The Pantheon

Vermilion City

The Pokémon Center was quiet, the usual hum of late-night activity reduced to a few sleepy trainers lounging in the waiting area, their Pokémon snoozing by their sides. Nurse Joy stood at the front desk, her Chansey bustling beside her as they went through the usual evening paperwork. The soothing sound of the sliding doors opening drew her attention, and she instinctively looked up with her practiced welcoming smile.

"Welcome to the—" The greeting stalled briefly in her throat as her eyes settled on the young woman stepping through the doors.

The girl was striking, not for any flamboyance but for the quiet determination etched into her features. Long, dark hair fell loose over her shoulders, the soft sway of it matching her measured steps. She wore a simple yet coordinated outfit: a pink skirt, a white shirt under a black vest, and a white-and-pink hat perched atop her head. At her feet walked two Eevee—one with fur so impeccably groomed it seemed to sparkle under the center's fluorescent lights, and the other with an eager, curious bounce to his step, his wide eyes darting around to take in everything.

Nurse Joy's heart clenched slightly as realization hit. This was Ashley Ketchum. Her cousins from various Pokémon Centers had spoken of her with fondness, recounting tales of a polite, dedicated trainer who always took exceptional care of her Pokémon. Ashley's reputation had grown quickly—an up-and-coming rookie trainer who had earned the respect of gym leaders and contest coordinators alike. But behind the admiration, there was also sympathy. Everyone had heard about what happened to her and her Eevee, Venus, in Saffron City. The details were murky, but what was clear was that it had been harrowing.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Nurse Joy composed herself and brightened her smile. She was a professional, and her job was to provide comfort and support. "Good evening! Welcome to the Vermilion Pokémon Center," she said warmly.

Ashley approached the desk, her expression tired but polite. Her brown eyes still held a flicker of warmth, though they seemed weighed down by fatigue. She reached into her bag and pulled out her trainer ID, placing it on the counter. "Hi, I'd like to book a room for the night and sign up for tomorrow's contest at the Vermilion Contest Hall," she said, her voice calm but soft, as if she were conserving energy.

"Of course, Miss Ketchum," Nurse Joy replied, accepting the ID and typing swiftly into the system. "We have plenty of rooms available, and I can get you registered for the contest right now."

As she worked, Ashley crouched down beside her Eevee. Venus, ever the dignified diva, sat primly by her side, while Mercury pawed lightly at Ashley's knee, his tail wagging. "It's just for one night," Ashley murmured to them, giving Mercury a reassuring scratch behind the ears. "Tomorrow, we'll be ready to shine."

Nurse Joy handed back the ID, her gaze softening. "All set, Miss Ketchum. Your room is on the second floor, and here's your keycard. Would you like to leave your Pokémon with us for a check-up tonight? We'll make sure they're in perfect condition for the contest tomorrow."

Ashley hesitated briefly, glancing at the Poké Balls clipped to her belt. "Yeah, that would be great," she said after a moment. She unclipped the balls one by one, pausing as her fingers brushed over each one. "They've all been working so hard. A little extra care couldn't hurt."

She handed the Poké Balls to Nurse Joy, who accepted them with a gentle nod. Chansey waddled over, holding a tray to carefully collect the capsules. "We'll take great care of them," Nurse Joy assured her. "They'll be ready for you first thing in the morning."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy. I really appreciate it." Ashley offered a small smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She recalled her Eevees and gave Nurse Joy those Poké Balls as well. "Goodnight," Ashley said quietly before heading toward the stairs, her steps steady but unhurried.