Chapter 28

After bidding farewell to my friends and Professor Kukui, I decide to head back inside the Hano Grand Resort along with Pikachu, Absol, and Zoroark. As I step in, Faba is already waiting for me.

"So you've come at last, but only you, Ash?" Faba inquires.

"Yes, Faba. So, are we going to the Aether Foundation?" I inquire in return. "I also have some things I need to discuss with Ms. Lusamine."

"I see. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you again," Faba responds.

"Wait! Take me, too!" Hau's voice bursts out, and as we turn, we spot Hau and Olivia approaching. "Oh? Even Kahuna Olivia has come to see you off?" Faba remarks.

"As a kahuna, I look after all the trial-goers who come to my island. They're like my own children. Not that I've got any—I've never even gotten married," Olivia shares. "Listen up, you two. Your greatest opponent is always yourself. Your greatest allies, the Pokémon beside you."

It's a good thing that she doesn't mention Lillie in front of Faba. Hau responds, "Thanks. It's good-bye, Akala Island! Though I guess we can come back anytime we want to, huh?"

"Then let us enjoy an adventure upon that grand vessel that will take us across the high seas! By which I mean to say, the ferry." Faba says with his signature flair.

We board the ship, and Hau marvels, "Can you believe a big hunk of iron like Aether Paradise can float in the sea?! And it's all cuz of the Pokémon holding it up. Did you know that, Ash?"

"Of course, I know that," I reply. "The Aether Family has been good friends with our family for a lot of years."

"Awww... I thought I finally had one up on you. Ho, I can't wait to actually see inside Aether Paradise for myself!" Hau exclaims, brimming with excitement.

As the ship docks at Aether Paradise, the basement area reveals numerous cargo boxes scattered around. Faba leads the way, stating, "Here we are, you two. This is Aether Paradise."

We observe a Sudowoodo and a Yungoos entering the elevator with an Aether Foundation member. Faba explains further, "Aether Paradise is a facility created for the conservation of Pokémon. It has been outfitted with all of the latest technology for this purpose. Downstairs, our teams work on developing new Poké Balls and more. Yes, all for the sake of Pokémon conservation."

Observing our Poké Balls, Faba adds a crucial piece of information, "Though you will not be able to use any of your Poké Balls within Aether Paradise. A jamming signal is broadcast throughout the facility to prevent them from functioning."

As we approach the elevator, a woman awaits them and addresses Faba, "Excuse me, Mr. Faba... Ash, is that you?"

"Ms. Wicke! Long time no see!" I greet enthusiastically. However, Faba seems a bit annoyed and interjects, "Yes, excuse you! What is the meaning of that form of address? I have a title for a reason! How else will anyone know how important I am?"

"Yes... Branch Manager Faba..." Wicke acknowledges with a hint of formality in her tone.

"Now, I must go speak with the president about our conservation efforts on Akala... Show these children around, and then take them to meet the president as well." Faba instructs Wicke before departing. As he leaves, I sigh in relief while Hau looks with confusion.

"Phew..." Wicke exhales, mirroring my expression before turning to address us. "Welcome to Aether Paradise, Ash and Hau. My name is Wicke."

Hau asks in surprise, "Wait? You know who we are? How'd you know that?!"

"One of our employees told me about your meeting on Akala Island. And of course, I heard how you helped protect the Pokémon there, too, young Mr. Hau. As for Ash here, he's a close friend. Thank you very much! Let me show you around. The main entrance is up above us."

As we step into the elevator, Wicke spots a button and suggests, "Hey, here's a button... Let's push it!"

As we arrive at the first floor of the Aether Foundation, numerous trainers are milling around, accompanied by employees at the reception desks. Wicke points out, "This is the main entrance. You can have your Pokémon taken care of at the reception desk there if they need it."

Pikachu, Absol, and Zoroark gaze in amazement at the bustling activity of the other Pokémon around them.

Wicke turns her attention back to us and asks, "Ash? You and Hau are both trial-goers, aren't you? Are you hoping to become champions? I suppose... You must be around 16, then?"

"Yeah, I am," I confirm with a nod. Hau chimes in, "I am 11. I took the first chance I had to join in the island challenge once I turned 11! 'Cause, someday, I really want to be able to beat my gramps...but he's way too strong!"

"How...how lovely for you. I suppose all children must yearn to take a journey of their own choosing when they get to be about your age. Though you're hardly just children anymore. Trainers are like parents to their Pokémon!" Wicke remarks.

After our Pokémon return from the reception, Wicke suggests, "Ash, Hau, would you two like to see the conservation area upstairs? We'll zip right up!"

Now, the unfortunate event is about to unfold soon. Let me recall my encounter in the Ultra Dimension—I remember meeting Ms. Lusamine, and then suddenly, a wormhole appears, releasing Nihilego. I engage in battle against Nihilego, and afterward, Ms. Lusamine displays a malevolent, wicked grin that sends chills down my spine and frightens both me and Lillie. I sincerely hope that this situation doesn't replicate itself.

