Ash has been kidnapped by some mad scientists and turned into a riolu. After escaping from wherever they were keeping him he's on the right, all while searching for Misty, Brock, and Pikachu (who are in the same city and are looking for him after they realized he disappeared). He doesn't have any pokeballs on him because he left them in the Pokemon Center before his kidnapping. It's not like he knew what would happen... At least he still has his hat and backpack with him.