Work Text:
As Gladion hugged his exhausted mother and weeping sister, he couldn't understand why he was still feeling sick, especially since the Ultra Beast had floated away.
What is wrong with me? He thought. Mother and Lillie are safe. Even Ash is safe, thank Arceus. So why do I feel like there's an ekans in my stomach? I must be worried about the others.
"Ash!"
Gladion looked up to see everyone on Solgaleo's back, smiling and waving. He sighed while smiling weakly.
Thank goodness they're all okay, he thought as Lillie and Ash happily waved back, yelling that they had succeeded and everything was fine now.
After feeling Lusamine press a kiss to the top of his head, Gladion smiled as he released his mother so they could walk over to their Pokémon. After kneeling to give his Pokémon pats before returning them to their Pokéballs, he looked at Lusamine again, who was currently apologising to her Pokémon for putting them through the pain and danger they experienced with UB-01 Symbiont. Smiling softly as he watched his mother give her Pokémon gentle kisses before returning them, Gladion suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Ash holding out his hand while he and Pikachu smiled at him.
"Hey," Gladion smiled, taking the offered hand so Ash could help him to his feet.
He couldn't help but relish the way Ash’s hand felt; warm, soft and yet a little rough.
"Hi," Ash smiled with a slight blush before his face filled with worry. "Are you okay? You look a little green."
"Sort of," Gladion shrugged. "I'm glad Mother is safe and everyone is okay but at the same time, I feel like....”
He trailed off, unsure how to explain when Ash nodded.
"Like there's a giant ekans in your tummy and it's squeezing you so much that you feel like you're going to throw up?" he asked.
Gladion blinked in surprise before nodding slowly as Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder to his own to give Gladion’s cheek some gentle licks.
"Yeah. How did you know?" he asked, giving Pikachu a gentle scratch under the chin before handing him back to Ash.
"I've experienced it before," Ash confessed as he took Pikachu back. "You're probably experiencing the aftermath of adrenaline and after what we all just went through, it's not surprising. But once we get back home, it'll be okay."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Gladion nodded. "Let's go home."
Once everyone had finished returning their Pokémon to their Pokéballs and climbed onto Solgaleo's back, with Gladion and Lillie helping their exhausted mother, Ash looked over his shoulder from his place by Solgaleo's mane.
"Everybody ready?" he called as Rotom and Pikachu tucked themselves into Solgaleo's mane for safety.
After everyone gave quiet nods, Ash turned back and gave Solgaleo a gentle pat on the back of his neck.
"Okay Solgaleo, please take us home."
Solgaleo gave a confirming growl before taking off across the rocky plains before leaping into the air to run towards the Ultra Wormhole entry, which was starting to get smaller. But just as Solgaleo was about to enter, a UB-01 Symbiont suddenly flew out of nowhere beside them. It wrapped a thick tentacle around Ash's waist before pulling him off Solgaleo's back before anyone could react.
"Ash!" everyone screamed in horror as Solgaleo quickly turned his head, grabbing the front of Ash's shirt in his teeth.
"Ash! Take my hand!" Gladion cried, holding his hand out towards Ash.
Ash reached for Gladion only for the Ultra Beast to violently jerk away, causing his shirt to rip in Solgaleo's teeth.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu screamed in a panic.
"Solgaleo, run!" Ash screamed, noticing that the Ultra Wormhole was now shrinking faster. "The Ultra Wormhole is shrinking! Get everyone home! NOW!"
"Ash, no!" Gladion screamed. "We're not leaving you!"
"NEBBY! GO!" Ash screamed again.
Solgaleo shook his head, emitted a sad whimper, and then turned to sprint through the Ultra Wormhole just before it closed.
"No!" Everyone screamed as Gladion moved closer to Solgaleo's mane.
"Please!" he pleaded, yanking on Solgaleo's mane in a desperate attempt to get the Legendary Pokèmon to turn around. "Please go back! We can't leave him behind!"
As Gladion, Pikachu and everyone begged and pleaded with Solgaleo to turn around, the giant sun lion continued to run, bitterly obeying the command of the boy who cared for and raised him for the past few weeks.
***
Once Solgaleo came through the Ultra Wormhole and landed, Kukui and Burnet ran forward. However, their relief turned to horror when they noticed that someone was missing.
"What happened?" Kukui asked desperately as everyone climbed off Solgaleo's back, Gladion helping his mother. "Where's Ash?"
"As we were leaving," Lillie sobbed as everyone started to cry. "An Ultra Beast came out of nowhere and grabbed him. We tried to get him but the Ultra Wormhole was closing and... and..."
"I'm so sorry, Kukui," Lusamine shook her head sadly. "He told Solgaleo to get us home."
As Kukui and Burnet demanded Lusamine and Rotom to tell them what happened while the children cried and held each other, Gladion looked back at Solgaleo, tears welling up.
"Please," he pleaded in a small voice. "Please bring him back. Bring Ash back to me."
Giving a nod, Solgaleo leapt to the skies and took off with a mighty roar, opening a new Ultra Wormhole before disappearing through it. Gladion stared up at the new Ultra Wormhole as tears started to fall.
Please, he prayed. Please bring him home.
"Pikachu?"
Gladion looked down to see Pikachu looking at him with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Oh Pikachu," Gladion sighed sadly as he kneeled to pick up the electric mouse. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry he got left behind. I swear I didn't want this to happen."
"Pika, pi," Pikachu shook his head, indicating to Gladion that it wasn't his fault, before burying his face into Gladion's chest.
As Pikachu cried, Gladion started to cry harder as well.
Oh, Ash, he thought as he looked at the sky again. I never even got to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you.
***
Four years later:
At sunrise, on the day of the Manalo Festival four years later, Gladion landed on the ground at the Altar of the Sunne on Poni Island before getting off Noivern, his Ride Pokémon.
"Thank you Noivern," he smiled gratefully as Pikachu jumped from Noivern's back to Gladion's shoulder. "We shouldn't be long."
Noivern nodded as Gladion released Umbreon, Silvally and Lycanroc from their Pokéballs before kneeling in front of the vase he had placed there two years ago. After removing the old flowers, he gently arranged some new ones in the vase, then knelt, closed his eyes, and bowed his head.
"Solgaleo and Lunala," he prayed. "Legendary Pokémon of Alola, I know this is selfish of me to ask on this day but please, appear. Please help me find Ash again. Please help me bring him home."
The wind blew as Gladion continued to kneel and pray until his knees and legs started to cramp. He opened his eyes with a sigh.
"Nothing," he said sadly as he stood up.
Pikachu gave him a sad look as he jumped to Gladion's shoulder while Umbreon, Lycanroc and Silvally nuzzled Gladion. Gladion smiled sadly as he walked back to Noivern.
"Pika, pi," Pikachu chirped sadly.
"Don't worry Pikachu," Gladion reassured the electric mouse as he pulled out his Pokéballs again. "We'll just come back in a few days and ask again. We're not going to stop."
Pikachu nodded as Gladion silently returned Umbreon, Lycanroc and Silvally to their Pokéballs before climbing onto Noivern's back again.
"Take us back to Aether Paradise please," he requested softly. "There's a big bowl of berries waiting for you when we get back to my room."
"Noivern," Noivern nodded before taking to the skies with a mighty screech.
Four years. It had been four years since Solgaleo had disappeared through the Ultra Wormhole to search for Ash. Three years and six months since Ash's funeral in Pallet Town, despite Gladion being the only one who believed that Ash was still alive. Two years and six months since he began his quest trying to find Ash by researching Ultra Beasts Realms and Wormholes, contacting a variety of people and praying and pleading to different Legendary Pokémon to help him. One year since Lillie told him to let Ash go.
"Big brother, please," Lillie begged as Gladion continued to research the Ultra Beasts Realms. "I know you loved him but it's been nearly four years. You have to let him go."
Gladion sighed. "I can't, Lillie. I know he's alive. I feel it in my heart and so does Pikachu. Don't you, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded with determination.
"I'm going to bring him home," Gladion declared. "I'm not giving up on him."
"Pikachu."