On the second floor, a multitude of Pokémon roam freely, creating a captivating sight. Wicke explains, "Aether Paradise is a safe haven for all Pokémon. For this reason, the use of Poké Balls is strictly forbidden within the Conservation area."

"Wow!" Hau exclaims, clearly amazed by the spectacle.

"We keep Pokémon that have been targeted by Team Skull here... And we also try to support Pokémon that need a little extra protection," Wicke continues. "Like Corsola, for example. They are quite terribly overhunted by a Pokémon called Mareanie. I hope you don't mind if I read a passage from my old Pokédex. I traveled through Kanto before, when I was younger, you see."

As she reads the Pokédex entry, she narrates, "Corsola. "In Alola, where their natural enemies Mareanie are plentiful, many Corsola have stubby branches on their heads."

"Yeah. My gramps is always saying that nature's got its cruel side, sure as it gives us blessings," Hau remarks. "But can the Aether Foundation really protect all the Pokémon that's out there?"

Wicke nods and responds, "Nature does have its own balance, of course. It can be difficult to judge just how much we humans should try to affect it, can't it?"

"That's pretty amazing! The Aether Foundation seems awesome. But why'd you bother setting up a branch in a place like Alola?!" Hau inquires.

"I couldn't say... It's hard to know for sure what our president is thinking sometimes," Wicke admits. "If you'd like to meet President Lusamine, she should be here in the conservation area now."

I turn to Hau with a serious expression and say, "Hau, can I ask you for one promise?" "What is it?" Hau responds, curious but still maintaining a relaxed demeanor. I let out a sigh and say, "Listen, no matter what happens, don't mention Lillie in front of the president, and don't allude to anything about her. Treat her like a stranger, okay? If you mention anything I've shared with you, we could end up in trouble."

"If that's what you think, okay. Wow, there are even Pokémon that got done in by Team Skull, huh?" Hau remarks excitedly as he hurries off to explore other Pokémon. Meanwhile, I can only facepalm, feeling uncertain about whether Hop listened to my advice.

As we wander around, we come across Ms. Lusamine. She's engaged in conversation with a Starmie, Meowth, and a Grimer, murmuring softly, "My sweet Pokémon... I promise I'll keep you safe... I'll protect you with my love..."

As I approach, Lusamine gasps with surprise, "Ash!" Unexpectedly, she embraces me tightly, almost as if I were her own son. "You're here at the Aether Foundation!" Her hug is so tight that it's almost difficult to breathe.

Upon noticing Hau, Lusamine acknowledges him, "You must be Hau. Welcome to Aether Paradise. The Aether Foundation's very own private island. I am the president of the foundation. But please, just call me Lusamine. I'm so glad that we got to meet."

After she releases the hug, I express, "It's nice to see you again, Ms. Lusamine."

"I'm glad there are people like you, who travel the islands to learn more about Pokémon... But there are also those unfortunate people who harm Pokémon for their own selfish reasons or even for profit. And that is why I am here. I will be like a mother to all of those poor Pokémon and shower them with love. Even Pokémon from distant worlds, far from the Alola region, are worthy of my love," Lusamine shares with a heartfelt determination.

"Wow, Miss Lusamine! I don't know how you do all this! You're, like, not even that much older than us!" Hau expresses in amazement.

Lusamine chuckles warmly, "Oh, you sweet boy! I'm already over 40! I was also there when Ash was born."

"You are?" Hau initially responds, but then his expression shifts to one of shock. "Wait, WHAT?!"

"Oh, you! The right style does wonders, you know. And, Hau, your style is a bit wanting, hm? I'll have to take you out sometime and help you pick a smashing outfit," Lusamine says playfully with a chuckle.

Hau stutters, "L-like what you wear? I don't think anyone else could pull off that kind of look! Except maybe Lillie..."

Oh no... he said her name, I can see that Lusamine freezes for a moment before replying, "Oh, don't you worry. You just leave everything up to me. Trust me—children would all be much happier if they'd only listen to the adults around them."

As the floor begins to tremble and the Pokémon around us start to show signs of panic, a sense of concern settles over me. Everything seems eerily reminiscent of the events in the Ultra Dimension. A slight frown forms on my face as an unsettling feeling starts to envelop the scene, mirroring the events I've experienced before.

"That tremor... Did something happen on the lower floors?" Wicke asks, a note of concern evident in her voice.

Suddenly, much to our surprise, a wormhole materializes in front of us, and from it emerges Nihilego, flying right out. It is also looking at us with confusion.

"You are— Have you come from...a distant world?" Lusamine inquires, addressing the jellyfish Pokémon, Nihilego.

