Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"Let's take a group photo!"
Red's suggestion met with everyone's approval.
"Well then, to commemorate this rare reunion..."
Li Wei smiled at Rotom. "The usual, Rotom. Sorry for the trouble!"
"Roger, Rotom! No problem, Rotom!"
Pokédex Rotom excitedly flew to the best vantage point.
"Photos will look great from here, Rotom!"
Everyone promptly got up and naturally gathered together.
Professor Oak and Li Wei stood near the middle toward the back, with Cynthia joining Li Wei at his side. Lance, Lorelei, and Bruno stood on Professor Oak's other side.
With an unspoken understanding, everyone nudged Red and Yellow into the center of the front row. Ash had wanted to stand beside Red, but Brock led him away.
"Learn to read the room!" Crystal said, dragging away Akin, who had wanted to claim center stage.
Silver quietly took his place beside Blue with Honchkrow, a smile unconsciously spreading across his face.
Red's Pikachu calmly leaped onto his Trainer's broad left shoulder and looked straight at the camera.
Ash's Pikachu immediately jumped onto Ash's right shoulder, ears perked up with energy and cheek pouches primed to spark.
The towering Corviknight, Tyranitar, and Dragonite all took their places at the back without being asked.
A few Pokémon from the laboratory's backyard that weren't shy around strangers curiously came closer too, poking their faces into the edges of the picture.
The flame on Charizard's tail burned steadily in the night like a warm beacon, which Rotom cleverly incorporated into the background.
"Everyone, look at the camera! Three, two, one!"
Everyone smiled and called out together, "Cheese!"
"Pika pika!"
"Pika!"
"Chu~!"
"Caw!"
Click!
Rotom's flash lit up, capturing that lively, bustling scene in an instant.
"See you in Blackthorn City."
With those words, Lance rode Dragonite off into the night.