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"When Mallow was younger, her mother got sick and passed away," Lana informed the group. "I'm going to go talk to her."
"I'll come too," Ash said, quickly handing Pikachu to Lillie.
"It's okay, Ash," Lana smiled kindly. "I can look after Mallow."
"I know you can, Lana," Ash smiled back. "But I know what it's like to have a parent die when you're young. So, I'll come too."
"Oh, okay," Lana nodded before walking out with Ash.
When they were gone, everyone looked at each other in confusion.
"Did you all know that about Ash?" Hapu asked the group.
"No," Kiawe answered. "We've met his mum, but he's never mentioned his father before."
"Maybe Ash would like to see his father too," Lillie suggested.
****
"Hey, Mallow," Ash said gently as he and Lana approached her. "May we sit with you?"
Mallow nodded before moving over a little, so Ash could sit on her right while Lana sat on her left. They sat quietly, staring at the ocean until Lana asked if Mallow wanted to see her mother.
"I don't," she admitted before sighing. "When I was little, she was in the hospital a lot. But when she got better, we went for a walk through the forest together. She caught Bounsweet for me. My cute little sister, I called her."
Ash smiled softly.
"But then she got sick again and had to go back," Mallow said as she started to cry. "When I visited, she kept apologising for being sick. I hated it when she apologised. One day, I had had enough, and I screamed at her that I hated her and ran away. She died that night, and the last words I said to her were, "I hate you!" If Tapu Fini can let people meet those who've passed, how can I face her after what I said?"
As Lana moved closer and pulled Mallow into a hug, Ash took her hand and squeezed it.
"I understand, Mallow," he said. "The last words I said to dad were that he was selfish, and if he loved me, he wouldn't leave."
"Really?" Mallow asked, looking at him with falling tears.
"Dad was a Pokémon Ranger," Ash explained. "He was always travelling and leaving for a few months at a time to save Pokémon from hunters or abusive people. I was very proud of him. A "real hero", I called him. It was my seventh birthday, and mum and dad had planned this amazing scavenger hunt to find as many Pokémon as we could. Dad organised it and promised he would be there, but the night before, he got a call and said he had to leave. The reason I'm determined to keep my promises is that I thought he broke his promise to me. I was so angry with him. A few days later, Officer Jenny came to our house. The police in the Sinnoh region found Dad dead and his Pokémon gone. Mum was devastated to the point where she couldn't function. I lived with Professor Oak for a month after the funeral until she was well enough to care for me again."
Ash sighed as he remembered how broken his mother was and how guilty he felt when Officer Jenny told him his dad wasn't coming home.
"I understand the guilt, Mallow," he said, hugging her tight. "Nobody wants the last words they say to their loved ones to be "I hate you"."
As Mallow wept, Ash closed his eyes tightly to prevent the tears from falling while Lana stood up and stood in front of them, hugging them tightly. Unknown to them, above the Pokémon Centre, Tapu Fini watched quietly, listening to every word.
***
After Lana, Mallow, and Ash went back inside the Pokémon Centre, the group followed Hapu to her farm. But everyone was concerned about Ash and Mallow’s well-being.
"I'm sorry I worried everyone," Mallow apologised as they walked. "Especially you, Tsareena. I'm okay."
"Tsareena," Tsareena smiled, relieved that her trainer was feeling better.
"It's alright, Mallow," Kiawe smiled.
"Kiawe's right, Mallow," Lillie added before looking at Ash. "But we are worried about you, Ash."
"What do you mean, Lillie?" Ash asked as Pikachu played with his hat.
"Well, we know about your mum, Ash," Sophocles said. "But we've never heard you mention your father before."
Ash kept smiling despite his insides twisting. "It's in the past," he said, pulling off his hat and handing it to Pikachu, who happily played with it. "Dad was a Pokémon Ranger, and he died possibly saving a Pokémon from someone cruel. I'm proud of what he did, but there's no point living in the past. I can't change it. Anyway, Hapu, what will we do when we get to your place?"
"Well, I'll need some help planting seeds and watering before we have tea," Hapu admitted before beaming. "I'm so happy to have friends over. It's been a long time since I had visitors come for tea."