Hop rushes forward and exclaims, "Miss Lusamine, stand back! That thing's...not right!"

Lusamine shakes her head and expresses, "You poor creature..."

Hau turns to me, urging, "Ash, can you distract that thing? I've gotta get Miss Lusamine outta here..."

As Pikachu and I engage in battle, my experience from staying at the Ultra Deep Sea gives me an advantage in understanding how to confront this Pokémon. After weakening Nihilego, I decide to use a Z-Move.

"Let's try out the Z Move, Pikachu," I instruct.

Pikachu nods in agreement as I activate the Z Crystal. I perform the intricate movements, mimicking Pikachu's characteristic features. With my palms together, swaying, forming cheeks, and freezing in the pose, I exclaim, "This is my full power! Catastropika!"

Pikachu leaps onto my arms, and I throw him into the air. He rapidly spins, enveloped in crackling yellow electricity, then forcefully slams Nihilego back into the portal with great might.

Lusamine gazes at the sky where the portal previously existed, muttering to herself, "So, it's true... I still need that Pokémon. I need to get it back."

A tense atmosphere looms, reminiscent of the previous events in the Ultra Dimension. The only missing piece seems to be the eerie, sinister grin. Concerned, Hau asks, "Miss Lusamine! Are you OK?!"

Lusamine nods affirmatively, and at that moment, Dulse's voice breaks through, "That Ultra Beast just now... It came from the other end of an Ultra Wormhole..."

We turn around, and I'm taken aback as I see both Dulse and Zossie removing their visors. Dulse appears to be in his twenties, while Zossie is just a young girl. Dulse continues, "It is a being from another world. A world that you know as Ultra Space!"

Hau inquires, "Who the—?! Seriously, what's with that getup?!"

"These are my guests. The Ultra Recon Squad. They have been giving the foundation advice about the Ultra Beasts. Why don't you introduce yourselves?" Lusamine requests.

"...Dulse." "And I'm Zossie." Both of them perform the rectangular Alola greeting. Zossie adds, "Ash here is also a member of the Ultra Recon Squad as well."

I'm relieved that they didn't mention Lillie. Lusamine responds, "Is that so?"

"Yeah, I've traveled around the Ultra Dimensions with Captain Phyco for a long time, but it doesn't seem like time has passed since we came back to this dimension," I explain.

"Our world is a world without light... The light was stolen by a creature known to us as Necrozma. A creature almost like an Ultra Beast. And someday it will come to steal the light of Alola as well...like an eclipse that never passes," Dulse explains.

Zossie adds, "See, this Necrozma is, like, unbelievably strong! It can wield light however it likes, and sure, it does run wild sometimes, but it also shares this mysterious light it has with others, too!"

Lusamine steps forward, offering reassurance, "But everything will be fine. If this Necrozma, or even an Ultra Beast like the one we just saw, should come to this world from another, the Aether Foundation will be prepared to protect the light of Alola. Rest easy... You will not need to worry about a thing."

"By the way, Ash. I want to talk to you alone, is it fine?" Lusamine requests.

I nod in agreement. She then turns to Hau, saying, "Wicke. Please deliver him to Melemele Island. I will go to check that none of our poor resident Pokémon came to any harm. And I need to speak with Mr. Faba about exactly what happened downstairs."

"O-oh! At once, ma'am!" Wicke acknowledges, promptly escorting Hau away. Now that there's the two of us, Lusamine turns to me with a serious demeanor and inquires, "Are you able to contact Lillie?"

Feeling a bit uneasy, I respond, "Well... the last time I met Lillie was back in Unova, where she was with Dr. Colress. Ever since I went to Kalos, I tried to contact her, only to get unanswered calls instead. I've been worried about her... my parents are still trying to search for her with the help of Team Alpha."

"I see..." Lusamine says solemnly, "Lillie has taken the Cosmog, which is also an Ultra Beast. During the chaos, the Cosmog must have teleported her away. She could be anywhere... in this world, in the Ultra Dimension... or perhaps... like Mohn..."

Despite my urge to reveal that Mohn is still alive, I understand it's not the right time, especially considering my past experiences in the Ultra Dimensions. Lusamine continues, "Ash, that's why I need your help. I want you to help me find Lillie. If you locate her, please bring her back to me."

I sense genuine concern and worry in Lusamine's words, devoid of the previous malevolence. Feeling a twinge of guilt for not revealing the truth, I assure her, "I promise. I'll find her. She's important to me as well."

As I take the elevator and depart, I overhear Lusamine muttering to herself, "It may be that our experiments to open an Ultra Wormhole are not going as well as we'd hoped."

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, you can see that this is the Ultra Sun version of the Aether Foundation. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Cubone, Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Dartrix, Torracat, Brionne, Trumbeak, Gumshoos, Charjabug, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Dewpider, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Stufful, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor