Chapter 44

Arriving at Aether Paradise's harbor, Gladion's caution is evident as he warns, "Aether Paradise's harbor... We made it this far without running into trouble. But I don't like how quiet it is. You guys... stay alert."

Hau, unfamiliar with the situation, questions, "But... Why would Nebby be here at Aether Paradise?"

I respond, "Faba is the one who took Nebby, and he's working here. Doesn't take a genius to figure it out."

Trenor inquires, "So what's the plan? Should we start asking around?"

Lillie responds, "I suppose... we'll take the elevator."

"You suppose? Are you suggesting you don't have a concrete plan?" Selene questions, seeking clarification on Lillie's uncertain approach.

As we navigate through Aether Paradise, the employees, despite recognizing Gladion and Lillie as the children of the president, are on high alert and attempt to attack us. We find ourselves forced to battle our way through, confronting the employees until we finally reach the elevator.

Gladion and Lillie attempt to activate the elevator, only to find it unresponsive. Gladion grumbles, "Hmph. Just as I suspected..."

Hau, puzzled, questions, "What were you doing there?"

"It seems outsiders like us aren't permitted to use the main elevator to access the lower levels," Lillie explains with a hint of disappointment. "I had a feeling this might happen. But it's still a bother."

"So, it looks like we're heading up instead," I suggest, recognizing that there's no other immediate choice.

We arrive at the first floor, and there stands Faba, waiting for us. "I, Faba, am the Aether Branch Chief. The only one in the world, I'm irreplaceable. And here you come back...uninvited?"

Gladion retorts, "Like you don't know why. You of all people should know everything that happens in the Aether Foundation. Isn't that right, high-and-mighty Branch Chief?"

"Hee hee hee! Look at you..." Faba chuckles. "Living out in the world hasn't been kind, has it? But I'm still not telling you anything! And you of all people should understand why... Gladion."

"Hey, Ash. You know why being a Trainer is so great?" Gladion inquires.

"Yeah, because when you're battling, it doesn't matter if you're a kid or an adult. Everyone's equal in Pokémon battles!" I respond.

Faba interjects mockingly, "Oh ho... Is that right? Is that what you think? So you wish to battle me? Branch Chief Faba? The man who is called Aether Paradise's last line of defense is to battle a mere child?! As you will!"

Faba attempts to intervene by commanding Hypno to use Hypnosis, hoping to halt our progress. However, Absol, being a Dark-type Pokémon, defies the drowsy effect and launches a swift Night Slash, ultimately rendering Hypno unconscious.

"H-h-how can this be?! How could this child..." Faba gasps in disbelief.

"Aue, look at you, Ash! And Faba is real strong, too!" Hau remarks.

Lillie cuts to the chase, demanding, "Faba, where is Nebby? You know what we're here for."

"Indeed... The world truly hasn't been kind to you, has it? Look how hard it has made you. If you're looking for Cosmog, I suppose it might be downstairs," Faba reluctantly divulges.

"Downstairs?! Oh yeah! Ms. Wicke did say there was another level farther down, didn't she... What do you do down there?!" Hau inquires.

"Experiments to reach a world different from Alola... That's what I've been told, yes," Faba explains with a casual shrug.

"We're in a bit of a hurry, Faba. A lift would be nice," Trenor says firmly.

"Why not? This is an act of kindness I can do for you, thanks to my position as branch chief," Faba concedes.

He operates a few buttons, and the lift descends to the second basement. As we arrive, Gladion comments, "...Everything looks the same. I guess it's only been two years, though."

"It's like a secret hideout!" Nate whispers in excitement.

"Keep your cool, everyone," I remark. "Although I guess it beats standing frozen from fear or nerves."

"So where do we go now?" Hau asks, eager to assist.

"There are two labs ahead. Lillie and I will check the first one, Secret Lab A. The others can head to Secret Lab B, the second one down the hall."

"Why do you get the first one? And why do you know all this?" Selene inquires, her curiosity piqued.

"..Just focus, think you can do that? We can't trust Faba. I'm sure he's already told half the foundation all about us," Lillie replies, avoiding Selene's question.

"You didn't even answer my question... I know what it's gotta be. Nerves, eh? I reckon that you're more afraid to be here than either one of us, huh?" Selene probes.

"Considering what happened a few years ago, it's not surprising," I interject, urging us to hurry forward.

We encounter workers in protective suits guarding the entrance to the Secret Labs. It appears they are dedicated to developing new Poké Balls, possibly the Beast Balls intended for capturing Ultra Beasts. The situation feels similar to the Ultra Dimension, except for the absence of the madness that surrounded the Quiet Room.

Gladion and Lillie head into Secret Lab A, while we proceed to Secret Lab B. Inside, two workers attempt to prevent our progress, but we swiftly defeat them.

"Where's Cosmog?" Rosa demands.

"We might have lost, but that doesn't mean we'll assist you. I won't disclose anything. It's obvious they're not here, right? Even you can see that!" the worker retorts.

