A/N: No, this isn't the new story, that's still in the process. But in order to get myself ready, I decided to do this in the interim, both to give you a guys a taste of what's to come and to tie up some lose ends from Ash's Ultra Journey. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Alola, Kanto!

Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking. We are now beginning our descent into Vermillion city. Please have your seatbelts fastened and your chairs in the upright positions, and thank you for choosing PK Airlines.

Ash stirred from his sleep, yawning as the morning sun came in through the plane window.

"Its good to be home, huh buddy?"

"Pika."

Ash smiled, turning his attention to his companion. Lillie was still sound asleep, using his shoulder as a pillow while Snowy slept soundly in her lap.

"Lillie, wake up. The plane is landing."

"Hmm? Oh, right."

Lillie sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes while Snowy opened her eyes curiously.

"Oh I'm sorry, Snowy. I didn't mean to wake you, but we need to get ready to leave soon."

"Vul."

Ash and Lillie watched eagerly as the plane touched down in the water, taxing into the dock before coming to a complete stop. Ash then turned to his girlfriend.

"Ready for your first taste of Kanto?"

"You know it!"

Once they grabbed their bags, the two lovebirds walked arm and arm down the ramp into Kanto. When Lillie first saw the city, she nearly fainted in shock. Compared to the calm and quiet of Alola, this was an entirely different world. Sounds and lights surrounded her.

"A lot different than what you're used too, huh?"

"Uh huh."

Ash smiled, and gently took her hand.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

Lillie smiled, her worries going away instantly as they walked over to the bus stop.

"Let's see, the next bus to Pallet Town is in an hour."

"Just enough time to see the sights. Come on, let's go!"

Lillie pulled Ash away, causing him to yelp in surprise.

"Hey, slow down!"

Soon, he managed to free his arm, and the two took a slower pace. As they walked, Ash couldn't help but notice a poster on the wall of the Pokemon Center.

"Cerise Research Institute, coming soon. For all things related to Pokemon Science."

"Looks like Professor Oak has some new competition in town."

"Woah look, a shiny Pidgeot!"

Ash glanced up, an indeed a differently colored Pidgeot flew overhead.

"Huh. Neat."

"Watch out!"

The warning came too late, and the person who issued it ran right into Ash. When Ash had picked himself up, he found a dark skinned, black haired boy rubbing his head and glaring at him.

"Thanks a lot! I almost had it!"

"Me? You're the one running around like a maniac!"

The boy scoffed, and took off running again, much to Ash's agitation.

"Nice knowing you."

"Excuse me?"

Ash and Lillie glanced up to see a red haired girl running up to them, panting heavily.

"Have you seen a kid, about my age, with dark hair? Might have been chasing a Pidgeot, screaming like a madman?"

"That way."

"Thanks, sorry if he caused you any trouble. Goh, slow down!"

The girl ran after her friend, leaving Ash and Lillie very confused.

"Well, that just happened."

"Don't worry, most people here aren't like that."

"Well obviously. After all, you're not."

Ash chuckled, before glancing at his watch.

"Oh wow, look at the time! We'd better get going if we want to reach Pallet Town before noon."

"Right!"

An hour later, the bus had reached Pallet Town, and the young couple got off.

"Come on Lillie, let me show you Professor Oak's."

"Don't you want to see your mother first?"

"She texted me earlier, saying she's at the lab. This way you can meet her and my other Pokemon at the same time!"

As Ash and Lillie made their way to the lab, Ash couldn't help but notice the town was oddly quiet. Throughout the entire walk from the bus stop, they hadn't encountered a single person.

"Where is everybody? I know its a small town, but its usually not this empty."

"Maybe they're all still sleeping?"

"At noon?"

Lillie shrugged, not really having a good answer. After a few minutes, they came to the laboratory.

"Hello? Anyone home?"

"We're in the back!"

Confused, Ash and Lillie made their way to the backyard to find...

"SURPRISE! Congratulations, Ash!"

...The entire population of Pallet Town there to greet them, with mountains of food stacked on the tables behind them. Ash couldn't help but laugh.

"Ah, you guys! Everyone, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Lillie."

"Hi, everyone!"

Everyone made sure to make her feel right at home, and the festivities began. Ash soon felt himself beset by the children of the town, and was regailing them with the final battle.

"It was neck and neck, both Kukui and I were down to just our Lycanrocs. My Lycanroc makes a move, his makes a move. I counter, he counters. But then, just when we were on our final legs, Lycanroc flips his right into a far wall, and I won!"

"Wow! You're incredible Ash!"

"I want to be just like you when I'm old enough to be a trainer!"

"Can we see him?"

Ash grinned, taking out Lycanroc's Pokeball.

"I don't see why not. Go, Lycanroc!"

The children cheered, piling onto the canine. Lycanroc, always the playful sort, happily let them hug and pet him, making Ash smile.

"Good old Lycanroc."

Later that evening, Lillie was in the guest room of Ash's house getting ready for bed. Delila was more than happy to let her stay, and they had gotten along together quite well over dinner. Just then, a knock came to her door.

"Who is it?"

"Your favorite person ever!"

Lillie rolled her eyes, but gladly opened the door for Ash.

"I just came to check in on you and make sure you're settling in comfortably."

"Thanks, Ash. So far so good."

"Do you like it here? You're not homesick or anything, are you?"

Lillie smiled, pecking his cheek.

"I meant it when I said I want to be there for your next journey, and I meant it. As long as I'm with you, I'll always be at home."

Ash smiled, and gave her a return kiss.

"Glad to hear it. Good night."

"Good night, Ash."

After Ash left, Lillie went to get into bed, petting Snowy as she got under the covers.

"Snowy, I think I'm going to like it here."

"Vul."

With a smile, Lillie turned off the light, looking forward to whatever the next day held.