Well, guys, I've actually been pretty excited to get to this point of the story. As you remember, we're have the gang to Alola and this excites me since I FUCKING LOVE Gen 7! It might not be portrayed the best here, I'm only one guy, but I hope you guys enjoy nonetheless.
Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
" Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
" Butts "-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
" Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech
Alola to New Adventure
The next morning after Serena's Contest, Ash and his group stopped at the port, with Serena being the one assigned to claim the tickets Gary had ordered for Hau'oli City. On one of the video phones, the young Oak himself, alongside Ash, were speaking to his grandfather, who's eyes were wide with surprise.
Prof. Oak: You're saying Brock's Primeape evolved into a new Pokemon?!
Ash: Yeah, my Pokedex said John, Brock's Primeape, was something called "Annihilape", a Fighting and Ghost-type.
Prof. Oak: Fighting and Ghost… Astounding.
Gary: And crazy thing, I'm supposed to be the future researcher, but I know jack about it. So would you happen to have any information, Gramps?
Prof. Oak: Hang on for a minute…
Oak then went off screen and began scrolling through his computer. He then hit the print button and found the information.
Prof. Oak: I found it! Like Ash said, it's called Annihilape, a Fighting and Ghost type. It's actually a more common Pokemon in the Paldea region.
Ash: Paldea?
Cobalt: I never even heard of that place before… Maybe I don't remember it from being so young when we went?
Green: That would be impossible, Cobalt.
Cobalt: Why's that?
Green: You don't remember Paldea because our tribe's NEVER BEEN to Paldea.
Ash: *hushed* Never?
Green: Never.
Prof. Oak: Paldea is a rather tropical and warm region in the south, adjacent to the Sinnoh region, which is the closest despite being over 200,000 miles apart. In fact, my old compatriot, Clavell, is director of an esteemed academy in the region.
Gary: An academy? Sounds interesting.
Ash: Maybe that's where we need to go after Alola?
Prof. Oak: Mayhaps. Oh! By the way, your mother has been trying to get a hold of you for a while now. It's best you call her before you leave.
Gary: You can use the phone next to me, Ash. I'm gonna stick to this one and make some transfers. Something tells me I'm gonna need it.
Ash: Alright then…
Leading his starters away, Ash heads to the video phone next to Gary and dials his house number. However, when the screen turns on and the call picks up, Ash sees the face of his mother… And she's not exactly the happiest in the world.
Ash: Um… Hi, Mom.
Delia: Well, well! You finally decided to call! Do you have ANY idea how many Pokemon Centers I've been leaving messages at, hoping you would be there?!
Ash: Sorry, sorry. So, what's the emergency that the Professor needed me to call you about?
Delia: What emergency? If I didn't say it was a big emergency, you would've called me either way, wouldn't you? You're just like your father.
Green: *chuckles* Oh, dude, she's laying into you DEEP.
Cobalt: I DO NOT envy you right now, buddy.
Delia: It wouldn't hurt to call me once in a while, would it? Especially with this Battle Frontier having you travel the world. I gave you that Xtransciever for a reason, Ashton Ketchum!
Ash: Oh, um… Yeah, about that…
The boy reaches into his backpack, only to show his mother the broken Xtransciever.
Delia: Oh my… What happened to it?
Ash: We ran into a situation with a Drapion and it broke during the battle. I'm guessing when Aiden fell, the shrapnel shattered the screen and messed with the electronics.
Delia: *sighs* Good thing I got a money-back warranty on that. Okay… This time, I'll give you a pass, but please promise to call me more. I worry about you, Sweetie.
Ash: I promise, Mom. But I have good news, I just won my fourth Frontier Symbol! Only 3 left and I'll have completed the Battle Frontier!
Delia: Oh, that's wonderful news, dear! Where are you going next?
Ash: We're going to Alola next!
Hearing the name of the region made Delia softly gasp as she feels a smile creeping onto her face.
Delia: Alola, you say?
Ash: Yeah. Serena's getting us boat tickets, so-
Suddenly, the honey blonde girl quickly approached Ash as she held 3 tickets.
Serena: Ash, I got the tickets. We have 20 minutes until we need to get on the boat, so I was thinking we could buy some supplies. *looks at video phone* Oh, hi, Mrs Ketchum!
Delia: Hi, Serena. Well, seeing as you have a boat to catch, I'll let you go, Ash. I have a call I need to make. Just remember to do your bst and change your you-know-whats every day!
