After a comfortable night's rest at the Porta Vista Pokémon Center, Ash and his friends began their new day of exploration with high spirits. This seaside city was bursting with vitality; the sunlight, the sandy beaches, and the salty sea breeze were truly refreshing. However, as they strolled along the most scenic part of the coastline, the sound of suppressed sobbing caught their attention.
They saw an elderly man with snowy hair and a kind face, though he was currently clouded with grief. He sat beside a small yacht that showed the marks of time but was clearly maintained with extreme care, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief.
Though the boat wasn't new, its paint was glossy and its deck was spotless. On the bow, the name Sea-Flower was written in elegant, flowing script, a clear testament to the immense effort the owner had poured into it.
"Grandpa, what's wrong? Is there anything we can do to help?" Brock was the first to step forward, asking in a gentle tone. As a Breeder, he had a natural instinct for taking care of others.
The old man looked up and, seeing a group of concerned young people, let out a heavy sigh. He began to recount his troubles. "Everyone calls me Moe. This Sea-Flower is my lifelong dream.
When I was young, I yearned to sail my own boat around the world to see Pokémon and scenery from every land. I saved my money for a lifetime and finally managed to build her. Just when I was about to set sail... that Brutella..."
At the mention of that name, Moe's voice took on a tone of resentment and helplessness.
He pointed to a nearby stretch of land that was being measured and marked. A haughty old woman, dressed luxuriously and clutching a jewel-encrusted cane, was bossily directing her subordinates.
"She took a liking to this bay and claimed it's the best spot for her 'Seven-Star Luxury Marine Hotel.' Now she's trying to force me to leave! I told her my boat is my home and my dream starts right here. But she... she actually said the Sea-Flower is too shabby!
She claims having it here ruins her feng shui and hurts her fortune! She even threatened that if I don't dismantle it myself, she'll send people to forcibly clear it away!" Moe's eyes reddened again. "Is my dream... going to be crushed before it even starts?"
"That's just unreasonable!" Misty stomped her foot in anger. "What right does she have to destroy someone's dream just for her hotel!"
Ash's fists clenched involuntarily. Through his Aura, he could clearly feel the sincere sadness and the tenacity for his dream in Moe's words, as well as an instinctive revulsion toward Brutella's overbearing and tyrannical presence.
"We can't let her do this!" Ash said decisively.
Just as they were thinking of how to help Moe, a familiar and wise voice spoke up from beside them. "Oh? Isn't this Ash? Brock and Misty too? What a coincidence that you've also come to Porta Vista."
The group turned around and were pleasantly surprised to find Professor Oak looking at them with a smile.
It turned out the Professor had been invited by the Porta Vista Pokémon Fan Club to give a lecture on the ecology of Water-type Pokémon in the Kanto Region.
After listening carefully to Moe's plight, Professor Oak adjusted his glasses. His wise gaze swept over the beautiful bay and Brutella's aggressive team. After a moment of thought, he said,
"Brutella simply feels this place isn't 'high-end' enough to match her future luxury hotel. She thinks Moe's boat doesn't fit her imagined 'class.' Since she's chasing 'popularity' and 'value,' why don't we turn the tables and actively create a value for this beach that she can't ignore?"
"Create value? Professor, what do you mean?" Ash asked curiously.
"We can hold a large, vibrant event here that will draw the eyes of the entire city!" Professor Oak smiled. "A unique 'Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest'! It will aim to showcase the deep bonds and the beauty of harmony between Trainers and Pokémon.
Think about it: sun, sand, beauties, and cute Pokémon is there any image more attractive or one that better embodies beauty and vitality? If the event is a success, this place will become the new focus of Porta Vista. When that happens, what reason will Brutella have to say it 'ruins the feng shui'?"
This brilliant idea instantly ignited everyone's enthusiasm!
"That's amazing! Professor!" Misty was the first to raise her hand. "I'm definitely joining! I'll let my Goldeen and Starmie show off their most beautiful forms!"
"Sounds interesting! Ash and I can handle the venue and promotion!" Brock said, raring to go.
"No problem! For Moe's dream, we're going to make this the liveliest event ever!" Ash was full of fighting spirit.
Moe looked at the group of helpful youngsters, his eyes welling with tears of gratitude as he thanked them repeatedly.
No sooner said than done! The plan was put into motion immediately.
With the efficiency they had honed during their journey, Ash and Brock began clearing the beach, setting up a simple stage and spectator seating, and using eye-catching posters for promotion.
Misty made full use of her social skills as a Gym Leader's daughter, reaching out to local Coordinators and girls who were interested in competing. Moe also pulled himself together, decorating his Sea-Flower exquisitely to serve as the most unique backdrop for the pageant.
Professor Oak, leveraging his authoritative status, gladly accepted the role of Chairman of the Jury and invited several local celebrities to join the judging panel.
News spread through Porta Vista like a sea breeze.
The novel combination of a "Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest" immediately caused a massive sensation and was met with great anticipation.
On the day of the competition, the weather was beautiful, with clear skies and a blue sea. The once quiet beach was now packed with people, and the atmosphere was as festive as a holiday. Under the expectant gaze of the crowd, Professor Oak announced the official start of the competition!
The contestants took the stage one by one, each trying to outshine the others.
Misty, dressed in a refreshing swimsuit, coordinated perfectly with her shining Starmie. Their Water Gun moves traced brilliant rainbows under the sun, earning bursts of applause. Her Goldeen also performed an elegant underwater ballet.
Surprisingly, Gary's group of cheerleading girlfriends had also caught wind of the event and formed a flashy "Goddess Troupe." Dressed in uniform, eye-catching outfits and accompanied by their meticulously groomed Pokémon (mostly cute Eevee and Jigglypuff), they performed a synchronized dance. While it was flashy, it felt a bit soulless and formulaic.
