He got lucky. A Charizard ride-Pokémon had just dropped someone in Tapu Village, which got him to Malie City five minutes before a ferry left for Melemele. Maybe the universe could feel the tightness in his chest and decided to give him a break.
The little creature's pained cry as it was pressed into the ground by Machoke was on repeat in his head.
It was early afternoon by this point as he walked towards Route 1 through the city. Hau'oli City was the largest in Alola, but it was still half the size of Viridian. It was wonderful; no one bumped into him and his Pokémon were all walking alongside without too many stares.
He knew Kukui was teaching, it being Thursday and all, so he was just going to head straight to the Ruins. It's not like he had much time to spare. He had, of course, gotten another text from Bill a few hours ago, and with much relief, Ash had updated him on the new development.
So, as much as he'd like to explore the city a little bit more, he had a mission. Thus, he walked past the beachfront, the shopping district, a stadium, a mansion, various restaurants, and past the wild Pokémon that had made the city their home.
His gaze was set directly in front of him, and he could see where the paved road turned into grass and flattened pathways. He knew Kukui's lab was directly East, situated on the beach beside the ocean, but he wasn't home. Instead, Ash veered left towards Iki Town.
Ash found he was very… calm, like this. Walking with his family, head tilted back, hearing Mirae and Hemlock chasing each other. He wasn't concerned when Bane and Styx veered off the main road. Their sense of smell was phenomenal, so they'd find their way to them soon enough once they've finished.
Maybe he could just send them into the ocean and call it a day instead of bathing them.
As expected, it only took an hour to get to the tiny town. It was even smaller than Pallet and that was a feat in and of itself. He, Hemlock, and Mirae stalled in the town for a little, waiting for the two hunters to return. There was a small shop selling Halo-halo, a well-known fruit dessert, so he decided to treat his Pokémon.
Mirae happily munched on the pinap pieces, and Hemlock had some weird appreciation for the pieces that came from Tropius fruit. When Styx and Bane finally caught up, they weren't as bloody as the other day, thank goodness.
"Let's go, guys. Should only be another hour to the Ruins. Practice Protect as we're walking, but don't wear yourself out too much." He got some glances from the locals, but nothing nearly as scathing as he was used to. It was a wonderful change of pace.
Mahalo Trail was much quieter and darker than Route 1, his sunglasses stowed away. The trees seemed thicker and the path narrower. An old but sturdy bridge provided passage over a raging river. A peculiar atmosphere that made the air seem heavy and expectant settled over them as soon as the bridge was crossed.
All his Pokémon, besides Mirae, were shifting uneasily. Styx especially. The Eevee hopped on the Dragon's back and she seemed to release some tension. From what Ash could tell, Fairy and Electric energy was very prominent here. He caught sight of some Cutiefly and Ribombee fluttering around and a Dedenne or two scurried behind some bushes, peaking out at him. He was pretty sure he heard the angry buzzing of a Vikavolt hidden beyond two boulders.
Bane was tucked to his leg, Eevee illusion on full strength, but it couldn't protect him from the subtle press of marked territory. Ash looked at Hemlock. He was having an easier time of it, but still couldn't fully appreciate the Fairy aura.
Electric sparks danced over his skin, prickling and sending his hairs standing on end. There was a palpable charge to the air, a sharp metallic smell settling over them.
The cliffs on either side of the group narrowed, and soon only two could pass through at a time, Styx barely squeezing through. The winding path was devoid of human footprints and it almost seemed like they walked this claustrophobic walkway for hours, not just minutes.
Like a breath of fresh air, the path opened up to show a circular clearing. Sunlight streamed through the mist that had crept in, sending dulled shimmers across the grasses. Ash paused and eyed the two statues guarding the entrance with wary interest.
The stone carvings were familiar. He had seen them in most shops and home windows. These particular carvings were made from stone pillars taller than Ash. The faces etched into the rock were furious; teeth bared, eyebrows furrowed, and all harsh lines. Sparks were dancing along their surfaces, dissipating in the air.
What was interesting was that the left statue was facing the right, yet the right was facing forward.
External and internal conflict.
The large archway of the entrance lay beyond the emblems. Ash felt uncertainty rush through him. Should he even be here? Was he committing sacrilege?
But he was nothing if not tenacious, so with a bracing breath, he nodded to his Pokémon and walked through the archway.
Light only made it a few feet into the Ruins, yet torches along the walls pulsed with warm fire along the path. From Oak's lecture and the small pamphlet he read in the waiting line in Iki Town, the Island Kahunas were responsible for the upkeep of the Ruins.