Ash blushes madly at this as Green bursts out laughing while Cobalt snickers at this.
Ash: MOM!
Delia: Love you, dear.
Ash: *pouts* …Love you too, Mom.
He then hangs up as he leaves with his Pokemon, Green still laughing, albeit not as loud as before. Back in Pallet Town, however, Delia doesn't get off the phone as she dials a new number, Pika approaching Delia's foot as he rubs against her leg affectionately.
Delia: Hello, Mak? It's Delia. I need a favor. You're not going to believe what Ash is up to…
—-
As the team sails across the sea, Ash waits at the front of the boat, smelling the air and sighing as he relaxes with the now visible Melody sitting on the railing.
Ash: Never forget that old salty sea smell.
Meloetta: So beautiful…
Cobalt: You know, it's crazy… We've traveled by boat at least 4 times in both our Kanto and Battle Frontier journeys combined and it still hasn't gotten old.
Green: How could it? I mean, the wind on your face, the salt in your hair, *looks up* the annoying as hell bird Pokemon squawking overhead as if they theink they're better than you.
Ash: They're called Wingull, Green. *takes out Pokedex* See?
The Pokedex shows a picture of a Pokemon resembling a seagull with a white body, a yellow beak, and long white and blue wings stretched out, just like the ones Green was complaining about.
Pokedex: Wingull, the Seagull Pokémon. A Water and Flying type. By extending its wings, Wingull can catch updrafts and glide across the sky as it builds its nests on steep cliffs by the sea, where it hides prey and valuables during winter season. Fishermen use Wingull's navigation skill to locate areas teeming with fish Pokémon.
Green: Huh. Well, I'll b- AH!
He looks at the spot he just jumped away from, only to see a white stain on the boat's deck. Realizing what almost happened, he growls at the Wingull flock, causing them to let out a mocking, squawking laugh.
Green: That's it!
Cobalt: Dude, don't even-
The Sceptile taps a Pokeball on Ash's belt, releasing a confused and groggy Membra before Green suddenly picks her up and cocks her like a shotgun, even making the noises.
Membra: H-Hey, Green, what are yo-
Green: Eat Thunderbolt, you Rattatas with wing-
As the EleFish uses Thunderbolt, Green screams while the Wingull are struck, being dealt supereffective damage as they fall into the sea. However, Ash and Cobalt look in surprise as their Grass-type friend is burnt black from the electricity and Membra annoyedly slithers out of his grasp, causing Melody to giggle to herself.
Green: *coughs smoke* I really should've seen that coming… *falls over*
Cobalt: *sweatdrops* I tried to tell you not to do it…
Eventually, after 2 days of sailing and training, the ferry finally docks at a port of what seems to be a tropical paradise. Crystal clear waters, blue skies, a bright shining sun, all centered around an island rich full of greenery. This would be the team's next destination, the Alola region's Melemele Island. After getting off the boat and going through the port, Ash takes a deep breath through his nose and sighs once again, Gary, Serena, the invisible Meloetta, and Ash's Pokemon right behind him.
Ash: Finally back….
Gary: "Back"? What do-
?: Ash!
The group were distracted by the new voice, which was revealed to belong to a tan, muscular man with a dark man bun and a goatee, complete with wearing an open lab coat, green framed glasses, and a hat with a rainbow symbol on the front as he exited out of a red car. Both teens were confused about who this man was and how he knew Ash, but the boy in question?... Well, he answered for them as he ran forward.
Ash: Papa Kukui!
Green: "Papa"?!
Cobalt: Say what now?
Serena: Ash, wait up!
However, they stop as they see Ash hugging the man, who seemed happy to return the embrace.
Ash: Alola, Papa Kukui.
Kukui: Well, Alola, Ash… *places hand on his shoulder* Welcome home…
Ash: Wh-What are you doing here?
Kukui: Well, your mother called some time ago saying you were coming over during your journey, so I thought I'd pick you and your friends up and you guys could stay over like old times.
Cobalt and Green catch up with their Trainer while Gary and Serena approach from behind, the young Oak looking annoyed.
Gary: Don't run off without like that, nimrod. We don't know our way around here.
Ash: I do.
Serena: Wai- You do?
Ash: Yeah, sorry. I should've mentioned, this is-
Kukui: I'm Professor Kukui, I'm the Alola's region's lead professor in charge of researching Pokemon attacks. And as you can tell, I'm Ash's stepfather.
Cobalt: Stepfather? *gasps* Ash origin story!
