Chapter 39
As our journey on Lunala continues, we're nearing our home destination. Yet, right before our arrival, a peculiar portal catches our attention positioned alongside the exit to our home world.
Lillie inquires, "Why is that portal there?" while I examine the Ultra Space GPS. "It appears that the world beyond the portal matches the same year as our world... Yet, inexplicably, it feels like it's beckoning us."
Turning to me, Soliera asks, "Captain, what's your take on this?"
"Since we're familiar with our route home, perhaps we should explore what lies beyond that portal," Captain Phyco says as we decide to enter that portal, only to find ourselves in the Alola Region.
"Alola...?" Lillie utters, surveying her surroundings. "This is the Alola's Training School located in Route 1..."
"I agree... but why are we here in the first place?" I express, feeling a sense of confusion settling in.
"Hey, you're acting as if you're afraid of Pokémon," we overhear this world's versions of me and Lillie talking as we swiftly hide in the bushes. Lillie then queries, "Are those... us?"
"You're correct... they do resemble us," I respond with confusion.
"I'm not scared. I adore Pokémon... well, at least from a research perspective," Lillie asserts with a slight pout.
As we observe from our hiding spot, three more individuals approach the counterparts of me and Lillie. The person with orange hair remarks, "The thing is, Lillie can't touch Pokémon."
"I can touch them if I want to, theoretically. I just choose not to," Lillie complains.
"Don't get frustrated, Lillie. One day, if you want, you'll be able to touch them," the girl with green hair consoles her.
As we witness my other self introducing himself, he is suddenly pulled away by the girl with green hair. Soliera remarks, "Ah, so that clarifies what the other versions of yourselves meant by your 'Pokémon phobia'."
"And you're afraid to acknowledge it," I remark in response, causing Lillie to blush slightly before pouting. "Luckily, I'm not afraid of Pokémon," she adds confidently.
Captain Phyco stares intently at the Ultra Space GPS and queries, "So, what does this button do?"
I glance at the button on the device and without hesitation, I press it. Suddenly, we find ourselves propelled forward in time to several days later. "Seems like we can manipulate our time and space... quite handy," I remark, noticing the capabilities of the device.
As I attempt to alter our spatial coordinates, we find ourselves situated in Hau'oli City. It appears that Lillie and I are out shopping, but the noticeable change is that Lillie now has an Alolan Vulpix by her side. "So, that's Snowy... as an Alolan Vulpix."
"It was incredibly adorable," Lillie remarks wistfully. "I truly wish I could meet my own..."
Then, we overhear the other Lillie inquiring, "So Ash, do you select all your own clothes?"
"Well, most of the time she does, and I appreciate it," the alternate version of me replies.
"I... I've always worn the clothes my mother wanted me to wear. I'm unsure what would suit me," the other Lillie confesses with a frown. "I tend to get lost easily... I can't navigate the roads here... I struggle even to buy my own clothes..."
The alternate me frowns slightly before reassuring her, "Don't worry, Lillie. Just keep trying until you succeed. I'll lend you a hand along the way."
Then we watch them leave, and I say, "Wow... she acts totally the opposite of you... I wonder if it is related to what Ms. Lusamine has done to you..."
"I'm not certain, but perhaps we can find some answers in this dimension," Lillie remarks with a frown, contemplating the possibilities.
As we progress, we encounter Gladion at Route 8's motel. It appears that I've just finished battling him, and my expression shows sheer surprise upon seeing Silvally wearing a helmet, which seems to startle Nebby.
"No way. Is that..." Gladion murmurs, clearly taken aback.
"Gladion, could you do something about that Pokémon?" the other version of me requests.
"It's all right, Silvally. Calm down," Gladion sighs, attempting to gently push Silvally away to soothe its unease.
Gladion suddenly turns to me and asks, "Ash... It appears to be an Ultra Beast. Am I correct?"
"Whoa. You're aware of Ultra Beasts?" the other version of me inquires, surprised by Gladion's knowledge.
"What's the matter with you? It's highly dangerous," Gladion warns sternly.
"Nah, it's not dangerous at all," I interject, attempting to demonstrate that Nebby isn't a threat.
"You clearly don't understand Ultra Beasts. You have no idea!" Gladion suddenly erupts in anger, shocking all of us with his intensity.
"Gladion, you need to understand, I made a promise to Lillie that I'm going to take care of it. Speaking of which, it would be great if you came to visit Lillie once in a while," the alternate version of me says. "Lillie's doing really great. You know what? She's managed to be able to touch Pikachu now. She takes good care of Snowy, too."
It appears that this encounter isn't the first time I've met Gladion. It's likely that we've crossed paths before, but perhaps I skipped that particular memory when using our GPS to navigate through time and space.
"You know what else? Its name is Nebby, and Lillie named it!" the other me exclaims while showcasing Cosmog.
"Incredible. She named an Ultra Beast, and she chose Nebby as its name, of all things," Gladion mutters with a frown.
"What do you mean?" Now, all of us are utterly puzzled.
"Yeah, I suppose it's time you know. The reason Lillie couldn't touch any Pokémon... is because she was attacked by an Ultra Beast!" Gladion reveals.
