Thanks to its long neck, Girafarig's field of vision far surpassed that of ordinary Pokémon.
At that moment, it was anxiously stomping its hooves when it suddenly seemed to notice something. Without even looking back, it dashed deeper into the forest.
"Girafarig! Wait!" Cherry hurried after it. Ash and his friends exchanged glances and quickly followed.
After pushing through a dense patch of bushes, they found Girafarig in a clearing.
To their surprise, Girafarig was carefully offering freshly gathered Berries to two unexpected visitors: a badly injured Alakazam and the rare Shiny Ralts resting on its back.
This Ralts looked completely different from an ordinary one. Its originally white body possessed a pearl-like sheen, while its blue hair flowed like ocean waves, covering most of its face. Most striking of all were the orange horns on its head, which glimmered warmly beneath the sunlight.
"That's..." Cherry froze in astonishment.
She recognized Alakazam, but she had never seen such a special Ralts before.
Brock and Misty were equally captivated by the differently colored Ralts, while Ash himself was deeply shaken.
Through his Aura, he could clearly sense the exhaustion and fear emanating from the two Pokémon, as well as the deep bond they shared.
"They're seriously injured," Ash said softly as he stepped forward.
Alakazam immediately became alert, protecting Ralts behind itself. The spoon in its hand trembled slightly, ready to attack at any moment.
Ash stopped where he was and looked at them gently.
"Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."
He closed his eyes, and blue-green light began radiating around his body. He activated the "Compassion Form" aspect of his Aura power. Slowly extending both hands forward, he released a wave of healing energy.
The warm power swept over Alakazam and Ralts like a spring breeze. Their wounds healed at a visible rate.
The two Pokémon stared in amazement at the healing energy. The wariness in their eyes gradually faded, replaced by gratitude and relief.
"Ash, this ability..." Cherry murmured in shock.
"It's one form of his Aura power," Misty explained softly. "He's especially gifted when it comes to healing and protecting others."
A moment later, Ash slowly withdrew his power. Fine beads of sweat had already formed on his forehead.
Alakazam and Ralts were visibly much better. Though they still appeared exhausted, they were no longer in any serious danger.
"Their injuries have stabilized for now," Ash said as he turned to Brock. "What they need next is proper recovery."
Understanding immediately, Brock took out professional medical supplies from his backpack.
From the information he had sensed through Aura, Ash knew that these two Pokémon were fleeing from pursuers.
Anyone capable of forcing such a powerful Alakazam into such a desperate state was certainly no ordinary opponent.
"Cherry, let's bring them back to the village first." Ash rubbed his temples, looking somewhat tired. "Since they chose to come here, there must be a reason."
"Are you okay?" Misty asked with concern.
"I just used up a lot of energy. A little rest and I'll be fine." Ash replied with a reassuring smile.
During the journey back to the village, Ralts remained close to Alakazam at all times, occasionally sneaking glances at Ash.
As for Alakazam, it maintained its vigilance throughout the trip, never once relaxing its grip on the spoon in its hand.
After returning to Cherry's home, Brock carefully conducted a thorough examination of both Pokémon.
Besides exhaustion, Alakazam had numerous hidden injuries across its body, clearly showing signs of having endured repeated battles.
Ralts, on the other hand, had mainly suffered from shock, and its physical condition was comparatively much better.
"They need a period of quiet recovery," Brock concluded. "Especially Alakazam. Its psychic power has been overused to the point that it has affected its very foundation. It will need a long time to recover."
As night fell, Ash sat alone in the courtyard, lost in thought.
Under the moonlight, a small figure quietly approached him.
It was the Shiny Ralts.
The timid Pokémon hesitated nearby.
Ash smiled and extended his hand. A gentle ball of Aura energy gathered in his palm.
After a brief hesitation, Ralts slowly walked forward and carefully touched the glowing energy.
Feeling the warmth and kindness contained within it, the little Pokémon finally lowered its guard and gently leaned against Ash's side.
At that moment, Alakazam appeared at the doorway.
Seeing the scene before it, it did not stop Ralts. Instead, it nodded with relief.
Through telepathy, Ash vaguely received the message Alakazam was conveying.
They had both come from the distant Hoenn region. Poachers had originally captured Ralts, and Alakazam had become their target after rescuing it. In order to escape the poachers' pursuit, the two had traveled an immense distance before finally reaching this place.
"Don't worry," Ash promised softly. "You're safe here."
Looking up at the bright moon hanging in the night sky, he had already made up his mind.
These two special Psychic-type Pokémon needed more than just protection. They deserved a Trainer who could help them realize their full potential.
And the mysterious organization that had tried to harm them would have to pay the price for what they had done.
...
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