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storylocke · 6 months

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Alolan Dusk 6

Gladion:

Looks like some kind of hidden recording device, but it's not like one I've ever seen.

Lillie:

He probably made it himself. When Ilima first contacted us about this rescue mission, I even teased him how surprised I was to learn he became a field agent since he was always much better with his machines. [Soberly] It looks like now I was right...

Gladion:

Depends on who or what got to him. If it's our mystery monster, even the professionals were out of their league with that. [Soft hum as it isn't a very complicated device, but he's still surprised how easy it is to open.] There's only one file that says it stopped after fourteen hours of recording. I assume he left it running before it maxed out.

Lillie:

[Nervous as she’s not sure she wants to see, but part of her just has to know what’s on it] Can we play it?

Gladion:

[Leans back] Pull the chair around, this could take a while.

[There's a fuss of static as she drags the guest chair from the other side of the desk. There’s something obscure in the light before it suddenly cuts out. As she settles in, they both huddle closer to the dark screen to see if they can make out anything.]

"Won't be ...he finds the ...here...?"

Gladion:

[Shakes head and goes to mess with the sound mix.]

"Joke's on him. We've got a full battalion..."

Lillie:

[Sits back and turns it back down a bit] Okay, he came in very clear that time. That must have been when Ilima put it in his pocket.

"Put your fangs away and think for a moment. That thing just took out my house, what do you think it'd do to a Snubbull?"

[They both freeze as the other voice also comes out much clearer than before and Lillie pales at the familiarity of it.]

"We can't just sit here and wait for that, that… OUTSIDER to come down here-"

[As the ensuing argument and plan between the two plays out, there's no denying the voices. Kukui took off for the stairs and the sound goes quiet, except for the increasing hush of the pouring rain as they can assume Ilima stepped outside. For a brief moment the video clears to show a ground level glimpse at the battle about to begin on the beach. Gladion goes back to pause it, and while the rain, distance, and the gray hue of the night vision makes it impossible to distinguish the figures, Lillie clutches a hand to the ribbon on her blouse.]

Lillie:

Professor…

Gladion:

[Nods] And that's our monster, but is it Necrozma? You're the only one left who's seen it.

Lillie:

[The snapshot is too grainy to tell for sure, but as she leans in to see what she can make out, her eyes widen as the memory strikes her.] I think it is! See that? [Her finger circles a point at the creature's side and he tries to enlarge it.] That's its paw. I distinctly remember these massive claws that didn't seem to fit with the rest of it. And when it took over Nebby, it still had those strange arms hanging off of it. [Curls her fingers as she retakes her seat] Oh… I don't know if I can watch…

Gladion:

I don't think we have to since it went dark again.

[He fixes the screen and, sure enough, the video is dark for what feels like an eternity. All they can hear was the rush. The storm, the heavy breathing from running, a cry from a Tauros… Gladion starts to skip the tape ahead by thirty-second intervals to see if there was anymore to hear. The ocean, the motor…

The rain eases up as they can only assume from Ilima entering the shelter of the cabin. The light flicks on to a colorless video set to night vision mode and the camera spins to right itself. The fledgling detective breathes a sigh of relief at the screen as he brushes his wet bangs out of his face and tries to steady himself.]

Ilima:

I… I'm still not sure exactly what just happened back there, but I need to say… something. This is either going to make total sense when I watch this later or sound absolutely ludicrous. If anyone besides me should be watching this, I need you to make sure this message gets to the head of Aether Paradise. ...If it's not too late.

[He looks out the window with some uneasiness and moves the camera to a place it can sit still while he drives.]

Ilima:

You may call me Dauphine, I am a special agent with the E.I.A., on assignment to aid in the evacuation of Alola to escape the threat of an otherworldly predator. The same which I think just took out Professor Kukui. [Deep breath, keep going] He and I were at his lab to discuss plans for the evacuation. Somehow, it appears word has gotten to our predator, [ahem] what we believe to be a monster known as UB Black, and the news of our abandonment has greatly enraged it. Hard to say if it's distressed or being possessive, but I have no doubt in my mind now that THAT is what we are dealing with. This UB has proven to be far more intelligent than previously thought as it isn't attacking out of blind animosity. It can speak, it can plan, and I've got reason to believe now that the targets so far have all been to maintain its greatest secret. To keep any information that would help us to track it from getting out. Our studies have shown that UB Black can take control of other beings in the form of masks, and it is able to morph its own body into a sort of armor for the possessed. However, we've had accounts of it being able to fully absorb and manipulate its victim, though that may be circumstantial to the nature of the Pokemon. What I fear… is can it let itself be absorbed? [He shakes his head, his face graven as he seems held by some train of thought he can't convey.] Let me rephrase that. There was something definitely human about our attacker, and now I've got a hunch that UB Black's latest victim is actually a Trainer that it's using as both a stabilizer and shield since its true form might be incorporeal. But if, [he emphasizes at the screen] IF it's possible that the UB is able to hide itself away in its vessel like other Outsiders have been known to do, then we have to be on the highest alert when bringing people into Paradise. Aether, if you are listening, listen carefully. I don't know if you have a way to detect…

[Ilima pauses as though he heard or sensed something and gives a subtle glance over his shoulder. He quickly reaches for the camera and slips it back into the blackness of his pocket.]

Ilima:

But I highly doubt this UB would be bold enough to enter in plain sight.

Lillie:

[Seems to notice it about the same time he did. Grips Gladion's shoulder.] Go back, go back, just, like, ten seconds!

[Gladion rewinds and puts the video at half speed. There's definitely something in the background as an object falls outside the glass doorway, then starts to lift. While it's impossible to make out a form, just as Ilima goes to glance behind him, a bright pair of lights shaped like a huge set of eyes appears in the space behind him. The vision blurs as the camera gets moved and finally goes dark again. Gladion gives a cautionary glance at his sister, seeing the distress on her face, but the temptation is too great. He sets it back to normal speed, curious to know if there's more.

A shrill screech followed by the sound of the door breaking mixes with the startled shout from the young agent. It must have been quick. The shuffle of cloth, the pounding on the boat's hard wooden floor, the metallic claws likely carving into the narrow walls like the president had seen when they went to investigate. Gladion's hand hovers over the mouse but he just can't bring himself to turn it off yet. Lillie turns the chair away to get up and covers her ears as she anticipates the screaming.]

Lillie:

[Even if they couldn't see, her mind reeled as she could well imagine it.] Gladion, please! I think we know what happens from here.

Gladion:

Huh? [Looks over to realize she's not next to him anymore. Stands up to see her just as she steps out the door.] Lillie, come back! We still need to discuss… [He leans out the office and sees her stepping quickly, but not rushed enough to alert anyone passing by that something was wrong. Sighs. He'll catch her later when she's had time to talk to Wicke and calm down. Lillie was right though, after this was likely several hours of drifting at sea and no new information.]

“Fast, aren't you?”

[A consistent wave of static starts to roll down the screen, varying in thickness, but a strained guttural voice comes in almost clear.]

“There’s nowhere to run here. Why don't you fight back?”

Gladion:

… … …? [That wasn't Ilima. Turns around and slowly approaches the desk again in curiosity.]

Ilima:

Exactly. [Strained as though under the weight of something and filled with anger as opposed to fear.] We both know what happens now… is inevitable. The plan is… in motion… and you can't stop it. You WILL lose… even… if I can't win.

[There comes something like… laughter. A hissing sound so close to the mic, it had to have been on top of him. Ilima has nothing to retort with as the only sound is a restrained whine from the pain. The screen suddenly starts to brighten. So bright that the camera is somewhat able to peer at the terrible, twisted face, though it's obscured by its view through the mesh of cloth. Gladion feels his own heart start to race as it appears to look straight at him, the dread to realize this was likely the last thing their guest had seen before passing out. The large glowing eyes set deeply into a black mask that spiked at the edges, ended at the nose, and a pale human mouth with an arrogant grin that opens as if ready to feed before everything suddenly turns into indiscernible static.]

