[VIDEO:

The scene opens in a dimly lit pumpkin patch, with Ash crouching behind a row of pumpkins, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Alright, folks, today we're upping the scare factor with a spooky prank for Pikachu," he whispers to the camera, barely able to contain his laughter. "Gengar and I have been cooking this up for days!"

The camera pans over to Gengar, who gives a menacing grin before disappearing into a large, hollowed-out pumpkin. With the top carefully placed back on, it blends seamlessly with the others in the patch, concealing Gengar's hiding spot. Ash positions the camera strategically, ensuring it captures the prank in all its eerie glory, before sauntering off to call Pikachu.

"Pikachu! Hey, buddy, come check this out!" Ash calls, feigning nonchalance as Pikachu trots over, ears perked with curiosity.

As Pikachu approaches the pumpkin patch, Ash gives a subtle signal to the hidden Gengar. Suddenly, Gengar bursts out of the pumpkin with ghostly wails and moans, sending Pikachu leaping back in shock. The camera captures Pikachu's wide-eyed terror, his cheeks sparking with electricity in alarm. For a brief moment, it looks like Pikachu might unleash a thunderous retaliation, but then recognition dawns, and Pikachu's fear gives way to uproarious laughter.

Pikachu barrels forward, embracing Gengar in a playful tackle, the two of them rolling around amidst the pumpkins, laughter echoing through the patch. Ash can be heard behind the camera, his own laughter adding to the chaos.

THE VIDEO ENDS.]

"Gengar's Spooky Surprise" had me laughing so hard I nearly dropped my Rotom Phone. Even Reggie, sitting beside me on the plane, was chuckling uncontrollably. The video, one of Ash's earliest uploads, always got to us, no matter how many times we watched it.

"Man, Ash and Gengar really outdid themselves with this one," I said, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.

Reggie nodded, his smile wide. "I know, right? Gengar's timing is perfect. And Pikachu's reaction... priceless."

We were on our way to the Sevii Islands, excited and a bit anxious about seeing Paul face off against Ash. Paul had recently earned his sixth Battle Frontier print and qualified to challenge the leader of the Sevii Battle Frontier, a chance he had worked tirelessly to get. Both Reggie and I were incredibly proud of him, but we also knew the upcoming battle would be challenging.

Reggie let out a deep sigh, breaking the comfortable silence. "I'm nervous for Paul, Riley," he admitted, his voice soft. "He called me recently and told me about Ash's match with Trip. Ash beat him so soundly, and now Paul's wondering if he has what it takes to win."

I reached over and squeezed Reggie's hand. "Paul's a strong trainer, Reggie. He's been preparing for this, and he knows what he's up against. Ash will give it his all, but so will Paul. Win or lose, they're both going to put on an amazing battle."

Reggie leaned his head on my shoulder, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're right. They'll both give it everything they've got. That's all that matters."

I felt a surge of warmth and relief. Seeing Reggie relax, feeling his trust in me, it made everything worthwhile. I wrapped my arm around him, pulling him closer.

"I'm really glad we're going together," Reggie murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Me too," I replied, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "It's been a rough patch, but we're here now. Together. That's what counts."

Reggie nodded, snuggling deeper into my embrace. We sat like that for a while, the hum of the plane a comforting background noise. I thought back to the arguments and misunderstandings we had gone through recently. It had been tough, but we had managed to fix things, and now, here we were, stronger than ever.

"I love you, Riley," Reggie said, his voice steady and sincere.

"I love you too, Reggie," I replied, my heart swelling with emotion.

As the plane soared through the skies towards the Sevii Islands, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Grateful for Reggie, for Paul, for the journey we were all on together. Life had its ups and downs, but moments like these, where we could laugh together and support each other, made it all worthwhile.

"Hey, Riley?" Reggie said after a while, breaking the silence again.

"Yeah?" I replied, looking down at him.

"Do you think Paul will be okay? I mean, with the pressure and everything?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

"Paul's stronger than he knows," I reassured him. "And he has us supporting him, no matter what. He'll be okay. More than okay. He'll be great."

Reggie smiled, a look of determination in his eyes. "You're right. He will be great."

We spent the rest of the flight talking about our hopes for the battle, reminiscing about past adventures, and planning for the future. By the time we landed, I felt more connected to Reggie than ever, ready to face whatever came our way.

