UNITY

In The Name Of Aether

Hilda rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but laugh. "Still obsessed with food, huh, Nate?"

As the group began walking, the conversation quickly turned to catching up on everything they’d missed in each other’s lives. The banter was lighthearted and filled with the warmth of old friendships rekindled. With Hilbert Silently Informing ash about the lead he has and Ash sets up a Rendezvous point.

Rendezvous Point, North Castelia City

Ash stood at the entrance of a spacious plaza, chatting with the Aether family as they made their way toward the Desert Resort. Pikachu perched contentedly on his shoulder, keeping an eye on the passersby.

Ash spotted Nate and Hilbert first, followed closely by Hilda and Rosa. He waved them over, his smile widening as they approached. "Hilbert, Nate!"

Nate and Hilbert grinned back, but Ash’s attention was quickly drawn to the two girls with them. "So, you’re Hilda and Rosa, huh? Nate and Hilbert have told me a lot about you two."

Hilda, ever confident, stepped forward and offered Ash a firm handshake. "Well, shoot, it’s about time we met, Ash Ketchum. I’ve heard plenty about you too. Glad to finally put a face to the name."

Rosa, full of energy as always, gave Ash a quick hug, much to his surprise. "Hi, Ash! It’s so great to meet you! I’m Rosa, by the way!"

Ash blinked, momentarily taken aback by Rosa’s exuberance, but quickly recovered with a smile. "It’s great to meet you both too."

As the introductions continued with Ash Introducing them to the Aether Family, Nate and Hilbert subtly guided the conversation away from anything too revealing about their mission. Ash, understanding the need for discretion, played along, keeping the conversation light and friendly.

Lillie, standing beside Ash, watched the interactions with a warm smile. "It’s nice to meet more of Ash’s friends. I can see why you all get along so well."

Hilda, with her Southern charm, responded with a grin. "Well, Lillie, when you’re dealing with guys like these, you gotta keep ’em on their toes."

Rosa nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We keep things fun and exciting, right, Hilbert?"

Hilbert, ever the calm and steady presence, simply smiled and nodded. "Right."

"And These Two are the Training Partners you Mention?" Gladion Asked.

"Yup, Hilbert and Nate. They're Pretty Strong Trainers" Ash said.

"You bet we are" Nate said as he Fist bumped Hilbert

As the two groups merged into one, the conversation flowed naturally, filled with laughter and the easy camaraderie of friends who had known each other for years.

"So Ash, You and Your Friends Here Gonna Help Us in Search of a Lost Family Member?" Lusamine Asked.

"Yup"

"You Can Count on us Mrs Lusamine" Nate said.

"We'll Be Glad To Help" Hilbert said

Ash, always the leader, eventually took charge. "Alright, everyone, we’ve got a lead to follow up on. Let’s head to the Desert Resort. With all of us working together, we’re sure to find something."

Hilda and Rosa were more than eager to join in, their adventurous spirits driving them forward. The Aether family, grateful for the additional help, followed suit.

As they set off towards the Desert Resort, Ash couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, as friends and as a team.