Once again, he had to wonder why Nanu was chosen by Tapu Bulu.
One of the reasons Ash was so impressed by Alola was due to their very present Legendaries. The only other region that had legitimate sightings was Hoenn, with the Eon duos existing in multiple areas.
But then again, the Island Guardians and Eons were minor Legendaries.
From his years growing up around Professor Oak, Ash had learned that the true Legendaries were forces of nature. And not just as an expression. No, they were literally the physical embodiment of nature and concepts.
On one of his nights spent at the lab, Ash had found a journal entry by a Draconid named Zinnia about her encounter with Rayquaza. She had recounted catching sight of the serpent, miles away, before she passed out from the sudden massive influx in atmospheric pressure.
Her body hadn't been able to handle the Dragon's presence even with a buffer of several miles. Rayquaza was the embodiment of the atmosphere, of air, of sky.
The leading theories on minor Legends was that they arose to represent abject feelings or events. Latios and Latias represented Dawn and Dusk, while the Sinnoh Legend Shaymin was the personification of Gratitude.
So even though the Island Guardians were minor Legends, Ash wasn't too surprised that the oppressing aura had infused the area. He didn't know if the hope in his chest was pushing for an absent Guardian… or a present one.
Nevertheless, he continued forward.
Morelull and Shiinotic released soft light in the dark cave to compliment the torches. Honestly, the little Grass and Fairy types were adorable - though still dangerous - and if they weren't so passive, he'd have caught one.
The pathway opened up to an enormous rectangular chamber. It could have fit every house in Pallet Town. The center housed the burned remains of many past ritualistic pyres. Both withered and fresh yellow and orange leis hung from mounts on the wall, suffusing the chamber with fragrance.
As the group walked through the chamber, Styx sniffed and sneezed, the aroma too strong for her sensitive noses. Mirae nuzzled his head in the divot between necks from his place on her back. Styx rumbled deeply in response.
Ash felt eyes on them.
Bane had to physically steer Hemlock away from the blackened pyres and Ash distractedly snorted at the pout on the Morgrem's face. But before he could comment, Styx's heads perked up and then swiveled around to face one of the pyres.
A deep growl tore through the Dragon's chest and Hemlock silently crept around the other side. He disappeared behind the pyre, and Ash held his breath in anticipation. Hemlock's shriek of pain brought a frown to Ash's face, and the group ran towards the obstruction.
A small white form flew above the pyre, red and blue triangles decorating its abdomen. With barely a second to accept a Togetic was inside the Ruins, the Happiness Pokémon zoomed towards them.
A roar of surprise, and then Togetic had Mirae clasped to its chest and flew away.
"Give him back!" Ash bared his teeth and sprinted after the asshole who dared take his Pokémon. Hemlock was holding his side but gave chase alongside everyone else. This Togetic just pissed off three Darks, which is never a good idea
They ducked through an elaborate archway, words of battle on his lips, when he stumbled to a stop.
He could only stare.
Within a circle of towering precipices that opened to the afternoon sky, Tapu Koko hovered above its nest. The altar was decorated with fabrics and shawls, half eaten fruits scattered around, and replications of its Conflict Statues situated all over.
Its mask was parted, showing eyes that danced with amusement.
Along the surfaces of the stones, Togepi, Togetic, and two exceedingly rare Togekiss peaked out over the edge of their nest hollows.
The thief of a Togetic was off to the side, trying to hold on to the struggling Eevee.
Ash couldn't breathe, between the awe and the thick air from Tapu Koko's presence. Even Styx froze in the face of the powerful island deity, Fairy energy keeping her breaths labored. Tapu Koko's dichromatic eyes drifted over each of the group before narrowing on Togetic.
No. Not on Togetic.
On Eevee.
Terror seized his limbs when Tapu Koko blurred out of sight. A lethal draconic roar echoed through the small room, shaking the stone walls with its intensity. The Melemele Guardian reappeared, a shaking Eevee in its arms.
Styx bellowed again, but didn't attack. Ash felt subdued pride for her forethought to not harm Mirae.
But that barely registered in his mind, and he didn't have the same precaution. He sprinted forward and propelled himself onto the altar, suddenly on even ground with the levitating Legend.
"Give. Him. Back." He knew his eyes were wild, and he tensed his muscles in preparation. Ash was inviting this Legend to smite him by stepping foot on its shrine.
Tapu Koko merely remained amused and Ash didn't allow time to second guess himself before leaping at the Legend.
Was he being impulsive and idiotic? Yes, and later he would feel embarrassment for forgoing the logic on which he prided himself.
