After winning a Rainbow badge from Erika in Celadon City, Laoise, Ash and the others find themselves in a new city which Brock identified as HopHopHop Town.
True, the place looked more like a city then a town. But they had another matter on their minds.
Laoise was still angry with both Brock and Misty over the perfume shop incident. Since leaving Celadon city, she refused to talk to them at all. She'd truly trusted them, even Misty to an extent. Ash had hoped they would make the journey to the Kanto gyms together, now he genuinely fears they will never reconcile.
With Pikachu, Laoise only indulged him, "You're lucky you're a cutie, Pikachu."
However, she'd let Storm out to accompany her. And it seemed the female Pikachu wasn't happy with him. "Pi." Storm deliberately turned her head away when Pikachu met her eyes.
"C'mon, you can't stay mad forever!"
Laoise only pursed her lips in a sour mood. "Hmph!"
"Look, I'm sorry your feelings got hurt, but the fact is..." Misty began.
"Arnold!"
To the four's surprise, a woman came up and hugged Ash. Mistaking him for another boy, possibly her son, named Arnold.
"Where have you been, Arnold? Mother's been so worried!" the woman said holding Ash a little too tightly.
"Excuse me, but my name is Ash!" Ash managed to yelp out.
Misty said nervously, "And my name is Misty, ma'am."
Brock rebuked her, "She wasn't talking to you, Misty."
"I guess not." Misty said then she's pulled aside by Brock.
The woman released Ash and was apologetic, "Oh! I'm so sorry! But you look just like my Arnold."
Ash blinked, "Huh?"
Laoise said nothing but listened intently.
Misty asked the woman, "What happened to him?"
Soon the four were seated on stone seats with the woman who explained things.
" I'm so upset because my son, Arnold, just disappeared."
"When'd you last see him?" Laoise asked.
"He's been gone for three days! I can't find him anywhere."
Brock questioned, "And you haven't heard from him?"
The woman replied, "Not a word."
Ash was next to ask, "Could he have gone off to become a Pokémon trainer?"
"He did like Pokémon, of course, but he never mentioned anything about becoming a trainer."
Misty wondered, "Don't you think he'll probably just come home soon?"
The woman shook her head. "My son isn't the only child who's disappeared recently." And she turned to a wall with multiple posters of missing kids on them. "See those posters? Those are pictures of all the children that have disappeared."
On the wall were at least more than eight missing children.
"This must be a pretty dangerous town." Ash remarked.
"My picture's gonna be on posters, when I'm a big, famous star." Misty said dreamily then noticed that no one else took her seriously. "Excuse me!"
Ash joked, petting Pikachu's head. "Maybe in horror movies."
Pikachu grinned. "Pikachu."
Laoise turned to Ash. "We have to come up with a plan to find those missing kids! It might be a long shot but we oughta at least try."
"You're right, maybe we can…" Misty began trying to address Laoise.
But Laoise turned away, ignoring her. Misty stared for a moment, then she puts her hands on her hips in anger.
"This is getting ridiculous!" Misty griped.
"How do you figure that?" Brock asked. He had noticed how angry Laoise was, but intended to let her cool off first.
"She didn't have to blab it all to her mother and embarrass Erika by phone. She could have just waited for us at the entrance to the gym or just told us she was feeling sick."
"She DID tell you. I was there too!" Ash reminded, giving Misty a dirty look.
"Okay, but I didn't think she meant it. Come on! She was being oversensitive, right?"
"I don't know. She did present a lot of symptoms that aligned with..." Brock began.
"They certainly were nice children. All of them."
Soon, everyone hears a familiar voice. The voice is soon revealed to belong to Officer Jenny.
"Disappearing one by one like that. I just can't understand it. Let's see, where should I hang this one."
Ash rushed to Officer Jenny. "Excuse me! Are you the cousin or second cousin of the Jenny of Maiden's Peak?"
Officer Jenny replied, "Actually, I'm her cousin's cousin."
"It figures."
Brock blushed. "This one's the most beautiful one yet."
Misty glanced at him, "They're all exactly alike."
Brock shoves Ash out of the way and volunteered the group to help in the search. Officer Jenny was not impressed with his attitude but agreed, warning not to get in the way.
Ash is reminded of his own mother and takes it upon himself to solve the mystery.
Despite they're being willing to help Officer Jenny to find our more on the missing children, Laoise is still stand-offish with Brock and Misty.
"What's your problem? Why are you so upset?" Misty demanded.
Laoise spun, her hazel eyes blazing. "You guys ditched us, and then you ganged up on both me and Ash with those store girls! And for what? Just so you can get free perfume or ogle the ladies?!"
Brock caught on and looked abashed. He can acknowledge that at least, he just couldn't help himself around beautiful women.
"Are you seriously trying to make a big deal out of that?" Misty frowned.
"I'm not talking to you." Laoise began stomping ahead.
Misty spat, "You know what, fine! I wish you'd just forget about that mess already!"
"I wish I'd forget too, and maybe then I –AAAH!" Laoise fell down an open manhole!
The others are shocked and hurried down. Storm was the first one to Laoise's side. But they had bigger problems.
"Is she alright?!" Officer Jenny was about as alarmed as them.
Laoise sat up with a groan, rubbing her head.
"Laoise, how many fingers do you see?" Ash held up two fingers in a peace sign.
However, the girl stared confusedly. "Who are you all?"
The group stared back in stunned silence. Laoise had lost her memory!
Uh-oh. Explaining this to her family won't be fun.
