Laoise's group has arrived at the beautiful resort island of Porta Vista, where their adventure continues.

Which was split into two districts: Aopulco and Hutber Port. Aopulco is an extremely popular tourist destination all over the world, complete with beaches, restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Hutber Port contained the majority of the residential and business neighborhoods, in addition to more hotels and resorts.

Unfortunately, the ferry only gets to Porta Vista every three days. From the mainland, it has to stop at two other islands before reaching this one. And the next ferry would be while, so in the meantime, the four trainers were having fun in the sun.

Then Laoise noticed something a distance away. There were four teenage trying to flirt with some aloof surfer boys four feet away.

Laoise walked a little closer, squinting her eyes shielding them from the sun. Then she brightened. She recognized those girls anywhere!

"Taryn!" Laoise waved her hands at her older sister. "Sydney, Casey! Delaney!"

The sights and sounds of Porta Vista filled Taryn and her friends with giddy delight. After the stresses of school, this tropical paradise promised fun and relaxation in spades.

Casey led the way as ever, planning their itinerary with enthusiasm.

"Taryn, isn't that your baby sister in a new diving suit running towards us!" Delaney asked.

Taryn and her friends were pleasantly surprised to see Laoise in Porta Vista.

Officer Jenny had been about to deliver the grim news, but was incredibly stunned see one of the deceased was alive and well. "Laoise? Laoise McGrady?!"

"Oh hi, Officer Jenny."

"But how in the world did you survive the sinking of the St Anne?"

"Sinking?!" Taryn and her entire friend group gaped.

That's kind of a crazy story, and don't worry, Ash, Misty and Brock made it out too. Laoise pointed down to the beach. They're playing in the shore right now.

At that moment, they saw Misty irritably throw her beach ball at Ash and knock him into the water for his tactless comment over her at seeing Misty looking like a "girl".

Laoise called, "That's cause we never seen you in a bikini suit."

"You know them?" Sydney looked over.

"Yeah, Brock was the gym leader of the Pewter city gym and Misty is the youngest sister of the Sensational sisters in Cerulean city." Laoise explained, "And Ash is another trainer but from Pallet town."

"But what about James and Jessie?" Officer Jenny asked.

"They're okay, last time I saw them they ran off after we reached land." Laoise said jerking her thumb back.

Taryn stared at her little sister, overjoyed yet flabbergasted. "Laoise, I can't believe you made it through all that!"

She gathered Laoise in a hug as Delaney said, "Talk about like, surviving life-threatening danger!"

Casey scanned the beach eagerly. "Those must be the friends who helped you. We should thank them!"

Laoise smiled. "I'm glad I found you all. Porta Vista is lovely!"

Officer Jenny shook her head in wonder. "Your survival is nothing short of miraculous. Perhaps this is a place for new beginnings."

Sydney watched Ash and Misty's antics thoughtfully. "Well they seem fun. Care to introduce us after we hear the full story?"

Laoise agreed. A joyful reunion it was, amid shores that sang with promise under dancing sun and sky.

And speaking of Team Rocket, Team Rocket, using their Gyarados submarine, spies on the beachgoers from their underwater vantage point. They decide to steal the money of the wealthy tourists. Suddenly, Jessie notices a speedboat heading in their direction.

Suddenly, Jessie notices a speedboat heading in their direction.

The boat was piloted by Ash, who thought Brock borrowed it because Pikachu was on the boat while Laoise explained the whole story to Taryn and the Fashion club.

Sydney's jaw hit the ground. "You caught a Gyarados?!"

"A Gyarados?!" Taryn gaped. "Those things are fierce and not in a good way."

Laoise explained, "Well, he was a Magikarp first then evolved when I fed him some caramel filled chocolate. James didn't want him and he dumped him on me but-"

"You mean your favorite brand?" Delaney questioned.

"Same one."

Then Casey pointed to Ash and the rest on the speedboat. The boat collides with the periscope fin of Team Rocket's sub, sinking it, and eventually crashes into a dock.

Alarmed, Laoise, Taryn and her friends hurried over.

"Is everyone alright?"

"We're fine, but look what happened to the dock!" Brock replied.

Soon, an old man a straw hat and orange tropical shirt came up, angry at what happened. "What do you little vandals think you're doing!? First you stole my boat, then you destroyed my dock! You'll pay for this!"

Ash hid behind Misty, "This is all a big mistake!"

However, the old man was focused on the girls, especially Misty and Taryn.

"You two remind me of my granddaughter." He remarked.

"Uhm, my eyes are up here?" Taryn rebuked.

Misty was flustered, "We don't have any money but we'd be happy to work to pay for any damages."

"You would?" the old man asked.

"I mean..." Misty then hid behind Ash, Laoise, Brock, Taryn and the Fashion club. "They'd be happy."

Laoise glared at her, "Oh no you don't! You got on the boat too, and we're all guilty of complicity!"

"Well, I suggest we get acquainted with this gentleman first before we work for him." Sydney said, flipping her hair.

"Very well. How about you all introduce yourselves first." the old man nodded.

As Laoise and the others head over to the old man who name was Moe. They all agreed to work at his restaurant, while Team Rocket's submarine has washed up onto a private beach and they are greeted by a woman named Brutella. James asks if they can work for her restaurant to help pay for repairs to their sub, and she agrees.

Meanwhile at Moe's Seafood Shack, our heroes were busy working for Moe.

Sydney charmed the old sailor with her poise, so she acted as a hostess. Taryn eagerly discussed cocktail recipes. Misty, Delaney, Casey, and Laoise were waittresses while Ash and Brock worked as barkers to bring in customers.

Brock called, "French fried flounder! Seven layer crab cakes! Get em while they're cold!"

Ash shouted, "Try our new squid on a stick!"

"And our clam juice snow cones!"

Pikachu also tried waving people over too, "Pika Pika!"

A young couple approached the hut, reading the menu and peeking inside.

Brock held a hand towards the door. "A table for two?"

The guy asked, "Wanna go in?"

Latched to his arm, the girl frowned and snootily looked away. "Looks like a dive!

"Hey, that restaurant over there looks good!" the guy suddenly said.

The couple headed to the modernized restaurant next door which sadly looked more impressive compared to Moe's little shack. Laoise walked out to take a look with Sydney.

And to the group's shock, Jessie greeted the couple at the door. "Welcome to Brutella's Ocean Chateau. Come up to our terrace. Enjoy our seafood and sea views."

Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Laoise can't believe that Jessie of Team Rocket is actually working an honest, or dishonest, job.

Right after guiding the customers upstairs, Jessie met their eyes and gave them the pink eye. As in the 'Akanbe' which is a Japanese facial gesture indicating sarcasm but also used as a taunt, especially by children. It consists of someone pulling down one's lower eyelid to expose the red underside towards someone, often accompanied by the person sticking their tongue out.

Laoise furiously gives Jessie the finger.

Jessie saw Laoise's response and bristled with rage. "Why you little brat! How dare you...!"

She stomped towards the shack, fist raised, before James and Meowth pulled her back.

But still, Taryn scolded Laoise by holding her little sister by the ear. "Where'd you pick this up?"

"TV, occasional movie and school. Where else?"

"Well, let's keep it rated G." Taryn reminded, "Even if that dorky hostess there is pushing buttons."

Ash and Brock were also glowering at Jessie from their spot.

