"Ash, which Gym are you planning to challenge next?"
"Serena, I'll let you decide."
Ash handed the choice over to Serena.
Serena giggled softly, then pulled out her electronic map. Her finger tapped on the glowing screen, pointing at a city name.
"Laverre City. Let's go here! This city is famous for its clothing exhibitions and fashion shows—it'll be so much fun."
"Waaah! A fashion show? I want to see! Bonnie wants to see it too!"
At the mention of a fashion exhibition, Bonnie instantly bounced with excitement, unable to hold back her enthusiasm.
"Alright, then it's decided. Our next destination will be Laverre City!"
With their choice made—
"Well then, Ash, Serena, let's continue our journey together!" Clemont declared.
"Master Clemont, please feel free to travel without worry. Leave all Gym duties to me."
Clembot, ever serious and dutiful, promised responsibly.
Even Meyer gave his approval, which left everyone happy and reassured.
And so, Ash and his companions—four travelers once again—set off for Laverre City.
That very day, they came across a wide wetland.
After finishing their meal, Ash looked around.
If I'm not mistaken… this should be Goodra's hometown.
As he thought this, a Bellsprout suddenly came running toward them.
The little Bellsprout darted right up to Goodra, looking overjoyed, happily chirping "Bellsprout! Bellsprout!"
"Oh? Isn't this the Bellsprout from before? So you've evolved into Goodra already. That's wonderful."
At that moment, a bearded middle-aged man walked over. His eyes lit up with joy upon seeing Goodra, and Goodra too clearly recognized him.
"Goooodraaa~~"
Goodra greeted the man warmly.
The middle-aged man then noticed Ash and the others. After some friendly conversation, they learned the truth—this wetland was indeed the place where Goodra had lived back when it was just a little Goomy.
Curious, Ash decided to bring everyone deeper into Goodra's hometown.
The wetlands were beautiful… but strangely quiet, with hardly any Pokémon in sight.
The man introduced himself as Keanan.
Uncle Keanan explained, "This place used to be a paradise for Goomy and other Water-type Pokémon. But recently, another group of Pokémon moved in, led by Florges. With her came Ariados, Pinsir, Beedrill, and others. They seized this paradise, and as a result, the Water-types all went into hiding."
Hearing this, Goodra suddenly let out a loud cry toward the wetlands. To everyone's surprise, the hiding Pokémon cautiously emerged.
At the same time, Pinsir and Beedrill noticed Goodra's return and immediately rushed to report it to Florges.
"I think we should figure out the truth first," Ash said seriously. "What if this is Team Rocket again? Those three troublemakers haven't popped up in a while."
"Pika-pika!"
Pikachu nodded firmly in agreement. He and Ash had tangled with Team Rocket countless times—they both knew that whenever strange things happened on their journey, Team Rocket was usually behind it.
Everyone quickly agreed to Ash's idea.
Through Keanan, they learned that this wetland was treasured as a paradise because its water had restorative properties—it could ease fatigue, heal injured Pokémon, and refresh those who were worn out.
That was surely why Florges had brought so many Pokémon here.
Meanwhile, not far away—
Indeed, Team Rocket were lurking.
After Meowth drank the water and sensed its unusual effects, James ran some "tests." The results were undeniable.
The trio immediately decided to siphon all of the water away. If they could steal this miraculous spring, they would reap unimaginable benefits.
Thus, Team Rocket formed an alliance with Florges.
But Florges had no idea she was being deceived.
In truth, she had only occupied this paradise for one reason—her beloved partner, Floette, was frail and sickly. She had heard rumors of this spring's healing powers and led her companions here, hoping to cure Floette.
Unfortunately, her methods were misguided, which caused conflict with the Pokémon who had originally lived here.
Ash and his friends finally confronted Florges. Using his Aura Power and the Eye of Insight, Ash reached out to Florges with a heart-to-heart connection, making her understand that she and her allies had been manipulated.
The truth shocked Florges. Realizing she had been deceived, she was furious. She immediately turned her attention to Team Rocket.
The moment Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie spotted Jessie, James, and Meowth, everything became clear—of course it had been their doing all along.
Jessie, James, and Meowth tried to flee with the water they had already collected, but Goodra stood firmly in their path, intercepting them and snatching the stolen water back.
"Looks like we're blasting off agaaain!"
With that familiar cry, Team Rocket went flying into the sky, twinkling away like shooting stars.
At last, the misunderstanding was cleared. With Ash's guidance, the Pokémon reconciled.
Florges apologized for her actions, and the native Pokémon of the wetland forgave her.
"Goooodraaa~~"
Goodra nuzzled Ash affectionately, gratitude shining in its eyes.
"Ash, you really do understand Team Rocket better than anyone. Without you, I doubt we could've resolved this so quickly."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, sighing.
"It seems that sometimes, human strength surpasses even science… truly incredible."
Indeed—Clemont had tried helping earlier by using one of his inventions. But, as usual, it exploded, leaving him once again with a comically frizzed-out afro hairstyle.
"Florges, as long as Floette stays here, she'll be fine. But this is also Goodra's hometown, so I'll ask you—please protect this paradise. Goodra will come back to visit when it can."
That was the natural solution.
Florges was perfectly capable of leading Pinsir, Ariados, and Beedrill. Together with the Pokémon who had always lived here—such as Quagsire and Ludicolo—they would form a powerful alliance.
Even if invaders came again, the wetland would stand strong.
Florges nodded, promising to guard this paradise.
Goodra finally relaxed, its heart at peace.
And so, with the matter of Goodra's hometown resolved, Ash and his friends once again set their sights on Laverre City, continuing their journey!
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T/N:
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