Gladion:

[Jumped back as he hadn't expected the abrupt visual but he's a bit glad Lillie left after all. He cranks down the volume of the static and goes back to pause on the attempted view of the face and thinks on the agent's advice. A human… No, a monster with a human mask. How were they ever going to find him?]

=+=

[It had been a long day, but Lillie returned to the quiet of the hospital ward that evening. Having just seen Ilima in the video earlier, it's almost surreal to come back and see him so still. Gently taking his hand, she tries to smile as she gives it a pat.]

Lillie:

Welcome home. [Glances around the room with a bit of a sigh.] I'm not sure if you can hear me, but… Thank you. For trying, at least. It might make you happy to know that we got your message. Even though I'm not sure how much it helps since we don't really have a way to tell Shadows apart from anyone else until something happens. [Let's him go and eases his arm back to his side] … … I'm probably talking to one right now. [Tries to sound hopeful] We'll take care of you though. And Professor Kukui, if we can find him. It may not ideal but… But we'll figure out something.

[Listens to the monitor beeping as he continues to sleep. She doesn't really expect any sort of response, but after a moment she finally comes out of her daydreaming and goes to sit down in the visitor's seat.]

Lillie: All this planning, it's hard to believe we're finally doing this. [She thought of all her friends in Alola. Of what Gladion said before about bracing herself for even more bad news. She thought of Necrozma's first appearance when her mother fell from the Ultra Wormhole onto the altar, frightened and injured, telling them to run. Run. Run. It's all she ever did, wasn't it? But one person kept coming to mind through all of this. Was Roark still okay? Was he even still out there somewhere?]

~~~~~~~

A/N: [Static Noises] :)

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#twitch plays pokemon #alolan dusk #lillie aether #gladion aether #captain ilima #horror #mystery #story

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animationadventures · 2 years

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Looking back on Gen 7 of Pokemon today, I’m still mad that the anime and Ultra Sun and Moon both downplayed Lusamine’s characterization as a toxic and abusive mother, instead making her a victim of the Ultra Beasts’ poison.

They had the story set up to have Kukui and Burnet adopt Lillie and Gladion since Lillie outright states that they have been better parents to her in months than Lusamine has been in years.

Even with the additional worldbuilding of Necrozma, Ultra Space, and the Ultra Beasts, I still maintain the original Sun and Moon is better at characterization.

#pokemon sun and moon #gladion aether #lillie aether #lusamine aether #pokemon

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jadeazora · 2 months

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I already posted this when Absol datamined it, but that Lillie/Lusamine/Gladion art 🤩

#pokemon masters #pokemas #pokemon sun and moon #gladion #lusamine #pokemon lillie #aether foundation

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itzahk123 · 5 months

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A Father and his children play together

#lusamine #mohn #lillie #gladion #anipoke #professor mohn #aether family #pokemon sun and moon #pokemon anime #sm116 #Sm127 #jn111 #Sm145

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askpokepelago · 1 year

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Moon, Gladion, and Hau’s Silvally playing tug-of-war on the shores of PokePelago

#silvally #art post #these are drawings I did late 2021 when I was hoping to start the blog back up again #but seeing as how my entire old audience has left and nobody has read the plot thus far I guess there's no point #I mean Mohn is talking to Lillie for the first time ever and nobody cares about that which really saddens me #since thats one of the things I find most abhorrent about USUM's handling of the aether family #this illustration was for an event where Mohn and Gladion finally mend their relationship in a meaningful way #while giving Gladion some insight and appreciation for his father's tenacity and what he's made of Pokepelago #if you want bad enough I'll recap and post future doodles on TheGoodSpirit on tumblr if you wanna follow my work as a whole universe #in Pokemon world

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pokemas-conversation-repository · 2 months

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Alright, everyone, prepare yourselves! the Anniversary Celebrations are about to begin!

#pokemas #pokemas conversations #gladion pokemon #rival gladion #trainer gladion #team skull gladion #lusamine pokemon #aether president lusamine #aether foundation lusamine #lillie pokemon #trainer lillie

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lorekeeper-backset · 2 months

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"Haha, sorry about that. My bad." -Lusamine (I Don't care that this is USUM Lusamine)

Yeah, this family would know quite a bit about separation wouldn't they.

Don't worry, Lusamine, your husband is happy as the Bean Man.

#backset blabbers #pokemon #pokemas #gladion pokemon #team skull gladion #rival gladion #trainer gladion #lusamine pokemon #aether foundation lusamine #aether president lusamine #lillie pokemon #trainer lillie

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ask-sarah-and-co · 1 month

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Wyvern touched down just outside of Rose Tower.

Sarah checked her phone as the four dismounted, 7:30. They were right on time, then.

She patted the aerodactyl. “Rest up, buddy. We’re headed elsewhere after the party!” He trilled back, as if to say that the flight didn’t wear him out at all, before she returned Wyvern to his pokeball. She checked the clock again, for good measure. 7:31.

“Why’re we so early?” Silver glanced over her shoulder and scowled at the time. (At least, she assumed it was the time. He could be scowling at her super cute wallpaper of Sparkle.)

His boyfriend rolled his eyes. “Common wedding courtesy is arriving 15 minutes before the set time.”

Silver exchanged a look with Hugh.

“The elevator to go up also takes a while.” Sarah’s eyes trailed up the tower, the very same one where many things happened 4 years ago. Or was it 3…? She could never remember.

“Well then,” Hugh lightly shoved the two guys in the direction of the entrance, “We’ve stalled enough out here. Let’s get going.”

— 💎— 🎸—

She fidgeted, tapping her foot as the elevator slowly moved upwards. Sarah could remember going up with Hop like it was yesterday. She glanced at the other three, still thinking to herself. Would Hop be there? Would Bede and Marnie?

Sarah thought again, probably not. Galar’s hero or not, Leon probably wouldn’t want Hop going. And Piers, Marnie. Would Bede even want to go?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. She glanced at Gladion, who gestured to the standing display that signified they were near the top of the tower.

“Brace yourselves.” Hugh looked at the other three somewhat seriously, but Sarah could see the excited twinkle in his eyes. “We don’t know what we’re in for.”

— 💎— 🎸—

The first sight was a green haired man standing in front of an elegant door. Was that door there 4 years ago? She still couldn’t remember.

“So. We meet again.” The man smiled at Sarah and her boyfriend. “Hugh,” He nodded and handed him a large, crisp envelope, “And… Sarah, right?”

She nodded, and he handed her an envelope too. Her full name was inked out in a rose gold script on the front. Just above Team Rocket’s R and Marco Cosmos’ emblems.

“N!” The girl studied the man who had (inadvertently) saved them from Ghetsis. “It’s been a while!”

“Indeed it has.”

“Is your outfit based on-?”

“Reshiram?” He smiled, “It is.” N glanced at the other two. “Names?”

Silver only stared. “If you know them, then what’re you doing working here?!”

N only smiled. “Well, officially? Chairman Rose pays well. But if you truly must know,” His expression shifted to a more serious one, “I’m keeping an eye on Ghetsis.”

“He’s here?!” Hugh’s eyes widened.

N deliberately looked away. “You two. Names.”

“Gladion.”

“Silver.”

He handed them the envelopes. “Please read through everything. The seating chart is also in there.” He gestured beyond the doors, “The ceremony will take place straight ahead, soon. Sign the guest book along the way, if you have time.”

“But-”

N ignored Hugh’s protest, opening the doors and gesturing them inside. “Please enjoy the experience!”

— 💎— 🎸—

