1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 7: The Hungry Rowlet

The Pokemon Center felt calmer than the forest clearing we had just left behind.

Pikachu rested in my arms with my hat tilted over one ear, still tired from the Z-Move Tapu Koko had forced us to awaken. Nurse Joy guided us inside with a practiced smile, and I noticed at once that her healing partners were different from what I expected.

A Comfey floated near the counter, carrying flowers with gentle care, while a Blissey rolled a cart of supplies toward the treatment room. The two Pokemon worked together so smoothly that the Center almost felt like a garden and a hospital at the same time.

"In Alola, Comfey helps with calming scents and small treatments," Nurse Joy explained. "Blissey handles heavier care and patient comfort. Your Pikachu mainly needs rest, but I will check him carefully."

"Thank you," I said, handing Pikachu over.

Pikachu lifted his tail weakly, giving me a look that meant he was fine and also wanted snacks later.

Lillie brought Togekiss and Magearna forward for a quick check, while I sent out Grubbin and Popplio to make sure the shock from the clearing had not bothered them. Trenor checked Stoutland's paws from the forest path, and Nate and Rosa let Watchog and Zorua rest nearby.

Mallow stayed with us, still carrying a food basket from the welcome party. "That battle was amazing, but everyone looks like they need something gentle after it."

"Something gentle sounds good," Selene said, holding her Popplio close.

After Nurse Joy took our Pokemon into the treatment room, I noticed a bright counter set apart from the main desk. Small tables stood nearby, and a menu listed drinks I had never seen in a Pokemon Center before.

"Hey, what's that?" I asked.

"That's the cafe area," Rosa said. "Each Pokemon Center in Alola offers different drinks. Some Trainers visit them just to compare what each island serves."

Mallow nodded. "The cafes might not only serve beverages. Sometimes they have special treats, and staff may share advice for trial-goers."

"Really?" Lillie's eyes brightened. "That sounds useful and pleasant."

We walked over while Nurse Joy finished the healing. Lillie chose a frosty glass of Moomoo Milk almost immediately, and the way she smiled after the first sip made me think she had found her first favorite Alolan Pokemon Center habit.

Nate bought Pinap juice and started asking the cafe worker about local fruit routes. Rosa chose tea and pretended not to care when Zorua sniffed it suspiciously. Trenor bought fruit for the Pokemon, which made Stoutland sit straighter with dignified expectation.

Selene looked toward a small sign near the side counter. "They sort leftovers separately here?"

The cafe worker nodded. "Alola has many Pokemon that help with cleanup. Some handle scraps that humans should not touch. It keeps the Center clean and supports Pokemon that live near towns."

The cafe worker handed each of us a small stamped card with a map mark printed beside the menu. "Trial-goers sometimes forget to rest between challenges," she said. "Every Center has its own flavor, but the advice is the same. Listen to your Pokemon before they collapse."

Kiawe would probably have approved of that. After seeing 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt tear through the forest clearing, I understood the warning better than I would have yesterday. Power felt exciting in the moment, but afterward, the quiet weight of Pikachu sleeping in Nurse Joy's care mattered more.

Lillie noticed me looking toward the treatment room. "Pikachu will be all right."

"I know," I said. "I just keep thinking about how quickly Tapu Koko pushed us into that."