"Pokémon Egg?" Ash blinked in surprise.
Just then, Professor Oak stepped into the room. He glanced at the Rotom Phone screen and gave a warm wave to the person on the other end.
"Long time no see, Naoki!"
"Long time no see, Professor Oak," Naoki replied with a smile.
The professor then clarified his earlier comment.
"It's like this: Samson Oak, a professor in Hau'oli City, is conducting research on regional variants of Pokémon. This egg from the Kanto region could be very useful for his studies."
"Regional variant?" Ash's curiosity was immediately piqued by this unfamiliar term.
"It looks like you haven't encountered those kinds of Pokémon yet, Ash," Professor Oak said with a chuckle. "So listen up!"
He adjusted his lab coat and began explaining with enthusiasm.
"Regional forms, also called regional variants, are unique adaptations. When Pokémon migrate to different regions with distinct environments, they sometimes evolve in appearance, typing, and behavior to suit the new climate and culture."
"For example, you know Rattata is a Normal-type in Kanto, right? But in the Alola region, Rattata becomes a Dark and Normal-type!"
"And Exeggutor, in most regions, it's a Grass and Psychic-type. But in Alola, it grows taller due to the tropical climate and changes to Grass and Dragon-type. Wild."
Ash's eyes lit up. "That's amazing! I had no idea Pokémon could change like that!"
His excitement was growing by the second. The idea of traveling to the Alola region was becoming more and more irresistible.
"I've made up my mind! I'm heading to the Alola region next!" Ash declared with burning determination.
Professor Oak, ever the voice of reason, sighed playfully. "Hold on, Ash. Isn't that a bit sudden? You just got back from Kalos. Your mom's been waiting for you to come home and take a break."
"In that case," Ash replied with a grin, "I'll invite Mom to come with me! We'll go on vacation together in the Alola region!"
Though it was currently winter in Kanto, Ash had heard that Alola was warm and sunny year-round, a perfect getaway spot. Plus, thanks to his recent championship win, he'd earned a generous prize bonus. He could afford to treat his mom to a proper vacation for once.
Professor Oak paused, surprised by the thoughtful gesture. Then he smiled gently.
"Your mother's going to be very happy when she hears that."
In truth, ever since Ash's father left, Delia Ketchum had devoted herself entirely to raising her son. Though it was hard to let him travel the world at such a young age, she had always supported his dreams unconditionally.
She cheered for him at every major tournament, always in the stands, waving and shouting encouragement. Not long ago, she'd even shed proud tears watching her son become Champion, a trainer strong enough to stand alongside the world's best.
"Yeah!" Ash nodded confidently. Then he looked at the screen again, locking eyes with Naoki.
"Mr. Naoki, we'll head to Alola right away. I'll deliver the Pokémon Egg to Professor Samson Oak, and after that, Pikachu and I will come visit you!"
Naoki smiled warmly. "You're welcome anytime."
After the call ended, Professor Oak, pleased by Ash's decision, began introducing him to the Alola region and his cousin, Samson Oak.
Ash had already heard Professor Oak mention that Samson was his cousin, so he wasn't too surprised.
"No problem! I'll make sure to deliver the Pokémon Egg to Professor Samson Oak!" Ash promised with his usual enthusiasm.
"I'm counting on you," Professor Oak said with a confident nod. He had complete faith in Ash.
After a few more words, Ash said goodbye to the Pokémon at the lab and rushed home. As he ran up to the front door, he shouted out loud:
"Mom! I'm home!"
Delia Ketchum stepped out of the kitchen, still wearing her apron and holding a cleaning cloth. She seemed to be in the middle of some housework.
"This boy… Even after becoming Champion, he's still as loud as ever," Delia said with an exasperated but affectionate smile.
Their Mr. Mime, who was sweeping the floor nearby, nodded in agreement. "Mime mime!"
Ash and Pikachu burst into the house, beaming with excitement. As soon as they saw Delia, Ash announced cheerfully:
"Mom! Let's go on vacation to the Alola region!"
"Alola?" Delia paused, a little surprised.
"Yeah! I heard that even in winter, it's warm like spring over there. The beaches are golden, and the sea is beautiful. Come with me! Let's take a break together!" Ash said with a proud grin. "And this time, it's my treat!"
