Kanto Region
Vermillion City
Some time after Ash and Goh return from Alola
"Riolu, Vacuum Wave!". The small bipedal dog-like Pokémon shot a ball of white energy at its opponent. "Dodge and use Dragon Claw!". Dragonite got out of the way of the glowing ball and, with its claws glowing green and growing swiped at Riolu. Riolu managed to get out of the way in time to fire another Vacuum Wave. This time it hit, but Dragonite shook it off pretty easily. "Now use Double Team!". Riolu focused and several mirror images of itself came out from its sides. "Use Hurricane!". Dragonite's wings glowed green and flapped them, releasing several gusts of wind at the Riolu images. Several of them blew away, while the real Riolu was trying to withstand the winds. Eventually, it could not take the winds anymore and flew backwards into the hands of its trainer. Said trainer was wearing his usual blue/green vest over his white shirt. "You did good out there Riolu!" said Ash, "that was some good training,". The Dragonite went over to see if its opponent was OK. Once it noticed that it was, it embraced it and Ash in a hug. "Oof! Yes, you did good too, Dragonite," said Ash. "Ryu!" said Dragonite happily as it kept hugging the trainer. "That was some training," said a young boy who was watching the battle. "Yeah, we got to keep it up for the World Championship huh guys?" Ash asked the group of Pokémon with him. The Pokémon, which included the former two, consisted of a differently colored Gengar, a Farfetch'd with an oversized leek, and his partner since he started his journey, Pikachu, all nodded in approval. "That's what I'm talking about," said Ash.
Location: Unknown.
He was in his office looking over some paperwork. He was trying to figure out where the important asset was at the moment. According to a trio of agents out in the field at the moment, the asset was traveling all over the place at the moment, but he normally stayed in Vermillion City. But unfortunately, there was no way of knowing if he was there at the moment. He decided that there was only one way to find out. "Matori, watch the office for a bit, I'm heading out for a bit," he told his secretary. "Certainly, sir. Where are you going?" said Matori. "Pallet Town," said Giovanni, "It's time I pay a visit to an…old friend,".
Vermillion City
"Hey Ash, could I talk to you for a moment?" asked Professor Cerise. "Sure professor, what do you need?" asked Ash. "I recently obtained a ticket for a Pokémon Contest in Lillycove City in Hoenn. I'm not that into contests, but I heard that you attended one before right?". Ash chuckled. "Yeah, I've been to a few," he said. "Good, then this ticket should go to you," he said, giving Ash the ticket. "I believe that the contest is in a few days, so you should probably prepare now. I can book a flight to Hoenn for you," Cerise said. "Thanks, professor," said Ash. Ash went to the room where he was staying with Goh and began to pack a few things. He then called his mother on his Rotom Phone to let her know where he was going. He then went out to the park to where his Pokémon were. "OK guys, I'm heading to Hoenn for a few days. Dragonite and Gengar can stay here while Farfetch'd, Riolu, and Pikachu can come with me. His Pokémon nodded. Ash then went back to his room to finish packing. Meanwhile, a certain trio was watching from outside. "So the twerp is heading to Hoenn eh?" a magenta-haired woman mused. "Indeed, it's been a long time since we have been there," a blue-haired man responded. "Yeah, I heard that der was a contest in Lillycove in a few days, maybe you want to check it out Jess," Meowth said. This got him a glare from the magenta-haired woman. "Do not remind me," she warned. "Sorry Jessie, I thought you were still into contests," Meowth said innocently. "I have not entered a contest in three years!" she said. "I hate to interrupt," said the blue-haired man, "but the twerp is leaving now,". The three looked and saw Ash walk out of the lab. "Let's follow him," said James. "Right behind ya!" said Meowth.
Ash arrived at Vermillion Airport. His flight did not leave for a few hours, so he decided to check his ranking. He was still in the Normal Class. He was then challenged by a trainer who used a Scyther against him. He was able to beat it with Pikachu but was still in the Normal Class. An announcement then rang over the intercom: "Attention travelers, the plane to Lillycove will be leaving in 10 minutes," a voice rang out. "10 minutes?!" Ash yelled as he ran towards the gates. He just managed to get there in time. "I hope you enjoy traveling with us sir!" the flight attendant told him. Ash nodded. "Be warned though, tensions between Kanto and Hoenn has been rough recently, so be careful. Some Hoennites might be a little aggressive,". Ash nodded and made his way toward the plane.