Archive of Our Own

Set at the end of Faba's Revenge:

As the Ultra Beast flew down and grabbed Gladion, he felt a mixture of fear and relief. Relief because his mother and sister were safe, but fear because the Ultra Beast now had its tentacles wrapped around him tightly and was carrying him towards the Ultra Wormhole.

"Gladion!" Ash screamed, running forward and grabbing Gladion's hands. "Hang on! I've got you!"

Ash pulled on Gladion's hands, trying his hardest to get Gladion out of the Ultra Beast's grip. Silvally grabbed Gladion's bag in his mouth and pulled as hard as he could while Umbreon leapt up and started biting and scratching the Ultra Beast in a desperate attempt to get the Ultra Beast to release her trainer.

"We've got you, Gladion!" Ash cried as Gladion started crying in fear. "We won't let you go! I won't let you go!"

Suddenly, Faba’s machine exploded, causing the Ultra Beast to lurch back and violently drag Gladion with it. Gladion's bag snapped from his hips, leaving it dangling in Silvally's mouth, just as Ash lost his grip on Gladion's hands.

"No!" Ash screamed, watching helplessly as the Ultra Beast took Gladion and Umbreon away through the Ultra Wormhole.

"Gladion!" Lusamine and Lillie screamed in horror as the Ultra Wormhole closed.

Love and Family Determination:

Everyone stared in disbelief at the spot where the Ultra Wormhole had been. Ash’s stomach lurched. That thing had taken Gladion. Lusamine started sobbing while Lillie collapsed to her knees in complete astonishment.

"Lillie!" Ash cried, snapping out of his shock. He quickly ran to her and stared at her face, gripping her shoulders. "Lillie?" he asked gently. "Are you okay? Talk to me!"

"Gladion...," she whimpered. “Gladion.”

Snowy and Pikachu immediately wandered over and started to nuzzle her legs in an attempt to comfort her. But she didn't respond. She was completely frozen from shock. Ash then looked back to where the Ultra Wormhole had appeared, only this time his face was filled with anger.

Suddenly, he felt something nudge his shoulder. He turned his head to see Silvally standing next to him, still holding Gladion's bag in its mouth. Silvally dropped the bag onto his lap before gesturing to it with its head. Frowning, Ash unzipped it. It was filled with different coloured discs and a premier ball.

I know these, he thought, zipping up the bag again. Gladion used one of these to turn Silvally into a dark type. Gladion...

"Faba!"

Ash snapped out of his thoughts to see Burnet and Wicke glaring at Faba about what he did. Ash stood up, holding the bag to his chest as he watched the two women scold the man for his recklessness.

"But it's all Lusamine's fault! Not mine!" Faba was saying. "I'm innocent!"

"Innocent?!" Lusamine lunged towards Faba, tackling him to the ground. "You opened an Ultra Wormhole without any safety precautions, put Lillie in danger, hurt and frightened Nebby and got my son taken away by a dangerous Ultra Beast!"

"Lusamine, please!" Wicke begged, trying to pull Lusamine off Faba but the woman shoved Wicke aside, causing her to fall on her backside.

"How are you innocent?!" she screamed angrily, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I've got to save him!" Lillie suddenly said.

Lusamine froze before looking behind her. Ash looked at Lillie. She was now standing with a determined look on her face.

"What?" Lusamine asked, standing.

"I've got to save Gladion!" Lillie repeated.

Ash nodded determinately. "And I'm going to help too!"

Lusamine sighed, wiping her cheeks as she walked towards them.

“Ash, I'm grateful for the role you've played in my children's lives and you trying to save Gladion before,” she said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “But Gladion is my son, and it's my fault he got taken. So, I want you to leave saving Gladion to me. And Lillie, I want you to go back to Melemele Island."

"What?!" Lillie gaped. “But-.”

"Lillie, please," Lusamine begged. "I lost your father, and who knows what your brother is going through. I can't risk you getting hurt too. I almost lost you once because of an Ultra Beast. I'm not going to risk losing you again. So, please, baby girl, go back to Melemele."

Lillie glared at Lusamine before she gave a defeated sigh. "Yes, Mother."

"Pika!" Pikachu called.

Everyone turned. Pikachu was holding Nebby's new form in his paws.

"Oh yes, about Nebby," Lusamine said as Ash walked over to pick up Pikachu and Nebby. "I would like you to continue looking after it, Ash. Can you do that?"

"Yes, ma'am," Ash said quietly. "Do you have any ideas on what might be happening to it?"

"Looking at it, it could be evolution," Lusamine said thoughtfully. "What do you think, Burnet?"

Burnet approached Ash and looked at the tiny cocoon that used to be the fluffy Nebby.

"It is possible," she said thoughtfully before shaking her head. "But I can't be sure. Not without the proper testing. Anyway, let's get you both back to the airstrip."

"Okay," Ash said, pulling out Silvally's Pokéball. "Silvally, please return for now."

After Silvally returned to its ball, Ash held it out to Lillie. "Lillie, you should hold on to Silvally.”

Lillie nodded quietly in agreement, taking the white ball.

"Right, Wicke," Burnet said. "Could you take Ash and Lillie back to the airstrip, please? Lusamine and I are going to get started on the research."

"Right," Lusamine nodded before glaring coldly at Faba, who was still on the floor. "Can you fix the machine?"

As Burnet and Lusamine started discussing the machine's damage and how to fix it with Faba (although the two women were still glaring at him), Wicke led Ash and Lillie back to the airstrip with Pikachu, Snowy and Rotom Dex following close behind. The walk was silent, filled with anxiety over what could be happening to Gladion.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will work out,” she told them when they reached the Aether aircraft, trying to sound positive. “Lusamine is very clever and Burnet has vast knowledge of Ultra Beasts. Plus, Gladion is strong. Everything will be alright.”

Lillie and Ash looked at her silently before boarding and continued to stay silent during the flight. Ash kept staring at Nebby in his hands while Lillie stared out the window, holding Snowy while rolling Silvally's shrunken Pokéball in her hand.

Suddenly, Ash's eyes widened.

"Hey, Lillie?"

"Yes, Ash?"

"Island kahunas are supposed to know everything about Alola, right?" he asked. "About how to care for it and protect it and the people and Pokémon living there?"

"That's right," Lillie said, confusion covering her face.

"So, if the Ultra Beasts are a threat to Alola, do you think the kahunas would know about them?"

Lillie thought about what Ash had said.

"I think they would," she said.

"Then I think I have an idea of saving Gladion," Ash said, causing Lillie to light up with hope.

"Really?"

