Hours after leaving Neon city, the travelers have reached the Grampa Canyon on their travels, which conveniently has lots of explorers searching for fossils the exact day they arrive.
Gary appeared and haughtily explained that he and the group are here for the Fossil Rush, because of a great discovery. Ash decided to join to spite Gary by finding a Fossil before he does. Jigglypuff also appeared, ready to sing, but the group leaves without noticing.
Laoise walked on ahead, she was the first to reach the large area of the canyon where everyone in Grandpa Canyon was digging for Pokémon fossils, including Gary, who soon finds something.
"Success! My first Pokémon fossil!" Gary held up a fossil the size of a tennis ball.
Gary's cheerleaders celebrated as the lead paleontologist took Gary's find and examined it.
"Impressive, isn't it? Found it on my first try. Looks like a brain from an extinct Pokémon."
"This is..."
Gary guessed. "A brain?"
"It's fossilized Pokémon manure." The paleontologist explained.
An embarrassed Gary fell over in disbelief while his cheerleaders reacted in disgust.
Laoise immediately succumbed to a fit of laughter on the spot. "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! He just… picked… ha-ha!"
By the time the others reached her, they were momentarily confused.
But things go astray when Team Rocket present their scheme to blow up the canyon and steal all of the fossils. Eventually the canyon does blow up and Ash, Pikachu and Team Rocket get stuck underground with all of the fossil Pokémon. Angered at being awakened, the fossil Pokémon fight back against the new intruders, and things eventually go from Bad to Worse when an Aerodactyl entered the scene. Ash is captured by the angry Pokémon but his Charmeleon manages to fight back when it evolves into Charizard.
Jigglypuff eventually arrived and at Laoise's suggestion, puts all the Pokémon to sleep, saving Ash but forever trapping Aerodactyl and the other Pokémon yet again.
Right after awakening, Officer Jenny announced that the whole incident was a dream caused by Jigglypuff's song, although the four chuckle amongst themselves, knowing it wasn't. In addition, Jenny announced that paleontological work will no longer be permitted, as any further digging may lead to more cave-ins and the eventual collapse of the entire canyon.
As the four left, Ash took the Egg out of his backpack, revealing that he had found it at the site. This caused the group except for Laoise to fight playfully about who should get to raise and keep the Egg. Brock took the Egg and runs away, promising to take good care of it, with Ash, Laoise and Misty in tow.
The following day, they reached a park close to town. Pikachu was climbing an apple tree while Ash took a catnap on a bench. Unexpectedly, Pikachu swallowed an apple whole and started to choke.
Laoise attempted a Heimlich maneuver on Pikachu, but the others warned her they couldn't risk it.
There is no Pokecenter close enough so Ash runs to the local hospital with Laoise, Misty and Brock. They eventually reach a hospital for humans and ask for help from a doctor. They find one, Dr. Proctor but the doctor doesn't pay much attention to Ash's pleas. However, when Misty and Laoise started pleading, the doctor gives in, stating that he can't resist a pretty face. Thinking the girls are in need of help, the doctor ask what the problem was. After explaining that Pikachu was the sick one, Ash once again asked for help. Although a hospital for humans, the doctor reluctantly agreed. After checking on Pikachu, the doctor manages to remove the apple from his throat
Meanwhile there was a huge accident causing the nearest Pokecenter to overflow with new patients, so many are sent to the hospital for treatment. The doctor is reluctant to work on Pokémon and insists that the quartet help him. When Team Rocket shows up with their injured Pokémon he recruited them as well. Laoise helped but when Dr. Proctor said she had a knack for it, Laoise bluntly says she doesn't - specifying that she can never go through with the tragic cases.
Team Rocket came in, bringing more patients, namely Jessie's Arbok and a Raticate. The doctor asked Jessie on a date and she is impressed, but Ash urged the doctor not to help Team Rocket. However, Dr. Proctor explains that it is his job to heal, not to judge. Laoise grumbled bitterly, "Tell that to the kid whose mother and baby sibling died because the elitist medicals in the hospital refused to treat poor people."
Dr. Proctor and the others winced, for split second Team Rocket was uncomfortable, but changed expressions at once. Meowth was still whining about his charm.
Unfortunately the doctor is dosed with a sedative and Laoise, Ash, Misty, Brock, Jesse, and James are forced to treat the remaining Pokémon without him. This give Team Rocket a chance to hatch a scheme to steal the newly treated Pokémon, but they are thwarted when their Pokémon, Weezing and Arbok, refused to attack the Chanseys that helped them recover from their injuries.