Sarah glanced around the “chapel,” which was just a large portion of the tower’s top floor walled off. The view of Wyndon at night was beautiful. At least the two villains had taste.

She glanced at the chairs set out, not too many. She then spotted a few people she recognized, “Leon!”

Sarah noticed that he was wearing his battle tower suit instead of his champion outfit while running over to him. She glanced back at the other three, who took their assigned seats, before tackling the champion.

“Sarah!” Leon hugged her, then ruffled her hair. “What’re you doing here?”

“I was invited! As one of Galar’s heroes, of course!” She looked around for Hop.

Leon chuckled, like he could tell what she was thinking. “Oh, I wouldn’t let Hop go. Him and the other two.” Leon shook his head, “I feel like they’re up to no good, Rose and Giovanni, but I know you’ll be alright. You’re a brilliant battler, at least!”

Sarah shrugged, “Figures.” She then looked at the other man standing with him.

“Ah, so this is the protégée you’ve been speaking of, Leon?”

Sarah excitedly grinned at the Kan-Joh champion. (She noted that he chose a simple suit with darker versions of the signature dragon-type colors.) “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lance! My name’s Sarah!”

He extended his hand for a shake, which she eagerly returned, “You too, kiddo. Shame you fought the league while I was on vacation.”

“Oh yeah! I did.” Was that really 3 years ago? Or 2? “Karen’s pretty strong, though!”

“She is.”

— 💎— 🎸—

Sarah wandered back to her assigned seat, watching as guests arrived. A man, who looked like Rose, arrived with two girls- one she thought might be about her age. A man who had wild orange hair (was that the Lysandre guy from Kalos?) arrived with… Professor Sycamore? What was he doing here??

When Ghetsis arrived, she kept glancing at Hugh. He sent her a reassuring smile, as if to say, “Don’t worry, I won’t make a scene. But I still hate him.”

Giovanni’s executives arrived together. She couldn’t remember any of their names except Proton’s, who sent her a friendly wave which she returned.

She stopped really paying attention when a portal shimmered open from the floor, which Cyrus stepped out of. He took a seat, but the ghost of a chain on his ankle still shimmered in the air.

A few other people arrived, but she didn’t fully recognize them. Maybe they were from other universes, haha.

To the left of the altar, she and the others sat with Leon, Lance, and some of the people she didn’t know.

Everyone took their seats at 8:15, as the executives moved to the front. Proton stood with the blue haired guy on the left, the purple haired guy and the red haired woman on the right. (From her appearance, and the way Silver kept glaring at her, Sarah guessed that she was his mother.)

When the lights dimmed, she snapped out of her thoughts.

— 💎— 🎸—

Giovanni walked down the aisle (pre-decorated with rose petals) in a black suit and a red tie, done in Rose’s signature style.

He was soon followed by Oleana, who stood behind him. Was she really qualified to be the priest?

When Rose walked down the aisle, his suit a brilliant white and his tie matching his fiancée’s, she barely spared a glance at him. Neither did her friends. They stared at the woman walking him down the aisle. Her dress was a pale yellow with splotches of color shimmering at the bottom, and her blonde hair styled back elegantly. She walked him up to the altar, and sat down next to Cyrus.

Lusamine smiled at her niece and her son, turning back to the altar when Oleana cleared her throat.

— 💎— 🎸—

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Galar’s own Chairman Rose Azalea, and Kanto’s Giovanni Rocket.” People clapped politely, which Oleana silenced with a dramatic hand flourish.

“Gio.” Rose smiled, “We’ve known each other for quite some time…”

The chairman kept talking, but Sarah zoned out. She wondered what moments of her life led up to this moment. She really should have just not come.

Giovanni started speaking, but she didn’t listen to that either. Hugh could probably just tell her what they- oh wait, no. He was too busy glaring at Ghetsis behind her back.

When Oleana started talking again, she tuned back in.

— 💎— 🎸—

“-Rose, do you take Giovanni for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“Giovanni, do you take Rose for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

“I do.”

Oleana nodded. “The rings?” Everyone turned as Giovanni’s persian confidently walked down the aisle, a pillow with the rings in his mouth, before sitting at Lusamine’s feet. (Because of course he did.)

The two each took one and placed them on each other’s hands.

Oleana smiled as she stepped to the side, “Now you may kiss the groom.”

— 💎— 🎸—

“Cocktail hour sucks.” Silver scowled at no one in particular, “We can’t even drink.”

“These hors d’oeuvres are good, at least.” Sarah plopped down her plate, which had a bunch of deviled eggs, cheese cubes, and a few sausages.

Hugh shook his head, “The limit was two per-”

“Pffft.” She popped a cheese into her mouth, “It’s the least Rose can do.”

Gladion chuckled, “Sarah-”

“Shhh, wait. This is the best part of Galarian weddings.”

They turned to the center of the room, where the center of the floor sunk in and revealed a battle court.

Giovanni and Rose walked towards the center, where they sent out their nidoking and copperajah respectively.

“What are they-”

“Part of the Galarian tradition is that the couple has their first battle at the reception!”

They kept watching as the two pokemon exchanged blows, but copperajah eventually fell.

Rose healed his pokemon as someone passed Giovanni a microphone.

Silver smirked. “Heh. Looks like it’s the Kantonian part of the wedding, then.”

“Huh-”

“My dear guests,” Giovanni grinned at everyone seated, “Let the battles commence. Whoever beats me and my husband the swiftest shall receive a… reward we’ll say.”

Sarah glanced at Hugh. “You wanna-?”

“You didn’t even have to ask.” They grinned and exchanged a fist bump.

Gladion grinned at his boyfriend, “Guess that means-”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Silver’s smile didn’t match his tone.

— 💎— 🎸—

Sarah grinned while watching the two girls fight. One had a tyrantrum and the other a sylveon. She couldn’t help but feel bad- based on type matchups alone, they were screwed. The thought must’ve jinxed something, because the second she turned back to the court, both pokemon were being returned.

“Ooh, that means it’s our turn!”

Hugh grinned in return, “We mop the floor with ‘em?”

“You know it!”

— 💎— 🎸—

“Sparkle!” Sarah then did a weird… gesture? Dance? Giovanni and Rose exchanged a look, eyes widening when energy shimmered around her. “Extreme Evoboost!”

Her eevee channeled the Z-Power, and a blue aura shimmered around her.

“Bouffalant, Psych Up!” The bovine copied Sparkle’s double omni boost.

“But that shouldn’t be possible-”

Sarah grinned proudly. “Cobalion taught him! My Cobalion!”

Giovani chuckled to himself. “Of course they did. Nidoking, Megahorn. Target the eevee.”

“Copperajah, Iron Head! Follow nidoking.”

“Sparkle, use Freezy Frost on nidoking!”

“Bouffalant, hit copperajah with your strongest Close Combat!”

— 💎— 🎸—

The two plopped back down at the table.

“That must’ve been record timing!”

The duo turned to Silver, who showed the timer on his phone- 5 minutes. “And most of that was just me dancing!”

“Speaking of time,” Silver turned to Gladion with a scowl. “Hurry up.”

“I’ve gotta pick the right disk.”

“They don’t share any weaknesses.”

“Ooh, water might be good. Resists steel.”

“Hah!” Gladion plucked the blue disk from his case, “Knew I could count on you, cuz.”

— 💎— 🎸—

“Think they’ll beat them?”

“I think they’ll take out nidoking, but I don’t know what they’ll do against Coppera-”

“Silvally, use Flamethrower!”

“Weavile, Brick Break!”

“…I stand corrected.”

— 💎— 🎸—

“Congratulations, Sarah. And your boyfriend too.” Rose handed her a 300P gift card for Smoliv Garden.

“…Thanks Rose.” She pocketed it.

“That’s Chairman Rose to you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” She grinned, “Thanks Rose.”

She watched as Rose and Giovanni left the room. Likely for pictures. She checked her phone again, 10:25. Dinner was at 11. There was still a while to hang out…

— 💎— 🎸—

“Sarah.” A voice called out to her, and also patted her shoulder.

She looked up from her arms and very eloquently blinked at Hugh. “Huh.”

“Dinner.”

“It’s 11?”

“Yup. You fell asleep.”

She shook herself awake, still disoriented. “Did the others-”

“Yeah, they’re already in the dining hall.”

“Alrighty then, let’s go!”

— 💎— 🎸—

“…Serving Kantonian and Galarian food is a weird choice.”

“You’re telling me.”

Sarah and Hugh sat with the others, each picking up a menu.

“Wow. They’re really going for legit stuff.”

Sarah’s eyes widened, “This is like, four separate caterers!”

