Author's Note:

So here it is! The mini preview for part 2 of Lumiose University is here! If you'd like, you can just head on over to part 2 now, rather than read this here, or, if you're finishing a binge read, here's a little taste for your next session. Hope you enjoy, and I'll see you all over there.

Lumiose University - Part 2 Preview

Before Ash went inside to the lab, he quickly made sure his Pokemon had their food, which Tracey had helped to organize. Then, he'd gone to the bathroom to quickly clean up, his mother telling him he wouldn't be eating until he had gotten rid of all the dirt and grass stains. Pikachu had also been ordered to clean up, as he'd be joining in on the lunch with Professor Oak and his guests of course.

When he was finally done, Ash headed towards Professor Oak's kitchen, hearing the laughter of those in the room. He wondered who the guests might be, remembering his mother mentioning they were from the Alola region. If that was the case, could one of them be Hala? He doubted it, not remembering Hala saying he'd be visiting Professor Oak during the break. But then...who were they? He supposed he was about to find out.

"...and that's when Agatha used her Gengar. I had no idea what to do next, so I-"

The voice stopped as Ash walked into the room, and he immediately felt four sets of eyes on him. Two were Professor Oak's and his mother's, but the other two were...well...one of the other two was different. It was a man with a lab coat that was unbuttoned to reveal his bare chest, and he almost looked like he was ready to go to the beach, wearing shorts and looking a little tanned. The other, meanwhile, looked almost exactly like Professor Oak, just with longer hair, tanned skin, and a shirt with some kind of water Pokemon on it, while also wearing shorts.

"Ah...and this must be the man himself! Ash Ketchum!" the man with the lab coat announced excitedly, standing up from his seat and stepping towards Ash, shaking his hand. "Hala told me quite a bit about you, Ash. It's a great honour to meet you."

"I...uh...hi," Ash stammered, unsure what to say exactly, not knowing who this man was.

"Oh, sorry," the man laughed, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm Professor Kukui, and I'm a researcher in the Alola region. And my friend here, is Sam Oak!"

"Sam Oak?" Ash asked, looking surprised as he looked at the man, before glancing to Professor Oak. "But..."

"Well, I'm actually Samson Oak, while my cousin who you know is Samuel Oak. People are often confused, but I do look better," the Alolan Oak said, chuckling as he got up to shake Ash's hand as well. "Now don't be a Slowpoke and have a seat, Ash. We've been looking forward to meeting you."

Delia quickly put Ash's plate in front of him, while Professor Oak explained what was going on. "You see, Ash, Professor Kukui and my cousin are two of the most prominent researchers in the Alola region. I haven't had as much of a chance to work with Samson as I'd like, but he's here to look at some of the Kanto Pokemon here as some of them are actually known to appear quite differently in the Alola region."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked, eating some of his food while Kukui greeted Pikachu. "Like...Pokemon that are here look different in Alola? So Pikachu isn't the same there?"

Samson Oak shook his head. "Not all of them are different. Pikachu is actually very much the same, although...his evolution is a different story."

"Raichu looks different?" Ash asked, eyes wide with excitement. He remembered seeing some different looking Pokemon when he'd gone to the Orange Islands, but this sounded even more unique.

"Oh yes, and in fact, its type changes as well. Imagine a Raichu that can use Psychic attacks, along with electrical ones." Samson laughed as Ash looked at Pikachu excitedly.

"That would be so cool to see. I'd love to battle one!" he almost shouted, his mother quickly placing a hand on his arm to let him know to settle down. "So...you're trying to compare the Pokemon then?" Ash then asked, wondering what they would be able to find. "What is it you're hoping to find?"

"Well, I'm not too sure yet, but I would like to see how they developed so differently. That involves looking at the climate and environment, and other species they've interacted with. Many factors like that." Samson then looked to his cousin. "I do hope you haven't forgotten your promise, Samuel."

Professor Oak laughed, shaking his head. "Of course not, Samson. The Vulpix egg is here for you. It should hatch when you are home again."

"Vulpix? Does that mean Alola has a different kind of Vulpix?" Ash asked, not realizing how many questions he was asking, as he was so curious about these regional variants.

"Sure does," Kukui said, leaning back in his chair, having already finished his meal. "One of my students at Melemele University, Lillie, has one of her own that we're hoping to compare to. It's an ice and fairy type in the Alola region. Very powerful."

Ash didn't miss the mention of this Melemele University, assuming it was probably quite similar to Lumiose University. What interested him more, however, was Kukui mentioning how powerful the Pokemon was. He remembered his conversation with Hala, wondering if these Pokemon could use Z-Moves. "Can these Pokemon use Z-Moves?" he asked, leaning forward curiously while Pikachu hopped down to eat his food, an ear pricked up to listen.

"Oh sure, I believe most Pokemon can use them, if raised well and if they share a strong bond with their trainer," Kukui answered, looking intrigued by Ash asking this question. "I take it Hala gave you a little lesson on those, didn't he?"

Ash wasn't surprised Kukui knew Hala, nodding as he thought of the man's offer that he never got back to him on. "I was supposed to give him an answer about visiting Alola. I just got so busy with the IPL at school and-"

"Nothing to worry about!" Kukui interrupted, laughing as he clapped Ash on the back. "Hala knew you were gonna be busy and that Samson and I were coming here. The offer still stands if you want to come back with us. You can train with Hala, and even sit in on some classes. Might even be able to transfer schools if you want. Lots to do in Alola, and I'm sure you'd make plenty of friends. You're actually already talked about quite a bit there!"

"I am?" Ash asked, feeling a little awkward about that. He heard his mom saying something about him being a wonderful, popular boy, but ignored that as he looked to Kukui, who nodded with a laugh. "Is it because of Greninja?"

Kukui nodded, fiddling with something around his waist before continuing. "We've heard quite a lot about it, and Hala hasn't stopped since getting back from Kalos." He paused, smirking a little. "I do have to ask, though...is the hype true? Maybe I'll need to test things out myself."

Ash knew a challenge when he heard one, and he was standing before anyone could react. "You wanna have a battle?" he asked excitedly, Pikachu immediately scurrying up to his shoulder, ready to go if needed.

Kukui laughed, clearly admiring the eagerness to accept. "I would. How does a two on two sound?"

"Sounds awesome!" Ash said, smirking. "But be ready. I was runner up at the Kalos League. I'm tough to beat."

"I'm sure you are!"