They discussed the plan on the way there; Ash would look for Serena, Clemont and Sophocles would look for Greninja and any other Pokémon that the Aether Foundation may be holding captive and the remaining Alola gang would look for Lillie. Everyone else would help where they could.

Little did they know, two of them had other plans.

One good.

One bad.

The second they arrived at the Aether Foundation, Squishy ran off. "Squishy! No! Wait!" Bonnie yelled, running after her friend. "Bonnie! Wait!" Clemont yelled, running after her. Max went with him, but since he was much faster, he quickly passed Clemont in pursuit of Bonnie and Squishy.

"Everyone else stick to the plan!" Ash ordered, speeding off as well. Everyone shrugged and returned their Pokémon before hurrying into the Aether Foundation.

The white corridors all seemed almost the same. It was difficult for Ash to navigate the area. But it was for Serena. He could do this. He had to. He could do anything if it was for Serena.

If I just keep running, I'll figure it out! He thought to himself, having memories of Santalune City back when he was travelling Kalos. Actually, that was the same day he met Serena again. His heart couldn't help but warm at the memory despite the terrible times.

He suddenly stopped when he heard talking from behind one door. He pressed his ear to it, listening in.

"Chief Faba, I-I don't understand!"

"Just do it! I don't care how, I just need you to keep those kids out of the way! I must finish my talk with Serena!"

That was all Ash needed to hear.

~•~

Serena had been sitting still and patient in her room, just as her orders were. She was expecting someone any minute now.

There was a knock on the door, then Faba came in, shutting the door behind him. "Serena, it's time you and I had a talk."

"Of course, Chief Faba," Serena replied monotonously. Faba pulled up a chair and sat opposite her. "You understand why you are so important, right?" Faba asked Serena first.

"Yes, Chief Faba; my purpose is as Ash's weakness. He cannot retrieve his Greninja if I am held hostage."

"Very good. But I also want you to be able to fight against him should  it be necessary, Serena. I came here to give you this."

He held out a strange type of Pokéball. "Inside this Beast Ball is a very special Ultra Beast. Only use it if you must, but use it well if it comes to it. Ash will try to find you and take you away. You won't do anything of the sort, no matter what he does. You'll stay here. Understood?"

"Yes, Chief Faba," Serena nodded. But that was merely the mind control talking. In reality she was panicking.

Ash! You came for me! Be careful, I don't want to beat you! I believe in you, Ash, but please be strong! I need you! Help me!

Faba then stood up and attempted to leave, but the second he opened the door, he was out cold by an all too familiar fist sending an enraged blow to his temple.

~•~

Ash walked into the room, stepping over Faba's unconscious body as though it were worthless. The second he saw Serena, his aura faded and he almost smiled in joyful relief, but her appearance startled him. Mostly the glowing red eyes.

"Serena..." he breathed. "What did they do to you?"

"Ash, I belong here now," Serena smiled sweetly. "They have taken good care of me here. I want to stay. I have to stay. I'll be fine."

"What?! Serena, no!" Ash was even more worried now. "They kidnapped you! They did something to you! Can't you see? That's why your eyes are red! Please, come with me! We'll take you home where you're safe!"

"This is my home now," Serena stated. "I am safe here. But you are not. Ash, please leave. You will only get hurt. I do not want this to happen."

Suddenly Ash heard something.

Ash! Help! This isn't me! It's mind control! Please help, Ash!

The cry didn't need to be in Serena's voice for Ash to know it was her. It was strange, though, since he never saw her lips move. That must've been the real Serena talking, he guessed.

He took a step closer, but Serena took a step back. "I'm not leaving without you, Serena," he insisted. "I'd never leave a friend behind - especially you!"

"Very well, then," she spoke in her monotonous voice. "You have left me no choice."

She tossed the Beast Ball Faba had given her into the air. "Woah, you have an Ultra Beast?!" Ash gasped, looking at it. "This is Poipole," Serena answered calmly.  "It will defeat you."

"Pikachu, let's go!"

Pikachu hopped off of Ash's shoulder and prepared to fight. "Pika Pi!" He yelled. "Poiiii!" The Poipole cocked its purple head curiously at Pikachu. "Chu? Pika Pika?" Pikachu seemed to reply to it.

"Poiiiiiiiiii!!!"

Suddenly Poipole flew over and nuzzled Pikachu, then spun around on its head, laughing. Pikachu grinned and pounced at it playfully. It didn't take long for the two to be rolling and jumping all over the place.

"What? Poipole, stop at once!" Even the emotionless Serena appeared confused by the display of friendship from the two Pokémon strangers that were supposed to battle one another. But suddenly it clicked for Ash.

"Poipole! It's you, isn't it! It's really you! I'm so glad to see you, buddy!"

"Poi!" Poipole greeted Ash, smiling as always. Ash smiled back, then looked to Serena. "This Poipole... the last I knew, it was back in the Ultra Space. Faba must've found it and captured it again. This used to be my Poipole."

Serena's blank expression returned. "I see. But it will still fight. "Poipole, poison that Pikachu!"

But Poipole was too busy playing to care. In fact, it was clear that it wouldn't listen to a word Serena said unless it wanted to. It wouldn't poison Pikachu.

Ash walked closer to Serena. "Whatever Faba has done to you, Serena," he said, looking her in her red eyes. "I need you to wake up."

He took her hands in his.

Then his aura reacted, flaring from him to her.

She collapsed into his arms, unconscious.