Cafes and parks were bustling with people, cheery and grateful for the sunny day. It was absurd on this day to wear any clothing that was too long, thick or dark.

That was why, having years of disguising experience from the past, Ash knew that to hide in plain sight, he'd have to walk around mimicking what was most commonly seen. Even if all he wanted was a cup of coffee. Occasionally he'd stop by a TV here and there to catch up on his own, instead of having desperate fans or assistants to inform him.

"What a shame that Ash had slept through May", the reporter said, "His birthday month. But let's be glad he'll be here to support the gender-free announcement coming out in June, which we all know as pride month. People are lining up to see world leaders state the abolishment of gender stereotypes once and for all, including acts such as feminism and misandry. Following the abolishment, genders will be used only for the identification of humans"

People stopped by to snicker or growl at the TV, but he learned to pay them no mind.

"Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Sweden have finally admitted to their infamously cruel sexism. Although there are many who disagree with the decision, tough for them. This is a milestone for the history books!"

He could see all around him that people were preparing for June already, wearing clothes of their choice, makeup, showing their affection in public. He was glad he encouraged it despite his father's strong opinions, otherwise it may not have gotten so far in Japan and the rest of East Asia.

But these feelings didn't last long as he was too concerned with the strange hallucinations he experienced during his coma. He was sure some part of it, whether it was an event, a relationship or a person, had to be somewhat real.

A familiar voice pulled him away from his thoughts.

"Seriously...?", the voice yelled in frustration, "I sat in a plane for eleven fucking hours! I don't care if you can't speak English! I need to talk to-"

"Ash?!"

Oh, no. Someone had spotted him. He'd made the rookie mistake of staying in one place for too long.

It seemed the yelling man had noticed him, too. But he didn't run at him like all the others were about to do. So without thinking, he grabbed the man's hand and hastily sprinted, listening to how far behind the crowd was chasing after him.

The man was struggling to keep up, but kept his cool and acted like he knew what he was doing.

After only minutes of being stalked down roads and cornered in alleyways, much less creepier than it seemed, Ash and the man found themselves alone in a small, isolated area between two buildings.

Ash seemed in great shape, but the man was gasping and sweating like he'd run from a pack of cheetahs.

"A-are you alright?", Ash asked, feeling a little self-conscious of his foreign accent.

"Yuh...yeah...oh, yeah, haha...I...I just..."

Ash had never really been to America without it being about business or something else important, but he started to wonder if people there didn't run so often.

"Hah, wow, you're fast...are you an athlete or something?"

"No, I-"

"Oh, that's right, you're like the heir of a tech conglomerate or something...ah geez..."

"Actually, I do martial art, but...are you alright?"

"Mm. I'm good. Besides, I came here to talk to you anyway"

"You fry from USA to Japan. To talk to me?"

"Yeah..."

"Are you businessman?"

"What? No-I-I'm not a businessman. I came here to talk to you personally about this weird dream I had"

"Dream?"

Before either of them could say another word, a muscular woman appeared behind Ash, screaming.

"Hands up!"

"Oh, wha-"

"Hands up! Drop your weapons!", the woman screamed.

Alain was frozen with fear as Ash pulled the woman aside, whispering to her in a language he didn't understand.

"Diantha, put the gun down", he pleaded softly, "I'm not in danger, I'm just talking to this nice American man here"

At that moment, he realised something. His bodyguard played a part in his dream! Diantha was a champion, but why? It must've been because she was strong.

Some of the dream was real after all.

"Okay, it's okay now. You want to talk with me?"

Alain blinked a few times before letting his guard down.

"Oh, yeah. My name's Alain-"

"Aran?! Do you know a-a Professor Sycamore?!"

"Um, yeah. He's...my dad. He specialises in the study of animals. How do you know him?"

He understood what Alain was saying, but didn't have the vocabulary to respond. Luckily, he was saved by a call.

"I-I have to go. But we keep touch, okay?"

"U-uh, okay..."

Ash sped out from the alleyway with Diantha following behind him, giving Alain threatening glares.

After a few moments alone, it dawned on him.

"Wait, how do I keep in touch?!"