Once they leave, I comment, "It's no surprise Nebby isn't here. Faba likely anticipated this as a dead end and deliberately misled us."

"We should return to the first floor," Lillie and Gladion then come to us and suggest as we make our way back up to the initial level.

After arriving there, Gladion remarks, "Hmph... Even beaten down, old Faba doesn't change, does he?"

Nate inquires, "What's our next move?"

"We have to confront whoever tries to stop us. What other options do we have?" Lillie suggests.

Hau, a bit irritated by Gladion's repeated "hmph," comments, "Fine, fine. We can do that. But do you have to say "hmph" all the time?"

Surrounded by the Aether Employees, one worker steps forward, "Greetings, children. The Branch Chief, Faba, has given us instructions regarding your presence..."

"Now that you're privy to Aether Paradise's inner workings, we can't allow you to spread that knowledge. It's time for you to conveniently vanish!"

Though they seem confident in their Pokemon's strength, they are underestimating us. We won't let them have their way; we fight back and overpower their Pokemon. Both Lillie and Gladion acknowledge that once this is resolved, they will ensure a thorough change among the Aether Foundation staff.

"Ridiculous... Have the children of Alola always been this strong?" the worker sneers.

"That's the island challenge for you," Lillie replies confidently. "Now that you understand... how about stepping aside?"

The Aether Foundation workers begrudgingly retreat, leaving us to proceed. Hau reflects, "If I had trained my partner better, maybe I'd have a chance at those battles you can't afford to lose."

"You know... I know we aren't exactly friends. But having you here...I remember what you said at the Battle Royal Dome that day, Hau. About the power of people working together. Seems like you might've been right," Gladion admits.

It is then Wicke finally shows up. I say, "Ms. Wicke."

"Hello, everyone. Please allow me to heal your Pokémon," Wicke says, extending her assistance.

"What's happened to Nebby? Do you have any information?" Lillie queries.

"I believe she is with the president," Wicke responds.

"In that case, that's where we're headed. That's all the information we need," I assert.

"The president? Miss Lusamine, right? She's usually nice. I think if we explain everything, she'll listen," Hau chimes in optimistically.

"Yes, my mother is usually pleasant... if you mean nothing to her," Gladion interjects.

"But I'm afraid the doors have been locked," Wicke informs us, prompting Rosa to mutter, "Again?"

"That isn't going to stop us." We dash forward and come across Faba accompanied by some workers. Faba smirks, "My, my...what naughty children. You should just lay your heavy heads down. But I knew that you would struggle onward— I could see through every action you would take. So I knew you would try to reach the president. And that is why! I knew that I would be able to ambush you here and remedy my previous failure. The only reason I let you in the lower floor was to buy time to gather more staff to stop you."

Hau chimes in, "Wow, Mr. Faba! You're so nice!"

Faba appears a bit flattered and stammers, "W-well... of course... I am a wonderful branch chief, after all!"

We are confused until Hau says, "We didn't even have to ask you where the president was, and you just confirmed it for us! So the president is up ahead, huh? Thanks! Now we know where to find Cosmog!"

Seemingly outsmarted by Hau, Faba grows visibly agitated. "What?! E-enough, you lot! Teach these children a lesson!"

"We're running out of time," Trenor mutters as we confront and battle the Aether employees. After their defeat, Faba appears alarmed. "H-h-h-how can this be? To be cornered by mere children?! E-enough! I will show you the true power of Branch Chief Faba! The man who is called Aether Paradise's last line of defense! We will settle this at last with a Multi Battle!"

Faba, determined to fight this time, calls upon his Clydol, Hypno, and Bruxish, along with the assistance of some employees. We engage in battle and manage to defeat all of their Pokémon effortlessly, leaving them unable to send out any more Pokémon.

As the battle progresses, Lillie and I synchronize our efforts, unleashing a powerful combination of moves. "Black Hole Eclipse!" we both cry out in unison. With Absol and Zoroark by our side, we create two ominous black holes that draw in the opposing Pokémon. The vortexes explode, rendering Faba's team unable to continue the battle.

"I wanna help save Cosmog, so I'm going ahead! You don't mind, right?!" Hau eagerly interjects. We shoot determined glances at Faba, who, with an air of reluctant defeat, hands over the key."Thanks for even giving us the key, Mr. Faba! You've been a big help!"

"This is why... This is why I can't bring myself to like children." Faba grumbles quietly as we all dash through the gate, making a beeline for the mansion where Lusamine is held. Hoping that she isn't going to use Nebby to open the wormhole like in the Ultra Dimensions.

Here is the first part of the Aether Foundation raid, as you can see, Faba has been beaten two times here in this part and there are some changes since Lillie is not kidnapped this time. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter is going to be the battle against Guzma once more and maybe Lusamine.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandshrew (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde, Decidueye, Incineroar, Brionne, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Charjabug, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Fomantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Sandygast, Pyukumuku, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor