บท 342: Chapter 24: Nurse Joy’s Request
After evolving, Gyarados's strength had grown exponentially. Its energy was fully replenished, and its power now rivaled Silver-level Pokémon, surpassing the limits of what most could achieve.
The once-turbulent waves were now inconsequential before the might of Gyarados. It even lifted itself two meters above the sea, hovering just above the surface as it surged forward.
"That's incredible, Gyarados!" Nurse Joy exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and gratitude. She wrapped her arms around Gyarados's immense form, though her embrace barely encompassed a fraction of its massive body.
"Roar!" Gyarados responded energetically before focusing on its task. It powered through the rough seas, aiming for the island that was now visible in the distance.
Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, and Tracey anxiously waited on the island. The storm had intensified, forcing them to retreat to the forest for safety. Their worry for Nurse Joy's well-being grew with every passing moment.
Ash paced back and forth. "I can't stand this anymore! Charizard could've used its golden flame cannon to drive away the storm earlier. I shouldn't have waited."
His fists clenched in regret. "If anything happens to Nurse Joy, I'll never forgive myself."
"What's that?!" Misty's voice broke through the tension as she pointed toward the ocean. Tracey quickly raised his telescope to examine the approaching figure.
Through the lens, he saw a massive Gyarados surging toward the island. His initial shock turned to relief when he noticed two smaller figures riding on its back—Nurse Joy and Chansey.
"Nurse Joy's back! She's with Chansey, and they're on a Gyarados!" Tracey shouted, lowering the telescope.
"That's fantastic!" Misty exclaimed, her earlier worry melting away.
Ash felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank goodness…"
The three ran toward the shoreline, ignoring the crashing waves. Though their camp had been moved to the forest for safety, they were determined to greet Nurse Joy the moment she returned.
From atop Gyarados, Nurse Joy saw her friends waving to her from the beach. A bright smile lit up her face as she waved back enthusiastically.
That evening, after the hurricane had passed, the night sky was breathtakingly clear. Stars shimmered across the heavens, their brilliance unmarred by clouds.
Ash and Tracey worked together to relocate the camp back to the beach, ensuring everything was set up properly. Meanwhile, Misty and Nurse Joy focused on preparing food for the Pokémon—especially Gyarados.
The colossal Pokémon's new size was staggering. At 24.3 meters long and 2.6 meters wide, it was nearly four times the size of an average Gyarados.
Its presence was awe-inspiring, rivalling legendary Pokémon like the giant Dragonite or Tentacruel in sheer spectacle.
Of course, such a large Pokémon required an enormous amount of food. Misty and Nurse Joy had spent over an hour preparing a meal large enough to satisfy Gyarados's appetite.
"Phew… this is exhausting," Misty groaned, collapsing onto the damp ground without caring about the water soaking her clothes. "Nurse Joy, I think it'd be easier to let Gyarados find its own food in the sea from now on."
"Hm…" Nurse Joy considered the suggestion, her hands resting on her knees as she caught her breath.
"You might be right. Preparing meals like this every day would take three to four hours. I wouldn't have time for anything else."
Hearing their conversation, Gyarados rumbled softly, feeling a pang of guilt. It nodded in agreement with Misty's idea, reluctant to trouble Nurse Joy any further.
Nurse Joy smiled at her companion. "Thank you, Gyarados. I appreciate that." She glanced toward Ash, who was busy arranging the campfire. A thoughtful expression crossed her face as an idea began to form.
Gyarados noticed her gaze and tilted its head in curiosity.
Nurse Joy approached Gyarados, gently patting its scaled head. Leaning close to its ear, she whispered something quietly.
Gyarados's eyes widened in surprise. At first, it looked reluctant, shaking its head slightly. However, Nurse Joy's soothing words and reassurances seemed to ease its hesitation.
Slowly, the Pokémon's expression softened, and it let out a low, contemplative growl.
"That's settled then," Nurse Joy said decisively. "I'll talk to Ash now."
Although parting with Gyarados weighed on her heart, Nurse Joy knew it was the best choice. With Gyarados's immense talent and potential, its true stage was the wider world—not a small, isolated island.
Nurse Joy approached Ash, Misty, and Tracey, her expression a mix of determination and hesitation.
Misty noticed her coming and tilted her head in confusion, while Gyarados followed close behind, its massive frame casting a long shadow over the camp.
"Ash," Nurse Joy began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I have a favour to ask."
Ash looked up, puzzled. "What is it, Nurse Joy? You can tell me anything."
Nurse Joy glanced at Gyarados before turning back to Ash. "I want to entrust Gyarados to you."
"What?!" Misty and Tracey exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with shock.
Ash blinked, momentarily stunned. "You… you want me to take care of Gyarados?"
Nurse Joy nodded, her resolve firm. "Gyarados has incredible potential. It's far stronger than most Pokémon of its kind, and I believe it deserves a chance to grow and thrive in the larger world. You're a capable trainer, Ash. I know you'll bring out the best in it."
Ash looked up at Gyarados, whose expression was a mixture of nervousness and hope. Though reluctant to leave Nurse Joy, the Pokémon seemed to understand her reasoning and trust her judgement.
"I…" Ash hesitated, his thoughts racing. Gyarados's sheer size and power made it a formidable ally, but it also meant significant responsibilities.
He couldn't ignore the financial and logistical challenges of caring for such a massive Pokémon.
Tracey and Misty, after recovering from their initial shock, exchanged thoughtful glances. They, too, understood the weight of Nurse Joy's request.
"Gyarados," Ash finally said, stepping closer to the towering Pokémon. "If this is what you want, then I'll do my best to be a good trainer for you."
Hearing Ash's words, Gyarados let out a deep, resonant roar. Though parting with Nurse Joy still stung, the excitement of venturing into the wider world began to grow within it.
Nurse Joy smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Ash. Take good care of Gyarados."
"I will," Ash promised, determination shining in his eyes.
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