The airship landed smoothly on one of the Orange Islands, Tangelo Island.
This island was also filled with a tropical atmosphere, but unlike Valencia Island's focus on research, this place felt more like a lively tourist destination.
As soon as Ash and Misty stepped off the airship and were about to look for the way to the harbor, they suddenly heard a loud commotion and the pained cries of a Pokémon coming from the nearby beach.
The two exchanged a glance and immediately ran toward the source of the noise.
On the beach, three delinquent-looking boys were surrounding a weak and exhausted Lapras. One of them held a whip and was about to strike it!
"Stop! What are you doing?!" Ash dashed forward and glared angrily at the three. "Ganging up on a weakened Pokémon, what kind of behavior is that?!"
"Huh? Where did this brat come from, sticking his nose where it doesn't belong!" The leader of the group lowered his whip and sneered at Ash. "This is the Pokémon we've set our eyes on. We'll deal with it however we want! If you know what's good for you, get lost!"
"I think the ones who should get lost are you!" Ash shot back without fear. Pikachu leaped down from his shoulder, sparks flashing from its cheeks as it let out a warning "Pika!"
Just as the situation was about to explode, a voice came from the side.
"Please wait a moment!"
Everyone turned to see a boy wearing a sunhat, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, carrying a sketchbook on his back.
He held a Pokédex in his hand, as if he had just been recording something.
"Who are you? Another busybody?" one of the delinquents said impatiently.
"My name is Tracey. I'm a Pokémon Watcher." The boy adjusted his hat, his expression serious. "I suggest you take a look at your own Pokémon first. If you insist on battling, then at least send them out properly."
The three delinquents exchanged glances, seeming to find his words reasonable. They then released their Pokémon: Hitmonchan, Spearow, and Beedrill.
Tracey carefully observed the three Pokémon and said, "Hitmonchan's gloves show clear signs of wear, meaning it hasn't been properly maintained. Spearow's feathers are messy and dull, indicating poor nutrition. Beedrill's stingers are pale, suggesting its poison is weak. All of this shows that your training methods are flawed."
Then Tracey turned his gaze toward Pikachu, and his eyes lit up.
"But this Pikachu is completely different! Its fur is glossy, its electric sacs are full, its gaze is sharp, and its stance is steady… This is the best-raised Pikachu I've ever seen!"
Hearing this, Ash couldn't help but smile proudly. "Thanks. Pikachu really is my most important partner."
The three delinquents, embarrassed and angered, shouted, "Stop lecturing us! If you want to fight, then let's go! Hitmonchan, Spearow, Beedrill, get ready to battle!"
Seeing this, Tracey wisely stepped aside, ready to observe the battle.
Ash calmly scanned the opposing Pokémon and said to Pikachu on his shoulder, "Let's go, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped onto the sand, taking a battle stance.
"Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
"Spearow, Peck!"
"Beedrill, Pin Missile!"
Facing attacks from all three directions, Ash gave calm commands.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge Hitmonchan, then use Electro Ball on Spearow!"
Pikachu turned into a streak of white light, nimbly dodging Hitmonchan's swift Mach Punch. Taking advantage of the movement, it leaped into the air, quickly forming a dazzling Electro Ball on its tail and launching it straight at the diving Spearow!
With type advantage and Pikachu's powerful electricity, Spearow was sent flying in a single hit, losing its ability to battle!
"What?!" the delinquent using Spearow shouted in shock.
"Beedrill, use Pin Missile!"
"Pikachu, the moment you land, use Iron Tail to sweep!"
The instant Pikachu landed, its tail gleamed with a metallic shine. With a swift spin, Iron Tail lashed out like a steel whip, shattering all the incoming Pin Missiles before continuing its momentum and striking Beedrill directly. With a cry, Beedrill crashed to the ground.
"Damn it! Hitmonchan, don't be afraid, get close and use Revenge!"
"Pikachu, don't take it head-on, use Electroweb to restrict it!"
Pikachu quickly retreated while releasing a dense electric net that spread toward the charging Hitmonchan. Entangled in the net, Hitmonchan's movements slowed instantly, and its Revenge attack was interrupted.
"Now, Thunderbolt!"
Golden arcs of electricity surged wildly. Trapped within the net, Hitmonchan had nowhere to escape and was struck head-on by Thunderbolt. The attack was devastatingly effective. Its body convulsed before it finally collapsed to the ground.