But the Pokémon he hatched from an egg was in danger and he didn't have time to think.
A flicker of surprise, and then the Legend blurred away and Ash was free falling. A brief moment of panic, then he was slamming into a scaly back. An 'oomf' escaped him, but then he was rolling off and glaring at the asshole of a Legendary that dared take his baby.
Surrounded by so many assholes today.
Styx's tail was creating spidery cracks in the stone floor with her distress. Mirae's eyes were darting back and forth between his captor and his family, alarm etched in every muscle.
"Bane, Taunt. Hemlock, Fake Tears. Styx, listen to me, we'll get him back. Wait for my signal before you scare it."
Hemlock immediately fell to his knees and wailed, clutching his chest and covering his mouth. Black energy leaked from Bane, a haughty expression taking over his features.
Mirae cried out in distress for his older brother, and even Tapu Koko wasn't immune to the combined deceptive pulls of both Taunt and Fake Tears. The Legend floated slightly closer, and that was all they needed.
"NOW." Styx's Scary Face locked the deity in place, and Hemlock's False Surrender embedded itself in Tapu Koko's mask with a dull thud.
What no one was expecting was the ghostly wisps that detonated against the Guardian's chest. With the weak Shadow Ball, Hemlock wrenching his hair, and the Scary Face that appeared too close to Tapu Koko's face, the Legend's arms loosened. Just enough.
Running to intercept, Ash caught Mirae in his arms and cradled the kit close to his chest.
With only some blacked fur on his mane, he wasn't hurt, which allowed Ash to turn his ire to the legend. His self-preservation instincts off to fuck-knows where.
"Don't you EVER come near them again." His scorn-filled sibilance seemed to go in one ear and out the other. The Guardian's head tilted, like it was contemplating something.
Behind his anger and fear, Ash was confused. This Pokémon could wipe the floor with his entire team easily. Why didn't it?
They ended in another standoff. The Guardian curiously watches the group and the group warily watching the Guardian. The annoying Togetic pouting from the sidelines.
Ash's glare didn't lose its fire while he hugged Eevee to his chest, Styx braced in front of them despite the severe disadvantage. Despite the relentless aura that tried to push her down.
Tapu Koko must have found what it was looking for, because the next moment it cheered while bobbing up and down and twirling.
Ash was sure his face expressed his irritation.
The Legend drifted closer and the group braced themselves. But all it did was send a wave of energy at Hemlock, and the half healed wounds disappeared. Hemlock hesitantly looked up and nodded.
The Guardian's eyes once more slid over each of them, and just like before, they finally landed on Ash.
When their eyes met, he was bombarded with images.
His surroundings faded, and a sterile shadowed corridor replaced it. Down the hall, through two double doors, bright light washed out the massive two story expanse. Lining the walls were glass cells, fuzzy silhouettes could be seen. Dozens. All shapes and sizes. Some were throwing themselves at the glass, while others were deathly still. Seven digits flashed in his head over and over and over.
With a gasp, Ash stumbled back, Hemlock steadying him before he could fall back. Shifting Mirae to one arm, he pressed his free hand to his forehead, pushing up his bangs and staring at the floor.
"What was that?" Ash slowly looked up, seeing the amusement had drained from Tapu Koko's eyes. "Is someone locking up Pokémon?" A single bob in the air. "They're in Alola, yes?" Another bob. "You want me to save them?" A more excitable bob. Ash sighed, removing his hat and running fingers through his hair. He noted it was almost long enough to tie back.
"Why me?" 'Why not you?' went unsaid. Why did this island deity even care about interdimensional creatures? This was like Sabrina all over again. Should he be grateful for these 'warnings' or did he wish he had no insight into his future?
For the first time since meeting, Tapu Koko made a sound. It laughed, then blurred, and it was gone.
Ash finally gave up trying to stand and fell back onto his ass. Mirae nuzzled into his neck as his trainer just stared ahead.
"What is our life?" Bane snorted and sat pressed against his thigh. Styx walked over, the right head's chin resting atop his messy hair. The left wrapped around to huff in Eevee's face, leftover anxiousness urging her to ensure the kit was alright.
A warning growl was all the alert he got before he felt tugging from his arms. He blinked and let his gaze focus on the Togetic, who was pouting and pulling on Mirae's front leg. The Fairy and Flying type frowned when it saw Ash watching.
"What in the world are you doing?"
The Togetic tugged again.
"Are you trying to take Mirae?"
The Pokémon tilted its head but eventually nodded.