Gladion sighed and shook his head, trying to push away the memory of what his sister had said before thinking about what had happened over the past four years since losing Ash. After the 'incident' as everyone called it, Pikachu decided to stay with Gladion until Ash came back while Lusamine focused less on her Ultra Beasts research and more on her children. She had also created the Ultra Guardians, a group of people to help protect Alola from Ultra Beasts in Ash’s memory. Gladion rolled his eyes bitterly as he remembered how Lusamine had asked him to be a part of the Ultra Guardians team, along with Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, Kiawe and Professor Kukui.
"It'll be good for you sweetheart," Lusamine tried to sound encouraging. "You'll be assisting in the protection of Alola’s people and Pokémon."
"No Mother," Gladion said firmly. "I'm going to find Ash and bring him home and that’s final."
Lusamine sighed before nodding. "You're right, I'm sorry. I'll help you whenever I can, but know that there is a spot on the team for you."
As for everyone else, Kukui and Burnet had gotten together after the 'incident' while Lillie, Mallow, Sophocles, Lana and Kiawe participated in all of the Island Challenges. After completing the Island Challenge, each received a Z-Ring and a variety of Z-Crystals to help them on their Ultra Guardian missions. As for their Pokémon, with consent, Lillie had used her ice stone to evolve Snowy into Ninetails, while Steenee, Charjabug, and Popplio evolved into their final forms of Tsareena, Vikavolt and Primarina. Gladion sighed as he watched the clouds. So much had changed over the four years since Ash's disappearance. He often wondered if Ash had changed too.
Ash, he thought. Where are you?
"Pika?"
Gladion blinked out of his thoughts as Pikachu patted his cheek. He looked around, embarrassed that he had gotten so lost in the sad memories again that he hadn't realised that Noivern had landed on the landing strip of Aether Paradise Island and was waiting for him to get off. Gladion shook his head before climbing off Noivern's back and scratching Noivern under his chin.
"Thank you Noivern," Gladion smiled, scratching under Noivern’s chin with one hand while holding a pokéball with the other. "Please return for now and I'll take you back to my room."
Noivern nodded before allowing Gladion to return him to his pokéball. Gladion then sighed before silently making his way to the elevator and pushing the button to go down to the level where his room was located. Leaning against the wall, he closed his eyes.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked again.
Gladion opened his eyes and smiled, pressing his nose against Pikachu's warm cheek.
"It's okay," he whispered. "I'm just tired. I had the dream again."
Pikachu nodded. He knew what dream Gladion was talking about. It had started about two months ago. He had fallen asleep at his desk when he started to dream that he was in a land that was covered in mist and darkness except for one small sliver of light. In the dream, Gladion stepped into the light to see a large purple creature along with some other smaller creatures looking at him sadly before waking up, feeling confused and frustrated. Gladion sighed as he closed his eyes again. Even though he had the same dream every night for the past two months, there was something different about the one he had last night. In this one, when Gladion stepped into the light, he was surprised to see one of the smaller creatures having a conversation with the larger creature.
"You must find the one he dreams about," the large creature said as it placed something around the little creature's body. "The light he's given has helped us survive a little longer but I'm not sure how much longer he can give us light and we don't know if Necrozma will wake up properly and save our world. Go with the one from the sun and the moon and find the one he dreams about, little one."
"Poi!" the little creature nodded before Gladion had woken up.
DING!
Gladion opened his eyes as the doors opened.
"Come on Pikachu," he smiled softly as he walked out of the elevator. "Let's get something to eat."
"Big Brother!"
Gladion blinked in surprise as Lillie ran towards him. Gladion sighed, bracing himself for another 'You need to move on from Ash' speech from his sister.
"Hello Lillie," he said, forcing a smile.
"You and Pikachu need to come with me right now!" Lillie demanded, grabbing Gladion's hand before pulling him in the direction of the infirmary where sick and injured Pokémon were treated.
"What? Why?" Gladion asked in confusion. "What's going on?"
"You have to see something!" Lillie told him in excitement as she continued pulling Gladion's arm.
Sighing, Gladion allowed his sister to drag him until they were inside the infirmary’s waiting area, where Kukui, Kiawe, Lana, Mallow and Sophocles were standing.
"Wait, what are you all doing here?" he asked in confusion as Pikachu waved.
"Look," Kiawe pointed.
Gladion peered through the large window, gasping at the sight of Lunala and a familiar-looking creature lying on beds, unconscious and hooked up to IVs while Lusamine, Wicke and Burnet were administering medicine to them.
"Lunala?!" Gladion cried in disbelief. "How? What? Wait, that creature. I've seen it before. In my dreams. What is it?"
"Mother says it's an Ultra Beast but she’s not sure what it’s called," Lillie explained. "Gladion, that Ultra Beast has Ash's Z-Ring."
"What?!" Gladion yelled before quickly running to the door and opening it, making Lusamine, Wicke and Burnet jump in surprise.
"Gladion?" Lusamine cried. "What are you..?”
Gladion ignored her, running directly to where the Ultra Beast was lying. He stared at the sleeping creature, who had a familiar black Z-Ring strapped around its stomach. Gladion gasped as he touched the Z-Ring lightly while Pikachu jumped off his shoulder to sit by the new creature.
"Mother," Gladion said as Kukui, Lillie, Kiawe, Mallow, Lana and Sophocles came into the room as well. "Who is this Ultra Beast?"
"It's known in our data as UB Adhesive," Lusamine explained. "But we've decided to name it Poipole, the poison pin Pokémon."
"What happened?" Gladion demanded. "Where did Poipole and Lunala come from? What's going on?"
"Let me start from the beginning," Lusamine clarified. "We were planning on visiting the Altar of the Sunne because one of our workers found new ancient ruins under the altar while searching for injured Pokémon two days ago. Yesterday, while we were at the ruins, a new Ultra Wormhole opened and Solgaleo and Lunala came out of it, being chased by a brand-new Ultra Beast. It looked like it was trying to absorb their Ultra Aura."
"Mother contacted us and we gave chase to try and help," Lillie continued tearfully. "We tried to stop it but the Ultra Beast absorbed Lunala. Thankfully Solgaleo was able to free her but Lunala got injured and the Ultra Beast then absorbed Solgaleo before disappearing through an Ultra Wormhole. Afterwards, we brought Lunala here."
"So where did Poipole come from?" Gladion asked.
"After contacting Kukui, we found Poipole," Lusamine sighed. "It had flown out of the Ultra Wormhole along with Solgaleo and Lunala but it collapsed near us as Solgaleo and Lunala headed over to Melemele Island with the Ultra Beast. When I picked it up, I saw the Z-Ring around its stomach. Burnet recognised it as Ash's Z-Ring and told everyone else when they came back with Lunala. We've been waiting for you to return here so we could tell you."
"When was this?" Gladion asked in confusion. "When did this happen?"
"Around sunset yesterday," Lusamine admitted. "You were asleep and I didn't want to disturb you."
"You should have disturbed me!" Gladion snapped. "You should have let me help!"
"You were exhausted, big brother," Lillie pointed out softly. "You know you haven't been well this past month. You needed rest."
Gladion glared at his sister before sighing. "I know," he said. "So what's the name of this new Ultra Beast?"
"For now, we're calling it UB Black," Lusamine stated. "Rotom is downloading the data it picked up as we speak."
"And I just finished," Rotom announced as it floated into the room alongside Faba. "Oh, hello Gladion."
"Rotom," Gladion nodded. "Show me the pictures?"
"Of course." Rotom then showed the pictures of UB Black and the events that had happened with it.
"Oh," Gladion shuddered as he studied the pictures and video of UB Black breaking apart before attaching itself to Lunala's body. "Oh Lunala, I hope you'll be okay."
"Lunala will be fine," Burnet smiled, causing everyone to turn and look at her and Wicke. "The treatment was successful. All she needs now is rest to recover her strength. Listen, I have to go and transcribe the ancient text from the murals so I'll see you all later."
"I'll help you, dear," Kukui said before following Burnet.
After watching Lusamine, Wicke, Kukui and Burnet leave the infirmary, everyone turned back to look at Lunala and Poipole while Gladion sat down on a chair near Poipole's bed to continue studying the pictures of UB Black.
What's going on? He thought.
"Poipole?"
Gladion looked at the bed. Poipole had opened its eyes and was now looking around in confusion before it looked at Pikachu.
"Poi!" it cried happily as it pulled Pikachu into a hug while eagerly rubbing its face against Pikachu's cheek, making the electric mouse giggle.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu grunted as he broke free of Poipole's grip before jumping to Gladion's shoulder to hide behind his neck.