"Everyone remain calm," said Officer Jenny soothingly. "Amnesia after head trauma isn't unheard of. First we get her medical help, then work on jogging her memory gently."
Carefully they helped Laoise up with no trouble (just a few curious rattata and zubats) and headed to the Pokèmon Center which fortunately was a few yards away. Nurse Joy treated Pokèmon foremost, but appeared to recognize the symptoms of amnesia.
Yet aside from disappearing three days ago, the missing children didn't appear to have anything in common. While Loise was being checked out, the others talked with the local kids who were very helpful until Brock tried to play the bad cop role, using them to try and hit on Officer Jenny again, who just isn't interested.
After checks confirmed that the girl was otherwise unharmed, Nurse Joy informed the group that the memory loss may last for a few minutes, hours, days, weeks or even, in rare cases, months. Sadly, there was usually no way of knowing exactly how long it would last.
"With time and association of people, places or events, the memories could return on their own." Nurse Joy said hopefully. "A violent shock could bring her out of it, but I believe it best to avoid forcing or pressuring her."
Just then, Storm swept in and landed by Laoise, mewling softly. The girl smiled, stroking her fur instinctively. "This girl Pikachu seems familiar somehow."
Ash's eyes lit up. "That's a good sign! Maybe being with her Pokémon will bring back her memory faster."
"Let's introduce ourselves calmly and do our best to make her comfortable," said Brock.
So they took turns speaking to Laoise in gentle, reassuring tones.
"Oh, those kids who disappeared all of a sudden. I saw it on the news." Nurse Joy remarked having overheard their conversation on the missing children.
Ash questioned, "Please, is there anything you can tell us about these children?"
"I'd like to help you, but right now, I'm afraid we have our own mystery."
"What do you mean? What's the matter?"
For all the Pokémon were acting very strange, looking tired and down in the mouth, Nurse Joy held up a yellow duck Pokémon. "And this one's been in just terrible shape."
Ash got out Dexter. "What is it?"
"Psyduck, a water Pokémon. Uses mysterious power to perform various attacks."
"Mysterious powers?" Ash looked at Dexter skeptically.
Misty remarked, "That's hard to believe."
Laoise gently patted the Pokémon, at a loss at what may be the cause. "They look kinda exhausted." She'd recalled Storm into the pokéball, albeit confusedly.
"How long have they been acting like this?" Misty questioned.
"Since three days ago."
Brock blinked, "Three days ago? And that's exactly when all those children disappeared, isn't it?"
Officer Jenny acknowledged, "You're right. I wonder if maybe there's some kind of connection between the children's disappearance and the Pokémon's lack of energy."
Soon, a device that Officer Jenny was carrying went off. It was a sleep wave detector. Lately, it had been picking up sleep waves. Wavelengths that induced sleep.
"But I'm pretty sure that there aren't any Pokémon that emit that wavelength in this center." Nurse Joy said.
"Then where are they coming from?" Laoise wondered.
Officer Jenny noticed, "They're coming from outside."
Suddenly, Pikachu ran out of energy and collapsed.
Ash gasped, "Oh no! Look! Even Pikachu's losing energy!"
When he tried to gently shake Pikachu the little electric mouse was lethargic. So the group determined to track the sleep waves and solve this mystery.
Thanks to Officer's Jenny's device, the sleep waves lead to a rooftop mansion with a trimmed hedge garden. Ash and Brock burst through the doors. To their surprise, there is a formal gathering of well-dressed adults, and Drowzee and Hypno resting on a podium. Surprisingly, this was the conference where Dave was attending with Shae in tow. The people there were impressed with Shae's frankness.
Fortunately, Laoise recognized her father and older sister, yet she hasn't entirely remembered everything.
"Daddy, Shae..." Laoise said hesitantly, yet felt soothed seeing familiar faces.
Dave rushed to embrace her. "Bunny boo, we were so worried!"
Shae smirked. "Leave it to little sis to cause a scene." But her eyes shone with relief.
A bespectacled man questioned the group, "Are you new members?"
Ash stared. "Members?"
"Members of what, sir?" Laoise questioned.
Officer Jenny explained, "We've been monitoring some sleep waves coming from up here."
"Sleep waves? Oh, I know! This Hypno must have been emitting them." The bespectacled man explained.
The Hypno was a bipedal, slightly humanoid Pokémon that had yellow skin. It's ears were triangular with brown interiors, sleepy-looking eyes, and a large nose. On its neck, it had a ruff of white fur, which is longer on the female. Hypno had five fingers on each hand and held a pendulum in its left. The pendulum resembled a flat, silver ring and is used for hypnotism. Hypno is never seen without it. It has three toes on each foot, which also have a pink pad on the undersides.
Ash took out Dexter to identify it, "Hypno?"
"Hypno, a hypnosis Pokémon. It carries a pendulum-like device and performs hypnotic attacks."
Misty pointed, "And what's that next to it?"
Ash pointed Dexter to the Pokémon sitting next to Hypno.
"Drowzee, said to be a descendant of the dream-eating tapir. It was the first Pokémon to use a combination attack like Hypnosis and Dream Eater."
Drowzee was a bipedal Pokémon that resembles a tapir. It had tired-looking eyes, a short trunk above its mouth, and triangular ears with brown interiors. The upper half of Drowzee's body was a mustard yellow and the lower half is brown. A wavy line separates the two halves. It has a round belly and short legs. Its feet are brown, except for its two toes, which are yellow. The bottom of each foot has a small, round, pink pad in the middle of it. There are three fingers on each of its hands.