Ash: These are my friends, Serena and Gary. They've been traveling with me since I started participating in the Battle Frontier.
Gary: Uh… Nice to meet you, Professo-
Kukui: So, you're Samson's grandnephew. Well, Alola to you!
Gary: A…. Lola? Wait, my gramps' name is Samuel, not Samson.
Cobalt: GARY origin story, too?
Serena: And I'm Serena. Alola… Is that right?
Kukui: Yes it is, and Alola to you too, Serena.
Ash: Hey, where's Mama Burnet?
Kukui: *tempting* She's waiting for us at home.
Ash: Awesome!
Most of the group looked on in confusion and shock. This was starting to get weird. Who was this guy? Why is he saying he's Ash's "Stepfather"? And who's "Mama Burnet"? These questions were put aside at the moment as Kukui then notices Cobalt and Green as they approach Ash and stand by him.
Kukui: WOAH! If it isn't Lucario and Sceptile! I've only ever seen a Sceptile in pictures. *to Ash* Are they yours?
Ash: Yeah, these are my Pokemon, Cobalt and Green. They've been with me since the start of my journey.
Kukui: Incredible. *to Green* I bet with those leaves on you, you can deliver some gnarly Leaf Blades there, Green… Or unless you're Cobalt.
The Sceptile looks surprised at the compliment, but nods with a smile, both in agreement, and to confirm Green WAS his nickname. Cobalt grunts and nods in greeting, only for Kukui to scratch him in the area between his right ear and dreadlocks, causing Cobalt to grow slightly limp with a silly smile while his tail wags and he bounces his right leg.
Kukui: And you, Cobalt… You're really relaxed for a Lucario. My boy must be taking really good care of you for you to have so much trust as to lower your guard around him.
Cobalt: Okay, all doubts are gone. He's cool.
Ash: *chuckles* …And I just realized I have some explaining to do, huh?
Gary: Oh, yeah. Big time.
—-
Later on, Kukui drives his car throughout the streets of Hau'oli City and eventually along a cliff ridge. Ash sat next to the man in the passenger seat while Gary, Serena, Cobalt, Green, and Melody who sat in Serena's lap sat in the back seats as they became engrossed in Ash's explanation.
Serena: So, you've been to Alola while your dad was gone, Ash?
Ash: *nods* Mm-hmm. Mom had said before he left, Dad and her agreed that it wouldn't be fair if she was all alone… Well, she has me, but still. Anyway, she explained how even though she and Dad were still together, "Mommy is able to have fun with other mommies and daddies". Which… made no sense to me as a kid, but hearing it now makes more sense.
Green: Ah, polyamory… A wild beast in the world of romance, it is.
Kukui: So, afterwards, she met my wife, Kaipo, on a dating site. We both agreed that we wanted to at least try out having a third for a while, so we invited her and Ash to stay with us for a weekend at my house in Alola. Either me or Kaipo- Or as you would know as Professor Burnet would go out with Delia to test the dating waters, while the other would stay and watch over Ash. Turns out… we hit it off pretty great.
Ash: *to Serena* And it was the summer after I met you and Goh that my mom decided that every summer afterward, we'd stay in Alola with Papa Kukui and Mama Burnet.
Gary: So THAT'S why you kept randomly disappearing for those 3 years... But how come you didn't go last year?
Ash: I decided to stay and prepare for my journey next year. A family friend was more than glad to look after me for that time, but… I'm really glad to be back here again.
Kukui: *car stops* Alright, we're here.
They looked over to see they had parked next to a rather nice looking beach house near the sand, but still a considerable distance near the forest. Ash hurriedly and happily hopped out of the car and ran up to the door as the other occupants of the car exited, Ash's Pokemon and Melody sticking to his side.
Ash: I'm home!
The door opens, revealing a woman inside the house with short white hair, tan skin, and a green headband around the back of her head. She smiles happily at Ash as she sees him and hugs the boy close.
Woman: Welcome back, you.
Ash: Alola, Mama Burnet.
The woman, now known as Burnet, smiles and kisses Ash's forehead before noticing the 2 other teens with them.
Burnet: You must be Ash's friends Delia told us about. Come inside, you two! Please.
Gary: OH… Well….
Serena: Thank you for inviting us in, ma'am.
The group heads inside the house, revealing a couch in front of the TV, a fish tank with some heart-shaped fish Pokemon and a living sentient mass of coral, along with a ladder leading up to a loft.
Serena: Wow, this house is so nice!