Jessie had finally calmed, "A top quality restaurant attracts top quality people!"

James added, "And a no quality dive attracts the bottom feeders!"

Meowth laughed, "Yeah, you losers!"

Pikachu scowled, "Pika!"

The comment Meowth made infuriated the gang.

"You do realize, this means WAR!" Taryn glowered.

"We'll show them we're not losers!" he called out all his Pokémon. "I choose, everybody!"

Ash decides to have his Pokémon help out as well. Squirtle and Pikachu are told to hand out fliers advertising Moe's, Pidgeotto and Charmander help keep the grill going in the kitchen, and Bulbasaur is assigned to help the Fashion club with the waitressing. Yet, Casey and Laoise uncovered a special find, hoping it would help Moe.

However, Meowth sabotages everything, sending fliers flying, spraying oil on the stove, and throwing banana peels on the floor to trip up Misty and Bulbasaur. This causes the customers to leave Moe's restaurant for Brutella's Ocean Chateau.

Later, the others are distraught with the accidents that recently happened. They helped Moe clean up the restaurant after the short rush. Then, moped around inside, trying to find a solution to quickly fix the dangerous lack of business.

Ash apologized "Moe, we're really sorry with the way we messed things up for you."

Moe consoled. "You all did the best you could, at least things we're going good for a while until those accidents started happening."

Ash sighed, "I guess so."

Misty piped up, "Something's weird! There's no way those were all just accidents!"

"I say it was sabotage." Sydney said suspiciously.

"Well, well. cackled a voice." A hideous old lady with crimson pigtails had just entered the restaurant accompanied by Team Rocket.

Moe glowered at the old hag, "Brutella!"

"No way! You're Brutella? So you're the one who hired those crooks!" Taryn stood up, "We were warned about you!"

"By who? Your little boy toys?" Meowth taunted.

"By four eyewitnesses to multiple attempted theft." Sydney retorted, folding her arm and giving Team Rocket her best 'mean girl' glower.

"Don't need a reservation to get in here anymore! If things keep up like this, you might have to go out of business, Moe!" Brutella possessed a scratchy voice that sent sounded like nails down a blackboard.

Just then, Casey and Laoise hurried into Moe's shack, beaming. "Mr. Moe we found something that might help!"

Casey had been able to find at least two different pearls - for pearls can sell for at least $1400.

"These pearls should help cover-" Casey began.

"I'll be taking those!" Brutella snatched the pearls out of the teenager and the preteen girl's hands.

Casey was taken aback, Laoise was dismayed to see what they hoped would help the old man be snatched away.

"Uhm, EXCUSE ME, those pearls you took are proceeds from the Fashion club which were meant to be a donation to this establishment!" Sydney snapped.

Taryn's eyes blazed with indignation. "Stealing from autistic kids is low even by your standards!"

The rest of the fashion club (Casey recovered her nerve) glared, even Ash, Misty and Brock were indignant.

Brutella waved away the protests with a bony claw. "But there's an interest rate involved!"

Ash snapped, "What do you care?"

Brutella replied, "I couldn't care less if this dump goes under, but you better find some way to pay me back the dough you owe me, and fast!"

Moe said, "You'll get your money!"

"Yeah? Well, I want it tomorrow! And if you don't pay me back every penny, I'll just take that boat of yours instead." Brutella sneered.

All the composure in Moe's body left him. "No, please! Take anything you want, but not that boat!"

Brutella chuckled, "See ya tomorrow!"

James taunted, "The clock's ticking!"

Jessie added, "Hope you don't get the money!"

Meowth laughed, "Cause that boat of yours is our honey!"

Team Rocket mocked our heroes before they leave.

"I thought I smelled a rat," Sydney glared. "Turns out it was more than one."

Moe is despondent, as he does not think he will have the money by then. He explains that he had planned to take a world cruise in his boat. Ash then fervently encourages him not to give up on his dream.

Everyone started thinking, until a familiar voice is heard.

"Mind if I make a suggestion?"

They all turned to see none other than Professor Oak wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt and shorts. The Professor was accompanied by Ash's mother Delia. Professor Oak explains that the Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest is set to start shortly, He explained that the annual contest draws thousands of people each year to Porta Vista, and most of those people get hungry. They'll all be looking for a place to eat, so why not advertise this place? You'll cleanup, and you'll have the money you need by the end of tomorrow.

He also recommends that Misty and the fashion club enter to win some prize money that can be used to help out Moe. Ash sends out Pidgeotto, who blankets the beach and town with fliers. Soon, Moe's restaurant is full again, much to Brutella's dismay.

As the contest begins, Moe sits with Delia and Professor Oak. He explains how Ash encouraged him not to give up on his dream. Delia says that she and the Professor are in town with the Pallet Town Volunteer Patrol.

Soon, the contest was underway, with Brock as announcer. "Welcome, everybody, the Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest is about to begin! Now, here's our first contestant!"

The curtain opens and Misty steps out as the people cheered.

Misty blushed, "This is totally embarrassing and degrading, but we need the money."

She uses her Starmie and Ash's Squirtle to form a UFO. Team Rocket push Misty aside, with Ekans and Koffing costumed as an Omastar. Only to get into an argument with both Laoise and Taryn alike.

Back on the stage, a familiar character kicks Ekans and Koffing off the stage.

Someone shouted, "Get lost!"

Ash can hardly believe his eyes when he sees it's Gary Oak. "It's Gary!"

Gary stood front and center with six college-aged girls at his sides.

"And now we have a surprise guest appearance by Gary Oak, an up and coming Pokémon trainer, accompanied by a squad of his adoring and adorable fans!" Brock did nothing but comment.

The crowd erupted in applause. From backstage, Laoise rolled her eyes. "Aw great, the show off is here."

Prof. Oak shrugged, "I forgot to mention that my grandson came along with us."

Ash was needless to say, irritated, "That's great."

Gary had taken the microphone, "Ash, I know you're out there in the crowd somewhere! But I didn't come here to make you jealous of me, Ash!" he taunted, "I came here so that some of my beautiful fan club members could make you jealous of me!"

The girls start cheering for him. "Gary, Gary, he's our man! He'll crush Ash! We know he can!"

"Thank you, fans! Great cheer!" Gary then glared at the nearest camera. "I wrote that one myself, Ashy!"

"We'll see who trashes who!" Ash ran from his spot in the stands, leaving Pikachu on the floor when he got up.

Brock continued to comment, "Not one, not two, but six beautiful girls on stage all at once! Choosing the most beautiful is gonna be tough, but it's a good kind of tough!"

At that moment, the four girls of the Fashion club went on stage. It was time to knock that little snob and his lapdogs down a peg or two.

"EXCUSE me, but this is strictly for girls only not rude little boys." Sydney folded her arms and glowering at Gary.

"Keep moving, Chad jr.," Taryn scoffed.

Gary bristled at being dismissed. "This isn't over, Giffard!" he shot back.

But the crowd's cheers swelled as the Fashion Club began their routine. Delaney swung gracefully on a ribbon attached to Casey's Butterfree, glittering wings aflutter. As for Taryn and Sydney, they showcased synchronized water ballet alongside Misty's Starmie and Staryu.

When the performance ended, thunderous applause followed. Brock grinned. "What dazzling mermaid magic! But who will the judges choose?"

