The road south from Catalia City stretched onward beneath a bright afternoon sky, carrying Ash and his companions toward Violet City. The parting with Jessie still lingered warmly in everyone's hearts, but the journey had to continue. Pikachu rode on Ash's shoulder, ears perked, while Eevee trotted happily beside Giselle.
The group moved with light steps, chatting about the upcoming gym challenge and the memories of their time in Catalia.
"Jessie's going to crush that contest up north," Misty said, adjusting her backpack. "I can already picture her dramatic entrance."
Sabrina walked gracefully beside Ash, a small smile playing on her lips. "Her bond with you has given her new strength. I sensed it clearly."
Daisy hummed a cheerful tune while Giselle listened attentively to Erika's quiet explanations about local Johto flora. Melody bounced ahead, full of energy. "Come on, slowpokes! Violet City won't come to us!"
As the sun climbed higher, the path widened and the scenery shifted from open fields to a more upscale area. Elegant homes and gated properties began appearing along the roads. A decorative sign welcomed them: Palm Hills.
"Palm Hills?" Ash read aloud. "Never heard of it. Must be one of those fancy towns."
They wandered deeper into the residential district, drawn by the charming streets lined with blooming trees and well-kept gardens.
The group paused near a grand mansion with white columns and sprawling lawns. Ash gazed at the impressive architecture when three middle-aged men in neat suits hurried past, frantically searching the bushes and calling out.
"Snubbull! Where are you, girl?" one man shouted, peering under a parked car.
"Has anyone seen a pink Pokémon with ribbons?" another asked passersby, looking desperate.
Melody tilted her head. "They look really worried. Think we should help?"
Before Ash could reply, Misty's eyes lit up. "Wait a second… Palm Hills? Isn't this the town where a bunch of movie stars live? We should check out the houses! Maybe we'll spot someone famous!"
Melody clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes! I heard there are private beaches and everything. Let's go exploring!"
Daisy perked up immediately. "Movie stars? My favorite actress, Lilian Meridian, has a vacation home around here! I have to see it. Come on, Ash, it'll be fun!"
Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Alright, alright. A little detour won't hurt. We can ask around while we walk."
The group set off toward the upscale neighborhood, following a winding path lined with high walls and ornate gates. Tall palm trees swayed gently in the breeze. As they turned a corner near a particularly large estate, a frantic Growlithe came charging around the bend. The Fire-type puppy looked unsettled fur bristled, eyes wide, barking sharply as it ran.
"Whoa!" Ash stepped back as the Growlithe nearly collided with them.
Melody, ever the bold one, moved forward with open arms. "Hey, easy there, little guy. What's got you so scared?" She knelt down, trying to project calm energy. "We're friends. Come here…"
The Growlithe squirmed in her gentle hold, whining and twisting. Suddenly, something small and pinkish-red dislodged from its fluffy mane and tumbled onto the grass. The Growlithe gave one last bark of relief and bolted away down the street.
"What was that?" Giselle asked, stepping closer.
From the nearby bushes emerged the culprit an unfriendly-looking Snubbull. The Fairy-type had a grumpy expression, its face scrunched in annoyance. Bright pinkish-red ribbons were tied neatly around its ears and tail, giving it an oddly pampered appearance despite its aggressive stance.
"Snubbull!" it growled, clearly the one who had been chasing and harassing the Growlithe.
Before anyone could react, one of the three men from earlier came running up, breathing heavily.
"There you are!" He spotted the group and the Snubbull.
"Oh! Thank goodness. Ma'am! I found your Snubbull! She's over here!"
An elderly woman in elegant but simple attire hurried over from a nearby mansion gate. Her face lit up with relief when she saw the pink Pokémon. "My precious Snubbull! You had me worried sick!"
The woman scooped the Snubbull into her arms, hugging it tightly. Snubbull, however, looked anything but happy. It squirmed and pushed against her chest, letting out disgruntled grumbles and trying to wiggle free.
"Oh, you wonderful children!" the woman exclaimed, turning to Ash and the group with teary eyes.
"You must have helped corner her or calm that poor Growlithe. Snubbull ran away last night and I've been in such a panic. Thank you so much!"
Ash waved it off modestly. "We didn't do much. She just kind of… showed up."
Misty smiled. "Glad she's safe."
The woman's face brightened further.
"Please, allow me to thank you properly. Come to my home for dinner tonight. It's the least I can do! My name is Madam Catherine, by the way."
The invitation was warm and genuine. After exchanging glances, Ash nodded. "We'd love to. Thank you."
