Track 51 - out of sight

A couple of weeks had passed since the finals of the Manalo Conference, and Leinani and her friends were only a few days from the one-year anniversary of when their Pokémon journeys started.

All three of them had failed at the Manalo Conference. But none of them were disappointed with the results, for they were all excited for their next journey.

"So," Enoka said as he set down his bottled Alola Cola on the picnic table. "What's next for everyone? Did you all decide?"

Leinani, Enoka, Ulani, and Kaiko all sat around the table. Ulani came from Po Town to visit them, as they wanted to privately celebrate their individual success at the conference. There were many tourist areas around the gardens of Malie City. They wanted to celebrate where they started their journeys, but they couldn't bring in food.

"That's what I've been thinking about!" Kaiko said. "This is my last year of studying, but it seems so boring! If I went to Paldea or something, I could at least study in the field!"

The three trainers looked at the excited ten-year-old. Alola was one of the few regions that started at age eleven rather than ten. They understood Kaiko's eagerness, but Enoka's question wasn't directed toward him.

"Well, I've decided that battling isn't really for me," Ulani said quietly.

Leinani and Enoka suddenly stood up and shouted in unison, "No!"

Ulani was almost knocked backward, but she quickly regained balance in her chair and then sat forward. "I'm not retiring or anything! But, I officially decided that I should go try out contests! I'm going to Kanto! It's not something that you see many people from Alola do."

Leinani and Enoka slowly looked at one another before they sat back down. They had clearly overreacted, but neither wanted to admit it.

"And, what about you?" Ulani asked.

"Well!" Enoka exclaimed before Leinani could start talking. He played with his spikey black hair and danced in his chair. "I got an offer to do something amazing!"

"Something amazing?" Kaiko wondered. He quickly sat forward, his glasses almost falling off of his face.

"Liar," Leinani murmured loud enough for her rival to hear.

"I got a phone call from Kala, the gym leader of Poni Island! Guess what? She wants me to take over the gym!" he said proudly. He puffed out his chest, but his frame was too small and his black flower-print t-shirt was too loose for his action to matter.

"No way!" Ulani exclaimed.

"That's awesome!" Kaiko yelled.

Leinani folded her arms. "Liar."

"I'm serious," Enoka snapped. "I'm gonna be a gym leader! Jealous?"

"No."

"Then, what do you plan on doing?" Enoka asked.

"I'm gonna go to-" Leinani started, but she suddenly stopped as the air around her started to stir. A light flashed down on their picnic table although it was daytime. The four of them looked up, finding that the sky had ripped open.

A large creature made of gray bricks appeared from the hole and fell onto one of the tourist shops, destroying a part of the roof. It then stood up on four long legs and moved its body around. It appeared to be a building itself, but it had openings on its brick-like body with blue eyes that looked out onto the world.

"What is that?" Enoka asked.

"No way," Leinani muttered.

Kaiko pulled his Dedenne close and looked at his older sister. "Leilei!"

"Over there!" Ulani said while pointing in the opposite direction.

A white insectoid Pokémon with long antennas antagonized a nearby hot dog vendor. It used its large legs and kicked the cart into the garden.

The three trainers looked at one another while Kaiko slowly slid under the table.

"You take the bug lady, and we'll take the walking fortress," Leinani instructed Enoka.

"Why am I by myself?" Enoka asked, sweat now running down his cheeks.

"Because you're a gym leader!"

"Not yet!"

The three trainers split, and Enoka ran down the road. He shook with fear as he grabbed his Poké Ball. The beast hadn't noticed him, as it seemingly took joy in kicking anything in its way.

"Hey!" Enoka yelled, catching the creature's attention. It slowly turned and looked at him. "Oh, boy."

The creature lifted its long leg and prepared to stomp, but before it could, Enoka threw his Poké Ball into the air.

"Toucannon, use Flame Charge!"

Toucannon emerged from his Poké Ball and then flew forward. He maneuvered around the large creature's kick and then rammed his body into it. Flames exploded from his body, and the creature was knocked back a few inches.

"Now-" Enoka started to say, but the creature wasn't going to wait for him.

