The tropical atmosphere of Valencia Island rushed toward them. Towering palm trees, pristine white beaches, and the deep blue sea painted a scene completely different from the Kanto region. Even the faint salty scent in the air and the gentle ocean breeze carried a distinct charm of the southern islands.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy wore a short-sleeved uniform with a strong tropical flair. With warm enthusiasm, she pointed Ash and his companions toward Professor Ivy's research institute.
Following the winding path, they soon saw a white building perched on a seaside hill, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. This was Professor Ivy's lab.
After knocking on the door, a female researcher came out to greet them. Ash and Brock both froze for a moment.
Professor Ivy looked remarkably young. She had healthy, sun-kissed skin, and her chestnut-colored long hair was casually tied behind her head, with a few playful strands falling along her cheeks. Underneath, she wore a deep blue one-piece swimsuit, casually covered by an open white lab coat. Her figure was well-proportioned and full of vitality, especially her long, toned legs, clearly the result of frequently running around the island for research. Her bright eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a friendly yet slightly lazy smile rested on her lips, giving her an easygoing charm that perfectly matched the tropical surroundings.
"You must be Ash, the one Professor Oak mentioned, right? Welcome to Valencia Island!" Professor Ivy said, her voice clear and pleasant. "And these two are?"
"I'm Misty from Cerulean City, traveling with them," Misty introduced herself, though her eyes lingered for a few extra seconds on Ivy's rather unconventional "research outfit."
"Professor Ivy, my name is Brock!" Brock, as usual, suddenly dropped to his knees and slid forward, grabbing her slender hand. "The moment I saw you, I was filled with a thirst for knowledge…"
"Alright, that's enough, don't bother her!" Misty skillfully grabbed Brock by the ear and dragged him back.
"Welcome, welcome! Please, come in!" Professor Ivy remained completely unfazed and warmly led them inside, the hem of her lab coat fluttering lightly as she walked.
The interior of the laboratory was spacious and brightly lit, filled with all kinds of research equipment and books.
What stood out the most was the large door leading to the backyard, left wide open, from which came the lively cries of Pokémon.
"Before we look at that Poké Ball, let me show you the unique Pokémon we have here!" Professor Ivy said as she guided them to the backyard.
The backyard was practically a paradise for tropical Pokémon. Unlike the common forms seen in Kanto, many Pokémon here displayed distinct "southern characteristics."
Several Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂ were playing on the grass. Their colors seemed lighter than their Kanto counterparts. The blue fur of the Nidoran♀ carried a soft pinkish-blue sheen, making them appear gentler and cuter, while the purple skin of the Nidoran♂ looked slightly faded under the sun, taking on a light pinkish-purple tone. They seemed less fierce and more playful. Venonat's fur appeared fluffier, with a delicate softness, and the mushrooms on Paras's back looked fuller, with a faint pink tint along their edges.
These subtle differences made them better suited to the warm, humid climate and added a unique charm.
"Wow! These Pokémon look a bit different from the ones in the Pokédex!" Misty exclaimed, glancing repeatedly at the softer-colored Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂.
"That's right," Professor Ivy explained, casually picking up a pinkish-blue Nidoran♀ that had approached her. It affectionately rubbed against her hand. "This is one of our key research topics, the subtle influence of environment on Pokémon forms. The unique climate and ecosystem of Valencia Island can cause slight differences in coloration, fur density, and even behavior compared to those in Kanto. For example, these Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂ may have different pigment development due to variations in diet or ultraviolet exposure."
Ash carefully observed the Pokémon as well. Through his Aura, he could clearly sense the life energy they emitted, harmonizing perfectly with the land around them. It gave him a more intuitive understanding of Pokémon diversity and adaptability.
After observing the unique tropical Pokémon, Professor Ivy's expression grew slightly more serious.
"Now then, let's get to the main matter. Please follow me."
She led the three of them into a separate room with specially controlled temperature and humidity. At the center of the room, on a shockproof platform, sat a transparent sealed container. Inside it lay a Poké Ball.
Golden spiral patterns covered its surface, and the button at its center was a deep, dark black, giving it a mysterious and enigmatic appearance.
"This is the Poké Ball I can't do anything with," Professor Ivy said, pointing at it. "I call it the GS Ball. Its material is extremely unusual and incredibly hard. I've used every known method of analysis, yet I couldn't even leave a scratch on its surface. It cannot be shrunk, nor can it be transported through standard systems. Even stranger, it doesn't respond to any activation command at all, as if… it's completely sealed."
Ash stepped closer and examined it carefully. His Aura extended cautiously, but the moment it touched the surface of the GS Ball, he felt an immeasurable sense of silence and isolation, as if it wasn't just a ball, but a completely sealed, independent spatial node.
"Can't be opened, and can't be transported…" Ash muttered, already forming a theory in his mind.
In his memories of the original story, this GS Ball was closely connected to the mythical Pokémon of time and space, Celebi. It was very likely a special container, or perhaps even a trigger, tied to the mysteries of time and space. However, he had no intention of revealing this now, as it was far too shocking.
