Ash still wanted to keep pestering Theo into battling with the shiny Metagross. He kept muttering nonstop about how it would "only be one quick match."
But in the distance, the whistle of the incoming train echoed through the station. The retro rainbow-colored train cars had already slowly pulled up alongside the platform, and the conductors were waving little flags while guiding passengers aboard.
"Alright, alright, the train's here! Let's go to the amusement park first!"
Brock grabbed hold of Ash before he could continue arguing.
"Once we've had enough fun, there'll be plenty of time to battle later."
Only then did Ash reluctantly stop talking, though he still stared stubbornly at Theo.
"Then don't you dare go back on your word! After we're done, your shiny Metagross absolutely has to battle my Charizard!"
"Don't worry. I definitely won't back out."
Theo smiled and nodded, though inwardly he was already planning something else.
After another couple of days, if he casually provoked Ash again, there was a good chance Ash would impulsively change his target from Metagross to Milotic instead.
After all, the title of "master of reverse-type matchups" suited Ash far too perfectly to lose.
Before long, the group boarded the brightly colored little train. The carriages were packed with excited children and their Pokémon.
Pikachu leaped onto the windowsill, happily swishing its tail back and forth. The two little Vulpixes nestled in Theo's arms, curiously pressing against the glass to look outside.
Larvitar sprawled lazily across Ash's shoulder, happily munching on an apple with its tiny claws.
After finally getting itself a "mount," there was no way it planned to climb down and walk by itself anymore.
The train rattled noisily as it departed from the harbor.
Outside the window, the bustling port scenery gradually transformed into wide open wilderness. Dry yellow grasslands stretched into the distance, where the occasional Mightyena could be seen sprinting across the plains. Faraway mountain silhouettes were edged with golden sunlight.
The carriage was filled with children's laughter and Pokémon cries, making even the air itself feel light and cheerful.
After who knew how long, the train finally began slowing down.
Ahead of them appeared a dazzling cluster of colorful buildings.
They had arrived at the Forina Pokémon Amusement Park!
"Wow! It's so beautiful!"
Max was the first to cry out excitedly, pointing toward the balloon arch outside the window.
At the entrance stood enormous Pokémon-shaped balloons. Swampert, Charizard, Salamence, and many other Pokémon formed a gigantic archway, beneath which hung a colorful banner reading:
"Welcome to Forina Pokémon Amusement Park!"
Whenever the wind blew, the banner fluttered noisily, almost as though it were enthusiastically greeting everyone.
And once they followed the crowd off the train, the sights before them became even more overwhelming.
A gigantic Ferris wheel slowly rotated in the distance, its cabins packed with tourists holding cameras high in the air.
The roller coaster tracks twisted like a silver dragon, diving and climbing dramatically while waves of screams echoed through the park.
The carousel sparkled with strings of flashing lights. Pokémon-shaped carousel mounts rose and fell along with the music.
Meanwhile, inside the bumper car arena, children drove adorable Pokémon-themed cars while crashing into one another amidst endless laughter.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of popcorn, the savory aroma of grilled sausages, and the sugary richness of cotton candy.
Combined with the cries of Pokémon, the shouting of vendors, and the music from the attractions, the entire amusement park had become a vast ocean of noise and excitement.
At the very center of the park stood an enormous open area tightly covered beneath thick tarps.
That was Butler's main magic stage.
Only after nightfall would its mysterious appearance finally be revealed.
"So what should we ride first?"
May looked at the map handed out by the staff, her eyes sparkling brightly.
"The roller coaster looks super exciting!"
"I want to ride the Ferris wheel!"
Max pointed excitedly toward the highest cabins.
"You'd definitely be able to see the entire amusement park from up there!"
Meanwhile, Brock's attention had already shifted toward the food stalls.
"How about we eat something first? I saw they're selling Pokémon-shaped ice cream. It actually looks pretty good."
Ash, however, had already been completely drawn toward the "Pokémon Bumper Cars" attraction nearby. He grabbed Theo and immediately dragged him over.
"This looks awesome! Let's try it!"
Suddenly, the two Vulpixes in Theo's arms began crying out toward a distant balloon while pointing with their tiny paws.
It was a gigantic red Ninetales balloon.
The balloon looked extremely similar to their mother, the Alolan Ninetales, except it was a vivid bright red and floated especially prominently in the sky.
"You want that one?"
Theo smiled as he rubbed their little heads.
"Alright, I'll buy it for you later."
Fire Vulpix immediately rubbed affectionately against his hand, while Ice Vulpix happily swayed its tails.
Meanwhile, Larvitar had completely lost its soul to the scent of grilled meat.
It wriggled nonstop on Ash's shoulder, constantly sniffing the air with its tiny nose before smacking Ash on the head with its paw, signaling him to head toward the snack stalls.
"Okay, okay, I get it. I'll buy you some already."
Ash laughed helplessly before turning toward the vendor.
"Boss, give me two barbecues of grilled meat!"
…
Over the next several hours, Theo and the others practically rode every attraction in the entire amusement park.
Only after night quietly descended and the setting sun slowly disappeared beyond the distant mountains did the park lights begin illuminating one after another.
Countless colorful lights intertwined together, transforming the entire amusement park into something straight out of a fairy tale.
At the center of the park, the enormous stage area that had been tightly concealed beneath heavy tarps finally began unveiling itself layer by layer.
What appeared underneath was a massive round structure.
The building's surface consisted of enormous crimson and teal sections intertwined together, making it resemble an upside-down blooming flower.
Its appearance was indescribably strange.
By now, huge crowds had already gathered around the venue.
Visitors consciously lined up in orderly rows, quietly waiting to enter.
The performance of the great magician Butler was finally about to begin!
Inside the performance venue, the lights gradually dimmed until only a few spotlights slowly swept across the audience seating, causing bursts of soft astonished whispers from the children.
Everyone suppressed their excitement while eagerly discussing how Butler might make his entrance.
Even the Pokémon quieted down, curiously staring toward the stage.
"I wonder what kind of magic Mr. Butler is going to perform this time?"
Max hugged Treecko tightly, his eyes wide with anticipation.
"It's definitely going to be amazing!"
Ash clenched his fists excitedly, looking even more nervous than he did during a Pokémon battle.
Just then, a brilliant white spotlight suddenly shone down from above the stage, perfectly landing at the very center and drawing every gaze toward it.
Accompanied by soft and elegant music, a figure slowly emerged from the side of the stage.
It was a blonde young woman wearing a flowing red dress.
Golden embroidered patterns decorated the edges of the skirt, and as she walked, the dress resembled a blooming red rose.
Her elegance made her seem like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.
She pushed along a silver magic box nearly as tall as a person. Countless sparkling gemstones were embedded across its surface, glimmering brilliantly beneath the stage lights.
"Woooow…"
A wave of quiet admiration rose throughout the audience.
Brock's eyes instantly lit up.
He hurriedly pulled out a small notebook from his backpack, flipping to a certain page before pointing excitedly at a photograph inside.
"Look, look! That's Miss Diane! Butler's most capable assistant, and also an incredibly talented magician herself! In my 'All-Region Charming Women Handbook,' she ranks thirtieth!"
"BROCK!"
May immediately smacked him on the head in annoyance.
"Stop taking out your weird handbook and embarrassing everyone!"
(End of Chapter)