Alolan Danger **ON HIATUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

Chapter 6: Dark Family Secrets

Two hours had passed since James and Meowth had landed on Professor Kukui's boat and told Ash and the gang about Mimikyu's threat against Sylveon. She hadn't left Pikachu's side since then. Sylveon had calmed down considerably, but she was still clinging to him. Pikachu didn't seem to mind it, as he was afraid that at any possible moment, Mimikyu was going to take her away from him. Lillie, with Snowy and especially Delphox's help, had managed to make the rest of Serena's Pokemon comfortable to the point where they could obey her without question. James had taken off the white uniform and purple gloves to prove to everyone that he and Meowth were truly finished with Team Rocket, and they were now talking to Kukui. Ash, Greninja, and Gary were looking out at the island that they were rapidly approaching. Mallow, who had been avoiding Ash all morning, was staring at them while contemplating something. She had a sad smile on her face as she walked up to them.

"Hey Ash, you doing alright?" Mallow asked in a worried tone. Ash turned to look at her.

"Well, considering that my best friend, who I have fallen in love with, is missing and one of her Pokemon, who Pikachu has fallen in love with, is being targeted by a vengeful Mimikyu, yeah, I'm just peachy." he answered in an honest but sorrowful tone. Mallow couldn't help but feel a little jealous, but she decided not to dwell on it anymore.

"Yeah, true. You really do care about Serena, do you?" she said.

"More than you know, Mallow. I'd do absolutely anything for her." Ash replied. Next to him, Gary smirked.

"Yeah? Would you give up your dream of becoming a Pokemon Master if it means keeping Serena safe?" he asked. Ash didn't even have to think about that question.

"I love her so much to the point that I'd even risk my own life for her. So yeah, I'd undoubtedly give up my dream for Serena. She means more to me than a stupid dream anyway." he answered. Gary's jaw hung wide open.

"OK, who are you, and what have you done to Ashy Boy?!" he shouted in mock anger. Ash and Greninja looked at each other and back at Gary. They both burst out into a fit of laughter.

"Thanks, Gary. I needed that." Ash said as he and Greninja wiped the tears out of their eyes.

"No problem, man! What are friends for?" Gary replied with a grin. Mallow couldn't help but giggle at them. Then she cringed at what she was going to say next.

"Ash, Gary, I'm going to have to leave you guys when we get to Ula'ula Island. I have to go back to the Lush Jungle. I can't just abandon my Trial Captain duties, you know?" Mallow asked, feeling a little upset. Ash and Gary were saddened by the revelation for a minute.

"Yeah, I understand. And I know exactly how you feel. I've had Gym Leaders as traveling companions before, you know? And Coordinators. And Dragon Masters in training. And...Serena. Sorry, I just can't stop thinking about her right now." Ash replied mareepishly.

Mallow shook her head before saying in a teasing manner, "Oh no, it's fine. You just want your girlfriend back safe and sound. I completely understand that." Ash's face reddened from embarrassment.

In an attempt to tease Mallow back, he said, "Yeah, and I'm pretty sure Kiawe wouldn't want you missing either. Am I right?" This time, it was her who had the red face.

"Kiawe? Does he have a crush on me?" Mallow asked in a calm but nervous tone.

Ash shrugged before saying, "I'm going to let you figure that out for yourself. But I will say this. Ever since that first day of school when you dragged me and Pikachu over to our seats, Kiawe's been getting jealous of the attention that you were giving me. It got to the point where he challenged me to a battle so that he could try to impress you. Now here's a shocker: I actually declined the battle after I heard of his intentions. I even flat out said to him that I was only interested in Serena anyway." Everyone who had heard him, besides Pikachu, who was there when it happened, and Greninja, who had seen that memory before, was literally stunned.