I actually picture something like this happening to poor James. The plot for this one is that the rocket trio heard of the ultra beast fiasco and want to steal one for themselves (to the point where they end up thwarting Lusamines plans… providing anime is going to do something similar to the games plot, in addition to NOT having the rocket trio devolve into comic relief again, especially considering James backstory). Que Nihilego taking an interest in James as he does his usual thing with catching pokemon, thinking this would not be any different. Spoiler it wouldn’t be different at all in comparison to the victreebel who tried to eat him, the Cacnea who hugs him despite being a cactus, the carnivine who bites him out of affection or the mareanie who hugs his face… poisonous spikes and all.

Ash reminds me of