"...You probably have the wrong guy."
Sato pushed away the Houndour that kept trying to leap into his arms and pointed toward the two Houndoom in the distance.
The little Houndour paused, looked at Sato, then turned and looked at its real parents, then shook its head and ran over to them like nothing had happened.
Sato clearly saw one of the Houndoom shake its head with very human-like exasperation before turning to leave.
The other Houndoom grabbed the silly pup by the scruff and carried it off, quickly catching up to its mate.
Even Sato, who was usually stoic, couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
Still smiling, he ignored the Pokémon that had already backed away and wandered alone to the lakeside.
He noticed sothing: Crescent Lake likely had underwater currents. Otherwise, with this density of Water-type Pokémon, it would be impossible for them not to clash over territory.
Moreover, the land Pokémon who received treatnt would leave shortly after; aning they didn't actually live here.
So they only ca because they were injured?
A thought struck Sato, he might have figured it out.
But then again, why were so many wounded Pokémon gathering at the lake? Could one Chansey really handle them all?
If the Pokémon found out that Joseph was planning to capture their "guardian" Chansey, would they swarm him?
Sato scanned the surroundings. Though the Pokémon weren't hostile, their auras were far from weak.
'Better not wander too much.'
Sato returned to where Joseph and Mark were. He silently observed their efforts... though in Mark's case, "effort" was a bit generous.
With Joseph's help, the healing process was proceeding at lightning speed. Mada Florges's Grassy Terrain and group healing techniques were incredibly effective here.
---
Ti passed. Mark had fallen asleep nearby, and Sato, now bored, began ditating. Only after a long ti did Joseph finally finish healing everyone.
Seeing how tired Joseph looked, Sato hesitated... should he take out the ergency rations he'd been saving but never used?
But before he could decide, Joseph perked up again and pulled out his full set of pots, pans, and utensils, humming as he began cooking dinner.
Sato figured he might as well wait for the real food. After all, even Chansey had co over to help with the preparations.
The two of them had developed a bond surprisingly fast. Sato decided it was best not to interfere.
Yes. That was the only reason.
With the plan to wake Mark the next morning, they enjoyed a delicious dinner and went to bed early.
The next morning, Sato was already up doing morning training. Despite being exhausted the day before, Joseph was also awake early.
Sato nodded at him and was just about to move off to train quietly when Joseph stopped him.
"Let's head out early today."
There was a flicker of reluctance in Joseph's eyes. He hesitated for a mont, but still spoke up.
"...Okay."
Sato had already guessed the reason, but didn't press. He simply kicked Mark awake.
The three quickly packed up and left lake.
Half an hour later, Mark finally rubbed his eyes, glanced around, and asked curiously, "Hey Joseph, did you ever catch that Chansey? I didn't see it with you."
Joseph pressed his lips together, then smiled and said, "Nah. I decided not to."
"Why not? If you didn't like that one, I'll call another for you, just wait a sec!" Mark blinked, then said this with his usual carefree attitude.
"Hold it!"
Joseph quickly grabbed him before he could start another of his 'mouth-powered summons.' Then, regaining his calm, he simply shook his head.
For once, Mark's scatterbrained mind caught the vibe. He noticed sothing was off about Joseph and, scratching his ssy hair, decided not to ask further.
Sato watched from the side. Though he understood Joseph's reasoning, he didn't agree with it.
If it had been him, and he wanted to capture the Chansey, he would've still considered the Pokémon's feelings. But then, he would've tried to find a way that worked for both sides.
Not just give up.
What bothered him most, was that Joseph had never once asked Chansey what it wanted.
The three walked in silence; since they were already lost, it didn't matter where they were going anymore. Better to wait until Joseph cald down.
"Chansey?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out nearby. Joseph spun around and there stood Chansey, looking pitifully at him.
"Chansey? Chansey?"
Chansey waved its little arms. As it turned slightly, they noticed it was carrying a small cloth bag on its back... it had clearly packed its things.
'She was ready to leave with you, and you just walked away?'
Sato instantly read the aggrieved look in Chansey's eyes and silently stepped aside to give Joseph space.
"Ch–Chansey? Why did you follow us?"
Joseph's gloomy expression instantly vanished. Shock and joy flooded his face as he looked at the puffed-up Chansey.
Chansey trotted over, then turned its head to the side in mock defiance... but one of its little eyes kept sneaking glances at Joseph.
"Then let ask again. Chansey, would you like to be my partner?"
Joseph had noticed the little peeks. Overjoyed, he no longer hesitated and took out an empty Poké Ball.
"Chansey!"
Chansey sharply turned its head away again... then waved its little arm toward the distance.
The group turned and saw several other Chansey popping out from the tall grass, all waving happily at the one near Joseph.
So it turned out that the Forest of Shadows didn't just have one Chansey. The lake was just one of several spots they rotated between, offering healing to wild Pokémon in shifts.
Which ant that the absence of a single Chansey wouldn't really affect the forest's balance.
Before Joseph could even respond, the Chansey in front of him tapped the Poké Ball herself, turning into a red beam and entering it voluntarily.
The other Chansey in the distance watched briefly, then vanished one by one into the grass without a trace.
Joseph held the Poké Ball in his hands, wearing the goofiest grin Sato had ever seen on him.
"Capturing a Pokémon... it really is about fate!"
Whether it was bragging, or just a mont of self-validation, Joseph couldn't help but stride up to Sato and say it with pride.
"Maybe so."
Sato gave a faint smile, not arguing back.
The three resud their journey, only now Joseph was clearly in high spirits. He even bantered back and forth with Mark, adding more laughter to the trail.
Sato trailed behind them. A beam of sunlight broke through the forest canopy, casting a warm light on the path... and in the shadow at his feet, a pair of golden eyes lit up.
"Well done!"
"Gen-gen~"
"Sato, hurry up! Joseph says he found the path back to Shadownight Town!"
"Got it!"
Sato picked up his pace, and the golden eyes within his shadow quickly vanished.
Keeping his talents hidden, while silently achieving great things.
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