The gentle waves carried Lapras and Shiny Gyarados forward as the group continued their journey through the Orange Archipelago. The sun was high, and a light breeze made the ride comfortable.
Ash sat at the front of Lapras with Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy relaxing behind him, while Tracey once again enjoyed the ride on the powerful red Gyarados.
Everything felt peaceful until Tracey suddenly pointed ahead. "Hey, look! There's an island up ahead, but… everything looks pink!"
Ash squinted and saw it too the entire island seemed to have a soft pink hue. Trees, flowers, and even some Pokémon visible from the distance had a distinct pink tint.
"Pinkan Island," Sabrina said softly, recognizing the landmark. "It's famous for the Pinkan Berries that change a Pokémon's color to pink when they eat them regularly."
Ash's eyes suddenly widened as a memory hit him like a thunderbolt. "Pink… Mew!"
He froze for a second, facepalming hard. "Oh no… I completely forgot!"
Misty tilted her head. "Forgot what?"
Ash rubbed the back of his neck, looking guilty. "Back at the start of the Kanto League, I promised Mew I would take her along on my Orange Islands journey. She's been staying with Amber in Pallet Town this whole time because of all the GS Ball drama… I totally spaced on bringing her. She must be waiting for me."
Daisy gave him a gentle smile. "It's okay, Ash. You can fix it now."
"Yeah," Ash said firmly, determination replacing the guilt. "As soon as we reach the next Pokémon Center, I'm calling Amber and asking her to send Mew over. I'm not breaking my promise to the little pink cat any longer."
The group nodded supportively. Sabrina placed a comforting hand on his arm, while Misty grinned. "Mew will be so happy to see you!"
As they got closer to the shore to turn around and find the correct route, they heard a loud distressed cry. Near a steep cliff edge, a Pokémon Ranger was struggling to help a pink-colored Rhyhorn that had slipped and was dangerously close to falling.
"Hold on!" the Ranger shouted. "I've got you!"
Without hesitation, Ash jumped into action. "Let's help!"
Tracey, Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle quickly joined in. Using ropes from Lapras's supplies and coordinated teamwork with Shiny Gyarados providing powerful support from the water and Sabrina and ash using their gentle telekinesis they managed to pull the frightened Rhyhorn back to safety.
The Ranger wiped sweat from his brow and smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much! You guys really saved the day."
Officer Jenny soon arrived on the scene, riding her motorcycle along the coastal path.
After hearing what happened, she looked at Ash and the group with respect. "That was impressive work. Pinkan Island has been declared an official nature reserve for the Pinkan Berries and all the pink-colored Pokémon that live here. Normally, outsiders are strictly not allowed to enter the premises to protect the ecosystem."
She paused, then smiled. "But because you helped save that Rhyhorn, I'll make an exception. You can rest here for a bit if you need to."
Ash shook his head politely. "We appreciate it, Officer Jenny, but we understand how important this place is. We don't want to disturb the reserve or the Pokémon. We'll head out right away and continue our journey."
The girls nodded in agreement, respecting the protected status of the island.
Just as they were preparing to leave, Officer Jenny's radio crackled with a distress signal. "Poachers! They're trying to capture a Pink Staryu near the eastern cove!"
Jenny's expression turned serious. "Not again…"
Ash immediately stepped up. "We'll help!"
Sabrina's eyes glowed with psychic power. "Leave the poachers to me."
With Sabrina's powerful psychic abilities supporting Officer Jenny, the skilled poachers were quickly subdued and tied up.
The group then turned their attention to the small Pokémon the poachers had been targeting a beautiful Shiny Pink Staryu, its gem sparkling with a soft rosy hue. It looked scared but unharmed.
Officer Jenny knelt down gently. "This little one isn't native to Pinkan Island. It must have drifted here by accident." She looked at Sabrina with a kind smile.
"You seem to have a strong connection with Psychic-types. Would you be willing to take care of it?"
Sabrina smiled softly, her violet eyes warm. "Yes… I would like that."
She took out an empty Poké Ball and gently tapped it against the Pink Staryu. The ball clicked shut after a single shake. Shiny Pink Staryu was caught.
"Welcome to the team," Sabrina whispered affectionately to her new partner.
With the poachers handed over to Officer Jenny and the rescue complete, the group said their goodbyes and returned to the sea.
Ash climbed back onto Lapras, feeling lighter now that he had a clear plan for Mew. "Alright everyone, next stop the nearest Pokémon Center. I've got a pink cat to bring on board."
Misty giggled. "Mew is going to be so excited!"
Daisy hummed cheerfully while Sabrina cradled her new Poké Ball with a gentle expression. Giselle gave a small nod of approval from the back, and Tracey was already excitedly sketching the Pink Staryu.
As Lapras and Shiny Gyarados carried them back into the Orange Archipelago currents, Ash looked out over the sparkling water with renewed energy.
One forgotten promise was about to be kept, and the journey continued with even more friends waiting to join.