"We're happy to help," Mallow grinned as they reached Hapu's house.
After showing them how to plant the seeds carefully and fetch water from the well, everyone started to water the newly planted seeds. However, Lillie, Mallow and Sophocles struggled with the heavy buckets.
"How do you do this every day, Hapu?" Mallow huffed.
"Working with Grandpa, I gained a lot of upper body strength," Hapu smiled proudly.
"You're so cool!" Ash praised, causing Hapu to blush.
"Thank you, Ash," she nodded. "Would you draw some more water from the well so I can make us some tea, please?"
"Of course," Ash beamed. "Torracat, Pikachu, help me out?"
Pikachu and Torracat made noises of agreement before heading over to the well with Ash. But then, the oddest thing happened. As they drew water, a mist began to roll in, covering the area. Ash looked around and frowned.
"Pikachu, Torracat, Rotom, stay close," he said, putting down the bucket. "And let's try to find the others."
After getting noises of agreement, Ash started to walk with Pikachu, Rotom and Torracat following close behind.
"Kiawe?" Ash called as they carefully moved through the mist. "Lana, Sophocles? Mallow, Lillie and Hapu? Where are you guys?"
Suddenly, Torracat looked up and sniffed the air before running off as fast as possible.
"Torracat, wait!" Ash yelled as he, Rotom and Pikachu followed Torracat as fast as possible. "Don't run off! We have to stay together!"
Suddenly, Torracat stopped running and started to yowl.
"Torracat!" Ash cried as he stopped running and kneeled beside Torracat in an attempt to comfort him. "What's the matter?"
Torracat gestured to the mist in front of them. As they looked, they saw a shadow approaching them. As it got closer, they saw it was Stoutland, Torracat's guardian.
"Stoutland?" Ash breathed as Torracat happily ran forward and started to nuzzle Stoutland with joyful purrs.
"Wow, Stoutland," Ash smiled as he stepped forward to pet Stoutland while Pikachu chirruped happily.
"This is amazing!" Rotom cried.
"But if Stoutland's here," Ash said thoughtfully before shaking his head with a smile. "It doesn't matter. You get to see Stoutland again, Torracat, and that's all that matters."
"You get to see me too," a voice behind him said.
Ash looked over his shoulder to see a man approaching him wearing jeans, a blue shirt, a blue cloak and a blue hat. But what drew Ash's attention was the kind look on his face. It looked so familiar.
"Daddy?" Ash asked as he stood up, believing his mind was playing tricks on him.
"Hello, Ash," the man smiled as he opened his arms.
Slowly, Ash moved forward until his hand touched the man's chest, still convinced it was his imagination. As the man's arms wrapped tightly around him, Ash started to cry and hold him tightly.
"Daddy!" he sobbed as he pressed his face into the man's chest. "Daddy, I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too, Ash," the man smiled, pulling off Ash's hat to stroke his hair. "You've gotten so big."
"So, you're Ash's father?" Rotom asked as it took as many pictures as it could.
"That's right," the man smiled. "My name is Aaron. It's nice to meet you, Rotom and you too, Pikachu. Hey Ash, look."
Ash moved his face away from his father's chest, just in time to see Torracat using the moves Fire Fang, Flame Charge, Revenge and Ember. Ash smiled.
"What's Torracat doing?" Rotom asked.
"He's showing all the moves he's learnt," Ash said as Aaron smiled.
"You've raised Torracat well, Ash," he said. "You've raised all of your Pokémon well. I'm very proud of the trainer you've become."
"Thank you, Dad," Ash said quietly.
Stoutland moved toward Torracat before talking to him quietly. As Torracat activated Ember again, Stoutland punched it, turning it into a Fire Blast. Ash, Pikachu, Torracat and Rotom gasped while Aaron beamed.
"Looks like Stoutland still has some lessons to teach," he said as Stoutland gestured to Torracat.
"Stoutland's training Torracat!" Ash cried joyfully as Torracat started to practice.
"Let's sit and watch," Aaron suggested as he sat down.
Ash copied while Pikachu climbed into Aaron's lap for cuddles.
"You're very adorable, Pikachu," Aaron smiled as he inspected Pikachu. "Oh, Ash, look, he's your age in Pokémon years."
