The sun was beginning to set over the picturesque Alolan beach, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. Ash and Celeste sat side by side, their feet buried in the soft sand. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Ash glanced at Celeste, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You know, Cel, I can't believe our time here is almost over. Alola's been amazing."

Celeste nodded, her eyes reflecting the colors of the setting sun. "Yeah, it's been incredible, Ash. I'll always cherish the memories we made here."

They had been through so much together. From their journeys through Sinnoh to their adventures in Alola, they had shared triumphs and faced challenges as a team. It was hard to believe that this chapter of their lives was closing.

Ash turned to face her, his expression earnest. "You're going to Hoenn now, right?"

Celeste nodded again, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yeah, my dad's been bugging me to gete know his region for a while now. I think it's time I spend some quality time with my new family."

Ash understood the importance of family all too well. "That's a good idea, Celeste. You should enjoy every moment with them."

Celeste turned to him, her voice tinged with emotion. "Ash, I want you to promise me something."

Ash raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

Celeste took a deep breath before speaking. "Promise me that you'll keep chasing your dreams in Unova, no matter how tough it gets. You've got something special, Ash, something that inspires people. I know you'll achieve great things."

Ash blinked, touched by her words. "I promise, Celeste. And you… you enjoy your time in Hoenn. Spend time with your family, and don't forget about your own dreams, okay? You'll become a Top Coordinator, I know it!"

Tears glistened in Celeste's eyes as she smiled at him. "Deal."

They shared a long, heartfelt hug, the waves continuing their timeless dance in the background. It was a bittersweet moment, but it was also filled with hope for the future. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they knew that their separate journeys were just beginning.

With promises made and memories to hold dear, Ash and Celeste finally pulled away, both wearing smiles that spoke of a friendship that would last a lifetime.

It was only as Ash's plane touched down in Opelucid City, that he could stop feeling so melancholic. Ash couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. The journey to Alola had been the vation he and his pokemon had needed, and now he was back home, ready to face the future. Stepping off the plane, Ash was greeted by the familiar sight of Opelucid City's bustling airport. His heart raced as he made his way through the crowd, his anticipation building with each step. It had been a while since he'd seen Drayden-sensei and his mom, and he couldn't wait to share his experiences with them.

As he entered the arrivals area, Ash's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar faces he'd missed so much. Then, he saw them—Drayden-sensei and Delia, standing side by side, beaming with pride.

Drayden-sensei, his tall figure clad in his Dragon-type Gym Leader attire, approached Ash with a warm smile. "Welcome back, Ash," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and joy. "I've said this before and I'll say it again. You've done us all proud."

Tears welled up in Ash's eyes as he hugged his mentor tightly. "Thank you, Drayden-sensei," he replied, his voice choked with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

Delia joined in the embrace, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. "My brave boy," she whispered, holding him close. "You've grown so much during your adventures."

Ash stepped back, looking at the two people who had always supported him. "I've learned so much, and I promise I'll keep learning and getting stronger."

Drayden-sensei placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, his gaze filled with wisdom. "Remember, Ash, the journey never truly ends. There are always new challenges and new friends waiting for you. I know you'll miss having Celeste by your side, but Cilan will be there for you. And so will we be."

With renewed determination, Ash nodded. "I'll do my best, both in pokemon battles and as a Pokemon Trainer. Just wait for it! I'll become the best Dragon Master out there!"

The trio walked out of the airport, heading towards Ash and Delia's home. Of course, as soon as he made it there, Ash could not wait a second more, before going to the backyard and start training. Ash was excited about the new addition to his team, Astrape the shiny Mareep. She had quickly become the center of attention among Ash's pokemon, especially Agni who had taken it upon himself to be Astrape's mentor and best friend. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day.

Astrape bounced around with youthful energy, eager to show her trainer what she was capable of. Ash took out his Pokedex and scanned Astrape, studying her stats and moves carefully. He could see her potential and was determined to help her become a powerful member of his team. With a confident grin, he laid out a training plan.

Pokemon: Mareep (Astrape).

Gender: Female.

Ability: Static.

Type: Electric.

Move set: Tackle, Growl, Thunder Wave, Thunder Shock, Cotton Spore, Charge, and Take Down.

Egg moves: Electric Terrain and Agility.

NOTE: This pokemon is shiny. The Egg moves have yet to be unlocked.

"Okay, Astrape," Ash said, crouching down to her level, "I've been thinking about how we can help you become even stronger. You've got a lot of potential, and I want to make sure you're ready for whatever challenges come our way." Astrape nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Before you evolve I would like you to master the following moves: Discharge, Confuse Ray, Power Gem, Light Screen, Thunder, and Dazzling Gleam. We'll start with a move that will really showcase your Electric-type power," Ash continued. "I'm thinking of teaching you Discharge."

Astrape's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of learning a new move. She had already mastered Charge, and now she was ready to take the next step.

"Discharge is a powerful Electric-type move," Ash explained. "It lets you release a burst of electrical energy that can hit multiple targets at once. It's a great way to show your opponents what you're made of." Astrape nodded again, eager to begin her training. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to learn. "Let's start by practicing the technique," Ash said. "I'll be here to guide you every step of the way."

With Ash's guidance, Astrape began to focus her energy. Sparks of electricity crackled around her as she concentrated. After a few attempts, she successfully unleashed a burst of electrical energy that crackled through the air, illuminating the field.

"Great job, Astrape!" Ash exclaimed, his voice filled with pride. "You're a quick learner, and I have no doubt that you'll master Discharge in no time."

Astrape beamed with happiness, knowing that she was one step closer to becoming a powerful Electric-type pokemon. Ash couldn't help but smile as he watched his determined Mareep grow and improve with each training session. But for now, they all had a welcoming party to get to.

The party in the Nature Preserve was a lively affair, with trainers and pokemon from all over Opelucid City gathered to celebrate Ash's return. The air was filled with laughter, the smell of Delia's delicious food, and the soothing sounds of nature.

Drayden-sensei and Ash found a quiet corner to chat. The older man's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "So, Ash, I heard you received a special gift in Alola. A pokemon egg, was it?"

Ash grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Drayden-sensei, it's a Jangmo-o egg! The guardian of Poni Island gave it to me after our battle. I can't wait to see it hatch and train it."

Drayden-sensei's eyes gleamed with interest. "A Jangmo-o, you say? They're known for their tenacity and strong sense of honor. It'll be an excellent addition to your team, Ash."

Meanwhile, Delia was engrossed in a conversation of her own. She knelt down beside Ash's Mareep, her fingers gently stroking its soft, pink wool. "Oh, Ashy, your Astrape is absolutely adorable," she exclaimed. "I've never seen such a unique color of wool on a Mareep before. It's stunning."

Ash beamed with pride at his mom's words. "I know, right? I was so surprised when I first saw it. It's a shiny pokemon, Mom. That means it's incredibly rare."

Delia's eyes shone with admiration. "You've always had a knack for finding and bonding with extraordinary pokemon, Ashy. Just look at your precious Ele! I'm so proud of you."

The party continued around them, the atmosphere filled with warmth and camaraderie. Ash felt truly blessed to have such supportive and loving people in his life. His pokemon played happily alongside others, and he knew that the adventures would continue, each one bringing new challenges and new friends. As the night sky filled with stars, Ash couldn't help but think about the future. With Drayden-sensei's guidance, his mom's unwavering support, and his team of amazing pokemon, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead in the world of pokemon training.