Ash slowly spoke like he was talking to a toddler, "He's with me, you can't take him."
The 'Happiness' Pokémon frowned. There was a pause for a second or two before it brightened and rushed a few meters away, turning and bracing itself.
Oh Mew.
Ash sighed and heaved himself to his feet. He didn't even have to ask before Hemlock was jogging forward to get revenge for the sneak attack. Must have hurt his pride.
It's not like he'd actually give Mirae to Togetic if it won. If it won, Ash would just drown himself.
"This is all you, Hemlock." The Morgrem nodded and didn't give the Togetic time to fire off an attack before a dozen clones filled the room. Ash was impressed when a wave of electricity destroyed half of the clones. If the Togepi line migrated here every year, they must have gotten a feel for Electric energy.
The answering Dark Pulse didn't do much damage, but the Togetic flinched, giving Hemlock time to hook his 'hair' around its neck and draw it in close. A Draining Kiss made the Togetic grimace, but it quickly responded with a Fairy Wind that forced Hemlock back.
The true Morgrem disguised himself among his clones, causing frustration to ooze from the Fairy and Flying type. It sent out another Shock Wave, but Hemlock was ready this time. The clones jumped, but he sunk into darkness, disappearing from sight.
Togetic frantically flapped its wings, and then did something truly spectacular. Rocks were torn from the floors and walls, but not spherically. The rock tore away in the shape of arrows and were hurled through all the clones, dissipating them.
Wow, that was some Ancient Power.
Maybe it had studied Decidueye?
But Hemlock bided his time, and when the Togetic was panting from the tremendous exertion, he lept from a pocket of darkness and slammed into the frail Pokémon. Togetic cried out and landed harshly before its wings could catch it. Hemlock didn't even charge energy when he struck the Happiness Pokémon with a clenched fist.
Plucking the single Luxury ball from his belt, Ash tossed it at the exhausted Pokémon. He needs this Togetic to be friendly, at least towards Mirae. The Eevee was shaking with anticipation in his arms, the ball wiggling back and forth as the Togetic fought. Eventually, the soothing interior of the ball won, and Ash had a new Togetic.
Hemlock walked over and plucked the ball from the ground and proudly presented it to his trainer. Ash patted him on the arm in thanks, taking the sleek ball.
Togetic: The Happiness Pokémon. A Fairy and Flying type. Togetic can sense the kindness in other people and Pokémon's hearts. Whenever it spots a pure-hearted person, it tends to go to that person and shower them with happiness. To share its happiness, it is said to fly around the world seeking these people. If it is not with kind people, however, it becomes dispirited and loses energy. Togetic is rare in the wild, but can sometimes be found in forests and rocky shores.
This Togetic is Female and has the ability Serene Grace
Known Moves: Fairy Wind, Heal Bell, Life Dew, Ancient Power, Yawn, Metronome, Safeguard, Magic Coat, Shock Wave
Egg Move(s): Psycho Shift
This Pokémon stands at 2'02" and weighs 7.2lbs.
Ash snorted at the dex entry, whoever wrote it definitely didn't understand Fairies. But overpowering that, he was impressed. Its moveset suggested self-training or a flock tutor system. He looked up at the rest of the nesting flock and didn't see any obvious anger or concern. They almost looked relieved. He laughed under his breath; it seemed he caught the troublemaker of the family.
He turned to his teammates and saw varying expressions. Hemlock looked indifferent now that he'd gotten his revenge. Bane was curious, Mirae was wary, and Styx was agitated. She could hold quite the grudge.
Ash decided to leave the Ruins before he released the interesting Fairy. The group retraced their steps, Hemlock and Styx complaining about Tapu Koko. Bane just trotted beside him, Mirae hopping down to join him.
They all took a collected inhale once they were over the rope bridge, the heavy atmosphere releasing them. Styx physically shook off the remaining pressure, holding her heads higher than before.
It was only once they were free that Ash realized how much danger his Pokémon had been in. If Tapu Koko had struck Styx with a single Fairy attack, she'd be catatonic, maybe worse. If the Legend had decided to actually fight back…
But Mirae had been taken, and even though his team might not all like each other at times, they were just that, a team. They wouldn't stand by if one was in danger.
Ash couldn't ask for more out of his team.
Mahalo trail was just as oppressive as before, but Ash ignored it while he knelt and dug out a potion and sitrus berry. He pressed the release on the Luxury ball, letting the drooping Togetic out.
She tried to muster the energy to zip over, but she quickly found herself grounded. Ash huffed a laugh and gave her the sitrus berry to munch on as he sprayed her few injuries. She pouted, but bit into the treat and after the first bite, dug in enthusiastically.