"Seriously?"
"That's right," Aaron smiled as he tickled Pikachu's ears, much to the electric mouse's delight. "No wonder you two get along so well."
"My best friend," Ash smiled before his face turned serious. "Hey, Dad?"
"Yes, love?"
"I'm sorry."
Aaron looked at him in surprise. "What are you sorry about?"
"For calling you selfish and saying I hated you," Ash sniffed. "I was angry and being childish. I was the selfish one, and I'm so sorry."
Aaron smiled before pulling Ash, so he was lying on Aaron's lap, gently stroking Ash's hair.
"It's okay; you were a child," he said. "And I promised you that I would be there for your birthday. I'm sorry I broke my promise to you."
"But you saved the Pokémon, didn't you?" Ash asked, much to Aaron's confusion.
"Pokémon?"
Ash sat up to look at his father. "That's why you left, isn't it? To save a Pokémon from someone bad? It's what I always thought."
Aaron shook his head with a smile. "No, love, I was trying to save a friend. He got taken and nearly killed, so I had to use aura to save his life. But as you know, using aura to save someone can cost you your life."
Ash looked at Aaron as realisation and memories took over. "So, we are descendants of Aura Guardians?"
"Sir Aaron himself," Aaron confirmed. "I was named after him."
"Wow," Ash said. "Did you save your friend?"
"I did," Aaron smiled. "After I healed him, my Pokémon took him somewhere safe. I'm not sure where they are in the world, but they're alive."
Ash sighed in relief. "Who is he? Your friend?"
"His name is Mohn," Aaron smiled. "Mohn Aether."
Ash stared at Aaron in shock. "Wait, Aether?! You mean Lillie and Gladion's dad?! They must be in the mist too! We have to find them! We have to tell them Mohn's alive!"
"You will," Aaron nodded calmly. "Once the mist clears, you'll be able to find them and tell them."
"But if the mist clears, then you'll...." Ash started to say.
"Shh," Aaron shushed kindly. "It's okay."
"Ash!" Rotom cried.
Ash and Aaron looked up to see Torracat's Ember spilt a little.
"Wow!" Ash cried, leaping to his feet. "You can do it, Torracat!"
"Pika!" Pikachu cheered.
"Stout," Stoutland said encouragingly.
Aaron smiled as he watched Ash encourage Torracat.
"You're just like your mother," he said softly.
Torracat grit his teeth before creating Ember and hitting it hard, finally perfecting the move Fire Blast.
"You did it, Torracat!" Ash cheered, jumping up and down in excitement as Torracat ran to Stoutland and nuzzled him while Stoutland grunted proudly.
"Stoutland is very proud of Torracat's strength," Aaron smiled as he stood up before placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Just like me."
Suddenly, the mist started to clear, showing the sunlight. Aaron looked around briefly before he smiled.
"Rotom, could you turn on your recording for me quickly?" he asked.
"Of course," Rotom said before turning around.
"To Professor Kukui and Burnet, thank you for caring for my son," Aaron said. "To my son's friends, thank you for being there for Ash. To Lusamine, young Gladion and little Lillie, I managed to save Mohn, and I hope you find him. And to my darling wife, I love you, and you've done a wonderful job raising our son. Ash?"
"Yes, Dad?"
"Stoutland and I have to go now," he said softly.
"What?" Ash cried as tears started to form. "But you can't! I just got you back, and I still have so many questions!"
Aaron smiled as he pulled Ash in for a hug.
"I'll always be with you, Ash," he said. "And your mother. I'll always be in your hearts. Just promise me you'll keep being your kind and amazing self."
"I promise," Ash wept as Stoutland gave Torracat a lick to say goodbye. "I love you, Daddy.”
Aaron smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead before releasing Ash. "I love you more."
As Aaron and Stoutland started to disappear, Aaron gave Ash a wink.
"Don't forget to ask Lusamine about the book," he smiled before disappearing.
"Book?" he cried. "What book? Dad?!"
Ash took a step, only to trip over and hit his head. He groaned as he tried to stand up, only to fall and pass out from the pain.
***
Meanwhile, Mallow started to walk back to Hapu's house, where Lana, Sophocles, Kiawe, Lillie and Gladion were standing.
