After the intense encounter with the three goons and the successful rescue of the young Lapras, Ash and the group continued their walk toward the Pokémon Center on Tangelo Island.
Tracey Sketchit had officially joined them, walking alongside with his sketchbook tucked under his arm, still buzzing with excitement from witnessing Ash's display of psychic power and Viridian healing.
The Pokémon Center was a welcoming sight its familiar red roof and bright lights standing out against the tropical greenery. Nurse Joy greeted them with her usual cheerful smile as they entered.
"Welcome to Tangelo Island Pokémon Center! How can I help you today?"
Ash smiled politely. "We'd like to use the video phones to call home, and maybe rest our Pokémon for a bit."
Nurse Joy nodded. "Of course! The phones are right over there. Feel free to take your time."
The group gathered around the video phone booths. Ash went first, dialing his home number in Pallet Town.
Ash went first, dialing the Ketchum house number.
The screen lit up almost instantly, and Amber's excited face filled the frame.
"Big Brother!" she squealed, waving both hands wildly. "You're on the Orange Islands already?!"
Ash laughed warmly. "Yeah, we just arrived. How are you doing, squirt?"
Amber's eyes sparkled. "I'm good! Mom and Sis Cynthia are here too! Wait I'll get them!"
She turned and shouted off-screen. "Mom! Sis Cynthia! Big Brother is calling from the Orange Islands!"
A moment later, Delia and Cynthia appeared on the screen. Delia looked happy and had a smile, while Cynthia's face lit up with a soft, loving smile the moment she saw Ash.
"Hi, sweetheart," Delia said warmly. "You all made it safely? No trouble on the way?"
Ash nodded. "We're all fine, Mom. The blimp ride was smooth, and we already picked up the GS Ball from Professor Ivy. Everything went well."
Cynthia leaned closer to the screen, her hand resting gently on her baby bump. "I'm glad you're safe. We've been thinking about you all day. How are Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy my sisters doing?"
Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy crowded into the frame, waving.
Misty grinned. "We're doing great! The islands are so pretty already sis tia!"
Sabrina gave a soft smile. "It's peaceful here. We're looking forward to relaxing a little tia."
Daisy smiled confidently, stepping forward with her bubbly energy. "Don't worry, we're all taking care of each other. Ash is in good hands big sis."
Cynthia's eyes softened with affection as she looked at Ash. "Take care of yourself, my love. And make sure you rest properly between adventures."
Ash's expression turned gentle. "I will. We're heading to the theme park soon to have a proper vacation day. I'll call again when we can."
Delia nodded, wiping a small tear. "Stay safe, all of you. And Ash… bring back some souvenirs for Amber, okay?"
Amber popped back into frame. "Yes! Bring me something cool!"
Ash laughed. "I promise. Love you both."
After a few more pleasantries and goodbyes, Ash ended the call. He turned around and saw Tracey staring at the screen with wide, shocked eyes, his mouth hanging open like he had just witnessed something impossible.
"Cynthia… the Sinnoh Champion… calling Ash like a doting wife… and she's pregnant?!" Tracey whispered in complete disbelief, his voice cracking with awe. "This is insane! You're not just traveling with friends you're living with the Champion of Sinnoh! How is this even real?!"
Ash chuckled and patted Tracey on the shoulder. "You'll get used to it. They're family."
Giselle, standing quietly in the background, let out a long sigh and shook her head. "Welcome to the crazy Ketchum adventures… I guess this is my new normal."
Daisy smiled warmly at Tracey. "You'll fit right in. Just try not to faint every time we mention a famous name."
Tracey laughed sheepishly. "I'll try!"
Ash then dialed Professor Oak's number. The screen lit up, and the familiar face of the elderly professor appeared.
"Ash, my boy!" Professor Oak greeted cheerfully. "How are things on Valencia Island? Did you get the GS Ball?"
Ash nodded. "We did. Professor Ivy explained everything she knew. The ball can't be teleported through normal systems. There's some kind of powerful lock or energy field on it. We'll keep it safe and let you know if we find out more."
Professor Oak looked pleased. "Excellent work. I knew I could count on you."