"So, you're my Pokémon now. How do you feel about it?"
Togetic's eyes drifted over his teammates, lingering on Mirae, before she turned back to Ash and shrugged, nodding.
"You were pretty strong. Bet I can get you stronger." Her eyes narrowed and a fire was lit in the black depths at the challenge. Ash smirked, "That's what I thought. I gotta say that Ancient Power was badass."
Her chest puffed up, similarly to Hemlock (and wasn't that a concerning thought) in pride. Ash took that as a good sign, that was a personality he could handle, mostly. He gestured to his dallying teammates.
"These are Mirae - who you've already met, Bane, Hemlock, and Styx. Would you like a nickname?" Togetic took to the air and fluttered around a bit, getting into each Pokémon's personal space as she inspected them. Styx's twin growls made their new teammate narrow her eyes in challenge.
She flew back over and nodded to Ash.
"Sagitta, means 'arrow'." Togetic clapped and nodded. Ash grinned and looked down, sending a quick text to Kukui. "Great, welcome to the team, Sagitta. We have a couple hours to walk, so we might as well get to know each other."
The sun was setting by the time Ash made it to Kukui's lab. He saw a side fence, and walked around to open the gate, in the middle of an intense debate with Styx about a very important topic.
"Are you kidding me? Absolutely not, I'm not going to do that!"
An annoyed growl.
"No! It'll look stupid."
A huff and a stomp.
"I don't care if that guy pulled it off. It doesn't mean I can."
Fangs bared and a snarl.
"Even if I did, I wear a hat all the time, you wouldn't even be able to see it."
Low growling and a thump as her tail hit the ground.
"I'm not even old enough!"
"Uh, Ash?" Ash froze and slowly turned to see three people giving him mixed looks of confusion and amusement.
Kukui was there with Lillie and another woman. She was tanned with stark white hair in an updo. She was dressed casually in a gray tank top, black exercise shorts and leggings, and a sweatshirt tied around her waist. She had an eyebrow raised and a smirk on her lips, with a laidback aura around her.
"So… what were you guys talking about?" Ash refused to blush and instead adopted a casually detached air, cocking a hip and crossing his arms.
"On our walk back, we saw a guy with a mohawk and he had scales tattooed on the rest of his head. Styx, with all her fashion knowledge, thinks I should do the same." Styx didn't take kindly to the sarcasm and the left head tried to nip his elbow. Without missing a beat, he whacked her snout and rolled his eyes.
Ash had warned his Pokémon, mostly for Sagitta's sake, about the three people they'd be staying with. Kukui and who he guessed was Professor Burnet closed their eyes and laughed.
Lillie lost some of her tense posture, hands twisted in the strap of a large duffle bag that sat next to her on the bench.
His eyes felt pulled to the duffle, but Ash frowned and tore his attention away.
Professor Burnet gestured to the picnic table and he saw four place settings and some food.
"We were just about to sit down for dinner. You can tell us what you've been doing." Ash internally bristled at the expectant tone but stamped it down. He was a guest here (even though he didn't ask) so he'd be good. He'd behave.
The group of four settled around the table. Kukui had graciously prepared food for his Pokémon (he'd been informed of the new addition), so Ash watched fondly as his Pokémon dug in. They were all ravenous after the nerve-wracking interaction with the island deity.
He let his gaze wander and saw what he guessed were Kukui's Pokémon. They looked very strong. Practically champion-level strong. An Incineroar was seated next to a Lucario. The large feline was bulky, and Ash could feel the heat he radiated from here. The Lucario looked calm as she listened to what the Fire and Dark type was saying.
How did Kukui get a Lucario? They were only found in Rota, and the kingdom was more isolated than Oblivia.
A Braviary had already finished his food and had a wing covering his head, doing his best to ignore the Empoleon that tried to get his attention. A Midday Lycanroc was polite and nodded along to whatever the Sinnoh starter said.
The last Pokémon was a massive Venusaur covered in strange markings. Its flower and skin had hollowed out geometrical shapes all over. Ash was curious but decided it must either have something to do with the environment or a genetic mutation. Mutations in coloration or markings weren't all that rare.
"So, Ash, we haven't been introduced yet, I'm Dr. Cadenza Burnet, but you can just call me Burnet, everyone does." She winked.
The teen finished chewing before he spoke. "What topic did you choose for your dissertation?"