As they followed Madam Catherine through the grand gates and up the long driveway, Erika leaned closer to Ash. "Something feels off," she whispered. "Look at Snubbull. She's still struggling to get away from her arms."
Indeed, the Fairy Pokémon continued to squirm, ears drooping and eyes darting longingly toward the expansive gardens they passed. Snubbull clearly wanted nothing more than to run free.
Inside the mansion, the luxury was immediately apparent. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, polished marble floors gleamed, and priceless artwork adorned the walls. Madam Catherine led them to a sitting room before excusing herself briefly to prepare Snubbull.
"See? She has her own room," the woman said proudly when she returned, gesturing down a hallway. They peeked inside to find a lavishly decorated space: a miniature four-poster bed with silk pillows, a walk-in closet filled with tiny custom outfits and ribbons, and an entire toy room overflowing with balls, plushies, and interactive Pokémon gadgets.
"Wow," Daisy breathed. "This is like a palace for Pokémon!"
Melody crossed her arms, frowning slightly. "It's fancy, sure… but look at her. Anyone would rather run around in that giant yard outside instead of being cooped up in here all day. She's got everything except freedom."
Misty, however, seemed convinced otherwise. "Come on, Melody. Look at this place! Madam Catherine clearly spoils her rotten. Fresh food, toys, a whole room to herself. Snubbull's living better than most trainers' Pokémon."
Melody shook her head. "Spoiling isn't the same as happiness. She ran away for a reason."
Sabrina remained quiet, her psychic aura subtly extended. Her violet eyes narrowed faintly as she observed Snubbull, who had been placed on a velvet cushion but kept glancing toward the open window. The psychic girl sensed deeper emotions restlessness, sadness, and a strong desire to escape again. Something was indeed suspicious, even if the surface looked perfect.
Ash watched the interactions thoughtfully, one hand resting on Pikachu's head. "We'll keep an eye on things during dinner. For now, let's just be polite guests."
The group settled in as servants brought refreshments. Madam Catherine returned, beaming, and began sharing stories about her life in Palm Hills and her deep love for her "precious Snubbull."
The Pokémon sat beside her, ribbons perfectly tied, but her expression remained grumpy and distant.
Outside, the sun began to dip lower, casting golden light across the massive backyard that stretched far behind the mansion. Snubbull's eyes kept drifting toward it with clear longing.
Dinner preparations were underway, but the subtle tension in the air suggested this visit might reveal more than just a kind-hearted thank-you meal.
Dinner was served in a grand dining hall illuminated by sparkling chandeliers. The long oak table was covered with silver dishes, fine china, and an array of gourmet foods tailored for both humans and Pokémon.
Madam Catherine sat at the head, with Snubbull placed on an embroidered cushion beside her. Ash and his companions were seated as honored guests, the atmosphere warm yet tinged with underlying tension.
Snubbull stared at the plate of specially prepared Pokémon food in front of her exotic berries, nutrient-rich kibble shaped into delicate forms, and drizzled sauces. The Fairy-type turned her head away stubbornly, refusing even a single bite.
"Oh dear," Madam Catherine fussed, waving a hand at a nearby chef in a crisp uniform.
"She won't eat again! Make her something else immediately. Perhaps caviar? Or those imported golden berries from Hoenn?"
The chef bowed politely but looked exhausted. "Madam, with all due respect… Snubbull never eats anything we prepare. No matter what we try."
Erika, who had been quietly observing, reached into her bag and pulled out a simple homemade rice ball wrapped in seaweed. She offered it gently to Snubbull. "Would you like to try this instead?"
To everyone's surprise, Snubbull's eyes lit up. She snatched the rice ball eagerly, munching away with happy little grunts and even wagging her ribboned tail. The contrast was immediate and telling.
Madam Catherine blinked in astonishment. "Well… I see. From now on, we will always have rice balls in the house! Only the finest ingredients, of course."
Ash exchanged glances with his harem. Misty leaned over and whispered, "She doesn't want all this luxury stuff. She just wants normal Pokémon things."
Melody nodded. "Exactly. All the toys and fancy rooms in the world don't replace real freedom and simple joys."
The realization settled over the group: Snubbull was tired of her pampered, restricted life. She craved adventure and the ability to run wild, not endless spoiling.
As Ash processed this, a familiar blue system window appeared in his vision:
[System Mission: Resolve the Conflict Between Snubbull and Her Trainer]
Reward: Speed Potion (Boosts a Pokémon's speed by 10% permanently)
Ash accepted the mission mentally without hesitation. I've got this.
Erika spoke up gently. "Madam Catherine… Snubbull looks quite agitated. Are you sure everything is alright?"
