Slowking was once again transferred by Ash back to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"This kid, Ash... he's been transferring Pokémon back and forth quite frequently lately!" Professor Oak murmured with satisfaction as he walked into the backyard and released Slowking from its Poké Ball.
Immediately, a gasp of amazement escaped his lips!
Slowking looked at Professor Oak, who was completely stunned, nearly drooling, and eyes sparkling with intense professional interest. The Pokémon gave a small, subtle shake of its head. Turning around, it began to stroll leisurely toward the inner reaches of the backyard.
Snapping back to reality, Professor Oak initially intended to contact Ash, but he received a message that Ash was heading toward Bloomingvale. He left a note with the local Nurse Joy there, asking her to have Ash contact him as soon as he arrived.
Since Slowking was already in the backyard, he would have plenty of opportunities to study it later.
"Wartortle!"
Slowking first sought out Wartortle. Being fellow Water-types, they shared the closest bond. Previously, they had been tasked by Ash to train Totodile together. Now that Totodile had evolved into Croconaw and remained at Ash's side, their task was complete.
Slowking and Ash shared a connection of the heart; it didn't need many words or instructions from Ash to know what it should do. Therefore, it found Wartortle with the intent to visit another of Ash's original partners.
"Bulbasaur!"
By the time Wartortle led Slowking to Bulbasaur, the latter was busy supervising a sparring session between Heracross and Scyther.
After Ash had captured the leader of that Scyther swarm, he had sent it back to the lab with a specific order: whenever Heracross came over, they were to fight! And they were to fight with everything they had! As a solitary warrior of the jungle, Scyther's only path to growth was through combat.
"Bulbasaur, there are some things Ash won't say, so I will say them for him," Slowking said, calling out to the Grass-type. It sat down lazily beside Bulbasaur and began to speak slowly.
Ash and his group took a detour to reach Bloomingvale. What should have been a few days' journey to Ecruteak City was extended by several more days because of this. But since it was Brock's decision, Ash felt that as traveling companions, they should support one another.
The town was currently hosting a Pokémon Beauty Contest, drawing breeders and groomers from every corner of the world. As they walked through the streets, they saw Pokémon dressed in flamboyant styles everywheresome with intricate body paintings, others adorned with various jewelry and accessories.
Of course, there were also those like Brock and Suzie who preferred a more natural approach, believing in bringing out a Pokémon's inherent charm through meticulous care and nurturing.
"Vulpix can't lose to the others! We have to groom it perfectly!" Misty said, watching Brock as he brushed Vulpix's fur.
"This is the precious Vulpix that Suzie-san entrusted to me. Even without accessories, it's already dazzling!" Brock remained firm in his philosophy. It was clear that both he and Vulpix were very happy. "Vulpix, we'll be seeing Suzie very soon!"
True to his word, Vulpix suddenly seemed to sense something. It jumped down from Brock's lap and began racing forward. In that direction stood a familiar figureSuzie!
Vulpix leapt straight into her arms, joyfully nuzzling against her face.
"Vulpix, you look so healthy!" As a top-tier breeder, Suzie could tell at a glance that Vulpix had been cared for with the utmost devotion.
"Suzie-san!" Ash was the first to greet her.
"Suzie-oneesan, you're so beautiful!" Molly Hale jumped out from behind Ash to offer her praise.
"Ash, it's been a long time!" Suzie looked at the little girl. "You're very pretty too, little one. What's your name?"
"I'm Molly!"
Brock had somehow managed to change into a formal suit and was now holding a bouquet of flowers. "Suzie-san, long time no see! This is a small token of my affection! Also, thank you for letting me look after Vulpix for so long. I am returning it to you now."
It seemed Brock intended to return Vulpix to Suzie's care permanently.
"No, I should be the one thanking you for taking such good care of it. Seeing Vulpix like this, I can tell how much you've cherished it!"
As it turned out, Brock had discussed this with Molly before arriving in Bloomingvale. In fact, it was a decision he had made long agoto return Vulpix the next time they met Suzie. Furthermore, rather than finding a different partner, Suzie decided to use Vulpix for the contest.
Seeing this, Ash also made a decision. He would contact someone soon to see if he could get his Primeape back. That Pokémon was a real powerhouse! Ash didn't have many Fighting-types, but his battle style was actually a perfect fit for them.
He believed that once Primeape returned, it would only take a bit of training and adjustment for them to achieve Bond Phenomenon, making it another one of his trump cards.
Since Suzie was entering the contest with Vulpix, she invited Brock to compete alongside her. Together, they successfully won the championship. Suzie decided to settle down for a while and open a new shop, much like her old one on Scissor Street. Ash made sure to get her contact information, thinking there might be opportunities to collaborate in the future.
"Hello, Professor Oak? You were looking for me?" Back at the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy informed Ash that Professor Oak had left a message.
"Ash, explain this to me clearly. Is this Slowking the same Slowpoke you had?" Professor Oak asked bluntly the moment the call connected, his voice trembling with excitement. "Slowking was first discovered in the Johto region, but the method of evolution is still unknown. How exactly did you trigger it?"
Ash didn't hold back and spoke plainly, "Use a King's Rock, and then have a Shellder bite the Slowpoke's head!"
"I see! A King's Rock!" Professor Oak nodded as the realization dawned on him. "Ash, I didn't expect you to have uncovered this. I will complete the research paper in your name and update the Pokédex!"
Professor Oak's implication was clearthe League would certainly grant a reward. The League was particularly generous with rewards and support for promising young trainers.
"Thank you, Professor Oak!" That was exactly what Ash was hoping for.
"Oh? Slowking, what are you doing here?" Professor Oak noticed Slowking appearing by his side.
Slowking ignored him and stepped in front of the screen, looking at Ash. "Ash, transfer Bulbasaur back. I'll take over management of the backyard. If you have any training tasks, leave them to me!"
"Bulbasaur?"
Ash was somewhat taken aback. He had originally intended for Bulbasaur to stay and help Professor Oak manage the other Pokémon. However, he didn't question the reason and immediately made the request. "Professor Oak, please transfer Bulbasaur to me!"
With that, the Pokémon Ash had on hand were Pikachu, Snorlax, Bayleef, Croconaw, Noctowl, and...
Ivysaur!
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