mansion, and the walls were painted pink instead of the pristine white she was accustomed to. The furniture was simplistic and arranged for an appealing yet homely feel and arranged to occupy the sides of the room in an incomplete circle. There was a life-sized Snorlax cushion at one corner that she did not remember having and a Pikachu doll lying next to her, instead of Shiron. A recently used blue mattress was folded on the giant Jigglypuff rug with a couple of pillows and a blanket stacked. The air felt raw and musty, as if the room had not been used for a long time but was cleaned and well-maintained all-throughout the years.

It was only when a familiar Kantonian Meowth nudged the door open and padded on the wooden floor that she realized she was inside Moon's room and was brought back to reality. She followed the Scratch Cat Pokémon out, where Selene was already busying herself with preparing breakfast. She told her that Gladion came by looking for her last night. Her brother was worried sick that he could not find her anywhere near the Pokémon Center and came running to Moon's house, hoping she might have found sanctuary here. Selene told her that Gladion stayed the night as well before leaving promptly early in the morning.

There were little words said and little food eaten (in Lillie's case) during breakfast. The television broadcasted the usual morning news, thrown with not-so-subtle commentaries regarding Alola's state of affairs and what has the League and the other higher-ups have done to address the unusual situation. Lillie does not hate the press as her brother does, but she does not like them either. There are times that they prove to be accommodating and helpful, but there are also times when they cross lines they should not – particularly about the Champion. She understands that being the Champion means being under the scrutiny of the region and the whole world. But still, she resents the press whenever they give out an occasional snide remark concerning the current Champion's performance in a guise of criticism, especially when they compare Hau to Moon, even though they are entirely two different persons.

"Ultra Beasts are popping left and right, and there's Team Skull, who just suddenly made a return and wreaked havoc in Manalo Stadium after Guzma lost his match against Challenger Sun."

"I heard that the police haven't found him yet." The reporter, Chris is his name, piped in. "Even with the Kahuna of Ula'ula Island on the case, they seemed to be making little progress."

"It reminds me of the times before the Alolan League was established." His partner said. "Champion Moon was the one who ended their reign of terror. Do you think Champion Hau is up to the task this time?"

"You know, Rita. If I'm being honest, the current Champion has a long way to go before he could stand on the same pedestal as the First Champion." Chris remarked animatedly. "Don't get me wrong! We love the second Champion, I sure do, and he has the title for five years now! But in terms of…well, everything a Champion should have, Champion Moon is on a different level. A real top-notch Pokémon Trainer! Champion Hau's the grandson of the Kahuna of Melemele Island, but there's a big gap between them. You understand what I'm saying?"

"I sure do, partner." Rita tapped the papers on the counter as the screen transitioned to a video clip. "Before we continue, we received more witness accounts of an Ultra Wormhole that opened up near the Ruins of Conflict yesterday morning. The public is waiting for the League's official statement regarding -"

The television switched off, and Lillie turned to Selene, who simply smiled warmly as she stood up and picked up the dishes. "The news can be tiring, don't you agree? Did you know that there is such a thing as 'too much news'? Why don't you take a walk at the beach? I'll handle cleaning the dishes."

At Selene's insistence, Lillie dressed in the older woman's old clothes and went out for a stroll to the beach where Professor Kukui's house is located. She had not seen the professor for some time, and she was glad to see him and his son outside for their morning walk. After exchanging the customary greetings, she joined them as they shuffled the length of the sandy beach.

"Hala has told me last night," Kukui started as he and Lillie were on the porch of his house after an hour of walking. Not far from them, the three-year-old Lei was crouching down, too engrossed on the Slowpoke basking under the Alolan sun. Rockruff right next to him, as if guarding the child should the Dopey Pokémon try anything funny to his charge. "That Burnet was kidnapped along with the real Lusamine, Professor Elio, and those two from the Ultra Recon Squad."

Lillie pursed her lips. "I'm sorry."

Kukui shook his head and placed a gentle hand on her head. "Don't be. It's not your fault. I was told by Ilima just this morning that Nanu is going to lead the search-and-rescue mission. He might not look like he did not care, but he has a good sense of responsibility and a good head on his shoulders. Besides, my wife is not someone that should be underestimated, so don't worry. You couldn't have known this would happen." He said. "None of us do."