The elderly woman waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, she's just nervous, dear. My precious girl needs a proper companion to settle down. Here, let me show you."
She pulled out a framed photograph from a drawer and passed it around.
The image showed a much older, wealthy-looking male Snubbull dressed in a tiny tuxedo, standing proudly beside a lavish mansion. "This fine gentleman is from one of the richest Pokémon bloodlines in Johto. They are to be married next week. It will be perfect for her!"
The group froze. The pieces clicked into place. Snubbull hadn't simply run away from home she was fleeing a forced arranged marriage and the suffocating pampering that came with it.
Sabrina's eyes narrowed slightly, confirming her earlier suspicions. Daisy looked sympathetic while Giselle and Melody appeared determined.
Madam Catherine stood. "I must leave shortly to meet with the groom's family for final preparations. But please, you are all invited to the wedding! It will be the event of the season."
Ash and the others agreed quickly, though their true intention was clear in their shared looks they were going to save Snubbull from this fate.
After the woman stepped away briefly to prepare, Ash and Erika approached her together. "Madam," Ash began respectfully, "we'd like to help Snubbull. Battling could be good for her. It might help her burn off some energy and show what she really needs."
The woman's eyes widened in horror. "Battling? Absolutely not! My Snubbull is a delicate lady, not some rough battler!"
Snubbull, overhearing, suddenly growled and lunged forward, biting aggressively at a nearby curtain in clear frustration. The display of violence shocked Madam Catherine, who looked deeply offended at first.
Daisy stepped in smoothly with her usual cheerful grace. "Actually, Madam, this is a good thing! Snubbull is showing spirit. Letting her battle a little could help her express herself. It might even make her happier."
The woman hesitated, glancing between her agitated Pokémon and the sincere faces of her guests. Finally, she relented. "Very well… just a short battle. But be gentle!"
Ash nodded and chose one of his Poké Balls. "Omanyte, I choose you!"
The spiral-shelled Fossil Pokémon materialized, ready for action. Snubbull, sensing a real chance to vent her feelings, charged forward with surprising ferocity.
The battle was close and intense. Omanyte used Water Gun and Withdraw defensively, while Snubbull unleashed Charm, Bite, and Headbutt attacks. The ribbons in her fur fluttered wildly as she fought with genuine passion.
For several minutes the two Pokémon traded blows evenly. Snubbull's determination was impressive, but Omanyte's sturdy defense and type advantage eventually wore her down. With a final Bubble Beam, Omanyte secured victory. Snubbull collapsed in exhaustion but looked strangely satisfied, as if she had finally released months of pent-up energy.
[Mission Completed!]
Reward: Speed Potion (10% permanent speed boost) acquired.
Before Ash and his friends prepared to leave, Madam Catherine approached them with a thoughtful expression. "After seeing that… I've changed my mind. There will be no wedding. I won't force my Snubbull into something she doesn't want." She sighed softly. "But I worry she will be lonely without proper companionship."
Ash smiled kindly. "She won't be lonely, Madam. She just needs space to be herself. Snubbull is stronger than you think. Let her explore and make her own friends. She'll be alright."
The woman watched as Snubbull, still breathing heavily from the battle, looked up at her with hopeful eyes. Something shifted in Madam Catherine's expression the overprotective worry softened into acceptance.
"You're right," she said finally. "I've been too overprotective. From now on, things will be different."
She led Snubbull to a large, open play area in the expansive backyard complete with trees, grass, and open space to run. For the first time, she set her Pokémon down without hovering. "Go on, dear. Play as you like."
Snubbull hesitated only a moment before dashing off with joyful barks, rolling in the grass and chasing falling leaves. The sight brought smiles to everyone.
"Thank you again for everything," Madam Catherine told the group warmly. "Safe travels to Violet City."
Ash and his harem waved goodbye as they stepped back onto the road. Pikachu and Eevee looked back once, happy that another Pokémon had found a better balance in life.
"Well, that was an eventful detour," Misty said with a laugh.
Melody stretched her arms. "Snubbull looked so much happier at the end."
Sabrina walked quietly beside Ash, her hand brushing his. "Another bond strengthened through understanding. You did well."
Giselle smiled shyly. "Onward to Violet City?"
Ash nodded, the new Speed Potion safely stored in his inventory. "Yeah. Let's go. The first Johto gym challenge is waiting."
With the sun setting behind them, the group resumed their journey, hearts lighter and bonds tighter. Palm Hills faded into the distance, another memorable stop on their ever-growing adventure through the Johto region.