When we're away from the immediate scene, upon hearing this revelation, Lillie asks, "Is he talking about the day when we thought our Dad was killed? But... I remember being kidnapped by Nihilego, yet I didn't feel afraid of touching Pokémon because of that..."
"Various timelines yield different outcomes... I wonder," Captain Phyco muses, contemplating the intricacies of alternate dimensions and their divergent events.
"I was terrified. I felt powerless. But it was Silvally who ultimately saved us. Yet, Lillie was deeply affected. She endured such terror that it left a lasting impact, rendering her unable to touch Pokémon," Gladion admits, his expression troubled as he closes his eyes.
"Oh, wow. She never spoke about it," The other me express in surprise.
"She suppressed the memory. It was too horrifying for her," Gladion murmurs. "It won't happen again. I won't let her face that terror. I must protect her. Look, I'm no longer the same person I once was. I'm a Pokemon Trainer now. We're all getting stronger and stronger. And it's all so I can defeat every last Ultra Beast! They bring misfortune to everyone. They should not exist in this world... and Nebby is no exception!"
We're all struck by the intensity of Gladion's thoughts, and the other version of me protests, "No, that's not true! Nebby isn't like that!"
"How can you be certain?" Gladion counters. "If Nebby were to reveal its true nature as an Ultra Beast, I would defeat Nebby, without hesitation. My Pokémon and I."
"With Silvally?" the other me questions.
"This Silvally was specifically engineered to counter Ultra Beasts. I can't disclose the specifics, but it's classified information," Gladion explains. "I've said enough. You appeared suddenly while we were training."
"Apologies. You're right," the other me responds, looking down with a frown.
"But there's got to be a reason why an Ultra Beast would show up here now." Gladion mutters. "It's important. I need to know why."
As we step away from the intense situation, planning to contemplate the information we've gathered, Lillie initiates the conversation. "It appears that in this world, Gladion is fearful of Ultra Beasts and desires to eradicate them all. What are your thoughts, Captain Phyco, Soliera?"
Captain Phyco considers the query for a moment before responding, "It's an understandable reaction given his past experiences. Fear can drive one to extreme measures for protection."
Soliera adds, "While it's natural to want to shield those we care about, outright elimination might not be the ideal solution. Understanding and finding ways to coexist might be more beneficial in the long run, provided it's feasible."
I say, "They are still Pokemon as well... just from another world."
In the Dimensional Research Lab, Professor Burnet engages in an explanation about Ultra Wormholes and their origins. Alongside me and Lillie, there's also a boy present whom we don't recognize. Professor Burnet delves into the intricacies of Ultra Wormholes, detailing their existence and significance.
"Hey, Lillie... I had a conversation with Gladion, and it got me thinking. Why aren't both of you staying at your own houses? I mean, you lived with Professor Kukui and Burnet for three months..." the other me inquires.
"Well, I wanted to learn more about Nebby... I mean, about Cosmog. That's why I decided to speak to Professor Burnet. But I got lost on the way... and ended up wandering until I collapsed on the shore. She listened to my story, staying up all night to hear everything. Then, she even asked her husband, Professor Kukui, to let me stay in his loft... And she instructed him to assist me in investigating Nebby's origins. Professor Burnet has been incredibly kind, continuing to help me find a way to return Nebby to its own home... She's been like... like a real mother to me," the other Lillie explains, expressing her gratitude for Professor Burnet's support and care.
Turning to my Lillie, she voices her concerns, "Is my mother really that frightening in this world... to the point where I would run away from home and reside with Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet for three months?"
"I recall you mentioning that Gladion had an argument with your mother before he left home with Silvally, right?" I inquire. "What if that's her true nature..."
"No, please don't say that!" Lillie exclaims in horror. "My mom isn't like that. I can't believe she would be."
"Apologies, but I must say, Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet are also incredibly kind. As members of Team Alpha, they've treated us like parents too," I mention.
"That's something we can certainly agree on," Lillie remarks with a chuckle, acknowledging the warmth and care extended to them by the professors.
As we adjust the time settings once more, we discover that the other version of myself and a boy named Hop are heading to the Aether Foundation. They've been invited by Faba, the branch chief of the Aether Foundation.
The absence of the other Lillie raises concerns, especially considering the impending encounter with Lusamine in this alternate world. The thought of meeting Lusamine in this context appears to be quite unsettling and worrying, given the potential differences or events that may have transpired in this dimension.
Here is another chapter, and we're finally in the final dimension before returning home. This will be for the Sun and Moon games and also some hints about Anime Lillie's fear of Pokemon. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Alice's Pokemon (Hisui):
Pikachu, Arcanine (Hisuian), Electrode (Hisuian), Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Lucario, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Cresselia, Manaphy, Samurott (Hisuian), Lilligant (Hisuian), Zoroark (Hisuian), Braviary (Hisuian), Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Goodra (Hisuian), Avalugg (Hisuian), Decidueye (Hisuian), Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, Overqwil
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon (Ultra Dimensions):
Charizard, Butterfree x2, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Glaceon, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha