"Alola Kanto!" Ark exclaimed as they exited the plane, into the airport. "Wait where is everyone?"
"Ark, it was a nine hour flight, and they're five hours behind us." Sophocles pointed out. "Seeing as we left at 2pm, it's around six in the afternoon here."
"So that's why I'm hungry, it's dinner time!" Ark said.
"You're always hungry, besides it's almost midnight in Alola." Mallow pointed out.
"Kids it's been a long flight, we're going to check in at the Pokemon Center for the night, and then tomorrow we'll be heading for Pallet Town." Professor Kukui said. "Now line up, so we can get going."
"Yes Professor." The group said.
At the Pokemon Center
"Hi yes I have a reservation under Kukui." Professor Kukui said to the Nurse on active duty.
"Ahh yes, here are your keys." The nurse said.
"You don't look like a Nurse Joy." Ark commented. "Do they not have them in Kanto?"
"Ark!" Lillie scolded.
"What it's a good question!" Ark defended.
"It's fine, no my names Jon. I work the evening shift here." The nurse said. "Anything I can do for you all while you're here?"
"Give him your Pokémon, I'm sure they could use a quick check up." Professor Kukui said, grabbing a tray for Lycanroc and Braviary's Pokeballs.
"Do you have newspaper archives here?" Ark asked.
"Uhh, yeah. There's a computer room in the back, how far back are you looking for?" Jon asked, gathering the trays of Pokeballs.
"10 years." Ark said bluntly.
"Yeah, any local or regional newspapers should be there, if not feel free to ask for help." Jon said.
"Thanks Nurse Jon!" Ark said, rushing off with Pikachu.
"Is he not going to get Pikachu checked?" Jon asked.
"I guess not." Professor Kukui commented.
"Ark, don't you think you should get some sleep?" Lillie asked, walking into the computer room.
"It's seven o'clock, we should be staying up to be awake on time tomorrow." Ark countered.
"Can't argue with that logic." Sophocles commented.
"Sophocles what are you doing?" Lillie asked.
"We figured we'd help Ark." Mallow said. "Not like there's anything else going on right now."
"And I'm used to being up this late anyways." Kiawe stated calmly.
"Okay we should search for the week or so after Ark came through the portal, that's when they'd most likely cover it." Sophocles pointed out.
"Umm guys, don't bother." Ark said. "I think I found something bigger."
The group gathered around Ark's computer to see a headline reading.
'Champion Richard Ketchum's son, Ashton Richard Ketchum taken from his cradle last night!'
Below it was an image of a baby boy with lightning bolts on his cheeks.
"Okay that's just a coincidence, reverse search for this Ashton boy, they probably found him already it's been years!" Mallow said with a laugh.
"Right, right." Ark said.
Article after article, page after page, all telling of the kidnapped boy and various suspects but nothing on him being found at all.
"Okay so they haven't found him, that doesn't mean that baby is Ark, I mean Ark came through an Ultra Wormhole." Mallow said.
"We're not exactly sure on that one. I came through a wormhole, that much is known, but if I came through an Ultra wormhole why did it take another three years for Mother to open a new one?" Ark asked.
"Guys, look at the blanket." Lillie said, pointing at one of the better photos.
In the corner of the blanket, clear as day was the moniker A.R.K., exactly the same as the one on the makeshift bandana Pikachu was wearing.
"Okay, I'm officially weirded out." Mallow said.
"It's probably just our tiered brains playing tricks on us." Lana said. "We're seeing connections that aren't really there."
"Right, let's look into this again tomorrow once we've gotten some sleep." Kiawe said, as he and the others walked out.
"Ark, what are you thinking?" Lillie asked, concerned for her brother.
"Something Professor Oak said, he said I looked familiar, like someone from back home." Ark said, deep in thought. "Go on to bed, I still want to look into finding a few things out."
"Okay, just don't stay up too late." Lillie said, giving him a quick hug.
The following afternoon at Professor Oak's Lab
"Umm Professor Oak? Can I ask you something, in private?" Ark asked
"Of course. Cousin, we'll be right back." Professor Oak said to Principal Oak. "So what did you want to ask me that you needed to be so private about?"
"When you first met me in Alola, you said I looked familiar, was that familiar face the previous champions?" Ark asked, pulling out a photo of him.
"Yes actually, he lives here in town, those marks on your cheeks are a family trait for him, but it must be a coincidence." Professor Oak said.
"I'm not sure about that." Ark said. "I appeared in Alola the same day his baby boy disappeared. Also this was wrapped around me." Ark said, taking out Pikachu's bandana.
"Ark, what you're saying is a very serious matter." Professor Oak warned.
"I know, but the coincidences seem to be stacking up too much." Ark said. "Please, is there any chance of knowing for certain."
"Knowing what for certain?" Lillie asked.
"If the Ketchum family is really my family." Ark said.
"And what if they aren't, then think of all the hardship you'll bring up for them, and how broken you'll be." Lillie reminded.
"I know it's risky, but we have to try it." Ark said. "If these are my real parents they deserve to know I'm alive."
"Okay, but I want to come with you." Lillie said, standing firm until Ark finally relented.
"Professor Kukui, do you mind if I borrow two of your students for a bit?" Professor Oak asked.
"I don't have a problem, but I or Principal Oak do have to stay with them at all times." Professor Kukui explained.
"You four go have an adventure, I'll handle the tour from here." Principal Oak reassured. "You never were one to change layouts much."
"We'll be back soon cousin!" Professor Oak proclaimed.