Brock guessed, "I think Hypno is the evolved form of a Drowzee, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's correct. And our Drowzee finally evolved into a Hypno, three days ago." The bespectacled man confirmed.
Our heroes were shocked at what they just heard.
Officer Jenny said, "I knew it! That's just when those children vanished and the Pokémon started to lose all their energy." The others nodded.
"We've been using the Pokémon instead of using sleeping medicine." One of the men in the party said.
Misty questioned, "What do you mean we?"
Dave then approached, "These fine people are all members of the Pokémon Lover's Club."
"The Pokémon Lover's Club?" Laoise repeated.
The bespectacled man nodded, "Precisely. You see, all of our members absolutely adore Pokémon and, well, Hypno has become our favorite Pokémon. Everyone's hard work paid off when Drowzee finally evolved. Living our lives in the city can be very stressful, and all the members suffer from insomnia. So, we've come to rely on Hypno's powers to help us get to sleep at night."
This fact was further demonstrated when Hypno uses its powers on a member of the club.
"Not to be that person, but I'm guessing you're not just here to critique which Pokémon successfully works best in the big cities." Shae then said to the group, peering over her glasses. "And why isn't Laoise sticking closer to you two?"
"Last I heard you four were thick as thieves." Dave added, also noticing.
"That's kind of a long story." Brock replied sheepishly.
"Hypno's sleep waves must have affected all those Pokémon by sapping their energy!" Ash said.
Misty pulled Pikachu out of Ash's backpack.
"Take a look at my Pikachu!"
"The same thing happened to all the Pokémon at the Pokémon Center." Misty added.
Brock deduced that Hypno's hypnosis is generally used on Pokémon. When altered to affect people, it had side effects that caused Pokémon to lose energy, and possibly affect particularly sensitive children.
"Somehow we've accidentally caused a terrible situation." The head of the club was concerned.
Misty places Pikachu on a table in front of Drowzee. She was curious as to this last idea, so she allowed herself to be hypnotized by Hypno. "Let's see."
Soon enough, Hypno hypnotizes Misty. But she soon starts acting like a Seel, which confirmed Brock's theory.
Misty got up and ran off. Immediately, Officer Jenny, Brock, Ash, Laoise, Dave, Shae and the club's head followed her. Misty took the stairs while the others took the elevator. Once they were on the ground following Misty, Shae turned to Ash and Brock.
"Alright, start talking." she sounded suspicious.
"A-About what?" Brock sweat dropped.
Shae said sternly. "You're hiding something, and it's got to do with the fact that my baby sister recognizes us but not you three? Explanation. Now."
Reluctantly, Ash and Brock had to come clean about Laoise's present amnesia, what caused it and why.
Dave was too busy catching up to a confused Laoise, who much like the bespectacled man and Officer Jenny were also trying to follow Misty.
Shae became grim. "Did she ever tell you why that incident bothered her as much as it did?"
"No."
Shae sighed. "I probably shouldn't be sharing this especially with Laoise stuck with amnesia on what was supposed to be a pokèmon journey with friends she'd made on the way. But maybe context will help."
Ash winced, "Ouch"
"When she was in kindergarten Laoise was super exuberant with all her peers before I noticed then explained not everyone was laughing with her. Elementary school was more of the same. Then, at eight, it seemed as if her luck was about to change. Except... one day she was taken to the school counselor, Laoise didn't like to play outside games anymore, especially with the other kids. On the way home, Mom try to talk to Laoise about it even more. Something was obviously bothering her and it to do with school, Taryn and I decided to coax it out of her. That slumber party Laoise had been invited to by three girls in class - turned out they only invited my little sister just to gang up on her as a cruel joke. She never truly recovered from that experience."
"Double ouch." Brock visibly winced, feeling as though his stomach had been pumped full of lead.
"Couldn't have it better myself." Shae said grimly. Her mind began to flashback to the past.
Even then, Taryn was a lot more outgoing and Shae was a proud individual but soon after that meeting with the school psychologist, it didn't take long for them to figure out their little sister was in a different kind of trouble.
At school, eight year old Laoise walked the halls alone sadly. She would receive dirty looks and faced abrupt confrontations with school mates that always ended with her retreating further into herself.
One day when Laoise was absent, as Shae wandered indoors to avoid recess, she passed by her sister's classroom and catches one of Laoise's classmates, Mauro, putting a handful of dirt and rocks in 's desk.
When Shae confronted the boy, he says, "What's the big deal? Nobody likes her, and a few of us always keep on her!"
"What's that supposed mean?" Shae scowled.
"Hilly, Bree and Mary-Lou pick on her every day, and sometimes they even get her lunch money!"
Wrong choice of words.
Against her own better judgement, twelve year old Shae picked up a dictionary and WHAM! slammed it against the boy's face.
Later ten year old Taryn herself poked around then found the three bullies making cruel comments, pushing Laoise, pulling her hair and taking her money. Suffice it to say, Taryn took the first step in standing up for her baby sister.
The aftermath? Sure, aside from the fact that all three McGrady sisters might have to transfer schools. As a result of getting into a fight with Laoise's tormentors, Shae got a black eye and broke her glasses, while Taryn has a scar on her scalp apart from losing a little hair... but it was worth it.
"I'm not gonna lie and say I'm not affected. But Laoise's well-being is just as important." Shae said.
Finally they all followed Misty all the way to the city park, which opened up into a clearing revealing not only Misty, but all the missing children, acting like Pokémon.