"Lana!" Mallow called as she approached the group. "I saw my mum! And I found this Pokémon!"
"That's wonderful, Mallow!" Lana cried as she patted the new Pokémon before turning to Lillie.
"Lillie, did you get to see your father?" Mallow asked, hopeful that her friend got her wish as she did hers.
"No," Lillie said sadly. "Gladion and I couldn't find him."
"Why wouldn't he show himself to us?" Gladion said, his face full of hurt.
"Because he's alive!" a voice behind them said. Everyone turned to see Hapu approaching them on Mudsdale. "If you two had a strong desire to see your father and he wasn’t in the mist, then he must be alive!"
Lillie and Gladion gasped before looking at each other.
"We have to tell Mother!" Lillie cried as Gladion nodded before pulling out Silvally's Pokéball. Just as Gladion was about to release Silvally, Lillie looked around.
"Wait, where's Ash?"
"Do you think he got trapped in the mist?" Kiawe asked.
"Impossible!" Hapu cried. "I asked Tapu Fini to return everyone!"
"Pika!"
"Torra!"
Everyone turned in the direction from which the calls were coming. Pikachu and Torracat were standing on Hapu's wall, trying to get their attention.
"Come quick!" Rotom cried as it flew over to the group. "Ash is injured!"
****
When Ash opened his eyes, he saw he was now in what looked like an infirmary instead of the forest. He was also feeling groggy and heavy.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried as he jumped onto the bed and started to nuzzle Ash's chest, Torracat and Rowlet happily joining him.
Ash smiled, petting his Pokémon before looking to his left to see the relieved faces of his friends, Rotom, Kukui, Burnet and Lusamine. Ash smiled at them before his eyes widened.
"Mohn Aether is alive!" he cried as he sat up and got out of the bed quickly, groaning as his head throbbed.
Everyone looked at him in shock and concern as Ash tried to walk toward the group, clutching his head as he continued to sway.
"Your dad's alive, Lillie and Gladion!" Ash cried as he tried to fight the pain and dizziness, only to fall forward.
"Whoa, Ash!" Gladion said as he ran forward, catching Ash in his arms. "Slow down. You've hit your head. Mother has given you some pain medicine to help, but you need to go back to bed. Once it wears off, you can get up and start walking again."
"Mohn's alive, Gladion," Ash smiled as Gladion carried him back to the bed. "Your dad's alive and living somewhere in the world. Wow, you smell good. Did you know you smell really good? And your hoodie is so soft. Is that why you always wear it? Why do I feel like I'm on a cloud?"
Ash giggled while Gladion blushed as he placed Ash back on the bed.
"Another reason you should stay in bed," he said. "You're a little high right now."
"Okay," Ash said as he tiredly leaned into Gladion.
"Wait, Ash," Lusamine said as she snapped out of shock. "What do you mean Mohn's alive?"
"I'm sorry, Mother," Lillie said as Gladion gave Ash some tablets to help him focus, who screwed up his face at the bitter taste. "We got distracted because Ash was injured."
"I'm sorry," Ash said as he hid his face in Gladion's neck, causing Gladion to blush again.
"The Island Kahuna told us he was alive," Gladion said, his eyes shining, although Lillie and Lusamine couldn't tell if it was because their father was alive or because Ash was cuddling him. "Hapu said the reason Lillie and I didn't see him in Tapu Fini's mist is that Father is still alive!"
"But Mother does have a point," Lillie said as she approached Ash. "Ash, how do you know Father is alive?"
"Because my father told me," Ash sighed as he rested his head against Gladion's shoulder. The medicine was starting to work, and Ash didn't feel like he was going to fall over, but at the same time, Gladion holding him felt nice. "He appeared in the mist along with Stoutland. He told me he was good friends with Mohn. He also asked Rotom to record a message from him. Rotom?"
"Right," Rotom said before playing the message from Aaron.
Everyone smiled at Aaron's kind words while Lusamine looked amazed. Gladion's widened.
"I know him," he said. "I've seen that man in pictures."
"That's true," Lusamine sighed. "Delia and Aaron are very dear to Mohn and me."