Meanwhile, Brutella tells Jessie and James that she knows they are Team Rocket members and that she has fixed their submarine. She blackmails them into stopping the Beauty Contest and destroying Moe's restaurant so that the audience will come to her restaurant instead. Jessie tells Brutella that they can destroy things without even trying.

Back onstage, Ash challenges the ever-smug Gary to a battle, but Gary refuses, stating that he does not want to battle an amateur Trainer. Brock steps between the two rivals before Ash's anger gets the best of him.

Gary scoffed, "I don't know how you'll ever control your Pokémon if you can't even control yourself."

"Well, at least Ash doesn't kiss his own reflection as often as you do!" Laoise blurted out furiously.

Before Gary could retort, the Gyarados submarine emerged from the water. Underneath the sub, treads appear, allowing the Gyarados sub to hit the beach.

Naturally people panicked, and ran, as the Gyarados sub rampaged.

Ash quickly ripped the microphone from Gary's grasp in seconds. He held up the mic and shouted to the panicked crowd. "Just stay calm, everybody! That thing's not a real Gyarados, it's a fake! It's a phony! It's just a phony Gyarados!"

Laoise nodded, taking the mic next, "It's true! True Gyarados don't move like that!"

This announcement caused everyone to stop running and look closer.

Furious that their little trick failed, Team Rocket fires a heat-seeking missile from the Gyarados sub's mouth.

Brock sweat dropped, "It's heading this way!"

Gary scoffed, "So, now what are you gonna do, Ash? Freak out?"

Taryn glared at him, "I don't see YOU coming up with any good ideas!"

Ash was determined, "Just watch me!"

Brock pointed out, "Ash, I think that looks like one of those heat-seeking missiles."

"I choose you, Charmander! Pidgeotto!"

Ash sends out Pidgeotto and Charmander. Charmander's Flamethrower hits the missile, which turns and changed course, and it headed back to its sender.

Team Rocket pedal furiously to get away, but it crashed right into Brutella's restaurant. When the missile crashed into the building, everything got blown to bits. And Team Rocket was blasted off again.

"In her face!" Laoise hissed.

The crowd suddenly cheered and clapped for Ash's heroics. The sight of this wiped the smug smirk off Gary's face.

Gary turned away grumbling something about, "Beginner's luck".

"Maybe you should've reacted faster..." Casey said in a sing-song tone.

"And not wasted any time making fun of your rivals." Taryn added.

Later, the gang bid farewell to Moe, who is heading off on his long-awaited cruise as he sailed out of sight.

Then Ash turned to his mother, "We gotta get going, too, mom."

Delia nodded solemnly, "I know."

"I'm gonna make you proud of me." Ash added.

Laoise then addressed her older sister, "Taryn, that means I gotta head out too."

"I get it." Taryn said gently. "You be careful out there."

"It's been a fun time." Sydney admitted.

"Maybe we can get together again someday." Brock blushed.

"Watch out, girls." Laoise jokingly warned.

"Well he is kinda cute." Delaney said slowly.

Brock brightened doing finger guns, but Misty elbowed him.

"The Bluebell Hollows is just a twenty minute drive from Pallet, Ash's home town. Come visit anytime." Casey offered.

Ash nodded resolute, fire in his gaze to match the red sky. "You bet I'll visit!"

So our heroes say goodbye to the Fashion club, Professor Oak and to Delia, who is holding a trophy inscribed with the words: "First Place in Our Hearts: Ash Ketchum."

Laoise knew her family would welcome her back with open arms whenever her journey led home. But for now the wide world called, and with her trusted companions at her side, she felt ready to answer.

They had spent the last three days playing in the sun arriving at Hutber Port, where a ferryboat line ran to the mainland. However, the four trainers had missed the boat, and it would be three long hours until the next ferry.

"Blue sky. " Ash muttered.

"White clouds." Brock mumbled.

"And sea as far as you can see." sighed Misty.

"The giant building being constructed out in the middle of the bay..." Laoise murmured.

Ash groaned, "I wish that ship could take us off this island."

Suddenly, Pikachu spotted something in the water and tugged on Ash's vest. "Pika! Chu! Chu!"

A small light blue, piscine Pokémon that is similar to a seahorse stared back at them. It had red eyes, a long, tubular mouth, and three spike-like fins on either side of its head. Its ridged belly and single dorsal fin were cream-colored.

"Oh, look! It's a Horsea! How cute!" Misty beamed.

"Well yeah, but what's it doing this close?"

Laoise pulled out her Pokédex to scan Horsea. "Horsea the Dragon Pokémon. If it senses any danger, it will vigorously spray water or a special type of ink from its mouth. When in a safe location, they can be seen playfully tangling their tails together."

Laoise smiled. "Just like a seahorse!"

The injured Horsea trying to warn them about something by drawing an image out of its ink. Misty doesn't understand and attempts to catch it.

"Those pictures they look awfully like..." Laoise mused thoughtfully.

But before anything can be done, disaster strikes and a nearby sea faring vessel explodes, hurling its sailors into the sea.

Misty immediately sends her Water-type Pokémon – Staryu, Starmie, and Goldeen – to rescue the sailors that have been flung into the ocean.

Laoise urged her Staryu, "Idril look for more survivors!"

All the Pokémon head to the scene of the disaster. Then Brock 'borrowed' a speedboat (to which Laoise briefly protested about) and the trainers hurried over to the wreckage. The Pokémon dragged the crew members out of the water and into the boat.

Meanwhile, as the rescue goes on, the Horsea from earlier looked on from under the pier while the heroes checked the men.

A sailor mumbled, "It's terrible! Terrible!"

Laoise said, "Well, he's alive, but I don't think he can move!"

Ash commented, "He looks like he's paralyzed."

Brock frowned thoughtfully. "Yeah, what happened to you out there?"

Weird, in some parts of their arms and/or legs, the men appeared to have some raised, red lines that crossed each other.

The sailor twitched. "The boss! I got to tell the boss what happened..."

Laoise looked at him uncertainly and gazed back at the water where the boat sunk. A construction site sat two feet away from it, and underneath, who knows?

"Think this was a terrorist attack or a some kinda freak accident?" Laoise questioned Misty.

"We don't know yet." Misty replied, though she too looked unsurely behind them.

Something didn't feel right.

Misty was able to coax the Horsea out from under the wooden pier. At a nearby dollar store, they'd gotten a kiddie pool. Idril filled it with water.

Then they gently sprayed the Horsea with super potion and gently placed it in the pool. Pikachu watched the little one while the group went to return the sailors to their boss.

Later, the men directed the gang to a hotel down near the docks where they meet the boss of the sailors who were attacked. Unfortunately, the boss bared a horrid resemblance to Brutella, the repulsive old battleaxe they'd seen the other day.

"I'm the boss! Nastina!" she laughed, getting in their faces.

Everyone is naturally shocked because Nastina looks horribly similar to Brutella. To make things more uncomfortable, Nastina is surrounded by beautiful boys in briefs. Laoise had to work extra hard not to make any remarks.

"I understand that you helped save the men on my ship. Thank you very much!" She gave them toothy grin.

Ash was visibly nervous. "You're very welcome. I wonder if you could give us a ride to the mainland."

Nastina frowned, "You don't think you're going to get away that fast, do you?! Not till you see my new resort!"

"Resort?"

Nastina smiled at a model set on a table, "It's not finished, but it'll be spectacular! The world's biggest luxury resort!"

Misty questioned, "Is that it out on the ocean?"

