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Hope everyone had a good week. It flew by for me.
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Chapter 17: The Challenge of Life
"Hey, stop that tickles!" Ash laughed as Lei climbed on him. His four-year-old adoptive brother clapped with excitement. Lycanroc and Ash's other Pokémon laughed at their trainer's antics as he tried to shake off the persistent Lei.
"Careful, now!" a nervous Rotom Dex hovered around them to ensure Lei didn't get hurt.
Red watched them play. "I never thought I'd get to see this," Red smiled. He pictured himself in Lei's place and an older Ash rolling on the floor with him. His dad never got upset when he wanted to roughhouse with him. And he never tired. Red leaned back; "Those were the days."
May sipped from her mug while she talked to Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet. "I gotta say, it sounds like dangerous stuff," Professor Kukui relaxed on the couch after listening to May.
"What a relief that you've made it safe and sound so far," Professor Burnet agreed.
"It's not easy, but we can't stop," May looked at Ash and Lei play. "There's too much at stake," the coordinator also smiled when she saw her husband tickle Kukui and Burnet's son. He was having as much fun as the boy.
"I understand," Professor Kukui nodded. He caught Red's attention when he saw Red spaced out. "How are you liking Alola, Red?" Kukui's friendly voice made it easy for Red to talk to him.
The trainer placed his arms behind his head. "Alola's great. I've only been able to visit a few times in my timeline. Unfortunately, the islands are still in the rebuilding process like much of the world, so it's almost like being in a different region here."
Professor Burnet beamed. "We have you to thank for that from what Ash and May told us."
"Our boy wouldn't exist if it weren't for you," Kukui added.
"I don't know about that," Red blushed. "It was Ash and May who came to rescue me then. I say the credit goes to them."
"A modest one. You must've gotten that from May," Professor Kukui joked.
May giggled. "Ash can be modest, sometimes." She noticed that he remained oblivious to their conversation. At this rate, it looked like Ash could play with Lei through the night.
Red chuckled. "Well, I wasn't able to find the other plate when I tracked its reading to the Altar of the Sunne, so I don't always come through."
"Don't fret, you can try again tomorrow," a lax Kukui rested his leg over the other. Red noted that for someone as smart as him, he didn't seem troubled by the possibility of the world ending. He wondered if the man's faith in them was that strong.
Professor Burnet pondered. "Are you sure the plate was at the altar?" She wished to help in any way that she could.
"That's what the Rotom phone says," May showed the woman. Burnet received the device to examine more closely. Kukui also looked over her shoulder to check the reading. They both recognized that the coordinates belonged to the Altar of the Sunne.
"I know, why don't you allow me to assist with your search tomorrow? I'm a superior model than those silly Rotom phones," Rotom Dex pledged to Red.
A pleased Red accepted. "Sure, why not? I could use your expertise of Alola, Rotom."
"Why, of course!" Rotom Dex took pride in its knowledge.
May agreed. "You can always count on Rotom for help."
"Then, that's settled. Let's not worry about plates or cataclysms for the rest of the evening," an excited Professor Burnet got up from the couch.
Professor Kukui was on the same boat, "Instead, let us whip up some dinner that we can all enjoy. It's moments like these that we need to savor." Professor Burnet wrapped her arm around his waist when he stood up.
"Mallow, Lillie, and the others said they would come too, so I think that's perfect!" May cheered.
"Do you three mind looking after Lei for us while we cook dinner?" Professor Burnet asked.
Almost as if on cue, Ash sat up with his disheveled hair after rolling on the floor with Lei. He beamed at the professors , "Not at all. We can keep playing with Lei!" The trainer winked at the young boy.
Lei smiled, "Yay, more play time!" The boy tackled Ash onto the floor again.
"We don't mind at all," May laughed as the energetic pair brought life to the home with their laughter.
"Not too rough, Lei. You don't want to hurt your big brother," Professor Burnet waved her finger at her son.
An obedient Lei got off Ash and nodded, "Yes, Mama." Incineroar and Melmetal lifted Lei by the arms to swing him in the air to give Ash a breather. Lei laughed as he enjoyed the rush. Rowlett hitched a ride on Lei's head while Lycanroc jumped up to meet Lei every time he was swung forward.
May put her hand on Ash's shoulder, "Looks like they saw you tiring out, Ash."
