The blimp landed smoothly on Tangelo Island, one of the many islands in the Orange Archipelago.
This island was also filled with tropical charm, but unlike the scientific atmosphere of Valencia Island, this place felt more like a bustling tourist resort.
Ash and Misty had just stepped off the blimp and were looking for the docks when they heard loud, arrogant shouting and the pained whimpers of a Pokémon coming from a nearby beach.
The two shared a look and immediately ran toward the source of the sound.
On the sand, three punky-looking teenagers were surrounding a weak-looking Lapras. One of them was holding a whip, ready to strike!
"Stop! What are you doing!" Ash shouted as he rushed forward, glaring at the three thugs. "Bulling a weak Pokémon with so many people? What kind of strength is that!"
"Huh? Where'd this kid come from? Mind your own business!" the leader said, pulling back his whip and looking at Ash with disdain. "We found this Pokémon, so we can do whatever we want with it! Get lost if you know what's good for you!"
"I think you're the ones who should get lost!" Ash retorted fearlessly. Pikachu jumped down from his shoulder, cheeks sparking with electricity as he let out a warning "Pika!"
Just as tensions were about to boil over, a voice came from the side: "Please, wait a moment!"
Everyone turned to see a boy wearing a sun hat, a short-sleeved shirt, and shorts, carrying a sketchbook on his back. He was holding a Pokédex, seemingly recording something.
"Who are you? You want to butt in too?" the thug asked impatiently.
"My name is Tracey, and I'm a Pokémon Watcher," the boy said, adjusting his hat with a serious expression. "I suggest you take a look at your own Pokémon first. If you insist on fighting, why don't you send them out?"
The three thugs looked at each other and figured he had a point. They sent out their Pokémon: Hitmonchan, Spearow, and Beedrill.
Tracey observed the three Pokémon closely. "Your Hitmonchan's boxing gloves are clearly worn out, showing a lack of basic maintenance. That Spearow's feathers are messy and dullit's clearly malnourished. And the stinger on that Beedrill is pale; its venom is likely weak. All of this shows that your training methods are flawed."
Then, Tracey turned his gaze to Pikachu, and his eyes instantly lit up. "But this Pikachu is completely different! His coat is lustrous, his electric sacs are full, his eyes are sharp, and his stance is steady... this is the most perfectly raised Pikachu I have ever seen!"
Hearing this praise, Ash couldn't help but smile proudly. "Thanks. Pikachu is my most important partner."
The three punks turned red with embarrassment. Enraged, they shouted, "Stop lecturing us! If you want a fight, you've got it! Hitmonchan, Spearow, Beedrill, get ready!"
Tracey saw the situation and wisely stepped aside to observe the battle.
Ash calmly scanned the three opposing Pokémon and said to the Pikachu on his shoulder, "Let's go, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu leaped onto the sand, dropping into a battle stance.
"Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
"Spearow, Peck!"
"Beedrill, Pin Missile!"
Facing the three-pronged attack, Ash remained composed. "Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge Hitmonchan, then hit Spearow with Electro Ball!"
Pikachu turned into a white blur, nimbly dodging the Hitmonchan's swift Mach Punch. In mid-air, a brilliant Electro Ball formed on his tail and was hurled accurately at the diving Spearow!
With the type advantage and Pikachu's immense power, the Spearow was sent flying, instantly knocked out of the battle!
"What?!" the thug with the Spearow cried out.
"Beedrill, use Pin Missile again!"
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail as you land!"
As Pikachu touched the ground, his tail took on a metallic sheen. With a graceful spin, his tail swept out like a steel whip, shattering the incoming Pin Missiles and continuing its momentum to strike the Beedrill! Beedrill let out a cry and collapsed to the sand.
"Damn it! Hitmonchan, don't be afraid! Get close and use Revenge!"
"Pikachu, don't take it head-on! Use Electroweb to trap it!"
Pikachu darted backward while releasing a dense Electroweb that enveloped the charging Hitmonchan. Hitmonchan became entangled, its movements slowing to a crawl and its Revenge attack interrupted.
"Now, Thunderbolt!"
Golden bolts of lightning danced wildly. Trapped in the net, Hitmonchan had nowhere to hide and took the Thunderbolt head-on. It was super effective! The Pokémon twitched before finally falling unconscious.
In the blink of an eye, Ash had cleanly dealt with all three Pokémon using only Pikachu.
