What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

Welcome to Paldea!

The Brave Olivine docks in Paldea as Ash, Liko, Roy and Friede step out. Liko feels a sense of nostalgia as she takes in the sights of her home region. "Alright Liko, let's get you home." Friede stated.

"You're actually dropping her off?" Roy asked.

"I mean, our job was to bring Liko home." Friede explained.

The trainers walked through the town of Mesagoza as Liko contemplates her journey already coming to an end. Friede dials a number in his Rotom Phone and puts it to his ear for a few moments before putting the phone down. "Doesn't seem like your mom is picking up." Friede stated, "I guess we'll go see if your dad's home. I have Liko's address.

The trainers pass a large academy building as a trainer riding on a green-and-black Pokemon drives past them. "Woah, that Pokemon is fast!" Ash beamed at the unfamilar Pokemon as he scanned it with his Rotom Phone.

"Cyclizar, the Mount Pokémon. A Dragon and Normal type. Cyclizar lets people ride on its back as it runs like the wind. The rider's body heat gives it energy."

The trainers arrive at a small house, "This is Lucca and Alex's house." Friede stated.

A small Pokemon runs up to Liko and begins licking her, makign Sprigatito jealous. "Who's that Pokemon?" Ash scanned it with his Rotom Phone.

"Fidough, the Puppy Pokémon. A Fairy type. Fidough feels smooth and moist to the touch. The yeast released when it exhales is capable of fermenting things in the surrounding area."

The front doors burst open as a man everyone could assume is Alex comes running out and dashes towards Liko. "You're home!"

Alex runs towards Liko, his arms outstretched for a hug, "Wait just a sec!" Liko exclaimed as Alex got closer, only to skid to a stop.

Alex turns his attention to Ash, "Oh my, the World Monarch brought my Liko home? I must be dreaming!"

Ash chuckled, "Nice to meet you, sir."

The trainers go inside and Alex serves them some tea, "Hey Mr. Alex." Roy began, "Did you know Liko is part of the Rising Volt Tackler?"

Friede cleared his throat before Alex could respond, "That's a nice painting of an Arcanine and Rapidash you got there." Friede pointed to a nearby painting.

"Why, thank you." Alex responded, "I'm a painter, and I even draw picture books."

"Hey Dad, do you have any idea where Mom is?" Liko asked.

"Busy with her work, as usual." Alex replied.

The trainers return to the Brave Olivine as the sun sets, "You're welcome to stay in the Brave Olivine until we leave, Liko." Friede reassured.

"Good, I'm glad I'm home." Liko said before immediately slapping her hands over her mouth. 

The next morning, Ash wakes up to see Liko stitting up in her bed, clearly lost in thought. "Hey Liko," he approached his friend, "Is something on your mind?

Liko nodded, "I feel kinda stuck. I wanna stay with the Rising Volt Tacklers and see the world, but I know my dad wants me to stay here, and I don't want to upset him."

Ash thought for a moment, "I think I can help."

Liko perked up, "Really?"

"Yeah! Well kinda," Ash admitted, "A friend of mine was like you. Back when I was on a journey through the Kalos region, I had a friend who was the daughter to a famous Rhyhorn Racer. Her mom wanted her to be like her, but she wanted to do Pokemon Showcases. She hid that from her mom for a while. When she finally told her mom the truth, her mom didn't support her at first, but my friend beat her mom in a Rhyorn race and after that her mom cheered her on."

"So, what should I do?" Liko asked.

"Things were better for my friend when her mom knew the truth." Ash elaborated, "If staying with us is what you want, then you gotta be honest with your dad."

Liko then heads into town to gather gifts for her dad as Ash and Roy wait with Alex at Liko's home. After around two hours, Liko and Sprigatito arrive at the household covered in dirt from some sort of hijinks.

"Liko, what happened to you?" Alex worriedly asked.

Liko stared at her father with a fire in her eyes, "Dad, I wanna stay with the Rising Volt Tacklers!"

Alex's eyes widened in surprise before he chuckles, "You really are like your grandmother."

The trainers sit at the table as Liko hands Alex some coffee she bought. Alex in return hands her some picture books, "Roy told me he's after some Black Rayquaza and I wanted to help. Also, Brassius in Artazon said he saw a rare Pokemon recently."

"Really?" Roy perked up.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Ash asked, "Liko's staying with us and our next stop is Artazon!"