The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and yellow sand filled the air. Ash raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, squinting as he looked at the distant outline of a City shimmering with neon lights.
"Is that Neon City? It looks so lively!" Xiao You exclaimed, pointing ahead.
Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder, stood on the sand, and shook his fur: "Pika Pika! (It's hot!)"
Brock unfolded the map, carefully comparing it with the surrounding terrain: "That's right, according to the map, this is Neon City, famous for its casinos and nightlife. It's said that people here rarely sleep, and they're all very irritable."
"Pikachu... (Doesn't sound very friendly...)" The yellow electric Pokémon looked at Ash worriedly.
Ash squatted down, gently stroking Pikachu's head: "Don't worry, we're just passing through to resupply; we won't stay too long." He turned to his companions, "Let's go, we need to reach the City before dark."
The three people and one Pokémon walked along the sand dunes towards the City. As they got closer, the clamor of Neon City gradually became clear—casino signs flickered non-stop, the streets were noisy with people, and faint sounds of arguments could be heard.
"This place... the atmosphere is so strange." Xiao You frowned, "Everyone looks tired and irritable."
Brock nodded: "Long-term sleep deprivation severely affects a person's mood and health."
Just then, Ash suddenly stopped, looking back vigilantly.
"What's wrong, Ash?" Xiao You asked.
"I feel like something is following us..." Ash squinted, looking at the sand dunes they had come from.
A pink sphere poked its head out from behind the sand dune, then immediately retracted it when discovered.
"Poli! (I've been spotted!)" A tiny voice came.
Ash's eyes lit up: "It's Jigglypuff!" He quickly walked towards the sand dune, "Come out, we won't hurt you."
The pink, balloon-shaped Pokémon floated out timidly, its big, round eyes full of caution: "Poli Poli? (Really?)"
"Poli Poli, Poli... (I feel there are many unhappy people in this City, and I want to Help them...)" Jigglypuff's voice grew softer and softer.
Brock adjusted his glasses: "This Jigglypuff seems to be wild, not a Trainer's Pokémon."
Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder: "Pika Pika! (It wants to Help!)"
Ash turned to his companions and explained: "Jigglypuff says it feels there are many unhappy people in this City and wants to Help them."
Xiao You's eyes lit up: "Jigglypuff's lullaby can Help people fall asleep! Maybe it can solve the insomnia problem of the residents here."
"Poli! (Yes!)" Jigglypuff happily spun in the air, then suddenly, as if remembering something, shyly hid behind Ash.
Brock mused: "This is indeed a good idea, but we need to understand the specific situation in the City first."
When they stepped onto the main street of Neon City, the sight before them confirmed Brock's worries. Although it was daytime, the casinos were packed with people, and pedestrians on the street all had deep dark circles under their eyes and looked haggard. A coffee shop owner was loudly arguing with a customer, and not far away, two Trainers almost got into a fight over a Pokémon battle result.
"The atmosphere here is terrible..." Xiao You whispered.
A tired police officer walked over: "New here? Let me remind you, it's best not to cause trouble in Neon City; people here are generally short-tempered."
Ash politely asked: "Officer, why is everyone so irritable?"
The police officer yawned: "Lack of sleep, of course. The casinos are open 24 hours, and many people go days and nights without sleep. Even we police officers have to work in shifts, with no time to rest." After speaking, he yawned again and staggered away.
"Poli Poli... (So pitiful...)" Jigglypuff sadly lowered its head.
Pikachu jumped to the ground: "Pikachu! (We must Help them!)"
Ash nodded: "Jigglypuff, are you willing to Help these people with your Growl?"
Jigglypuff's eyes lit up: "Poli! (Yes!)" But then it became hesitant, "Poli Poli... (But I'm afraid they won't listen to me...)"
Brock clapped his hands: "We can find a way to make everyone in the City hear Jigglypuff's Growl. Xiao You, do you have any ideas?"
Xiao You thought for a moment: "There should be a broadcast system in the City; maybe we can borrow it?"
As they were discussing, a hoarse voice interrupted them: "Hey! What are you guys doing, sneaking around?"
A burly man with a stubbly face and deep dark circles under his eyes walked over aggressively, followed by an equally tired Zangoose.
