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

Chapter 18: Embers and Farewells

Popplio's balloon floated above the practice pool like a shining blue moon, larger than any bubble Popplio had made before. Lana watched from one side with quiet pride, while Lillie and I stood close enough to help if the balloon suddenly burst.

Lana nodded softly. "Good. Now make it sturdy, not only big."

Popplio balanced on the edge of the pool, cheeks puffed and eyes focused. "A balloon that carries friends must not wobble like a sleepy Wingull."

Rowlet, unfortunately, decided that a sturdy balloon looked like a perfect place to nap. It dropped from the branch above us, bounced once against the balloon, and somehow slid inside with Popplio before anyone could react.

The balloon lifted higher. Popplio flailed inside, Rowlet blinked awake, and a sudden breeze dragged the whole thing away from the schoolyard.

Pikachu sprang onto my shoulder. "The sleeping owl has joined the floating disaster."

"Rowlet! Popplio!" I shouted, already running.

Everyone scattered to search. Lana stayed calm enough to track the wind, Selene sent Rotom ahead as a camera scout, and Lillie kept calling to Popplio so the little Pokémon would not panic inside the balloon.

The balloon bobbed between rooftops and trees, never high enough to vanish, but always far enough to make our hearts jump. Popplio tried to patch the bubble from inside, while Rowlet rolled against it as if still deciding whether this was danger or a strange nap.

Rowlet flapped uselessly. "The sky bed is moving without asking."

We found the balloon near a narrow lane, torn open against a low roof. Rowlet and Popplio were safe on the ground, shaken but unharmed. Beside them stood the same scarred Litten we had met before, tail flicking as if saving lost Pokémon was an annoying interruption to its day.

Lillie knelt slowly. "You helped them."

Litten looked away. "The round bird and water pup were making too much noise to ignore."

Popplio shuffled closer to Lana, embarrassed. Rowlet tried to hide behind its own wing, which did not work because its entire body was round and visible. Litten glanced at them both, then at us, and the impatience in its eyes looked almost protective.

I took one careful step. "Thank you. We have wanted to know where you stay, but we will not force you."

Litten's ears twitched. It seemed to dislike gratitude even more than questions. Before we could say anything else, it slipped through the alley and vanished with the confidence of a Pokémon that knew every shortcut in Hau'oli.

We followed as carefully as we could, but it knew the city's hidden paths too well. By evening, though, Pikachu caught its scent again near the bridge, mixed with old cloth, smoke, and something heavier that made Absol lift her head.

The space beneath the bridge was dry, shadowed, and clearly lived in. An old Stoutland rested on a worn cloth, watching Litten with tired patience. Litten stood before it, jaws glowing faintly as it tried to form Fire Fang.

Stoutland gave a low instruction. "Fire must come from the bite, not from anger alone."

Litten tried again, but the flame sputtered. Stoutland rose to demonstrate, then nearly collapsed from the effort. My chest tightened when I saw how thin its legs looked.

I could only whisper Stoutland's name.

Lillie's voice softened. "So this is where they are staying."

Stoutland noticed us and did not growl. It only watched, old eyes calm and tired. Litten did growl. It stepped between us and the old Pokémon, every line of its body warning us away.