Dr. Proctor, who has just awoken, states that Arbok and Weezing will not attack Chansey because they were cared for by it when they were injured. Getting angry, Jessie throws a beaker at him, but Dr. Proctor simply cut it in half using a scalpel. Dr. Proctor then shows them his arsenal of sharp tools, such as shots, scissors, and scalpels. Ash and his friends are freed by the Chansey. Team Rocket runs out of the building being chased by the "stretcher catchers" that Ash and his friends had pushed their way. Team Rocket then end up blasting off when the Voltorb that James sneaked away with self-destructs. Upon landing, Meowth is ecstatic to find his charm popped out of his head, where it had been all along.
With all the Pokémon successfully treated, Dr. Proctor suggested that the gang become doctors, offering them training. Misty showed interest, but added that she still has a lot to learn about Water-type Pokémon. So the four ultimately bid farewell to Dr. Proctor and set out to continue their journey.
One day later, the four trainers reached O-Hina Town and right in time for s specific holiday.
Misty declared, "My favorite holiday! Let the Princess Festival begin!"
Laoise cheered, "And with just a few days from my birthday! But today, the women rule!"
For her birthday was on March 7th.
Every year, on March the 3rd, the Princess Festival salutes girls and women everywhere in the Kanto Region. And our friends have found themselves in the center of the celebration.
During the Princess Festival, every store becomes a bargain hunter's paradise, with all kinds of beautiful new clothes, toys and items for sale at drastic discounts, if you're a woman. And if you're a male, well, you get to carry packages.
Misty goes on a shopping spree, making Ash, Brock, and even Pikachu carry her purchases. Laoise is also especially excited to visit the stores not just those full of clothes and toys... she was visiting different art and book shops especially if there were pop culture items including books, movies and music dvds.
"Ooh! I'll take those lightning bolt earrings, the rose stud ones, celestial themed jewelry, some Nightmare before Christmas themed T-shirts and more, that Proud Heart plushie, the Swan princess locket and those pen designed to look like quills. And I'll stop by that big book store next!" Laoise jabbered as she pulled a wagon with some of her purchases.
Misty and Laoise explored the bustling Princess Festival, taking in the sights and sounds of the various stalls and shops, Ash and Brock found themselves laden with bags and packages, dutifully following behind the enthusiastic girls. Pikachu carried much smaller packets, looking rather bewildered.
The air was filled with excitement and laughter as women of all ages reveled in the festivities, enjoying the special discounts and exclusive events tailored just for them.
As Laoise carefully selected her favorite items, from different kinds of jewelry to Tim Burton, Disney, Anime and Fantasy book themed T-shirts, she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy at being surrounded by so many things that sparked her interests. With a happy gleam in her eyes, she eagerly pulled the wagon filled with her treasures, ready to continue exploring the festival and see what other delights awaited her.
Later, the friends are at a table at a restaurant, where the table was laden with numerous delicious desserts.
Misty gushed, "Look at all this food! Everything looks so delicious!"
"Cake, Ice cream and cookies..." Laoise felt her mouth water.
"And it's all for us!" Misty cooed.
The boys in the team are surprised by how much Misty and Laoise eat.
Ash commented, "Gosh, you two. How much can you eat?"
Misty replied, "Plenty. Girls eat for less during the festival."
"Mmmm, milkshake..." Laoise said enjoying a butterscotch milkshake.
The girls soon notice that most of the boys aren't having much of anything except for two orange drinks.
Misty questioned, "Is that all you're having?"
Ash said sheepishly "Unfortunately, guys have to pay full price."
"Oh, right. I forgot."
"You know I could always order and extra and we can share..." Laoise offered.
Soon, Brock started getting the attention of a waitress. "Excuse me, miss. Would you allow me to be your prince on this Princess Day?"
The waitress was amused, "That is so cute. When you grow up big and strong, you'll meet a nice girl."
Dejected, Brock started chowing down on the extra food.
"Shot down again, huh Brock?" Ash quipped.
Misty soon spotted something. "Look at that sign!"
Everyone soon looked at the sign they think Misty spotted, which advertises the lead actor in the movie 'Gigantic'.
Ash inquired, "What about it? It's just an ad for some actor in some dumb movie."
Misty shook her head, "Not that one, the sign right next to it. Over there!"