"Yeah," Ash said. "Okay, here's the plan. After Hobbes gets us back to the island and takes us home, sneak out with Silvally and meet me on the beach. Then we'll visit Kahuna Hala for some answers."

"Okay," she said. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

               ***

After tying up her hair and placing Snowy in her Pokéball, Lillie opened her window.

"I'm sorry, Hobbes," she whispered as she grabbed her packed suitcase and threw it to the ground outside, cringing as it made a loud thud when it landed. Heart in her throat, Lillie held her breath as she waited to see if anyone was coming to investigate. After a few minutes of no one showing up, Lillie sighed in relief. Placing her backpack on her back, Lillie carefully climbed out the window and down the wall until she was on the ground. Pulling out the handle, she wheeled her suitcase carefully along the estate's road until she reached the gate. After inputting the code to unlock the gate, Lillie stepped out and released Silvally from his Pokéball. Silvally gave Lillie a confused look.

"Silvally, we're going to rescue Gladion," she said. "But first, we need to go see Ash. Could you take me to the beach?"

Silvally nodded before kneeling to allow Lillie to climb on. Half lying on Silvally's back so she could still reach the suitcase handle, Lillie held on with one hand while holding Silvally's scruff with the other and tightly wrapping her legs around Silvally's body. After standing up, Silvally gently walked towards the beach until he reached Kukui's house. Once they got there, Lillie got off Silvally and walked up to the house, tripping on the sand every so often because of her suitcase. Once she was close to the stairs, Lillie released Snowy from her Pokéball.

"Snowy," she said softly. "Could you sneak into the house to get Ash?"

Snowy nodded and carefully snuck into the house via the pet door. Lillie waited anxiously. Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Ash.

"Hi, Lillie," he said. "Come in."

"But what about Professor Kukui?" she asked.

"Don't worry," Ash smiled. "I told him everything. It's probably better to do it that way."

Lillie sighed before she came inside, with Silvally following close behind. She looked at Kukui, who had a kind look on his face.

"Ash told me everything," he said. "Before we do this, I have to ask. Is there any way I can stop you or Ash from doing this?"

"No," Lillie and Ash said together, determination evident in their voices.

Kukui sighed.

"Okay," He said. "But before we go, I think it might be easier on you not to take your suitcase."

"Yes, that would be a wiser decision," she said sheepishly.

"Bring a jacket, water and medicine," Ash said. "We're going to go see Kahuna Hala right now."

"Okay," Lillie said as she unzipped her suitcase to pull out a jacket and some medicine before sticking them in her backpack.

"I'm ready," she said as she placed her bag on her back again and returned Silvally to his Pokéball.

"Okay," Kukui said. "Let's all Quick Attack our way over to Hala's house."

"What about Rotom?" Lillie asked as they started to leave.

"It's going to stay behind," Ash said. "Just in case Burnet visits."

                    ***

After getting to Hala's house and explaining everything to him, Ash, Lillie and Kukui looked at Hala, hoping he had some answer.

"I see," Hala said thoughtfully. "I can understand your worry. There is a legend about Ultra Beasts, and they can be quite dangerous. But first, tell me this, what exactly did this Ultra Wormhole look like?"

"It looked like someone tore a huge hole in the sky," Ash answered before turning sad. "Then the Ultra Beast came through and took away Gladion."

"I thought so," Hala said. "There's the legend that Kahunas have passed along to each other for generations."

"What legend is it?" Kukui asked.

"It's the Legend of Solgaleo," Hala answered.

"Solgaleo?!" Ash exclaimed. "I saw Solgaleo in a dream! Lunala too! I made a promise to them to look after Nebby."

"Really?" Hala asked. "Did anything else happen in the dream?"

Ash shook his head.

"Okay, what about your surroundings?" Hala asked. "What did you see?"

"Um, a giant staircase made of stone with a sun and moon pattern," Ash answered.

"Sun and moon with a giant staircase," Hala said thoughtfully. "And if Solgaleo and Lunala are there as well, that sounds like the Altar of the Sunne on Poni Island."

"I think I heard Wicke talking about it once," Ash said. "Is it possible to meet Solgaleo there?"

"If the Legend of Solgaleo and Ultra Beasts is true, then yes," Hala said.

"So, we need to get to Poni Island and ask Solgaleo for help," Lillie said.

"If we leave now," Kukui said. "We can get there by morning."

"And we'll be there to help you," a voice said behind them. Ash and Lillie turned to see Mallow, Lana, Sophocles and Kiawe standing there.

"What are you all doing here?" Lillie asked.

"Ash told us what happened," Kiawe said. "We're here to help rescue your brother."

Lillie frowned before she looked at Ash.

"Ash, why did you tell them?"

"When I did my trial with Kahuna Hala," Ash said. "He said, 'When searching for life's answers, we should always turn to our friends for help.' So, in this situation, when we don't know what could happen, we should ask our friends for support."

"And we'll give you all our support, Lillie," Mallow beamed as she hugged Lillie, causing her to tear up.

"Thank you, all of you."

"Let's go hire a boat and head on to Poni Island," Kukui said as he stood up.

"Right!" Everyone said before leaving Hala's house until only Ash was left.

"Thank you so much, Kahuna Hala," Ash said while Hala smiled before placing a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Of course, my young Ash," he said. "I'll always be here to help. Now go save the one who was taken away."

Ash nodded before following his friends and teacher.

I'm coming, Gladion, he thought. And I'll bring you home to me.

                    ***

By the time morning rolled around, Kukui had pulled the boat he had hired into the Poni Island port and woken everyone.

"Okay, everybody," he said. "Let's get to the Altar of the Sunne. I've got a map that will lead us there."

"Right!" everyone said.

***

After arriving at the Altar of the Sunne and making their way past the puzzles, everyone slowly made their way through the cave with Togedemaru lighting up for Sophocles. Suddenly, Silvally started to growl.

"Silvally, is something wrong?" Ash asked. Silvally gestured towards the shadows.

"Everyone! Stop!" Ash called. Everyone stopped and turned to look at him.

"Is something wrong, Ash?" Lillie asked.

Before Ash could answer, there was an echo of roars. Suddenly, a large group of Pokémon ran out of the shadows and surrounded the group, growling in a menacing tone.

"Who are they?!" Ash asked.

"Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o," Kukui said grimly. "They're a dragon and fighting type common here on Poni Island."

"We won't be able to get to my brother if they hold us here," Lillie said.

Quickly, everyone pulled out their Pokeballs, getting ready to battle, when a roar shook the cave.

"What was that?!" Kiawe asked.

Rocks flew as a giant Pokémon crashed forward, revealing itself with a growl. Everyone stared in amazement and fear.

