Ash Ketchum is a Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town in Kanto, determined to become a Pokémon Master. His constant companion is his first Pokémon, Pikachu, and he travels with various human friends. During a desert stopover in the events of Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, Hoopa playfully steals food, pulling Ash and Pikachu through its ring portal to Dahara City. There, Ash witnesses Hoopa summon objects, people, and Pokémon through its rings. Learning of Hoopa's past, Ash feels protective. A century earlier, Hoopa's Unbound form caused destruction, resulting in its confinement within the Prison Bottle. When the bottle shatters, Hoopa's dark shadow manifests separately and attacks its confined self. Ash intervenes, advocating reconciliation and understanding between the two entities. Amidst the chaos, Ash coordinates defensive actions. He helps Baraz and Meray, descendants of Hoopa's original caretaker, forge a new Prison Bottle. This requires harnessing elemental energy from Serena's Braixen, Ash's Frogadier, and a wild Hippopotas. Ash also directs legendary Pokémon summoned by Hoopa—Rayquaza, Latias, and Latios—against the shadow's attacks. He rides Latios during aerial combat against the shadow and its summoned Legendary forces. Ash recognizes Arceus symbols on Baraz and Meray's necklaces, indicating prior exposure to mythological lore. Briefly possessed by residual darkness from the shattered bottle, Ash is freed when Hoopa purifies the shadow using positive memories. Across all official media, Ash consistently demonstrates loyalty, persistence, and a commitment to mutual understanding with Pokémon. He achieves his long-term goal by becoming Alola's first regional Champion and later the World Champion after winning the Masters Eight Tournament. His journey emphasizes forming bonds with Pokémon over seeking dominance.