The creature was surrounded by dark green energy, and it lunged forward. It thrust its shoulder into Toucannon, sending him backward. It then put its arms to its chest and then started to buzz. It unleashed the same dark green energy from its body, blasting Toucannon downward.

"Toucannon!" Enoka shouted.

On the other side, Leinani and Ulani had reached the walking building, unsure of how to attack.

"DJ, use Leaf Blade!" Leinani ordered.

Ulani threw her Poké Ball forward. "Go, Lycanroc! Use Accelerock!"

Rowlet took off from the top of Leinani's hat while Ulani's light brown Lycanroc materialized and then dashed forward. The two prepared to strike simultaneously, but before they could, a blue barrier appeared around the towering monster. It then eyed them, and five stone pillars ripped up from the ground around it. It launched them toward the two Pokémon, but Rowlet sliced through them while Lycanroc did her best to dodge.

"This thing is gonna be trouble," Leinani muttered. "DJ, use Steel Wing!"

"Lycanroc, don't give up! Follow DJ with Accelerock!"

The two Pokémon charged, and this time, the creature wasn't ready. Rowlet sliced her wings against the large creature's frame while Lycanroc went for the legs. The creature was momentarily tripped up, but it quickly responded by launching more stone pillars into the air.

"Watch out!" Kaiko yelled from the sidelines. He then turned his attention to Enoka.

The tall insectoid creature reeled back and kicked outward once again, hitting Toucannon directly in the chest. The Flying-type was knocked backward. He fell into a heap and couldn't get up.

"Darn," Enoka said as he withdrew his Pokémon. He grabbed at his belt to make his next selection, but a shadow looming overheard struck fear into his heart.

The insectoid towered over Enoka. It lifted its long leg and prepared to stomp one more time.

"Silvally, use Multi-Attack!" a voice called out.

Suddenly, flames exploded around the insectoid Pokémon. It let out a loud cry before it collapsed to the ground.

Enoka looked up, and the boy that he had defeated in the Top 16 at the Manalo Conference stood over him. He held out his hand, helping Enoka back up. His quadruped Pokémon took his place by his side. The helmet that it once had was now missing, revealing a white feathered neck and head.

Gladion raised a blue disc. He placed it into the back of his Pokémon's ear, which then closed and started to hum. He pointed over toward Leinani and Ulani. "It's their turn! Use Multi-Attack!"

"What is this Pokémon?" Enoka wondered while he looked at the Pokémon's machine-like ears.

Silvally raced forward. It leaped into the air, opened its mouth, and unleashed a blast of blue energy. The wall-like beast was knocked over, and its legs fell out from under it.

Leinani looked at Gladion and then frowned. "We were handling this just fine."

"I just sped up the process," Gladion said.

Leinani grabbed a Poké Ball from her belt and held it tightly. "I want to try something. Go, Poké Ball!" She threw the ball forward, connecting with the large beast. The ball opened and released its white light, absorbing the entirety of the creature. However, as it fell, it immediately exploded back open. The creature was still unconscious, but it could not be captured.

"It's an Ultra Beast," Gladion said. "The chances of you catching one in a Poké Ball are less than one."

Leinani cocked her head. "But, there is a chance?"

"The Aether Foundation is making their move. They're opening up different dimensions, and this is the result. Hundreds of trainers have left Alola. I was right about them," Gladion said.

"You know this guy?" Enoka said while gesturing to Gladion.

"We've talked," Leinani exclaimed. She folded her arms. "A'ight. I believe you now. What do we do?"

"The four of us go to Aether Paradise. We fight them and shut down their operation. We film everything with our Pokédex. We finish this."

Leinani cocked her head. "That's not an actual plan. That's just the goal."

"Four?" Kaiko wondered. He walked up to the group and held his Togedemaru in his arms. "We can help too!"

"Nope," Leinani said as she reached for Kaiko. She grabbed him by the shoulders and spun him around. "You run to mom's shop, get her, and then head straight for the gym. That's the safest place for you."

"But, I want to help!"

