The tropical atmosphere of Valencia Island hit them the moment they arrived. Tall palm trees, pristine white beaches, and crystal-clear azure waters, combined with the faint scent of salt in the sea breeze, offered a landscape entirely different from the Kanto region.
The Nurse Joy at the local Pokémon Center was even dressed in a more tropical, short-sleeved nurse uniform. She warmly pointed Ash and his friends toward Professor Ivy's laboratory.
Following a winding path, they soon saw a white building perched on a seaside cliff, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This was Professor Ivy's research institute.
When they knocked on the door, a female researcher came out to greet them. Ash and Brock both froze for a moment.
Professor Ivy looked remarkably young, with healthy, tan skin and long chestnut hair tied loosely behind her head, with a few playful strands framing her face. Beneath an open white lab coat, she wore a deep blue, one-piece swimsuit that showcased her toned and energetic physique.
Her legs, in particular, were long and sturdyclearly the result of constant field research across the island. Her eyes were bright and full of curiosity, and a warm, slightly lazy smile played across her lips. She exuded a unique, free-spirited aura that perfectly matched the island's scenery.
"You must be Ash, the one Professor Oak mentioned? Welcome to Valencia Island!" Professor Ivy's voice was clear and melodious. "And these two are?"
"I'm Misty from Cerulean City, their traveling companion," Misty introduced herself, her gaze lingering for a few extra seconds on Professor Ivy's unusual "research attire."
"Professor Ivy, my name is Brock!" Brock did his signature sliding kneel, grasping her slender hand. "The moment I laid eyes on you, I was filled with a burning desire for... knowledge..."
"Alright, alright, don't go ruining their hospitality!" Misty expertly reached out, twisted Brock's ear, and dragged him back.
"Welcome, welcome! Please, come in!" Professor Ivy remained unfazed, warmly ushering them into the institute, the hem of her lab coat fluttering with her stride.
The interior of the laboratory was spacious and bright, filled with various research equipment and shelves of books. Most notably, the large doors leading to a rear courtyard were wide open, and the sounds of various Pokémon could be heard from outside.
"Before we go look at that Poké Ball, why don't you see some of our unique Pokémon first?" Professor Ivy led them to the backyard.
The courtyard was practically a paradise for tropical Pokémon. Unlike the common forms found in Kanto, many of the Pokémon here displayed distinct "Southern Island" traits.
A few Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂ were playing on the grass. Their colors were noticeably lighter than their Kanto counterparts; the blue fur of the Nidoran♀ had a soft, pastel-blue sheen, making her look even more gentle and cute.
The purple skin of the Nidoran♂ seemed faded by the sun into a light lavender, making him look less aggressive and more playful. The fur of the Venonat appeared fluffier with a hint of pink, and the mushrooms on the Paras's backs were fuller, with edges tinged with a soft rose hue. These subtle changes made them appear perfectly adapted to the warm, humid climate, adding to their unique charm.
"Wow! These Pokémon look a bit different from the ones in the Pokédex!" Misty exclaimed, especially drawn to the softer colors of the Nidoran.
"Yes," Professor Ivy explained, picking up a pastel-blue Nidoran♀ that had nuzzled against her hand. "This is one of our primary research topicsthe subtle influence of the environment on Pokémon morphology.
Valencia Island's unique climate and ecology cause the Pokémon living here to develop slight differences in color, fur density, and even habits compared to those in Kanto. For instance, these Nidoran might have variations in pigment deposition due to different diets or UV intensity."
Ash observed the Pokémon closely. His Aura allowed him to clearly feel the life force radiating from them, resonating in harmony with this land. It gave him a more intuitive understanding of Pokémon diversity and adaptability.
After viewing the tropical Pokémon, Professor Ivy's expression turned serious. "Now, let's get down to the main business. Please, follow me."
She led the three of them to a separate room with specialized temperature and humidity controls. On a shock-absorbing platform in the center sat a transparent, sealed container. Inside lay a single Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball had a strange metallic luster. Its body was primarily silver, adorned with exquisite gold spiral patterns, and the button in the center was a deep, mysterious black.
"This is the Poké Ball I haven't been able to handle," Professor Ivy said, pointing to it. "I call it the GS Ball. Its material is incredibly unique and exceptionally hard; I've used every known testing method,
but I haven't been able to leave even a scratch on its surface. It cannot be shrunk, and it cannot be sent through the standard transport systems. Even stranger, it doesn't respond to any opening commands, as if... it's completely sealed off."
Ash stepped closer to examine it. He cautiously extended his Aura, but upon contact with the GS Ball's surface, he felt a bottomless silence and a sense of isolation. It felt like more than just a sphere; it felt like a separate, completely enclosed spatial node.
"It can't be opened, and it can't be transported..." Ash mused. He already had a suspicion. In his memories of the original story, this GS Ball was closely linked to the legendary time-traveling Pokémon, Celebi. It was likely a special container or a catalyst involving the mysteries of time and space. However, he didn't plan on revealing that now, as it would be far too shocking.