Poipole pouted before staring at Gladion. Gladion frowned as Poipole continued to study him before its face lit up with excitement. Happily, it flew off the bed, turning itself upside down and spinning a couple of times with squeals and giggles, before wiggling to get the Z-Ring off its abdomen. Once it was off, Poipole continued to float in circles around Gladion and Pikachu, happily chattering and giggling as it floated.
"I think it likes you and Pikachu, big brother," Lillie smiled as Poipole started gliding around, examining its surroundings with a determined look on its face while Rotom tried to take pictures.
"I guess it does," Gladion said thoughtfully, not paying attention because his focus was on the Z-Ring Poipole had left on the bed.
Where did you get Ash's Z-Ring? He thought as he picked up the Z-Ring and studied it. It was dirty, scratched and missing its Z-Crystal. He sighed as he put the Z-Ring on his right wrist. He knew there was no point because he already had a Z-Ring but it felt comforting to have a piece of Ash with him again.
"Hey," Sophocles said suddenly, interrupting Gladion's thoughts. "You said before you've seen Poipole in a dream before? What did you mean by that?"
"I've been having the same dream for the past month," Gladion answered. "There's this land and it's filled with darkness with a small sliver of light that connects the sky and ground. There's also this creature there that looks similar to Poipole as well as a bunch of other Poipole."
"Like a Poipole nest?" Mallow asked.
"Yeah," Gladion nodded. "And they all look so sad. But last night, something different happened. The larger one was asking Poipole to find someone and it doesn't know how much longer they'll survive."
"Poipole!" Poipole suddenly cried. "Poipole, poi. Poi, poi, poi!"
Everyone turned to see that Poipole had splattered ink on the wall from the spike on its head.
"What's it doing?" Lana asked.
"I think it's painting," Mallow said as Poipole drew one picture after another.
"So Poipole can paint," Rotom said in wonder as it took pictures. "Updating data on Poipole."
"You know," Lillie said thoughtfully as she studied the biggest drawing. "It's weird, this picture looks so familiar. Where have I seen it before?"
"And that symbol next to it," Rotom added as it pulled up a picture of UB Black's back. "It's the same as what was on UB Black's back. Poipole must know of UB Black in some way."
Everyone watched quietly as Poipole spun and turned until it finally stopped, breathing hard and looking proud. As Gladion studied each painting carefully, his eyes widened when he noticed that one of the pictures looked a little familiar.
"Wait, you know Ash?!" Gladion cried.
Immediately Poipole started nodding and spinning happily. Everyone gasped in amazement while Gladion's eyes filled with tears.
"He's alive," he wept happily. "I knew it. Where is he?"
"Poipole!" Poipole squealed as it floated to the ceiling, pointing upwards before floating back to the unconscious Lunala. Everyone frowned as Poipole spun circles over Lunala, chattering away in excitement.
"We're sorry, Poipole," Rotom sighed. "We don't understand."
"Poi!" Poipole pouted in frustration.
"Everything okay?"
Everyone turned to see Kukui, Burnet and Lusamine standing in the doorway.
"Poipole painted all this," Mallow explained, pointing at the painting. "Apparently, Poipole knows Ash!"
Kukui, Burnet and Lusamine gasped as they took in the drawings.
"That symbol and the drawing," Burnet said thoughtfully before looking at her tablet. "They're the same as what was painted on the murals in the newly discovered ruins. Everyone, take a look."
Burnet turned the tablet around to show a picture of two different murals. One had what looked like Solgaleo and Lunala standing next to a creature while the other had the symbol that Poipole had painted earlier along with people and Pokémon. Lillie gasped.
"Mother is that...the Blinding One?"
"Yes," Lusamine nodded. "That is a mural dedicated to the legend of the Blinding One and how it created Alola. I'm not sure what the other one is about, though it does have the same symbol as the one Poipole drew."
"And it was on UB Black's back as well," Rotom pointed out as he floated over to Lusamine, Kukui and Burnet to show the picture of UB Black's back.
"Does that mean there's some sort of connection between Poipole, UB Black and the Blinding One?" Lusamine asked in amazement while Poipole cheered.
"And does it have something to do with Ash too?" Gladion asked hopefully.
Poipole cheered again, spinning happily.
"I'll get started on translating the mural right now," Burnet said. "There must be answers in it."
"Then we need to go rescue Solgaleo from UB Black," Gladion said in a determined voice. "Then we can find Ash and bring him home."
"Right!" Everyone cheered as they held up their wrists in determination.
Lusamine opened her mouth, about to protest when all of a sudden, everyone's Z-Rings started to glow a soft orange, including Professor Kukui's.
"What's going on?" Sophocles asked.
"That's Z-Power," Kukui declared softly as everyone watched as the Z-Rings created lines of lights before connecting to Lunala, who started to stir and take deep breaths.
Everyone cried out with relief and happiness as the Legendary lunar Pokémon sat up and stretched, absorbing the Z-Power energy.
"The energy for your Z-Rings is helping Lunala heal!" Burnet cried happily and Poipole started to cheer.
Lunala gave a slight growl as she opened her eyes. Taking in her surroundings, she started screeching and thrashing in a panic, knocking aside tables and equipment with her large wings.
"Lunala! Please calm down!" Lusamine pleaded as everyone ducked, trying to avoid getting hit by Lunala.
Poipole quickly flew to Lunala's face, chittering and patting her nose in an attempt to calm Lunala down. Lunala blinked a couple of times before looking up at the ceiling.
Gladion gasped. "Lunala must have heard us," he realised. "She wants to go help Solgaleo and Ash too. We have to get her outside so she can take us to them."
“Right!”
"Absolutely not!" Lusamine snapped. "If you think you're going through an Ultra Wormhole with Lunala, think again!"
"Excuse me?!" Gladion asked in a dark voice, his eyes narrowing.
"I won't let any of you go!" Lusamine cried. "It's too dangerous!"
"But we rescued you and we were fine aside from Ash getting taken," Gladion growled despite his stomach clenching over at the thought that his mother would refuse to let him rescue Ash.
"Exactly," Burnet pointed out. "We lost Ash before. What if something happens to you, kids?"
"I won't let it," Kukui said sternly. "I will bring everyone home safe, including Ash."
"But what if UB Black hurts you?" Lusamine cried.
"We've been battling Ultra Beasts for four years since you made us Ultra Guardians," Kiawe answered. "We're strong and capable enough."
"But-," Lusamine said again.
"Mummy please," Gladion pleaded, this time in a small voice. "Please, let me bring Ash home."
Lusamine and Lillie blinked in surprise, but Lillie shook it off to stand by her brother.
"Please Mother," she requested in a stern voice.
Lusamine sighed. "Very well," she nodded before her eyes grew stern. "Make sure you all come back in one piece."
Lillie and Gladion sighed in relief before nodding.
"Right," Kukui said. "Let's figure out how to get Lunala outside and then grab our Ride Pokémon. Once we've done that, let's bring Solgaleo and Ash home."
"Right!" everyone said again before running off to grab what they needed to save Solgaleo and Ash.
***
"We're almost there, Lunala," Lusamine said as she, Burnet, Wicke and Faba finished guiding the Legendary Pokémon carefully to the airfield so she could take off without injuring herself or breaking anything. Lunala nodded, still looking around anxiously but staying as still as possible.
"Okay Faba," Wicke said as they reached the large doorway that led to the airfield. "Open the door."
"Yes Chief," Faba nodded respectfully as he quickly pressed a code into the keypad.
As the doors opened, Lusamine could see the Ultra Guardians in their uniforms, including Kukui and Gladion standing beside their Ride Pokémon. As Wicke and Faba carefully guided Lunala onto the landing strip, Burnet quickly ran over to Kukui, hugging and kissing him while Lusamine took each of the children's hands, giving them a tight squeeze before they climbed into their Ride Pokémon's saddles.
"Good luck everyone," she said as Lunala started to shake and stretch her wings.
"Ultroger!" Everyone promised.
"Be careful out there," Burnet pleaded, releasing Kukui so he could climb onto Garchomp's back. "Bring everyone home."
Kukui nodded. "I'll keep them safe," he promised Burnet and Lusamine as Lunala finished stretching her wings before taking off at an amazing speed towards the sky.
