Chapter 59: The Altar of the Sunne and Moone

The climb to the top was long and tiring, but our weary heroes soldiered on, knowing that whatever they were looking for lay at the summit. When they reached the top, they found what appeared to be an ancient ceremonial site. In the center were two platforms, each of which bore the same symbols as the ones on the two flutes they had found.

"Well, here we are. The map ends here."

"The Altar of the Sunne and Moone. In ancient times, the people of Poni Island gathered here to pray to the legendary guardians Solgaleo and Lunala. Whatever we need to do, this is the place to do it."

The group took a moment to rest and and stretch their legs, the long journey having taken its toll. Salamence, overjoyed by its new form, swooped up and down all over the place, finally able to feel the breeze underneath its wings. Ash smiled at seeing his Pokemon so happy.

"Salamence sure is happy to have evolved, huh?"

Rotom, who had been busy taking pictures of the happy dragon, turned to Ash.

"You see Ash, Bagon dream their entire lives about being able to fly, but due to the long time it takes to train one most trainers don't even bother. When Bagon was abandoned by its original trainer, it felt like there was no hope of achieving its dream. But then you came along and offered him love and compassion he had never been shown before. Because of you, he was able to grow stronger and achieve his dream."

"So...Bagon evolved because I believed in him?"

"That izz correct."

Salamence landed, nuzzling Ash's chest happily. Ash smiled and stroked his scales.

"No problem, buddy."

After a few more minutes, everyone had decided that they had spent enough time dawdling and needed to move forward. But no one was quite sure how to go about it.

"So...what do we do now? We're here, but..."

"What do we do?"

Ash stayed silent, surveying the area and searching for clues. It was then that he took note of the symbols on the platforms.

"Hey guys, look at the symbols on the floor. They match the ones on the flutes."

"Hey, he's right!"

"Yeah, so? What does that matter?"

"Maybe...if we play the flutes on the platform matching its symbol... something will happen?"

Everyone was silent for a minute, mulling over the suggestion.

"It...could work."

"I don't have any other ideas. Anyone else?"

Everyone shook their heads. Without hesitation, Lillie and Ash dug through his backpack and retrieved the Sunne and Moonne Flutes before taking their respective places on the platforms.

"Are you ready, Lillie?"

"For Nebby's sake, I hope so."

Nodding, the brought their flutes to their mouths and began to play. For a moment, nothing happened and they feared the worst, but continued to play. Then, Nebby began to glow. Slowly, he slipped out of Lillie's bag and drifted into midair, and as they continued to play he grew larger and larger until...

"LUNALA!"

...A large, majestic Lunala stood in Nebby's place, to the awe of everyone present.

"Incredible...Nebby evolved into..."

"The guardian of the moon itself."

Nebby stretched its new wings, joining Salamence in a quick flight before landing back down and nuzzling Lillie, who was happy to see he was alright.

"Nebby...no, Lunala, please! I know my mother is still out there somewhere. If you could help us find her..."

Lunala nodded, floating in the air as it gathered psychic energy within himself. After several suspenseful moments, a strange wormhole similar to the ones in Aether Paradise appeared.

"You guys ready?"

Nodding, the group of five stepped in,disappearing one by one, Lunala being the last to enter.

"Hang on mother! We're coming!"

Greninja panted as it reached the top of the stairs, exhausted but knowing he had to keep going. Scanning his surroundings, he, couldn't find Ash anywhere. All he found was some sort of portal, with strange colors swirling around the vortex.

Concentrating, Greninja could sense Ash's presence within, but only faintly. Concerned, Greninja immediately leapt in, ready to fight. He didn't know what lay in store for him on the other side, but whatever it was, Ash was worth it.

A/N: Yes, I chose Lunala over Solgaleo. Sorry, but I prefer Lunala's design.