Chapter 18: Pokémon Center
Officer Jenny didn't suspect Ash and Misty of being suspicious characters. Unlike in the anime, their disheveled state didn't make them seem like villains—just two kids who had been through a rough time.
Instead, her concern arose from the recent string of Pokémon thefts in Tokiwa City, orchestrated by the notorious Team Rocket.
"Officer Jenny…" Misty recognized her immediately. The Jenny family was famous worldwide for their service to the Pokémon League. Each region seemed to have its own Officer Jenny, making them a trustworthy presence for trainers everywhere.
After Misty explained their run-in with the Spearow flock, Jenny was amazed. It wasn't every day that a Rookie Trainer and his Pikachu could fend off a horde of wild Pokémon, let alone beat them back.
"Rookie Trainer?" Jenny asked, her eyebrows raising in disbelief. "That kind of strength isn't typical for someone just starting out."
"I'm Ash, from Pallet Town!" Ash introduced himself, pulling out his Pokédex. He knew that aside from providing Pokémon information, it served as proof of a trainer's identity—similar to an ID card.
Jenny examined the Pokédex, listening as Professor Oak's voice confirmed Ash's registration. Nodding, she said, "Alright, everything checks out. I won't keep you any longer. Head to the Pokémon Center—it's getting dark, and it'll be safer there."
"Thank you, Officer Jenny," Ash said sincerely. He didn't mind being stopped; it showed how dedicated Jenny was to her job.
Jenny signaled her Growlithe to step aside. "Take care, and don't wander around too late," she advised.
"Goodbye, Officer Jenny!" Ash and Misty said in unison before continuing toward the Pokémon Center.
---
The cityscape of Tokiwa was unlike anything Ash had ever seen. Compared to the quiet simplicity of Pallet Town, this bustling metropolis was alive with high-rise buildings, glowing streetlights, and crowds of people. The lively atmosphere filled Ash with excitement.
"There it is! The Pokémon Center!" Misty pointed toward a large semi-circular building with a giant red letter "P" above its main entrance.
"Whoa… it's so much bigger than I imagined!" Ash said in awe. The Pokémon Center was massive, with grand architecture and bright lights that dwarfed the modest depictions he had seen in games or on TV.
Outside the center, several battlefields buzzed with activity. Despite the late hour, trainers were locked in heated battles, while others spectated with keen interest.
"I feel so pumped!" Ash exclaimed, his eyes darting from one battle to another. "Except for my match with Gary, I haven't battled anyone yet!"
"Pika!" Pikachu's ears perked up as it watched the battles unfold. This was its first glimpse of the dynamic world of trainer duels.
Misty, accustomed to such sights, smiled knowingly. "You'll get your chance soon enough."
---
As they approached the Pokémon Center, Ash looked around in confusion. "Uh… where do we park the bike?"
Misty chuckled. "You don't. Watch this." She dismounted, then unzipped her backpack and—much to Ash's amazement—folded the bicycle and placed it neatly inside.
"Wait… how did you do that?!" Ash gawked.
Misty shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a three-cubic-meter backpack."
"Three cubic meters?!" Ash's jaw dropped. His own backpack barely held a few essentials, let alone something as large as a bicycle.
"Stop gawking and let's head inside," Misty said, giving him a playful push.
---
The Pokémon Center's interior was even more impressive. The vast lobby was brightly lit, with rows of couches and tables where trainers sat in groups, chatting, trading stories, and strategizing.
"It's huge!" Ash said, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious hall.
"Let's register for a dormitory first," Misty suggested. "Then we can get Pikachu checked out by Nurse Joy."
They approached the reception desk, where a friendly staff member greeted them. Unlike the anime, where every staff member seemed to be Nurse Joy, this center had a mix of workers assisting trainers.
"Are you two together?" the staff member asked with a smile, noticing their bedraggled appearance.
"Yes," Misty replied, pulling out her Pokédex.
Ash blinked in surprise. In the anime, Misty never showed a Pokédex, so he hadn't realized she had one.
"Hurry up," Misty said, nudging Ash, who was still staring at her. "Don't just stand there. Hand over your Pokédex!"
"Oh! Right!" Ash fumbled with his Pokédex before passing it to the staff member.
After verifying their identities, the staff registered their dormitory. "You're all set," they said, returning the Pokédexes. "Your stay is valid for one day. If you need an extension, just register again tomorrow."
"Got it, thank you!" Misty replied, leading Ash away from the counter.
As they walked toward the next desk, Ash scratched his head. "Wait, how do we know where our room is?"
"The Pokédex shows it," Misty explained, opening hers to reveal their assigned room number.
---
At the medical desk, Nurse Joy greeted them with her signature warm smile, accompanied by her faithful Chansey.
"Welcome! How can I help you?"
Ash gestured to Pikachu, who was perched on his shoulder. "Pikachu's had a rough day. Could you check on it?"
"Of course!" Nurse Joy gently took Pikachu in her arms. "You've been a brave little one, haven't you?" she cooed, earning a tired but happy "Pika!" in response.
"Don't worry, we'll have Pikachu back to full health in no time," she assured Ash.
As Pikachu was taken to the recovery room, Misty turned to Ash. "While we wait, why don't we grab something to eat? The cafeteria here is pretty good."
"Sounds like a plan!" Ash said, his stomach growling in agreement.
---
The cafeteria was bustling with trainers sharing meals and conversations. Ash and Misty grabbed trays of food—rice, grilled fish, and steamed vegetables—and found a quiet corner to sit.
"This place is amazing," Ash said between bites. "It's like a whole city in one building!"
"That's how Pokémon Centers work," Misty explained. "They're designed to support trainers in every way—healing Pokémon, providing shelter, and even hosting battles."
"Speaking of battles, did you see the fields outside? I can't wait to challenge someone!"
Misty smirked. "You might want to wait until Pikachu's ready. And maybe… practice a bit more."
Ash pouted but couldn't argue. "Fine, but once Pikachu's healed, I'm challenging the first trainer I see!"
---
After finishing their meal, they returned to the main hall. Pikachu was already waiting for them, looking refreshed and energetic.
"Pika pi!" it chirped, leaping onto Ash's shoulder.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy!" Ash said gratefully.
"It's my pleasure," Nurse Joy replied. "Take good care of Pikachu, and don't hesitate to come back if you need anything."
---
As they headed toward their dormitory, Ash couldn't help but reflect on how much he'd experienced in a single day. From battling wild Spearow to exploring Tokiwa City, every moment felt like a step closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.
And yet, he knew this was only the beginning. Challenges, rivals, and mysteries awaited him at every turn, and he was ready to face them head-on—with Pikachu and Misty by his side.
With a smile, he turned to Misty. "Thanks for sticking with me today."
Misty blinked in surprise before returning the smile. "You're welcome, Ash. Just don't slow me down, okay?"
"Slow you down? Just watch—I'm going to be the greatest trainer ever!"
As Misty laughed at his bold declaration, Pikachu let out an encouraging "Pika pika!"
Together, the trio entered their dormitory, ready to rest and prepare for the adventures to come.
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