"You both hold on tight," Gladion told Pikachu and Poipole, who were both holding on to Gladion's shoulders. "Let's go, Noivern!"
"Noivern!" Noivern nodded as he quickly took off after Lunala, followed closely by Kukui and the other Ultra Guardians.
As they flew away, Lusamine, Wicke, Burnet and Faba quickly ran to the communications room. Once they reached the room, Lusamine quickly pressed a button to connect to the communicators in the Ultra Guardian suits. Once the call connected, Lusamine sighed as she saw Kukui and the children's faces appear over the screen.
"Mother, we're about to enter the Ultra Wormhole," Lillie informed.
"Okay," Lusamine nodded. "Keep in contact and stay safe."
"Ultroger!" everyone cried just as the communication devices suddenly shut off.
"What happened?" Lusamine cried in a panic.
"We just lost both video and audio communication with them!" Wicke cried as she tapped the keys.
"WHAT?!" Lusamine and Burnet cried in horror.
***
As Lunala led everyone through the iridescent lights of the Ultra Space, Gladion only had one thing on his mind.
I'm almost there, Ash, he thought. I'm almost there.
Suddenly, Lunala opened a new hole in the space, exiting out of it with everyone following closely behind. As they left the Ultra Wormhole, everyone gasped as they took in their new bleak surroundings.
"What is this place?" Kiawe asked as everyone looked around at the new dark world.
"It's just like in my dreams," Gladion said. "But it's so much darker here."
"Poipole!" Poipole cheered happily, letting go of Gladion's shoulder to start spinning and flipping happily.
Gladion gave a soft smile before reaching out to tap Poipole's hand gently to get its attention.
"Is this your world?" he asked. "Is Ash really here?"
Immediately, Poipole started giggling and clapping its hands.
"Take us to him," Gladion pleaded.
"But Lunala is flying away," Lillie pointed out.
Gladion looked in the direction of Lunala to see her flying further and further away. He bit his lip. He desperately wanted Poipole to lead him to Ash but he knew that Lunala was going to Solgaleo.
He sighed. "Okay," he nodded. "Let's follow Lunala."
Suddenly Poipole gave a loud shriek as sharp leaf-like feathers suddenly appeared out of nowhere, almost hitting the group, followed by powerful flame and some flying rocks.
"Dodge Charizard!" Kiawe yelled. "Flamethrower!"
As Charizard dodged the attacks, taking a deep breath at the same time to prepare to breathe flames back, Kukui paused.
"That was Razor Leaf," he said thoughtfully. "And a Flamethrower and Rock Throw. Could it be... Wait, Charizard stop!"
"Professor?" Kiawe asked as Charizard started inhaling and exhaling slowly to stop his Flamethrower.
"Just hang back for a second," Kukui told his students. "I just want to check something. Garchomp, fly down but be careful to keep your distance."
"Gar!" Garchomp acknowledged as he carefully flew down to where the attacks came from while everyone waited anxiously above, torn between flying after their teacher or flying after Lunala.
Suddenly, they heard an excited yell echo in the canyon below them.
"Kids!" Kukui yelled. "Come on down! It's really them!"
Confused, everyone nudged their Ride Pokémon so they would fly down into the dark canyon. Surprise overtook all of them when they saw Kukui crying happily as he hugged what looked like an Incineroar, a Decidueye and a Lycanroc, a Lycanroc that looked so unique and familiar.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked hopefully as everyone landed their Ride Pokémon.
"Is that really-?" Gladion asked.
"It's them!" Kukui wept happily. "They may have evolved and looked a bit wild and dirty but it's still them."
"Pika!" Pikachu shrieked happily as he ran towards the Pokémon, crying as he jumped to each one and hugged them as tightly as he could.
Everyone gasped in delight.
"It is Lycanroc, Litten and Rowlet!" Mallow and Lana cried happily as everyone ran towards the Pokémon, pulling out their Pokéballs to release their Pokémon at the same time.
"You both evolved!" Kiawe gaped as he admired Incineroar and Decidueye. "You look incredible!"
Lycanroc barked, Incineroar purred and Decidueye trilled happily as they hugged and nuzzled everyone the best they could while chatting happily with their old Pokémon friends. As they did that, Gladion's Lycanroc carefully approached the Dusk Form.
"Lycan?" the Dusk Form Lycanroc barked happily as the Midnight Form gently placed his paw on top of Lycanroc's mane.
"Lycan," he growled fondly before nuzzling the Dusk Form as Gladion kneeled beside both of them.
"I've missed you," he smiled as Lycanroc rested his chin over Gladion's shoulder. "Lycanroc's missed you too."
"Roc!" the Dusk Form barked happily before licking Gladion's cheek.
Gladion took a deep breath, closing his eyes tightly to try to stop the tears from falling before leaning back to look at Lycanroc properly.
"Where's Ash?" he asked urgently. "Is he here?"
Almost immediately, Lycanroc's, Incineroar's and Decidueye's faces fell at the questions before they started to walk away.
"Roar," Incineroar growled gently, gesturing with his paw for everyone to follow them.
Looking at each other with a frown, everyone quickly followed the three Pokémon, Pikachu sticking close to Lycanroc, Incineroar and Decidueye. After a few minutes, they reached a giant broken crystal structure beside what looked like a giant arrangement made of mud, wood and purple paste. Everyone gasped at the appearance while Poipole started to giggle again.
"Is this where you live, Poipole?" Gladion asked, getting happy cheers from Poipole as an answer.
"Have you seen this before?" Sophocles asked.
"That thing in my dreams, yes," Gladion nodded, pointing to the structure. "But I don't remember seeing that crystal thing."
"Lycan," Lycanroc growled in a sad tone.
Everyone paused and looked to see Lycanroc, Incineroar and Decidueye gesturing towards the ground near the giant, broken crystal. Pikachu gave a sudden cry as he ran towards the crystal as fast as he could. Everyone frowned, pursuing the electric mouse, gasping to see him nuzzling what looked like a person lying on the ground. A very familiar person...
"Ash!" Gladion cried, about to run forward when some purple sludge suddenly came flying from the structure beside the crystal, just missing him as it hit the ground near his feet.
"Look out!" Mallow screamed as Kukui quickly pulled Gladion out of the way.
"Are you okay?" Lillie asked urgently.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Gladion nodded. "What was that?"
As everyone looked up at the structure, slowly some Poipole peered over the edge, looking curiously but anxiously at the group.
"More Poipole?" Lana asked as more started to appear.
"I guess this must be the Poipole nest you've been dreaming about," Kiawe said.
"Maybe," Gladion shrugged, about to run towards Ash again when the Poipole bent their heads down to start shooting poison at the group.
"Venoshock!" Kukui cried. "Take cover!"
As everyone was about to turn and run, Decidueye suddenly flew up quickly while Lycanroc and Incineroar started growling and roaring at the Poipole. Immediately, the Poipole stopped attacking while Gladion's Poipole flew up to talk to the group. After talking amongst themselves, the Poipole disappeared over the edge again. Kukui sighed as Decidueye and Gladion's Poipole flew back down again.
"I guess that means they're not going to attack us now," he said.
"That's a relief," Lillie smiled.
Gladion sighed before quickly turning and running over to Ash, falling to his knees beside him. Quickly, he rolled Ash on his back before pressing his ear to Ash's chest, sighing in relief when he heard a heartbeat.
"He's alive," he called back to the group before he started to examine Ash.
It looked like he had lost a lot of weight with how thin he looked. Gladion also noticed that his hair was longer now and quite dirty, his clothes were ripped and torn and his skin was littered with cuts, bruises and scars. But Gladion didn't care. He was here in his arms, unconscious but alive.
"Ash?" he asked hopefully, gently shaking Ash's shoulder as everyone walked towards them. "Ash, it's me. It's Gladion and Pikachu too. We're all here. We're going to bring you home."
"Pikapi," Pikachu cried happily as he jumped to Ash's chest to pat his cheek but Ash didn't respond.
"Ash, wake up," Gladion begged again as he shook Ash's shoulder harder while everyone started crowding around the two, Kukui examining Ash's body.
"Why isn't he waking up, Professor?" Lillie asked worriedly.
"I'm not sure," Kukui shook his head. "He seems to be okay. Thin but okay. There's nothing on him that would physically put him in a coma. Maybe there's something inside him."
"He's exhausted from giving light, stingerless beings," a voice out of nowhere said.
