Chapter 1: Valencia Island

Valencia Island, a quaint destination in the southwestern Orange Archipelago, holds a unique charm that sets it apart from the surrounding islands. Its claim to fame lies in the peculiar fruits that grow abundantly in its fertile soil.

While the types of fruits on Valencia Island are not drastically different from those found elsewhere, their effects are unique. 

Pokémon that consume these fruits over extended periods undergo notable physical changes in appearance. 

Although these transformations grant no additional abilities, they have drawn widespread attention, making Valencia Island a popular destination for tourists exploring the Orange Islands.

The island is also home to Professor Ivy, a young yet accomplished Pokémon researcher renowned for her work on Pokémon form changes.

Despite being only twenty-five years old, Professor Ivy has already made her mark in the scientific community. 

She has been a close associate of Professor Oak for nearly a decade, their friendship beginning when she published her first research paper at the age of sixteen. Over the years, she has benefited greatly from Professor Oak's mentorship, which played a vital role in her meteoric rise.

Professor Ivy is particularly famous for her groundbreaking research on Unown forms, being the first scholar to comprehensively categorize all their variations. This achievement earned her recognition and solidified her status as a leading Pokémon researcher. Additionally, she was the first to document the form changes of Rotom, identifying five distinct forms that boosted its attack power to an impressive 760.

After years of traveling across regions for research, Professor Ivy returned to her hometown, Valencia Island, to focus on studying its unique fruits and their effects on Pokémon morphology.

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The Orange Islands were a sight to behold, and for Ash and his companions, the journey was an adventure waiting to unfold.

"Wow! Seeing the islands from the plane was amazing, but being here in person is completely different. It's so beautiful and refreshing!" exclaimed Misty, holding Togepi close as she stepped out of the small airport on Valencia Island.

Although the airport was modest, with few buildings surrounding it, the atmosphere was serene. The gentle sea breeze carried a salty tang, blending with the warm, sunny climate to create a sense of tranquility.

"It's sunny, yet not too hot, and the sea breeze feels so refreshing," Brock said, closing his eyes and extending his arms to embrace the wind.

"How about you, Pikachu? Do you like it here?" Ash asked his companion, who sat perched on his shoulder.

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu responded enthusiastically, his ears twitching in delight as he enjoyed the breeze.

After taking a moment to soak in the scenery, Ash turned his attention to their task. "So, should we head to the Pokémon Center first or visit Professor Ivy's lab?"

"Let's go to Professor Ivy's lab first," Misty suggested after a brief pause. "We can pick up the GS Ball and then stop by the Pokémon Center afterward. It'll save us some time."

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Professor Ivy's laboratory was located on the northern edge of Valencia Island, near the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The journey along the scenic path left the group in awe of the island's natural beauty.

"This place is breathtaking," Misty said, her eyes shining as she took in the sight of the small villa-style lab.

The lab was a charming white building with a red roof, designed in a tiki style. It was surrounded by lush greenery, with a dense forest behind it and the cliffs offering a panoramic view of the sparkling sea.

As the group approached the entrance, Ash knocked lightly on the door and called out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

The house remained silent, the stillness leaving them uncertain about their next move. Suddenly, the floor in front of them slid open, revealing a staircase leading to an underground passage.

From the passage emerged three young women, all appearing to be about eighteen years old. They were strikingly identical, with small round faces, glasses, and distinct hairstyles and outfits that set them apart.

"Huh? Visitors? How can we help you?" the three said in perfect sequence, their synchronized responses highlighting their close coordination.

Ash hesitated briefly before answering, "Uh, hello. We were sent by Professor Oak to meet Professor Ivy."

Hearing this, the triplets' faces lit up with welcoming smiles. "Professor Ivy is currently tending to Pokémon down at the bay," they explained, each contributing to the response in turn.

"Follow us!" they said in unison, leading Ash and his companions down a cliffside staircase toward the rocky bay below.

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The bay was a stretch of volcanic rock, exposed during low tide but submerged when the waters rose. The group paused at the edge, scanning the area for any sign of Professor Ivy.

"She's probably still in the water," one of the triplets said. "Let's wait here for a moment."

As if on cue, a massive splash erupted from the waves, and a towering Gyarados emerged from the sea, its imposing form glistening in the sunlight.

Following closely behind were a Cloyster, a Poliwhirl, and a woman with a striking presence. She was mature and beautiful, with a confident air that matched her plump, curvaceous figure.

"Good boy. You're all looking healthy and energetic," the woman said, stroking Gyarados' head affectionately. Despite its typically aggressive nature, the Gyarados seemed utterly docile under her care, enjoying the praise with a gentle smile.

"Wow! Gyarados, the Pokémon known for its temper, is so calm!" Misty exclaimed, impressed. "I have one too, but I've never seen one this obedient before."

Brock, on the other hand, was captivated by the woman herself. "She's incredible… I'd let her train me, too," he said dreamily, earning exasperated looks from Ash and Misty.

"Professor Ivy! Professor Oak sent these guests to meet you!" the triplets called out to the woman.

Turning toward them, the woman smiled warmly. "Welcome," she said, walking over with an air of elegance.

This was Professor Ivy, the brilliant researcher Ash and his friends had come to see.

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