Chapter 74 – Lusamine's plan

"Here you are Ma'am… The Ash boy to see you Ma'am… and his friend."

Ash was shoved unceremoniously through the threshold and into a large office with wrap around glass windows, a large ornate wooden desk and a variety of luxury furnishings. Waiting for him inside the room was the answer to who Guzma had meant when he had said the Prez wants to see you… (Not that the question hadn't already been answered when Ash had seen the helicopter, or on the flight over).

Lusamine; tall, blond with flowing long hair, and wearing an elegant white dress that made it look like she was preparing for a wedding; was standing beside the window. "Thank-you Mr. Guzma," she said as she turned back to them.

"Mel Mel Mel…" Meloetta, who had been floating above Guzma's head, flew over to Lusamine and sat herself on the woman's shoulder.

"Please keep the door guarded."

"As you command Ma'am." Guzma gave a short bow before closing the door behind them with a dull thud.

Lusamine gestured for Ash and Cameron to take a seat in two plump chairs on the side of her desk closest to the door. "Please, you two. Have a seat." When neither of them moved, she added, "You are going to be here a while I'm afraid, so you ought to make yourselves comfortable. Making yourselves uncomfortable as some psychological form of resistance will only serve to exhaust you. Now please sit."

"Where are our Pokémon," Ash demanded. "Where did those Team Skull thugs take them?"

"In the conservation area," Lusamine replied. "No harm will come to them, I assure you. This is a safe place for Pokémon. Now please. Sit!"

She said the last word with a tone and forcefulness that Ash and Cameron wouldn't have expected from her. They were both quick to comply, practically dropping themselves into the chairs.

"That's better," said Lusamine, as she took her seat on the opposite side of the desk, with perfect poise and grace. "Now, would you like some tea." Without waiting for an answer, she pressed a button on the underside of the desk and spoke into an intercom, "Jeeves, could you please have the kitchen send up a pot of tea."

There was a buzzing sound, followed by a faint voice replying, "Right away madame president."

"Now then," continued Lusamine. "I suppose I ought to tell you why I've brought you here."

"That would be helpful," Cameron muttered under his breath, though loud enough that Ash was sure Lusamine had heard him. Not that she acknowledged it. Ash for his part wasn't too concerned as to why Lusamine had brought them here. He just wanted to find Pikachu and his other Pokémon and leave.

"Allow me to show you something."

Lusamine pressed another button on the desk, and at once a series of blinds dropped down over the windows, darkening the room as they blocked out most of the sunlight. A small protector rose from a corner of the desk and beamed a holographic image right into the middle. It was of roundish Pokémon that seemed to be made up of gas, with a small black face.

"This Pokémon is known as Cosmog. Besides its name and the fact that it is apparently a psychic type, very little about it is known. It's believed to come from another dimension and has the ability to open Ultra Wormholes. There's only one known Cosmog in this dimension, and it was living here at Aether Paradise. It was found decades ago in a meteor strike site on Poni Island."

Cameron's eyes widened and Ash thought back to the first time he had encountered the Aether Foundation. When Lucario had been swallowed by a Milotic and his encounter with Gladion. Hadn't Gladion said something about Cosmog…And Geyser.

"My daughter Lillie Stole Cosmog from the laboratory and once no longer in the safety of Aether Paradise, it died. Our scientists are unsure as to exactly how it happened, but it appeared that when Cosmog died, something of its essence and powers were transferred into Geyser the Dewott, while he was still just an egg."

"So that's what this is about," exclaimed Ash. "It's about Geyser!"

But Cameron shook his head and said "No. It's about those thing. The Ultra Wormholes. And the Ultra Beasts. You need Geyser to open them for you!"

Lusamine raised her eyebrows curiously at him. "Ah well done sweet Cameron. Well perceived. We have been trying for some time now, experiment after experiment, to open an Ultra Wormhole. But without Cosmog, and it's powers, we can no longer open them."

"But why would you want to open Ultra Wormholes," Ash asked. "Wouldn't that let in more Ultra Beast!"