Everyone gasped and looked around.
"Who said that?" Sophocles asked.
"I did," the voice said as loud footsteps echoed through the canyon.
Everyone turned in the direction of the footsteps to see Poipole floating beside a large purple creature by the opening of a cave, slowly pulling itself towards the group. Gladion's Poipole squealed as it flew over to the creature, spinning and flipping happily. The creature paused, giving a low growl before collapsing to the ground, causing Gladion's Poipole to cry out in fear. Everyone gasped as they ran towards the creature, but Gladion hung back with Kukui, not wanting to leave Ash behind.
"I've got him," Kukui reassured Gladion as he gathered Ash up in his arms while Pikachu jumped onto Kukui's shoulder. "Go help the others."
Gladion bit his lip but nodded before running towards the panting creature. The Poipole whimpered as they reached out to touch the creature.
"Poipole!" Gladion's Poipole said urgently. "Poi, poi, poi! Poipole!"
The Poipole nodded before flying down to help grab the enormous creature.
"Okay everyone," Sophocles instructed. "On three. One, two, three!"
With grunts, the Ultra Guardians, their Pokémon and the Poipole carefully lifted the creature before carefully walking back into the cave, Kukui following close behind with Ash in his arms and Pikachu on his shoulder. Once they were inside, they gently set the creature down before stepping back.
"I'll take a look at it," Kiawe said, kneeling beside it with Charizard before pulling his medical bag out of Charizard's saddle.
"I'll help you once I've put Ash down," Kukui called as he walked over to the wall closest to the group.
Kiawe nodded as he started to examine the creature while everyone took in the surroundings of the cave.
"Look at this place," Sophocles breathed. "It almost looks like a Vespiquen's hive, just darker."
Everyone hummed thoughtfully as Kukui carefully laid Ash against the cave wall. After taking Pikachu off his shoulder and placing him on Ash's chest, Kukui quickly ran over to help Kiawe with examining the creature. As Kukui moved towards the creature, Gladion quickly ran back to Ash before pulling him close, terrified that if he left Ash's side again, he would lose him again. As he did, Gladion felt something sharp dig into his leg from Ash's pants pocket. Reaching inside, he blinked as he pulled out Ash's Z-Crystals. Sighing, Gladion quickly put the Z-Crystals in the bag on his hip before pulling Ash close again.
Oh, Ash, he thought as he stroked Ash's cheek. What's wrong? Why won't you wake up?
"Is it okay?" Gladion heard Mallow ask, breaking him out of his thoughts. He looked up at the group, watching them study the creature while Poipole flew around anxiously.
"No physical injuries," Kukui said as he started putting away the equipment.
"It's just really exhausted," Kiawe finished.
"Here," Lana smiled as she and Lillie pulled out their medical kits from Altaria's and Dragonair's saddles, opening them to reveal fresh berries. "These will help you get your strength back."
The creature gave Lana and Lillie a weary look but opened its mouth to allow Lillie and Lana to fill its mouth with berries once Gladion's Poipole started chirping encouragingly. The creature sighed as it chewed the berries, giving everyone a grateful look.
"Thank you," the same voice floated through the air.
"Where is that voice coming from?" Sophocles asked again as everyone looked around, trying to figure out where the mysterious voice was coming from.
"It is I who is speaking."
Everyone looked at the large creature, which was now sitting up and gesturing to itself.
"You?" Mallow cried out in shock. "How?"
"I believe it's telepathy," Kukui said. "There's research about how some Pokémon that can use telepathy can also communicate using human speech."
"That is correct," the creature nodded as more Poipole floated over to join the group. "It has been a while since I've eaten fresh berries. I am humbled by your kindness. I am Naganadel and this is my family. What are you doing in our world?"
"We're here to save Ash and Solgaleo from UB Black," Kiawe explained as he pulled the picture Rotom printed out of his bag to show it to Naganadel. "UB Black absorbed Solgaleo and ran here. We believe it also hurt Ash. We have to save Solgaleo from UB Black and take Ash and his Pokémon back with us."
"UB Black?" Naganadel interrupted thoughtfully as it peered at the picture in Kiawe's hand. "Why are you calling Necrozma that?"
"Necrozma?" Lana asked.
"Yes, Necrozma looks after us," Naganadel nodded. "Listen, I must ask you not to do anything about Solgaleo and Necrozma. You may take Ash and his friends home with you, but please, do nothing about Necrozma."
"What?! Why?!" Mallow asked.
"We require Necrozma's power to live," Naganadel explained. "And this is the only way for us to survive. Please do not interfere."
"But if we don't, Solgaleo could get killed!" Gladion cried, letting go of Ash before standing up, surprising everyone because he hadn't spoken in a while.
Naganadel looked at Gladion, surprised at the sudden outburst before frowning, studying his face carefully.
"What?" he asked uncomfortably.
"Come closer, young one," Naganadel said.
Gladion bit his lip, feeling uncertain.
"Please," Naganadel implored.
Gladion sighed before walking closer, allowing Naganadel to get a better look at him. As Pikachu jumped onto Gladion's shoulder again, Naganadel gasped.
"It is you," it said softly. "You're the one he dreams about. The beautiful stingerless being and the little Pikachu."
"You know me?" Gladion asked in surprise.
"I know all of you," Naganadel smiled. "He dreams of all of you often, especially this one."
"How?" Kukui cried. "How did you come across Ash?"
Quickly, Gladion's Poipole started chattering to Naganadel, as if asking for something. Naganadel nodded before looking at the group again.
"Let me show you everything," it said, its eyes shimmering from psychic energy, showing a memory on the hive walls.
"For a long time," Naganadel began as it showed its memory, causing everyone to gasp. "This land was green, beautiful and filled with light that was shared from Necrozma. But one day, six moons ago, a meteorite fell and nearly destroyed everything. Necrozma saved us but got gravely injured in the process. Injured and without its light, it fell into a deep sleep and over time, the land slowly became infertile. All we could do was build a nest near Necrozma's sleeping form so we could survive off what little light that still flowed from Necrozma through the ground into our nest. I desperately wanted to find a new home for our family but I'm too old and weak. So I allowed this little one to go on a journey to find us a new land but every new land it found came with others who were not willing to share. But one day, during the last full moon before this one, my little one brought back some creatures filled with lots of light."
"Ash!" Everyone cried as they watched Poipole bring Ash, Incineroar, Lycanroc and Decidueye through an Ultra Wormhole into the nest.
"That's right," Naganadel nodded. "He told us how he had been travelling through Ultra Wormholes, trying to find his way home to Alola. He told us of Alola and how beautiful it was, how it was filled with so much love and kindness."
As everyone watched the memory of Ash talking about Alola fondly, Gladion simply stared at Ash. Somehow, in those four years of trying to survive in the Ultra Beasts' worlds, he had still managed to keep the same beautiful smile that Gladion loved so much on his face.
"I know!" Memory Ash said excitedly as he stood up. "I can help you! Come with us back to Alola! All of you! I promise I'll find you a brand-new home!"
"He said that if we took him and his friends back to Alola," Naganadel continued with a smile. "He'd find us a new home, a place for us to live and thrive."
"That's Ash alright," Mallow smiled as she shook her head. "He would do something like that."
"He told us how there would be humans who would be happy to help us," Naganadel continued fondly. "He was certain that they would help us find or even build a new home. I was about to agree when suddenly..."
Everyone gasped as the vision showed Necrozma suddenly breaking out of the ground, reaching for Lycanroc only for Ash to push the wolf out of the way. Everyone watched in horror as Necrozma wrapped its arms around Ash before pulling him back into its crystal chambers, encasing itself and Ash in crystal before forcing him to go to sleep.
"Attracted to the light in Ash and his friends' bodies," Naganadel continued. "Necrozma awoke briefly to absorb the light. Ash allowed Necrozma to take him and encased him in its crystal to feed off the light. I offered to stay behind and keep an eye on him while my little ones took his friends back. But those three decided to stay and watch over Ash. We all managed to survive a little longer thanks to Necrozma absorbing Ash's light before giving what little light was left to us. But Ash is dying. Necrozma needs lots of light to return to its original self and a single human doesn't have enough light to help it heal. Necrozma has drained so much light from Ash that it's making him weaker. I was ready to abandon hope again when a new opportunity appeared."