The plane touched down on Tangelo Island with a gentle thud, and I felt a surge of excitement course through me. As we disembarked, the warm tropical air greeted us, carrying the scent of the ocean and blooming flowers. Reggie and I made our way through the small airport, our steps quickening with anticipation.

We caught a boat to the seventh island of the Sevii Islands, home to the Terrain Ranger building and the Sevii Islands Battle Frontier. The boat ride was a breathtaking experience. The vibrant blue of the sea, dotted with colorful coral reefs and playful water Pokémon, was a sight to behold. For Reggie, it was all new, and his wide-eyed wonder reminded me of the first time I had seen these islands.

"Wow, Riley, look at that!" Reggie exclaimed, pointing to a school of Mantine gliding gracefully beneath the boat. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear.

"I know, it's incredible, isn't it?" I replied, leaning on the railing beside him. "The Orange Islands are full of beauty, and the Sevii Islands are no different."

Reggie nodded, his eyes never leaving the water. "I can see why everyone sings praises to this place. It's like a paradise."

The boat ride felt too short, but we made the most of it, soaking in the sights and sounds of the islands. As we approached our destination, the island's rugged beauty became more apparent. Lush greenery covered the landscape, with towering cliffs and hidden coves creating a picturesque setting.

When the boat docked, we stepped onto the pier, and I spotted Paul and Dawn waiting for us. Paul looked as stoic as ever, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Dawn, beside him, waved enthusiastically, her face lighting up with joy.

"Paul! Dawn!" Reggie called out, his voice filled with excitement. He didn't waste any time and rushed forward, pulling Paul into a tight hug. Paul, caught off guard for a moment, quickly relaxed and hugged his brother back, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

"It's good to see you, Reggie," Paul said, his voice softer than usual.

Reggie pulled back, his eyes shining with happiness. "You too, Paul. I'm so proud of you."

Dawn and I exchanged fond glances as we watched the brothers reunite. Dawn stepped forward and gave Reggie a warm hug. "It's great to see you, Reggie. And you too, Riley," she said, turning to me with a friendly smile.

"Good to see you, Dawn," I replied, shaking her hand. "And Paul, it's been too long."

Paul nodded. "Yeah, it has. Thanks for coming, both of you. It means a lot."

Just then, I felt a familiar presence, an aura hidden by psychic powers. It was subtle, but unmistakable. A smile crept onto my face. It was Ash. With one last look at Reggie, I quietly moved towards the trees where I sensed Ash's presence.

As I rounded the corner, I saw him. Ash was leaning against a tree with his Galarian Slowbro and Galarian Slowking by his side. He looked up and grinned when he saw me.

"Riley! You found me," Ash said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laughed and shook my head. "I could sense your aura from a mile away. What are you doing hiding here?"

Ash sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "After the Pummelo Conference, I've been hounded by the media and fans. I needed a break."

I nodded in understanding. "I get it. You've been in the spotlight a lot lately."

Ash chuckled. "Yeah, reminds me of when we were traveling through Sinnoh. Remember that time we had to hide from those fans in Oreburgh City?"

I laughed at the memory. "How could I forget? You ended up wearing that ridiculous disguise."

Ash's smile widened. "Yeah, and it didn't even work. They found us anyway."

We stood there for a moment, reminiscing about our adventures. It felt good to catch up, to remember the times we'd shared.

"So, how have you been?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Ash leaned against the tree, his expression thoughtful. "Tired, but happy. It's been a whirlwind, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

He looked at me, his eyes sincere. "I've missed having you on the field, Riley. Sometimes I'd turn to say something to you or Lucario mid-battle and then realize you weren't there."

I chuckled, feeling a warm sense of nostalgia. "I've missed it too, Ash. But I'm happy in Veilstone City. It's a different kind of peace."

Ash nodded, his smile returning. "I'm glad to hear that. We all need to find our own path."

We stood there for a while, just enjoying each other's company. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the island. It felt like old times, like nothing had changed.

Eventually, I knew we had to get back to Reggie and Paul. "We should head back," I said. "Paul and Reggie are probably wondering where we are."

Ash nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Let's go."

As we walked back to the dock, I felt a sense of contentment. Seeing Ash again, hearing his stories, it reminded me of how far we'd come. I was no longer on the front lines, but I was at peace with that. My life in Veilstone City was fulfilling in its own way.