Long Story Short

Enchanted

Ash and Pikachu exited the airport terminal in Viridian City. He looked at the screen's flight information and saw his flight's arrival status as ON TIME from Melemele Island. "Thank you, Alola," Ash smiled.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Pi?" Pikachu recognized it. Ash and Pikachu turned around to find a lilac-haired woman in a suit.

Ash gawked, "Anabel!"

"Pika!" Pikachu greeted her.

"Hi, you two. It's been a while," Anabel beamed.

Ash chuckled, "It sure has. You look..." He trailed off.

"Yes?" Anabel slightly blushed.

Ash grinned, "Different."

Anabel sighed. "I see you haven't changed much," Anabel smiled.

"Thanks," the carefree trainer remained oblivious.

"Pi," Pikachu snickered on his shoulder.

Ash remembered the last time he saw Anabel, "So, what are you doing dressed like that? And what are you doing out here? I thought you'd be at the Battle Tower."

Anabel giggled, "A lot has happened since you and I battled. Palmer is covering my position at the Battle Tower while I work with the International Police. They enlisted my help for a mission. Hence, the outfit." She spun around to give Ash a better look.

"Whoa, that's so cool. What mission?!" an excited Ash asked. Suddenly, his stomach grumbled. The trainer let out an embarrassed laugh as he hugged himself, "Guess I'm hungry."

Anabel didn't mind. "Why don't I fill you in over dinner? My treat." Ash and Pikachu could never say no to that.

They continued their discussion once they found somewhere to eat, and Ash had his fill. "I also just returned from Alola to track down an Ultra Beast that made its way to Kanto," Anabel revealed.

"No way!" Ash slammed his hands on the table. His overexcitement alarmed the other patrons.

Anabel waved them off, "Don't mind us, folks. Nothing to see here." She felt a hint of sweat from mortification. "Cool it, Ash. I don't want to alarm people," the Frontier Brain lowered her hand to signal him to relax.

"Right, sorry," Ash rubbed the back of his head. He lowered his voice, "An Ultra Beast in Kanto sounds amazing."

"Not to the International Police," she reminded him.

Ash nodded, "They can be dangerous, but some can become your friends."

Anabel smiled. He hasn't changed. I'm glad. The girl felt her heartbeat quicken. "You're cute when you talk about Pokémon," the girl laughed.

"Really?" Ash was surprised. Pikachu almost choked on his food when he heard the compliment. The mouse looked at his best friend as he tried to process Anabel's comment.

The Frontier Brain saw an opportunity, "You've made quite a name for yourself in Alola, especially in your exploits against Ultra Beasts. How would the champion of Alola feel about helping me track down the Ultra Beast?"

Unsurprisingly, Ash could never say no to food and Pokémon. "Count me in!" Ash raised his fist.

Anabel smirked, "In that case, I need to verify one thing."

"What?" Ash and Pikachu tilted their heads.

"Let's have a battle to see how strong you are," Anabel made a fist.