"Yes," Professor Ivy sighed, "my research has reached a dead end here. Professor Oak has much broader knowledge, so perhaps he might find a solution. That's why I'd like to ask you to safely deliver this GS Ball to him."
"No problem, leave it to us!" Ash nodded solemnly as he accepted the responsibility.
At that moment, Brock's familiar fire ignited once again. In a flash, he rushed forward and clasped Professor Ivy's hand with deep emotion.
"Professor Ivy! Your in-depth research into Pokémon ecology, along with your tireless dedication to exploring this beautiful island, has deeply moved me! Please, allow me to stay! I'm willing to become your assistant, to share the burden of your research and explore the mysteries of these tropical Pokémon together! This must be fate!"
Caught off guard by this sudden "confession," Professor Ivy blushed slightly and gave an awkward smile.
"Ah, um… Mr. Brock, I'm very touched by your enthusiasm, but…"
Ash rubbed his forehead helplessly. He knew this would happen. He clearly remembered that in the original story, Brock also chose to stay here temporarily.
Stepping forward, Ash placed a hand on Brock's shoulder, cutting off his dramatic speech.
"Brock, I understand your passion for research and… uh, your admiration for Professor Ivy." Ash gave him a meaningful look. "If you want to stay here and study for a while, Misty and I will support your decision. Professor Ivy could really use the help, and your knowledge and attentiveness would be a big asset."
Brock hadn't expected Ash to understand, or even predict, his thoughts so quickly, and to support him so wholeheartedly. Tears immediately welled up in his eyes.
"Ash! You truly are my best friend and the one who understands me the most!"
Misty pouted slightly. Although she had some thoughts of her own, since Ash had already said it, she silently accepted it.
Seeing that even Ash supported the idea, and considering that her lab was indeed short-staffed while Brock appeared quite knowledgeable in Pokémon care and research, Professor Ivy hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
"Then… alright. Mr. Brock, welcome to temporarily join my research team."
And just like that, the matter was settled.
Ash and Misty, carrying the specially designed case containing the GS Ball, bid farewell to Professor Ivy and Brock, who was about to begin his "assistant life," and headed toward the island's airship station to return to Pallet Town.
When they arrived at the airship station, they were surprised to find a brand-new, sleek, small airship parked on the runway, completely different from the worn-out one they had taken before.
"Wow! This one looks amazing!" Misty exclaimed in delight.
"Looks like the organizers learned their lesson… or maybe they just switched operators," Ash said casually, though his Aura had already quietly spread out.
Sure enough, beneath that glossy exterior, he once again detected those three annoyingly persistent energy signatures, like gum stuck to the sole of a shoe. Jessie, James, and Meowth. They hadn't given up, and this time they had even gotten their hands on a more advanced setup.
Ash sneered inwardly, but kept a calm expression as he boarded the airship with Misty, pretending to be excited.
Jessie and James, trying their best to act composed, greeted them, while Meowth, wearing a bow tie and holding a tray of drinks, chimed in.
"We'll provide you with the highest quality service, meow!"
The airship took off smoothly, quickly leaving Valencia Island behind. As it flew over the vast ocean, the familiar broadcast rang out once again:
"Wahaha! Surprised? This time it's a luxury airship!"
"Didn't expect us to be back again, did you?"
"Since you…"
Before the announcement could finish, Ash had already stood up and addressed what seemed to be an empty section of the cabin wall.
"That's enough. Stop speaking and come out. Aren't you tired of using the same trick twice?"
A hidden panel slid open, revealing the stunned Team Rocket trio behind it.
"H-how did you know we were here?!" Jessie shouted in shock.
"Our disguise was perfect this time, meow!" Meowth couldn't believe it.
"Because your acting has been terrible from start to finish," Ash replied bluntly, not bothering to waste more words. He gave Pikachu a signal. "Pikachu, quiet them down."
"Pika—CHU!"
A stronger-than-ever Thunderbolt burst forth instantly.
"Why… is the Champion still so ruthless…"
"What a terrible feeling—!!"
Amid their familiar cries, Ash calmly opened the cabin door, having already located the emergency switch with his Aura. Then, with one swift motion, he and Misty each delivered a kick, sending the smoking Team Rocket trio flying out of the airship, turning them into distant specks over the sea once again.
"They're like flies, impossible to get rid of," Misty said, clapping her hands in annoyance.
With the troublemakers dealt with, Ash returned to the cockpit.
Thanks to his max-level piloting skill, he easily took control of the airship, which had clearly been tampered with. After making a few adjustments to the messed-up settings left by Team Rocket, he smoothly guided it forward at high speed.
The airship cut through the blue sky. Ash looked out at the clouds racing past and the jewel-like islands scattered below, gripping the case containing the GS Ball tightly in his hands.
What kind of future would this mysterious Poké Ball lead to?
He felt a growing sense of anticipation.
Next chapter, it's time to catch Lapras. Stay tuned.
...
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