What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

Welcome to Paldea!

The Brave Asagi arrives at Liko's home region, Paldea.

Liko thinks being back in Paldea is nostalgic even though she hasn't been gone for that long. She also realizes that this will be her first time in her home region with Sprigatito.

Ash is overjoyed to be in a new region.

Friede: C'mon Liko, I'll take you home.

Ash hears this, and wants to join in,

Ash: Ooo! Can I come!

Fride: Sure, I guess.

Ash: Sweet!

Friede: Y'know Liko, we are going to miss you, but our job would lead to this.

Ash: What?!

Friede: We were asked to bring Liko home.

Ash: Oh...

Liko, Ash and Friede walk outside, with Liko believing her journey is over. Liko briefly sees Dot through the window as Roy tags along as well, wanting to see Paldea for the first time. The group visits Mesagoza, where Roy encounters a Cyclizar rider. They also check out various stores. Friede tries to call Liko's mother, but she doesn't answer, so the group decides to head over to Liko's house to see her father, Alex.

Liko, Ash Roy and Friede arrive at Liko's house, where Fidough greets Liko and the others.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash uses his Rotom Phone

Rotom: Fidough, the puppy Pokemon, a fairy type, The yeast in Fidough's breath is useful for cooking, so this Pokémon has been protected by people since long ago.

Liko's father, Alex comes out to greet them.

Alex: Liko! Oh my, is this the World Monarch, with my daughter? I must be dreaming!

They all go inside.

Roy: Hey, Liko's dad, did you know Liko is a rising Volt Tackler?

Friede wants to change the subject.

Friede: I see you painted an Arcanine and a Rapidash.

Alex: Oh yes, I'm a painter, and I even draw picture books.

Liko: Dad, where's mom?

Alex: Oh, she's busy working.

Liko decides to head up to her room, with an unamused Sprigatito heading outside.

At sunset, Ash, Liko, Roy and Friede head back the Brave Asagi, with Liko feeling a bit worn out from that day.

Liko: I'm home.

Liko immediately puts her hands over her mouth.

Morning arrives, and Liko could hardly sleep over how conflicted she's been feeling, and her roommate, Ash knows.

Ash: Something on your mind?

Liko: Yeah.

Ash: You can tell me anything, I won't tell a soul.

Liko: I just, I want to stay with you all and see the world, but I know my dad wants me to stay here, and I don't want to upset him.

Ash: I know what you're going through.

Liko: You do?

Ash: Well, I didn't go through it, but a friend of mine did, back when I was in Kalos, my friend, Serena, her mom wanted her to be a Rhyhorn Racer, her whole life her mom made her train. She even told me our meeting at Professor Oak's summer camp was the only happy memory she had for a while. Until she left on her journey, and found Pokemon Showcases, when she told her mom, she was unsupported, so she had to beat her in a Rhyhorn Race to gain her respect, but the best part is, after that race, her mom was so supportive!

Liko: So, you're point is...

Ash: Even when it seems like your parent doesn't support you, if you show them just what you can do, they will be so proud of you, I don't think your dad will stop you, if you're honest with him.

Later, after all the other events of the episode, tells Alex that she finally decided what she wants to do. Meeting Sprigatito, Friede, Roy and all her new friends made her realize what her Grandmother's words meant.

Liko: Dad, can I please keep traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers?

Alex sees how much of her grandmother's thirst for adventure Liko has developed, asking Sprigatito to keep her safe. Later, Ash, Liko, Alex and Friede hang out at the coffee table with the coffee Liko got Alex. Liko notices picture books, and Alex asks her to give them to Roy. Alex then states that Brassius, who is in Artazon, has seen a rare Pokemon, which could be the Black Rayquaza. With this info, Ash, Liko and Friede decide to go to Artazon, but not before Liko notices a painting that Alex has been working on last night. Friede, Ash and Liko depart, the painting is revealed to be Sprigatito and Fidough sleeping together.