"No!" Leinani screeched. "We just competed in the biggest tournament in Alola, and you're not even old enough to have a trainers license. Go to a safe place, and let us handle this."

"Leilei," Enoka said while putting his hand on Leinani's shoulder. "Let's go. There's not a lot of time. Kai, listen to your sister."

Leinani frowned. "Where's this sudden confidence coming from?"

"I'm going to be a gym leader soon. I have to act like it."

Leinani eyed Kaiko. Gladion, Enoka, and Ulani then started to run. Leinani pointed to the city, and without a word, she followed her rivals.

The group hurriedly ran to the docks. Usually, anyone could buy a ferry ticket and go to the Aether Paradise at any time. They were expecting to buy a ticket and then wait thirty minutes to get a ride, but that was not going to be the case today.

"No! What are you thinking?" the man at the counter asked. "Haven't you seen the news? Alola is being attacked by those monsters! The ferries aren't running! You should get home!"

The four exchanged looks and without any words, they left the small lobby. They looked out at the sea. The Aether Paradise was visible from far away, but it wasn't going to be possible to swim there.

"How'd you get here today?" Leinani asked Gladion.

"I was spying on Aether, and when I heard that they're starting their plan to bring Ultra Beasts to Alola today, I got on the first ferry here. I was lucky," Gladion answered.

"So, what do we do?" Ulani wondered.

"Ahem," a voice muttered from the side. The four trainers turned to find Kaiko, holding a Poké Ball out. "I figured that you wouldn't be able to get a ferry, so I went home, grabbed my mom's Lapras, and dashed here."

"You can't be serious. I told you to go find mom and then get to the gym!" Leinani shouted.

"I said that I can help!"

"It's not your job to help!" Leinani snapped. She intended to continue yelling, but then Gladion put his hand on her shoulder.

"Leinani, we have no time. Take the ball and say thank you," he said.

Kaiko tucked the ball behind him. "I'm not going to give it to you unless I can go with you! Togedemaru can be helpful!"

Leinani balled her fist. "I said-"

"We'll protect him," Enoka exclaimed, getting a glare from Leinani. "It might be better if he goes with us anyways. We don't know how many more Ultra Beasts are going to randomly appear around the city while we're gone."

"Fine," Leinani snarled. "But, Kaiko. You listen to every word I say from here on out. If you don't, I'll break your legs and leave you on Lapras."

"I believe her," Enoka mumbled.

The ride to the Aether Paradise took longer than it normally would have. The trainers saw no boats, ferries, or anyone else riding on Pokémon. The Alolan sea was silent, but they knew that it was only the quiet before the storm.

They decided to not pull up to the Aether Paradise from the front where all tourists and guests usually would, but Gladion instead knew of an entrance on the side. They came to a small steel ladder that brought them to an entrance, withdrew Lapras, and then prepared for what was next.

"They're going to get aggressive. Don't trust any member of the foundation right now. They've been ordered to attack anyone that looks like a threat," Gladion informed them.

"How would they know that we're a threat?" Enoka asked.

"There are no other trainers at the Aether Paradise right now. And, I can already guarantee that we're on their radar," Gladion said.

"So, how do we do this? Where do we go?" Leinani asked.

"We're going to go to the center elevator. I think we should split up, and some of us should go down to the basement labs while the others go up. We have to find what they're doing, take the footage, and then get to the police. It's not going to be easy," Gladion said.

"Well, let's go," Leinani said. She pulled on the large steel door, leading the group into what looked like a closet of sorts. It was a small hallway with no heat and no color, the exact opposite image of the Aether Foundation to this point. In front of them was another door.

Gladion looked up at a security camera that pointed directly down at them. It had a red light on the side that blinked with no rhythm. He turned and then pushed the door open slowly. It brought them into one of the many clean lobbies of the Aether Foundation. However, this one was completely empty.

"Walk, don't run," Gladion said. He lead the way through the lobby, walking straight for another set of doors. He reached out his hand, but before he could touch the door, a voice called out.

"Stop! You're not allowed in here!"

The group turned around to find two young Aether members. They appeared to only be a couple of years older than anyone in the group.

