Chapter 16: Underneath the Broken Ceiling
"Another Potion, please, Chansey – and make it a Hyper Potion this time!" Nurse Joy's voice, usually a soothing balm, held a sharp edge of urgency. A Chansey hurried past Alex, its pouch overflowing with bandages and medical supplies, its usually cheerful expression replaced by a look of strained determination. The Pokémon Center was still operating, but the scars of Team Rocket's attack were everywhere – from the makeshift tarp covering the shattered glass ceiling to the worried faces of the trainers huddled near the recovery beds. The scent of antiseptic, usually a comforting presence, was almost overpowering, as if trying to erase the lingering tang of ozone and burnt plastic.
Alex watched Nurse Joy moving efficiently through the remaining chaos, her usual cheerful demeanor strained but unbroken. She directed the cleanup efforts, reassured anxious trainers, and oversaw the care of injured Pokémon with a practiced calm that was both impressive and slightly unsettling. It was clear this wasn't just another day at the office.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Officer Jenny approaching, her expression grim. Her crisp uniform, usually immaculate, was smudged with dust and grime, and her hand rested on her belt, near what Alex assumed was a taser, not a firearm.
"You two," she said, her voice firm, addressing both Alex and Misty. "I saw you helping out during the attack. Thanks for stepping up." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the damage. "But I need to know exactly what happened. Every detail."
"We were just trying to help," Alex replied, keeping his tone neutral.
Misty stepped forward, her chin lifted. "Those Team Rocket creeps came crashing in through the ceiling. They were after the Pokémon." Then they proceeded to recall the battle with Team Rocket.
Officer Jenny nodded, already making notes. "We've had reports of increased Team Rocket activity in the area. They're getting bolder, more organized. And they seem to be targeting specific Pokémon and trainers… we're not sure why yet." She gave them both a pointed look. "Anything unusual happen before they arrived? Anything at all?"
Alex hesitated, his mind racing. He thought about the timeline deviation, the System notification… but he couldn't reveal any of that. "Nothing that I noticed, Officer," he said, keeping his voice even. "Just… a normal day, until they showed up."
Officer Jenny studied him for a moment longer, then seemed to accept his answer, at least for now. She continued her questioning, focusing on the details of the attack, the descriptions of the Team Rocket members, and the Pokémon they used.
As Officer Jenny moved on to interview other witnesses, Misty let out a low whistle. "Targeting specific trainers? That's… creepy."
Alex nodded, his mind racing. Team Rocket's escalation… was that a consequence of the timeline deviation? Or was it something that was always going to happen? He wanted to check the System, to see if there were any new quests, any notifications, any clues… But he glanced at Misty, then at the other trainers milling around. Now wasn't the time. He needed to be careful, to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
"We should talk to Ash," Misty said, breaking into his thoughts. "See how he's doing. And… maybe figure out what we're going to do next."
They found Ash sitting beside Pikachu's recovery bed, his gaze fixed on his partner. The little Electric-type was still sleeping, but his breathing was more even now, and the twitching had subsided.
"Hey, Ash, how's Pikachu doing?" Alex asked softly, approaching the recovery beds.
Ash looked up, a tired but relieved smile spreading across his face. "He's doing better," Ash replied. "Nurse Joy says he'll be back to his old self in no time."
"That's good to hear," Alex replied, genuinely relieved.
"Yeah," Misty added, her voice softer than usual. She hesitated, then glanced at Ash, a flicker of her earlier anger returning. "Ash… about my bike…"
Ash winced. "I'm really sorry, Misty. I panicked. I just… I needed to get Pikachu to the Pokémon Center as fast as possible."
"I know, I know," Misty sighed, running a hand through her red hair. "But… it was still my bike, you know? A brand new one."
"I'll get you a new one, I promise!" Ash said, his voice earnest. "As soon as I can, I'll get you the best bike ever!"
Misty managed a small, wry smile. "I'll hold you to that, Ketchum." She paused, then added, more seriously, "Just… be careful out there, okay? Officer Jenny said Team Rocket is getting more dangerous."
Just then, Nurse Joy approached them, her expression a mixture of relief and exhaustion. She gave Ash a gentle smile. "Pikachu is resting comfortably now," she said, addressing Ash directly. "He'll need a good night's sleep, but he should make a full recovery."
Ash sagged with relief, a visible weight lifting from his shoulders. "Thank you, Nurse Joy. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, dear," Nurse Joy replied, her smile returning, though it still held a hint of strain. She turned to Alex and Misty. "And thank you both again for your help earlier. You and Misty were… surprisingly good against Team Rocket."