To his surprise, Lusamine gave an almost wistful sigh, before replying, "Ah yes, my sweet beasts. Believe it or not, they are as much caught up in this, as you, your Pokémon and poor Geyser. You see the Ultra Beasts, I believe, are not responsible for the Ultra Wormholes appearing. They do not have the power to open the wormholes themselves. They simply get too close to them on the other side and fall through into our world. They're lost and they're scarred. That's why they are often aggressive to Pokémon and trainers who encounter them. Here at the Aether Foundation, we have been trying to protect the sweet beasts. I formed the Ultra Guardians from the strongest trainers to assist in tracking down and assisting stray beasts. But without the ability to open Wormholes, we cannot return them to their world."

'Well that explains what Gary was doing back in Po Town,' Ash thought to himself remembering their encounter with his rival and the Ultra Beasts Kartana.

"So is that really why you want Geyser. To open wormholes to return stray Ultra Beasts," said Cameron.

Lusamine shook her head and sighed. "Alas no, I'm afraid it is not that simple. Every time Cosmog used its power to open a wormhole, it loses some of its life energy, tiring itself out. It is my belief that's powers work in the same way as aura, and when transferred or used too much it can threaten the life of the user. Of course, being an interdimensional being, Cosmog may have a different kind of aura to the Pokémon who live in this world. I could not justify using its power and harming Cosmog in that way merely to return stray beasts to their homes. No, I'm afraid there is much more at stake."

Ash clenched his fists and glanced down at his feet. He was starting to feel a little unnerved and was sure he would not like what Lusamine was about to say.

"Many years ago, I was contacted by travellers from the other side of the Ultra Wormhole. Travellers whose world had been ravaged by a creature they called the Necrozma, though it goes by many names. The Blinding one, the eater of the light, the weapon. The travellers told me that Necrozma had stolen the light of their world. That it had stolen the light from the worlds of many creatures, and that death and destruction would follow in its wake."

Ash experienced a lurch of fear deep in the pit of his stomach, as a number of memories came flooding back to him. He recalled a bright purple wasp like creature, lying in the sand on a distant beach, pinned to the ground beneath another strange Pokémon. And he heard in his mind, the creature's final words.

"He. He has stolen the light."

"In our world there were tunnels. Through some we saw beauty. And through some we saw darkness and the end of all things. And through one he came. He came and stole the light."

"He is the weapon, Guardian!"

"And it's coming here.," said Lusamine. "To our world. Unless it is defeated or captured, Necrozma will come to Alola and steal the light from this world!"

"Ah, so you want to fight it," said Cameron. "That's why you need to open an ultra-wormhole. That's why you need Geyser!"

"And why would we help you do that," added Ash, his voice horse.

"Because" replied Lusamine. "There's something else that you should be aware of too…"

[Pokémon]

Meanwhile…

Lucario was the first to awaken, sore and agitated. He felt as though he was being stretched, as if some large dragon type with giant claws were holding him by his arms while pulling down on his legs, and something tight was wrapped around his wrists and ankles, holding him in place.

Opening his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of rocks and trees. He blinked a couple of times, trying to clear what he thought was out of focus vision. Then he realised that it was just hazy; a light mist hung all around him, and the air was still and warm against his fur.

He sniffed and his nose was filled with a heavy, sweet musky scent that sent a shiver through his body. Glancing upwards he could see the sky, bright blue with whisps of white clouds trailing across it.

But crucially, he was looking at the sky through a sheet of glass above him. The sun was all distorted, the rays of sunshine reduced in brightness. And crucially, there were beams of metal or concrete crisscrossing the sky.

"Aether Paradise," he mumbled to himself, feeling his beat a little faster in his chest. He tried to move, but his paws were too tightly bound. He felt as though he were hanging from something. Something hard pressed against his back.

Tilting his head to the side, as far as he could, he saw his paws were strapped to what appeared to be a large wooden frame shaped like a T. Looking down, he could see that his feet too were strapped to the object. He could feel the strain and build-up of lactic acid in his shoulders and arms as the weight of his body pulled down on them.

He growled in annoyance and confusion. "What in the distortion world…"

"You're telling me!"