Ash chuckled, "The only kid I knew that was as energetic as Lei at that age was me."
Lei's parents laughed. "Don't forget about Kukui," Professor Burnet nudged him. Professor Kukui rubbed his head, acknowledging that he was a piece of work when he was young. "We'll go get started. Holler if you need anything," the mother reminded them.
"Stay out of trouble," Rotom Dex reminded as it followed the professors to the kitchen to help.
"Will do!" Ash and May answered. They watched Lei play with Ash's Pokémon until the boy's gaze met Red's.
Red looked alarmed when Lei fixed his eyes on him. The boy threw himself at Red when he swung forward again. "You look like my big brother, Ash!" Lei reached out for Red. Ash and May panicked as Lei flew in the air.
"Whoa, hold on!" Red caught the four-year-old but tumbled backward when Lei landed in his arms. Ash and May were relieved that no one got hurt, but Red lacked his parents' patience. He sighed, "Kid, you got to be more careful."
A confused Lei eyed him, "You don't want to play?" Red wasn't sure how to answer without hurting his feelings. He looked to Ash and May for help.
May crossed her arms and smirked, "C'mon, Red. A little play time wouldn't hurt."
"You'll enjoy it. Lei is a lot of fun," Ash added.
"Let's play, Red!" Lei insisted. Even Ash's Alolan Pokémon encouraged the son to join the child.
Red turned away from the boy, "Sorry, but I can't play." His blunt response surprised Ash, May, and the Pokémon. "I think I'll go get some air," Red stood up to take his leave until he felt a tug on his pants. The trainer looked down to see that Lei pulled on him.
"Can I come?" Lei asked. He seemed desperate for Red's attention.
"Aw, Red, Lei just wants to spend time with you. I know you're bummed that you couldn't find the other plate, but family time is just what you need to feel better," May raised her finger.
Red blinked, "Family time?"
Ash pointed out, "Well, if Lei is my little brother, then that makes him your uncle. We're all family here, including you, Red."
"Family," Lei smiled when he tugged on Red again.
May's eyes wobbled, "He's so cute." She clasped her hands, "He's a little boy, Red. All it takes is some patience, just like me with Ash!"
"What was that?" Ash side-eyed her.
"Just kidding," May waved him off with a snicker.
Red pulled down the brim of his hat. He became flustered, "I don't remember signing up for this. I'm not good with kids."
"Of course, you are! Are you going to act like a sourpuss when you have your kids?" May held her hips.
Red's face turned red when she teased him, "I'm not even close to thinking about that." The trainer defended himself against the coordinator.
May bent forward, "Well, I think you and Rosa would make a cute couple. Unless you're not into girls. That's also fine with us." May and Ash shrugged at him.
"What?!" Red's face turned as red as his hat and jacket. "I do like girls!" the trainer snapped. He waved his fist, "I just don't have time to be thinking that stuff. Protecting the future takes up all of my time."
An amused Ash placed his hand on Red's shoulder, "We're only teasing, Red. We know, don't worry."
May winked, "Plus, I've seen how you look at Rosa. You can't fool me."
"Really?" Ash and Red got caught by surprise, prompting May to roll her eyes. A pouty Red recomposed himself, "Alright, fine. I'd still like to go for a walk, so if we're going to do this then we'll do it together."
Ash crouched to Lei's eye level, "You hear that, Lei? We're going for a walk!"
"Hooray! I take walks with mama and papa all the time," Lei clapped.
"Great, Lei! Today we're taking a night walk. Do you like the beach at night?" May grabbed his small hand.
Lei nodded, "I like the sun, but I also like the moon!" He raised his arms in the air. "Do you know about the Legendary Pokémon that look like the sun and moon?" he shared his knowledge.
"We sure do, we've even met them," Ash grabbed Lei's other hand.
"Wow, can I meet them?!" Lei's eyes dazzled.
"I'm sure you will one day. We can tell you stories about them while we walk," May excited him even more.
Lei smiled, "Yes, please!" Suddenly, Lycanroc barked at them. Ash's Wolf Pokémon stood next to Lei. "Lycanroc!" Lei let go of Ash and May to hug the canine.