“You gonna get ramen?” Gladion glanced at his cousin, who was going down the menu.

“Probably.”

Gladion nodded, “Figures. I think I’ll do the same.”

“Might try the curry.” Hugh smiled at his girlfriend, “Won’t be as good as yours, though.”

She grinned proudly as Silver rolled his eyes.

“Think I’ll get seafood.”

Sarah skimmed the seafood menu. She then shook her head, she was never fond of fish and was allergic to shellfish. There was no point in even looking. About to flip back, the small logo in the corner caught her eye. She smiled slightly to herself as she realized that the caterer was the same resteraunt as the one he’d taken her and Sonia years ago.

They typed their orders into the screen on the table.

— 💎— 🎸—

When the lights dimmed and the couple strutted through the doors, sitting at the head table, Sarah knew they would start droning on again.

“My dear guests. I thank you all-”

She was close to putting her head down and falling asleep again, but decided to just zone out. She snapped back to reality when she saw Lance (who also seemed to be zoning out) peek up out of the corner of her eye.

“-and a thank you to our special guests: Champion Leon, Champion Lance, and Champion Sarah! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here and celebrate with us!”

The three looked at each other from their respective tables, before all three grinned awkwardly at the polite applause.

“And to that, I toast you my friends!” He raised his glass of champagne and everyone followed suit. (The minors only had water in their glasses, but still obliged.)

“Cheers!”

— 💎— 🎸—

Sarah wolfed down her food when it was served.

“I didn’t starve you, did I, dear?” The other three turned to Lusamine, while Sarah kept slurping.

“She’s just like this, Mother.” Gladion frowned, “Now tell us what you’re doing here.”

She only laughed, “Rose has been a dear friend of mine for forever. Not attending his own wedding would be quite rude, especially after he attended mine.”

Before anyone could reply, Sarah dug into her bag, pulling out the envelope and two luxury balls.

“Since you’re going to the gift table, could you put these there for me?”

“I’m regretting the pokemon-as-a-gift decision,” Silver frowned. “How do we know they won’t mistreat them?”

Sarah shook her head emphatically. “They seem alright. And they’re definitely not those two.” She jerked a thumb in the direction of Cyrus and Ghetsis.

Lusamine nodded in agreement, took the three objects, and walked away.

Hugh shook his head, “What was even in that envelope anyways-”

“A check for like, a billion P, probably.” Gladion frowned as Sarah nodded.

Silver only shook his head. “Rich people.”

— 💎— 🎸—

The night commenced with dancing. A lot of dancing.

Sarah wasn’t big on dancing, but even she was dragged on the floor for one slow dance.

The finale of the event happened as the walls lowered into the floor, making the space open once again. The windowed part of the roof opened up and a corviknight taxi flew in. The couple boarded it, calling out “Arrivederci!” and “Bon voyage!” as they showered rose petals and flew off.

Sarah glanced up at the sight, “Is it finally over??”

— 💎— 🎸—

They stalled for a bit, but soon everyone cleared out. Sarah and Hugh also changed, handing their clothes back over to the Aethers.

The quartet stood outside Rose Tower, “…Guess this is goodbye.” Hugh sadly looked at his two friends, as Sarah moved to the side slightly. They needed their own moment.

“Blueberry’s not gonna be the same without you.” Gladion smiled sadly, as Silver nodded.

“Now we might actually have to hang out with Drayton for company.” Silver mimed throwing up, as the other two chuckled.

Gladion and Silver glanced at each other, before each exchanged an arm. Hugh hugged them both tight.

Sarah smiled slightly when Hugh and Gladion extended arms to her too. The four hugged for a while, knowing that breaking apart would mean they were closer to separating.

When they separated, they stood awkwardly.

“…I’m gonna miss you, Gladdy.” She hugged him tight, which he quickly returned.

“I’ll miss you too. I’m… I’m glad we got to spend time together this summer.”

“Me too, cuz. Me too.” If she blinked back tears, that was between her and her eyes.

“You sure you don’t need Wyvern?”

“No. We’re going back with Mother via the flying taxi.”

“And you have everything?”

He nodded.

“Okay.” She turned to Silver, “It was nice meeting you.” She smiled genuinely at him, “You’re good for Gladdy. Thanks for keeping him company.”

He blushed and turned away, but still muttered a thank you. He awkwardly patted her on the back, too.

“Well, you guys should get going.” Hugh frowned slightly.

“Yeah… Aunt Lusamine’s waiting for you.”

They glanced back at the corviknight taxi, like they both forgot she was there.

“Right.”

“Well,” They both started jogging backwards. “Arrivederci. Or whatever.” Silver grinned.

“Well keep in touch. Promise.” Gladion and Silver fully turned and ran to the taxi.

Gladion, Silver, and Lusamine waved from the taxi as it disappeared into the night.

— 💎— 🎸—

“Sarah. Wait.” Hugh placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her from running off.

She turned to him, confused.

“I, uh.” He took out his love ball and released applin, also taking out the tart apple she’d given him months ago. “I- We talked it over.” He gestured between himself and applin, “He’s ready.”

Sarah let out an excited gasp, cupping both his hands with her own. “Really?”

He nodded, and applin trilled in agreement.

“Consider it a… a salud to new adventures, yeah?” She nodded excitedly.

Applin touched the apple and they were surrounded in a blue glow.

Flapple filed around their heads, as they each gave him a pet. Hugh returned him to his pokeball, and pocketed it.

Sarah tackled her boyfriend in a hug, “Dawww, you getting all romantic on me, Hugh?”

He laughed, “Are you tearing up again?”

“No,” She wiped her face, “I got, uh, apple. In my eye. Yeah.”

He laughed again, cupping her face. “C’mere, you dork.”

She pulled him close, kissing him.

They pulled apart, noses touching.

“You ready for whatever’s next?”

His smile was soft, “Anything.”

Prologue fin.

— 💎— 🎸—

Cameos:

Sean from @tallgrassghosts Meg and Kyo from @askthewhiterocket and finally, @kuixotic’s Cooper! (he didn’t have a blog specified lol)

Thank you for letting me grab your chars! Hope I didn’t butcher the back of their heads too bad hehe.

#READ THESE TAGS FOR MOD NOTES !!!#thank you all SO MUCH for sticking with me! I hope you’re alright/were fine with reading over 3k words… but it’s a fitting ending!#next thing is the event with Luna next month! I also have something planned for the blogs one year anniversary on the 30th!#also might post smth on my bday? (4/13) but it won’t be canon bc Sarah will have smth on hers (the same date but in universe)#you’ll see everyone again where this left off in May! (unless the event is extended lol)#ik it took me almost a year to slug through the prologue. but the plot will ramp up soon! promise ;)#pokeask #pokemon ask blog #Sarah Adamu #Hugh Iroai #Silver Sora #Gladion Aether #Prelude- Alolan Vacation #Mini Arc I- Wedding #I’m not tagging all the chars. sob #hope yall enjoyed this… I learned so much abt weddings for it akndknank

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bagerfluff · 1 month

Text

Can't Sleep? Share a Bed With Your Crush

Aged Up Gladion x Non-Binary Reader

Prompt - Sharing a bed

You stumbled out of your room.

You yawned and stretched as you made your way to get a drink. You were awoken by the thirst and decided to get some water instead of ignoring it. It took you a while to find where the water was, you were on a boat.

Reason you were on a boat, you wanted to help Gladion find his father. When Gladion said he was leaving with his family to find his father you expressed your interest to help him. You had traveled with Gladion when he was completing your Island Challenges.

So you wanted to travel with him during this challenge. Gladion said that he would ask his mother and she said yes. Lillie also loved the idea. You were beyond joyed. So that’s how you got here. Stumbling through the boat you were all using to look for their father.

The dim lights that scattered the ship made it harder to find where you could get water. You all had only been on this ship for a few days. You used to be on a train and that was worse than the ship.

Once you finally found where the water was you took some and some so you could keep it in your room. Your Pokémon was right by your side, having followed you out of your room and through the ship.

You kneeled down and held the water bottle in front of their face. Asking them if they want some. When your Pokémon did nothing you stood back up and drank the rest of the water.