Nastina responded, "That's just part of it, but yes. That's it! That's Nastina's Paradise! A super luxury hotel, the hotel to end all hotels! It'll have hundreds of luxurious suites, surrounded by the world's most beautiful coral reef! But only if those Tentacool stop interfering with construction."

Laoise stared, "Tentacool did this...? But why?"

Brock caught on, "I get it! The Tentacool paralyzed your sailors."

Nastina angrily stomped on the ground. "Because of those Tentacool, all the tourists have been staying away from here! I don't know why such despicable creatures even exist!"

Laoise was miffed. Usually animals or pokèmon wouldn't attack humans without a good reason.

Misty seemed to share Laise's sentiments, "Did you say despicable?!"

Laoise chimed in, "Yeah, I don't care what you think or believe lady, but Tentacool are a part of nature and part of the Maker's-"

Nastina cut her off by furiously tapped her cane against the ground. "They're disgusting! You can't even eat them! And they're hurting my profits!" She pointed her cane straight at the group.

"I was hoping the lot of you might be able to help me take care of my little problem. Do you have the skills to handle a Tentacool extermination project?"

Everyone was confused by what Nastina said.

"Of course..." her pretty boy servants pulled back a curtain to reveal a banquet. "I'll pay you well!"

Ash, Brock, are amazed by the 'payment' Nastina was offering, but neither Misty nor Laoise were swayed.

"If you succeed, you'll get world class all you can eat luxury dinners for one year..." Nastina's servants pull back another curtain. "One million dollars in cash, and vouchers for free stays at the hotel!"

"Yeah!" Ash ran for the bounty only for the curtain to close on him.

Nastina said, "First, you have to exterminate the Tentacool. Every last one! Then I'll pay the reward."

Misty shouted. "That's disgusting!"

Nastina is sent flying into her servants as our heroes followed an angry Misty.

Ash called after the redhead tomboy, "Misty!"

Laoise glared at Nastina, "Nope. That's a crime to both nature and life."

Nastina growled in disappointment, "There's two girls who can't be bought!"

Outside, Laoise walked with Misty while Ash and Brock tried to catch up.

Brock inquired, "What are you so mad about?"

Misty responded, "Doesn't that old woman make you sick?"

Ash answered, "Well, she's not really my type, but.."

"She doesn't mean that!" Laoise said.

Misty then clarified, "She wants to destroy the Tentacool!"

Laoise nodded, "Nastina wants to destroy an entire species out of greed and it's wrong! We can't upset the ecosystem because not only will the ocean creatures end up in trouble, so will we!"

"She's right. And they're all so cute." Misty gushed.

Ash pulled out Dexter, "They're cute?"

"Tentacool, a Jellyfish Pokémon. 99% of its body is made up of water."

Ash winced at the image of the Tentacool, "Ugly."

"I guess ugly is in the eye of the beholder." Brock shrugged.

Laoise said, "I want one."

Misty then voiced Laoise's sentiment, "If the Tentacool are attacking humans, then there must be a very good reason for it!"

Laoise raised her hand, "I vote the cause must be pollution or maybe something just as bad."

Ash asked, "Do you really think so?"

"Of course!" Misty nodded, "Tentacool are so squishy and nice when you hold them, and they call the pretty red spot on their head the ruby of the sea."

Brock asked, "Who calls it that?"

"I do." Misty replied nervously.

Laoise, shrugged, "And every sailor or animal lover who's ever sighted a Tentacool."

"Misty, when you talk about water Pokémon, it's like you get a different personality." commented Ash.

"I don't understand why you can't see their charm. Water Pokémon are so beautiful and have such depth," Misty sighed, "like that Horsea we saw. It was a talented artist."

"Art? You mean that ink it spit out of its mouth?"

Laoise then said, "Getting back on the subject of tentacool, there's something you gotta know. I remember one documentary that showed how a town freaked out over gossip about one species and hired a fishing fanatic to hunt them down. Know what happened?"

All three trainers questioned, "What?"

Laoise explained grimly, "In time the creatures that the sea beast fed on then began overpopulating and causing trouble for humans, for the town had foolishly upset the natural balance."

Laoise spoke wisely. It was clear she had a deep respect for nature and understood how delicate the balance could be.

"We need to find the truth about what's really going on with the Tentacool," Brock mused. "There must be more to this story."

The group made their way to check on the Horsea. When they arrived, they found Pikachu playing happily with it in the kiddie pool.

The quartet made their way to Horsea, now healed by a Super Potion, and Pikachu, who are enjoying a swim in a the kiddie pool. Misty finally understands Horsea's earlier ink drawings: they warned of the Tentacool and Tentacruel.

Suddenly, a grouchy voice boomed out over the speakers all around the port. "Citizens of Porta Vista, listen up!"

"Nastina!" Ash glowered.

Nastina: "Effective immediately, I am recruiting volunteers to exterminate the Tentacool terrorizing our town."

"Exterminate!?" Misty scorned.

Nastina's voice continued, "I will award one million dollars to anyone who can exterminate the Tentacool. Isn't Nastina generous?"

Brock became grim. "She'll do anything to destroy them!"

"Anyone who wants money, I mean, wants to help the development of our town, come to the yacht harbor immediately!" Nastina offered.

Misty said, "She expects to get people to destroy the Tentacool for money? Ridiculous!"

She's proven wrong when she and the others are nearly run over by the town's citizens, rushing to the beach to carry out Nastina's orders, and Nastina makes her way over to her loyal followers in a tank.

Team Rocket eagerly offers to help Nastina and set out on their boat. They plan to use their "Super-Secret Stun Sauce" on the Pokémon and then selling them at a fish market for more money. However, their boat is soon surrounded by thousands of angry Tentacool, one of whom blasts the stun sauce with a raygun-like attack and destroys the boat. The sauce lands on that same Tentacool, but instead of being stunned, it evolves into a giant Tentacruel, and promptly begins a citywide rampage.

Ash gets out Dexter and analyzed it, "Tentacruel, a Jellyfish Pokémon, the evolved form of Tentacool. It's numerous tentacles serve as a powerful weapon. It is known as the Gangster of the Sea."

The Tentacool overwhelm the land, while the giant Tentacruel causes a tidal wave that floods the city.

Misty wailed, "I don't understand! Why would they do such a thing? Now everyone will be against them!"

Meowth is captured by the large Tentacruel Meanwhile, a Tentacool latches onto Meowth's head to use as a mouthpiece to communicate with the citizens of Porta Vista.

"We are Tentacool and Tentacruel. Hear us now."

As Meowth is talking, the Tentacruel smashes its tentacle into another building.

"Humans have destroyed our ocean home, and now we will have our revenge. Now we will begin to destroy your world, your home, as you have so cruelly tried to destroy ours. And not one of you has the right to complain about it."

Ash caught on, "Their homes must have been where that hotel's being built."

Brock agreed, "That's right! The coral reef!"

"Because of Nastina's cold-blooded greed, most likely many oceanic pokèmon had paid the price." Laoise surmised solemnly. "Now the Tentacool are retaliating against humans in revenge."

Misty gasped, "That's exactly what Horsea was trying to tell us! I should have understood what it was trying to say. And I call myself a water Pokémon trainer."