His eyes then shifted to Daisy, who was standing beside Ash. "And how is my granddaughter doing? Staying out of trouble, I hope?"
Daisy smiled confidently, stepping forward with her big-sister energy. "I'm doing well, Grandpa. We're all taking care of each other. Don't worry."
Professor Oak chuckled. "That's good to hear. And Misty, Sabrina you girls are keeping Ash in line, I trust?"
Misty grinned. "Trying our best!"
Sabrina gave a small, elegant nod. "He's behaving… mostly."
Tracey, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly lit up like a fanboy. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at Professor Oak on the screen.
"Professor Oak…!" he whispered in awe. "The world's leading Pokémon researcher… I can't believe I'm seeing this live!"
Ash noticed Tracey's reaction and chuckled. "Professor, this is Tracey Sketchit. He's a Pokémon watcher and artist who joined us today. He's a big fan of your work."
Professor Oak smiled kindly. "Nice to meet you, Tracey. Any friend of Ash is welcome. Feel free to ask me anything about Pokémon research if you'd like."
Tracey looked like he might faint from happiness. "Y-Yes, sir! Thank you so much!"
After a pleasant conversation about the GS Ball and a few more words of advice, Ash ended the call.
Tracey's face was glowing with pure fanboy energy. "That was Professor Oak! The real Professor Oak! Ash… when this vacation is over, do you think you could introduce me to him in person? At Pallet Town?"
Ash nodded with a grin. "Sure. Once we're back, I'll introduce you properly."
Tracey pumped his fist. "Yes! This is the best day ever!"
While this was happening, Ash suddenly felt a faint distress signal through his Aura. It was weak but clear the same young Lapras they had helped earlier was crying out again, searching for her herd and feeling lonely.
Ash's expression turned serious. "Everyone, follow me. The Lapras we saved earlier… she's in trouble again."
The group quickly followed Ash as he led them toward a quieter part of the beach. There, they found the small Lapras floating alone near the shore, tears streaming from her eyes as she let out soft, sad cries. She looked dejected and lost, clearly searching for her herd but unable to find them.
The gang's hearts immediately softened.
Daisy knelt down first, speaking in her gentle big-sister voice. "Poor thing… you must be so lonely."
Misty looked heartbroken. "She's just a baby. We can't leave her like this."
Sabrina's eyes softened. "She needs a home."
Giselle, surprisingly, looked genuinely concerned. "Even I feel bad seeing her like this…"
Ash stepped forward and knelt in front of the crying Lapras. He reached out with his Viridian Power, sending calming waves of energy toward her.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You don't have to be alone anymore. If you want… you can come with us. Join my team. We'll take good care of you."
The young Lapras looked up at Ash with hopeful, teary eyes. After a moment, she nodded slowly and let out a happy cry.
Ash smiled and took out an empty Poké Ball.
"Welcome to the family."
He gently tapped the ball against the Lapras. It opened with a flash of red light and sucked her inside.
One shake… two shakes… three shakes…
Click!
Congratulations! You have captured Lapras!
At the same moment, a system notification rang in Ash's mind.
[Ding!]
Hidden Mission Completed: Successfully catching the core Orange League Pokémon Lapras and treating her with care. Also gave the thugs a harsh lesson.
Reward: Ice Crystal Core, Random Pokémon Level +5
Ash's eyes lit up with happiness. Not only had he gained another powerful Water-type Pokémon, but the rewards were excellent too. The Ice Crystal Core would be perfect for boosting Ice-type moves, and the level boost would help strengthen one of his team members.
He turned to the group with a satisfied smile.
"Looks like we have a new member. Welcome aboard, Lapras."
The girls gathered around, congratulating him and cooing over the new addition.
Daisy smiled warmly. "She'll be happy with us. I can already tell."
Misty grinned. "Another Water-type! This is perfect!"
Sabrina nodded. "A good addition to the team."
Giselle just shook her head, still trying to process everything. "First legendary birds, now Lapras… this really is the crazy Ketchum adventures."
With their new companion secured and the day still young, the group finally headed toward the Pokémon Theme Park, ready for some well-deserved fun and relaxation.
The Orange Islands journey was truly underway.