Chapter 37: Reunion in Paradise

The next day, the trio said goodbye to Hau and decided to go to Aether Paradise to see Lillie's family. On the boat ride there, Goh couldn't contain his excitement.

"Oh yeah, off to catch some Alola Pokemon! Finally, I can do what I came here for!"

"Um, Goh, there's something you should-"

But Goh was too excited to listen. Lillie sighed in defeat, deciding to let him learn the hard way. After a 30 minute trip, the boat docked at the manmade island. Goh practically leapt off the gangplank and ran into the building. Ash and Lillie just shook their heads.

"He never learns."

"Can't say we didn't try to warn him."

"Ash, Lillie?"

Wicke came around the corner to investigate the disturbance, but when she saw Lillie her face broke into a smile and the two shared a big hug.

"Wicke! It's been ages, how are you."

"Just fine, dear. And Ash, how are you today?"

"Just fine, Wicke."

"Say, what was that blur that just went past me a second ago?"

"That would be our friend Goh. He's so excited to be able to catch some Alolan Pokemon.

"Didn't you tell him his Pokeballs won't work here?"

"We tried."

Wicke just smiled, and shook her head.

"Well, he'll learn soon enough. Come on, your parents are in the observation area, and I'm sure they'd love to see you."

Goh quickly made his way to the observation area, and his eyes went wide in disbelief at how many Pokemon surrounded him. Pokemon of various types, from Fire to Water to Flying surrounded him in various small areas. Spotting a Bruxish being fed in the small lake, Goh smirked and pulled out a Pokebal.

"You're mine, Bruxish!"

"Sir, wait!"

Goh, caught up in his own little world, ignored the person and threw his Pokeball, hoping to catch the Pokemon. But instead of absorbing the Water type into it, it harmlessly bonked off its head and plopped into the water, annoying his intended catch more than anything else.

"Wha? But how-"

"Hey, buddy, what's with you? Pokeballs don't work here, don't you know that?"

"Well, how was I supposed to know?"

The exasperated employee pointed at a sign, clearly stating just that. Just then, Ash and Lillie came running into his defense.

"Sorry Suzie, he just got excited. It's his first time in Alola. I promise, it won't happen again."

Ash and Lillie quickly pushed Goh away before he could further make a fool out of himself. Suzie just scoffed and returned to her work.

"Teenagers."

They found Lillie's parents not far away, taking notes on the Pokemon's appearance and overall health. But when they saw who their visitors were, they dropped what they were doing and gave their daughter a big hug.

"Lillie! What a surprise!"

"How's Kanto, dear?"

"It's great! Ash and I have been hired as research assistants with Professor Cerise, and we've done tons of work for him!"

"That's great, dear, And Ash, are you taking care of our little girl?"

"Dad!"

"Don't worry sir, I've been looking after her. But if you ask me, she's more than capable of taking care of herself!"

"Hey, aren't you guys going to introduce me?"

Ash laughed, having completely forgotten about Goh.

"Sorry about that. This is our coworker, Goh. He wanted to be a Pokemon Professor too, someday."

"Yeah, and one day I'm going to catch Mew!"

"A high goal, young man. I wish you the best of luck."

"Well, isn't this an unusual sight?"

Stepping in through the door on the other side of the room was Gladion, his trademarked scowl on his face. Despite his intimidating appearance, Ash couldn't help but smile broadly.

"Gladion, how's it going?"

Gladion chuckled, allowing his scowl to fade into a smile as he approached them. He gave Lillie a big hug, Ash a fistbump, and Goh a simple handshake.

"It's good to see you guys again."

"What're you doing home, big brother? I thought you were competing in the Johto league?"

Gladion smirked, and pulled out his badge case containing all 8 of the Johto badges, much to the trio's amazement.

"The league is in a month. I came home to train and check in on Silvally."

"Congrats, Gladion! We'll try to catch it when we have a chance."

Before anyone else could say anything, they heard a loud screech overhead. Suddenly, Lillie was tackled by a large shape, freaking Goh out. He was just about to send out a Pokemon when he heard Lillie say…

"Nebby, cut it out! I missed you too, but I need to get up!"

"Nala."

Goh just stared, jaw dropped as Lillie gently pushed Nebby off her, stroking him gently as she stood to her feet.

"T-That's the legendary Pokemon Lunala!"

"Yes, and?"

"H-how, Why, huh?"

Ash and Lillie laughed. They had a feeling they had a lot of explaining to do.

The next few days passed by quickly, and at last it was time for the trio to head back to Vermillion City. Lillie's family came to see them off.

"Safe travels, you three. Tell Professor Cerise he's welcome to use our facilities any time he wants."

"We will, mom, thank you."

"And Ash, good luck in the World Coronation Series. I know you'll make it to the Masters 8 in no time!"

"Thanks, Lusamine."

"Good luck with your dreams, Goh. I know you'll make a fine Researcher."

"Thank you, Mohn. Coming from someone like you, that means a lot."

At long last, it was time for them to depart, everyone waving goodbye until long after Aether Paradise had disappeared from sight.

"It was great being able to see everyone again."

"Yeah, and that battle with Ilima was awesome! Best vacation ever!"

Goh huffed, and slumped over in his seat angrily.

"Easy for you guys to say. I didn't catch a single Pokemon!"

"You didn't try to catch any during your trial?"

"No, they all just ran off! And I didn't get to see a single Alolan form either."

"Ah well, there's always next time!"

Goh cheered up a little bit, and pumped his fists in excitement.

"Hey yeah, you're right! Who needs Alola anyway!"

"Hey, what's wrong with Alola?"

Lillie sighed as the two began arguing. It was going to be a long plane trip home, she could tell.