Episode 1 Island beginnings

The episode begins on the island of Pasio, establishing the island as well as its residents. Bettie can be seen having lunch with her Pikachu while Cheren is training with his partner Stoutland.

Elsewhere on the island, Colress and Owl first arrive on Pasio. Colress goes over his plans to research the sync move phenomena as well as engage in some friendly battles, while Owl complains about the heat. Despite this, they engage in conversation, curious about what sync pairs could be formed with their Pokemon.

Cheren decides to go for a walk with Stoutland after they're finished training and soon runs into the two scientists on the way. Colress approaches this interaction with a cocky disposition while Cheren is suspicious of the Neo Plasma member. Stoutland and Owl's partner Pokemon Axew investigate one another curiously. Soon, Shauntal arrives, recognizing Cheren and coming over to visit. The two exchange banter about having a battle before Shauntal notices Colress and Owl. She immediately goes on the defensive at seeing the former, asking what his plans are for him to insist that he is only on vacation. Neither Cheren or Shauntal buy this, the league member warning him that he's still on the league's most wanted list. Colress is accused by both Unovans to be recruiting children for Neo Plasma when they spot Owl, but it is revealed that they are actually Colress' child. Despite this, Shauntal warns that she will be keeping an eye on him.

Immediately after this interaction, a small Chikorita runs into Shauntal's leg. Lyra runs over after it, revealing it to be her Pokemon. Tension seems to drop as everyone introduces themselves and proceeds to talk about their Pokemon partners. Cheren offers to show Lyra around, extending the offer to the Achromas but less enthusiastically. When it seems like another argument is going to break out, Cheren mentions how there are bigger issues to worry about than Colress, which immediately strikes Owl's interest. The gym leader is hesitant to discuss this topic with the young scientist but finally confides to the group that Giovanni has been confirmed to be on the island. This information causes a mix of reactions such as frustration from Lyra and further intrigue from Owl. Shauntal ensures that she will look out for him. Once the conversation ends, Cheren offers for Shauntal and Lyra to join him on the rest of his and Stoutland's walk. The two accept and they go on their way, Colress and Owl depart to the opposite direction.

On their walk, Colress and Owl run into a Pikachu in the road. Seeing the Pokemon as a possible threat, Axew jumps out at it. Pikachu is startled and shocks the dragon in surprise. Axew quickly retreats to his trainer, who approaches the Pikachu more calmly than their partner. Now more relaxed, Pikachu allows Owl to pet him, chirping happily in response. They give the Pokemon a Pokeblock and ask if he has a trainer. Almost immediately after, it runs off down the path. The two follow it to find a trainer fast asleep under a tree. Owl walks over while Colress stays back, not wanting to risk being recognized. The Pikachu wakes up his trainer by headbutting the tree and dropping a bunch of berries on top of her. She looks to Owl who introduces themself awkwardly. Colress facepalms, watching from a distance in second hand embarrassment. The girl introduces herself to be Bettie and the two talk for a bit. Owl asks if Bettie knew of any villains on the island. She briefly describes her interactions with Team Break, but otherwise can't recall any events of the sort with anyone else. Bettie goes on to offer Owl a tour and the two go on to walk together, Colress staying behind.

The two walk together until their paths meet with Cheren, Shauntal and Lyra once again. Recognizing Cheren, Bettie waves and approaches the trainers. Some more conversation is made before Cheren gets a call and steps away from the group. He returns to the group a few minutes later and tells them that he has to leave because something serious came up. While he doesn't disclose many details when asked, he does mention that someone named Lear is gathering powerful trainers together at his villa and requests that Shauntal comes with him. Owl asks that they and Colress come with them to help. Cheren is apprehensive, looking to Shauntal for her opinion on the matter. She agrees as long as he is supervised. Owl then puts their coordinates into their Xtransceiver and Colress returns to the group, riding atop of Kovar, his Magnezone. Together, Colress, Owl, Shauntal, Bettie, as well as Lyra head to the villa, as led by Cheren.