Everyone gasped as Solgaleo and Lunala suddenly came through an Ultra Wormhole before going towards the section where Ash was lying.
"Apparently, Solgaleo had been searching for Ash for a while," Naganadel explained, showing Solgaleo nudging the crystal coffin that held Ash. "When he found him, he couldn't figure out how to break Ash free without hurting him or Necrozma. Sensing the light from Solgaleo and Lunala, Necrozma awoke again, releasing Ash before it started to chase Solgaleo and Lunala through the Ultra Wormhole. But Ash didn't wake up after being freed so I told Poipole to follow and find the ones Ash dreams of in hopes that maybe you'd be able to help us."
"What do you mean by the ones he dreams of?" Lillie asked as Naganadel stopped showing its memories.
"In stasis, all Ash can do is dream," Naganadel explained. "When Necrozma shared the light with us, it also shared Ash's dreams and memories. He dreams of you all, his family.” It then looked at Gladion. “Especially you and how much he loves you."
"He loves me?" Gladion murmured just as a loud explosion rocked the nest.
Everyone gasped and ran outside to see Lunala fighting Solgaleo-Necrozma.
"Silvally!" Gladion yelled before quickly climbing onto the chimera’s back. "Umbreon! Lycanroc! Pikachu! Noivern!"
The Pokémon gave nods as they ran forward, Pikachu still holding on to Gladion's shoulder while Silvally ran towards Solgaleo-Necrozma and Lunala.
"Big brother, stop!" Lillie screamed but Gladion ignored her.
"Silvally, Air Slash!" Gladion commanded. "Noivern, Boom Burst! Lycanroc, Stone Edge and Umbreon, Dark Pulse!"
The Pokémon yelled as they unleashed their attacks, but Solgaleo-Necrozma simply glared at Gladion, shaking off the attacks before running towards Lunala again, who started using Phantom Force to dodge and attack.
"Okay Pikachu," Gladion said, glaring at the sight before him. "While the Ultra Beast isn't looking, use Thunderbolt. Then we can get both Solgaleo and Ash back."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded, his cheeks began to spark with electricity.
"Gladion! Stop!"
Gladion paused and looked back to see everyone looking sadly at him.
"This isn't the way," Lana said.
"But if we don't do something, we'll lose both Solgaleo and Lunala!" Gladion snapped. "Ash could die and Alola could be sunk into this darkness!"
"And if we hurt Necrozma, Naganadel, the Poipole and this world could die," Mallow pointed out.
"But..." Gladion stammered. He knew Mallow was right but he couldn't lose Ash. Not again.
"Gladion," Kukui said gently. "Calm down. Think about what Ash would do. What would he want to do?"
Biting his lip, Gladion looked back at the two legendary Pokémon fighting before looking back at the group.
"He'd want to save all of them," he sighed. "Like he said in the memory. He'd want to help them. So how do we do that?"
"Okay, let's think about this," Kukui said. "The light Necrozma wants, we know as Ultra Aura power. We also know that Solgaleo and Lunala are full of it from travelling through Ultra Wormholes."
"And Naganadel said that Ash, Incineroar, Lycanroc and Decidueye were full of it too when they got here," Lana pointed out. "And that's why it attacked Ash first before going after Solgaleo and Lunala."
"But there's something that's been bothering me," Sophocles said, folding his arms. "Naganadel's story. It seems similar to the Blinding One legend Lillie spoke about at school."
"You're right," Mallow realised. "Lillie, tell us the story again?"
"Of course," Lillie nodded. "Once, our land was shrouded in darkness. But when the Blinding One appeared, it shared its light with our land, covering the world with its beautiful and extraordinary power. The power of the light helped to create the islands of Alola but because the Blinding One shared all of its light to create the islands, it no longer had any light for itself. Once all its light was gone, it turned as dark as a starless night and fell into a deep sleep. Suddenly, incarnations of the sun and moon came to life to share their light with the Blinding One. Healed from the sun and moon's light, the Blinding One awoke and shone brightly before disappearing into the sky."
"So, after it left Alola, it must have come here," Lana said. "And the same thing happened before, except this time, it was injured."
"And that's why it attacked Solgaleo and Lunala," Kiawe added. "It wanted their light just like before."
"Because Necrozma is hungry," Sophocles finished.
"But Solgaleo and Lunala can't give it Ultra Aura power if it's attacking them," Gladion pointed out.
"So that means we need to distract it with power," Lana said happily. "Z-power!"
"Of course!" Sophocles added with excitement. "Remember how before we shared Z-Power from our Z-rings to help Lunala heal? We just need to do the same with Necrozma!"
"I think you kids have the right idea," Kukui grinned as he pulled out a pokéball. "Burnet has told me that in her research, she found that there's a mysterious relationship between Ultra Aura power and Z-power. So if we all use our Z-moves, the combined power should heal Necrozma enough that it might release Solgaleo. Incineroar, I need your help!"
The pokéball flashed as Kukui threw it, revealing another Incineroar who nodded at everyone with a growl.
"Okay everyone," Kiawe nodded. "Get ready."
As Tsareena, Vikavolt, Snowy, Primarina, Marowak, Kukui's Incineroar and Silvally stood by their respective partner's side, Kukui looked at the rest of the Pokémon.
"You all go and stay in the cave with the Poipole and Naganadel," he advised. "If we need your help, we'll call for you."
"You too, Pikachu," Gladion added, taking Pikachu off his shoulder and putting him on the ground with the others.
After getting nods and grunts of agreement from the Pokémon, everyone turned their attention back to Solgaleo-Necrozma and Lunala.
"Lunala!" Gladion yelled. "Move out of the way!"
After dodging another attack, Lunala turned to see everyone standing in a line with their Pokémon by their sides. With a nod, Lunala quickly flew out of the way over everyone's heads, causing Solgaleo-Necrozma to give a frustrated growl and glare at everyone. As the Ultra Beast fusion continued to glare at the group in frustration and confusion, Lillie gave Gladion a side glance.
"I thought you'd be using Lycanroc," she said. "Or even Pikachu."
"Pikachu and I haven't done a Z-Move together," Gladion explained as he turned back to smile at Pikachu. "He only wanted to use them with Ash and out of respect, I haven't pushed Pikachu. Also, Silvally and I have been working hard together."
"I'm glad," Lillie smiled. "Everyone ready?"
"Let's go!" Everyone cried as they crossed their arms to activate their Z-Moves.
"With full power!" Everyone yelled as they started to move to send their Z-Power towards their Pokémon.
"Malicious Moonsault!"
"Inferno Overdrive!"
"Hydro Vortex!"
"Bloom Doom!"
"Sub-zero Slammer!"
"Savage Spinout!"
"Breakneck Blitz!"
The Pokémon yelled as they sent their Z-Power towards Solgaleo-Necrozma at an incredible speed, making the Ultra Beast look up. The instant the kaleidoscopic colours hit it, the lights turned orange as Solgaleo-Necrozma started to absorb the light with each inhale. Everyone held their breath as Solgaleo-Necrozma continued to glow before the light disappeared, resulting in Solgaleo-Necrozma roaring with anger as it glared at the group.
"It didn't work!" Lillie cried out in horror.
"It mustn't have been enough!" Mallow exclaimed. "What do we do now?"
"I'm not sure," Kiawe said as Solgaleo- Necrozma activated multi-coloured balls of light before firing them towards the ground and the surrounding cliffs.
"Take cover!" Kukui yelled as an avalanche of rocks started falling towards the group.
Everyone screamed and ran towards the shelter where the other Pokémon were watching worriedly, dodging rocks as they ran.
"Is everyone alright?" Kiawe panted, smiling at Turtonator and Charizard as they started to pat him and Marowak.
As everyone let out noises of agreement, Gladion looked up in time to see Solgaleo-Necrozma charging towards them in anger before Lunala swooped in, knocking Solgaleo-Necrozma back.
"What do we do now?" Gladion asked as he helplessly watched Lunala and Solgaleo-Necrozma begin fighting again.
"I don't know," Kukui said through gritted teeth as he pulled out more Pokeballs. "But we have to keep trying, with everyone's help. Braviary! Lucario! Venusaur! Empoleon! Talonflame!"
As the Pokéballs flashed to reveal the Pokémon, suddenly the wristbands on everyone's gloves started to blink briefly before opening to reveal a video screen.