Everyone looked. The sign said: Big Sale! 75%- 90% off.
Misty said, her sweet tooth momentarily forgotten in favor of the promise of great discounts., "Looks like a great sale! We better hurry!"
"You guys go ahead, I'm gonna visit that big store next to it." Laoise said, "They've some books and items from pop culture franchises with my name on it."
Laoise, always keen on exploring stores with items from her favorite pop culture franchises, decided to head to the nearby store to browse through the books and collectibles.
At a local park, Jessie shows off her expensive finds, including food and clothing, and hopes that her gifts for the boss will make up for the Team Rocket trio's inability to capture Pikachu. Just then, a Lickitung appears and swallows Jessie's food and attempts to do the same to some of the clothing that she has bought, although it spits it out in disgust instead. Irritated, Jessie calls on Arbok to battle Lickitung. However, Lickitung immediately dispatches Arbok with a huge, sloppy lick to the face. Even angrier now, Jessie throws a Poké Ball and abruptly catches Lickitung out of spite, much to James and Meowth's surprise. Jessie drags James and Meowth with her to do more shopping.
The gang then run into Shae, one of Laoise's two older sisters, who was visiting the area.
"Checking out the local colleges here, where's Laoise?" Shae said.
"Last I saw she's right next door in the big store choosing musical tunes and more from the stuff she likes." Ash pointed.
Inside the large store full of books music, movies, toys & games, many a woman weaved about the variety of sales.
Laoise had stopped by the store's music section and had let out her Gengar, Tricky, to browse some music selections.
Shae found Laoise and her Gengar dancing to MC Hammer's "Addams Groove".
They do what they wanna do, say what they wanna say
Live how they wanna live, play how they wanna play
Dance how they wanna dance, kick and they slap a friend
The Addams Family
Shae raised an eyebrow at the sight of Laoise and her Gengar dancing to MC Hammer's "Addams Groove." She couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected scene before her.
"Well, well, looks like someone's having a good time in here." Shae teased, a smile playing on her lips as she watched her younger sister and her mischievous Gengar enjoying the music.
Laoise grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, Shae! I didn't expect to see you here. Just enjoying the Princess Festival and checking out some cool tunes with Tricky here."
Shae nodded, impressed by Laoise's eclectic taste in music. "I see you've got your own dance partner today. Always finding joy in the little things, huh?"
"Got you a Nightmare before Christmas Jack Ring necklace," Laoise handed the item to Shae with a wink.
"Ah, you know me too well, kiddo." Shae smiled.
"Turns out Tricky's a fan of Danny Elfman's musical work too." Laoise said, nodding to her Gengar.
"Gengar!" Tricky confirmed with a nod and he pressed play to Fall out boy's interpretation to 'What's this' from The Nightmare before Christmas.
Shae admired the intricate Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Ring necklace that Laoise handed to her, a gleam of appreciation in her eyes. "I could always count on you for remembering key details."
Then an announcement was made over the speakers.
"Attention, Princess Festival shoppers! In just half an hour, we will be holding the main event of this year's Princess Festival, the Queen of the Princess Festival contest!"
Oh boy, both Shae and Laoise knew what this meant.
"Looks like more of the populations gonna compete again this year either for those ornamental dolls representing the Heian period." Shae snarked.
"Or for a photo with Kanto's top celebrity, but so far no sign of anyone that calls my interest." Laoise said.
"So you stock up here on your favorite items?" Shae asked, wanting to make sure Laoise found what she was looking for.
Laoise and Tricky checked the wagon. "Hmm, let's see: five T-shirts my size, I've got some more trinkets from my favorite anime. Couple Samurai Jack T-shirts n hoodies, tie-dye jammies, three pairs of sneakers, a bunch of cute socks, more then ten HP stuff besides the Ravenclaw gift set. "
"So pizza, then? I saw a Lil' C back there." Shae suggested with a wink.
"Think we're good on the tunes?" Laoise asked Tricky.
Tricky gave her two thumbs up. They were good to go.
Shae nodded. "Alright then, let's tell your friends before the stampede starts."
Laoise recalled Tricky then the sisters quickly made their way out of the store, weaving through the bustling crowd of Princess Festival shoppers to find the rest.
Inside a fabric store, Jessie encountered Misty, and they fight over a dress, only to have another shopper grab it while they aren't looking.