Delia blinked in surprise but quickly smiled. As a single mother who had worked hard raising her son, there was no greater joy than seeing him grow up and offer to take her on a well-deserved vacation.
"Ash… you've really grown up. I'm so proud of you," she said, clearly touched.
Ash scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Aw, come on, it's not a big deal!"
"Pikachu~!" Pikachu chimed in happily.
Soon after, the mother and son duo booked their tickets to Alola. That very afternoon, they boarded their flight along with Mr. Mime and Pikachu, excited for their tropical getaway.
Back in Alola, Naoki sighed in relief after ending the call.
"Good thing I managed to steer the storyline back on track," he muttered.
The only major change now was that Ash had already become Champion. Naoki wondered whether Ash would still enroll in the Pokémon School like in the anime.
But based on his deep understanding of Ash, Naoki was 99% sure that Ash would leave Greninja and the others at Professor Oak's lab… and head to Alola with just Pikachu.
And as it turned out, Naoki's guess was absolutely right.
On the plane, Pikachu sat perched on Ash's shoulder as the two stared out the window, marveling at the night sky. Outside, clouds drifted beneath them like a soft sea, and the stars above sparkled like a glittering galaxy.
One human and one Pokémon pressed their faces close to the glass, both exclaiming softly, "Wow…"
The sky here was just so beautiful.
Sitting nearby, Delia glanced at the two of them, smiling, but then a thought crossed her mind.
"By the way, Ash," she said, "is it really okay to leave Greninja and the others at Professor Oak's lab?"
What she meant was, without those strong partners, wouldn't Ash's strength drop significantly?
Could it be… that her son planned to start fresh in Alola? Catch new Pokémon and train them into a team strong enough to become champions again?
Ash nodded firmly, a determined gleam in his eyes.
"There are probably lots of Pokémon in Alola that you can't find in other regions! I want to meet them all and become friends with them!"
Someday, he dreamed they could all return to Pallet Town together and live a peaceful, happy life, just like Mr. Naoki and his Pokémon did.
Pikachu, Charizard, Kingler, Corphish, Bayleef, Talonflame, Infernape, Slaking, Sceptile, Krookodile… and every Pokémon he had ever caught on his journey.
Ash also had a plan. One day, he'd build a giant nature preserve next to his mom's garden, a place where all his Pokémon could live freely and peacefully.
That night, the ranch in Alola was glowing with warm lights. The weather in Alola was almost always mild and pleasant, and tonight was no exception.
The sky was sprinkled with stars, and the gentle moonlight illuminated the earth so brightly that even the fields outside shimmered without the need for lamps.
Inside the villa, the Pokémon who had spent the day playing were now sprawled out on the carpet in the living room, exhausted and content.
Naoki and Iono hadn't gone out today. The two of them were in the kitchen preparing dinner together, while sister Indeedee was in the living room gently guiding little Elara as she practiced walking on the soft carpet.
It was such an ordinary moment… but to Koraidon, it felt like something precious.
Bathed in the warm atmosphere of the home, Koraidon lay quietly on the carpet, gazing at the scene in front of it. The wildness that once flickered in its golden eyes was now replaced with a peaceful gentleness.
It watched Pawmot snoring softly, the playful Eevee evolutions chasing each other's tails in dizzying circles, and the stoic Urshifu sitting upright on the couch like a meditation master.
And… it also saw its old self.
The Cyclizar, its former self, was curled up nearby, dozing peacefully on the carpet, completely relaxed.
Back then… maybe it hadn't understood what this kind of peace meant?
Just then, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.
Naoki emerged, carrying a plate of golden, crispy treats.
"Fried bananas! Hot and fresh! These are seriously delicious!" he announced with a grin.
The moment he said that, nearly all the Pokémon perked up and turned toward him, their noses twitching.
Bananas? Was that the yellow fruit they saw growing on trees earlier that day? It smelled amazing!
A group of Pokémon gathered curiously around.
Naoki smiled warmly, carefully slicing a piece of fried golden banana with a knife. He leaned down and handed it to Alcremie,
"Careful, it's hot," he said gently.
"Alcremie!" Alcremie chirped, puffing its tiny chest with confidence. It wasn't afraid of a little heat!
With its little paws, Alcremie picked up the crispy treat and brought it to its mouth, nibbling delicately as all the nearby Pokémon watched with wide, eager eyes.
At first, Alcremie's expression remained calm.