Ash stepped forward: "Hello, sir. We are Trainers passing through and want to Help the people in the City with their sleep problems."
The man sneered: "Sleep problems? We don't need sleep in Neon City! The casino is our life!" He suddenly coughed violently, and the Zangoose looked at its owner worriedly.
"Poli... (He's in so much pain...)" Jigglypuff floated to Ash's ear and whispered.
Ash looked directly into the man's eyes: "Sir, you look like you desperately need rest. Long-term sleep deprivation severely affects health."
The man impatiently waved his hand: "Mind your own business! I know my own affairs!" He turned to leave but suddenly stumbled, almost falling.
Xiao You quickly supported him: "You see, your body is already protesting."
The man's Zangoose walked in front of Ash, letting out a pleading Growl. Ash squatted down: "What do you want to say?"
"Meow... Meowth... (Please Help my owner, he hasn't closed his eyes in three days...)"
Ash nodded, stood up, and said to the man: "Your Zangoose is very worried about you. It says you haven't slept in three days."
The man looked at Ash in shock: "You... you can understand Pokémon?"
Brock smiled and explained: "Ash has a special ability to communicate with all Pokémon without barriers."
The man looked at them skeptically, finally sighing: "Alright... maybe you're right. But changing Neon City isn't that easy; the casino owner won't be happy to see all his customers go to sleep."
Ash said firmly: "Health is more important than gambling. We will find a way."
As night fell, the lights of Neon City became even more dazzling, but the pedestrians on the street were more irritable and prone to anger than during the day. Ash and his companions arrived at the City's central square. Jigglypuff hid in Ash's backpack, only its big eyes peeking out to observe the surroundings.
"We need to find the mayor or someone in power," Brock said, "Only through official channels can we make everyone in the City hear Jigglypuff's Growl."
Xiao You pointed to a building across the square with a sign that read "City Hall": "Shall we try there?"
Inside City Hall, an old man with white hair and deep dark circles under his eyes was processing documents. Seeing someone enter, he tiredly looked up: "Is there something? If it's a complaint about casino noise, I've heard enough."
Ash stepped forward: "Hello, sir. We are here to Help solve the City's insomnia problem."
The mayor gave a bitter smile: "Young man, do you think no one has tried? We've tried curfews, tried restricting casino operating hours, but the casino owner's influence is too great, and every attempt has ended in failure."
"Poli... (Let me try...)" Jigglypuff floated out from Ash's backpack.
The mayor looked at the pink Pokémon in surprise: "This is... Jigglypuff?"
Ash nodded: "Jigglypuff's lullaby can Help people fall asleep. If we can make everyone in the City hear its Growl..."
A glimmer of hope flashed in the mayor's eyes, but it quickly faded: "The casino owner will stop it. He profits from insomniac gamblers."
Brock suddenly said: "We can broadcast Jigglypuff's Growl directly through the City-wide broadcast system late at night without prior notice. By the time people are all asleep, the casino owner won't be able to stop it."
The mayor pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, I'll give you the keys to the broadcast room. But you need to be quick; the casino's informants are everywhere."
At midnight, Neon City was still brightly lit. The casino was bustling with people, and arguments continued on the streets. No one noticed a few figures quietly sneaking into the City Hall broadcast room.
"Are you ready, Jigglypuff?" Ash whispered.
Jigglypuff took a deep breath: "Poli! (Ready!)"
Xiao You adjusted the equipment and gave Brock an OK gesture. Brock nodded and pressed the switch for the City-wide broadcast.
"Residents of Neon City," Ash's voice echoed throughout the City via the broadcast, "Please stop what you're doing and listen to this special Growl. It will bring you long-awaited peace."
"Poli Poli Poli~" Jigglypuff's sweet Growl spread through the streets and alleys via the broadcast system.
At first, people on the street stopped in confusion, and gamblers in the casino complained discontentedly. But soon, Jigglypuff's magical Growl began to take effect. The arguments gradually subsided, and yawns sounded one after another.
"What's going on... I suddenly feel so sleepy..." A gambler said, rubbing his eyes.