"What is that?!" Sophocles cried as Togedemaru hid behind him.

"That's Kommo-o," Kukui said as he brought out his own Pokéball. "That's the final evolved form of Jangmo-o."

"That's Kommo-o?!" Lillie stared in shock. "But it's a lot bigger than what I've read in my book!"

"Could it possibly be a Totem Pokémon?" Mallow asked as she held Steenee, who was shaking in fear.

"It's possible," Kukui said as he released a Braviary from his Pokéball. "Let's deal with Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o first. Then it'll be easier to deal with Kommo-o."

"Right!"

As everyone got into a battling stance, the battle began. Turtonator, Steenee, and Togedemaru battled one group while Snowy, Poppilo, Silvally and Pikachu took on another group. As they were doing that, Kukui and Braviary distracted Kommo-o.

Eventually, Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o were defeated and ran off, leaving only Kommo-o to battle, but it was quite a challenge.

"Braviary!" Kukui cried out in concern as Kommo-o's roar threw Braviary against the side of the cave, knocking him out.

After Kukui returned Braviary to its Pokéball, everyone started working together to try and defeat Kommo-o. As they battled, Ash began to run Kukui's lessons through his head.

"Okay, fighting and dragon type," Ash said thoughtfully. "We need a fairy type, but none of us has a fairy type."

"Maybe Silvally can turn into a fairy type," Lillie called as Snowy tried using Powder Snow on Kommo-o.

"Silvally, can you turn into a fairy type?" Ash called urgently. Silvally grunted as it dodged a swipe from Kommo-o.

"Okay," Ash said as he dug through Gladion's bag, desperately trying to figure out which disc could be the fairy memory.

"I don't know which one it is!" Ash yelled in a panic, just as Kommo-o roared. The force threw everyone backwards, both people and Pokémon. Everyone stared in fear as the Totem Pokémon took a few menacing steps toward the group, glaring at them.

"Clefable! Use Dazzling Gleam!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice to see a rainbow sphere fly across the cave and slam into Kommo-o, knocking it out.

"Wait, Clefable?!" Lillie cried in shock. "But if you're here then..."

"Lillie!" Lusamine yelled as she ran forward and wrapped Lillie in a tight hug. "Oh, Lillie, thank goodness! Hobbes called me and said you had run away, and then I couldn't get a hold of Professor Kukui and..."

Lusamine took a deep breath before her face turned angry.

"I told you I would look after this!" she snapped before turning to Ash. "And Ash, I told you! This is my family and my problem! You don't have the right to be here and dragging your friends and teacher along! You have endangered everyone, especially my daughter!"

As Ash stood there and allowed Lusamine to yell at him, Lillie and Silvally moved to stand in front of him, glaring at Lusamine.

"Stop it, Mother! Lillie snapped. "Don't yell at Ash! He has done nothing wrong!"

"Lusamine," Ash said in a small voice. "I know what you said. But I've learnt in Alola that everyone always helps, whether it’s big or small problems. Gladion is my friend, and I want to help save him. And everyone else does as well."

Kukui, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles and Kiawe nodded with a smile while Lusamine stared at Ash in shock.

"But..."

"Lusamine?"

Everyone turned to see Burnet wearing a large backpack and Munchlax standing there with Rotom floating close behind.

"Lusamine, I know you're scared," she said kindly. "But these kids are special and eager to help. So, let them help."

Lusamine looked at Burnet before looking back at Lillie, who stared back with determination. Lusamine sighed.

"Okay," she said. "Thank you. Now let's get the Alter and try to find Solgaleo."

As they took the staircase, Kukui hung back to help Burnet carry her backpack.

"Thank you for doing this, Kukui," Burnet said.

"I might not know Gladion very well," Kukui admitted. "But I care deeply about my students, and if they need help, I'll help them."

Burnet smiled at Kukui's kind and protective instinct.

You are amazing, she thought.

Soon everyone reached the top of the staircase.

"This is the Altar of the Sunne," Lusamine informed the group as Ash stepped forward.

"Solgaleo?!" Ash called out. "Are you here?!"

Suddenly, there was a gust of wind as Ash felt his hat get lifted off his head.

"What just happened?" he asked.

"Ash, look!" Lillie cried as she pointed in the air. Ash looked up to see Tapu Koko floating there, holding his hat with a cheeky look on its face.

"Hi Tapu Koko," Ash grinned as Tapu Koko returned Ash's hat before turning and calling out. Everyone watched in amazement as all the Island Guardians floated towards them, with Rotom excitedly taking as many pictures as possible.

"What's going on?" Ash asked in amazement. "Why are they all here?"

Revealing the Stuff of Legends:

Pikachu ran forward and eagerly started talking as Tapu Koko floated down to listen.

"Tapu Koko," Ash said. "We need help. Gladion got kidnapped by an Ultra Beast and taken away through an Ultra Wormhole. We have to save him."

"But we need Solgaleo's help," Lillie added. "We need Solgaleo to open an Ultra Wormhole to save my brother."

"Please," Lusamine begged. "Where can we find Solgaleo?"

Tapu Koko looked at everyone before flying back to the other Island Guardians. After a few seconds of looking at each other, the Island Guardians started to chant, blending the abilities of Electric, Psychic, Grassy and Misty Terrain until it showed a memory. Everyone watched in amazement as the memory played out, showing how Nebby was created and Ash finding it.

"That's my dream," Ash murmured as he watched the familiar scene play out.

"Ash?"

Ash turned to see Kukui standing behind him with a proud smile.

"You were entrusted by Solgaleo, Lunala and all four Island Guardians to care for Nebby," he beamed.

"I was?"

Suddenly, Ash's backpack started to move around violently as Rowlet began to hoot in alarm until it shot out like a rocket, landing on Ash's head with Nebby floating close behind. After catching Nebby in his hands, Ash turned to see that Tapu Koko had floated back down to him. Ash held out Nebby.

"This is Nebby," Ash said. "It's not moving or making any noise now, and we don't know why."

Slowly, Nebby floated out of Ash's hands and rose into the air. As it did, Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini started to dance around it, throwing glowing scales and water bubbles as Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu watched happily. Ash sat down and started to watch.

"I guess we wait now," Ash said as he leaned back against his hands. Lillie nodded as she copied Ash before the others followed suit.

"And now we wait," Lillie said.

Lusamine sighed, feeling impatient and worried, before taking a seat next to her daughter.

"I guess you're right, Lillie and Ash," she said. "But I can't say I like it."

