The boat journey was tense, to say the least, each passing second felt like an hour as none of us knew what sort of events were waiting for us. Holding onto the top of the boat my Rotom phone was hovering in front of me as I was on a video call with Looker.
"Agent Hisui, report, what the hell is going on down there!?"
"Looker sir, I'm going to be honest with you, I have no idea. We were in contact with the Aether Foundation when... Well, when."
"The culprit attacked and we lost signal with Lillie and the others. We're heading there now to see the damage." Gladion interrupted arms crossed staring at the facility appearing on the horizon.
I bit my lip still taken back by the events. "Listen, Looker, I don't quite know how but the person who attacked them was me. I saw another version of me."
"Just like the reports, We've just received your latest reports regarding this other world, a future Unova on the brink of destruction. Normally the idea would be thrown out but Anabel herself has taken great interest in your story. So much in fact, she's willing to send you two more of your party members to subdue this threat." Looker informed me as I noticed Police officers running in the background. "Do you have any preference?"
"While in the other world, I was attacked by many Pokemon, those far stronger than mine. I think it's time I fight fire with fire. I need my Paradox Pokemon for this Looker, please send over Iron Valiant and Roaring Moon."
"Very well, they'll be waiting for you at the Aether Foundation, I'm afraid that's all the backup we can provide for the time being, we've got our problems back here with a sudden surge of Ultra Wormholes appearing all over the region. No Ultra Beasts have come through but we're preparing the evacuations to be on the safe side. Your orders, however, are simple. Locate the copycat and bring him in. This culprit is the key to everyone going on. Stop him once and for all."
"Yes sir, I'll get it done." Ending the call I looked forward cursing under my breath. "I hope."
Gladion glared to me hesitating to speak up, but eventually, he chose to. "Know this Y/N, I still do not trust you. To me all of this is mighty convenient, Those international Police may trust you, but it's going to take a whole lot for me to fall on that boat."
Scoffing at this I looked ahead. "I'd be more surprised if you did trust me after all of this. I'm not looking for your trust, what's far more important is making sure everyone is safe and sound. We can discuss the circumstances after all is said and done."
"Finally something we can agree on. If anything happens to Lillie, I'll make you pay."
"I agree, same goes for Zinnia. Whoever this copycat is, it ends today."
****
Making it inside the foundation the place was a warzone, supplies and crates were all over the place, and much of the building was still on fire with many of the Aether employees down for the count. Jumping off the boat Zorua was still on my shoulder as I looked around horrified. "My Arcues... They went too far."
"We don't have time to tend to the wounded. Our priority is making sure my sister is safe. Move it, now!" Gladion ordered running for the elevator. Looking to the wounded I felt awful leaving them but I didn't have much choice but to rush for the main office. As the elevator began to ascend the building continued to tremble alarms going crazy. Gladion looked at his watch more paranoid than ever. "The Ultra Wormhole detector is going off the charts. There could be a dozen of them appearing all around the foundation in moments. We need to do something!"
"Gladion... Breathe, everything is going to be alright."
The elevator stopped as he pushed past me. "You don't understand, this happened before. The day my mother and Guzma were taken never to be seen again."
Hearing Gladion's concerns loud and clear we sprinted for the main office bursting through. Zinnia turned to us shaken up. Seeing me she became hesitant. "You, is that you this time Y/N?"
"It's me Zinnia, you found me on the beach after my plane crashed. We fought together to bring down Team Phoenix and the World Architect to get Mimi back."
"It is you." She muttered approaching clenching her fist. "I can't believe I fell for such a clear trap! There was nothing I could do, by the time we realised the rug was pulled from under us it was too late. That imposter was strong, stronger than anything I've ever seen. And he used unnatural Pokemon. Ones like you have."
"Paradox Pokemon... So the connection to New Driftvale City makes sense. While I've been pulled from the past this Y/N got snatched away from the future. I'm just glad you're alright."
Zinnia shook her head whispering hurt. "He stole my Salamance. I couldn't hold a candle to that monster's might."
"No... Zinnia I promise we will get your partner back, but right now we need to get out of here." I request seeing Gladion's sister glued to the computer trying to make ends of the readings. "The same goes for you Lillie, I'm so so sorry. But we can't stay here."
Lillie's eyes burnt bright with fury as she approached glaring at me. "And why should I trust the likes of you? You destroyed my home and stole my research. You claim that Y/N to be a fake, but I couldn't care less. There's no difference."
"You're hurt, angry. I can understand that... However, we have bigger problems than me and my clone." I say trying to defuse the situation.
"Y/N is right Lillie, this place is about to be devoured by a horde of Ultra Wormholes we need to evacuate."
"Evacuate? When we're so close, Gladion think, our mother is almost within reach. We can save her."
"Look, I'll help with whatever problem you have Lillie, but I need my Pokemon and then we can work from there. We don't have long."
"You mean these Pokemon?" She spoke holding my two Hisui Pokeballs. "You took my Nebby, the last friend who could help me find Mother. Give them back."
"Lillie, you don't want to do this."
Lillie took out her own Pokeball attaching mine to her belt. Tying her hair back into a ponytail she pointed her partner towards me determined. "I really do."
Aether President Lillie won't back down from a fight.
The flames raged around us as Aether Paradise crumbled, casting an ominous glow on the battle unfolding within. Lillie had no regard for her or anyone else's safety. She's lost the plot, I'll have to make it quick. a determined glint in her eyes. With a swift motion, we released our first Pokémon onto the fiery battlefield.
"Go, Mimikyu!" I called, the Disguise Pokémon emerging with a mischievous energy.
Lillie gripped her Pokeball tightly dropping it in front of her. "Please, Ribombee, lend me your power."