Horsea pleaded with the Tentacruel to stop, but is swatted away by its tentacle, though Pidgeotto manages to catch the small Pokémon and bring it back to Misty. Ash and his friends send out their Pokémon to stop the Tentacruel, managing to return some of the Tentacool back to the ocean. The Tentacruel takes out all of them but Pikachu and Pidgeotto, who attempt to reason with Tentacruel.

It looked like Tentacruel was about to attack Pikachu, but two familiar voices are heard.

Misty pleaded, "Please, stop, Tentacruel! Please! Take them all back to the ocean!"

Both Laoise and Misty had climbed to the top of a building and intended to reason with Tentacruel along with Pikachu.

"Please, listen, Tentacruel! This is enough! We humans understand that we hurt you!" Misty said.

Laoise added, "You've made your point! If you destroy our homes, that makes you no better than that horrible hag, Nastina!"

Tentacruel looks down at the frightened people below and in Ocean View Lookout.

Misty said, "We won't destroy your homes anymore! We're sorry. So, please."

The Tentacruel relented, "If this happens again. or if you and your allies go back on your word to protect our home, we will not stop. Remember this well."

Finally it tossed Meowth into the destroyed Ferris wheel at the amusement park, with Meowth landing right next to his partners who were washed there by the ocean water.

The Tentacool army and their Tentacruel leader begin their return to the sea. But, Nastina emerges from some rubble, determined to get her way.

"You think you can get away that easy, do you? Take this!" Nastina fired a bazooka, only for the round to be bounced off Tentacruel's body, getting its attention. "Who cares about anyone else who sympathizes with you!? They can just be destroyed along with you and your army! I'll capture you, throw you in a tank, and charge admission!" She fired again and again and then got out two guns and fired them. "Eat lead, squidling!"

Ash worried, "She doesn't get the message, does she?"

He and Brock hurried down the stairs, in hopes to stop Nastina before Tentacruel started to rampage again.

"Tentacruel! She's one who wanted to destroy your home!" Laoise pointed at Nastina, "But SHE doesn't speak for me or any one of us!"

"Come on, you big jellyfish! I'll show you..." Nastina then got ink squirted in her face. "Overgrown squirt!"

Misty glared at the hag, "What's wrong with you, Nastina?! Don't you understand?! What you're trying to do is wrong for everybody because it hurts Pokémon and humans!"

"Horsea!" The Horse agreed.

Nastina scowled. Just then she was hit with a soggy sandwich: Mayo and cream cheese on white bread. "Blecch!"

Misty bit her lips to keep from laughing at the sight, but both she and the Horse were failing.

Laoise had been the one to throw the wet sandwich. "Listen up you old cow, if you don't stop, you'll find out the hard way that you reap what you sow!"

"You stuck-up little brat!" Nastina snapped.

Tentacruel then overshadowed Nastina, making the girls blink.

Nastina laughed. "Well, Tentacruel, glad to see you're wising up and coming over to my way of thinking! Now, why don't you and I go into business together?"

Right on cue, the outraged Tentacruel knocked Nastina far into the distance with its tentacle.

"And don't comeback!" Laoise snapped shaking her fist.

Misty stuck her tongue out after she flies off, but both she and Laoise notice Tentacruel returning to the ocean.

"Goodbye, Tentacruel. We'll remember."

Horsea nodded. "Horsea!"

Finally the trainers boarded the ferry to continue their Pokèmon journey.

Brock said "It's kind of weird, but Tentacruel turned out to be okay. "

Ash agreed. "You're right. So, Misty, you still think jellyfish Pokémon are cute? How about you Laoise?"

"Sure do!" Misty replied.

"Oh yeah!" Laoise nodded.

Misty then held a Pokéball and tossed it up. "But right now, Horsea's the cutest Pokémon of all! Come on, Horsea! Horsea…" The sea horse pokèmon landed in Misty's arms. "You're my Pokémon!"

Ash was irked. "Wait a minute, that's supposed to be my pose!"

Brock says that he's also considering trying Ash's pose, too, which annoys him even more.

Laoise gazed wistfully at the sea. "Hey, who knows? Maybe then a Tentacool will let me be its friend too."

Brock cleared his throat. "At least the reef is safe, and there was surprisingly more injured but no casualties, good outcome."

Ash grinned. "Maybe next time you'll catch one too, Laoise!"

As the gang talked, Pikachu looks out over the ocean taking a last look at Porta Vista, with Horsea hopping on to the railing to join him.

The ocean has become peaceful once more, and as they leave Porta Vista behind, our heroes set off for their next Pokémon gym, and their next Pokémon adventure.

The sun rose on another beautiful day. Laoise arose early, racing out onto the deck past the front of the ship, spotted a landmark. "Land ho!"

At once, the others joined her to see. Ash grinned, "Great! That must be Maiden's Peak, that's where we get off. We'll be landing soon!"

Brock sighed, "It wouldn't matter to me if I never saw land again. I just wasted another summer."

The others all turned to look at him.

"But we had a whole summer of adventures." Ash pointed out.

"Yeah, those adventures were fun and crazy all at once!" Laoise added.

"To kids, summer means playing on the beach, splashing around and having fun, but for me.. summer means, bathing suits and girls to wear them!" Brock wailed and dropped to his knees. "Now bikini season's over and I'll have to wait another year to meet a girl!"

"But at least you now got some stories you can tell!" Laoise said cheerfully.

Finally, the ferry reached land.

"Maiden's Peak welcomes the passengers arriving from Porta Vista! We invite you all to attend our annual Summer's End Festival, now in progress!"

"Cool! A festival!" Ash said with an equally excited Pikachu.

"Festival?" Laoise grinned. "With games, food and costumes? Sign me up!"

Misty said, "It looks like fun! Let's check it out!"

"I'll ride the Ferris wheel all alone." Brock mumbled then he noticed someone off to his left as does Pikachu. "Huh? Who's that?"

The person turned out to be a very beautiful woman with long flowing lilac hair in a white dress.

Brock in at once infatuated, "Whoa! What a knockout!"

Right after he said that, Brock gets trampled by disembarking passengers, but Pikachu notices something's off as he soon sees the girl change into a strange that disappeared with a smile.

Brock finally got up, "Hey. She's gone!"

Pikachu was confused. "Pikachu?"

Yet Ash and Misty insisted to Brock that he join in the festival fun. Laoise went to follow then briefly stopped and she shivered.

"Laoise, are you coming?"

Laoise hugged herself to keep warm. "I am. I just—a moment ago, my body was in template mode but now I got chills or something."

"Well come on, you'll feel better once you have something warm to eat."

Laoise looked around, wondering whether the temperature was dropping faster with the changing season.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket pulls themselves up onto the dock. They need money, so they look around for dropped coins.

Jame then looked off to his left and also noticed the same young girl Brock saw. And he's besotted. "Sweet!"

Jessie smacked James. "Snap out of it! Stop daydreaming! That festival is waiting and I can smell money!"

Meowth ran off with Jessie. "I can smell corn dogs."

James turned to look at the girl again, but she disappeared.

At the festival, a parade is going on and our heroes are having a wonderful time, all save for one.

Brock sighed, "She was the most beautiful girl I ever seen."

Everyone turned to Brock and wonders what he meant, when suddenly, an elderly woman appears and approached them.

"Hey, you there!"

Brock turned at once hopefully. "Are you the..."

However, instead of the girl he saw, he sees the face of a mysterious, short old woman.