"Lycanroc, do you want to come with us?" Ash questioned. Lycanroc nodded and wagged its tail. Ash grinned, "Sounds good!" He turned to his other Pokémon. "Will the rest of you be alright?" the trainer asked them. Rowlett had already fallen asleep, but Melmetal and Incineroar pushed them to go have fun while they helped the professors with setting up dinner. "If you say so," Ash smiled at the bulky pair. "Ready, Red?" Ash turned to his future son.
Red spaced out again while staring at their interaction. He got startled when Ash addressed him, "Oh, yeah. Let's go, we might see Lunala or Solgaleo if we're lucky," Red hyped up Lei and smiled when he looked at him from the corner of his eye.
"There you go," May applauded him for his efforts.
"Oh, let's hurry!" Lei grabbed Ash and May by their hands and pulled them. They bolted outside with Red and Lycanroc behind them. Lycanroc, the three heroes, and their plus one sprinted along the beach as the stars and moon came out to play. Lei didn't get to see Lunala or Solgaleo, but they were lucky enough to spot a horde of Minior wandering the night.
Lei was in awe of the various colors and chased after them, despite knowing they were too high up. However, one orange Minior approached Lei to greet it before it took its leave. "Hiya!" Lei hugged the Minior.
"Mini!" the Minior beamed upon meeting him. The Rock-type Pokémon hovered around Lei, happy to make a friend.
Lei chuckled, "Nice to meet you too, Minior!" Ash, May, and Red watched the pair dance under the sky of Minior. The quick friends made the most of their time until the Minior saw its other friends fade into the night.
"Minio," the space Pokémon started to hover up, leaving Lei.
"Hey, wait!" Lei tried to reach for it, but it was already too high. Minior waved at the boy, thankful for the fun it had. "Big brother, are they going back to space?" Lei watched the Minior vanish as they floated up.
"Minior," the Meteor Pokémon smiled down at the young boy before disappearing.
Ash kneeled, holding Lei's shoulder. He had a soft smile, "They're leaving. Minior who lose their shells disappear."
Lei's eyes widened, "So they're gone forever?! Can't we help?"
May rubbed the top of Lei's head, "I'm afraid not. It's what naturally happens to Minior."
Lei had a tear in his eye, "So what do we do?"
"When someone leaves us, we should remember the good times and keep those memories in our hearts. Your papa taught us that," Ash rubbed Lei's arm. Lei sniffled, feeling the sparkles of his Minior shower over him while May and Ash comforted him. Red watched Lei with pity. He could relate to the child. Together, they watched the Minior leave until they were alone again. By the end of it, Lei had fallen asleep, and Ash had to carry him on his back.
After Lei fell asleep, the night became quieter and more peaceful. Though Ash and May had plenty of energy, even they had their limits, but they still enjoyed the time with Lei. As Ash carried Lei, he saw that May seemed rather pensive. "What's on your mind, May?" he asked.
May shrugged, "Nothing. I just like it when we get to spend time with Lei. It's nice when we get to help Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet with him." The girl ran her hand through Lei's hair.
"It's not as easy to carry him. He's growing fast," Ash admitted. He adjusted himself to keep the child from slipping off.
"Yeah, it's amazing how fast kids grow, but even so," May paused. "Whenever I'm with you and Lei, I feel like a kid again," May blushed.
Ash blushed and nodded, "That makes two of us." May leaned forward to kiss his cheek and pecked Lei on top of his head. Lycanroc brushed his hair around the couple's legs. "Who's a good boy?" May kneeled to pet the Rock-type Pokémon. Lycanroc licked and tickled May's face, "I can tell Lycanroc misses being around us, too."
Lycanroc's trainer smiled, "Thank you for helping Lei chase the Minior, Lycanroc. You're a good friend." Lycanroc howled at the moon, expressing its gratitude for the bond they shared. Lycanroc owed a lot to Ash and Professor Kukui. The wolf gave them his loyalty, and in return, they gave him a family.
"Red looks tuckered out, too," May spotted him dragging his feet behind them.
"I'm fine," Red insisted. "I just wanted to give you some space," the trainer argued.
"Don't worry, Red. We'll be home soon," Ash assured.
Red sighed as they walked. The missing plate still weighed on his mind, yet he did his best to enjoy the night with Ash, May, Lei, and Lycanroc. While they walked down the road, Red observed them. Watching them play with Lei made him relive memories of his time with Ash and May when he was a child. Red missed that. "Did we take you on walks like this, Red?" May looked back at him.
