In the Footage—
Ash and Chloe rested only briefly after returning to Vermilion City before embarking on their next "runaway" journey.
The very next morning, they were on a plane bound for the Alola region. Chloe, the once-"good girl" of Cerise Lab, had fully committed to the life of adventure, having overnight requested another two days off from school.
Well, traveling the world with a Regional Champion counts as educational enrichment, doesn't it?
Along the way, Ash didn't stop talking about his experiences in Alola. Chloe just listened, raising an occasional question.
His stories were endless, but it was clear Alola was filled with unique personalities and events.
He told her about meeting Lillie, who was too terrified to touch Pokémon, yet could articulate advanced tactics with a "hard mouth" that hid her fear.
He introduced his "fierce rivals"—Sophocles, Mallow, Lana, and Kiawe—each one a beloved classmate.
Kachi was over the moon hearing himself called Ash's "fierce rival." It was an absolute honor to be acknowledged by the very first Alola Champion.
Lillie, however, was not amused. What does he mean 'Lillie, who was too terrified to touch Pokémon, but had a hard mouth'? Can't speak, don't talk! In Petalburg City, Lillie puffed out her cheeks.
I can touch Pokémon casually now! I just... I don't want to! I don't want to!! She was very happy to be nominated, but she wished he had used a better description.
It was clear Ash formed deep friendships in Alola!
In the Footage—
Before Ash could finish his trip down memory lane, the plane touched down in Alola. As the two walked out of the terminal, a warm, resonant voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Ash, long time no see!"
Ash froze, his eyes widening. He turned to find a familiar figure standing by the terminal exit. "Dr. Kukui!"
With a cry of joy, Ash sprinted toward the Professor, his mouth full of a thousand things he wanted to say. But as he reached him, the words caught in his throat.
Professor Kukui saw everything in Ash's eyes. He smiled, pressing his broad palm gently onto Ash's head.
"Alola, Ash. Welcome home."
The simple welcome brought tears to Ash's eyes, but he sniffed them back, grinning broadly.
"Alola, Dr. Kukui! I'M HOME!!"
"PIKACHU!"
The greeting was brief before they loaded into Dr. Kukui's car, bound for the Alola Pokémon School. Ash was vibrating with excitement, ready to surprise his old friends.
"How did they all know I was coming back today?" Ash asked. He had emailed Professor Kukui to ask for guidance, but he hadn't realized the others would be notified.
Dr. Kukui laughed, navigating the scenic coastal roads. "Hehe! As soon as your email arrived, I knew I had to tell the big guy (the island kahuna) and your classmates. They've been waiting for you!"
Lana and the others had barely slept, ecstatic to hear their "Champion" was returning. Their last goodbye had been tearful, and after a few months of silence, they couldn't wait to catch up.
(Wait, where is Dr. Kukui's son in this timeline? The continuity here is confusing...)
They arrived at the iconic Pokémon School building. Ash ran ahead toward the classroom, completely forgetting about Chloe for a second.
Professor Kukui turned to Chloe with an apologetic smile. "Don't mind him, Chloe. He's just so excited to see his old family. Sometimes his heart gets ahead of his brain."
Chloe just shook her head, an unfazed expression on her face. "It's fine. I've traveled with him long enough to know his personality.
He's reckless, impulsive, and sometimes forgets what's right in front of him. But I also know... if there's ever danger, he will be the first one to stand in front of me."
Professor Kukui looked at the girl—another one who held absolute trust in Ash—and felt his breath catch. Misty, Lillie, Lana, Mallow, and now this girl... Ash truly had a "Peach Blossom Fate."
Inside the classroom, Ash burst through the doors without even looking.
"ALOLA! Everyone, I'm back!"
"PIKA-PIKA!"
The current students and the remaining classmates were stunned, but their faces quickly split into grins.
"Ash is back!" "Long time no see, Ash!" "How have you been in Kanto?" "Pikachu looks as well as ever!" "Alola! Welcome back, Ash!"
Sophocles, Kiawe, Mallow, and Lana swarmed him, ecstatic to see their friend. It was clear that Lillie—the "Ice Flower of Alola"—was still on her journey with Gladion and Lusamine to find her father.
"Lillie... she hasn't come back yet?" Ash asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice. Lana shook her head. "No, they are still looking." Ash took a breath. "Well... I hope she succeeds! I know she will."
He quickly recovered his energy and began sharing his adventures, telling them about the World Coronation Series and the powerful opponents he had faced in the Normal and Super Classes.
Chloe and Dr. Kukui finally arrived at the classroom, and Ash suddenly clapped a hand to his forehead.
"Oh, man! Chloe! I'm so sorry! I totally left you behind!"
"It's okay, Ash. You can introduce me now." Chloe bowed gracefully. "Hello, everyone. My name is Chloe. I'm a research partner traveling with Ash. Please take care of me!"
Chloe had expected Ash to handle the introductions, but before he could speak, the Alola classmates swarmed her. Sophocles was staring at her with analytical eyes, while Kiawe crossed his arms, evaluating her spirit.
"We heard from Dr. Kukui!""Now Ash's travel companion is only a girl!""Emmm... she doesn't look like much of a battler.""Naa! Do you enjoy scientific research?!"
Chloe: … What is this situation? What a weird thing.
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