Brock yelped at the sight. "You're not the beautiful…"

"Who's not beautiful?" The old woman held out a magnifying glass to get a closer look at Brock. "Beware, not of an old beauty like me, but a beautiful young woman. Or you'll meet a cruel fate."

"That girl on the rock! I have to meet her!" Brock said.

Misty, was flushing. "I must be the beautiful girl she's talking about. But I'd never hurt Brock."

"I was talking about an elegant young woman, not some scrawny little blabbermouth like you!" The elderly woman sneered to Misty.

Misty was immediately infuriated, "Scrawny?!"

Ash laughed. "Real scrawny!" and he gets whacked by Misty.

Laoise rolled her eyes ."Oh gimme a break! Let's face it, teenagers and adults CAN be superficial; and many will always value the external beauty. And it's not always for the prideful and/or money-hungry reasons."

"I don't have to stand around here and be insulted! Let's get out of here!" Misty grabbed Brock and Ash and walked off angrily. Then she called to Laoise. "And you get your head out of the gutter and keep up!"

"The beautiful woman, a cruel fate. The cruelest fate, would be never to see her again." Brock was moaning.

"Laoise! Ash! Misty! Brock!"

All four trainers paused at the sound of their names being called, even Pikachu's ears perked up. Who was it?

"That almost sounded like..." Ash began.

Just then, Laoise is engulfed into a bear hug by a relieved Herbie.

Herbie! Laoise was genuinely surprised.

To add further pleasant surprise, the others called out greetings.

"You made it!" said Lily, wheeling over with a smile. Fallon signed excitedly while Cam nuzzled close to Eevee, his guide.

Tatum gave a contented sigh. "You have no idea how glad we are to see you all in one piece."

"We thought you were goners." Cam admitted.

"I thought we were too. Laoise confirmed.

Herbie pulled back, still smiling. "Festival is more fun with you here!"

"We're happy to see you too," Laoise reassured, the Mr. Mime translating for Fallon. Ash grinned. "No WAY we'd miss celebrating with you guys!"

Misty's previous irritation melted away. "It is nice to run into friendly faces."

Brock nodded earnest agreement. Cam reached out, finding Ash's shoulder. "Can you tell us about your travels since we parted?"

As the groups caught up, trading tales of adventure and discovery, any lingering unease dissolved into the joy of reunion. A little ways away, Team Rocket were looking for coins again but they find nothing. Then James spots a penny lying on the ground and as he picked it up, he meets the old lady the trainers met earlier. She warns him about the beautiful girl. Then Officer Jenny takes the coin James found away. She says that they should go down to the station with her to fill out a report. Team Rocket stammers that they don't need to and they run off.

Since Maiden's Peak much like many nearby regions was predominantly Asian despite the diverse inhabitants, there were old places such as the one the whole town and guests were standing in front of right now.

A short, old mustached man with white hair stood right beside a canvas covered by a tarp. After a few moments, he called to the crowd, "Welcome! To celebrate the Summer's End Festival, we will now display the Shrine of the Maiden's greatest treasure! For two-thousand years, this painting has hung within the Shrine of the Maiden. Once each year, it is removed from the shrine and displayed to the public during this festival. As I unveil the painting, please gaze with reverence."

The painting is unveiled, and our heroes, Team Rocket, and everyone else in attendance are amazed.

Jessie blinked, "Who's that?"

Meowth said, "She's cute."

"Pretty!" Hebie smiled.

"Yeah, I kinda envy the painter." Laoise said with a wistful sigh.

James gasped, "It's her!"

Brock was gaping, "But, it can't be!"

"Brock, your mouth's hanging open." Lily remarked.

The audience gazed in awe. The portrait contained a beautiful girl with long hair and a lengthy, sleeveless, silk gown. She wore a flower in her hair.

Both James and Brock are shocked that the girl in the painting is the same one they saw earlier.

Brock gaped, "She's so incredibly beautiful!"

James murmured, "She's the girl of my dreams, don't wake me up!"

The two tried to approach the painting for a closer look, but the announcer stops them.

"Stay back! The woman in this painting perished over two-thousand years ago."

"Two-thousand years?"

The exhibitor told the story, "She was in love with a brave and handsome young man, but he left her and sailed away to fight in a war. And she did wait for a very long time, hoping to see his ship on the horizon. But her true love never returned to that place again. Still, she waited and waited, never moving from that spot. Until, finally, her body was turned into stone, just like the cliff upon which she stood. To this day, she waits for her love to return."

The exhibitor gave directions up to the cliff. So they went to take a closer look, finding the maiden statue just beyond an old log cabin. The statue sat apart from the cliff, there was no way to physically reach it unless one figured out how to cover a distance of thirty feet in one jump.

Meowth formulated a plan to steal the painting. As night fell, Brock decided to stay at the cliff while the others left to enjoy the festival.

As dark clouds passed by the full moon, Laoise could've sworn she got goosebumps again. But that could've been a coincidence, right?

Hours later, at the Pokémon Center, the clock strikes eleven, the time of curfew for Maiden's Peak.

Laoise, Misty and Ash were on a bench waiting for Brock to return but he hasn't shown up. Already most of the guests had turned in for the night.

"I'm getting worried, Brock still isn't back yet." Misty admitted.

"I guess he meant it." Laoise said with a weary sigh.

Soon, all the doors began to lock. Large metal shutters covered the windows and the main entrance of the Pokémon Center as per order of the curfew.

Ash got up, "Wait! I'll go out and look for him!"

However, Ash was stopped by Nurse Joy.

"Hold it! Don't you realize it's your bedtime?" she scolded.

Ash protested lightly, "Yes, but.."

"Staying up late is bad for your skin and it makes you irritable and it ruins your appetite! I won't allow it! Now get to bed this instant!"

"But I'm not sleepy!" Laoise protested. "And our friend is still out there, his safety comes first then sleep…" she collapsed on the spot.

From behind her a Chansey had used the sleeper hold on her.

"That's not what I had in mind." Nurse Joy said, hands on her hips.

Back at the old log house near the Maiden's peak, in the middle of the night, Meowth tried to wake up Jessie and James so they can try to steal the painting. He then saw the ghost of the maiden, who causes him to fall asleep, and then wakes up James. She also appears to Brock, telling him that she's been waiting for him.

The next morning, both Brock and James are missing, and the others are looking for them. After finding them, the old lady appears again, reminding them of her warning about the ghost of the maiden; Pikachu shocked James and Brock, restoring them to themselves.

They all head inside, and the old lady explains how all young men passing through Maiden's Peak fall into the ghost's curse; they decide to protect themselves from the ghost by buying a large quantity of ofuda, or anti-ghost stickers, and placing them around the shrine. However, when night comes, they note that the stickers prove useless, the wind picks up heavily, blowing away all the ofuda on the door and outside walls and the ghost of the maiden returns. Laoise, Ash, and the others try to prevent Brock and James from being pulled out by the maiden.

After being shot with a bazooka by Jessie, the ghost of the maiden summoned several skull-like ghostly apparitions. Ash tried to identify them with his Pokédex, but with no results; but it's still searching.

Then Ash pointed Dexter around until he got a Pokémon in range, which is, surprisingly to everyone, the Maiden herself. "Pokémon entry found. Gastly, a Ghost Pokémon. It is usually invisible. It's specialty is hypnosis."

Ash's jaw dropped, "Gastly?! You're really a Pokémon?!"

