They spent some time at the small island and relaxed while Gou tried to get one of the Clampearl for himself while Max wanted one for his sister. The smallest Clampearl was interested in what Max was saying about his sister and looked at him curiously while eating some of the poke food. Gou saw Max was about to get a Clampearl and got very invigorated and increased his own efforts to get one.
Ash was brushing Lucario's fur, "They are having fun."
Lucario, -Taking a break is nice.-
Casey was in her back with Espurr on her chest, "Yeah, this place is relaxing."
Brock, "Tea and snacks are ready. The boat is also ready to leave after tea time."
Max ran to them, "Everyone, this Clampearl has agreed to join May."
Casey, "Good job Max. I wonder how Gou is doing."
Max, "He is torn between a Shiny Clampearl and a Clampearl that looks like they have the King gene."
Ash, "A king gene Clampearl, how fascinating. I am curious about it."
Gou, "Guys... I want both."
They sweat dropped at the whining, though they could understand from a researcher point of view. Brock suggested Gou capture both only for Gou to tear up and say he had forgotten to buy more pokeballs and he only had one. Ash sweat dropped and offered to catch one and send it to Professor Sakuragi, so he could transfer the ownership to him at the lab. Gou nodded accepting the offer and both caught the Clampearls, Gou caught the King gene one while Ash got the shiny one.
Ash called the Professor and told him about the current situation and sent Clampearl to his lab. The Professor assured him, he would take care of the two Clampearls and could easily make the transfer without them. Ash thanked him as they sent the two Clampearls over to him and they got into the boat and started to head towards where Processor Elm was waiting for them. The island was called Blue Point Isle, named due to a giant rock that has helped sailors navigate the waters. Brock looked around the place and saw many other researchers and their assistants taking care of the Pokemon or observing them.
Professor Elm, "You are here, welcome to Blue Point Isle."
Ash, "We came as fast as we could."
Professor Elm, "I called you here to help take care of this poke egg."
Max, "I will do it. I have been wanting to take care of one."
Casey looked at the egg curiously, "Which Pokemon is it?"
Professor Elm, "Well, we can't be sure. This egg was left behind after the Rangers took out a poachers camp in the area."
Gou, "So, it's an unknown Pokemon currently."
Professor Elm, "Yes, are you sure about taking care of it Max?"
Max, "Yes please."
Professor Elm, "Alright then, I'll register you as its care taker."
Casey, "Hey Professor, what's this?"
Professor Elm, "Oh, that's the Whirlpool Cup entry form. Now it is very important for people to give proper details before taking part."
Ash, "Huh... I wonder if Misty would be interested."
Brock, "Because of the water Pokemon only rule or the prize."
Max, "Mystic water, that can increase the moves of a water Pokemon right?"
Gou, "Yes, it can."
Professor Elm, "Interested?"
Ash, "Very much so. Look they have three, three lockets of Mystic water for the first winner. Misty would love that."
Casey, "Second runners up has one Mystic water and water stone."
Max, "Third runners up has only a water stone."
Gou, "Water stones are very costly so it makes sense it'll be a prize."
Casey, "Will you take part Ash?"
Ash hummed then smiled, "I think I will. It will be a wonderful opportunity for Omanyte and Croconaw."
Gou, "And Inteleon and Seal."
Casey, "What do you think Gyarados?"
Gyarados tilted his head then roared in agreement with her trainer. She and Golduck would give them the best challenge. They started to travel after they filled the form and sent Misty a copy of it. She sent back a message saying she and the girls would meet them at the tournament. They were at the moment with James, which surprised Ash but then it was not that surprising. James had mentioned his family had a pearl industry on a quartet island group. It was funnily enough normal oysters, that gave the pearls that they sold on the market.
The white pearls were more precious then the pearls supplied by Clampearls. Mostly because oysters were rare in the wild and were mostly found in place where fisheries were available. Professor Elm takes out a dark coloured poke egg and Ash wondered if the poke egg was a dark type or a dragon. If it's from a different region, it would make sense, though it could also be a shiny. Max was very ecstatic to receive his first poke egg and his Pokemon were very excited and gathered around him cooing at the poke egg.
Brock headed to the closest island and were surprised on seeing large chubby, adorable Pidgeys everywhere. Ash had to hold himself from squealing at the Pidgeys and from jumping on them to cuddle. Lucario pat his back nodding in understanding, the Pidgeys were very fluffy to look at. Max was still immersed in his excitement of getting a poke egg while Gou had so many questions, Brock was looking around and Casey went to greet the caretaker.
Casey, "Mr Wilbur! Been a while. These are my friends, Ash, Gou, Brock and Max."
Wilbur smiled, "Little Casey and little Casey's friends, welcome! How is your brother doing? I saw his match last week."
Casey, "He is doing great. The last match was a win. He was telling me after we reached Olivine City. He was scolding me for not calling for a while."
Wilbur laughed, "Yes, he was worried and was ranting to us about it."
Brock, "That's understandable, after all older siblings watch out for younger siblings."
Casey, "Us? Who are these us?"
Wilbur chuckled, "There's me, then there's Calla, do you remember her?"
Casey, "Um.. Yeah, my brother and Calla are classmates right?"
Wilbur, "Yes, and there's Hanson and Tetsu."
Casey, "Ah! I remember them, you all used to visit our home when I was younger."