The trainer nodded. "All the time. We'd walk and play until you two wore me and Sapphire out. I remember that Ash would carry me on his back and you would carry Sapphire on your back." The young versions of his parents flashed warm smiles at him. Red put his hands in his pockets. "Lei was never born in my timeline because of the war. Even though we didn't get off on the right foot, I'm grateful that I met him."
Lycanroc barked in approval. He saw his trainer's noble heart in Red. "Even Lycanroc is happy to hear that you had a good time," Ash observed.
"A little more patience and an open mind can go a long way in anything that you do," May hoped that Red would remember that. The trainer acknowledged when he bobbed his head.
Red's attention shifted to a bright light in the distance. He also saw smoke in the air. "Isn't that?" the trainer realized.
"It's coming from Professor Kukui's!" Ash felt his heart jolt to life. He dashed toward the house while trying to keep Lei steady. Lycanroc chased after him.
May gasped, "Hurry, Red!" The coordinator and her future son also ran after them. "I hope Professor Kukui didn't forget to turn off the oven again," May facepalmed herself.
"Let's hope it's just that," Red's voice turned grim. May's face turned serious when she saw the look in his eyes. She didn't wish to think anything until they reached the scene. A fire truck and an ambulance sped past them toward the house with their sirens echoing along the shore, adding to their fear.
Ash felt Lei begin to wake due to the commotion. "Ash?" the sleepy Lei rubbed his eyes. The child was surprised when Ash came to an abrupt halt.
"The house!" Ash screamed when he saw Kukui's home in flames. May and Red's eyes widened when they caught up. Lycanroc saw an injured Rowlett, Incineroar, and Melmetal boarded onto the Pokémon Center's ambulance. There were water Pokémon putting out the fire and Professor Burnet sat outside the home with a blanket wrapped around her. Mallow, Lillie, Gladion, Sophocles, Kiawe, and Lana surrounded the distraught woman.
"Mama!" Lei squirmed off Ash's back and ran toward his home.
Ash continued to run, "C'mon Lycanroc!" The trainer and his Pokémon hurried. When the heroes and Lycanroc reached the group they were in shock.
"Ash, May!" their Alolan friends shouted when they saw him.
"Mama!" Lei ran into Burnet's arms with tears in his eyes.
"Lei, thank goodness that you're alright!" Professor Burnet hugged and kissed him. Tears were streaming down her face.
Lycanroc howled when he ran over to his wounded teammates. Even Rotom Dex was getting boarded onto the ambulance. "My Pokémon!" Ash's face went pale.
"What happened?!" Red gritted his teeth.
May placed her fist on her chest when she looked around. "Where's Professor Kukui?" She didn't see any sign of him.
Sophocles stepped forward. "They came."
"Who?!" Red demanded answers.
"Iris and the Champion of Kanto and Johto," Kiawe interjected.
Mallow clenched her fists. "They were also with that awful Pokémon that looks like Gallade."
"We were waiting for you to get back before they showed up," Lana's eyes filled with tears.
"And they took him. They used Hypnosis and took Professor Kukui," Burnet whimpered.
Gladion clenched his fists. "If I had my other Pokémon, we could've stopped them." He blamed himself for only having Lycanroc.
Lillie reassured him by placing her hand on his arm. "You don't know that. Incineroar, Rowlett, and Melmetal tried to stop them, even Rotom Dex, but they were too strong."
"Iris," Ash and May muttered. Lycanroc snarled as he looked at the burning house. The home that had been theirs for years fell apart before their eyes. They lamented that their Unova friend was responsible for the chaos brought upon their Alolan family.
"Papa! I want papa!" Lei cried. He couldn't comprehend the magnitude of the danger, but he saw the fear in his family's eyes. Lei was frightened by it. Professor Burnet tried to calm him by cradling him and resting her head on his.
Mallow started to cry. "It's happening again. Just like at Professor Oak's."
"Don't say that!" a tearful Lana wrapped her arm around her best friend.
"Professor Kukui," Sophocles's hands trembled.
"If only we'd been stronger the first time. They wouldn't have come here," Kiawe held his head in frustration. He fought back the tears, but they fell in the sand. He and Sophocles held on to each other for comfort.
