Chapter 62: The Kind Nurse Joy

On her way back to move things, Skitty ran into Buneary. She meowed excitedly, rubbed against Buneary, and started bragging about becoming an employee of the Andrew family.

Helioptile and Minccino were holding hands and singing as they walked. Suddenly, Bunnelby popped up from under their feet, causing them both to tumble and land on their bottoms.

Helioptile and Minccino weren't upset. They dusted off the grass and got back up.

"Bun-Bun~~" What's going on? You two look really happy.

Bunnelby, munching on a piece of grass, asked curiously.

"Minccino~ min~" You don't know yet, do you?

Minccino placed her hands on her hips, puffed out her not-so-rounded belly, and strutted back and forth in front of Bunnelby.

"Bun-Bun~" Know what?

Bunnelby kept chewing on the grass.

"Helioptile~ Heli~" Because we've become employees of the Andrew family!

Helioptile shouted with excitement.

Bunnelby stopped chewing, her expression frozen, and she didn't even notice when the grass fell to the ground.

Just as she was about to ask if it was true, she saw Helioptile and Minccino holding hands, humming a tune as they walked away.

Bunnelby stood there for a moment, then grabbed the fallen grass and sprinted across the field, shouting, "Bun-Bun~ Bunnelby~!" Oh no! Oh no! This is a big deal! Minccino and Helioptile have become employees of the Andrew family!

Soon, news of Litwick and the others being recruited by Andrew spread rapidly across the plateau, causing everyone to be envious.

When Litwick and the others finished packing and stepped outside, they found a crowd gathered at their doorstep. As soon as they appeared, the crowd surged forward, each person eagerly asking questions.

Aron: "Aron~ ron~" Pancham, how did you become an employee of the Andrew family?

Pancham: "Pancham~ Pan~" Of course, it's because I'm awesome!

Drilbur: "Bur~ Drilbur~" Zigzagoon, now that you're an employee of the Andrew family, will you stop playing with us?

Zigzagoon stood up straight and patted Drilbur on the shoulder, "Zagoon~ goon~" Don't worry, I'll still look out for you.

Deerling: "Ling~ Ling~" Gulpin, I really want to work for the Andrew family too. Can you tell me how to do it?

Gulpin looked confused, "Gulpiiin~~" I don't know either...

…

In the end, under everyone's envious gazes, Litwick and the others carried their luggage into the employee dormitory.

The same was true for Gardevoir and her family.

"Ralts~ Ralts~" Mom, Mom, are we really going to live in the Andrew family home?

Ralts sat on a rock, watching her parents pack, her small white feet swinging back and forth.

"Garde~ Garde~" That's right. Our new home is beautiful, and you're going to love it.

Gardevoir patted Ralts on her mushroom-like head and replied.

"Ralts~ Raaalts~" Really? That's wonderful!

Ralts jumped off the rock, spread her arms, and mimicked Talonflame's flight as she ran circles around her parents.

"Ralts~ Raltss~" I'm so happy!

Thud~

Ralts tripped and fell flat on her face.

"Garde~"

Gardevoir gasped, but Ralts quickly got up.

"Ralts~" Hehe~

Ralts grinned at her parents and calmly brushed the dust and dirt off herself.

At that moment, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught appeared at the door.

Seeing their friends, Gardevoir and Gallade quickly invited them in.

"Delphox~ Del~" We heard you're moving into the Andrew family home?

Delphox asked.

"Gallaade~~" Yes, the Andrew family built new employee dormitories to make it easier for us to work, so we're moving in.

Gallade explained, also describing what an employee dormitory was for Delphox and the others.

After hearing Gallade's explanation, Delphox and the others looked envious. They wondered when they would get such a secure job and housing.

"Chesnaught~~" Let me help you move.

Chesnaught stepped forward and took the items from Gallade.

In reality, Gallade's family didn't have much to move; the couple could have managed it alone. Chesnaught was just eager to see Gallade's new home.

Gallade and Gardevoir, wanting to show off a bit, accepted the help of their three neighbors.

Soon, the family of three arrived at their new home with their three neighbors.

Once inside, the three Pokémon looked around with wide eyes, amazed by everything. Delphox touched the soft bed and sighed, "Delphox~phox~" This must be so comfortable to sleep on.

Hearing this, Ralts quickly climbed onto the bed and jumped around excitedly.

"Ralts~ Raalts~" Mom, Dad, hehe~~~ This is so much fun!

Delphox and the others looked even more envious, feeling a mix of admiration and jealousy.

As Gardevoir's family and Litwick's family moved in, the secret base became more lively.

Soon it was time for everyone to plant trees together. As they worked, the Pokémon gathered in small groups, chatting. The main topics were Litwick's employment and the employee dormitories.

Unfortunately, the Pokémon planting trees were just temporary workers for the Andrew family and couldn't move into the dormitories.

Hoping to be noticed by Andrew and secure a life without worries about food and housing, the Pokémon worked even harder.

Time flew by, and winter arrived. The Kingdom of Azoth saw its second heavy snowfall of the season, covering the entire capital in snow.

Due to the cold, some stray Pokémon had gathered near the Munchlax's House recently. Many guests, after finishing breakfast, packed up their leftovers and gave them to these stray Pokémon.

