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

Chapter 78: Mist and Legacy

After Mina's trial, the Pokémon Center felt warmer than it had before, as if everyone had been waiting for the Fairium Z to prove the island challenge was nearly complete.

Our friends greeted Lillie and me with congratulations the moment we stepped inside. Selene asked to see the crystal's shine, Sophocles compared its glow to stage lighting, and Kiawe crossed his arms like he was trying not to look proud of us. Mallow was near the kitchen counter with a basket of Poni Radishes, and Hapu stood beside her, calm and dignified despite the lively room.

Mallow smiled when she saw us noticing the radishes. "I was preparing food for Hapu. Poni Radishes have a strong flavor, so I wanted to try something special."

Hapu gave her a respectful nod. "Your work is admirable. And Ash, Lillie, you did an admirable job completing Mina's trial."

Lillie held the Fairium Z carefully. "Thank you, Hapu."

The room still carried traces of everything Poni had already given us. Sophocles had a notebook full of canyon readings. Selene was trying not to smile every time someone mentioned the Ribbon Cup. Trenor kept glancing at Golett's Poké Ball, pretending he was only checking whether it rested securely.

Nate and Rosa had already finished their Battle Tree notes, and both of them asked Hapu careful questions about Poni's older traditions. Hapu answered patiently, but I noticed she still seemed new to being the person everyone looked to for final answers. That made her Grand Trial feel even more important. It was not only our last test. It was hers too.

Hapu looked between us, then toward the doorway. "I believe it is time for your Grand Trial."

"Finally," I said, unable to hide my smile.

The word had barely left my mouth when the air outside shifted. A thick mist rolled past the Pokémon Center windows, turning the village into a pale blue dream. Voices faded beyond the door, and the usual sounds of Seafolk Village became distant, like they belonged to another shore.

Trenor stepped closer to the window. "What is happening out there?"

Hapu's expression changed at once. "That mist belongs to Tapu Fini. It can summon spirits from the afterlife."

The whole room went silent.

"Spirits from the dead?" Lillie asked, her voice small.

Hapu nodded. "The mist blurs the boundary between this world and the next. Some who enter never return. Reuniting with loved ones only to say goodbye again can be more painful than people expect."

Mallow looked toward the door with a face that made everyone stop speaking. Lana moved beside her quietly, and the truth settled over the room before Mallow said anything. Her mother had passed away before they could truly reunite, and Tapu Fini's mist had placed that impossible chance within reach.

"Mallow," Lana said softly from beside her.

"I know it is dangerous," Mallow whispered. "But if she is there, I have to try."

She ran before anyone could stop her. Lillie and I followed with the others, but the mist swallowed the path almost immediately. The village faded into pale shapes, and every step felt like crossing into a memory someone else had left behind.

The mist did not feel like ordinary weather. It carried voices without words, warmth without bodies, and the strange pressure of memories waiting to be touched. Every shape ahead looked almost familiar until I focused on it, and then it dissolved into another swirl of blue-white haze.

Then Incineroar burst from his Poké Ball and ran ahead.

"Incineroar!" Lillie called. "Where are you going?"