Chapter 63: The Long Journey Home
It wasn't until they had gotten back to Aether Paradise that the full consequences of Lusamine's stay in Ultra Space became apparent. For the past day, she had became lethargic and barely able to move. An X-Ray scan revealed there to be lingering toxins from the Ultra Beasts's presence in her body. While it wasn't anything life threatening, it would limit her abilities for a while.
Lillie, Gladion, and their friends had decided to stay at Aether Paradise for a while to help keep things a float until Lusamine had recovered. Presently, Ash and Lillie were in Lusamine's office, collecting a few things to help Lusamine feel more at home.
"Thanks for staying with us, Ash. This whole Ultra Beast business has made me feel uneasy, so its nice to have friends around."
"No worries, Lillie. We're all here for you guys."
As Ash went to pick up some family photos, he stopped once he picked up a particular one. It was a family photo from when Gladion and Lilllie were little kids. Lusamine was there, but so was someone very familiar...
"Hey Lillie, who's this in the picture?"
When Lillie saw what Ash was talking about, her face fell.
"Oh...that's our father. He disappeared a few years ago, and our family hasn't been the same since. According to mother, he was researching some kind of unusual energy source when he just...vanished. Mother took it pretty hard."
Ash's eyes widened. If this is who he thought it was...
"Do you...know your father's name?"
"Mohn. Why do you ask?"
"Um, no reason."
Lillie was unconvinced by her boyfriend's answer, but let it slide as they went back to collecting. But Ash's brain was already formulating a plan. He knew exactly where Lillie's father, and he knew just how to get there.
All he needed was Nebby's help.
Ash found Nebby in the observation area, sleeping soundly. Although there had been talk about moving him to the labs to study, he had made his feelings on that quite clear with a Psychic blast. Understanding the situation, everyone believed it would be best to leave him alone for the time being.
His rest didn't last long, as he heard Ash's footsteps approaching. The legendary Pokemon stretched its wings before kneeling down to Ash's height, nuzzling him and Pikachu.
"Hey Nebby, good to see you too."
"Nala."
"Listen, I'm planning a surprise for Lillie, and I could use your help."
Lunala listened closely as Ash explained the whole plan.
"Think you can help."
Lunala nodded, eager to do something for the woman who had cared for him.
"Great! But remeber, keep this between us."
Ash stepped out of the portal into the familiar world. To say life had improved in this alternate Alola would be an understatement. Buildings were being built, older ones had been repaired, and more importantly, there were people out and about enjoying life again. While there was still a lot of work left to do, they had certainly come a long way.
"Wow buddy, Dia sure has done a lot, hasn't he?"
"Pika!"
Knowing he didn't have a lot of time, Ash walked up to somebody to ask for help.
"Excuse me, do you know where Mohn is?"
"Yes, I saw him and Kahuna Dia at the island headquarters. Its where the old shopping mall used to be."
"Great, thanks!"
Ash excitedly made his way to the old building that used to be the resistance base. There he found Dia and Mohn going over further reconstruction plans. But when they saw Ash enter the room, they both stopped what they were doing and went to greet him.
"Ash, so good to see you! How are you?"
"I'm great, Mohn. Looks like our Kahuna here is doing a great job rebuilding."
"Yes, well, I couldn't do it without Mohn here. He's even managed to get a radio working so we can contact the outside world. The shield's been put down, and now we have more help than we know what to do with."
"What brings you back here, Ash?"
"I've come to bring you back home, Mohn. Lusamine is ill, and could use your support."
Mohn gasped in shock.
"H-how do you know my wife's name?"
Ash explained the whole story, from meeting Lillie to their adventures in Ultra Space. Mohn just stood there in shock.
"And Lillie and Gladion? Are they alright?"
"They're a little shaken, but they're fine. What do you say, Mohn? Are you ready to come home?"
Mohn stood silent for a minute, trying to process all of this information. At last, he nodded.
"I'm ready. Dia, are you-"
"Don't worry, Mohn, I'll be fine. You've done so much for us, but we both knew you couldn't be here forever. Go back to your family, Mohn."
Nodding, Mohn followed Ash back to the city outskirts. The two of them paused in front of the portal home.
"Are you ready, Mohn?"
"Let's do this."
With that the two of them stepped forward, leaving the rebuilding world for home.
Ash and Mohn stepped back right into where Ash left. Lillie came into view, a box of items in her hands.
"Alright Ash, this is the last of-"
She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw her father standing beside Ash.
"D-Da-Dad?"
"Hello, Lillie."
Lillie dropped the box in shock before running into her father's arms, tears of joy streaming down her face.
"Dad, you're alive! How...where...why?"
"Shh, its alright now. I promise I'll explain everything later."
"Everything alright? I heard a crash and I-"
Gladion's words got caught in his mouth when he saw his father. Then, his mouth formed into a smile.
"Welcome home, Dad."
"It's great to be home, son."
After bringing Gladion and Lillie up to speed on what's happened, Ash brought Mohn to Lusamine's room. He went to open the door, but hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
"It's just...I haven't seen her in years. What if...what if she's moved on?"
"Mohn, she missed you a whole lot. Now man up and open the door!"
Nervous, Mohn slowly opened the door and approached the bed, Lusamine slowly opened her eyes, letting out a soft gasp when she saw who stood over her.
"Mohn? Is that you?"
"Its me, dear. I'm home."
Lusamine slowly sat up and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, which he gently returned.
"I'm...I'm not dreaming, right? This is real?"
"As real as you and I, dear."
"Oh Mohn, I missed you so much. Where did you go?"
"That's a long story for another day, dear. Let's just enjoy the moment while it lasts."
And that's exactly what they did.