Everyone except Kukui and Burnet sat down and watched the two Island Guardians dance and spin with the scales and bubbles while the Pokémon giggled and cheered with joy. Meanwhile, Kukui helped Burnet set up the Ultra Wormhole machine as Burnet did some work on her laptop.

After a while, Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini stopped dancing and stared at Nebby's form, Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu joining them. Everyone smiled.

"Dear Nebby," Mallow sighed. "Do you think it's asleep?"

"Sleeping is very good for you," Lana said encouragingly.

"Do you think Nebby might be dreaming?" Lillie asked.

"Maybe about playing with us," Mallow added.

"Might be possible," Kiawe smiled.

"Seeing how playing with us is fun, I wouldn't be surprised if it is," Sophocles finished thoughtfully.

"I agree one hundred per cent with you and Mallow, Sophocles!" Rotom said happily.

As Nebby kept floating, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu and Tapu Fini flew over to some pedestals and started to sing in hypnotising yet soothing tones. As they sang, a light began to glow around the pedestals. Everyone stared as the light travelled from the ground to the sun mural. The mural opened to reveal a giant yellow sun-like jewel. The jewel glowed, and a large beam fell to the earth. Ash gasped before he lit up in excitement.

"It's the Altar of the Sunne!" he cheered.

"Is Solgaleo there?" Lusamine asked hopefully as she pulled her fringe out of her eyes to get a better look.

Slowly, Nebby floated into the light and started to shine so brightly that everyone had to shield their eyes from the intensity. Nebby glowed brightly as it changed shape until it turned into the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo.

"It's Solgaleo!" Ash breathed as his eyes shone.

Everyone stared in shock as Solgaleo landed in front of them with a roar.

"Nebby turned into Solgaleo?" Lillie whispered.

As fast as it could, Rotom started flying around while taking as many pictures as possible.

"This is a massive discovery! I can't believe it!" it squealed. "Nebby evolved two times, and now it's the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo! This is a huge deal!"

"This whole time," Kukui said. "Solgaleo has been living in my house!"

Solgaleo kept staring at the group before taking a step forward.

"Wow!" Ash sighed. "Look at you. You look amazing!"

"Pika!" Pikachu praised.

"So big and strong!" Mallow smiled.

"I would never have thought you'd evolve into Solgaleo!" Sophocles said in excitement. "Not in a million years!"

"I can't believe I'm meeting a Legendary Pokémon!" Lana said, her eyes glowing.

"Certainly something I would never expect to happen!" Burnet added.

"Wow!" Kiawe whispered as he started to cry. "My heart feels like it's gone into Inferno Overdrive, but at the same time, I'm speechless. I don't know what to say."

"I think we're all feeling that way, Kiawe," Kukui smiled as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

Slowly, Lillie stepped forward and stared at Solgaleo, who stared back.

"May I touch you?" she asked softly. Solgaleo leaned his head down and allowed Lillie to rest her forehead against it. Lillie smiled as she closed her eyes.

"You're so warm, just like the sun," she whispered before stepping back with a big smile. "Thank you very much."

"Oh yeah," Ash said as he reached into his pocket. "I have some star candies for you."

After placing the sweets in his hand, Ash stepped forward and held out his hand.

"Would you like some Nebby? I mean, Solgaleo?"

Solgaleo looked at Ash before looking at the candies. He leaned his head down to nibble at them before licking Ash's face. Ash laughed before lunging toward Solgaleo, hugging him with a laugh. Everyone ran forward to join in the hug, overjoyed that even though it was evolved, it was still the same Nebby they loved dearly. After releasing Solgaleo, Ash stepped back with a severe look.

"Solgaleo," he said. "An Ultra Beast took away Gladion, so I'd...we'd like you to open an Ultra Wormhole."

"We need to rescue my brother," Lillie said sadly. "Will you help us?"

"Please?" Lusamine begged in a small voice.

Solgaleo looked at them all as a Z-crystal floated down to Ash.

"Is this a Z-crystal?" Ash asked as he caught it in his hands. Kukui looked at the Z-crystal.

"That's a Solganium Z," he said in wonder. "It's a Z-crystal only Solgaleo can use."

"But why give it to me?" Ash asked.

"You just need it to open an Ultra Wormhole," Burnet suggested. Ash blinked before he tried to place the crystal in his Z-ring, groaning in frustration when it kept sliding out.

"Is something wrong, Ash?" Lusamine asked.

"It's not fitting," Ash informed her as Tapu Koko floated towards him. Suddenly, Ash's Z-ring floated off his wrist and flew towards Tapu Koko, who closed its shell-like arms around it, much to everyone's shock. Tapu Koko started to dance and chant before throwing the Z-ring to Tapu Lele, who copied with another song and dance.

"What are they doing?!" Rotom squealed as Tapu Lele passed the Z-ring to Tapu Bulu, who then gave it to Tapu Fini after its song and dance. As Tapu Fini finished with a chant and spin, the Pokémon cheered happily at the performance. When it was done, Tapu Fini released the now glowing Z-ring. As it floated back to Ash and slipped on his wrist, the glowing stopped, revealing it to be black with a new shape where the Z-crystal sat.

"Wow!" Ash gasped. "The Z-ring's evolved! Thank you so much, Tapu Koko! All of you!"

The Island Guardians happily cheered as Ash placed the new Z-crystal in the Z-ring.

"Does that mean we can go save my son now?" Lusamine asked hopefully. As Solgaleo roared and crouched down, Lusamine gasped.

"Solgaleo wants us to get on!" Ash cheered before running forward.

"Let's get our Pokémon into their Pokeballs," Kiawe suggested.

"Right!" everyone said as they called their Pokémon to their Pokeballs before climbing onto Solgaleo's back. As they climbed, Kukui and Burnet had looks of dismay on their faces.

"We're not all going to fit," Kukui said.

"I'll go with them," Lusamine said as she climbed up behind Ash. "I'll make sure they all stay safe."

Kukui nodded before reaching out a hand to Ash.

"Find Gladion and come home safe," he begged. Ash nodded as he took his teacher's hand and squeezed it.

"I promise," he said before releasing Kukui's hand just as Rotom took the last picture.

"Everyone ready to go?" Ash called back. After getting confirmation from everyone, Ash gave Solgaleo a gentle pat to let him know that everyone was ready. After Solgaleo stood up, Tapu Koko flew down in front of Ash and pressed the Z-crystal to activate it before showing Ash the correct moves to perform the Z-move.

"Alright! Here we go!" Ash cried as the energy from the Z-crystal surrounded him, Solgaleo and his friends.

"With full power!" everyone cried.