"We're not supposed to have guests right now!" the female member shouted. "Go tell Faba that we have intruders!" The male member nodded and then ran the other way. The female member lifted her Poké Ball. Her hand shook violently, and she seemingly couldn't find any words.

"You should run with your friend and save yourself the embarrassment," Gladion said. "You don't want to fight us."

"I don't, but I have orders," the girl responded. "Go, Herdier!"

A canine Pokémon emerged from her Poké Ball and then barked. The group exchanged looks with one another, unsure of who should stay behind and fight.

"I'll do it. I'll catch up with you guys in a bit," Enoka said. "This won't take long. Go, Forretress!"

Forretress exploded from his Poké Ball and then started to spin.

"Let's keep going," Leinani said. "Don't get too distracted, Enoka."

"I'll do my best. Forretress, use Gyro Ball!"

As Forretress started his attack, Gladion, Leinani, Ulani, and Kaiko all went through the large double doors, leading them to a long empty hallway. Gladion lead the way, and his walk soon turned into a sprint. The rest followed, the sound of their footsteps reverberating off of the walls.

"What happened to not running?" Leinani asked.

"We have to hurry! They might lock down the elevator!" Gladion shouted back before he barreled through another set of doors. These took them to the main lobby of the Aether Paradise. In the middle was the elevator that Gladion spoke of. He immediately ran to it and started to input info into the control panel.

"You really know this place," Ulani said.

Gladion nodded. "Leinani, are you okay with splitting off by yourself? I can send you to the labs in the basement. Ulani and I will go up top to see what we can find. My mother's office is there, so I'm sure we'll run into something."

"He's staying with me," Leinani said while motioning to Kaiko. "Sounds good to me. We'll split up and see what we can find. If anyone is in trouble, make noise, a lot of noise."

Gladion pushed the keypad once more, and the elevator door slowly opened. Leinani pulled Kaiko in, and the door closed, cutting the two off from the rest of the world.

"Are you okay?" Kaiko asked.

"Don't talk to me right now. I'm furious with you," Leinani said.

"I'm sorry."

The elevator slowly started to descend, and it quickly gained speed. It was suddenly dark, but a green light lit up in the elevator. In a matter of seconds, they arrived on the bottom floor, and the door automatically opened for them. Once they were out of the elevator, it ascended by itself, returning to Gladion and Ulani.

"This probably leads to the lab," Leinani said while looking down a dimly lit hallway. "Be careful and stay close. Don't go too far."

"Okay."

They walked through the hallway until they reached another set of doors. Leinani placed her head against the door, trying to listen to find if anyone else was around. She couldn't hear any sort of conversation. She slowly pushed on the door and motioned for Kaiko to follow.

Leinani looked around the laboratory. It was another dark place lit by only a few lights hanging from the ceiling. It was massive with dozens of large cylindrical tubes installed throughout. Each tube held its own creature, and Leinani could tell from looking at them that they were Ultra Beasts. One of the tubes kept the large insectoid that Enoka had fought suspended in a sort of liquid, and she remembered a few of the other beasts from a few years ago when they attacked her city.

"They've captured Ultra Beasts," Kaiko exclaimed with a whisper. "There's gotta be at least twenty. Do you think they're alive?"

Leinani continued to walk, coming to an operating table. Her eyes widened as she came to realize what she was looking at. It was a small Ultra Beast with a flat body, thin as paper. She felt like she could recognize it from somewhere, but she couldn't remember. She put her finger to her cheek, feeling at a tiny scar that she got near the beginning of her adventure. The scar somehow felt linked to her memory of this creature.

The Ultra Beast's limbs were detached from its body and strewn about the table. The creature was no longer alive, as far as Leinani could tell. She pulled a thin blanket over the creature, trying to avoid looking at its face. She quickly turned around and forced Kaiko in a different direction.

"What was that?" Kaiko asked.

"Better not to ask," she answered.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

So, the finale of Ascending Alola has begun! I'm not sure how many people are still reading this story, but I'm still gonna put a lot into this finale to make it as gutwrenchin-er-good as possible!

I hope you can enjoy what remains of this story!