With that wavelength, the children who were exposed to Hypno's sleep waves must've been hypnotized and think that they're Pokémon now. Shae speculated that the pokèmon in the sewers were unaffected because they were underground when it happened.
Officer Jenny attempted to awaken the children from their hypnosis, but it was of no use. The head of the club then suggested using Drowzee's sleep attacks to induce dream wavelengths that could counteract Hypno's wavelengths.
Back at the Pokémon Lover's Club, Shae had explained everything to Dave, who was worried but calm knowin Laoise's with them. Now it was time to test using Drowzee's power to counteract Hypno's power.
"Drowzee, emit your dream waves and focus them toward this girl." The head said.
Drowzee emits its dream waves, and focuses them toward the heroes effected by Hypno's power. Drowzee then claps its hands and Misty awakened.
"Hey! Where are am I?"
Ash remarked, "Gee, Misty. You're looking kinda beat."
Misty was on her feet in a flash, "When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it!"
"She's back to normal." Ash said, much to the redhead tomboy's confusion.
"So what's wrong with…" Laoise began then whispered to Dave. "What's her name?
I don't think that'll work on amnesiacs though Shae lamented.
Misty sighed. She apologizes "Laoise, it's all my fault. This isn't easy but...''
Mostly out of guilt that Laoise might not remember happier times on her own pokèmon journey and with her pokèmon.
"I-I know you'll never forgive me, and I don't blame you - But you shouldn't have to forget all the memories you made since you started your journey. Good and bad. And... And after you and Ash win all your badges, we can settle this and... and that'll be fine, though he still owes me a bike!"
The moment Misty mentions her bike, Laoise suddenly remembers everything like a fast forward video playing in her mind.
"What?! You're still on about that crummy bike?!" Laoise had yelled and she angrily began to chase Misty.
"She's cured!" Misty hollered.
Shae, Dave, Ash and the others celebrate, as Laoise, now fully recovered, chased Misty around the podium where the Hypno and Drowzee sat, watching puzzledly.
Dave was so happy he picked up a perplexed and nervous Misty, who'd been trying to evade an angry Laoise. "Oh, thank you! Thank you!"
Laoise's memories flooding back in a rush was bittersweet - she was relieved to recall her adventures, but it also rekindled simmering anger. For now, seeing Misty sprint away in fear gave Laoise a petty sense of satisfaction.
After venting her frustrations for three entire minutes, Dave finally pulled Laoise back to calm her.
"Well, Bunny boo," said her father, "it sounds like you, Brock and Misty have some talking to do."
Laoise soured. "I never want to talk to them again!"
"Laoise, that's just your anger speaking from a place of hurt. Now look, I'm not happy that they left you and Ash alone. They too went overboard and acted foolishly out of anger, just as you are now. You don't really want to lose potential friends without at least letting them try to make it up to you?" asked Dave.
"But I'm so angry."
Officer Jenny the intervened, "I hate to interrupt, but we've got to use Drowzee's sleep waves on all those kids in the park!"
Relieved that this solution worked, Ash carried Drowzee to take it to the clearing to cure the other children. En route, Team Rocket soars down from the sky on hang gliders, reciting their motto.
Dave and Shae stared blankly at Team Rocket.
"Who are these clowns?" Dave questioned.
"Dad, Shae," Laoise piped up. "Remember the crooks that caused a mess in the Viridian city Pokémon center?" And she pointed to Team Rocket.
"Oh." Dave and Shae caught on before scowling like the others.
On the ground, Jessie pulls out a mirror, and they try to get Hypno to hypnotize itself. Ash, with some fast thinking, throws a potted plant, smashing the mirror. Not yet finished, Team Rocket breaks out whips and snare the two Hypnosis Pokémon. Ash holds onto Drowzee while Misty uses Staryu to cut the whips. Ash calls Pidgeotto to gust Team Rocket away.
With Team Rocket out of the way, Drowzee uses its abilities to cure the children, who awaken and run home. Arnold's mother embraced her son, much to the relief and delight of Jenny, Ash, and his friends.
After bidding Laoise's father and older sister farewell, the quartet headed back to the Pokémon Center and cure the Pokémon there. Misty wondered what they dream about, and Brock suspected they dream of getting stronger and evolving. Ash attempted to take all the credit for solving the case, though Brock and Misty quickly corrected him by saying that he didn't solve anything, and that Jenny did, making Ash laugh nervously and hang his head in shame.
Then Misty and Brock had to tie up one final loose end: Properly apologizing to Laoise.
Laoise angrily crossed her arms. "Well?"
"You didn't overreact. I was being insensitive to what you were going through. I was so focused on the perfume sale and got mad at Ash's words, I just didn't realize how hurt you were. But now I do. I'm sorry Brock and I didn't stick by you, but we'll do that from now on." Misty swallowed her pride, Ash and Brock had already filled her in on why the incident had upset Laoise so much.
Brock added, "Look, we know this can't make up for the way we hurt you. But please, don't let it be the reason to close yourself off again without pursuing what you love best."
"We were your friends then and we'd be honored to be your friends now. And I promise to... Deal?" Misty held out her hand.
Laoise was wary but agreed. "Deal. But don't think I'll be trading my newbies to you anytime soon."
"Fair enough."
Nurse Joy then saw there is one Pokémon, a Psyduck, that is still holding its head. Brock, as a Pokémon Breeder, volunteers to take it, but shortly after heading out, he sees that it might be worth too much effort.
Soon, our heroes are on their way, with the Psyduck from the Pokémon Center following behind and holding its head.