Solgaleo roared as it glowed brightly before running off into the air just as an Ultra Wormhole appeared in the sky. Kukui and Burnet watched as everyone flew through the Ultra Wormhole before it disappeared. After it closed, Burnet turned to her laptop to do some typing before pressing enter, which resulted in the Ultra Wormhole machine shooting a light towards where the Ultra Wormhole was.

"What will that do?" Kukui asked.

"It should help them find their way back," Burnet said. "Now, all we can do is wait and hope."

Kukui nodded as he pulled her into a hug.

"I hope they'll be alright," he said.

"They're together," she said. "So, they should be. In the meantime, why don't you have a rest? You looked like you didn't sleep last night."

Rescuing the Blind:

As Solgaleo flew through the Ultra Wormhole, Ash only had one thing on his mind.

I'm almost there, Gladion, he thought. Just hang on. I'm almost there.

Solgaleo flew through the light until it reached an opening. Everyone gasped as they took in the dense space filled with floating islands made of what looked like crystal or some type of gem.

After Solgaleo landed and everyone got off, they looked around in wonder.

"So, this is what's on the other side of the Ultra Wormhole?" Mallow asked.

"At the Aether Foundation," Lusamine said. "We had theories that the Ultra Beasts' worlds would be different from ours. But I never would have expected this."

"It's so beautiful," Lana sighed.

"I wonder what it's made of?" Sophocles asked. "Some kind of rock? Maybe metal?"

Suddenly, Pikachu got into a defensive stance and started to snarl. Everyone looked in the direction Pikachu was facing to see a group of Ultra Beasts floating around.

"Alert! Alert!" Rotom cried. "Multiple Ultra Beasts sighted!"

"What on earth are those things?" Kiawe asked as everyone except Ash, Lillie and Lusamine stared at the strange creatures in shock.

"We call them UB-01 Symbionts," Lusamine informed them with a mixed look on her face. "They're the Ultra Beasts that attacked Lillie and took my child!"

"But where's my brother?" Lillie asked in concern as she looked around. "Gladion?"

"Gladion!" Ash called.

"I think we'll have a better chance at finding Gladion if we split up," Kiawe suggested. "This place seems so large."

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Lusamine said. "I've been studying Ultra Beasts for a long time, but we don't know anything about the lands they come from. Also, I promised Kukui I would keep you all safe."

"Not to mention this place is scary," Mallow added.

"Besides, in unknown situations like this, you normally study to prepare for what could happen," Sophocles finished, anxiety strong in his tone. "But there wasn't any time to do that."

Suddenly, an Ultra Beast floated past, brushing Sophocles' shoulder with one of its tentacles. Sophocles cried out in surprise before whimpering in fear. Despite the fear in his heart about their situation and Gladion's well-being, Ash took a deep breath before giving his friend a brave smile.

"Don't worry," Ash said kindly.

"And why shouldn't I?" Sophocles snapped.

"Because we have our Pokémon with us," Ash smiled, feeling a bit of courage in his heart.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered as he hopped on his trainer's shoulder with a big smile. As everyone looked at Ash and his bright face, along with Pikachu and Solgaleo, they felt ease wash over them as they pulled out their Pokeballs.

"You too, Mother!" Lillie beamed as she released Snowy. Lusamine smiled before pulling out some Pokeballs.

"Alright," she grinned before throwing her Pokeballs in the air. "Clefable, Absol, Lilligant, Milotic, Salazzle and Mismagius! I need you!"

Ash pulled Silvally's Pokéball out of his pocket after releasing Lycanroc, Litten and Rowlet.

"We're here, Silvally," he whispered. "And we need your help to save Gladion."

After Silvally got released, Solgaleo suddenly roared while the Pokémon growled.
In the distance, another UB-01 Symbiont had floated up, except this one was black and translucent at the same time instead of white and translucent. It also looked like there was something inside of it, something familiar.

"Hey, is that..." Ash's voice trailed off as he realised in horror what was inside the Ultra Beast. It was Gladion surrounded by a thick black substance that covered his arms and the top of his head like a cloak. Slowly, Gladion's eyes opened, revealing them to be a dull, ugly green instead of the bright emerald Ash loved.

Rotom quickly took a picture before comparing it to a previous image of Gladion.

"It's a perfect match!" it cried. "It's definitely Gladion!"

"Gladion!" Lillie called, terrified at the state her brother was in.

"That Ultra Beast," Lusamine said in horror. "It's trying to merge with him!"

"Gladion!" Ash yelled, "We're here! We're going to bring you home!"

As Solgaleo roared, Gladion's eyes suddenly widened in fear.

"No!" he screamed. "Stay away from me!"

"Silvally!" Lillie cried as she quickly climbed onto his back. "Get me to my brother so I can save him!"

As Silvally took off towards Gladion, the Ultra Beast lifted one of its tentacles. Suddenly, large sharp stones flew out of nowhere and landed in front of Lillie and Silvally, creating a large wall to prevent them from reaching Gladion. Lillie gasped as Silvally slid to a halt.

"Lillie!" Lusamine screamed as everyone ran to catch up to her. "Lillie, I know you want to save Gladion, but running off like that is too risky!"

"But Gladion's in trouble!" Lillie snapped.

"That's why we need to stick together," Ash said. "Okay?"

Lillie sighed.

"Okay," she said as she got down from Silvally's back. "So, how do we deal with this wall?"

"We'll need to break it down," Lusamine said. "Absol, use Razor Wind!'

"Silvally, use Air Slash!" Ash added as he remembered how powerful Silvally's Air Slash was from his first battle with him.

As the moves were activated and hit their target, the wall fell with a crash.

"Lusamine, what's happening?" Rotom asked. "Is it the Ultra Beast's power controlling the rocks?"

"It might be possible," Lusamine said. "But at the same time, I'm not sure."

"So, what's that thing going to do to Gladion?" Mallow asked.

"It could be trying to merge with him or drain his energy," Lusamine said.

"How horrible!" Lana cried.

"But at the same time, I don't know the answer," Lusamine added. "Anything could be possible. I've been studying these things for years, and there's still so much I don't know."

"Well, I'm not going to let it hurt or kill Gladion!" Ash snapped. "Let's hurry and save him! Go!"

"No, Ash! Stop!" Kiawe cried, grabbing Ash's shoulders to prevent him from running toward the Ultra Beast. "If we chase it, it might get angry and hurt Gladion or us!"

"But..."

"Leave me alone!" Gladion cried. "Please leave me alone, you monsters!"

"Gladion?" Ash asked in confusion.

"It's all my fault!" Gladion started to cry. "I couldn't save Lillie, and I abandoned her, even though I promised Mother I would always look after her! And Ash, I hurt Ash! I should never have yelled at him! I'm not good enough for him! He'll never love me!"