The woman looked pleasantly surprised. "I was a historian before I went back for my PhD, and I was always fascinated by the story of the Beasts of Alola. From my expeditions, I came to the conclusion that these beasts were from an alternate dimension." Ash choked on his tongue.
You have got to be kidding.
What are the chances?
Burnet grinned, misreading his incredulity. "That's what a lot of people thought! But I had strong support from some old colleagues. I later went to work with them, and our research had a breakthrough."
Ash didn't know how to feel right now. If this was going where he thought it was…
"Kukui told me you're a research assistant to THE Dr. Bill Richards and sponsored by Professor Samuel Oak, so I'm sure you'll appreciate this information,"
His dread built.
"Almost sixteen years ago, according to my boss, wormholes started opening up around the island, bringing incredible creatures! Unfortunately, none that resembled the Legends, but still! Interdimensional creatures! We called them Ultra Beasts! It was very rare for a wormhole to open up, but each time a UB came through, they would try to leave the islands! It took some time, but we figured out how to detain them.
"Then two years ago, we managed to create a wormhole of our own! Amazing, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Ash said weakly.
His eyes slid to Lillie when she squeeked, hands pressed down on the bag. Had it just moved? Her Vulpix jumped on top of it and laid down.
"I get to study the beasts, but unfortunately, the first one I studied tried to attack me, so since then, I only get a few minutes with each beast before we send them back."
"How… fascinating. Who did you say you work with again?"
Burnet grinned, and he noticed in his periphery that Lillie hunched in on herself. "Aether Foundation! Did you know in mythology, Aether was an ancient immortal deity that personified the pure air that the Legends breathe?"
Burnet's voice faded in the background, unaware that the floor had fallen from beneath Ash's feet.
Upon the steady islands four
The fifth holds beasts ensnared
Do not blame the mortal bones
For sins of immortal air
Team Skull, Aether Foundation, oh Mew…
"-sh, Ash? Ash sweetie are you alright?" Shaking his head and blinking, his vision cleared to see the three Alola natives staring at him with varying levels of concern.
Ash coughed and nodded shakily. "Yes, yes, I'm alright. It's just all this is so, uh, groundbreaking." He thought quickly, his brain going a thousand miles a second. He needed answers.
"How many of these creatures have been discovered?"
"Oh, at this point, I think we're at ten. The little time I've gotten with them has been incredible! I primarily study relationships, so I'm on the psych and sociology side of things. I just wish I had more time with them, but I'm not surprised they grow aggressive, being in a foreign environment."
"Do they all grow aggressive?"
Burnet shrugged casually and took a quick bite of food. "Not sure. I only witnessed one. My boss, as much as she loves them, is constantly warning me against getting too close."
Ash's eyes darted over to Lillie who looked extremely uncomfortable. Now that he looked at her, her clothing and hair had a striking resemblance to that first jellyfish creature he'd encountered. Her green eyes met his intense red and she immediately looked away, looking as fragile as the creature she mimicked.
He swifty thought of the next questions he needed answered, mind whirring as it made connections. "If they're from another dimension, I'd think standard Pokéballs might not be compatible. How are they captured?"
"I'm glad you asked! The amazing engineering team was able to replicate the energy from the Ultra Wormhole and a specific specimen to create a new Pokéball, called the Beast Ball! It has the strength of an Ultra Ball, which makes capturing them easy."
He 100% didn't like the sound of that. "Wow, if they're that powerful, I think lots of people would want to get their hands on them." 'please take the bait, please take the bait.'
Burnet scowled. "Oh you'd be right! My boss has been telling me all about Team Skull, this gang who somehow found out about our work and have been trying their hardest to interfere! They've managed to get away with some of the beasts! We have no clue what they're planning to use them for. But we're able to track when and where Ultra Wormholes open up. They give off a unique form of radiation."
Ash caught on to the way she was speaking. She was saying 'My boss told me this, my boss told me that.' Nothing she's said, has she witnessed directly. She's going off hearsay. He needs to take anything she says with a grain of salt.
"It's unfortunate they've been impeding your work. You must have to send the Ultra Beasts home pretty soon after capture. I'd think Skull would want them." He kept his tone concerned and his eyebrows furrowed.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry, our facility's security is top notch. But I'm not sure how long we keep the beasts, but I'm sure it's enough time to get the information we need."
He was finding it harder and harder to deal with her blatant ignorance. She was supposed to be a researcher. You're supposed to question the status quo.
In any other circumstance, a doctor going off on their area of research was normal, even expected. Ash had gone to enough conferences with Oak to know there was nothing doctorate holders loved more than to talk about their passion.