"It is?!" Laoise stared.

"So you finally figured it out. Sometimes I'm the ghost of the two-thousand year old maiden…" then the apparition turned into the elderly woman. "And sometimes I'm the mysterious old woman! But, no matter what the disguise, I'll always be…"

The Gastly revealed it's true form and makes the spirits from earlier vanished. "Awfully Gastly."

Ash then became determined, "Well, Gastly, time for a battle! Pikachu!"

"My hypnotic powers can work on other Pokémon, too. Including little rodents!"

Ash challenges it to a battle, sending in Pikachu, to which Gastly summons a living mouse trap to scare him off. Meowth states that mouse traps do not work on him, so Gastly summons a ball for him to play with, distracting him. Jessie and James send out Ekans and Koffing, which are scared off by Gastly's newly summoned mongoose.

Ash decides that it is his turn again and calls out Charmander, but Gastly summons a fire extinguisher. When he summons out Squirtle and Bulbasaur, Gastly summons a Venusaur and a Blastoise, which it combines into a hybrid called "Venustoise".

Misty then held up a cross. "Then how about this?"

Gastly froiwned questioningly, "What's that?"

"It's a cross! I've also got garlic, a stake, and a hammer!" Misty pulled out all the items from her bag.

"You do know that you need faith in order for the cross work don't you?" Laoise questioned Misty.

"How you know? Do you?"

"Is water wet?" Laoise said looking up at the sky.

The Gastly was bewildered. "What do I look like? A vampire or something?"

Just then in the distance, church bells began to ring, to Gastly's shock and surprise.

Ash: Huh? What's happening?

"I may not be a vampire, but I hate sunlight! It's time for me to go until the next festival!" The Gastly started to slowly fade away. "Don't forget the ghost of the Maiden! She and the old lady will return next year, too!"

The Gastly completely faded away as the sun rose.

"Anyone else got Fantasia vibes from that?" Laoise remarked.

Misty nodded, "Yeah. But that really was ghastly."

"Right?"

Pikachu nodded, "Pika."

With the coming of the dawn and the sound of the church bells, the spirits of the departed vanish.

Later, everyone from visitors to inhabitants set boats with lanterns on them out to sea as part of the Summer's end festival tradition.

"At the end of every summer, the visitors send out these tiny boats." said Officer Jenny. " Each one with a candle to help light the way for any wandering spirits who can't find their way back home. That's an old tradition at this port."

After the lantern lighting, the town held the final celebration in the park. They decorated the grounds with bonfires and paper lanterns. Performers played music on drums and flutes for the many attendants.

On one boat, sat the Gastly in the form of the Maiden, but he then turns into the elderly woman.

"This summer is over, but your legend will continue to live on."

Soon, the true ghost of the maiden appears from her stone statue. "Thank you, Gastly."

"My pleasure." The Gastly said, "I enjoy keeping alive all the old legends that people have forgotten over the years. And if I do a good job of it, I make a few bucks as well." To emphasize, a cash register materialized.

"I'll see you again next festival. I'll be waiting until that day when my true love returns to me, at last."

"Well, I am a ghost Pokémon. Perhaps, one day, I'll meet the young man you love. And if I do, I'll remind him that his maiden still longs for him to return." The Gastly replied.

"Thank you, and goodbye!" And the maiden faded away back into her statue.

Brock looks on at the statue, longing for another chance to meet the maiden. As the festival draws to a close, Team Rocket beat on some Taiko drums while Ash and Misty dance to the music. In another section, Laoise had joined her special needs friend dancing to different melodies relating to their cultures.

And so, the summer festival draws to a close. There's autumn in the air, which means that poor Brock won't get back to the beach until next year. But a lot can happen in a year's time!

The next day, the gang come to a path that continues along the side of a sheer cliff.

Brock checked the map and nodded. The map says that this ridge leads right to Saffron City.

Ash said, "And to our next challenge at the Saffron Gym."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Laoise said eagerly.

"Yeah!" Ash cheered then spotted something over yonder. "What are those?"

Misty said, "They look like Butterfree!"

Brock, as a Pokémon breeder, explains that it is the Butterfree's egg-laying season. In order to continue their posterity, Butterfree find mates during this season and cross the sea together.

Ash asked, "Across the sea?"

Brock confirmed. "That's right."

Misty said, "How cute!"

"Hey yeah, I remember Tatum said something about releasing one soon." Laoise smiled.

Ash questioned softly, "You mean, my Butterfree'd go, too?"

Brock replied, "If you don't let it cross the sea, it will never have babies."

Ash quickly took out the Pokéball containing Butterfree in disbelief. "Babies?"

The group rents a hot-air balloon and is soon in the air following the Butterfree. Ash sends out his Butterfree to find a mate, but he struggles to get any interest from the other Butterfree. Brock states that none of the Butterfree may be "its type", pointing out the unique differences among all Butterfree. They then notice that other Trainers brought their Butterfree, especially a girl who Brock immediately falls in love with. Ash's Butterfree flies back to Ash and his friends and, after they cheer him up, he returns to seeking a lifetime mate.

Ash's Butterfree flew back to Ash and his friends and, after they encouraged him, he returns to seeking a lifetime mate. Soon Butterfree falls in love with a pink Butterfree. However, the pink Butterfree rejects Ash's Butterfree's proposal. Ash's Butterfree kept on trying, but the pink one eventually slapped him across the face with her wing. Being shot down, Ash's teary-eyed Butterfree then flies away into a forest.

Eventually, Ash and his friends find Butterfree hiding behind a tree. Totally surprised, they discuss how they could help Butterfree. Ash decided to check if the Pokédex could help, but Misty notes that it has never been in love, so they instead decide to go with a show-off strategy. Ash told his Butterfree to show off his strength to win the love of the pink Butterfree. In order to identify Butterfree, Brock puts a yellow scarf around his neck. They then returned to the air with Butterfree.

Ash looked through binoculars. "We gotta find it! Where did that pink Butterfree go?"

Misty asked, "This is important to you, isn't it?"

Ash answered, "I raised that Butterfree myself, and I'll show them all how good it is!"

"I see it! Dead ahead!" Laoise pointed.

Ash grinned, "Alright! Now, Butterfree. This time just have confidence in yourself! Go!"

Pikachu encouraged him, "Pika!"

Butterfree flew over to the pink Butterfree.

Ash called, "Butterfree! Show it your Whirlwind attack!"

Butterfree used Whirlwind, but the pink Butterfree isn't impressed and turned her head away.

Ash called out, "Now use your Tackle! That should do the trick!"

Butterfree zoomed back and forth with its Tackle, but the pink Butterfree still isn't impressed.

Ash looked just as glum as his Butterfree. "Shot down again."

Pikachu sighed, "Pika chu."

Suddenly, a helicopter bearing the Team Rocket logo flies in, and it's piloted by Team Rocket themselves.

As Team Rocket says their motto, they lowered a Team Rocket colored Pokéball from the bottom of the chopper.

The Pokéball is soon revealed to be a giant butterfly net specifically made to capture all the Butterfree. Soon, Team Rocket starts snatching up the Butterfree with their giant net.

James said, "It's those little twerps again. No matter where we go, those kids friend are always in our way."

Jessie said, "But this time, they can't do a thing to stop us!"

Meowth laughs triumphantly from his spot.

Ash yelled, "Hey, knock it off!"