But the moment it finished that single bite, its icy-blue eyes widened in astonishment.
This taste…
The outer shell was golden and crisp, while the inside had turned soft and luscious. The moment Alcremie bit down, the warm, gooey banana practically burst with flavor. A sweet, creamy wave hit its tongue, so rich and fragrant it was dizzying.
Naoki had even glazed the outside with a thin coat of icing, fusing the natural banana sweetness with a gentle sugary crunch. The flavor was perfect. Pure joy exploded on the Pokémon's face.
"Alcremie…" Alcremie mumbled, swaying slightly in bliss. So happy…
Seeing Alcremie's reaction, the other Pokémon could no longer hold back, they all dove toward the plate and began tasting the fried bananas with cheerful squeals and wagging tails.
As each Pokémon took their first bite, their faces lit up in delight, their eyes sparkling with pure happiness. Some chirped, some danced, and some simply rolled on the floor in bliss.
Naoki couldn't help but smile. Watching his Pokémon enjoy something he made with his own hands filled him with warmth.
His gaze drifted toward the golden-fried snacks, and just then, an informational prompt floated into his mind.
[Fried Bananas (C)]
A delicious treat made by frying ripe banana slices. The intense heat softens the inside, while the breaded coating forms a crispy shell. One bite delivers a perfect contrast, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. A popular snack among many.
Cooking Effect:
Monkey Paradise — Monkey-type Pokémon love this snack. Feeding it to them greatly boosts their friendliness.
Note: "It may be a simple dish… but if it brings joy to everyone who eats it."
Naoki chuckled softly.
Even if the effect was just average, a dish that could light up so many smiles was more than worth it.
Early the next morning, a plane descended smoothly onto the runway at Hau'oli City Airport.
Ash jumped down the stairs with Pikachu on his shoulder, his eyes shining as he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.
"This is amazing!" he shouted with excitement. "Pikachu, look at that beach!"
"Pika~chu!" Pikachu squeaked joyfully, tail wagging.
Behind them, Delia followed with a small suitcase, trying her best to keep up.
"Ash, slow down a little!" she called out with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Ash was instantly captivated by the Pokémon strolling alongside the locals in Hau'oli City.
There were so many Pokémon, some he recognized, and many he'd never seen before!
Eyes sparkling with excitement, he quickly pulled out his Rotom Phone and aimed it at one of the floating creatures drifting past. With a cheerful buzz, Rotom's mechanical voice rang out:
"Comfey, the Posy Picker Pokémon. A Fairy-type. Comfey picks flowers and threads them onto its vine, releasing a soothing aroma that heals both its own injuries and those of its allies. It can also cure status conditions."
"Comfey…" Ash repeated the name, marveling at the Pokémon. "That's so cool!"
Beside him, Delia and Mr. Mime finally caught up. She wiped her brow and gave her son a half-exasperated, half-amused look.
"Ash, I know you're excited, but don't forget why we came here in the first place. You're supposed to deliver that Pokémon Egg to Professor Samson Oak, remember?"
Ash blinked, momentarily stunned, then slapped his forehead.
"Right! The egg!" he laughed sheepishly. "Pikachu, let's head to the Pokémon School right away!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu responded with a cheerful hop.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, Naoki was humming a gentle tune while watering the flowerbeds, using a Psyduck-shaped watering can. The soft burble of water blended with the scent of fresh soil and blossoms, creating a peaceful rhythm to start the day.
He glanced up at the clear blue sky, his thoughts drifting.
By now, Ash should've arrived in Alola.
If everything unfolded like it did in the original storyline, Ash would visit the Pokémon School next. There, he would meet Lillie, Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, Professor Kukui, and perhaps even encounter the Island Guardian, Tapu Koko.
Eventually, Tapu Koko would recognize Ash's potential and grant him a Z-Ring along with the power of Z-Moves.
And from there… things would escalate.
Lusamine, president of the Aether Foundation, would likely take notice of Ash's involvement with the School and extend an invitation. Together with his classmates, Ash would form the Ultra Guardians and help protect Alola from mysterious Ultra Beast incursions.
Tch, Naoki smirked softly to himself. 'If things keep moving this way, then the Alola storyline should stay intact after all.'
That meant he could quietly enjoy his time here, spending the cozy tropical winter with his wife, child, and a household full of Pokémon companions.
...
Bonus @1000
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