"Exactly," Professor Ivy sighed. "My research here has hit a bottleneck. Professor Oak has a broader range of knowledge; perhaps he'll have a way. That's why I'd like to ask you to deliver this GS Ball safely to him."
"No problem, leave it to us!" Ash nodded solemnly, accepting the responsibility.
Just then, Brock, who had been silently observing Professor Ivy and the laboratory, suddenly had a familiar fire ignited in his eyes. He lunged forward and grabbed Professor Ivy's hands with deep emotion.
"Professor Ivy! Your deep research into Pokémon ecology and your tireless spirit of exploration on this beautiful island have moved me to my core! Please, you must let me stay! I am willing to be your assistant, to share the burdens of your research, and together explore the mysteries of these tropical Pokémon! This must be destiny!"
Professor Ivy was taken aback by this sudden "confession," a slight blush creeping onto her face as she gave an embarrassed laugh. "Ah, well... Mr. Brock, I'm touched by your passion, but..."
Ash face-palmed. He knew this was coming. He remembered that in the original story, Brock chose to stay here temporarily.
He stepped forward and patted Brock on the shoulder, interrupting his dramatic aria.
"Brock, I understand your respect for research and... uh, Professor Ivy," Ash said with a meaningful look. "If you want to stay here and learn for a while, Misty and I will support your decision. The Professor really does need help here, and your knowledge and attention to detail would be a huge asset."
Brock hadn't expected Ash to understand his thoughts so quicklyor even predict them. Moved to tears, he cried out, "Ash! You really are my best friend and the only one who truly understands me!"
Misty curled her lip and didn't say much. She saw through Brock's little scheme, but since Ash had already given his blessing, she tacitly agreed.
Seeing that Ash supported it and knowing the institute was indeed short-handedand that Brock seemed very knowledgeable in Pokémon breedingProfessor Ivy agreed with some hesitation. "Well... alright then. Mr. Brock, you're welcome to join my research team for a while."
And so, it was settled.
Ash and Misty took the GS Ball in its special carrying case, said their goodbyes to Professor Ivy and the newly minted "assistant" Brock, and headed to the island's airport to return to Pallet Town.
When they arrived, they were surprised to see a brand-new, streamlined small blimp parked on the tarmac, worlds away from the dilapidated one they had arrived in.
"Wow! This blimp looks amazing!" Misty said excitedly.
"It looks like the organizers learned their lesson, or maybe they just switched companies," Ash replied, playing along, though his Aura had already spread out quietly.
Sure enough! Beneath that shiny exterior, he sensed three familiar, persistent energy signaturesJessie, James, and Meowth! They hadn't given up, and this time they had brought even higher-quality "props."
Ash smirked inwardly but kept a straight face as he and Misty "excitedly" boarded the blimp.
"Welcome aboard this flight!" Jessie (with her wig slightly straighter than last time) and James (trying his best to stand tall) greeted them in crisp pilot uniforms, struggling to maintain their composure.
"We will provide you with the best service, meow!" Meowth added, wearing a bowtie and holding a tray of drinks.
The blimp took off smoothly and soon left Valencia Island behind. When they were over the vast, open ocean, a familiar broadcast boomed over the speakers:
"Wahahaha! Surprised? This time it's a luxury blimp!"
"Bet you didn't expect us to come back!"
"Since you" (Motto omitted) (Team Rocket: Why wasn't there a motto? Director: You need to renew your subscription!)
Before the broadcast could finish, Ash stood up and spoke to a seemingly empty part of the cabin wall. "Alright, cut the recording and come out. Aren't you tired of using the same trick twice?"
A hidden door in the wall slid open, revealing the stunned Team Rocket trio.
"H-How did you know we were here?!" Jessie screamed.
"Our disguises were perfect this time, meow!" Meowth said in disbelief.
"Because your acting has been terrible from start to finish," Ash said, not wanting to waste breath. He gestured to Pikachu. "Pikachu, quiet them down."
"PikaCHU!" A Thunderbolt, even more powerful than before, struck instantly, leaving the trio charred to a crisp.
"Why... is the Champion so heartless..."
"We're blasting off again!!"
Accompanied by their familiar scream, Ash opened the cabin door (having already found the emergency switch with his Aura) and, with Misty's help, kicked the smoking Team Rocket members out of the blimp, turning them into stars on the horizon once more.
"Honestly, they're like flies that just won't go away," Misty said, dusting off her hands.
With the troublemakers gone, Ash took the pilot's seat.
Utilizing his [Level Max Aircraft Piloting] skill, he easily took control of the sabotaged blimp. He adjusted a few parameters Team Rocket had messed with and soon had the craft flying smoothly and swiftly.
As the blimp cut through the blue sky, Ash looked out the window at the passing clouds and the islands scattered like jewels below, his hand tight around the case containing the GS Ball.
What future would this mysterious Poké Ball lead to? He felt a surge of anticipation.
Next chapter: Time to catch Lapras! Please look forward to it!
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