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

Chapter 26: Lulled by Morelull

Evening settled over Brooklet Hill. The trial was behind us, Waterium Z was safely with Lillie and me, and Lana's new path as a Trial Captain made the air feel a little brighter. Instead of returning all the way to Paniola, we decided to camp near the hill for the night.

The campsite sat beside a clear stretch of water where ground rose high enough to stay dry. Kiawe helped arrange the fire stones, Mallow took charge of the curry ingredients, and Lana checked the water like she was making sure Brooklet Hill approved of our dinner plans.

Selene, Mallow, and Sophocles had rejoined us after the trial, bringing food from Kiawe's family farm and several stories about taste tests that sounded only slightly safer than battling Totem Pokémon. Nate and Rosa helped sort supplies, while Trenor and I set up the tents before the last sunlight faded.

The three Rockruff chased each other through the underbrush near the edge of camp, their paws scattering leaves every time they dashed around a tree. Pikachu watched them from a log, tail moving with lazy amusement. His meaning was fond and clear, "They still have more energy than the rest of us."

Lillie smiled while Snowy curled beside her. "After today, I almost envy them."

Mallow stirred the curry as the smell rose into the evening. "Good food is the best way to recover after a trial, especially when the trial involves rain, giant Pokémon, and Lana pretending Kyogre is nearby."

Lana looked perfectly innocent. "I never said Kyogre was definitely nearby."

Nate lifted his pencil. "That is not the same as saying it was not."

The fire crackled, and the shadows around the campsite grew longer. Lana waited until everyone had gathered closer, then lowered her voice. She wore the calm expression that meant trouble, especially when water, fishing, or impossible Pokémon were involved.

"In this very hill," Lana began, "those who wander too deeply are said to fall into a mysterious slumber. They drift off without warning, and when they finally awaken..."

A sudden scream pierced the dark from somewhere behind the trees. Mallow grabbed Kiawe's sleeve, Sophocles nearly dropped his bowl, and even Nate's notebook snapped shut. Rosa flinched but tried to make it look graceful. Lillie, Trenor, and I only turned toward the sound, more alert than frightened.

After Ultra Space, ancient trials, and everything our family had survived, a forest scream did not hit us the same way. That did not mean we ignored it. It only meant we looked for the source before letting fear decide the shape of the moment.

Lana finished quietly, "They rise mere skin and bones, as though deprived of food for an eternity."

Kiawe cleared his throat, still pretending he had not jumped. "It has to be a rumor."

Selene folded her arms. "That is impossible. A place cannot make people starve just by sleeping."

Mallow gave Lana a suspicious look. "Come on, Lana. This is another one of your old jokes."

"Old jokes, all right," Lana said.

The grass rustled sharply. Sophocles made a sound that was almost a word, and Mallow leaned away from the dark. A heartbeat later, the three Rockruff burst out of the underbrush, leaves stuck in their fur and mud on their paws.

One Rockruff shook itself proudly, its meaning cheerful, "We found nothing scary, only excellent dirt."

Trenor laughed first, and the tension broke around the campfire. Even Kiawe smiled, though he tried to hide it by checking the curry. The Rockruff gathered near us, satisfied that they had accidentally defended the camp from Lana's story.