Ash said, "Well, you were the one who said: "leave it to me", Brock."
Brock excused, "But Psyduck is a water Pokémon, you better take it, Misty."
Misty questioned, "Why would I want such a boring Pokémon?"
"You mean this thing always has a headache?!" Misty pointed in disbelief.
"Boy, do I feel sorry for it." Laoise blurted sympathetically.
Misty soon trips and falls backwards, causing an empty Pokéball to roll up to Psyduck. "My Pokéball!"
Psyduck curiously pecked the Pokéball and ended up getting captured.
Misty wailed, "Oh no! Now it's in my Pokéball?!"
"Guess Psyduck wanted to follow you." Laoise tried to keep from laughing.
The others peered at the pokéball curiously, amused by the turn of events.
Ash said, "Good work, Misty. You captured Psyduck."
"Now I've got the headache!" groaned Misty.
And so, Misty effortlessly captures Psyduck and the mysteries were all solved. Congratulations.
Misty protested, "Don't congratulate me!"
At Brock's persistent request, our heroes stop by Scissor Street which was also called Breeder's Lane, a section full of breeders famous for its Pokémon beauty salons.
For Brock dreamt of becoming Pokémon Breeders, people who devote time and energy learning how to raise the best Pokémon. Some of the best breeders had shops here. There are lots of terrific make-up places and fashion salons, too, just for Pokémon.
"Hey!" Misty stopped right at a sign featuring an Ekans and Koffing all dolled up with makeup and accessories, "Oh, look! This must be the newest fashion! How cute!"
Ash inquired, "You think that's cute, huh?"
"Come on, we got to go in!" Misty pulled Ash off to the place with a plethora of colorful advertisements.
Ash protested, "Whoa! I don't want to go in there!"
Up ahead, a line of people slowly enters the salon advertised on the poster, Sitting just above the front door, a set of speakers allowed a man's deep voice to shout out to people.
"You won't believe how beautiful a Pokémon can be! Step in and see for yourself! Let us dazzle you with the latest fashions by the expert artists of Salon Roquet!"
"Did he just say, Salon Roquet?" Ash commented.
"Why does that name sound so familiar?" wondered Misty.
Brock looked at the sign on the window, "Whoa! Is that supposed to be a Pokémon, or a Christmas tree?"
Laoise titled her head with a skeptical frown, "They look like circus clowns."
But before Ash and Misty can go in, Brock found the store he'd searching, the one that had a sign with a Vulpix on it.
"What's the matter Brock?" asks Ash, pushing through the door with Laoise and Misty.
"Hi! Can I help you?" a woman's voice greeted brightly.
"AAHHHHH!" cries Brock, and flails in after the others just in time to see a lovely jungle green haired woman massaging a Chansey.
The lady said to the to the Chansey, "Just relax. Release all your tension."
Brock can't believe his eyes when the woman finishes her work.
"Now you'll have more energy."
The Chansey looks in the mirror, cheerfully stretching as its trainer returned.
"Chansey, I've come for you, darling! Oh! Don't you look precious?"
"Thank you for bringing Chansey to my salon." said the lady.
"See you soon, Susie!" The trainer waved, walking out with the Chansey.
"May I help the next customer?" The lady, Suzy walked up to the quartet.
"We're just kind of, sort of, browsing around." Ash said.
Suddenly, Brock steps in but gets immediately shoved aside by Misty.
"Look! Isn't that Vulpix the cutest thing?" Misty gaped delightedly. "Don't you wanna hug it?"
Just five steps away from the front lobby and desk, was a casually-furnished living room. On a fancy red chair, a Vulpix slept on a pile of pillows curled up in a ball.
"It's sweet and all, but I already have a Vulpix." Laoise shrugged "And Belle's a girl."
"But yours is still little, even if she and your new Ninetales did battle once." Misty replied.
"A little Vulpix?" Suzy blinked in surprise.
Ash was holding Dexter, "How do you know it's a he?"
Dexter replied for him, "Occasionally, pokèmon appearances may vary due to gender."
Laoise kept her distance from Suzy's Vulpix. But she could clearly see another difference between this one and her Belle, mainly size. Belle was as big as a puppy, whereas Suzy's was full grown, just big enough to fit in one's arms.
Misty gushed over the Vulpix, "I love its hair. I wish I had hair like Vulpix that looks so shiny and soft." And she reached out to pick it up.
Susie became alarmed, "Don't touch it!"
"Misty, maybe you should listen…" Laoise warned.
But Misty picks up Vulpix anyway. "You're just about the cutest Pokémon I've ever…"
Before Misty can finish her sentence, the Vulpix fired a Flamethrower at her and hopped back into the chair it was napping on, yawned, and went back to sleep.
"Very cute." Misty promptly fell over.
Laoise said, "Vulpix is a fire type, remember? One of the first rules is to never wake it when it's napping or you'll get a Flamethrower in the face. Especially if it's a mother with her pups."
Ash said, "Duh!"
Susie came up apologetically, "Please pardon Vulpix, it doesn't like to be picked up or hugged by strangers."
Misty groaned from her spot, "Wish I'd known that sooner."
"Pretty sure it's the same with people and little kids." Laoise shrugged.
Brock, who has been unusually silent up to this point, suddenly blurts out that he wants to become Suzie's pupil.
Everyone is shocked, especially Suzie, who explained she did not have time for students due to her busy workload. After Ash asked, Brock explained that Suzie is a highly accomplished and popular Pokémon Breeder. Misty asked about Vulpix, but Ash cut Brock off before he can go into detail about how terrific a model the Pokémon is.