"Gladion, what do you mean?" Ash called. "I'm right here!"

"Liar!" Gladion screamed. "Stay away from me, you monsters!"

"Wait, Gladion!" Ash yelled as he ran after Gladion, who started to float away. Quickly everyone ran after Ash.

"What's going on with Gladion?" Sophocles asked.

"I'm not sure," Lusamine said. "I've never heard him speak like that before."

"He blames himself," Ash explained. "He told me what happened four years ago. He blames himself for freezing when Lillie was attacked. It's why he ran away. To become a strong trainer and defeat every Ultra Beast so his family wouldn't get hurt again."

"But what could Gladion do back then?" Mallow asked. "He was a child! It wasn't his fault that he didn't know what to do!"

"I don't think he sees it that way," Lusamine said. "Gladion has always looked out for Lillie since she was born. Come to think of it, I think the Ultra Beast is bringing the negative feelings to the surface and forcing him to deal with it!"

"So why was he talking about Ash?" Kiawe asked.

"It doesn't matter!" Ash cried, his cheeks red from embarrassment and running. "We've got to save him! That's more important!"

Soon Gladion paused and turned around to glare at the group.

"I'll save you, Gladion," Lillie said as the group stopped running. "Snowy, use Powder Snow!"

"Absol, help Snowy with Ice Beam!" Lusamine cried.

"Stay away from me!" Gladion screamed again as the Ultra Beast's body glowed. Slowly, the rocks grew upwards, creating a mountain that blocked the Powder Snow and Ice Beam.

"How did it do that?" Kiawe asked.

"Go away!" Gladion screamed. "Go away, you horrible monsters! I hate you horrible monsters!"

"Hate us?" Lillie and Ash whispered, their hearts breaking from the poisonous words.

"Don't listen!" Mallow cried. "You know the real Gladion would never say that!"

Lillie took a deep breath.

"You're right, Mallow!" she said. "My Gladion is so sweet. He would never say that!"

Ash nodded in agreement.

The real Gladion is gentle and kind. Ash thought as he remembered when he first met Gladion and what Lillie had said about him. This is not my Gladion.

As Gladion turned and flew off again, Ash commanded Pikachu to use Thunderbolt and Silvally to use Crush Claw. At the same time, Kiawe told Turtonator to use Flamethrower and Marowak to use Bonemerang. But the rocks kept building up layers.

"It's not working!" Sophocles yelled while Kiawe and Ash grunted in frustration. Slowly, Solgaleo walked forward and started to glow. With a roar, Solgaleo charged forward and destroyed the mountain while everyone gasped in amazement. Gladion glared at them as the rocks fell.

"Why can't you leave me alone?!" he yelled before one of the tentacles threw an Ultra Ball, revealing Gladion's Midnight form Lycanroc. The Midnight Form glared at the group while the Pokémon hissed and growled.

"That's Gladion's Lycanroc!" Lillie cried as Lycanroc activated Stone Edge.

"Everyone, dodge! Quick!" Ash yelled before Solgaleo jumped in front of the group and destroyed the move with a roar.

"We won't be able to get to Gladion if we're dealing with Lycanroc," Ash said thoughtfully as he watched Gladion float away.

"Then leave Lycanroc to me!" Kiawe said.

"Us too!" Lana and Mallow cried.

"I'll help as well," Sophocles added.

"Okay, I'll leave Lycanroc, Litten and Rowlet with you guys to help," Ash said. "Gladion's Lycanroc is strong!"

"And I'll leave my Pokémon to help, too," Lusamine added. "But Absol, I'll need you to come with me."

"Absol," Absol nodded.

"Okay, we'll see you guys later," Ash said as Solgaleo kneeled.

"Is something wrong, Solgaleo?" Ash asked. Solgaleo purred before gesturing to his back.

"Are you offering to take us to Gladion?" Lillie asked happily.

Solgaleo nodded.

After Ash, Lusamine, Clefable and Lillie carrying Snowy climbed onto Solgaleo's back, Solgaleo stood up and ran after Gladion with Pikachu, Absol and Silvally following close behind.

Gladion's Lycanroc immediately turned to go after them, only to get tackled by Ash's Lycanroc, Litten and Rowlet.

"You're staying here!" was the last thing Ash heard his friends yell as he was carried further away from his friends and closer to Gladion. As they ran, Lusamine had a thoughtful look on her face.

"Ash, Lillie," she said. "I think the Ultra Beast is also controlling Lycanroc. There's a high chance Umbreon might be too. We should be prepared."

As they kept running after Gladion, he suddenly turned and threw the Heal Ball that held Umbreon. Umbreon hissed as Solgaleo, Pikachu, Absol and Silvally slid to a halt. Lusamine climbed off Solgaleo as Clefable jumped down.

"I'll deal with Umbreon," she said. "You two go after Gladion."

"Wait, Mother!" Lillie said. "I'll help you too!"

"But you'll be safer with Ash!" Lusamine argued.

"I'm helping you, and that's that!" Lillie snapped before sliding off Solgaleo's back. "Ash, please bring my brother back."

"I will," Ash promised. "Come on, Pikachu!"

"Pika!" Pikachu said before quickly climbing up to Ash's shoulder.

"Go, Solgaleo!" Ash cried.

Solgaleo took off with Silvally following close behind just as Umbreon unleashed Dark Pulse towards Lillie.

"Clefable! Dazzling Gleam!" Lusamine yelled. Clefable surrounded itself in light before slamming past the Dark Pulse and into Umbreon, sending her backwards. Growling, Umbreon got up and charged at Clefable in anger.

"Absol! Use Mean Look!"

Absol glared menacingly at Umbreon, causing her to freeze in her tracks, completely frozen in fear.

"Okay, Clefable use..."

"Mother, wait!" Lillie said. "I want to try something."

Lusamine frowned and bit her lip.

"Okay," Lusamine said. "Absol, keep up the Mean Look. Clefable, keep a close eye on Lillie, so she doesn't get hurt."

Taking a deep breath, Lillie walked forward and kneeled in front of Umbreon.

"Umbreon," she said, staring into Umbreon's eyes. "Can you hear me? It's Lillie. Do you remember me?"

Umbreon growled as she tried to fight Absol's Mean Look, but she was stuck fast.

"Remember all the times we spent with Gladion when you were an Eevee?" Lillie asked. "Playing together at home in our playroom or at the beach? Helping Mother with her vegetables? Remember all the happy times?"