You threw the bottle of water away and started your way back to your room. But you noticed something. You noticed a door to the deck being open. You remember all of them being closed so this confused you.

So you decided to look.

You walked towards the open door and walked outside. It was about midnight. The moon was in the dead middle of the sky and stars were all over the sky.

You missed the night sky in Alola but the night sky here was still beautiful. Wherever you were. You were immediately hit with a cold breeze. You shivered and wrapped your arms around your chest.

You wanted to go back inside but what you noticed made you walk. You noticed Gladion leaning against the railing. Looking at the forest that bordered the dock. Umbreon was laying next to him and your Pokémon walked towards Umbreon and laid next to them.

Umbreon did nothing and if Gladion noticed he didn’t do anything either. Gladion was in his pajamas, and by that you mean he also had his jacket on.

You scold yourself for not getting a jacket before leaving. You walked next to Gladion and leaned on the railing next to him. You saw Gladion glance at you before looking back on the horizon. Gladion said nothing, so neither did you.

You wondered why Gladion was out here. Could he not sleep? Did he have a nightmare? You looked over at Gladion. You noticed the moon lit his face in a light glow.

His face was brimmed with a shimmering glow while his hair shined like the moon itself. You felt your face get red so you looked away. “Why are you out here?” You asked.

Concerned about Gladion and your fingers.

“Could ask you the same thing”, Gladion said and you smiled. Gladion could be funny when he wanted too. “Well I was getting some water when I saw you out here”, you looked back at Gladion, “Now why are you here?”

Gladion looked at you two. You tried to keep the blush on your face down when you saw his eyes. “Couldn’t sleep”, Gladion looked away. You knew that Gladion had a bit of a hard time talking about his emotions so you didn’t ask any more questions.

You just stood outside with Gladion, keeping him company. After a few minutes you could see Gladion slumping and you couldn’t feel your fingers. You pushed yourself off the railing and turned to Gladion.

“Why don’t we go inside? I’m starting to lose feeling in my fingers”, you held up your hand. Gladion looked at you and nodded. You and Gladion went inside and your Pokémon followed you.

When Gladion went to his room you stopped.

You should go back to your room but you wanted to make sure that Gladion fell asleep. When you were traveling with Gladion in Alola he had a problem with sleeping and staying asleep. Gladion rarely got enough sleep.

Gladion needed sleep if he wanted to find his father. You were also worried about him. If Gladion didn’t get through sleep on this journey, who could tell what could happen. You cared about Gladion, a lot. So you followed Gladion into his room.

When you entered you saw that Gladion was sitting on the edge of his bed. Umbreon was curled up at the end of the bed. You closed the door, something Gladion didn’t do. The sound drew Gladion’s gaze from the floor to you.

Gladion’s eyebrows furrowed and he asked you what you were doing. You yawned again and walked over to the opposite side of Gladion’s bed. The side that Gladion was not sitting on.

“Making sure you get some sleep”, you said. You laid down on the bed. Your head hit one of the pillows and you closed your eyes. It wasn’t the most comfortable laying on your back, but you wanted to give Gladion space to lay down.

Your Pokémon went to cuddle with Umbreon and promptly fell asleep. Gladion watched you. You didn’t do or say anything after you laid down. You just kept your eyes closed and breathing steady.

Gladion knew that you weren’t going anywhere. So he laid down next to you. Gladion was tense as he laid down. You looked over at him. You could tell that Gladion had a lot on his mind and that whatever he was thinking about kept him up.

Over the months you’ve traveled with Gladion, you’d say you’ve gotten really close to him. Gladion talked to you about stuff that others were lucky to hear.

You hoped that in the morning Gladion would talk to you about what was bothering him. But for now you knew that Gladion just needed to sleep. So you moved closer to Gladion and pulled him into your chest. Gladion blushed and tensed up again but he said nothing.

You loved that Gladion trusted you enough to do this. Maybe in the future he’d trust you more. Enough for you to love him. But for now, you just held him close and closed your eyes.

Gladion did the same. Finally relaxed enough to let sleep take him over. Gladion relaxed in your arms so he closed his eyes and pressed his face in your chest.

With a blush on his face.

#lgbtq #pokemon #pokemon sun and pokemon moon #pokemon sun and moon #pokemon x reader #pokemon x male reader #gladion #gladion aether #trainer gladion #gladion pokemon #rival gladion #gladion x reader #gladion x male reader

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light-trio-pokemon · 5 months

Text

Type Null was very aggressive if he met Ultra Beast. And because Nebby had that aura, he abused and always wanted to attack them causing Nebby under pressure and stressed when they were little Cosmog. But this is what Aether Foundation wanted for to force Nebby used their power to create Ultra Wormhole. After being take care by Gladion and became Silvally, he regretted and felt bad that he almost wanted to kill the most important legendary pokemon in Alola that he should respect from the beginning. That's why he apologized. Gladly, Nebby the Solgaleo/Lunala forgave him because they know that he was under pressure too before.

The messenger of Allah PBUH said: 'Whoever has done injustice to his brother, whether it concerns his honor or something else, then he should ask for it to be halal (permissible) from him today, before dinars and dirhams (money) are no longer useful (on the Day of Judgment)..." (HR. Bukhari)

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incorrect-pokemon-villain-quotes · 1 year

Text

Hau, crying: Grandpa? Am I ugly? Hala: What nonsense! I am looking at you now, you are the most beautiful boy in the world! Gladion: Mother, am I ugl- Lusamine: Very much.

#pokemon #pokemon sun and moon #hau #hala #team skull #gladion #aether foundation #lusamine #aether president lusamine #incorrect quotes #source: meme

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storylocke · 5 months

Text

Alolan Dusk 17

[The day passed without much incident, which just made the numerous members of Aether all the more uneasy as they started to wrap up their operations. A tense sense of peace filled the air as citizens got through the final meetings and partings, watching planes take off, and loading up the remaining treasures of each household from the ferries to the cargo. Some of it had already been sorted, but others would stay snug in their crates until a new port appeared. The Conservation Area would soon be overflowing with Pokemon as it would be converted into a sort of park for the hundreds, if not thousands, of restless non-human passengers. But for now, it was a matter of making sure everyone and everything was accounted for; that there was no unfinished business left on the islands; and to see to it that all of those on board the Very Large Floating Structure got a good meal before settling out in the morning.

With all the bustle upstairs it's eerily quiet stepping into the secured sector below. It's not the first time Molayne had gotten to see it, Colress said they weren't meeting in his lab this time. If the room they were in the night before was through the middle doorway, the Elite is still muddled about which of the other three doors to go through now. He pulls out a note from the inner pocket of his coat. Left, it looked like. This room was definitely different from the first one with a long metal walkway and two lab units set apart from each other and seemingly floating as the rest of the room seemed far too large for only two rooms. As a testament to Aether's wonderous innovation, he gazes around the great open space to see that stacked along the walls by the door were dozens of similar box-like units that appeared to be interchangeable. It made sense for such a contained place as the man-made island that they should have ways to store everything from equipment to Pokemon to their own creations in separate parts of the vessel. And just how many of those had been filled with Shadows from Alola now? A glance over the railing shows a steep drop into the waters below. Likely real ocean water since he had heard they used it to generate electricity. He'd have a lot of exploring to do! ….Once this was all over, at least. For now, he could only assume the others were in one of the two active units waiting for him. A quick glance inside should tell him right away if he had found the meeting place at least. He opens the door to a darkened office space with a large window made to observe the connected, larger testing room. The test room being already lit up is enough to make him curious, but there's someone else here silhouetted by the contrast of the light.]