"You said you had a Vulpix and a Ninetales?" Suzy then turned to Laoise.
"Yes, they're mother and daughter." Laoise said, "Brock told me I'd want to come here to ask for tips on their care and such."
Brock was flustered with Laoise's candid words, though Suzy took it in stride.
"Better yet, I'll show you." Laoise said, then she pulled out the pokèballs. "Oriana, Belle, come say hello."
The mother Ninetales and Vulpix kit materialized, looking around at their surroundings.
Suzy's Vulpix's nose twitched. It raised it's head with a yawn, then rose up and skipped over, sniffing curiously. The vast difference was notable, Belle's six tails weren't entirely the same shade of red-orange as Suzy's Vulpix. For at the very tips were still a soft apricot.
Furthermore, Oriana watched with mild interest as the other Vulpix approached. However, Belle backed away and hid behind her mother.
"I see what you mean, now." Suzy said. "Belle is still quite young."
Then Laoise put her hands in her pockets. "Yeah, I er, caught Oriana there in my single-minded excitement in wanting a Ninetales that I didn't stop to think that it could be a parent with young. That was when this Vulpix kit came out shaking like a leaf in a storm…" she explained how Tricky and Storm had suggested she catch Belle too so that they wouldn't be separated.
Laoise's two new fire types made quite a different sight for their species. A bashful Vulpix kit and a modest Ninetales mother.
"The important thing you kept them together, and are taking the time to properly take care of them." Suzy said gently, she patted Oriana which the Ninetales allowed, "That's the first responsible step."
Later, our heroes and Susy sat down for tea while Pikachu and some of the Pokémon have a bite to eat. Oriana ate slowly before a hesitant Belle approached and began to do the same.
"So all of you are traveling on a Pokémon journey together." She then looked at Pikachu, who was happily munching on the pokèmon food Brock prepared. "Your Pikachu has a beautiful, shiny coat. Are you the one who prepares all of Pikachu's food, Brock? "
Brock replied that he does, and Misty added that it is Brock's own recipe. Suzie explained that she too got into Pokémon breeding because of her interest in Pokémon nutrition. During this exchange, Vulpix suddenly joined Pikachu in eating his food. This surprises Suzie, who explained that her Vulpix usually didn't eat anything she has not made herself.
Ash chuckled good-naturedly, "Looks like Vulpix is a fan of Brock's cooking."
"I agree. Thank you, Vulpix!" Brock bowed but hit his head on the table, to the laughter of Suzy. "I'm not worthy!"
"Don't sell yourself short," Laoise said. "Look, Belle and Oriana like it too. So whaddyou think, girls?"
"Vulpix!" Belle replied after swallowing.
"Ninetales." Oriana briefly glanced up with a nod.
Misty then asked, "Suzy, we saw some super fancy looking Pokémon when we were walking down the street. Is that really the latest trend?"
"By any chance, did you pass a very large salon on the way?" Suzy then points out that ever since Salon Roquet opened up, Trainers had been focusing on making their Pokémon look as flashy as possible, though Suzy lamented that this clashed with her goal of bringing out the inner strengths and personality of Pokémon.
Ash agreed, "I don't like it either. It's pretty stupid to waste your time showing off."
Misty then said, "But sometimes even Pokémon like to get dressed up and show off a little, just like the rest of us. Right, Pikachu? I see it now." And she pictured Pikachu in a salmon sundress.
Pikachu looked unsure, "Pika Pika?"
Ash laughed, "I think Pikachu's perfect the way it is. We don't need any goofy fashions. It's what's going on inside that counts."
"Yeah, I dunno some of that make-up can't be good for the Pokémon's skin it's not the same as a human's!" Laoise said then imagined, "Although maybe putting on garments for a special occasion like a Renaissance fair or something could be fun. Fancy seeing Pikachu in a little wandering bard's costume carrying a stringed instrument would be cute."
"Pikachu?" Pikachu titled his head curiously.
"And besides even Pokémon need to express their inner virtues." Laoise added.
Misty stood up, "I never said the inside was important, the outside counts, too!"
"The inside is what matters!" Ash declared.
"Outside too!"
"Inside!"
Suzy is rather taken aback by their arguing, "Shouldn't either you or Laoise stop them? "
"That would be like trying to stop the tide," sighed Brock in resignation.
"Besides, these two have been yelling at each other since the day they met." Laoise mumbled.
Ash then challenged, "If you think fashion's so great, how about taking your Psyduck to that salon?"
"Hey! What a great idea! Let's go, Psyduck!" Misty said, calling out her new pokèmon.
Psyduck materialized before Misty started to look doubtful ,trapped now by her own stubborn pride.
Ash laughed "Now we'll see who gets the last quack!
"Ha! Anyway, Psyduck and I are so cute, we'll look good whatever fashion we wear!"
"I'm sure Psyduck will."
Misty got in his face, "WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FASHION?!" she then smiled sweetly to her pokèmon, "Right, Psyduck?"
"Psy-y-y duck?"
Misty mumbled, "This may be more of a challenge then I thought it would be."
"Better get going!" Ash grinned.
"Ha! You'll be jealous when we get back from the salon and Psyduck turns out to be even cuter than Pikachu! Come on, Psyduck!"
Psyduck waddled after Misty as she walked out.