Gary: This is amazing, Professor. Thanks for letting us stay here.
Kukui: Hey, not a problem. Any friend of my boy is a friend to me.
Burnet: Ash, you'll be happy to know we left your "room" how you left it. Albeit with some sized up furniture.
Ash: Awesome! You guys'll love it-
Suddenly, the nearby video phone rings from the wall. Ash makes a gesture to say he'll answer it and goes to the phone, the screen displaying a picture of Delia.
Ash: Oh, hi, Mom.
Delia: Ash! How are you, Seabreeze? Did you make it to Papa Kukui's house okay? I can see you're already there from the background, but…
Ash: Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay. He actually met us at the port and-
Burnet: IS THAT MY LEE-LEE?!
Gary: "Lee-Lee"?
Burnet: *to Ash* Sorry, kiddo, need to take this!
She rushes over and drags Ash away, only to take the phone herself. She speaks with a desperate and whiny tone, even pouting like a kid,
Burnet: Delia! Why haven't you called me~? I missed you after so long!
Delia: Oh, hehe… *nervously blushes* Hi, Kaipo…
As the two women kept talking, Kukui decided to take over, showing Gary and Serena the ladder to the loft.
Cobalt: Arceus, Green, she's worse than you and John at the moment.
Green: You know what… You get a pass for that. She legit is a damn mess.
Kukui: This leads to Ash's loft here in the house, where he used to sleep when he came over. You guys could stay up there during your time here, but if you like, we could set up a blow-up mattress or the couch for one of you.
Gary: Honestly, I'd rather take the couch. Sorry to say, but I don't do well with ladders at night. Far too many times have I fallen out of bed in the middle of the night to pee.
Kukui: Ah, I feel your pain. Yeah… Well, alright then. Why don't you guys head on up and at least check it out or maybe see the beach, if you'd like. Dinner won't be until a long while now.
All three teens nod in agreement as Serena and Gary head up the ladder to check the loft. However, when Ash tries going up the ladder, Kukui stops him.
Kukui: Now, Ash, your mother said in the call the Xtransciever she gave you got broken. Would you mind if I take a look at it?
Ash: O-Oh, yeah. Sure.
He digs into his pack and pulls out the watch, dropping it into his stepfather's hand.
Kukui: Ooh… Yeah, this thing is completely "Rock Wrecker"ed. There's no way I can fix this, sorry, bud… But this COULD also be a good thing.
Cobalt: What, what is he talking about?
As Kukui speaks, he walks over and digs into a cupboard near a door possibly leading to the basement.
Kukui: We were hoping to send this for your birthday before you started your journey, but things came up and we almost forgot about it. But luckily, when Delia said you'd be coming… It gave Burnet and me the chance to give you this.
He then reveals the object in question as he now holds a wrapped box, whic he then gives to Ash. Confused, Ash slightly smiles and opens the box, only to look in shock as he pulls out a hand-sized red-orange vertical triangle with a small lens in the corner. He turns it around, revealing a blank, black screen.
Ash: My own cell phone?... *ecstatic* You guys got me a phone?!
Kukui: It's not complete just yet, little Kahuna.
The professor then takes out a Pokeball and opens it, revealing a snickering Rotom.
Green: Woah, it's a Rotom!
Cobalt: Man, that sure takes me back to Sparky…
Ash smile as he remembers his own Rotom at Professor Oak's lab before Kukuo pats him on the back.
Kukui: Now, point your phone at it, Ash.
He nods and obeys, showing the Plasma Pokemon the screen as it then quickly zips inside of the device. Ash and his starters watch as the phone gains a lightning bolt-shaped spike on top, along with a smaller straight spike on the bottom. He then turns it around, revealing a pair of Rotom eyes and a smiling mouth on the back as it winks at Ash.
Cobalt: Woah…
Ash: So cool…
Kukui: As you can guess, this is called a Rotom Phone. With it, you can call or message your mother, Burnet, Oak, or me without having to wait for a video phone. It even doubles as a Pokedex! Just point your camera at a Pokemon to activate.
Ash: This… This is AWESOME! *hugs Kukui* Thanks, Papa Kukui. And you too, Mama Burnet.
However, Burnet was too invested in the call to truly acknowledge Ash's gratitude, but gives an open mouth grunt in response.
Delia: Kaipo… Kaipo, honey, I love you too, but I WOULD like to talk to my son before he turns 18.