Molayne:

Burnet? [The woman turns around as he moves closer and he gives a little wave to show he didn't mean to startle her.] How long have you been here?

Burnet:

Not long, I guess, but it's easy to lose track of time. Do you know where we're meeting?

Moylane:

I think it's supposed to be down here, but I still have no idea where I'm going in this place. [His smile vanishes as he catches a glimpse of his old friend through the window. It shouldn't have surprised him to realize why she came here first, but his heart sinks into the pit of his stomach.] Great gods, we're not testing on Kukui, are we?

Burnet:

No. Lillie said it's something we have to see to understand, so I think he's safe. [Adds with an air of melancholy] Safe from us, anyway. [She turns back to the large window to peer at the Shadow, her eyes trailing him as he continues to pace along the parameter like a caged predator. Was he anxious and agitated about the night or because he was looking for a way out? Did he understand where he was or had that too been long forgotten in his shadowed mind? Softly] Is it always going to be like this? Night after night just waiting for something that's already occurred?

Molayne:

I don't think so. Maybe once we get away from the Beast, he'll be able to rest easy. We know other Shadows have gotten better with time, I'm sure he'll see you eventually.

Burnet:

[Weak smile to herself] I'm not sure I'm much better right now. Here I am in a new place, with all of you, and all I can do is wish I could go back and change something. About that night, about this week…

Molayne:

Even if you could, knowing what we know now, what else could you have done? The way I see it, if anything had gone differently, you wouldn't be here right now. Trust me, this is something I actually have experience with. [Holds out a hand to her] Come on, let's see if we can find our crew.

[Burnet agrees, and reluctantly starts to follow him to the door when there’s an abrupt, loud banging behind them. They both glance back to see the Shadow with his fists on the screen as his face twists into a snarl. After a pause he tries again with alternating punches for a rapid attack. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang! The barrier seems to rattle slightly but it leaves no mark.]

Molayne:

[Hand to his heart as that honestly scared him, but he should have known it was just Kukui.] Can he see us?

Burnet:

I… I don't know. But don't underestimate him. I lost a door that way.

Molayne:

R-right. But, um… The lab is much more secure than your apartment, so- [There's an audible change as the surrounding equipment starts to power down with a decreasing hum and the light in the testing room fades to black.] I'm going to regret saying that.

Burnet:

Shush. [She squeezes his hand tightly and strains her ears against the darkness. A low hum of renewed energy whirs on as the normally blue lights set in the white architecture returns with a cautionary orange hue to give a guiding glow.] I guess that's just the backup generator? [Another pause as she listens for Kukui. Strange to find some relief in the aggressive pounding as it meant he was still inside the other room. Her heart begins to race at a new sound.] What's that rumbling? There shouldn't be any thunder tonight, or at least I wouldn't think it could be heard down here.

Molayne:

[Doesn't let go as he leads over to the window near the desk. It doesn't view outside, but instead lets him peer into the cavernous room to see the second lab is… moving?] It may just be a security procedure, but it looks like the neighboring unit is being switched out. We should probably go before this place gets rotated somewhere.

Burnet:

[Uneasy as she looks up at him] What reason would it have to rotate units? There's no one here but us.

[As they step around the desk again, the door to the lab suddenly opens! But it's not one of their friends. A woman walks in, tall, pale, and all in black as her lavender hair spills over her shoulders in unbridled curls. Her slow gait makes it look as if she were floating. A ghost if the Elite he ever saw one.]

Molayne:

[His breathless shock only manages a whisper] Anabel…? [Drops Burnet's hand as he gravitates toward the vision of his wife. She turns to him sharply, clearly unaware of his presence before then, and quickly shifts into a defensive pose, causing him to freeze.]

Burnet:

[Stays back, but sternly warns him.] Careful, Mo…

Molayne:

[He knows the Shadow doesn't recognize him. He can see the hesitancy in Anabel's fearful stance as her eyes flit about the dimly lit room as though trying to assert where she is. He tries to approach her more slowly.] I don't know how you got out, but we need to get you back. Alright?

[The Shadow straightens up a moment and lowers her fists at the soothing tone. She's still wary though as he reaches for her while her hollow gaze reads him with a mix of scrutiny and trust. Just as he places a hand on her back to guide her, Anabel snaps into action, slipping under his arm to get behind him, and wraps an arm around his neck to bring him down to her height! Molayne is stunned from the abrupt turn, but she doesn't try to hurt him as he feels her free hand dive into his pockets to search for something. Burnet only sees the attack though and rushes forward to help him. Molayne recovers quickly though, straightening up from his hampered position to lift Anabel off the floor, grabbing her by her thieving hand, and leveraging himself to pull the startled agent around to throw her to the floor. A pang of guilt runs through him as he sees her face when she hits the tile, but instead of pain, the Shadow lets out a cry of righteous fury. Burnet pulls him away as she heads out the door before Anabel can spring to her feet.

There's no time to question how she got out as the two researchers exit to find the walkway is occupied by several more Shadows, all of whom are heading their way from the neighboring unit. As Burnet tries to dart for the corridor gateway, she runs smack into a man blocking their way, and falls back. He’d been moving with such speed himself he must have been running towards the lab from the other way. Molayne isn't surprised. Looker never was too far away when Anabel was on a mission, but it only confirms for the Elite that the escape isn't by chance. Anabel comes out of the lab to block the way back, leaving the intruders surrounded.]

Molayne:

[Whispers] Do you have anything that can guard?

Burnet:

[There's a hint to his voice that tells her he would only ask if he was planning something. She doesn't hesitate though as she tosses a ball in the air overhead.] Protect us, Tornadus!

[Above the walkway appears a large, green, bird-like Pokemon that holds its wings out wide as a thin, shimmering barrier forms over the pair in the center. The Shadows seem confused in the moment as they strike the wall, but it falls as quickly as it formed. Another Protect! It's good, but she knows it won't last forever.]

Burnet:

[While she doesn't want to hurt anyone, she doesn't want to find out what the crowd plans to do with them either. She backs up against Molayne, close enough to hear him muttering something under his breath in a rushed whisper, but they're running out of time.] Uproar!

[The avian lets out a screech that reverberates in the cavernous room, and Burnet covers her ears to watch in some mild satisfaction to see all of the Shadows stop their assault to do the same. She feels her friend flinch though and hopes the noise didn't break his concentration, but all he does is turn to grip onto her shoulders to bite through the pain. A second screech rings out and she faintly catches him saying "recall".]

Burnet:

Tornadus, come here!

[She holds out her arms to the creature as it lands defensively with a hard thud on the walkway to keep Looker away from her. It doesn't seem the Shadow has any intention of moving as the Legendary gives a haughty turn to let its Trainer put her arms around its neck. Anabel is fearless though as she shakes off the ringing in her ears and charges forward when suddenly all three of the targets vanish! It's quiet in the large room. Just the faint sound of panic from the other units still tucked away, the audible confusion of the young followers coming to check on the senior agents, and a distant rumble like thunder.]

=+=