Wilbur smiled, "Indeed, we all stay in touch and of course, watch out for you."
Casey, "Aren't Hanson and Tetsu in different region?"
Wilbur, "Hmm... They return from time to time, and watch your progress."
Ash, "I think that's very sweet of them."
Max nodded, "May, Mom and Dad do the same for me."
Gou, "I would do the same for my baby siblings."
Wilbur smiled, the kids Casey became friends with were good people and decided to show them around the place. The area was meant for Pidgeys who stayed there for years eating and never leaving though that was not the only type of Pidgey. There were Pidgeottos as well who trained and practiced battling with each other in order to protect the other non battling Pidgeys. According to Lucario, Abra and Ralts the flock were divided into two types specifically, the protectors and the care takers.
Lucario, -They have a wonderful system going on here.-
Ash was cuddling a few plump Pidgeys and Pidgeottos, "I'm not complaining."
Lucario hummed, -I have no complaints either.-
Abra, -They are so fluffy Meema.-
Absol, "Sol absol."
Eevee, "Vee vui."
Casey giggled, "Ash is enjoying himself."
Gou grinned, "Yesterday he got a call informing him of the four poke eggs his Pidgeot and Fearrow successfully nested."
Brock, "Yeah, he was pretty excited when his Butterfree and Beedrill had poke eggs too."
Max giggled hugged his poke egg, "I don't blame him."
Ash was soon lost in the middle of chubby Pidgeys and Pidgeottos. Brock gave a laugh before joining him in the crowd followed by Casey, Gou and Max. It really was nice and fluffy with the avian Pokemon chirping and crooning around them. Wilbur snickered seeing them then took a photo to send to Casey's older sibling who was taking a break at the moment. He almost choked on his bottle of water before he snickered, his sister was having fun.
As they were preparing to leave, Brock mentioned they were close to Cianwood City's port and Ash and Casey had a quick conversation. They decided to head to Cianwood gym to battle gym leader Chuck for the Storm badge. Casey started telling them about Chuck and how he usually has a one on one battle with challengers. Max asked her for details and she explained that Chuck believed in doing things a bit differently from other Gym leaders.
Casey, "While most Gym leaders would let you barrow lii e three on three for the badge, Chuck has a different idea."
Gou, "Like what?"
Casey, "He believes you should give your best in one Gym battle. Regardless of what the result is."
Ash, "So.... Basically he wants us to be confident to face the challenges but not be over confident."
Brock, "Well the Gym Leaders are meant to help the trainers out. As the first Gym I have to remind beginner trainers to not get cocky or who knows what trouble they would get into."
Gou, "And Lt Surge's Gym is open to trainers who are interested in adopting Pokemon who were traumatized before.... "
Max, "I didn't know that."
Casey was surprised as well, "I didn't realize that either. I mean I know I noticed many skittish Pokemon around his Gym. I thought those were wild Pokemon who went to the Gym for a quick bite."
Gou laughed, "We get it. It is difficult to think of the big bad Surge as a softie, isn't it? He is always so gruff with his challengers."
Max, "I think I saw him in the Gym Leader box giving commentary on the different trainers who were battling in the Indigo League."
Casey, "He was very to the point and didn't beat around the bush. Huh! I never expected him to have such a soft side. No wonder he has so many Ladies vying for his attention."
Ash laughed, "Yeah, apparently, a lot of grown women like that sort of man. Tough and strong on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside."
Gou eyed him, "Yeah."
Casey snickered, "What about you boys then?"
Max, "What about us?"
Casey, "What sort of woman do you like?"
Max, "Ummm... "
Gou turned red, "Well... "
Ash, "What sort of woman? Well for starters, she should be understanding and patient, I suppose."
Gou, "Really?"
Ash, "Yeah, I mean considering what I have planned out for my future. That will be a big factor. There are other stuff too, like hygiene should be good and communication."
Max, "Do you like anyone right now?"
Ash, "No, I don't."
Gou deflated, "Oh!"
Ash gave a smile, "It is for the future. I'm only fourteen currently."
Casey called for Brock, "What about you Brock? I mean I know you are dating Yellow, but ideally speaking, if you were not dating Yellow. What type of girl would you want?"
Brock's face flushed, "Ah! Well, someone who is kind, caring and passionate about Pokemon just like me."
Casey, "What about you Gou?"
Gou, "Ah me? Well I guess someone who would accept me for who I am. Even the crazy weird stuff that seems to happen around me."
Ash, "Good point Gou! I mean who would want to be with someone who attracts poachers and Team Rocket."
Max, "Hmm! A police?"
Casey, "Pfffffffft!"
Ash, "What about you Casey?"
Gou, "Yeah, what's your ideal type?"
Casey, "Mmmm..... Someone who is not afraid of working hard and won't give up on their goals."
Ash, "Oh ho! So you want to become a power couple. Nice!"
Casey gave a grin, "Thank you."
Brock called, "I can see the Cianwood City port from here."
Gou, "Cool!"
Max, "Look Breloom!"
Casey, "I wonder what the Ace battle with Gym Leader Chuck will be like."
Ash, "Who knows, but I'm sure it'll be interesting."
[A. N.: I hope this year is going well for you wonderful readers.
I heard about another rise in Covid cases.
Follow hygiene rules and stay safe and healthy.]