"Kukui? Kids?" Lusamine's panicked voice came through before showing Lusamine, Burnet and Wicke over the video. "Are you all okay? Can you hear us?"
"Mother!" Lillie cried happily. "We're all okay."
"Oh, thank goodness!" Lusamine sighed. "We lost the communication connection when you all went through the Ultra Wormhole! We've been worried sick! Are you all alright?!"
"What happened?" Burnet asked urgently. "Where are you?"
"We're in Poipole's world," Kukui explained. "We found Ash, Lycanroc, Decidueye and Incineroar."
"You did?" Burnet cried happily, covering her mouth. "Is he okay? Wait, Decidueye and Incineroar? You mean, Litten and Rowlet evolved?"
Kukui lifted his wrist to show Lycanroc, Decidueye and Incineroar next to him.
"Oh my goodness!" Burnet cried as Lycanroc and Incineroar growled happily while Decidueye gave an excited hoot. "It's so wonderful to see you. But where's Ash?"
"Ash is unconscious at the moment," Lana informed her.
"What? How come?" Lusamine asked while Burnet looked worried. "What's going on?"
"We arrived in Poipole's world and met a creature called Naganadel and a bunch of Poipole," Sophocles explained. "Naganadel told us about how Necrozma lived with them sharing its power before it got injured."
"Necrozma?" Lusamine asked in confusion.
"It's what they call the Blinding One," Lillie explained. "We also learned that it lost its light protecting them and it became UB Black as a result."
"You were right, Burnet," Lusamine said. "It's just like what you translated from the murals. But why is Ash unconscious?"
"The Poipole that came to our world brought Ash and his Pokémon in through an Ultra Wormhole," Gladion explained. "UB Black attacked Ash and encased him in crystal to absorb Ultra Aura power from him. After Solgaleo and Lunala came to this world, Necrozma released Ash to absorb them both but it's taken so much Ultra Aura power from Ash that he's weak now and won't wake up. We tried to get Necrozma to release Solgaleo by giving Z-Energy with our Z-moves but it wasn't enough."
"That's because it needs more power," Burnet realised. "Not just from you but from lots of people and Pokémon."
"What do you mean?" Mallow asked.
"According to the mural," Burnet explained. "When the Blinding One lost all its light, Solgaleo and Lunala weren't the only ones who shared their Ultra Aura power with it. The people and Pokémon of Alola shared their Ultra Aura power too."
"So how do we send it the power it needs?" Sophocles asked.
"Of course, now it makes sense!" Burnet grinned.
"What makes sense?" Kiawe asked.
"Tapu Koko is on the other side of the Ultra Wormhole making this sign!" Burnet told the group, holding up her hands to show the sign Tapu Koko was making.
"That's the sign the Island Kahunas make with their hands when they give acknowledgments to the Blinding One during the Manalo Festival," Kukui noticed.
"Tapu Koko is sending its Z-Power through the Ultra Wormhole this way," Lusamine cried happily. "We all have to do it too! I'll contact the Island Kahunas to help us!"
"And we'll start sending our Z-Power to Necrozma right now!" Mallow said as everyone moved out into the clearing along with their Pokémon before they started to position their hands, paws, flippers and wings in the correct way to give the Z-Power. Gladion closed his eyes.
Please Necrozma, he prayed as he focused on sending his Z-Power towards Necrozma. Please, accept our Z-Power and please, give Ash back to me.
When Gladion opened his eyes and looked around, he sighed in relief to see Z-Power flowing towards Solgaleo-Necrozma from not only his own hands but the Pokémon and his friends too. Even Naganadel and the Poipole were using the same pose to send Z-Power towards Solgaleo-Necrozma too.
"It's working!" Lillie cried happily as Solgaleo-Necrozma released Lunala's wing before giving a weak growl as Z-Power started to engulf it lightly.
"And more Z-Power is coming through the Ultra Wormhole!" Sophocles grinned as more bright orange light came down to cover Solgaleo-Necrozma.
"Even Lunala is helping!" Kukui proclaimed as Lunala floated down briefly to give Z-Power as well.
As the Z-Power light rained down, the Ultra Beast fusion broke apart with a growl, releasing Solgaleo, who collapsed from exhaustion onto the ground. The second the Solgaleo crumpled, Lunala quickly flew down and started to nuzzle the giant lion, who gave tired whimpers while Necrozma started reassembling itself.
"Yes! It worked!" Kiawe cheered. "Now all we have to do is keep giving Z-Power to Necrozma!"
When it finished reassembling itself, Necrozma suddenly gave an angry cry before charging towards the group, activating its rainbow orb attack again.
"Out of the way!" Kiawe yelled as the attack hit the ground, sending everyone flying backwards with screams of pain.
As everyone laid on the ground groaning in pain, Gladion looked up in time to see Necrozma get showered in more Ultra Aura light. Necrozma fell to its knees, groaning and sighing as it absorbed the light before turning to look back at Solgaleo and Lunala. Giving a screech, Necrozma stood up and started to stumble towards the legendary Pokémon. Gladion's eyes narrowed.
"Oh no, you don't!" he snapped as he quickly got to his feet before running to Silvally.
"Wait, Gladion!" Lillie screamed. "Stop!"
"Pikachu! Silvally!" Gladion yelled as he jumped onto Silvally's back.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, quickly leaping to Gladion's shoulder just as Silvally started galloping towards Necrozma.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Gladion commanded. "And Silvally, use Air Slash!"
Pikachu screamed as he jumped in the air, unleashing a Thunderbolt attack while Silvally threw silvery blades towards Necrozma from its crest. Necrozma howled in pain as the attacks hit it before turning to glare at Gladion, who raced past Necrozma.
"Come on!" Gladion taunted. "Come and get me!"
Necrozma snarled as it started to chase after Gladion and Silvally while Kukui and Mallow ran forward with some medicine and Sitrus berries.
"Okay, Pikachu," Gladion told the electric mouse. "Try and throw the biggest Electroweb you can."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded before jumping into the air again, gathering energy into his tail before hurling it towards Necrozma.
The Ultra Beast howled in pain as the electric net pinned it to the ground before struggling against it.
"Okay Silvally, quick!" Gladion said urgently as he navigated Silvally to turn. "While it's distracted."
Silvally grunted as it turned before running back to the group, who had finished helping Solgaleo heal.
"Is Solgaleo alright?" Gladion called as Silvally skidded to a stop in front of the group.
"Solgaleo's fine," Kukui smiled as Solgaleo grunted before looking around anxiously.
"Are you looking for Ash?" Gladion asked as he got off Silvally's back. "He's safe in that cave."
Solgaleo gave a nod before looking over at Necrozma, who had broken free of Pikachu's Electroweb. Gladion turned and glared as Necrozma started stalking towards them again when he suddenly felt someone nudging his back. He looked over his shoulder. Lunala was looking at him while holding out one of her claws. Frowning, Gladion opened his hand, gasping when Lunala dropped a large, purple Z-Crystal into his hand.
"You want me to use a Z-Move?" he asked in shock.
Lunala nodded.
"Okay," Gladion nodded, quickly pulling Ash's Z-ring off his wrist before reaching into his bag to pull out Ash's Solganium Z-Crystal. He then turned towards Kukui, holding out the Z-Ring and the Z-Crystal towards the man. "Professor, do you think you can use Solgaleo's Z-Move?"
"I'll try," Kukui said, taking the Z-Ring and crystal before looking at Solgaleo. "Solgaleo, I know you gave this to Ash but will you use it with me to save him, Necrozma and this land?"
Solgaleo gave a nod before moving to stand alongside Lunala.
"Thank you," Kukui nodded gratefully as he slipped the crystal into Ash's Z-Ring before placing it on his wrist. "Okay, Gladion. You ready?"
"For Ash," Gladion nodded as he and Kukui crossed their arms to activate the Z-Crystals before moving to perform the actions.
"Use Searing Sunraze Smash!"
"Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom!"
Solgaleo shone like the sun as he charged towards Necrozma while Lunala flew into the air, glowing a bright white colour before creating blue light orbs around it that fired towards Necrozma. As the light from Solgaleo and Lunala's power flew through the air, it hit Necrozma hard, causing it to collapse to the ground in a dark cloud of smoke. Everyone watched with apprehension, wondering if Necrozma was going to get up again and attack, only to gasp as soft iridescent lights broke through the smoke. As the smoke cleared, everyone watched in amazement as Necrozma's crystal-like body broke apart again, this time turning a beautiful golden colour as it reconnected itself together using Ultra Aura power.
