After the emotional rescue and successful capture of the young Lapras, the group made their way back toward the Pokémon Center to rest their Pokémon and plan the rest of the day. Tracey walked alongside them, still buzzing with excitement, occasionally glancing at Ash with admiration.
Once inside the Center, Ash found a quiet corner and mentally opened his system to check on their newest member.
[Pokémon: Lapras ♀️]
Level: 12
Potential: Champion
Ability: Shell Armor (prevents critical hits)
Hidden Ability: Hydration (heals status conditions in rain)
Skills: Water Gun, Growl, Sing, Mist
Intimacy: 255 (Max 255)
Item Carried: None
Ash smiled softly. "Not bad for a start. She's still young, but she has solid potential. We'll train her properly."
He then noticed another notification waiting for him.
[Ding!] Random Pokémon Level +5 applied.
Growlithe has leveled up!
Ash quickly checked Growlithe's updated stats.
[Pokémon: Growlithe ♂️ (Shiny)]
Level: 10
Potential: Champion
Ability: Turboblaze
Hidden Ability: Flash Fire
Skills: Bite, Roar, Ember, Leer
Intimacy: 255 (Max)**
Ash's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Nice. Growlithe is growing fast. Turboblaze is going to be a game-changer once he learns stronger Fire moves."
He dismissed the system screen and turned back to the group with a bright smile.
"Alright, everyone. Lapras is officially part of the team, and Growlithe just got a nice level boost. Now let's go enjoy the Pokémon Theme Park!"
The group cheered and headed out. The Tangelo Island Pokémon Theme Park was a vibrant wonderland colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, rides spun and twisted in the distance, and the air was filled with joyful laughter and Pokémon cries.
They spent the afternoon exploring every corner.
Misty dragged everyone to the giant water slides first. She screamed with delight as she zoomed down the winding tubes with Staryu and Starmie, splashing into the pool at the bottom with a huge grin. "This is amazing! Come on, you guys!"
Sabrina, usually composed, allowed herself to relax. She rode the gentle Ferris wheel with Kadabra and Mr. Mime, enjoying the panoramic view of the island while quietly smiling at the peaceful moment.
Daisy took on her big-sister role with enthusiasm. She organized a group ride on the spinning teacups with Togepi, Eevee, and the younger Pokémon, laughing loudly as they spun faster and faster. "Hold on tight, everyone! This is going to be fun!"
Giselle, still in her maid outfit, was reluctantly pulled into a gentle carousel ride. She sat stiffly at first, but when a small Ponyta nuzzled her hand, her expression softened a little. "This… isn't so bad," she admitted quietly.
Ash rode the Pokémon Battle Simulator with Pikachu and the newly caught Lapras, letting them experience safe, fun battles. He also took everyone to the Pokémon Petting Zoo, where they fed berries to friendly Tauros and Mareep.
As the sun began to dip lower, the group gathered near a shaded bench to rest. Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy were chatting excitedly when they overheard a group of tourists talking about the Orange League.
One of them said, "You have to defeat the four Orange Crew members to challenge the Orange League Champion. It's a real test of skill!"
Misty's eyes lit up. "Orange League? That sounds exciting!"
Sabrina tilted her head. "Four challenges before facing the leader… interesting."
Daisy crossed her arms with a confident smile. "It could be a good experience. What do you think, Ash?"
Giselle, who had been quietly listening, looked curious despite herself.
Ash leaned back on the bench, a relaxed smile on his face.
"I'll participate," he said calmly. "But we're mainly here for vacation. I'll relax and enjoy the islands first. I'll only fight when it feels right — no rush."
At that exact moment, a familiar chime rang in Ash's mind.
[Ding!]
Chain Mission Triggered: Orange League Challenge
Mission Details: Defeat the 4 Orange Crew members and collect the 4 Shell Badges.
Reward: Suitable Chain Reward + Individual Rewards for each challenge.
Ash's eyes sparkled with interest, but he kept his expression relaxed. He didn't mention the mission to the group yet he wanted them to enjoy the vacation without pressure.
The girls noticed his small smile.
Misty raised an eyebrow. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
Ash chuckled. "Maybe. But for now… let's just have fun."
Daisy grinned and ruffled his hair playfully. "That's the spirit. Vacation first, battles later."
Sabrina nodded in agreement. "We all deserve some rest."
Giselle sighed softly but couldn't hide a tiny smile. "This really is the crazy Ketchum adventures…"
With the sun setting over the beautiful Tangelo Island and the promise of more adventures ahead, the group continued enjoying the theme park laughing, riding, and bonding together.