Chapter 26: An Alolan Paradise
Before long, they were on the open Alolan sea and headed for Aether Paradise. Ash, Ilima, and Faba were in the lounger area, Faba showing them some more pictures.
"You see, using highly advanced technology, we work to provide each and every Pokemon under our care to live in its ideal environment, ensuring optimal cooperation and comfort for all. And with our adoption system, all abandoned Pokemon can find a new loving home. Some of our employees have even taken it upon themselves to adopt some of our rescues."
"Wow, that is so cool!"
"Indeed. I look forward to learning more about your efforts."
Just then, the intercom started up.
"Attention passengers, we are now approaching Aether Paradise."
Hearing this, Ash and ilima rushed to the deck to catch a view. Their eyes went wide as they stared in awe at the massive marvel of human innovation. Even though it was manmade, it looked as if it had always been there.
"Wow, its better than I could even imagine!"
The ship sailed into the port, docking at a small key. Ash nearly leapt onto the docks, unable to contain his excitement. Faba chuckled at his excitement.
"Come on, let me take you to the observation deck."
The three took a nearby lift to the 2nd floor. Ash could hard hardly believe his eyes at the massive sight before him. As far as the eye could see, Pokemon played and lounged comfortly, being cared for by an army of employees who groomed, fed, and played with them. A young-looking blonde woman stood in the middle ring, directing some scientists as Ash walked up. Sensing someone was behind her, she turned around with a broad smile.
"Ah, Faba told me he'd be bringing some special guests. Greetings, I am the President of the Aether Foundation Lusamine. Thank you so much for saving my employees back there."
"Ah, it was nothing. I couldn't just let Team Skull pick on them."
"Indeed. We only did what any good person would do."
Lusamine gave the two a private tour of the building, giving them history and other interesting facts along the way. Ash and Ilima soaked it all up, unable to get enough information.
"Wow Lusamine, that's amazing! You manage all of this by yourself?"
All of a sudden Lusamine paused, her bright smiled fading into a sad frown.
"Sadly, yes. My husband used to help but he…is no longer with us. We didn't have any children."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Lusamine gave Ash a small smile.
"No, its okay. Its been hard, but I've managed to move on. In fact, I like to think the best thing I can do to honor his memory is to continue our work. And I'm never lonely. Every Pokémon I bring in, I treat like my own."
"That's a great way of thinking. And I know that if he could see you today, he'd be proud."
Lusamine wiped a tear from her eye.
"Thank you, Ash. You truly have a kind heart."
Just then, the lights began to flicker, before going out completely, sending the building into a panic.
"What's going on?"
"Faba, get the back up generators working at once!"
"Yes Madam President!"
But before Faba could move, a crack appeared from thin air in the center of the room, so wide it took up the whole observation area. From it emerged the ugliest looking creature Ash had ever seen. It had multiple arms, two emerging from its hideous mouth that covered its whole body. It let out a hideous, blood curdling roar, causing everyone to duck and cover.
"What is that thing? Is it a Pokémon?"
"Rotom?"
"Uh Uh, don't look at me! That thing would eat me before I could even get close!"
"Well, whatever it is, we can't let it cause trouble. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika Pika!"
"Alright, use Thunderbolt!"
"PikaCHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
The bolt of lightning hit the behemoth head on, causing it to grunt in pain. But the attack had little effect on him, only serving to make him angry. Before anyone could say anything , it used one of its arms to grab Pikachu, lifting him clear off of Ash's shoulder before disappearing into the wormhole from which it came.
"Hold on Pikachu, I'm coming for you buddy!"
And before anyone could stop him, Ash leapt over the railing, diving right into the rift as it began to close.
"Ash wait!"
But it was too late. Ash was gone.
Ash emerged in some sort of desert, spotting the monstrosity marching to its lair with Pikachu in its grasp.
"Hey, let him go!"
The behemoth turned, whipping one of its arms at Ash and throwing him back, slamming him against a wall with so much force it crumbled. Ash could only struggle to remain conscious as the monster marched towards him, ready to go in for the kill.
"Zeraora, Thunder Punch its pressure points!
Before it could do anymore harm, a yellow blur assaulted it, jabbing and punching it until it was forced to release Pikachu, who was caught by another. Grunting, the monster limped off.
"Wh-"
Another man stepped up to Ash, blocking the blinding sun.
"Congratulations, you are being rescued."
Confused, shocked, and in massive pain, Ash blacked out.