"Wow!" Sophocles said in amazement as Necrozma started floating up towards the sky while the Poipole cheered. "It looks like a dragon-type Pokémon, doesn't it?"
"It does," Kukui smiled.
Necrozma then gave a deep inhale before looking towards the sky, creating a beam of light that broke through the dark clouds before it rained to the ground, making the plants grow again. As everyone continued to watch Necrozma make Poipole's world fertile and beautiful again, Gladion gasped, remembering that Ash was still unconscious inside the cave. After quickly running back to where Ash was lying, he fell to his knees beside Ash before pulling his body into his arms.
"Ash?" he asked hopefully as he gently brushed Ash's hair. "Are you okay?"
No answer. Biting his lip, Gladion carefully picked up Ash and carried him out of the cave. As soon as he got outside, he saw everyone talking to Naganadel.
"Professor?" Gladion called.
Everyone turned at the sound of Gladion's voice before Kukui walked over to help Gladion carefully place Ash on the ground. Once he was on the ground, Kukui started feeling for a pulse while everyone rushed over.
"Is he...?" Gladion asked in a worried tone
"It's faint but it's there," Kukui confirmed. "He must still be weak from Necrozma taking Ultra Aura power from him while it was injured."
Suddenly, there was a gentle purring noise. Everyone looked up to see Necrozma float down closer to the group before reaching down to gently touch Ash's chest with one of its clawed fingers. There was a moment of silence when Ash's eyes suddenly shot open as he deeply inhaled before panting and coughing. Gladion sighed in relief as Ash panted, his eyes closing briefly before opening them again.
"Professor?" he whispered hopefully. "Gladion?"
"Hey Ash," Gladion smiled as Kukui helped Ash sit up.
"You're both here," Ash whispered joyfully before noticing everyone else. "You're all here."
Gladion smiled as he threw his arms around Ash before Kukui pulled both boys into a hug.
"I've missed you so much," he sighed, tears welling up.
"I've missed you too Gladion," Ash smiled as he leaned into the embrace, squeezing Gladion's hands while rubbing his face into Kukui's chest. "And I've missed you, Professor."
"I've missed you too Ash," Kukui smiled, crying softly.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu cried happily as he ran towards Ash before wiggling under Gladion's arms to bury himself in the hug, happily nuzzling his face against Ash's chest.
"Oh Pikachu," Ash sighed, releasing one of Gladion's hands so he could hug his best friend. "I've missed you so much, buddy!"
"Pikachu," came the muffled answer from Ash's chest as everyone else fell to their knees to join the hug.
"I've missed all of you," Ash smiled as he tried to hug everyone back.
"We've missed you too, Ash," Mallow smiled.
Everyone then released the hug, only for Ash to get swamped by Pokémon. They smiled as they watched Ash hug and nuzzle every Pokémon before giggling as Solgaleo licked Ash's face.
"Oh Solgaleo," Ash smiled as he hugged the Legendary Pokémon. "I'm so sorry I asked you to do what you did but thank you so much for keeping everyone safe."
"Can you walk?" Kiawe asked as everyone quickly returned their Pokémon.
"I don't know," Ash admitted as he tried to stand up only to collapse to the ground. "I can't. I'm too weak."
"I'll carry you," Kukui smiled, picking Ash up. "Let's go home."
"But what about the Poipole and Naganadel?" Ash asked worriedly. "And Lycanroc, Incineroar and Decidueye's Pokéballs?"
"I have their Pokéballs," Lillie smiled, opening her bag and pulling out three scratched Pokeballs. "I found them earlier. I'll look after them. Lycanroc, Incineroar, Decidueye, return please."
"But what about Naganadel and the Poipole?" Ash asked again as Lillie returned Ash's Pokémon.
"Naganadel just told us that it and the Poipole want to stay so they can protect the land and Necrozma," Sophocles explained.
"Really?" Ash asked.
"Really," Kiawe confirmed as everyone started walking towards their Ride Pokémon.
"Come on Ash," Gladion smiled as he squeezed Ash's hand before climbing onto Noivern. "Let's go home."
"Yes," Ash smiled as Kukui placed him in Garchomp's saddle before climbing behind him. "Home."
***
Gladion sat with everyone by Ash's bed, watched quietly as Lusamine, Burnet and Wicke examined Ash and his Pokémon while Kukui held a laptop open to a video call to Delia, who was sobbing hard at the sight of her son, bruised and tired but alive.
"I've missed you so much, sweetheart," Delia smiled, tears falling.
"I've missed you too, Mama," Ash sniffed. "I'm so sorry."
"It doesn't matter," Delia shook her head. "You're home and you're safe. That's all that matters. I'm going to book a flight right now so I can come over to Melemele immediately. I'm going to smother you, Littie, Rocky and Rowlie with so many hugs and feed you guys so much."
"That sounds awesome," Ash smiled, ignoring the embarrassing nicknames his mother had created for his Pokémon.
"I'll let you know when I'm on my way," Delia smiled before her face turned stern. "Now you get lots of rest and listen to the professors and Lusamine."
"I will Mama," Ash smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too baby," Delia smiled as she blew a kiss before closing the call.
Ash smiled as Kukui closed the laptop. "Thanks, Professor," he smiled tiredly as he reached for the man’s hand. "It was wonderful to see her. We've missed everyone, haven't we guys?"
Incineroar, Lycanroc and Decidueye nodded tiredly before curling up to go to sleep with the other Pokémon. Ash smiled softly before lying back against his pillows.
"Oh man," he sighed. "I've probably got so many people to call. Professor Oak, Misty, Brock-."
"We'll contact them," Lillie smiled as Lusamine and Wicke started putting away their medical equipment. "You need to rest until you get your strength back."
"Speaking of, I believe it's time for Ash to have some quiet time,” Burnet smiled kindly. “Come on everyone. You all need to be checked over after what you've all been through. You too, Kukui."
"Yes, Professor," Kukui and the kids said as they started to leave Ash's room.
"Gladion wait!" Ash called, causing Gladion to pause and turn back. "Could you stay for a little bit? I need to tell you something."
"Yeah," Gladion smiled before looking at his mother. "Mother, is that okay?"
"Sure honey," Lusamine smiled. "We'll give you some privacy."
After everyone had left and closed the door, Gladion looked at Ash, who gently patted a spot on the bed.
"Please sit with me?" he requested.
Gladion nodded as he sat on the bed facing Ash. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Ash smiled shyly. "I just... there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" Gladion asked in a curious tone.
"First off, I'm so sorry about what I did," Ash said. "When I saw the Ultra Wormhole closing, I got really scared. All I was thinking was 'what if the other Nihilego started attacking?' I had to make sure you were all safe and I thought-."
"Ash," Gladion interrupted gently. "It's okay. I know why you did. I admit I hated that you did that but I know why you did. I'm just relieved you're alright."
Ash nodded before sighing. "Thanks. Anyway, when I was travelling through the Ultra Beasts' worlds, trying to find a way back to Alola, I only had one thing on my mind."
"What?"
Ash took a deep breath, his cheeks colouring. "You. All I could think about was you and finding my way back to you so I could tell you that... that..."
"That?" Gladion pressed hopefully. Was Ash going to...
"That I'm in love with you," Ash admitted as he looked down. "It's okay if you don't feel the same way. I just... I needed to tell you-."
"Ash," Gladion smiled softly. "I love you too."
Ash looked up in surprise to see Gladion beaming at him. "Really?"
"One of the things I regretted the most when Nihilego took you was that I didn't tell you how much I love you," Gladion sighed. "I never gave up trying to find you."
Ash smiled as he placed his hand over Gladion's. "Thank you Gladion. Thank you for finding me."
Gladion smiled softly as he leaned forward to press a kiss to Ash's forehead. Ash closed his eyes and sighed happily as Gladion gently rubbed his forehead against Ash's before opening them again.
"Stay with me a little longer?" he invited as he lay against the pillows.
Gladion smiled as he turned to lie on the bed, smiling as Ash shifted until his head was resting on Gladion's chest.
"As long as you want," Gladion smiled, running his fingers through Ash's hair. "As long as you want."