Umbreon's eyes started to flicker at Lillie's words. Lillie smiled as she pulled Umbreon into a tight hug. Umbreon shook violently before biting hard on Lillie's shoulder. Lillie cried out in pain, causing Snowy, Clefable and Absol to step forward in concern.

"Lillie!" Lusamine cried.

"It's okay," Lillie said, still holding Umbreon as tight as possible. "I'm alright. I'm right here, Umbreon. I'm not giving up on you, Lycanroc and Gladion. I love you, Umbreon. Please wake up."

"Bre!" Umbreon cried as the memories washed over her. Slowly, Umbreon released Lillie's shoulder and started to lick it in an attempt at an apology. Lillie started to cry joyfully.

"Thank goodness you're back!" Lillie cried as Lusamine, Clefable, Absol, and Snowy joined in on the hug.

"Umbreon," Umbreon said softly as she closed her eyes, leaning against Lillie's chest.

***

Meanwhile, Ash, Pikachu, Silvally and Solgaleo kept chasing Gladion.

I'm almost there, Gladion, he thought. I'll be there soon. I will save you!

10,000,000 Reasons to Fight:

"Keep going, Solgaleo and Silvally!" Ash cried. "We have to get to Gladion!"

"Stay away from me, you monster!" Gladion screamed as he reached a final cliff, completely trapped.

As Ash, Solgaleo and Silvally cornered Gladion, he glared at them, but at the same time, he looked terrified.

"Please," he begged. "Go away! Leave me alone, Ultra Beast!"

"Ultra Beast?" Ash asked as he got off Solgaleo. "But Gladion, it's me. It's Ash. Can't you see it's me?"

"Leave me alone!" Gladion screamed before the Ultra Beast released poison from its tentacles. As Solgaleo jumped in front of Ash and Silvally to protect them, Ash thought about Gladion's words.

"I think that Ultra Beast is making Gladion hallucinate," Ash told Pikachu and Silvally. "Silvally, Pikachu, I need you both to distract the Ultra Beast, so I can get close enough to pull Gladion out."

"Pika!" Pikachu said as Silvally grunted in agreement.

"Okay, go!" Ash yelled. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt and Silvally, use Air Slash!"

Pikachu and Silvally desperately fought the Ultra Beast with as many attacks as possible while Ash tried to get closer, only for the Ultra Beast to continuously knock him away.

"Ash!"

Ash turned to see Lillie, Lusamine, Umbreon, Snowy and Clefable running over.

"Lillie," Ash sighed in relief. "Is Umbreon okay?"

"She remembers me," Lillie smiled. "Absol has gone to help the others with Lycanroc."

"That's good," Ash said. "Solgaleo, go help the others."

Solgaleo nodded before he took off. Once he was gone, Ash turned back to Lillie and Lusamine.

"That thing is making Gladion hallucinate," he said quickly. "He thinks we're Ultra Beasts! That's why he keeps calling us monsters!"

"Then let's talk to him," Lillie suggested. "If we talk to him, he might wake up and come back to us."

"Okay," Ash said before turning back to Gladion. "Gladion, it's Ash. I'm not an Ultra Beast. Remember when we first met? How incredible yours and Lycanroc's battle against Blastoise was, and how much I wanted to battle you?"

"Liar!" Gladion screamed. "You're an Ultra Beast! You're going to hurt my sister and my Ash!"

"Lillie's safe!" Ash yelled. "She's safe and happy!"

"I'm right here, big brother!" Lillie cried. "And so is Mother, Clefable, Snowy and Umbreon! We're going to bring you home!"

"Lies!" Gladion screamed again. "You're going to hurt Lillie! She'll be afraid of Pokémon again, and Mother will leave again!"

"No, I won't!" Lusamine yelled as tears poured down her cheeks. "I'm sorry I left you and your sister behind, and I'm sorry I let my work on Ultra Beasts run my life! I promise I'll never do it again. From now on, you and Lillie come first!"

"Lying monsters, all of you!" Gladion screamed for the third time. "How much more are you going to take from me?!"

Finally, Ash had had enough.

"For Arceus' sake, Gladion, I love you!" he screamed, causing Lillie and Lusamine to stare at him and Gladion to freeze.

"I've been in love with you since Ten Carat Hills," Ash said as he walked towards Gladion. "I love how kind and caring you are. I love your strength and your heart. I know you're scared right now, but I'm here for you."

Ash stopped in front of Gladion and held out his hand.

"Come back to me, Gladion," Ash begged as tears started to form. "Please come out and let me love you forever!"

Gladion gasped as the light returned to his eyes, going from the ugly green to the beautiful emerald Ash loved.

"Ash?" Gladion whispered.

Lillie and Lusamine sighed in relief while Ash lit up, tears falling.

"That's right, Gladion," he said. "I'm here. Come to me."

Gladion started to cry as he reached out with one of his hands.

"Ash, you're here," he wept happily. "You came for me."

Suddenly, black tentacles wrapped around Gladion's arm and pulled him back.

"Ash, help me!" Gladion cried as the Ultra Beast engulfed him.

"No!" Lillie and Lusamine screamed.

"Gladion!" Ash yelled in horror.

The head of the Ultra Beast swelled as it took on a darker appearance, completely covering Gladion. It lifted a tentacle and dropped it heavily to crush Ash, which would have happened if Silvally hadn't run forward and dragged Ash out of the way.

"It's gotten so much bigger!" Ash cried in shock as the Ultra Beast dug its tentacles into the ground, activating the rocks to grow and cover it to prevent Ash, Lillie and Lusamine from reaching Gladion.

"He's trapped inside!" Lillie cried.

"Lusamine, do you have any ideas?" Ash asked.

"Um," Lusamine said, desperately trying to think up an answer to save her son. "Well, it could be possible that it's trying to learn about people. It certainly seems to have some level of intelligence. Wait, Ash, you can use Z-moves, can't you?"

"Yes, do you think it will help?" Ash asked hopefully.

"Maybe," Lusamine said. "Lillie, you and I need to cause a distraction and Ash, when the Ultra Beast is distracted, perform your Z-move!"

"Got it!" Ash confirmed.

"Okay," Lusamine said. "Lillie, ride with Silvally and Snowy in one direction while Umbreon, Clefable and I attack from the other direction!"

"Okay, Mother," Lillie said as she climbed onto Silvally's Back with Snowy. "Silvally, run circles around the Ultra Beast and Snowy; use Powder Snow!"

"Vulpix!" Snowy screamed, covering the Ultra Beast in ice as Silvally ran in circles as fast as possible.

"Umbreon, use Dark Pulse to break the rocks," Lusamine commanded. "And Clefable, help by using Dazzling Gleam!"