The burning Aether Paradise provided an intense backdrop for the clash of Pokémon. "Mimikyu, Shadow Claw!" I commanded, wasting no time.
Mimikyu darted forward, its shadowy claw slashing through the air towards Ribombee. Lillie responded with agility, "Ribombee, Dodge and use Dazzling Gleam!"
Ribombee gracefully evaded Mimikyu's attack and retaliated with a burst of dazzling light. The air crackled with energy as the two Pokémon engaged in a dance of speed and strategy. Lillie and I exchanged determined glares as the flames flickered around us. "Ribombee, use Quiver Dance!" Lillie commanded.
Ribombee began to flutter its wings, a gentle dance that enhanced its speed, special attack, and special defence. I had to act fast. "Mimikyu, Shadow Claw!"
Mimikyu darted forward with surprising speed, its shadowy claw slashing through the air. Ribombee tried to evade, but the attack landed, dealing significant damage. Lillie gritted her teeth, but she wasn't backing down.
"Ribombee, Dazzling Gleam!"
A dazzling burst of light erupted from Ribombee, illuminating the fiery chaos around us. I shielded my eyes but knew that Zorua, my second Pokémon, would have to step in soon. "Mimikyu, Shadow Sneak!"
Mimikyu vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind Ribombee and delivering a quick, unexpected strike. Ribombee fluttered before crashing to the ground down for the count. Lillie, unfazed, withdrew Ribombee and sent out her next contender. "Polteageist, show them your haunting power!"
The teapot Pokémon hovered with an eerie grace, ready to join the fray. I assessed the situation and formulated a strategy. I knew I had to switch things up, so I sent out my second Pokémon. "Mimi, let's go!"
Zoura dived off my shoulder barking away more ready than ever to enter the battlefield, its aura exuding strength and determination. Lillie adjusted her sleeves refusing to give up. "I can almost hear my mother's voice crying out for me. I'm so close, not you, not my brother or anyone will take that from me! Polteageist, hold nothing back, use Nasty Plot, this battle will be ours."
"Nothing can stop Mimi and I, even the playing field Mimi with the same move!"
The two Pokemon had used Nasty Plot making the next move more dangerous than ever. "Strike while the iron is hot Mimi, use Foul Play on the double!" Striking true, the teapot Pokémon wobbled, visibly weakened.
Lillie gritted her teeth, determined to press on Polteageist, hold on and use Giga Drain on Zorua!" Polteageist attempted to drain energy with Giga Drain, but Zorua dodged with its deceptive agility.
Now was the moment to strike back. Running past I leapt over a table pointing to the opening. "Mimi, finish this once and for all, hit Polteageist with a boosted Dark Pulse!"
Zorua dived into the air, her Dark Pulse hit Polteageist with increased force. Teetering on the edge of defeat. Lillie a mix of disappointment and determination on her face began shouting. "Polteageist, give it your all!"
But Zorua, fueled by the Nasty Plot boost, unleashed a powerful Dark Pulse. "Finish it, Mimi!"
The Dark Pulse surged forth, striking Polteageist with overwhelming force. The teapot Pokémon wobbled for a moment before succumbing to defeat.
The flames roared around us, but the battle had come to an end. Lillie dropped her Pokeball as it rolled towards me horrified. Falling to her knees her hand began to tremble as she kept punching the floor. "It can't be... Everyone, I'm so sorry."
Rolling at my feet I picked her partner up and walked towards Lillie I held out her friend. Lillie looked up at me stuttering. "Are you going to take all my friends from me?"
Kneeling to her level I forced the Pokeball in her hand. "I know what it feels like to have your best friend stolen, never, I would wish that feeling on my worst enemies. We're going to get them back."
"You're really not the one who attacked us?"
"No, I'm not."
Gripping her Pokeball tightly she whispered to herself. "It doesn't change anything, I cannot abandon this place. I need to see her again, one more time."
Gladion pulled Lillie to her feet slapping her. She looked at me dazed holding her cheek. "Get a hold of yourself! She's not coming back, she abandoned us Lillie and you know it. She was far too obsessed with Ultra Space and the Ultra Beasts to care about us. Please, don't follow down the same path she did."
"Gladion..."
The building began to shake more as I looked with more urgency. "I don't want to rush this, but we need to go."
"If those two want to stay let em, I'm not being crushed over a family moment," Zinnia shouted already running for the exit. I nodded as I glanced to Gladion and Lillie who were also finally on the move. Making it outside the main office we were stopped in our tracks the alarms getting worse.
"Ultra Wormhole detected, this is not a drill. All personnel please evacuate, I repeat this is not a drill."
"Are we too late? No, we don't have time to lose, we need to get back to the bo-." Gladion stopped mid-sentence seeing an Ultra Wormhole appearing behind Lillie. Running at her he pulled her out of the way. "Get back!"
Pushing her to the floor the Wormhole sucked him up as he was taken. Zinnia stopped me as I tried to help. Lillie looked up screaming tears forming. "Gladion, no!"
"Zinnia, get everyone out of here."
"You're not seriously thinking of doing what I'm thinking you're going to do?! We don't know where that thing takes you! You could die!"
"I'm not letting Lillie lose any more family to that place. Please, trust me, I'll see you on the flip side." I instruct getting a nod as she let me go. Approaching the wormhole I looked closely at it. "You ready Lillie?"
"H-Huh?"
"We're going to save your brother and get him back, you hear me? No one else is being taken by Ultra Space. Get up, on your feet."
Helping Lillie up we both looked to the Ultra Wormhole my heart racing. "Ready?"
"Y-Yeah... Let's save Gladion."
"Oh, I'm going to regret this Mimi, Ultra Space here we come."