At Hapu's home,
As Tapu Fini's mist dispersed,
Kiawe, Lana, and the others, who had been waiting beside the fields with Li Wei, were surprised to see that Ash and the others had returned.
"Ash, Lillie, Mallow!"
"And Gladion too?!"
"Listen, listen! Torracat and I saw Stoutland!"
"Torracat even learned Fire Blast from Stoutland!"
Ash excitedly shared his experiences in the mist with Kiawe and the others.
Sophocles rubbed his chin. "So you really did see Stoutland in the mist..."
Lana couldn't help looking at Mallow, a question in her eyes. But the moment she saw Mallow's expression...
Lana knew that Mallow was happy.
Mallow said just as joyfully, "I saw Mom, and I told her everything I've been wanting to say all these years!"
Hearing that Torracat and Mallow had fulfilled their wishes to see Stoutland and her mother...
Lillie and Gladion couldn't help exchanging a glance.
"But why couldn't we see our father?"
"Could it be because your father never died in the first place?"
Hapu had returned on Mudsdale.
"If your desire to see your father was already that strong, and you entered Tapu Fini's mist..."
"Yet you still couldn't see him, then I think there's only one answer. He isn't dead."
Hapu shook her head as she spoke.
Lillie and Gladion exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise, delight, and a trace of confusion.
They were surprised and delighted that their father wasn't dead.
But if that was true, why hadn't he come home?
Still, they couldn't worry about all that now.
Gladion swung himself onto Silvally. "Lillie, I'm going back to tell Mother!"
"Okay, big brother!"
"Mr. Li Wei..."
Li Wei waved a hand. "Go tell Lusamine the good news."
Professor Mohn wasn't just important to Lusamine, Gladion, and Lillie.
He was also a