Red fell to his knees as he blamed himself. If I hadn't thought about going on that stupid walk, this wouldn't have happened. We would've been here to protect them; Red dug his fists into the sand.
Lillie and Gladion stood before them. "May," Lillie's soft voice mumbled.
"Ash," Gladion raised his fist when he addressed him.
The pair looked at the siblings. "They won't get away with this. Destroying a plate is one thing, but coming for your family is the vilest thing someone can do!" Gladion gritted his teeth.
"Professor Kukui is our family too, and we'll get him back. We know what it's like to grow up without a father, and Lei can't go through that. He won't go through that!" Lillie threw her arm in the air. Ash and May looked at the wailing Lei. Nothing consoled him, not even the love of his mother. He needed Professor Kukui. The child's grief and that of their friends helped them regain their mental footing. The couple tightened their fists. "You have to find Professor Kukui, at all costs," Lillie frowned.
"And you won't do it alone," Gladion's face also showed resolve.
"You're right," the lightning in Ash's eyes met Gladion's gaze. He saw the flames die out thanks to the water Pokémon behind them. "Professor Kukui needs us," an electrified Ash pulled down the brim of his hat.
"We have a family to reunite," May tightened the knot of her bandana. Her eyes reflected the fire from Professor Kukui's house.
Their other friends were emboldened by their steadfast spirits. They sniffled and wiped away their tears. If Ash and May could remain unwavering, then so could they. "We'll all help!" Kiawe pumped his fist in the air.
"That's right!" Mallow and Lana nodded.
"But we'll need a plan," Sophocles advised. "The other plate is still missing, and if the bad guys are already here, I'm sure they'll be after that as well."
Gladion agreed, "No doubt, which means we need to split up." Ash and the gang approved of the suggestion.
"How should we split?" May asked.
Gladion crossed his arms, "I'll go search for the plate. You said it's somewhere in the Altar of the Sunne, right?"
Red stood up. He wiped the tears from his eyes, "That's right. If you're heading there, then I'm coming with you." Gladion accepted Red's assistance.
"If you'll search for the plate, I'll search for Professor Kukui," Ash decided. May was also inclined to accompany Ash. She would feel better if she was there to help him.
"In that case, the rest of us will get our Pokémon and meet you at the Altar of the Sunne. I wouldn't want you and Red to be there by yourselves," Lillie led the rest of their friends.
Her brother sighed, "Fine. I know better than to keep you away by now."
Lillie smirked, "Glad you see it my way." She turned to Ash and May. "Before we came, my mother wanted us to deliver these to you." Lillie presented the pair with metallic rings that had a simplistic design.
They picked up their rings. "What are they?" Ash studied it.
Sophocles raised his finger to show that he also had one. Their other friends also had rings. "After what happened at Professor Oak's, Lusamine developed an upgraded version of our Ultra Guardian suits if the threat ever came to Alola," Sophocles explained.
"Unfortunately, she was right, but the rings allow us to summon the suits by tapping them," Lana demonstrated as her blue guardian suit formed around her.
"They're sturdier and more flexible than the original design. Supposedly, they can absorb impact from something as fast and tough as a Mach Punch," Kiawe flashed his ring.
"And they're resistant to energy blasts to a certain degree," Mallow clenched her fist.
Red respected Lusamine's handiwork, "Smart woman."
"That's my mother," Gladion wished Lusamine hadn't been right in her prediction.
Ash and May placed their rings. "It'll definitely come in handy. I'll have to thank her at some point," May appreciated it.
Lycanroc barked at Ash. Ash kneeled, "Lycanroc, do you want to come with us?" Lycanroc confirmed with another bark. The trainer petted the Wolf Pokémon, "We'll need all the help we can get to save Professor Kukui, so consider it done." Lycanroc howled, saddened and angered by the night's tragedy. The canine swore to do everything it could for its friends and family's sake.
Professor Burnet admired the young heroes' ability to cling to their determination and find hope. Her eyes gleamed as she picked herself up with a sniffling Lei, "I can't thank you all enough. You're all family to us, now and forever. I know Professor Kukui will be back."
"Let's do it!" Ash, May, and their friends raised their fists. Lycanroc howled once more. Their energy proved contagious enough that Lei pumped his fist in the air.
Lei yelled, "Bring Papa home!" Red wiped away the boy's tears and vowed that they would.