At 10 AM, Andrew, as usual, closed the door on time. After all the guests had left, he came out of the kitchen carrying a pot.

Since the guests had all contributed to helping the stray Pokémon, the boss couldn't just sit idly by.

Noticing this, Meowstic and Ralts followed behind him, and along with Andrew, they made their way to a nearby alley.

Sobble was not around; it didn't like the cold in Azoth Royal City, so it had already returned to the Nebel Plateau.

In the alley, there were some worn-out cardboard boxes, covered in snow, with several Pokémon shivering inside—two Oddish, two Paras, and two Shroomish.

Andrew approached and tapped on the boxes. The six Pokémon poked their heads out one by one, looking at Andrew with curiosity.

Unlike the Pokémon on the Nebel Plateau, those in the city were often not afraid of humans and sometimes approached them for food.

Andrew set down some plates and laid out some warm buns and dumplings. "Here, eat up."

The Oddish and the others gratefully accepted the food and started eating. They were very hungry. Normally, Oddish could still get nutrients from sunlight, but the current weather made it difficult.

As the food warmed their bellies, the Pokémon immediately felt comfort and relief.

While they were eating, Andrew purchased a small wooden house from the system store. The house was only half as tall as a person, but it was more than sufficient for the Oddish and the others to take shelter in.

He set up the wooden house in the corner of the alley and placed a blanket inside. After the six Pokémon finished their meal, Andrew pointed to the house and said, "You can stay here."

The Pokémon's eyes lit up at the sight of the wooden house.

"Oddish~ Oddish~" Really? For us?

Andrew nodded, "Yes, I hope you all stay safe through the winter." He offered them his best wishes.

"Oddish~ Oddish~"

"Shroom~ Shroom~"

"Paras~ Paras~"

The six Pokémon expressed their gratitude to Andrew before making their way into the wooden house.

"Oddish~" So warm~

"Shroom~" Cozy~ Cozy~

"Paras~" Closer together, please.

They huddled together inside, sighing contentedly as they closed their eyes.

"Goodbye then," Andrew said, waving to the six Pokémon.

The Pokémon, snug in their new home, peeked out and simultaneously bade Andrew farewell and thanked him.

Just as Andrew was about to leave, he noticed that only Ralts was left by his side. He asked, "Where's Meowstic?"

"Ralts~"

Ralts shook its head. It had been so focused on the six Pokémon that it hadn't noticed Meowstic's absence.

Andrew scanned the alley but couldn't find Meowstic, so he quickly made his way outside, the snow crunching beneath his feet.

"Meowstic?" Andrew called at the alley entrance.

"Meow~"

At that moment, Meowstic emerged from a corner not far away, carrying something in its arms.

Andrew sighed in relief when he saw it. "Where did you go?" He then noticed what Meowstic was carrying and asked, "What do you have there?"

"Meowstic~ Meowstic~"

Meowstic carefully lifted the small creature it was carrying, revealing a tiny Espurr. "Where did you find this?" Andrew asked, taking the little Espurr from Meowstic's arms.

The small Espurr was cold and unconscious. Andrew quickly wrapped it in his coat, despite it being wet.

"Meowstic~ Meowstic~"

Meowstic urgently explained, and though Andrew didn't fully understand, he grasped the situation.

"Did you find this Espurr?"

Meowstic nodded vigorously.

Seeing Meowstic's worried expression, Andrew said, "Don't worry. I'll take it to the Pokémon Center right away. With Nurse Joy's help, it'll be alright."

Meowstic nodded and showed its intent to accompany them.

"Then let's go," Andrew said, picking up Ralts as well.

They hurried to the Pokémon Center.

Due to the heavy snow, the center wasn't crowded.

When Nurse Joy saw Andrew, she was surprised. "Your Highness Andrew? What brings you here?" She greeted him warmly.

Thanks to the royal family's promotion, most people in Azoth were familiar with Andrew.

Andrew quickly showed her the little Espurr. "Nurse Joy, please take a look at this Espurr."

Nurse Joy's expression turned serious as she took Espurr from Andrew and summoned Chansey. "Don't worry, Your Highness. Leave it to me. Please wait here." She then rushed off with Espurr.

Andrew found a place to sit in the lobby with Ralts and Meowstic.

Ralts, perched on Andrew's shoulder, tugged at his hair with a worried expression. "Ralts~ Ralts~" Andrew, it will be okay, right?

Seeing its anxious look, Andrew patted its head and reassured it, "Don't worry, Nurse Joy is very skilled." He then patted Meowstic, who also seemed concerned. "It'll be alright."

Meowstic nodded.

About half an hour later, Nurse Joy returned with Chansey. Andrew quickly approached her. "Nurse Joy, how is it?"

Nurse Joy smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's fine. Espurr just fainted from hunger and cold. It's not in danger anymore. With proper care, it will recover soon."

"That's great news," Andrew sighed in relief. "Can we see it?"

Nurse Joy nodded, "Of course. It should be waking up soon."

"Thank you, Nurse Joy."

"No need to thank me, it's my duty."

Andrew accepted the bag of Pokémon food Nurse Joy handed him, filled with food for Espurr.

"Goodbye, Nurse Joy," Andrew said as he left.

"Goodbye, Your Highness."

Andrew then returned to the Nebel Plateau with Ralts and Meowstic.

(End of Chapter)