"Umbre!" Umbreon yelled as she unleashed dark aura spheres, shattering some of the rocks, while Clefable smashed into the rocks with a colourful flash.

"Okay, Pikachu," Ash said. "Let's show that Ultra Beast what real power is!"

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

Suddenly, the Z-crystal started to shine with such a bright light that it knocked Ash's hat off. As Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder to retrieve it, Ash stared at the Z-crystal, which was shaped like a Pikachu tail.

"How is that possible?" he breathed.

"Pika pi?" Pikachu asked in confusion as he picked up Ash's hat.

"Ash! Hurry!" Lillie screamed as Silvally used Air Slash against some rocks.

"Okay! Let's do this!" Ash yelled as he started the Z-move pose while Pikachu placed Ash's hat on his head. As they began to perform the moves, the Z-crystal's energy surrounded them.

"Much bigger than a Thunderbolt!" Ash yelled. "Ten Million Volt Thunderbolt! Much, much bigger at full power! Pikachu! Use Ten Million Volt Thunderbolt! NOW!"

"PIKA! PIKA! PIKA!" Pikachu screamed as lightning bolts of different colours formed around Pikachu before he unleashed the rainbow lightning bolts towards the Ultra Beast. The Ultra Beast screamed in pain as a white light covered the area, causing Lillie, Lusamine, Ash and the Pokémon to shield their eyes from the brightness. As the light disappeared, Ash and Pikachu panted as they lowered their arms, not noticing that the Z-crystal had turned back into a regular Electrium Z.

Meanwhile, the Ultra Beast stood still, completely immobilised for a few minutes before it collapsed.

"Gladion?" Lillie called as she and Lusamine ran over to see what now looked like a giant, melting gelatinous mass. They gasped to see Gladion's left arm lying across one of the tentacles.

"Hang on, Gladion!" Lusamine cried. "We got you!"

Lilli and Lusamine grabbed Gladion's arm and started pulling as hard as they could, with Snowy, Umbreon, Silvally and Clefable helping by pulling on their clothes. They pulled until the Ultra Beast released Gladion and floated away, leaving Gladion unconscious in leftover poison. Ash watched the Ultra Beast briefly before turning his attention to Gladion, who was lying in his mother's arms.

"Gladion, wake up!" Lillie begged, shaking his shoulder. "Please wake up, big brother!"

Gladion moaned before opening his eyes, coughing out some poison. Ash sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness," he said as Pikachu cheered before returning Ash's hat. Ash smiled as he nuzzled Pikachu.

"Thanks, buddy!"

"Are you okay, honey?" Lusamine asked as Gladion held his head.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said in a tired tone. "I'm just tired."

"Oh, thank goodness!" Lillie sobbed as she and Lusamine hugged Gladion hard, Clefable, Umbreon and Snowy joining in while Silvally stood behind Gladion and nuzzled his head. Gladion smiled as he leaned against his mother, keeping his eyes on Ash. Ash smiled back as he wiped his eyes.

"Hey, Ash!"

Ash turned to see his friends, their Pokémon and Solgaleo standing there.

"Everyone!" Ash yelled joyfully. "We did it! We saved Gladion!"

"Thank you all so much!" Lillie cried happily.

***

Meanwhile, back at the Altar of the Sunne, Burnet and Kukui noticed the readings on Burnet's laptop had changed.

"The Ultra Wormhole is forming!" she cried.

"Are they coming?" Kukui asked hopefully as he stared at the sky.

"Hang on!" Burnet said as she did some more typing, which allowed the Ultra Wormhole to become more stable and open.

"Please work!" she begged.

"Please come back safely," Kukui added.

With a roar, Solgaleo leapt through the Ultra Wormhole, carrying everyone. Kukui and Burnet sighed in relief and joy.

"They're back!" he cried.

"It worked!" Burnet sighed.

"We're back, Professors!" Ash yelled happily as Solgaleo landed next to them. After Solgaleo kneeled, Lusamine and Lillie got off before helping Gladion down.

"Thank goodness," Burnet smiled. "I'm so relieved you're all okay!"

Gladion leaned tiredly against his mother.

"And it's all because of Ash and the others," Lusamine smiled as Kukui hugged his students.

"Well done, all of you!" he cried. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Professor Kukui," Ash said as he hugged his teacher, still keeping his eyes on Gladion, who looked back at him with a tired smile.

Ending:

A few days later, Ash was surprised to see Lillie at his front door.

"Alola Lillie," Ash smiled. "Is everything alright?"

"Kind of," she said. "I know you've done so much for us, but I wanted to ask for your help again."

"What is it?" Ash asked in a worried tone.

"Gladion is struggling to sleep," Lillie said. "He's having horrible nightmares and waking up screaming. I remember how you told me you used to have nightmares, so I was wondering if you could help."

"Of course," Ash smiled. "Give me ten minutes."

***

At the Aether mansion, Gladion lay in his bed with Umbreon, Lycanroc and Silvally. His hair was a mess, his face was pale, and he had dark bags under his eyes. He blinked when he heard a knock but didn't answer, thinking his exhausted mind was playing tricks on him.

"Gladion?" Lillie's voice came through the door along with another knock. "May I come in?"

"Sure," he called back. The door opened to reveal Lillie, Ash and Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. Gladion smiled.

"Hey Ash," he said.

"Hey Gladion," Ash smiled back as he walked into the room.

"Ash is here to help you sleep," Lillie smiled. "I'll come by later with some lunch."

As she closed the door, Ash walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Lillie told me you're not sleeping," Ash said gently as he took off his hat. "How are you feeling?"

"A little scared," Gladion admitted. "I keep dreaming that the Ultra Beast is coming back, only this time it's taking Lillie or Mother or you."

Ash smiled.

"Move over," he said.

Confused, Gladion moved over a little. After Gladion moved, Ash took off his shoes and moved next to Gladion, half lying against Silvally. Ash then pulled Gladion closer to him, so Gladion was lying on his chest. Meanwhile, Pikachu curled up against Gladion's chest while Umbreon and Lycanroc lay across their legs.

"It's okay to be scared," Ash said as he gently rubbed Gladion's shoulder and upper arm. "I'm right here. I will fight for you."

As Gladion started to relax, he remembered something.

"Ash?" he said softly. "When you yelled at me while I was under the Ultra Beast's control, were you telling me the truth? Do you love me?"

Ash smiled as he gently kissed Gladion's head.

"I love you," he confirmed.

Gladion smiled as he started to drift off.

"I love you too," he murmured before falling asleep, with Ash and the Pokémon following suit after a few minutes.