So why did it feel so… Ash didn't know the word he was looking for. But it felt too pointed.
Why did no one else think this was suspicious? Or was he so jaded that he naturally thought the worst of every situation?
Ash had grown up with the knowledge that the one person that's supposed to be reliable, wasn't. He grew up devouring research articles and published texts that detailed the poaching, black market trading, and abuse of Pokémon for profit. He grew up trying to understand how an organization so morally bankrupt as Team Rocket was able to not only exist, but thrive.
It was because the world was cruel and people were crueler.
He tried to hide the fact he was gritting his teeth and biting his tongue. He was still recovering from his cold and he really didn't have the patience for thick-headed professors.
An organization that works with previously undiscovered organisms should not be secret. It should be league-regulated like any business or research operation that worked with living creatures.
"I'd love to see what it's like when they send the creatures home, how does it work?" His tone was so far from relaxed at this point.
Burnet shrugged but before she could speak Kukui cut in. "Alright nerds, let's drop the subject for now. I need help clearing the table." Ash ignored Burnet's rebuttal that 'you're a nerd as well!' to stare at Lillie. She was so tense it looked like she'd break with a tap.
Everything was shady about this.
He pushed it to the side, though, to grab everyone's plates and follow Kukui into the house/lab. The side door led directly into the kitchen, and he started loading the plates in the dishwasher as Kukui put the leftovers away. Burnet followed a few seconds later with all the Pokémon dishes.
Lillie snuck past the three and darted upstairs, duffle bag held close and her Vulpix silently padding along behind her. His eyes unconsciously tracked the duffle. Ash felt so on edge being here, he guessed Lillie felt the same.
"Ash, come over here." He set down the pan he was hand-drying and made his way over to Kukui's fiance who was seated with her laptop open. "I'm sure you're dying to see some of the Ultra Beasts, so I figured it wouldn't hurt just to show you. You're a fellow researcher, afterall, if you're working with Dr. Richards!"
His heart was pounding as he slid into the seat beside her, and looked at the screen to see a familiar form.
"This is UB-Symbiont. It was the first Ultra Beast we encountered. We've classified it as a Rock and Poison type. It acts like a parasite, apparently, latching onto living hosts and injecting it with neurotoxins."
Ash both wanted, and didn't want, to know how they came to that conclusion.
"These next two are both Bug and Fighting types; UB-Absorption and UB-Beauty. UB-Absorption sucks energy from organisms with its proboscis to augment its muscles. UB-Beauty has a debilitating pheromone that is unlike anything on Earth. It doesn't have a defined sex, so its pheromones work on everything, causing confusion and suppressing an organism's connection to their energy stores.
"This here is UB-Lightning, and to no surprise it's an Electric type. It sustains itself with electricity and can absorb it from a variety of sources. This begs the question of the existence of electricity in its dimension!
"UB-Blaster is incredible. It's over 35 feet tall, Steel and Flying. It shockingly resembles our modern space rockets, having energy in its body that acts like rocket fuel when ignited.
"Even though this one is tiny, don't let that fool you, UB-Blade is fast and sharp. Grass and Steel. Every edge of its body is crazy sharp, and someone said it cut through a UB-Blaster. I've been told it's one of the few UBs to open Ultra Wormholes." That's the one that he saw on Route 11.
"Now this one… this one is a monster. Think of it as a Snorlax on steroids. UB-Glutton, Dark and Dragon." Ash let his eyes drift to a rather stiff Kukui. "It's constantly hungry, and it doesn't waste anything. All materials are converted into energy."
"This one was my favorite!" Ash's heart stopped when he saw the screen. Memories of the giggly little creature filled him with regret. "This one is UB-Adhesive. A pure Poison type. Its poison is super sticky and can be broken down into various chemical energy sources."
Ash's knuckles cracked with how hard he was squeezing them. He looked away to compose himself.
"UB-Assembly is a recent discovery. About as tall as UB-Glutton, this thing is a Rock and Steel type. According to our scans, it's made up of 150 individual life forms that can somehow share and transfer energy."
"This last one is definitely the oddest. UB-Burst is a Ghost and Fire type. It's creepy how much it looks like a clown. Its head is detachable and it explodes and regenerates. We're not sure what the purpose of it is yet."
Did she not see the common thread between them all? Did she not see how each one interacted with energy in a unique way?
Ash felt nauseous, the images he just saw overlapping with the images shown by Tapu Koko.
He was still biting his cheek but forced himself to relax. "Thank you for showing me. They're so different from any Pokémon we have here. How many have been studied?"