"Attention, Princess Festival shoppers! In just a few minutes, we will be holding the main event of this year's Princess Festival, the Queen of the Princess Festival contest!"
Laoise deadpanned. "Wait for it..."
"The prize of the contest winner will be beautiful, one of a kind collection of Pokémon Princess dolls!"
Jessie and Misty gasped. "Princess dolls?!"
The announcement included, "And in addition, the winner will have their picture taken with screen sensation, Fiorella Cappuccino!"
Shae braced herself and pulled Laoise aside. " Heads up!"
All the women, save for Jessie, Misty, Laoise and Shae, began a frantic dash right in front of boys and the rest of Team Rocket, trampling them.
"See that's I suggested taking cover behind a column." Shae said to Laoise as the latter pulled the wagon with her purchases out.
Jessie looked to Misty. "Say, kid. Why don't we use the contest to resolve our little dispute?"
Misty glowered at her, "And the winner gets to keep the doll collection?"
"Alright with me."
Laoise cleared her throat. "Speaking of which, I'm not interested those dolls or that movie star. I'm going to stroll with my older sister to catch up."
"We'll meet you all back in the main square at 5:00." Shae added.
Misty didn't appear to have to heard Laoise, and mistaken called her the name of one of her own sisters. "Alright, Daisy."
"We'll let her know." Brock said to Shae and Laoise apologetically.
"Don't forget." Laoise said as she and Shae walked out.
Shae and Laoise made their way out of the fabric store, leaving behind the chaos of the Princess Festival shoppers in their wake, they walked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the event.
Laoise glanced over at Shae, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Thanks for pulling me out of there before things got too crazy."
Shae smiled warmly at her younger sister. "No prob, Laoise. Sometimes it's good to take a step back and enjoy the calm amidst the storm, especially during wild events like these."
During the competition, Fiorella, an announcer, and a line of pretty girls dressed in kimonos and crowns, including Jessie and Misty, stand on a stage. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu are awed by Misty's beautiful appearance, as are James and Meowth by Jessie's. The announcer reveals that the contest isn't just a beauty pageant, it is also a Pokémon battle competition. The contestants are split into divisions, and they must use four Pokémon to battle. Misty begs Ash and Brock to let her use their Pokémon for the contest, and they reluctantly loan Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Vulpix to her. When Ash is confused as to why Misty wants to meet Fiorella, she explains that she just wants the dolls, because her sisters all had their own doll sets, while she only got their hand-me-down dolls, which were broken by the time she got them.
Misty wins several matches with Ash and Brock's Pokémon, as well as Staryu. Jessie also wins matches with Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth.
For the moment, Laoise and her oldest sister were enjoying their one on one time together as sisters.
They'd just bought some great charms and neck chains from Jolene's, and indulged in Lil' C's ultimate supreme pizza and Italian cheesebread.
There was even a multicultural flashmob to the street dancing once seen in Bedknob's and broomsticks. The Highland dancers and the Irish jigs struck a chord with the two sisters particularly.
It didn't take long before the two were dancing in the streets pulled in with other ladies of either Scottish or Irish descent.
Now they've found a quiet spot away from the bustling Princess Festival, they settled down for a heart-to-heart conversation. Laoise filled Shae in everything that's happened since the last call home.
She couldn't help but express her concern about her Metapod's slow evolution process, a topic that had been weighing on her mind for some time now.
"Shae, I've been thinking about my Metapod a lot lately. It's been months, and it still hasn't evolved into a Butterfree. I just want to make sure it's healthy and all," Laoise confided, her brow furrowed with worry.
Shae listened attentively, her expression thoughtful. "Sometimes, evolution is a process that takes time. Metapod might just need a bit more of both patience and confidence to make that next step. It's important to trust in your Pokémon's journey and believe that it will evolve when the time is right."
Laoise nodded, taking in her sister's words of wisdom. Perhaps she had been too focused on the end result of evolution, rather than appreciating the bond she shared with her Metapod and the growth they had experienced together.
With a gentle hum, Laoise let out her Metapod and spoke words of encouragement. "It's okay, I guess I got too caught up in the excitement and I guess my own worries are getting to you. But whatever happens we're all in this together."
"Metapod."
Then to her astonishment, the green chrysalis began to glow with a radiant light.
"Wow, look! It's…!" Laoise's eyes grew wide with wonder.
"I know I just said everyone goes at their own pace, but this caught me off guard!" Shae was just as amazed.
