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

Chapter 92: Lightning in the Jungle

A few days after the battle with Molayne, the classroom rhythm of Alola tried to settle around us again. We trained on the school field beneath a bright sky, letting our partners stretch after the heavy steel match at Hokulani. Pikachu darted between Togedemaru and Vikavolt while Lillie watched their sparks carefully.

Serena worked with Crystal Steelix near the far side of the field, guiding his turns so the ground did not crack too much. Alice stayed close to me, studying how the Electric types moved together. My mom watched from near the shade, arms folded, smiling like she was proud and worried at the same time.

That peaceful feeling shattered when Looker burst through the gate, coat flying behind him and panic already written across his face. "Es ist ein Desaster!" he shouted, waving both arms as if the entire school field had caught fire.

My mom let out a tired sigh before he even finished stopping. "Oh, Mr. Looker, back so soon again? Could it possibly be another Ultra Beast?"

"Yes, indeed it could! And it is, boss!" Looker declared. "I have received a tip regarding another UB sighting. This time, it is on Akala Island!"

The training field went quiet. Pikachu stopped mid-step, cheeks sparking, and Togedemaru rolled back toward us with wide eyes. Vikavolt's wings hummed lower, sensing the sudden change in everyone's mood.

My mom's expression changed from resigned to serious. "Then we must waste no time. We will head to Akala Island immediately and establish a base of operations at a motel along Route 8."

I recalled the partners who needed rest, then looked toward Lillie, Serena, and Alice. None of them hesitated. The Ultra Beasts were not just strange Pokémon from faraway worlds anymore. They were frightened, dangerous, lonely, and sometimes willing to reach back if we found the right way.

Pikachu climbed onto my shoulder and pressed one paw against my cheek, his sparks flickering with alert determination, "We run toward the storm before it reaches someone who cannot run." I nodded, feeling the meaning settle into my chest without needing to say it again.

"Then we are going," I said. "Whatever is waiting on Akala, we will face it together."

The Route 8 motel looked quiet from the outside, but the air around it felt like a mission had already begun. Anabel stood near the entrance, straight-backed and composed despite the shadow under her eyes. Mina was beside her, paint-stained bag hanging from one shoulder and a dreamy smile on her face.

Anabel greeted my mom first. "I have managed to gather the necessary intel about the Ultra Beasts this time. This young lady here was our informant."

My mom studied Mina with careful gratitude. "Excellent. Your task now is to secure the site and ensure the safety of the surrounding areas."

Looker saluted so sharply that his coat snapped. "Understood, boss! We shall be doing the securing with maximum diligence!"

Anabel nodded, but I noticed her hand briefly touch her forehead before she turned away. It was gone almost as soon as it happened, and she carried herself forward like nothing had changed. My mom noticed too. So did Alice, whose eyes narrowed slightly without interrupting.

Mina waited until Looker and Anabel moved to coordinate the outer perimeter. Then she stepped closer to us with a cheerful wave. "They sent me here on an errand. Since I am not occupied with trials or anything."

"Who sent you here?" I asked. "We are a bit confused."

"It is a secret," Mina said, smiling like that explained everything. "Oh, and I had one more directive. Or perhaps it was a request? Anyway, I was told I should engage in a serious battle with Ash before returning."