Burnet paused and brought a hand to her chin to think. "I've studied two or three of each, but only a single individual of the last two. More have been popping up lately."
"Oh, do they call you whenever Aether catches another one?"
Burnet laughed. "I'm not sure, but I am the leading authority on interdimensional relationships, so I'd hope I get most of them!"
Ash gave a tight smile in return. "I hope so as well." He brushed off his shorts and stood. "I'm going to say goodnight to my team then head up to bed. It's been a long day."
"Alright, thanks for letting me drone on about my research! I rarely get the chance to talk about it. Have a goodnight, Ash." The teen headed out the door. Night had fallen a little while ago, but he was ready to pass out.
He found his Pokémon resting near each other, Mirae curled up at Styx's side, but the Dragon and new Togetic were having a heated staredown for whatever reason. Ignoring it for the time being, Ash gave each Pokémon their favorite berry, tossing Sagitta a pamtre berry.
Before he could head back inside, he was intercepted.
The usually grinning Professor Kukui was staring down at him with stern black irises, arms crossed defensively.
"Can I help you, Professor?" Ash's own metaphorical hackles were rising at the older man's posturing.
"I merely wanted you to know I love my fiance. If you endanger her job in any way, there will be repercussions. We've opened our home to you, and don't pretend you haven't been interrogating her about her work for Aether."
Ash almost laughed. Oh, he was going to make her job obsolete. He took a step closer to the professor but kept his stance unconcerned.
"Well, as long as her superiors are following Pokémon Welfare Act regulations, which I'll remind you, define a Pokémon as any sentient organism capable of exuding elemental energy, then her job won't be in danger from me. I would hope as a Regional Professor and Alola Champion, you'd have your priorities straight."
Sidestepping the man to make his way inside, Ash paused before he passed through. "I met Tapu Koko today, do you know what it showed me? A vision of various creatures, dead and alive, locked in sterile glass cages. Their silhouettes looked an awful lot like the beasts Dr. Burnet studies."
Ash softly closed the door behind him with a simple, "Good night, Professor Kukui."
He hoped his gamble paid off.
He didn't notice the window directly above them gently clicking shut.
Styx snapped at the new Winged-Nuisance. She had been attempting to tug her hatchling away for longer than her patience allowed. The big silver-dull-night-disc had been visible for many heartbeats, but the annoying fledgling was unceasing.
Her poor young one was getting cranky with fatigue. He liked the weak-non-dragon but Styx did not. Yet the pitiful scale-less chick kept trying to take him away.
Her barely there restraint finally snapped when the feeble fowl sent painful-stinging-pink that struck her hide and made her innards shriek. She echoed those shrieks and launched herself at the chick, who didn't have her strength-ability-to-protect. She crushed the annoyance beneath her healthy-strong-able-to-protect form.
But Winged-Nuisance was more resilient than she expected. Sharp-prickling-zap tried to seize her muscles, but she would not be downed by a few sparks.
Brother Moronic-Troll and Brother Shadow-Trick watched their altercation from the sidelines, Hatchling-Kit watching with worried red eyes like her Heart-Soul's.
Her roars and snarls were answered with ear-grating-cries and desperate croons. She was First-Protector, she would protect. But she looked at her hatchling then back at the non-dragon and growled, but not as harshly as before.
Natural-enemy-fairy waved her free arms and clicked and crooned and soon she grudgingly understood. She shifted off of Maybe-not-bad-non-dragon and huffed a response. Winged-Nuisance fluttered her tiny-pitiful-wings and chattered, pointing at her own underbelly, then at Styx then at Hatchling-Kit.
Grumbling lowly, she thumped her tail on the ground in reluctant agreement. Fine. Soft-pitiful-non-dragon would give her young one needless things like affection, but she would remain as protector and teacher.
She could deal with that.
Her Heart-Soul would be so proud of her leadership and compromise.
"Professor?" Kukui jerked and lifted his head from his hands, Lillie half hidden behind the staircase railing.
"Yes, Lillie? Is something the matter? I'm sorry if today made you uncomfortable, I know it's weird for people to talk about Aether around you. Oak had mentioned Ash was rough around the edges but this is something else…"
"No, it's not that." Eyebrows furrowed, she warily glanced around, creeping closer and hugging herself around her waist.
"Then what is it?"
Lillie hugged herself tighter. In a voice barely above a whisper, yet sounding like a gunshot within the silent family room, she said, "He's right."
I liked Burnet, but she's too trusting here.
Sagitta and Styx have reached a compromise on how to co-parent Mirae.
Ash is deep in his pessimism.