[Lillie was beside herself and had no words or grief to show for it. On the one hand, she was happy to be informed and included after all once she learned about possibly the biggest decision Gladion had made yet without her. On the other hand, this was their mother they were talking about. Anything that could help her should be welcomed, and yet she found herself seething at the idea of Lusamine being locked away where not even they could reach her. It brought back to mind the argument from earlier. Mother hadn't been a real threat for at least a year now, but she could be with so many strangers on board. Just like Ilima was no threat to them, but he could be given enough time. And to return home to find Gladion went ahead with the move without asking her didn't have her in the best mood to face him again. Still, all they had were each other now, especially if they were to say goodbye to their mother… No, she had to comfort herself, it wasn't just them. Colress would be there, even if it was apparently his idea, but Molayne would be there too! And Burnet! Lillie knew her adopted mother had gone down early to have some quiet time, so maybe they could talk in private about what was about to happen. As the elevator came to a stop though, the only one in the main hub was Gladion.]

Lillie:

[Flushes a little red in annoyance] Oh. You're here early.

Gladion:

[Crosses arms as she approaches him] I just got here before you did. I guess we're both too anxious to wait for the proper time, huh?

Lillie:

[Eases up] Yes… [Looks around] I thought you were going to bring Guzma with you.

Gladion:

I offered, but you know how he is. As far as he's concerned, Mother left years ago and he'd rather leave it at that. Colress should be down here somewhere though. Probably has Molayne with him.

Lillie:

[Somehow that doesn't surprise her in either case.] Burnet told me she was going to go on ahead. I thought if we were here before everyone else, she and I could take a look at Ilima. Like we were planning to do when we arrived-

Gladion:

[Annoyed] I know. Lillie, we're not getting into this again here, are we?

Lillie:

I'm not mad, I'm just saying while we're down here, I still want her to have a look at him.

Gladion:

[Uh…huh…] I guess we might as well since we're already running a few tests tonight. [Looks at the middle corridor entrance as it opens to reveal Colress coming towards them at a brisk pace.] Are you ready for us to get started?

Colress:

[It's very strange to the siblings to see him appear somewhat distressed.] That might be difficult when we have a bit of an emergency on our hands.

Gladion:

Emergency? Like what?

Lillie:

Is it Mother?

Colress:

No. Come see for yourselves.

[Colress leads the way back, and Gladion can already see where they're going. He places a hand on Lillie's shoulder as they reach the room he had placed Ilima, preparing her for what he's sure they're about to see. Colress doesn't open the lab door though and, with great hesitation, the Aethers step forward to peer through the window on the door to see why.]

Gladion:

Wait… is that June?!

[Inside is a woman, a technician out of uniform and wandering the wrecked office portion. The door to the testing room is open, though the woman seems more desperate to try climbing the walls to try the other windows.]

Colress:

It seems our guest had a visitor tonight, since we know he couldn't have created a new Shadow on his own.

Gladion:

[Tears himself away from the window as his mind runs wild with a variety of possible scenarios] It doesn't make sense! How could Roark have gotten inside Aether Paradise? How could he have gotten down here?!

Colress:

I'm far less concerned right now with the "how" than I am with the "why". The important thing is either he or Ilima currently has an Employee uniform which means they're probably somewhere else in the building. Ms. Lillie, do you have a number for Professor Burnet? She needs to be on the alert and told not to come down here.

Lillie:

[With the rising panic, she's not sure who to be more afraid for, her friend or her family] She should already be down here, just probably in a different hall.

Gladion:

Then we better find her quick. Colress, can you call Molayne? I’m going to-

[Suddenly, the entire hall grows dark. All three stand perfectly still as they watch and listen closely for any other potential surprises, but after a few agonizing minutes, the emergency lights come on to guide the way out with a fiery glow. Gladion exhales his pent up breath, but it’s far from relief.]

Lillie:

[Hurries to the door, and after a few attempts, looks back at the other two.] The power isn't off, but it seems to be in lock down.

Gladion:

Great. Let’s hope then that Wicke is already on top of the situation.

Colress:

If we're lucky, she's the one who shut us down at the first signs of trouble. [Analyzes the door a moment before pulling up a Pokeball to unleash a Rotom. The little spritz of energy gives him a smile before slipping away into the panel.]

Gladion:

Hmph. If our "visitor" has somehow gotten to our controls, that at least means it’s not on this floor. We should be safe down here while we regroup.

=+=

[Burnet's mind is swimming as she opens her eyes. They were back inside the office of the lab, leaned up against the wall where she could look up to see the glow coming from the enclosure behind her. Did she faint? Was it a bad dream? She feels her hand get nudged as the large avian works its way under her arm to be close to her. Its head felt warm like a fever was trying to set in. She rolls her head to see Molayne seated beside her, but he just stares ahead and breathes deeply as though he couldn't get enough air. Definitely not a dream if they all had… something? But as she sits a moment more, then tries to push herself to her feet, all she can think is how quiet it is. Kukui had gone back to his earlier pacing, and she could see the lights through the window to the larger room.]

Burnet:

Mo, you okay?

Molayne:

[Hearing his name seemed to bring him out of his trance. Blinks up at her] What time is it?

Burnet:

[Odd to ask, but glances over at the digital clock by the desk] 22:25 according to Aether. [A bit of intrigue and fear as she's almost not sure she wants the answer.] Mo? What did you do?

Molayne:

[Checks his own watch and starts to scramble to his feet.] I can explain, but we need to get out of here.

[Burnet urges Tornadus to follow as they hurry out the door. The large room encompassing the smaller labs is still bright and gray with its thin blue lines of energy marking each unit. She doesn't want to look back, but for just a moment she dares to peek at the second unit where a figure stood. She doesn't see who, but has a dreadful feeling that she knows as the lights suddenly go off again.]

Molayne:

I was afraid of that. [Releases two flashes as a pair of Pokemon appear beside him.] Secure the path for us, old friend?

[The little Klefki gives a jingle and flies to the back of the group just as the orange glow starts to make its way along the foot lights. He doesn't need further instruction as he casts a Reflect screen while Molayne heads for the door with Magnezone. The lights also reveal that at the far end of the walkway now is Anabel. Burnet freezes as she can see the woman is looking straight at them, but decides to be patient as she waits for the new unit to lock in place, and goes inside.]

Burnet:

[Backing up to where Molayne is working] I don't want to rush you, but we're running out of time.

Molayne:

[Has the panel worked off to access the cables and watches the screen of a personal scanner as Magnezone steadily increases the voltage. They don't want to accidentally fry the system, but hearing the rising commotion behind him has him silently urging the core to cooperate with them.] We're almost there!

Klefki:

[The Shadow from before has returned and is heading their way. Sensing the urgency in the humans' voices, he spits out a dozen or so spikes over the area behind them and starts drifting back. Seems to be communicating with Tornadus.]

[Anabel isn't alone this time as Looker steps out of the lab as well. He doesn't follow though since his focus now turns to her previous job of switching out the units. Burnet watches with unease and wonder to how they coordinated, but with someone else ready to summon the others, Anabel starts to charge forward. Charging at least until the first spikes found her. As the Shadow reels back from the surprise pain, she pauses and crouches down as though to study the trap.]

Burnet:

They're coming this way!

Molayne:

[There's a sound! A click! The door swings open! His exuberance is short lived as he discovers on the other side is a steel covering to seal them in.] Are you kidding me?!

Burnet:

Talk to me, Mo! What happened now?!

Molayne:

[Feeling over the new barrier, he decides to recall Magnezone. Whistles for his other partner and Klefki goes straight to the door to see what's wrong.] If they had any sense of safety, there has to be a way to manually open it from this side. [As the little Fairy prods every possible indention in search of a lock, all he can do is wait.] You know how when you first came down, there were three paths. Two of them had doors and the third has some sort of security cover over it?

Burnet:

[Somehow pales in the fiery caution lights.] I don't want to hurt them, but if they get much closer…

Molayne:

Just stall as best as you can. Can you do that for me?

Burnet:

[Deep breath as she looks back for where their attackers are now. Anabel has wisened up and decided to climb onto the railing to slowly sidle her way over the spiked path. She mutters to herself in renewed determination and reaches into her bag] Best as we can. Tornadus! [Her partner snaps to attention and flaps off the ground to hear her plan.] Hold her off.

[She pulls out the Reveal Glass which starts emanating a blinding light. Tornadus also gets engulfed by the energy and the avian form starts to shift as though it were evolving before revealing an upright human-like figure on a cloud. Anabel freezes and holds onto the railing for dear life as though expecting some kind of attack. Further down, Looker has gained a handful of followers, but in the flash of light, he finds himself holding back the younger members from racing into the array of spikes. Klefki quickly draws in the remaining light to try shooting at the door! The moment passes and Tornadus flies over to Anabel to physically grab her. Despite her best effort to kick at the djinn so she can hang on, the powerful brute easily picks her up and casts a Protect to momentarily stun the other oncoming Shadows.]

Burnet:

[She can't help but notice even after the light fades, the mirror holds a golden glow in its reflection. It's not Tornadus though. Just as he stooped to pick up the woman, Burnet realized the blurred silhouette with the shimmering aura is Anabel. Somehow that doesn't seem good… Hears the Flash Cannon, and glances over her shoulder.] Any luck?

Molayne:

[Not even a scratch. Punches it himself in slight frustration, but the gate is definitely solid. He shouldn't be surprised considering it was designed to keep intruders out and possible monsters trapped within. Softly to himself] We couldn't go very far back, so something must have locked in the first time…. [Watches as a second Protect succeeds. Curious. The odds of that working just like before could just be coincidence, but those are odds worth taking.] Burnet! You have to attack!

Burnet:

[Confused] I HAVE to attack?!

Molayne:

Just like before!

Burnet:

[If he says so. Calls up] Tornadus, use Uproar!

[Molayne recalls Klefki and this time covers his ears as Burnet backs away from the field to lean up against the gate beside him. The raucous cry fills the room like a siren, not all that different from when Tornadus had been a bird. Many of the Shadows grab at their ears as the sound blast stops the group in their tracks again. Until the round ended at least. Burnet looks up to see that Anabel, being so close to the source of the attack, had fainted in the Pokemon's arms. Looker is also staring up at them, lost for what he could possibly do about it, but the younger, more aggressive underlings move passed to rush the intruders as though to avenge her.

With the Shadows making their move,Tornadus lowers to block the path again and lets out the second roar at the oncoming wave, and this time only a handful stagger back to their feet. Burnet clutches the Reveal Glass to her chest like a shield again, unsure what else to think when suddenly the wall behind them gives away and they tumble backward out the door! In the moment on the ground, Molayne and Burnet gaze up at a startled Colress and horrified Lillie staring back at them. The pair help them up without question though, and with the Shadows hot on their heels, they all run across the lab hub to where Gladion stands and waves them to another doorway. Burnet turns to recall her partner just in time to see Looker staying back in the other room. He isn't as fast as the others, but as Tornadus disappears and Anabel slips to the floor to crash into some of the underlings, it seems it doesn't matter. The last she sees of the senior officer, he's more preoccupied with tending to his team as the steel cover snaps shut. The chase is forgotten for now.]

Burnet:

[A wave of emotions courses through her, as Gladion secures the inner door. The wash of relief at being saved. The quiet aftermath as her ears still ring from the cries of her partner mixed with the howls of the wounded Shadows. The rush of panic and adrenaline that causes her whole body to shake as she tries to catch her breath. The rising anger as she clutches the mirror to her chest and glares daggers at their seemingly unconcerned project leader. Steps passed Lillie to confront him even as she feels the girl's light attempt to hold her back] You have a lot of nerve, Colress! [Points at the hall behind her now] Is this some kind of game to you?!

Colress:

[Intrigued] Me?

Molayne:

Who else? [Still trying to recoup some energy as he addresses Colress, though a little less angry than Burnet] When we met the other day, you wanted to push me to a point where I would be more open about my capabilities. You even said you wanted to make sure I wouldn't choke in the moment if I had to confront Necrozma with others around. Today, you tell us you want us to meet for a test run involving our artifacts. And somehow you expect us to believe that only once Burnet and I were alone, there just "happened" to be a blackout that just "happened" to have us trapped with half a dozen Shadows? [He can see the man is thinking how to respond, but his tone turns bitter as he makes his point clear.*] You mean to tell me that of all the Shadows gathered here in the last few days, I got directly attacked by Anabel, MY ANABEL, by… by chance?!

Colress:

[Still curious, but now there’s a deeper concern as he reaffirms] The Shadow Anabel…? By chance? No. I was down the hall in another lab, dealing with a Shadow problem of our own.

Lillie:

[Nervously keeping her voice down and urgently tries to reason with them] Colress wouldn't have anything to do with the Shadows. He was with us when the lockdown occurred!

Gladion:

[Coldly] What would be the point of hosting a trial in there? Even if he did want to put you through hell, we can't see anything from here to analyze it. How do we know you didn't mess up something since you're not even supposed to have access to that room in the first place?

Burnet:

[Spins on her heels to face him] Lillie gave me access because she and I were going to take a look at Ilima. I thought he'd be with the other Shadows.

Molayne:

I've had Colress' card since I first got here. [Pulls out both the Admin ID and the note from earlier to hand to him] And I was told to go there, so why wouldn't I be there?

Gladion:

[Frustrated] You two are the last people I would expect to need a babysitter! [Stares at the paper] This isn't even his handwriting!

Colress:

[Quickly snatches the note from him and starts to walk off.]

Lillie:

[Annoyed] Gladion, don't even start.

Gladion:

On what? What am I supposed to think when you four are all making plans behind my back, and it just “so happens” that when you all gather up here, everything falls apart?!

Molayne:

[Pretty sure the young man is mocking him, but fighting the urge to bite back] Now hold up a minute, we're the ones who keep getting left in the dark! You and Colress made the arrangements about a trial this morning without me. You made arrangements about Ilima without Burnet. I assume you told Lillie what's happening since you all came together, but we were left with some vague instructions about only finding out once we got here, and now you're getting mad about US for not following?!

Lillie:

[Just hands over her ears. The shouting is making her VERY anxious]

Colress:

[Checking the monitor on his wrist, he pauses as he looks at something else on his screen. Raises his voice to catch their attention] Can I point out something?

All Three:

[Annoyed with rising suspicion as they all turn to see him some feet away from the rest of them now.] WHAT?!

Colress: [He shuts the lid on his sleeve and places a finger to his lips.] Shhhh…. [Gestures above them] You're going to wake her.

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: And with that, we are all caught up with the story written so far! And what a doozy to end on since this is probably one of the longest chapter I've ever written. Hang on, gang, we're almost there!