To Lucario's right, visible when he turned his head, was Charizard trapped in a very similar predicament; chained to a large T shaped object by his claws, the rest of his body and tail dangling down. Due to his sheer size the device was larger than the one Lucario was chained to, holding him high enough off the ground so that his tail flame, which fell beneath him, wouldn't touch the grass.

Despite his own predicament, the site of the dragon restrained in this way made his laugh out loud. "Hahahahaha…. You right there, tough guy."

Charizard turned his head to Lucario in anger and roared, "watch it, Lucario." He would have flamed the wretched aura Pokémon there and then. He couldn't exactly do much to defend himself. But somebody, annoyingly, had placed a muzzle over his jaws. A tightly leather band wrapped around his muzzle which, while still permitting him to talk, kept his mouth closed enough that he couldn't use a fire type attack, or any other special attack.

Something that also caused Lucario to burst out laughing. "Hehehe…So somebody finally shut you up."

"This isn't funny," Charizard growled. "Why are we trapped here. Where are Ash and the others. Is this you're doing."

Lucario rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because if it was my doing, I would really have put myself in this position too. Do you char's have the capacity to think before talking, or do you just like to act tough."

Charizard snarled at him, best he could through the muzzle. "Wait till I'm free from here. I'll show you how tough I am!"

"You know you two really should consider just getting it over with and just having it on with each other," came a coy voice to the left. "The amount of sexual tension between the two of you for Arceus sake."

Lucario turned his head to the left where Dragonite was hanging in the same predicament as him and Charizard. Only difference being the redness in his cheeks at the pain caused by the strain in his shoulders, back and wings…and the slight erection he was sporting.

"Are you enjoying this," Lucario said before he could stop himself. He then shook his head and growled, "I mean…We both have mates!"

Dragonite giggled and winked at him. "Aww that's cute but I wasn't suggesting anything permanent. The two of you just need to mate, not become mates."

"NO WAY!" Lucario and Charizard said in unison, with Lucario adding, "He ate Hunter."

"Little blue bidoof brain had it coming," roared Charizard. "He attacked me and nearly harmed my egg. But that doesn't matter now, what the hell are we doing here?" he furrowed his brow. "Last thing I remember was that damn singing… Ahh can't seem to get free." He thrashed and pulled at the chains holding, but only managed to make himself swing.

Dragonite titled his head. "Wait, what are you talking about?"

Lucario frowned. "Are you serious?"

The creases on brow deepened, "I assumed this was one of Flygon's tricks. He loves to subject me to this type of torture."

It was Lucario's turn to tilt his head in confusion, his frown deepening. But at the same time Charizard rolled his eyes and rumbled, "This isn't one of your weird battle orgies, you perverted overgrown Dratini. Some lousy humans put us here. We were attacked during the contest."

"This little feminine Pokémon started singing," Lucario explained.

"No Mon's more feminine than you," Charizard muttered, but Lucario ignored him.

"Don't remember anything after that. Wait… weird battle orgies."

"It's a long story," said Dragonite, blushing.

"Guys…Is that you!" Geyser was next to come to his senses. He had gone unnoticed thus far owing to the fact he was tied up behind the rest and out of their immediate field of vision. His predicament was different to the others. "Where am I…"

Instead of being hung on a frame, Geyser had been left, nearly hanging from it instead in the most awkward of positions. His paws and tail were chained high above his back forcing him to stand on the ends of foot paws, placing great strain on his back and legs.

"Geyser is that you?" Beside him was tethered Axew, in the same position although somebody had seen fit to blindfold the little dragon, slipping a black mask over his eyes.

"Axew. Yeah, it's me. Where are we," Geyser asked again. "The last thing I remember was watching the battle, and Lucario interrupting, then…"

"Oh, you're here too," Charizard growled. "Annoying little turd of an otter."

Geyser raised his head and looked up at Charizard, who in turn had titled his head back to be able to see him. "What's wrong Chari." He put emphasis on the last word. "All tied up without my brother to edge your cock."

"Want to join your crush in my stomach," Charizard replied.

Geyser glowered at him. "You sick fuck!"