In the blink of an eye, Ash had cleanly defeated all three Pokémon with just Pikachu.
The three delinquents stared at their fallen partners, shocked and furious. However, after witnessing Ash's strength, they didn't dare say anything more. After tossing out a few empty threats, they hurriedly recalled their Pokémon and fled.
Ash immediately ran to Lapras's side.
This Lapras was slightly smaller than what the Pokédex described, seemingly not fully grown yet. Its body was covered in wounds, and its eyes were filled with exhaustion and a trace of fear.
"Don't be afraid, we've already driven the bad guys away," Ash said as he crouched down, his voice becoming unusually gentle.
Lapras looked at Ash, its fear gradually turning into curiosity and a faint sense of trust.
Working together, the three of them carefully carried the weakened Lapras to the Pokémon Center on Tangelo Island.
After emergency treatment from Nurse Joy and Chansey, Lapras's condition stabilized, but it still needed time to rest and recover.
In the Pokémon Center's lounge area, Tracey began 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 meet Professor Oak, Tracey's eyes lit up instantly.
"Wait, the Professor Oak? The world-famous researcher?" Tracey said excitedly. "I've read many of his papers and works, and they've been incredibly inspiring for my observation studies! I've always dreamed of having the chance to meet him in person!"
He hesitated for a moment before asking somewhat shyly, "Um… Ash, Misty, if it's alright, could I travel with you? I'd like to go to the Kanto region too, and hopefully get a chance to visit Professor Oak!"
Ash looked at Tracey's sincere, eager expression, then thought about Brock, who had just stayed behind.
Their team did need someone with deep knowledge of Pokémon ecology. Tracey's role as a Pokémon Watcher would perfectly fill that gap, and his love for Pokémon was obvious.
"No problem!" Ash agreed without hesitation. "We're heading to see Professor Oak anyway."
"That's great! Thank you, Ash!" Tracey beamed with excitement.
While taking care of Lapras, Ash also learned from Nurse Joy and local trainers that the Orange Islands had their own unique Pokémon League, the Orange League.
Although its scale and influence were far smaller than Kanto's Indigo League, its challenge format was quite unique. Trainers had to challenge the four Gym Leaders of the Orange Crew across different islands before reaching the final match at the Winner's Cup.
"The Orange League, huh? Sounds interesting!" Ash's sense of adventure was reignited. "Since we're already here, it would be a waste not to challenge it! Alright, while we're delivering the GS Ball, we'll take on the Orange League as well!"
However, the calm night did not last long.
Late at night, by the pool in the Pokémon Center's backyard where Lapras was temporarily resting, three sneaky figures appeared once again.
"Hehe, didn't get it during the day, but now we've got another chance!"
"This Lapras looks pretty rare. Let's catch it and offer it to the boss!"
"While that brat isn't here, let's hurry, meow!"
The Team Rocket trio took out a special capture net and a tranquilizer gun, preparing to attack the sleeping Lapras.
But just in time, Ash and Pikachu arrived!
"Since you so kindly asked—"
"We'll graciously—"
"No time for your nonsense! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash cut them off immediately.
"Pika—CHU!"
A powerful surge of electricity instantly blasted Team Rocket, leaving them charred black.
"Why… do we always… mess things up…"
"What a terrible feeling—!!"
Turning into shooting stars once again, Team Rocket added a brief "highlight" to the night sky over Tangelo Island.
After this incident, Lapras fully felt Ash's kindness, strength, and unwavering determination to protect it.
The next morning, as Ash and the others prepared to leave the Pokémon Center, a much more energetic Lapras gently rubbed its head against Ash and looked at him with hopeful eyes, letting out a soft cry.
"You… want to come with me?" Ash asked, both surprised and delighted.
Lapras nodded firmly.
Nurse Joy smiled. "It seems to really like you, Ash. Lapras is a very gentle and intelligent Pokémon."
Looking at the gentle yet determined Lapras before him, a warm feeling filled Ash's heart. He took out an empty Poké Ball and gently tapped it against Lapras's forehead.
"Welcome aboard, Lapras!"
The Poké Ball shook once, then grew still.
Ash had successfully caught his first Pokémon in the Orange Islands!
With his new partner Lapras and new friend Tracey, Ash and Misty set off on their journey once again.
...
➤ Want More? Get up to +30 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +200 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Thanks for reading! 🙌