"I thought the first time you met my mum was at the school play," Ash said.
"It was the first time Delia and I had seen each other in a few years," Lusamine admitted as she took a seat on Ash's bed. "The first time Mohn and I met Delia and Aaron was when they were visiting Alola for their honeymoon. We stayed in touch via letters, photos and phone calls. When the accident happened, in my desperation, I called Aaron, hoping he could help. But then I got the news from Delia that he had died. I'm so sorry, Ash. I shouldn't have dragged your family into this."
Ash smiled as he took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Dad used aura to save Mohn. He did it because he wanted to; because he cared about you. Mohn is somewhere in the world, alive and living with Dad's Pokémon. Oh, and dad said one more thing."
"What?"
"Don't forget to ask you about the book," Ash repeated.
Lusamine frowned before realisation set in.
"Excuse me for a moment," she said before standing up and leaving the room.
After she left, everyone approached Ash. Ash noticed that Mallow was carrying something.
"What's that, Mallow?" he asked.
"It's Shaymin," Mallow said happily. "I saw my mum in the mist, and when the mist vanished, Shaymin appeared. It's going to stay with me until it takes flight."
Ash smiled. "I'm so happy for you, Mallow."
"Also, because Hapu saved you, Mallow, Lillie and Gladion from the mist, she's been recognised as the new kahuna of Poni Island,” Kiawe added. “She said that when you and Gladion come back to Poni Island, she'll grant you and Gladion your grand trials."
"Alright!" Ash cheered as he tried to get up again. "Let's go see Hapu right now!"
"After she has done the ceremony that officiates her being the Island Kahuna," Sophocles chuckled.
"And after we make sure you don't have a concussion and the medicine is out of your system," Gladion added, placing his hands upon Ash's shoulders to calm him down.
Ash pouted before nodding. Everyone chuckled.
"We'll go back to Poni Island," Lana said. "You can come back when you can walk without falling."
"Get well soon, Ash," Mallow said. "We'll let Hapu know you're okay."
"Okay," Ash said as he watched his professors and friends leave.
Gladion, on the other hand, didn't move. "I'll stay with you, Ash until you feel well enough to go back."
Ash nodded just as Lusamine walked in, holding a book.
"Here, Ash," she smiled, giving Ash the book. "This was supposed to be your gift from Aaron. I'm sorry it took so long to get to you."
Ash took the book and opened it. It was a photo album with an inscription on the inside.
To my darling son, it read. Every Pokémon I have met and rescued is in this book. I hope you meet as many fantastic Pokémon and people as I have. Feel free to use this for the ones you love. Happy birthday, love Dad.
Ash felt tears roll down his cheeks as he happily hugged the book. "Thank you, Lusamine.”
"I'll leave you to rest," Lusamine smiled. "And I'll be sure to send the message to your mother."
As Lusamine left, Gladion peered over Ash's shoulder. "Your dad met all of these Pokémon?"
"Yeah," Ash smiled. "They're all coming back. All the stories he told, the adventures he had, the memories. Now I'll never forget again."
"Tell me some of them," Gladion said. "Who's that Pokémon?"
"That's called a Slakoth," Ash said. "It's a normal type from Hoenn. Dad said he saved this one from a poacher and he gave it to Norman, a Normal-type gym leader in Hoenn. I think the last time I saw it, it evolved into a Slaking."
"Wow," Gladion breathed. "Your dad's extraordinary."
"Yeah, he was," Ash smiled. "Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah, what?"
"Before you answer, just know I'm more clearheaded now," Ash mentioned quickly.
"Okay," Gladion said in a questioning tone.
"Why haven't you let go of my hand?" Ash asked gently.
Gladion looked down to see that he was holding Ash's hand. He turned red.
"Um, I don't know," he admitted. "I just don't want to."
Ash smiled as he interlaced his fingers. "I don't want you to let go either.”
Gladion smiled softly. "Okay, you know you might still have to stay here for a while longer, at least until Mother comes back and checks to make sure you don't have a brain injury."
"So, more stories?" Ash asked, moving over to make room for Gladion to sit more comfortably.
"More stories," Gladion agreed, moving closer to Ash as he pointed at another picture.
"So, this one is..."