Suzy then expressed doubt in her own methods, but Brock, Laoise and Ash quickly reassured her. Brock suggested a way in which Suzy can compete with the growing popularity of salons like Salon Roquet. Soon after, Suzy explains that if a Pokémon has been injured in a battle, it should be given a therapeutic massage, which she demonstrated on Pikachu. As Brock had hoped, Suzy's lecture started to draw the crowd away from Salon Roquet. As Suzie, Ash, and Brock demonstrated the importance of good communication between Pokémon and Trainer, Trainers arriving from Salon Roquet begin to doubt if they made the right choice.
Meanwhile, at Salon Roquet, Jessie ordered Meowth to send in the next customer, though they are shocked to see it is Misty with her Psyduck. Team Rocket dragged her in for a makeover of her own, with her protesting that Psyduck was the one who needed the makeover falling on deaf ears. Despite this, she loves the bright and flashy results, and asked the undercover Jessie and James to continue. Annoyed at the attention being given to Misty, Meowth mentioned she was seen with Pikachu and that they should interrogate her until she tells them where he is, tipping Misty off to his identity. Jessie and James began attacking Meowth, chastising him for blowing their cover, as they had already intended to do what he had suggested prior to his outburst. Meowth scratched them, revealing their true identities. Misty screamed that she will never tell Team Rocket anything, but James grabs her and threatens to paint her face like Frankenstein if she does not. Thinking that over for a moment, she yelled for Psyduck. Team Rocket also noticed the duck pokèmon wasn't in sight and began searching much to a caught Misty's chagrin.
Psyduck did indeed escape and ran right back to Suzy's, he squeezed through the crowd to warn our heroes. There where he tells Pikachu that Misty is in trouble. Pikachu signaled that Misty is in danger, and takes off, with Laoise, Brock, Ash, and Suzie following close behind.
They make their way back to Salon Roquet, where they face off against Team Rocket in order to save Misty, who they have tied to a chair.
"I shoulda known Roquet is just another way to say rocket! As in, Team Rocket!" Laoise groused.
Misty cried out in relief, "What took you guys so long? "
Ash and Brock both said simultaneously, "What happened to her face?"
The two tried to keep from laughing. Laoise just grimaced.
"Dumb boys," grunts Misty angrily.
"Now you look like a clown, you oughta sue!" Laoise blurted out making Misty scowl.
Our heroes regained composure, and Team Rocket defends the bizarre makeover, claiming they are conducting important beauty research.
Suzy said, carrying Vulpix in her arms, "Can't you understand that it's inner beauty that counts? Every Pokémon is beautiful; we just have to help them discover it!"
"What's she talking about?" asks Jesse, confused and irritated.
"What does she know about Breeding Pokemon?" asks James, "Who cares about the inside? It's the outside which is important."
"Nu-uh, sure we all gape at pretty things and more," Laoise said, "But true beauty is found within, outer beauty won't even last long."
Meowth scratched Jessie and James. "Whaddaya two numskulls know about Pokémon breeding?! Dis whole Salon Roquet idea was supposed to be a scam, remember?! It was a brilliant plan! Part 1: Tink up some stupid Pokémon fashions an' take piles of money from de trainers."
The trainers outside overhear and realized their mistake.
"An' part 2: Whenevah a trainer brings in a rare Pokémon, foist, get da trainer distracted, den steal de Pokémon on de spot!"
Jesse then suggests that Ash give Pikachu to them in exchange for Misty, and Ash angrily refused and tells them they're going to have to fight.
"Count me in too!" growled Brock, knowing this is his chance to impress Suzy, "Tag Team!"
James is prepared for this, having constructed a Fashion Battle Platform and he blows up Salon Roquet to reveal a massive Platform with stairs, flowers and curtains with, as the centrepiece.
Jessie sends out Ekans, and James sends out Koffing, both of which are still dressed in their ridiculous outfits. Ash sent out Pikachu, and Brock uses Geodude. Brock ordered a Seismic Toss, and Geodude carries Ekans into the air and flings it down. However, Ekans turns the momentum of the throw into a spinning wheel strike and slams into Pikachu. Ash calls for a Thunder Shock, but the spinning of Koffing and Ekans makes their extravagant outfits deflect the lightning. James orders Sludge, blinding both Pikachu and Geodude. But as Team Rocket's Pokémon are sent in to finish them off, Ekans and Koffing end up tripping over their outfits, halting the attack.
Meowth urged them, "Get up, you guys! We still got a battle to finish! Let's go!"
Meowth, Ekans, and Koffing charge, but Vulpix stood between them, being flanked by Oriana, and Pikachu and Geodude, bringing the three to a screeching halt as Susie and Laoise stepped in to finish the battle.
"Vulpix and I will take care of them!" Suzy said.
"Don't leave me out of it." Laoise chimed in.
Jessie snapped, "We'll give your Vulpix a makeover when we get rid of its tails!"
"Time to teach you a lesson in breeding!" snapped Suzy. "If all you worry about is your Pokémon's outer beauty, it's inner strength will be lost!"
"Vul!" Suzy's Vulpix agreed.
Jessie jeered, "A Pokémon is like a fashion model. All that counts is a pretty face!"
Meowth said, "Like mine!"
Meowth, Ekans, and Koffing charged.
"Don't bet on it!" Laoise snarled.
Suzy said, "Vulpix, wrap them up with Fire Spin!"
"It's risky, but... Oriana, use Fire Spin. too!" Laoise called to her Ninetales.
