Before May and the others could say a word, a figure pushed through the excited crowd and rushed up to Ash, looking at him with concern.
"That Aipom from earlier seed injured... I can heal it for you! That way, you won't have to wait in line at the Pokémon Center."
Hearing this, Ash, May, and the rest turned toward the voice in surprise.
"Nurse Joy?"
No... She looked much younger, probably not even eighteen yet.
Ash nodded. He had originally planned to take Aipom to the Pokémon Center for a check-up, but if this young Nurse Joy could help, that would save ti.
Aipom, now outside of its Poké Ball, had regained consciousness, but after taking a Thunderbolt from Pikachu, it still seed sluggish.
Seeing its weak state, the young Nurse Joy imdiately knelt down and comforted it gently.
"There, there... You'll be all better soon."
As she spoke, a soft green light began to emanate from her palms.
Tiny specks of green energy shimred in the air, surrounding Aipom's body with a soothing glow.
Ash and Brock instantly realized what was happening. They exchanged glances, then coughed to signal Misty, May, Lucy, and Anabel to surround them, blocking the view of the curious onlookers.
The Power of Viridian...
Ash had encountered it before, but to think that a Nurse Joy possessed this ability...
From her appearance, she probably wasn't even a full-fledged Pokémon Center Nurse yet.
"All done! Aipom, you're all better now!"
The young Nurse Joy bead as Aipom perked up, completely healed.
May, still in awe, opened her mouth to ask sothing, but before she could, two older Nurse Joys suddenly rushed forward and pulled the younger one behind them.
"We're so sorry for the disturbance! This is our younger sister—she snuck out without permission!"
With the massive festival taking place at Indigo Plateau, many Nurse Joys from all over Kanto had gathered to assist.
After quickly apologizing, the two older Joys dragged their younger sister away.
Ash, Brock, and Anabel, who understood the significance of what they had just witnessed, remained deep in thought.
anwhile, as the younger Nurse Joy was being led away, she pouted in frustration.
"Big sis! I'm not a child anymore! I want to travel and help Pokémon, et new friends... Why won't you let ?"
The older Joys sighed.
"Jina, your ability is far too rare and special. If word got out, it could be dangerous. We brought you here to train, not to wander off."
"When you're ready to stand on your own, we'll support you. But for now, you need to be careful."
Jina looked down, clearly disappointed but unwilling to give up.
(Guess I'll just have to convince Mom then...)
Back at their luxurious hotel, Ash explained everything to the group.
"I never expected this… Aside from Aura, Ash's Overco Ability, and Anabel's ability to understand Pokémon's emotions, the Power of Viridian is just as incredible," Misty marveled.
She had been to Viridian Forest before but never knew of its legendary power.
A healing ability like that… It was truly special.
But thinking about all the strange powers Ash had already encountered, they weren't too shocked.
"Alright, it's getting late. We should all get so rest," Ash suggested.
Brock and Lucy left first, leaving Misty, May, and Anabel behind.
Anabel, now without her usual tight outfit, looked even more stunning—Ash had to admit, it was a bit of a distraction.
"Well, Ash, we'll be heading to our rooms too," Anabel said, blushing slightly.
But before she could leave, she noticed that Misty and May hadn't moved.
"Huh? You two aren't coming?"
Misty and May exchanged nervous glances, both blushing.
"Uh… Anabel, you go ahead. We need to, uh, discuss battle strategies with Ash," May said awkwardly.
"Yeah! Just so tactical discussion…" Misty added.
Anabel tilted her head in confusion.
Battle strategy?
…Wait.
Her face suddenly turned crimson as she realized the double aning in Ash's words.
"Oh…"
Ash just smirked.
Anabel quickly fled to her room, covering her burning face.
(Okay… I knew what I was getting into by traveling with Ash… but still—!!)
As the night deepened, while most of the hotel rooms remained peaceful, one particular room was… full of "battle strategy discussions."
The next morning, despite the intense training session the night before, May was up bright and early, looking refreshed and energized.
Indigo Plateau – Day Three of the Grand Festival!
Today was the quarterfinals.
The top eight would battle for a spot in the semifinals, and by the evening, the final match would take place.
And for her first match of the day—
May would face Drew.
Her greatest rival since she first beca a Coordinator.
"And now, trainers and fans, welco to the third day of the Indigo Plateau Grand Festival! Today, the competition heats up with the quarterfinal battles!"
Lilian's voice echoed across the stadium.
"And to kick things off, we have two incredibly skilled Coordinators! From LaRousse City, Drew! And from Petalburg City, May!"
The mont their nas were announced, the audience erupted in cheers.
Inside the massive stadium, the energy was electric.
As Lilian signaled for the battle to begin, both Drew and May tossed out their Poké Balls in perfect synchronization.
"Blaziken! Munchlax! Take the stage!"
"Flygon! Absol! Go!"
With their strongest partners by their side, the long-awaited showdown between rivals was finally about to begin!
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