Later on that day, after managing to pry Burnet off the phone so Ash could bid his mom farewell, Kukui had prepared an "Alola Plate" for the occupants of the household for dinner. It was pretty nice as Ash, his friends, stepparents, and his Pokemon could all eat together. Afterwards, Ash decided to sit up in the loft with Serena, Cobalt, and Green while Gary when with the professors down to the lab. Melody turned visible again as she sat on the beanbag chair in the corner as they spoke.
Green: So, this is where you slept while you stayed here?
Ash: Yeah. Mom slept up here with me the first weekend to help me feel safe, but afterwards, I managed to get used to it. It's actually how I learned to sleep by myself and even get my own room back home.
Serena: I really like it up here. It feels nice, like our own private sanctuary from the world.
Melody: Those 2 seem nice… Should I reveal myself to them if we're going to stay for long?
Ash: I wouldn't force you if you don't want to, Melody, but I trust Kukui and Burnet. I think they can keep a secret.
Cobalt: This place seems great. All we need to do now is think of a regiment to train to so we can face Spenser and earn our next Frontier Symbol.
Green: Speaking of which, who're you thinking of using, Ash?
Ash: Well, I was thinkin-
Suddenly, a loud shrill cry sounded off, startling the group as Melody went invisible out of fright.
Cobalt: What the hell was that?!
Serena: Was that a… A Pokemon?
Ash: It sounded like it came from outside.
The group, minus Melody, rush out of the house to look around just as the cry sounds off again.
Serena: There it is again!
Cobalt: Guys, I'm getting an aura. Something's coming… FAST.
Suddenly, a form zips by them and stops in mid air above them. It was some sort of… odd creature with a black skinny body with a large orange mohawk, black claws on its arms, and large rounded yellow shells atop them. Ash looked on in amazement before finally recognizing the creature as it stared at him with its shimmering blue eyes. Both the Lucario and Sceptile stood defensively in front of the teens, Cobalt reading an Aura Sphere while Green prepares a Leaf Blade.
Green: Hey! Who are you?! Why are you here?!
Ash: I… I don't believe it… It's… Tapu Koko….
Serena: Tapu… What?
Ash: Tapu Koko. It's a legendary Pokemon that's said to be the guardian of Melemele Island, there;s apparently one for each of the islands in Alola. But… I thought they were just a story Mama Burnet told me about.
Suddenly, the Pokemon speaks, having a wise and experienced sounding voice, almost melodic. However, you could easily hear a surfer drawl to its masculine voice.
Tapu Koko: Child from Kanto… Heart of Melemele… I sense a REAL bodacious vibe from you. I know you can understad mne. *Ash becomes worried* No worries, bruh. I don't judge. Actually, seeing into your heart… I really like your style. How you battle, the bond with your Pokemon, TOTALLY my vibe. I heard you're gonna be facing some tough battles, which is why… I want ya to have this.
The Tapu then opens his claw to toss something to Ash, revealing it to be some sort of black ring resembling a Dynaband. However, there was a green crystal in the middle of it that had a black leaf symbol.
Serena: Huh?...
Ash: What is this?...
Tapu Koko: Put it on your wrist…
Confused, curiosity got the better of Ash as he slips the ring on his wrist where he usually put his Dynaband, causing a large plume of green, blue, and yellow light to occur. The four block their eyes to shield them from the light, only for it to fade.
Tapu Koko: That, my bro, is called a Z-Ring. Technically, a Z-Power Ring, but that sounds preachy. Once you're ready, I'll teach you about it, but know this. Only by harmonizing your heart with your Pokemon's can its power truly flourish… Oh, and if Lele asks about the Grassium Z, you never met me. Later, bruh!
Ash: Wha- Hey, wait!
It was too late as Tapu Koko had already flown off, leaving the group in shock while Ash and Green looked down at the rin and crystal they were just given.
Green: Uh… What just happened?
However, this wasn't the only place oddball things were occurring. As somewhere else in Melemele, some sort of spiraling crack appears in midair. A purple and pink blob quickly falls out of the hole, making a shocked chirp before it suddenly closes, leaving the unidentified creature to float in surprise and confusion as it stays there, staring at where the hole just was…
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togekiss: Kestrel
Lycanroc *Dusk form: Hunter
Marowak: Kabu
Dracovish: Jaws
Eelektrik: Membra
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny: Blacky (at home)
Serena's Team
Braixen: Kyubi
Murkrow: Lucky
Dewott: Oliver
Gary's Team
Blastoise
Jolteon
Arctozolt
Grookey