Vulpix and Oriana launched a blast of fire at the three charging Pokémon completely engulfing them in a tornado of fire, terrifying Jessie and James as it closed in on them. The two powerful Fire Spin move drove the message home and sends Team Rocket blasting off.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
Our heroes are shocked at Vulpix's power.
Ash gaped, "Now THAT's an attack!
"You're telling me." Laoise said as she petted Oriana. Belle went to her mother and the two nuzzled one another.
Ash got out Dexter. "Vulpix's greatest attack, Fire Spin. Using powerful flames to block its opponent from moving, it then inflicts great damage."
Brock then addressed the watching crowd. "Did you see that?! A cute exterior hides inner strength! That's the Pokémon's true personality!"
The crowd of trainers began to take off the accessories and wiping the paint Team Rocket put on their Pokémon.
Psyduck then arrived at the floor of the platform where Misty was still tied, she yelled at the waterfowl, thinking that it didn't help her when in fact it's responsible for saving her.
Soon after Misty is untied, our heroes return to Suzy's shop.
Suzy petted her Vulpix, "Nice work, Vulpix!"
"Vul!" The Vulpix looked glad of himself.
Back at her salon, Suzie thanked the gang for helping her regain confidence in her beliefs. She planned to leave the salon for a while and go on a journey to learn what it truly means to be a Pokémon Breeder, and proclaimed she is still a student and now Brock's rival.
The two shook hands as Vulpix nuzzled Brock's leg, to Brock's surprise.
"I'd be grateful if you took care of Vulpix for me." Suzy then said to Brock, "You're the first person other than me that Vulpix has been friendly with. Right now, I believe you could do a better job of raising Vulpix than I could."
Brock was moved to tears, "Thanks! I don't know what to say!
The other watched on tearfully.
"You don't have to worry, Vulpix. I promise I'll take good care of you." Brock got out a Pokéball, and Vulpix entered and, with one ping from the Pokéball, Brock obtained his new Pokémon. "Alright! I got Vulpix!"
"And Laoise, it's true you're still learning but from what I've seen with your interactions with Oriana and Belle, looking out for the well-being of your pokémon is just as important."
Laoise flushed, "Oh, thank you. I appreciate it more than you know."
As the rest of the gang looked at each other in happiness, Ash stifled his laughter from Misty's face paint, which was still on her face.
"Hey, what are you laughing for?! This makeup is very fashionable!" Misty chided.
And so, Brock must continue down his own path to becoming a Pokémon Breeder. With Vulpix, he has a new friend on the journey. As our heroes bid Susie farewell, Team Rocket ran past, pursued by a crowd of their angry former customers.
One day later, in the outskirts of Fuchsia City, our heroes come across Hitmonchan, a fighter-Pokémon. With little thought, Ash attempts to capture it, but he and Pikachu are badly defeated. Hitmonchan's master Anthony has abandoned his family, training day and night, aiming for victory at the P1 Grand Prix (the number one Pokémon Grand Prix). His daughter Rebecca tells Ash and his friends of her desire to make her father remember his family. In the meantime, Ash and Brock entered the P1 Grand Prix, but with Team Rockets unwanted, not to mention, unofficial presence at the competition, the battle went out of control.
During a match against a Machop, after Ash broke its fall, the Primeape began obeying Ash.
The final battle between Primeape and Hitmonlee begins with Primeape blocking multiple rapid kicks from Hitmonlee. Ash reminds Primeape to attack, and it manages to sneak through a few hits. Pikachu spots Meowth climbing out from under the arena. Meowth tells Jesse and James that their secret weapon has been placed, which will shock Primeape and then detonate while Hitmonlee is in the air. Pikachu tries to warn Ash to no avail, so he decides to run underneath the stage. Hitmonlee jumps up as planned and James hits the button on the controls, but the device does not activate. Hitmonlee jumps down, but Primeape leaps and grabs him. It uses its Seismic Toss and wins the match, becoming the new P1 Grand Prix Champion. Primeape proudly boasts its new championship belt. Ash congratulates Primeape, telling the Pokémon how proud he is. Anthony concludes that Primeape has a lot of natural talent, and offers to train it for Ash, promising that he will make Primeape a true P1 Champion. Meowth and the rest of Team Rocket are baffled as to why the device didn't explode. Pikachu then turns up and gives the device to Meowth, who thanks Pikachu for finding it. However, the device activates, sending Team Rocket blasting off.
Ash then left Primeape in Anthony's care for further training. Rebecca affirmed that she will also make sure her father spends plenty of time with his family.
Laoise thought it bittersweet that Ash's Primeape had just seen how much Ash cared and now, it has a different path to follow.
"You're champion in our eyes." Laoise held two thumbs up.
Ash smiled sadly at his Primeape, "You keep on training and winning, Primeape. And I'll always be grateful and proud that I knew a real P1 champion."
Primeape became teary eyed, moved by Ash's words. Soon, our heroes say their goodbyes to Anthony, Rebecca, and Primeape.
Just when they were beginning to understand each other, Ash and Primeape go their separate ways. Maker willing, they'll meet again someday, somewhere.
But for now, new Pokémon and new challenges are waiting, just ahead!
To be continued...
Author's note: Sorry if it's fast-paced, I wanted to advance more and stuck deciding which episodes to summarize or not. OK show of hands, who wants an entire chapter with the episodes 'Sparks Fly for Magnemite' plus 'Dig those Diglett' or should I just summarize them into the chapter once they reach the Fuchsia gym?
And, tbh, as eager as I am for writing the 'The Flame Pokémon-athon'... I'm still wondering what Pokémon Laoise could ride in the race. ^_^;