Chapter 60: The End

As soon as Ash's Park Ball captured the Venomoth, it emitted a flash of light and vanished, transported to the storage instrument at the park's entrance.

"I wonder when the Pokémon Box system will finally be developed," Ash mused. The thought of a portable storage system, allowing Trainers to switch Pokémon anytime, anywhere, was exciting. 

The system would connect seamlessly with a Trainer's registered storage location, enabling Pokémon to be teleported back and forth effortlessly.

Unfortunately, this revolutionary idea was still under development. Even Professor Oak didn't know when it might become available.

---

Ash resumed his search, determined to find a Scyther or a Pinsir. An hour later, while he hadn't encountered a Scyther, he did spot a Pinsir. 

This Pinsir was a Bronze-level Pokémon, but its ability was Hyper Cutter instead of the Moxie ability Ash preferred. 

Although Hyper Cutter could become Aerilate after Mega Evolution, Ash felt that Moxie offered more versatility.

Despite his reservations, Ash decided to capture the Pinsir to secure a high score for the competition.

Over the next two hours, Ash caught a Scyther, a Beedrill, and even a Butterfree, each at the elite level. 

He made a point to avoid capturing weaker Pokémon, knowing they wouldn't contribute much to his score.

---

As the competition neared its conclusion, a broadcast echoed across the park:

"The competition will end in twenty minutes. All Trainers, please return to the starting point."

By this time, Ash had successfully captured Venomoth, Pinsir, Scyther, Beedrill, and Butterfree—all strong contenders. Confident in his results, Ash began making his way back.

At the starting point, Ash reunited with Casey. To his surprise, her Chikorita had evolved into a Bayleef and had gained Bronze-level strength.

"How do you like this?" Casey said proudly, gesturing to Bayleef beside her. "Chikorita evolved during the competition!"

Bayleef stood taller than its pre-evolved form, its neck now adorned with fragrant, green leaves instead of buds. It no longer resembled a radish but rather a small sauropod dinosaur.

"Impressive!" Ash said, patting Bayleef's head. The Pokémon nuzzled his hand affectionately. "So, how did you do in the competition?"

Casey's face froze for a moment before she laughed nervously. "Haha, of course I caught something amazing! Right, Bayleef?"

"Bayleef!"

However, Bayleef was not one to humor Casey's fibs. It chirped and nudged her lightly, revealing the truth: Casey had gotten lost again, a recurring mishap for her. If not for the help of a passing Trainer, she might not have made it back in time.

Casey's face flushed a deep red, matching the color of a ripe apple. She averted her eyes in embarrassment.

---

"Time's up!" the host announced, drawing everyone's attention to the large screen on stage. "Trainers who have not returned are disqualified. Now, we will begin reviewing the results."

The screen displayed each contestant's name and their captured Pokémon. Most Trainers had caught common Pokémon like Caterpie or Weedle. A few managed stronger ones, such as Butterfree and Beedrill, but these were rare.

When it was Casey's turn, her profile appeared on the screen.

"Don't look!" Casey yelped, leaping toward Ash and covering his eyes with her hands. However, Ash had already seen it: Casey had only managed to catch a single Weedle.

The sight of Casey's sole Weedle drew murmurs from the crowd, some of which carried less-than-kind remarks. 

Casey's earlier enthusiasm wilted as the whispers reached her ears. She lowered her hands and stared at the ground, her usual energy now a shadow of itself.

"It's alright," Ash said gently, stepping closer. "You've made a lot of progress. Your Chikorita evolving into Bayleef is a big achievement. This was just an unlucky day."

Bayleef nuzzled Casey affectionately, as if agreeing with Ash. The playful teasing from earlier had been in jest—Bayleef adored Casey and wanted her to regain her usual cheerful spirit.

---

Finally, it was Ash's turn. When his results appeared on the screen, the crowd gasped in amazement. Scyther, Pinsir, Venomoth, Butterfree, and Beedrill—all Bronze-level Pokémon—were displayed under his name.

"Wow!" Casey exclaimed, momentarily forgetting her own disappointment. She stared at the list, her eyes lingering on one name: Beedrill.

Ash noticed her interest and smiled. "Do you like Beedrill?" he asked.

"Huh?" Casey replied absentmindedly, still fixated on the screen. "Yeah, I do..."

"Then I'll transfer it to you after the competition," Ash said casually.

Casey blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?"

"You've had a rough day," Ash explained. "And you've been working hard. I don't need all these Pokémon, so I'd rather give the Beedrill to you than send it back to the park."

Casey's eyes widened in disbelief, then filled with gratitude. She clutched Bayleef's leaf, her voice trembling. "Thank you, Ash. This means so much to me."

---

With the competition over, Ash's act of kindness not only lifted Casey's spirits but also cemented the bond between them. 

Though the Bug Catching Contest had come to an end, the memories and friendships forged during it would last much longer.

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