1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 39: Paradise Behind Glass

Morning at Hano Grand Resort felt too bright for a farewell. The beach still glittered below the balcony, and the hotel staff moved through the lobby with polite smiles, but the invitation from Faba made everything look like it had been placed behind glass.

Lillie stood beside me with Nebby's bag held close. She had already chosen not to go to Aether Paradise, and I had already told her that choice was right. Repeating it did not make the goodbye easier.

"You will not be alone," she said, looking at Pikachu, Absol, and Zoroark beside me.

"I know," I answered. "I am keeping them outside their Poké Balls before we even leave. If Aether has rules about Poké Balls, I do not want to be caught without partners."

Absol lowered its head, its horn catching the lobby light. Zoroark crossed its arms with a faint smirk, but the illusion fox's eyes stayed serious. Pikachu climbed onto my shoulder and pressed his cheek against mine.

Lillie smiled at them, then at me. "And do not let Faba decide what questions you are allowed to ask."

"I will not," I promised her softly.

Her voice lowered. "Do not mention Nebby unless you have no choice."

"I promise," I said without hesitation.

For one moment, the resort sounds faded. I wanted to say that I would be back before sunset, but the crack in Heahea's sky and the warning in Burnet's lab had taught me not to promise what the world had not given me.

So I said the promise I could keep. "I will come back to you."

Lillie nodded, though her fingers tightened on the bag strap. "Then go carefully."

Kukui gave me a firm pat on the shoulder at the resort doors. Olivia stood nearby with Hau, and the others waited a few steps back. Nate, Rosa, Trenor, Selene, and the rest of our friends understood that this was not their part of the road.

Rosa adjusted her sunglasses. "If Faba says anything suspicious, assume he practiced it in a mirror."

Nate lifted his notebook. "I have already prepared a category for that."

Trenor's expression stayed serious. "Brother, watch the exits before you watch the speeches."

"I will," I said, accepting the warning.

Then I stepped back into the Hano Grand Resort with Pikachu, Absol, and Zoroark, leaving Lillie and the others in the sunlight behind me.

Faba waited in the lobby as if he had been personally responsible for the marble floor shining. His green glasses flashed when he turned toward me.

"So you have come at last," Faba said. "But only you, Ash?"

"Only me," I said. "So, are we going to Aether Paradise? I also have things I need to discuss with Ms. Lusamine."

Faba's smile stretched too smoothly. "I am sure the president will be delighted to see you again."

"Wait," Hau shouted from the entrance. "Take me too."

He hurried in with Olivia behind him. Faba looked from Hau to Olivia with theatrical surprise.

"Oh? Even Kahuna Olivia has come to see you off?"

Olivia folded her arms. "As Kahuna, I look after the trial-goers on my island. They are like my own children, even if I have never gotten married and had any."

Hau grinned. "Thanks, Olivia. Goodbye, Akala Island. Though I guess we can come back anytime."

Olivia looked between us. "Your greatest opponent is always yourself. Your greatest allies are the Pokémon beside you."