"C'mon guys," said Dragonite. "If we really are stuck here, fighting won't help us."

"I already told you this isn't a weird battle orgy," snapped Charizard.

[Pokémon]

Back in Lusamine's office…

In spite of everything and the situation, Ash and Cameron exchanged glances then leaned forward as if eager to hear what Lusamine was about to say. The flicker of a smile crossed the President's face as she realised, she had their attention.

"The Aether Foundation isn't the only party interested in Necrozma. There are many who take the power of this Pokémon for their own, and many who would do so for nefarious purposes. It we can't deal with the threat it poses; it could be captured by the wrong sort. And then more than the light of Alola would be at risk."

Ash shifted uncomfortably, feeling a small jolt in his stomach. "Who else is interested," he asked, but he thought he already thought he knew the answer.

"Why is this your problem," said Cameron. His tone was almost demanding. "Why aren't the authorities doing anything."

"The authorities who need to know, know," Lusamine replied curtly. "And those that need to know have confidence in me and in what needs to be done."

Ash pursed his lips. He had no idea whether Lusamine was telling the truth, though he doubted whether she was or not would change the situation.

Lusamine continued "To answer your question Ash, we believe that Team Rocket and Cipher have attempted to capture Necrozma previously. There is also a chance that Team Rocket has attempted to infiltrate the foundation, posing as employees. From what I've been able to determine so far, they were stopped by our screening system."

They were interrupted at that point by a knock on the door. "Enter," said Lusamine.

Ash looked over his shoulder to see a blond woman dressed in the standard white overalls of an Aether Employee. She was followed by an Arcanine with fluffy orange and white fur, and a Flygon, standing in the threshold.

Lusamine gave them a cursive glance then said, "I'll be with you in a moment. If you would just wait outside."

Ash chuckled a wide grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, but how do you know you Team Rocket didn't managed to infiltrate you. I mean, they are pretty good at disguises!"

"Security and employee screening protocols were tightened since we a breach two months ago," said Lusamine, seemingly not having noticed the sudden change in Ash expression and demeanour.

Cameron however coxed his head and said, "Ash?"

Ash continued to grin. "And yet, nobody seems to have realised that your Team Skull friends didn't manage to trap all of my Pokémon." He put emphasis on the word all.

"Hmm." Lusamine looked confused, glancing at Ash and then at the Aether woman, who had not left the room. Slowly, her expression changed as comprehension dawned.

"Meh." Meloetta, who had been quite up to then, rose off her shoulder, seemingly aware something was wrong.

The woman raised her hand and held it close to her chest, before throwing them out at Lusamine. At once ribbons of black energy burst forth from the tips of her fingers across the desk at Lusamine. Meloetta leapt forward to defend her trainer, trying to conger a barrier, but she was too slow and the barrier too weak.

There was a loud bang and the room filled with a black smoke. Ash was nearly thrown backward off his chair. Without thinking, he sprung and ran through the door into the anti-chamber beyond. Cameron, Arcanine and the employee followed him out.

Of course, the blond women were not in fact and Aether Employee, nor a woman. As she emerged from the smoke, she had changed from human into a black, human shaped fox creature with a flowing mane of red hair.

"Zor…" Zoroark came up behind Ash, put its arms around his chest in a hug and nuzzled the side of his neck with his muzzle.

Ash couldn't help but grin. "Hehe. It's good to see you too," he said as he stoked the end of Zoroark's nose. At the same time, Flygon sidled up to him and licked his other cheek. "But how did you get out."

"Those Team Skull creeps let their guard down too easy. They weren't expecting the Pokéball to open by itself," came a smug female voice.

Ash glanced down at the Arcanine who was grinning to herself in a self-satisfied sort of way. She gave a shake and the disguise she was wearing fell away to reveal the blue wolf like Pokémon Zacian beneath.

"I got them in the corridor and managed to free Flygon and Zoroark. A few of them got away with the rest of your Pokéballs though Ash."

"Cameron's too," added Zoroark.

"So where are they now," Cameron asked. "Where are Lucario and the others."

Ash frowned. "Lusamine said something about the conservation area."

"Then let's go!"