Slowking was once again transferred back to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"This kid, Ash, has been transferring Pokémon quite frequently lately!" Professor Oak murmured contentedly. He walked to the backyard and released Slowking from its Poké Ball.
Immediately, a chorus of gasps erupted.
Slowking looked at Professor Oak, who was completely stunned—practically drooling with eyes sparkling with intense curiosity—and gave a slight shake of its head. It turned around and began walking slowly toward the depths of the backyard.
Snapping out of it, Professor Oak was about to contact Ash when he received word that Ash was heading to Blondel Town. He left a message asking the Nurse Joy there to have Ash contact him as soon as he arrived. Since Slowking was already in the backyard, he knew there would be plenty of time to study it later.
"Wartortle!"
Slowking first sought out Wartortle. Both being Water-types, they shared the closest bond. They had previously received Ash's orders to train Totodile together. Now that Totodile had evolved into Croconaw and remained with Ash, their mission was complete.
Slowking and Ash shared a connection of hearts and minds; it didn't need many words or instructions to know what it needed to do. Thus, it found Wartortle, intending to visit another of Ash's very first partners.
"Bulbasaur!"
When Wartortle found Bulbasaur, it was busy supervising a sparring session between Heracross and Scyther. After Ash had caught the leader of the Scyther swarm, he had sent it back to the lab with a standing order: whenever Heracross was there, they were to fight! Fight with everything they had! As a lonely warrior of the jungle, Scyther's only form of training was combat.
"Bulbasaur, there are things Ash won't say, so I will!" Slowking called out, sitting lazily beside Bulbasaur and speaking slowly.
...
Ash and his group took the detour to Blondel Town. A journey that should have reached Ecruteak City in a few days was extended by several more. But since it was Brock's decision, they supported him; that's what traveling companions do.
The town was currently hosting a Pokémon Beauty Contest, drawing Breeders and Aroma Ladies from every region. Walking through the streets, they saw Pokémon decorated in every imaginable way—some with body paintings, others adorned with elaborate jewelry and accessories.
Of course, there were also those like Brock and Suzy, who aimed to bring out a Pokémon's natural charm through meticulous care and nutrition.
"Vulpix shouldn't lose to anyone else; we have to dress it up properly too!" Misty said, watching Brock comb Vulpix's fur.
"This is the precious Vulpix Miss Suzy entrusted to me. Even without decorations, it's already radiant!" Brock insisted on his philosophy. It was clear that both he and Vulpix were very happy. "Vulpix, you'll get to see Suzy very soon!"
True to his word, Vulpix suddenly sensed something, jumped down from Brock, and ran forward. Standing in that direction was a familiar figure—Suzy! Vulpix leaped into her arms, happily nuzzling her face.
"Vulpix, you look so healthy!" As a top Breeder, Suzy could tell at a glance that Brock had looked after Vulpix with the utmost care.
"Miss Suzy!" Ash was the first to greet her.
"Big Sister Suzy, you're so beautiful!" Molly hopped out from behind Ash to give a compliment.
"Ash, it's been a long time!" Suzy looked at Molly. "Little girl, you're quite beautiful yourself. What's your name?"
"My name is Molly!"
Brock had somehow changed into a formal suit and was holding a bouquet of flowers. "Miss Suzy, long time no see! This is a small token of my appreciation. Also, thank you for letting me watch over Vulpix for so long. I'm returning it to you now." It seemed Brock intended to give Vulpix back to her.
"I should be the one thanking you for your long-term care. Seeing Vulpix, I know how much you've cherished it!"
It turned out Brock and Suzy had made an arrangement before arriving in Blondel Town. In fact, Brock had decided long ago to return Vulpix when they met again. Furthermore, rather than finding a different partner, Suzy decided to enter the Beauty Contest with Vulpix.
Seeing this, Ash made a decision of his own: he would get in touch soon to see if he could get Primeape back. That Pokémon was a real heavy hitter! Ash didn't have many Fighting-types, but his battling style was actually a perfect fit for them. He believed that once Primeape returned, it would only take a little training to achieve Bond Evolution and become another of his trump cards.
Since Suzy decided to enter the contest with Vulpix, she invited Brock to compete alongside her. Together, they won the championship. Suzy decided to settle down for a while and reopen a shop, much like she had on Scissor Street.
Ash kept Suzy's contact information, thinking they might collaborate in the future.
"Hello, Professor Oak? You were looking for me?" Back at the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy told Ash that the Professor had left a message.
"Ash, tell me straight—did that Slowking evolve from your Slowpoke?" Professor Oak asked the moment the call connected, his voice trembling with excitement. "Slowking was first discovered in Johto, but the evolution method is still a mystery. How exactly did you trigger it?"
Ash didn't hold back. "Use a King's Rock and have a Shellder bite the Slowpoke's head!"
"I see! It was the King's Rock!" Professor Oak nodded in realization. "Ash, I didn't expect you to know so much. I'll complete the research paper and update the Pokédex in your name!"
This was a clear signal; the League would definitely grant him rewards. The League's support for young trainers, especially those contributing to research, was very substantial.
"Then thank you, Professor Oak!" That was exactly what Ash was after.
"Wait, Slowking? Why are you over here?" Professor Oak noticed Slowking appearing beside him.
Slowking ignored him and stepped in front of the communication screen, looking at Ash. "Ash, transfer Bulbasaur back. I will take over the management of the backyard. Any training tasks you have, give them to me!"
"Bulbasaur?"
Ash was startled. He had originally intended for Bulbasaur to stay and help the Professor manage the other Pokémon. But he didn't ask for reasons; he immediately made the request. "Professor, please transfer Bulbasaur to me!"
As the light of the transfer faded, the figure appearing before Ash was no longer that small, familiar shape.
It was... Ivysaur!
Under Slowking's persuasion and through its own resolve, it had finally completed its evolution.
With that, the Pokémon by Ash's side were Pikachu, Snorlax, Bayleef, Croconaw, Noctowl, and... Ivysaur!