When the Team Rocket trio took the stage, the atmosphere was pushed to a comedic peak.
Jessie was caked in heavy makeup and wore a dress she considered "fashionable" but was actually exaggerated and bizarre. She led an Ekans that she had wrapped in ribbons and sequins like a colorful zongzi, the Pokémon looking utterly dead inside.
Their "performance" was a disaster. Unable to bear it, Ekans tried to struggle free from its restraints, resulting in a chaotic tangle with Jessie on stage that left the entire audience roaring with laughter.
However, the biggest surprise came near the end of the competition. The appearance of a special guest caused the entire crowd to fall silent for a moment before erupting into even louder applause it was Ash's mother, Delia!
She wasn't a professional model or Trainer; she wore a simple, elegant dress and had a gentle, slightly shy smile on her face.
By her side was a similarly docile and cute Chansey, which she had borrowed temporarily from Nurse Joy.
There were no flashy moves or complex choreography. Delia simply interacted naturally with Chansey, stroking it gently and whispering words of encouragement.
Her heartfelt, sun-like maternal love and affinity, coupled with the pure trust Chansey showed in return, created an inexpressible and heart-touching image. This authenticity and warmth transcended all external flashiness.
The result was never in doubt. After a unanimous decision by the judges, Delia and her Chansey, with their unparalleled affinity and natural harmony, were crowned champions of the first Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest!
When Delia received the exquisite championship trophy from Professor Oak, the audience broke into long and sincere applause. Moe looked at the lively, beautiful crowd that had gathered because of his dream boat, and he wept tears of joy.
However, as some rejoiced, others grieved. In the VIP section, Brutella's face turned ashen as she looked at the bay she had intended to seize, now filled with laughter and receiving immense attention.
Her carefully planned "high-end" image seemed ruined by this "vulgar" pageant, while Moe's boat and the event had instead become the icons of the area. Jealousy and rage made her lose all reason.
She secretly found the Team Rocket trio, who were sulking in a corner after their humiliating defeat (she assumed they were just some greedy thugs). "Hey, you lot," Brutella lowered her voice and shoved a small bag of money toward them. "Go and tear down that old man's junk boat and that stage! There will be a huge reward once it's done!"
"Hehe, we might have lost the contest, but earning some extra cash isn't bad either, meow!" Meowth counted the money.
"No problem! Destruction is our specialty!" Jessie and James instantly reignited their "fighting spirit."
They took to the skies once again in their Meowth Balloon, this time aiming for the Sea-Flower and the stage, preparing to fire their "Vintage Missile"!
"Witness our—"
"Invincible—"
"Vintage Meowth Missile! Fire!"
However, Team Rocket's equipment was as "reliable" as ever. After the missile streaked out trailing white smoke, it didn't fly toward the target. Instead, it carved a bizarre arc in the sky and, under the stunned gazes of everyone present, headed straight for the gloating Brutella in the VIP seats, and... back toward their own balloon!
Bang!! BOOM—!!
Two massive explosions rang out almost simultaneously. The first missile scored a direct hit on Brutella's seat, blasting her into a soot-covered mess and leaving her luxurious dress in tatters.
The second explosion hit the basket of the Meowth Balloon without losing any momentum!
"AAAAAAAAAHHHH—!!!" (That was Brutella's scream.)
"What a loathsome feeling—!!!" (That was Team Rocket's standard exit line.)
Amidst the swirling smoke and debris, Brutella and the Team Rocket trio turned into shooting stars in the sky, vanishing over the horizon with the smell of char and the sting of defeat.
The dramatic scene left the audience silent for a second before they erupted into even louder cheers and laughter! The annoying troublemakers had solved themselves in the most unexpected way!
With the biggest obstacle removed, the atmosphere at the event became even warmer and more peaceful. Amidst the blessings and applause of everyone, Moe stepped onto his beloved Sea-Flower with renewed vigor. The engine let out a pleasant roar, and the white sails caught the sea breeze.
"Goodbye! Thank you, young Trainers! Thank you, Professor! Thank you, everyone!" Moe stood at the bow, waving his hat vigorously, his face glowing with the happiness of a dream realized.
The Sea-Flower slowly sailed out of the port, heading toward the vast, boundless sea, firmly advancing on its long-awaited voyage around the world.
The grand event came to a successful conclusion, and the crowd gradually dispersed. Ash bid a lingering farewell to his mother, Delia, who had come specifically to support him, and to Professor Oak.
"Mom, I didn't expect you to come, let alone win the championship!" Ash scratched his head sheepishly.
"Ash, you've grown up. You know how to help others achieve their dreams now. Mom is proud of you." Delia gently stroked his head, her eyes full of pride. "Keep working hard, take care of yourself, and look after Pikachu and everyone else."
"Don't worry, Auntie Delia, we'll keep an eye on him!" Misty said with a smile.
"Be careful on the road, Ash," Professor Oak encouraged. "The way you handled things in Porta Vista was beautiful. I look forward to your performance at the next Gym!"
With the instructions and blessings of their family and elders, Ash, Misty, and Brock, along with all their reliable Pokémon partners, set off once again on their journey of training.
This episode in Porta Vista, filled with sunshine, laughter, and warmth, remained a glittering memory in their travel logs, just like that championship trophy.
[Ding! The host has successfully planned and hosted a large-scale event, helping Moe achieve his lifelong dream, spreading the concept of harmony between Pokémon and humans, and indirectly punishing the bully Brutella. Gained widespread acclaim. Reward: 1,000 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 9,300]
The next chapter will cover the Giant Tentacruel incident.
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