"Me too... I haven't felt this sleepy in years..." His companion responded.
On the streets, people began to look for benches or simply lay down on the ground. Customers in shops leaned on counters, and even shopkeepers couldn't resist the drowsiness. In the casino, the dealer's dice fell to the ground, and he himself leaned on the gambling table, asleep.
"Poli Poli~" Jigglypuff's Growl continued to drift, and the entire Neon City gradually fell into tranquil sleep.
Suddenly, the broadcast room door was kicked open. A burly man with a scarred face and several Pokémon burst in.
"Stop! Stop immediately!" The casino owner roared, "You're ruining my business!"
Ash stood in front of Jigglypuff: "We are just Helping people get the rest they deserve."
The casino owner sneered: "Go, Murkrow, interrupt that Jigglypuff's Growl!"
Several Murkrow pounced on Jigglypuff. Pikachu immediately jumped out: "Pikachu!" A flash of electricity struck, repelling the Murkrow.
"Damn it! Zangoose, use Slash!" The casino owner commanded.
Brock quickly threw a Poké Ball: "Onix, block it!"
Onix's massive body blocked in front of Zangoose, deflecting the attack. At the same time, Jigglypuff's Growl was coming to an end.
"Poli... Poli... (It's done...)" Jigglypuff tiredly descended, caught by Xiao You.
The casino owner angrily looked out the window: "Look what you've done! The whole City is asleep! My casino has suffered huge losses tonight!"
Ash calmly said: "They will thank you when they wake up tomorrow. A well-rested City will be more vibrant than a tired and irritable one, and your business will actually be better."
The casino owner wanted to say something else but suddenly let out a big yawn. Jigglypuff's Growl had worked on him too.
"I... I won't let you get away with this..." His threat turned into a mumbled grumble, and he eventually leaned against the wall and fell asleep.
Ash and his companions exchanged smiles. Xiao You gently stroked Jigglypuff in her arms: "You did it, Jigglypuff. The entire Neon City is asleep."
"Poli... (So tired...)" Jigglypuff smiled weakly.
Pikachu jumped onto the control panel: "Pika Pika! (We succeeded!)"
The next morning, sunlight streamed down on the peaceful Neon City. People woke up one after another, surprised to find that they had slept the entire night. The atmosphere on the streets was completely different—people smiled and greeted each other, shop owners enthusiastically welcomed customers, and even police officers patrolled with renewed vigor.
Ash and his companions walked down the street, receiving grateful glances and thanks from the residents.
"Thank you, young man! I haven't slept this well in ten years!" an old man said excitedly.
"My headache is finally gone!" a woman shouted joyfully.
The casino owner walked over, rubbing his eyes. Surprisingly, he also smiled: "Alright, maybe you were right. This morning, when the casino opened, customers were happier than usual, and they gambled more rationally." He looked at Jigglypuff, "This little fellow can come to my casino to Sing anytime... of course, after business hours."
Jigglypuff happily spun in the air: "Poli! (That's great!)"
The mayor walked over and shook Ash's hand: "Thank you all so much. From today on, Neon City will implement reasonable schedules, and the casino will cooperate. You have changed this City."
Ash scratched his head shyly: "It's all Jigglypuff's credit."
"Poli Poli~ (Everyone gets credit~)" Jigglypuff sang cheerfully.
Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder: "Pikachu! (We did it!)"
Xiao You looked at the Refresh City and sighed: "Sometimes, change only needs a Growl and a good night's sleep."
Brock smiled and nodded: "This is the power of Pokémon and humans living in harmony."
Jigglypuff floated in front of Ash, its eyes sparkling with reluctance: "Poli Poli... (I should continue my journey; there are other places that need Help...)"
Ash nodded understandingly: "Thank you, Jigglypuff. Your Growl brought a miracle."
"Poli! (Goodbye!)" Jigglypuff waved its small hands and drifted away with the morning breeze.
Ash watched Jigglypuff leave and said softly: "Let's go, friends, we also have our own journey to continue."
Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder: "Pika! (Let's go!)"
The three people and one Pokémon left the Refresh Neon City, continuing their adventure. Behind them, the City's bells chimed melodiously, announcing a new beginning.