Alex flushed slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We just did what we could."
"More than enough," Nurse Joy assured him.
"And It's a pleasure to meet you, Alex," said Nurse Joy. "Professor Oak spoke highly of you, you know," she began, her tone shifting to a more confidential one. "He mentioned your… unusual circumstances."
Alex felt a flicker of unease, but he kept his expression neutral. "He did?"
"Yes. He said you have a… natural talent. A spark, he called it." She paused, then added, "I'd like to offer you my support, Alex. I'd like to be your sponsor."
Alex blinked, surprised. "Sponsor? Really?"
"Yes. It's a way for experienced trainers and professionals to help promising new trainers get started. I can provide you with resources, advice, and connections. And, of course, it would help with your… unique situation." She gave him a knowing look.
"I… I appreciate the offer, Nurse Joy," he said. "I'd be honored."
Nurse Joy's smile widened. "Excellent.
She then glanced at his belt, noticing the Poké Balls. "Oh I forgot to ask. How silly of me! Do any of your Pokémon need healing after the battle? I'm happy to take them for you."
"Actually, yes," Alex said, unclipping Ace's Poké Ball. "My Pidgey, Ace, has been through a lot today. He could use some care." Alex then took out the rest of the caught Pokemon and handed them over except Rattata's. "I also would like to register and heal Mankey, Spearow and Magikarp. And… I don't know what to do with this Rattata. Can you find me someone to trade or give him to?"
Nurse Joy took the Poké Balls from Alex, including the one containing Rattata, and placed them on a tray that Chansey had brought with her, before turning her attention back to Alex. "I will make sure they get proper rest. And regarding Rattata… how about we discuss that, and the sponsorship details, more in-depth in the morning? I will hold off on registering Rattata for now. Also, can you give me your Trainer ID for registration of Spearow, Mankey and Magikarp?"
"Sure. Thanks, Nurse Joy. That works for me." Alex handed over his Trainer ID to Nurse Joy.
As she turned to leave, she seemed to hesitate. She turned back to Alex, an apologetic smile on her lips.
"Alex, I know this might be sudden," she began, "but I could use a favor. We're still dealing with the aftermath of Team Rocket's attack—especially since they came crashing in through the ceiling." She gestured up at the glass dome above, now shattered and covered with makeshift tarp.
"I'm the only one on duty tonight besides Chansey, and Chansey is busy taking care of Pikachu." Her eyes pleaded with him, though her smile remained apologetic. "Would you be able to man the reception desk for a while? I need to attend to some other issues."
Alex was taken aback. The idea of manning the Pokémon Center's reception wasn't something he'd ever imagined doing. But then again, neither was transmigrating into the Pokémon world. He looked into Nurse Joy's tired yet hopeful eyes and felt a pang of empathy.
After a moment's hesitation, Alex smiled. "Of course, Nurse Joy. I'd be happy to help however I can."
Nurse Joy's face lit up, and she sighed in relief. "Thank you, Alex. You have no idea how much this means to us right now." She gave him a grateful pat on the shoulder before moving away to tend to her other responsibilities.
The system chimed in his mind.
—
[New Quest Available]:
• Pokémon Receptionist!
Manning the reception desk at the Pokémon Center. Complete the task efficiently to earn rewards!
- Rewards:
~ XP: +5
~ 100 ₽/hr. (Will be given by Nurse Joy)
~ New Skill Unlock: Customer Service Basics Lv. 1
---
Alex blinked at the notification, trying not to laugh. Of course, there was a quest for this. His system was nothing if not thorough.
As he settled into his new role behind the reception desk, Alex's eyes fell on the mural behind him. It depicted four Pokémon. Ash had recognized one of them as Ho-Oh in the anime. But on closer inspection, he ruled out Ho-Oh. He thought they were the three legendary birds Moltres, Articuno and Zapdos. The fourth Pokémon looked like Arcanine, which seemed out of place among the legendary birds. Alex wondered if there was a story behind the mural, and if he would ever find out.
He sighed, resting his chin on his hand as he surveyed the empty reception area. The dim lights of the Pokémon Center gave the place an oddly serene atmosphere.
Things had moved fast. Too fast. He was still trying to get used to being in this world, and now it seemed like responsibilities were piling on quicker than he could react.
The bell on the desk suddenly rang, pulling Alex from his thoughts. He looked up, seeing a weary-looking trainer standing before him, holding a Poké Ball.
"Uh, excuse me," the trainer said, "Can you help me get my Geodude checked in for healing?"
Alex took a deep breath, straightened up, and put on a smile. "Sure thing. Just leave it to me."
---
End of Chapter 16