"Shae, it's evolving!" Laoise exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she witnessed her Metapod undergoing a transformation right before her very eyes.
Shae grinned, caught up in the magical moment unfolding before them. "I guess your Metapod was just waiting for the right time to spread its wings."
Together, the McGrady sisters watched as the glow intensified, enveloping the Metapod in a shimmering light. And in a burst of energy, the Metapod transformed into a majestic Butterfree, its delicate wings fluttering gracefully as it emerged from its chrysalis state.
"Freeee freeee!" Laoise's new Butterfree fluttered about, testing its new wings.
Laoise couldn't contain her joy as she gazed at her newly evolved Butterfree, a sense of pride and gratitude swelling in her heart. "Praise the Maker! This is great!"
"Congats, superstar," Shae patted her younger sister's back. "He's a gem."
Misty and Jessie took part in the Princess contest, which turns out to be a Pokémon battle tournament. Recognising the lack of variety in her current lineup, Misty borrows Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Vulpix from Ash and Brock. Meanwhile, Jessie takes Weezing from James, and forces Meowth to battle also. Misty wins her first match easily, thanks to Bulbasaur, as does Jessie (following a false start with Meowth). The pair both win their way to the final round.
Laoise and Shae made to the area just in time to watch Misty in the final round.
In the final match, Pikachu easily beats Arbok, Weezing and Meowth (as usual). Jessie was on the verge of giving up until Meowth reminded her of the Lickitung she caught earlier.
"Team Rocket has another Pokémon?" Misty stared.
"When did Jessie have that?" Laoise wondered from her seat.
The Announcer said, "Looks like it's last licks for Jessie and her Lickitung!"
Laoise pulled out Dixie to identify, "Lickitung, the Licking Pokémon. It uses a tongue that is more than twice the length of its body to battle, as well as to gather food."
"That tongue is at least six foot six! That's 2 whole meters!" Shae informed.
Misty tells Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, but Lickitung shoves its tongue into Pikachu's face, and licked him. Pikachu becomes too dizzy to battle, and Lickitung knocked him away with its tongue. As Team Rocket celebrated Jessie's victory, Misty followed Ash's suggestion to have Bulbasaur use its Vine Whip, but Lickitung grabbed the vines with its tongue. Bulbasaur is then licked and tossed aside. Misty sent in Vulpix, but the fox Pokémon meets the same fate as the others.
With only one chance left to win, Misty called for Staryu, but Psyduck comes out instead. Lickitung licked Psyduck, which surprisingly has no effect. Misty told Psyduck to attack, but it just stares blankly. Lickitung licked Psyduck again, which gives Psyduck a headache. Knowing what happens when Psyduck gets a headache, Misty has it use Confusion. Psyduck stretches out Lickitung's tongue, then snaps it back, sending Lickitung tumbling into Team Rocket, who blast off again.
"She did it! Misty has become our new Princess Festival Queen!" The announcer declared.
Misty crowed. "Finally! I have my very own doll set!"
Later, Misty is seen shipping a courier package to Cerulean City, her hometown. Laoise was doing the same with most of her purchases to send back home to the Bluebell Hollows.
Ash questioned Misty, "You're sending it back home?"
Misty said, "Right back to the Cerulean Gym. I'd like to see the look on my sisters' faces!"
"Figures." Laoise said.
Ash became sheepish. "They'll be pretty jealous."
So did Brock. "I bet that's the best prize of all."
Soon, the Pidgeot Transport shipping company truck picks up the packages and drives off.
Misty waved to the truck. "Be careful with them!"
"That reminds me I better head back." Shae said, hugging Laoise goodbye.
"Bye, Shae." Laoise hugged her back. "Let 'em know I'm okay."
So, Misty finally won her very own doll set. But she also won a valuable lesson, she never could've done it without the help of her friends.
And Laoise enjoyed a day out with her sister, even getting a front seat view to seeing her own Butterfree.
Meanwhile, Jessie, distraught over losing the dolls, has to suffer through James and Meowth's attempt to cheer her up - by having them all pose as life-sized dolls.
To be continued...
Author's note: Okay I got a bit of writer's block and kept changing a few things before I got to writing this down. Now then to let you guys know I plan to summarize a few more episodes and put 'Who gets to keep Togepi' and 'Bulbasaur's secret garden' together. We'll be seeing a bit more on Laoise's Bulbasaur Bulby being on the fence when it came to evolving.