The three punks looked at their fallen comrades with shock and anger, but after seeing Ash's strength, they didn't dare say another word. They tossed out a few hollow threats and scrambled to recall their Pokémon before running away.
Ash immediately ran over to the Lapras.
This Lapras was smaller than the ones shown in the Pokédex, seemingly not yet fully grown. It had multiple injuries on its body, and its eyes were filled with exhaustion and fear.
"Don't be afraid, we've chased the bad guys away," Ash said, kneeling down, his voice turning exceptionally gentle. The fear in Lapras's eyes slowly shifted to curiosity and a hint of reliance.
"This Lapras looks very weak; it needs treatment right away," Tracey said, walking over.
Together, the three of them carefully transported the weakened Lapras to the Tangelo Island Pokémon Center.
After emergency treatment from Nurse Joy and Blissey, Lapras's condition stabilized, though it still needed rest and observation.
In the waiting area of the Pokémon Center, Tracey started chatting with Ash and Misty.
When he learned that they had just come from Professor Ivy's lab and were heading back to Pallet Town to see Professor Oak, Tracey's eyes lit up.
"Professor Oak! You mean the leading authority in the world of Pokémon research?" Tracey said excitedly. "I've read so many of his papers and books; they've been a huge inspiration for my own observations! I've always dreamed of being able to learn from him in person!"
He hesitated for a moment before making a bashful request. "Um... Ash, Misty, if it's okay, could I travel with you? I want to go to the Kanto region, and I'd love a chance to meet Professor Oak!"
Ash looked at Tracey's sincere and inquisitive eyes and thought of the recently departed Brock.
The team definitely needed someone with deep knowledge of Pokémon ecology, and Tracey's status as a Watcher perfectly filled that gap. Plus, his love for Pokémon was obvious.
"No problem!" Ash agreed readily. "We're heading back to see Professor Oak anyway, so traveling together makes sense. Besides, your knowledge as a Watcher will definitely be a big help."
"That's great! Thank you, Ash!" Tracey was overjoyed.
While caring for Lapras, Ash heard from Nurse Joy and some local trainers that the Orange Islands had their own unique Pokémon Leaguethe Orange League.
Though it wasn't as large or influential as the Indigo Plateau Conference, its format was quite unique. One had to challenge the four chief trainers of the Orange Crew located on different islands before finally competing for the Winner's Cup at the finals site.
"The Orange League, huh? Sounds interesting!" Ash's sense of adventure was ignited once again. "It would be a waste to come all this way and not take the challenge. Alright! While I'm delivering the GS Ball, I'll take on the Orange League as well!"
However, the peaceful night didn't last long. Late at night, several sneaky figures reappeared by the pool in the backyard where Lapras was resting.
"Hehehe, I didn't get it during the day, but there's another chance tonight!"
"This Lapras looks rare; we'll give it to the Boss!"
"Hurry up while that brat isn't around, meow!"
Team Rocket pulled out specialized capture nets and tranquilizer guns, preparing to strike the sleeping Lapras.
"I knew you wouldn't give up!" Ash's voice boomed behind them like thunder. He, Pikachu, Misty, and Tracey had arrived just in time!
"Since you've asked so sincerely"
"We'll answer you with"
"I don't have time for your nonsense! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash interrupted directly.
"PikaCHU!" The powerful current instantly charred the Team Rocket trio black.
"Why... do you always... ruin our plans..."
"We're blasting off again!!"
Once again turning into shooting stars, Team Rocket added a bit of "brightness" to the night sky of Tangelo Island.
After this ordeal, Lapras fully felt Ash's kindness, his great strength, and his firm protective heart.
The next morning, as Ash and the others were preparing to leave the Pokémon Center, the much-improved Lapras proactively nuzzled Ash's head and looked at him expectantly, letting out a gentle cry.
"You... want to come with me?" Ash asked, surprised and delighted.
Lapras nodded vigorously.
Nurse Joy smiled and said, "It seems it really likes you, Ash. Lapras are very loyal Pokémon. You saved it, and now it wants to follow you."
Looking at the gentle and determined Lapras, Ash felt a surge of warmth. He took out an empty Poké Ball and lightly tapped it against Lapras's forehead.
"Welcome to the team, Lapras!"
The Poké Ball shook once and then fell silent.
Ash had successfully caught his first Pokémon in the Orange Islands!
With their new partner Lapras and their new friend Tracey, Ash and Misty set off once again on their journey.
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