"Leave them alone, you freaks!" Laoise shouted.

Brock hollered. "Stop, or you're gonna disrupt their whole egg-laying season!"

Misty snapped, "Can't you see these Butterfree are in love?!

Jessie laughed. "We're in love, too, little girl. With all the pretty little Pokémon!"

James added "Those Butterfree are free no more."

Ash growled. "We've gotta stop them!"

More Butterfree were netted up with the heroes were yelling and ordering Team Rocket to end their capturing plot. They couldn't pick up the pace because the helicopter was much faster.

The chopper flew ahead and captures the pink Butterfree and left Ash's Butterfree behind until he zooms on in and promised to the pink Butterfree that he'll save her. Butterfree then attacks Team Rocket's chopper.

Ash's Butterfree Tackles the helicopter's windshield and later tries a Stun Spore cloud, though his efforts fail. Ash is about to use Pidgeotto instead, but Misty prevents this because Ash could hurt Butterfree's confidence. Team Rocket leaves the scene with Ash's Butterfree, with Ash and his friends following them to a warehouse in the middle of a bare canyon. The travelers break in through a window while Team Rocket reviews their catch. They improvise a mock-up version of their motto.

Team Rocket trids to prevent them from winning, but Ash's Butterfree dashes through them. Misty called her Starmie out of its Poké Ball and commanded it to chase Team Rocket with a Tackle attack.

Starmie's Tackle causes Team Rocket to run away while Butterfree tries to break the net open and save his beloved Pink Butterfree, causing her to admire his bravery and determination, until finally, the net breaks and the Butterfree escape.

Jessie hits Starmie with a hammer, but Misty revives it by spraying water on it. Brock opens the doors and the Butterfree fly out of the warehouse. Team Rocket tries desperately to catch their loot, though their small nets fail. Ash's Butterfree, exhausted from breaking the net, is still inside, the pink Butterfree approaches him and is impressed by his determination. James tries to catch her, but Ash's Butterfree knocks James away, also making the pink Butterfree blush.

Team Rocket returns to their helicopter in a last-ditch attempt to recapture the Butterfree. However, Ash and his friends pursue them in their rented balloon, catching up quickly.

Pikachu asked Butterfree to give him a lift, "Pikachu!"

Butterfree agreed. "Freeh!"

Ash was momentarily confused. "Pikachu? What are you two gonna do?"

Pikachu said, "Pika!"

Butterfree charged with Pikachu riding him. Closeby the Pink Butterfree watched in concern. Butterfree flew toward the chopper with Pikachu on his back, to Team Rocket's surprise.

Then Pikachu jumped at the chopper, landing on the windshield to the bewilderment of Team Rocket. He gave a smug look, and charged up an electric attack, to Team Rocket's horror.

"It's gonna zap us!" they shrieked repeatedly.

Team Rocket's words get faster and faster as Pikachu charges his attack and releases it, causing the chopper to explode and sending Pikachu flying until he's caught by Butterfree while Team Rocket falls into a deep crevice in the canyon. "Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Ash crowed, "We did it!"

Misty smirked, "That'll teach 'em not to play around with a Pokémon romance!"

Pikachu and Butterfree return to the group triumphant.

Ash greeted them, "You did it, Pikachu! Great work!"

Pikachu held up a peace sign, "Pi Pikachu!"

"That was great!" Laoise grinned.

The pink Butterfree then approached Ash's Butterfree.

Everyone watched the pink Butterfree blushed before beginning to dance to the delight of the group. Ash's Butterfree soon joined the dance.

"Gosh, I love this so much!" Laoise giggled happily.

Later, as the sun goes down and our heroes are on land once more. It was time for Ash to bid his Butterfree goodbye.

"Well, I guess you have to leave now, don't you?" Ash asked.

Brock explained, "They have to cross the ocean, to start their new family."

Misty admitted, "We'll miss you, Butterfree."

"This is a great Butterfree, so take care of it for me." Ash said to the Pink Butterfree.

The Pink Butterfree nodded "Freeh Freeh."

Misty commented, "Your babies are gonna be beautiful."

Laoise said, "I'll say. You two be happy."

The pink Butterfree took to the air, but Ash's Butterfree seemed sad.

Ash reassured, "Don't worry. I'll just tell the other Pokémon that you're on a trip, and you'll come back someday, maybe."

Butterfree began tearing up then the pink Butterfree called for Ash's Butterfree.

Ash said, "Goodbye, Butterfree."

Butterfree took off and joined his new mate.

Misty waved, "Bye bye, Butterfree!"

Brock did too. "Good luck to both of you!"

Pikachu tearfully waved goodbye to Butterfree, "Pikachu!"

Laoise began also tearing up in spite of herself and blew a kiss as she relayed. "Go mbeannaí Dia thú."

As they fly into the sunset, Ash begins remembering all sorts of memories involving his Butterfree. Misty tells Ash that Butterfree is nearly out of sight, he waves and wishes Butterfree good luck.

Butterfree looks back with tears in its eyes as he and its mate flew on. "Freeh."

Ash waved farewell, "Goodbye, Butterfree! I'll always remember you! Thank you for everything! Goodbye, Butterfree!"

Butterfree and his mate flew off and vanished into the sunset with the rest of the Butterfree group.

Though Laoise's heart felt heavy, knowing she may have to do the same for her Metapod once it evolves someday, she took comfort in knowing that good friendships last forever, even though friends don't always stay together.

It would be some time before Ash sees his first captured pokèmon again someday and with most likely, a ton of little ones to greet him!

Something else was happening while Ash bid his Butterfree farewell.

Taryn had already returned home to the Bluebell Hollows with her friends and informed her parents about Laoise having already won three badges and captured new pokèmon. Despite these accomplishments, the McGrady sisters' parents continued to call ahead to the next gym or pokèmon center to ensure Laoise's group had arrived safe and sound.

Miles away from where the group currently was, a phone rang in the Saffron City Gym.

Then it was picked up, "Saffron City Gym, how may I help you?"

"Hello, this is Dave McGrady calling from the Bluebell Hollows. My wife and I just wanted to check that our youngest daughter Laoise has arrived at your gym yet. She's traveling with a boy named Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. The thing is she's on the spectrum, so you can imagine our worries."

The PSI student nodded. "Yes, I understand your concern for her safety. Unfortunately, Sabrina has not yet received any new challengers today."

This time Hyacinth took the phone, "Thank you kindly. And do let us know once Laoise and her friends make it, won't you? Thank you and goodbye for now!"

The student hung up and relayed the message a few feet away in another room, the gym's leader was meditating in stillness. "Great Sabrina, denizens from the Bluebell Hollows seek word of their autistic daughter's travels, especially if she reaches the city."

For a long moment, no reply comes. Then the Gym Leader's stoic voice spoke in the student's mind.

Very well. Let the child draw close the moment she arrives.

With gentle focus, she reached out with her mind. Sabrina spoke, "So the parents wish to be certain if their daughter reaches the gym…"

Then a vision blooms behind closed lids, of not just one but several young trainers beginning to make their way to Saffron City.

"Let's not disappoint them." Sabrina said ominously.

What trials await Ash and Laoise in the city of psychics? Only time will tell.

To be continued…

Author's note: Yep did four chapters in one even if technically the Butterfree season of love started in Autumn, oh well. But there's some foreshadowing in the end of the chapter as you've seen. Until next time.