Chapter 104: Another Ultra Beast?

A few days after the Alola League had wrapped up, Ash was at Aether Paradise, playing with their Pokemon. Currently, Ash was waving a bone in front of Lycanroc, who was drooling all over the prospect of catching it.

"You want it? Go get it!"

Ash threw it as far as he could, watching in amusement as his Pokemon ran after it, tongue flopping in the wind. Shortly, Lycanroc returned, dropping it into Ash's waiting hand.

"Good boy!"

Lycanroc growled happily, enjoying Ash's gentle petting as he rubbed up against his trainer's hand. Lillie giggled, sipping some tea while she watched on with Lusamine.

"He sure does have a way with Pokemon, huh?"

"Indeed. Perhaps he'd be good with kids too, if you know what I mean..."

"Mother!"

Lusamine chuckled, watching her daughter blush profusely at her little joke.

"Calm down dear, I'm just joking. Still though, have you made a decision? If you're waiting for my permission, you have it. Ash is a good kid, I know he'll take care of you."

Lillie nodded, looking down in thought.

"Its not that. Its just... with dad back, it feels like our family is finally complete again. We can do all the things we've missed, even if it is a little late. Dad's missed so much of my life, it just...I don't know, it just doesn't feel right."

"Lillie...I understand how you feel. I wish I could give you back the childhood you were robbed of, more than anything else in the world. Both you and Gladion have suffered so much, but if going with Ash to Kanto is what makes you happy, then we won't stop you. Just give it some thought, dear."

Lillie nodded, smiling as Poipole stole Lycanroc's bone and floated away, Lycanroc chasing after her to snatch it back.

"I will. Thank you, mother."

"Any time, dear."

Just then, Ash and Lillie's phones starting to ring. Picking them up, they were surprised to find Anabel on the other end.

"Ash, Lillie, thank god I've reached you! There's been an Ultra Beast sighting at the base of Mount Lanakila!"

"What? I thought we stopped all of them!"

"Do we know what kind it is?"

"No, but the energy reading is off the roof! I'm sending for the others, but you're the closest one's there!"

"Got it, we're on the way!"

"Be careful. We all know how dangerous these Ultra Beasts can be."

"We will. Greninja, you're with us!"

Greninja jolted from his meditation, and was on his feet in seconds as he followed Ash and Lillie to their ride Pokemon. Ash and Lillie didn't know what was in store for them once they reached shore, but they knew it couldn't be good.

When they reached Mount Lanakila, they found Brock, Max, and Misty there waiting for them. Sitting at the base of the mountain, completely unaware of them, was the Ultra Beast, a massive, pitch black figure.

"What...what is that thing?"

"We don't know. It hasn't moved an inch since we got here."

"Should we...try to capture it, or..."

Just then, the figure opened its eyes, for the first time acknowledging their presence. Sensing that they posed a threat to him, the beast stood up, arms raised and ready for battle. The five friends shared a glance, nodding before drawing their Pokemon.

"Let's do this!"

Back on Aether Paradise, Nebby sat asleep, enjoying the peaceful corner he had found nestled in the observation room. His slumber was disturbed though, when he sensed a great and malevolent presence. He couldn't fathom why, but somehow it felt...familiar, as if he had some sort of connection to it.

His eyes shot wide open when he realized that Lillie was there, as was Ash. What's more, he could sense that they were battling this presence, and losing.

All thoughts of sleep gone from his mind, Nebby stretched his wings out and flew right out an open window, much to the surpise of the scientists keeping an eye on him.

"Lunala, come back!"

But Nebby refused to listen. Lillie was in danger, and he would do anything in his power to save her.

Back at Mount Lanakila, Ash and his friends were struggling. No matter what they threw at the Ultra Beast, it didn't seem to have any effect. Even a Mega Gardevoir, Gyrados, and Steelix were having little effect.

"Man, this thing is tough. How do we shake him?"

"I don't know, but we need to think of something, and fast!"

"Um, guys?"

Before their very eyes, the creature rose several feet above the ground, arms stretched out as it began to focus deeply. Suddenly, energy from all over the four Islands began flowing into it, empowering it further.

"Its stealing all of the energy from Aloa!"

"We've got to stop that thing! Psybeam, Gardevoir!"

"Thunder, Pikachu!"

"Steelix, Flash Canon!"

"Hydro Pump!"

"Ice Beam, Snowy!"

The five attacks hit the monstrosity head on, but all were for not as they just bounced off the creature as it grew angrier, letting out a burst of energy that knocked Ash, his friends, and their Pokemon off of their feet, allowing it to continue collecting energy uninterrupted.

"This is bad. We need to do something!"

"But what?!"

"LUNALA!"

The creature glanced towards the sky, seeing Nebby come flying in, latching onto the creature with all its might, blocking it off from the energy stream as the beast tried to shake him off. Unsuccessful, the creature began glowing, making Lillie worried for her friend's safety.

"Nebby, get away!"

But Nebby hung on, and the glow consumed them both. The light warped and bended for a bit before disappearing, taking them both to parts unknown.

"Nebby!"

Lillie collapsed to the ground, shaking as tears fell down her cheeks. Ash gave her a gentle hug, letting her use him as a crutch as he helped her to her feet.

"We'll get him back, don't worry."

"What...was that thing?"

"Perhaps we can be of assistance."

Turning around, the group found two oddly dressed people making their way towards them. Their suits were blue and white, with a futuristic look to them.

"And who are you?"

"I'm Dulse, and this is my partner Zossie. And if you want to have any hope of rescuing your friend, then I suggest you listen to what we say."

"Indeed, for if we don't work together, Necrozma will destroy us all."