Except for Moon. Lillie did not say it, but Kukui seemed to have read her mind. "Moon had made her decision." He said. "Nanu's right. Even I would disagree with her actions up until now. But if the Tapus have placed their trust in her, what is stopping us from doing the same? We should believe in her."

"I…" Lillie fiddled with her fingers. "I want to believe in her too, Professor Kukui." She admitted. "There's a plane ticket that Sun gave me that said that Moon returned here in Alola four months ago. She might still be here since the Champion Cup in the Galar region is still a month away."

Kukui considered her words. "Do you have Magearna with you?" When Lillie nodded, he continued. "I just happened to read one of Professor Elio's research papers, where the main topic is Magearna. He talked about Magearna's origins, much like Professor Mohn, but in more detail, considering he traveled far and wide in the world more than your father. It might just be theory, but the Soul-Heart, Magearna's true form, is connected to emotions and memories. Perhaps, with a strong bond, Magearna might react much like how it activated with yours, Lillie. We might be able to locate Moon with Magearna's help. But of course, just like I said, it is just a theory."

Lillie contemplated the idea in her head. It is feasible - she has read her father's research regarding Magearna since he bought it from an antique store. There is no doubt in her mind that Zoroark's illusion and her emotions back then made Magearna come back to life. Professor Kukui might not be aware of it. Still, at some point, Magearna even tracked down her father's location using his Z-Ring before their father himself visited Aether Paradise, albeit amnesiac. It is worth the try and is undoubtedly harmless to Magearna or anyone who might get involved with it. If it is possible with her father, it is also possible with Moon.

But how can they do that, considering that Sun got Moon's Z-Power Ring?

"Think about it, yeah?" Kukui said as he stood up. Lei finally got tired of playing with the wild Slowpoke and waddled toward his father with Rockruff at tow. Kukui swept him up in his arms as he smiled conspiratorially at Lillie. "If it works and we find Moon, let's agree that no one will help her out, yeah?"

Lillie could not help but giggle. The cool sea breeze carried the chiming sound of her soft laugh. "She has a long line waiting for her." She stood up, brushing the stray sand grains on her skirt. "I bet my brother and Hau will be fighting for first rights."

"I don't think you would let yourself be last either." Kukui chuckled. "As much as I love our First Champion, I need to give her a good ol' scolding as her starting professor."

"For how long?"

"About two to three hours, no less." He said jokingly. He adjusted his hold on Lei as the three-year-old tried to wriggle toward his Big Sister Lillie's arms. He turned to Rockruff, who abandoned going in circles around him and looked at a distance instead. "Hm? What's up, buddy?"

Kukui followed the Puppy Pokémon's gaze. Even from a far distance, he could see the blot that is the Aether Paradise at the horizon. Strangely enough, there was a gloomy, purple mass swirling atop the artificial structure instead of the bright, Alolan sky. Lillie followed their gaze and squinted at the unfamiliar scene. Rockruff started to become frantic, growling and barking in the direction of the Aether Paradise, when a tower of purple light shot from the floating island and to the sky.

The ground shook, and a sonic boom followed after as it swept across the entire region. Lillie dropped to the wooden floor and clung to the railing to avoid getting blown away. Kukui crouched low on the sands with his arms locked protectively around Lei. He barely managed to catch Rockruff as the Puppy Pokémon was thrown off his feet. They watched as the pillar of purple light snaked across the sky like the glowing branches of a tree. The creeping light stopped a few kilometers past the borders of the islands. Only then, when the tips began to distort and rotate, did the true horror begin to set in.

The branching light was not just as it is, but rifts in the sky…and those rifts are transforming into Ultra Wormholes. Tens, no, hundreds of them dotting the Alolan sky in a bruised shade of purple and red. From out of the Ultra Wormholes, familiar, otherworldly creatures began dropping from the sky.

Then, the Ultra Beast alarms from the four islands blared to life.


I hope you guys are ready. Things will get from bad to worse and worse to worst from here on out. Depending on how the following chapters turn out, I might change the story rating to Mature and the tags.