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Pokémon Ranger: The Viral Catalyst (a pokemon story)
Chapter 2: Bound for the Apricorn Farm

Chapter 2: Bound for the Apricorn Farm

Graisey woke up refreshed in the Ranger room, the hot shower having worked wonders. Her legs and feet still ached from the long journey, but Kirlia had tended to her blisters, promising they would heal fully with another treatment. After letting the gentle Kirlia sleep in the PokéNest, Graisey had used the RotomTablet to order a package. It included new footwear, a backpack, and a cozy coat, though the loud logos and vibrant colors weren't quite her style. She had to wear the PokéCenter’s pajamas for now until the package arrived. After dressing, she headed down the hall in search of Kaiy.

As she made her way past closed doors of other rooms, likely still occupied by sleeping trainers, Graisey encountered Chansey. The nurse Pokémon, looking a bit drowsy in her pastel apron, greeted Graisey with a cheerful "Chansey!"

"How is Cyndaquil?" Graisey asked eagerly.

"Chansey! Chansey!" replied Chansey, wiggling off towards another room. Curious, Graisey followed her and nearly collided with Doctor Petal.

"Howdy there, young trainer," Doctor Petal greeted with a warm smile. She had a heavy accent and a sun-kissed face, her hands calloused and her hair tucked away under a cap. "How are you this fine morning?"

"Good morning, Doctor," Graisey replied, trying to steady her nerves. "How is Cyndaquil?"

"Well, I was a wee bit worried for your friend, you see," Doctor Petal began. "He has a virus and all. But don't be alarmed, poppet! We got the treatment just in time. You can thank that Ranger friend of yours; clever boy that one."

"And now, what about Cyndaquil?" Graisey pressed, her concern evident.

"We let him rest, darling. Come, have a look," Doctor Petal spoke kindly, leading Graisey into the nursing room. Inside, Cyndaquil lay on a stone structure, flickers of flame dancing at its borders. Floating above him was a Munna.

"You see, my Munna here keeps him deep under, pleasant dreams included," Doctor Petal explained with a reassuring smile. "Wigglytuff and Nurse Joy will administer the medicine along with Munna's sleeping gas. He'll be fit again before we know it."

"So, he's not in mortal danger?" Graisey asked, relief washing over her.

"No, no, no, he's fine! Well, not entirely, but he will make a full and hasty recovery," Doctor Petal assured her.

Meanwhile, Kaiy had been on the videophone. Jolteon, by his side, barked softly and ran over to greet Graisey as she emerged from the nursing room.

"I already explained everything to the Ranger. Later today, I'll check on Cyndaquil again, after my rounds in Cherrygrove," Doctor Petal informed them, reaching into her bag and handing Jolteon a PokéBlock while patting him on the head. "You'll hear from me. Now, try and relax a bit. Toodles!" With a cheerful goodbye, Doctor Petal left, and Kaiy joined Graisey by the bench where his equipment lay scattered. His backpack, adorned with leather contraptions that had carried Cyndaquil on Jolteon's back, rested beside him. Nearby, a slept-in sleeping bag, a box of Rage Candy Bars, and a portable computer completed the scene. Jolteon nudged the box towards Graisey, prompting her to pick out a round delight.

"I see you found my spot," Kaiy chuckled as he approached the bench. His blond, spiky hair was tousled from a restless sleep, and his wrinkled clothes showed no signs of wear. Surprisingly, they weren't even wet despite the rain.

"Thank you, Ranger," Graisey began humbly, staring at her feet. "Without you..."

"Ah, don't mention it," Kaiy interrupted gently. "And call me Kaiy. I don't really like titles. Did the doctor explain everything?"

Graisey nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Yes, Cyndaquil has a virus, but he'll make a full recovery."

"Good," Kaiy said, swallowing a piece of Rage Candy bar. "Do you still have that RotomTablet?"

Graisey gestured towards the hallway door, indicating it was in the Ranger room. Kaiy nodded, considering their next steps.

"Okay, keep it close. The PokéCenter will alert you when Cyndaquil is about to wake up," Kaiy instructed. "Go and pack up your things. We're off."

Graisey hesitated, thinking of Cyndaquil back at the PokéCenter. "But I can't leave Cyndaquil. I have to stay here."

Kaiy paused, his expression gentle. "Look," he began kindly, "I understand you want to stay. But there's nothing more you can do here. We'll go to a safe place near the PokéCenter, just outside the city borders."

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"But what about the package I ordered?" Graisey asked, her concern shifting.

"It'll be waiting for us when we arrive," Kaiy assured her. "And since you don't have shoes yet, I've arranged for a pickup."

Reluctantly, Graisey nodded, understanding there was no use in arguing. She gathered her few belongings in a PokéCenter bag, noting her shoes were beyond saving due to water damage. In the room, she found her dried clothes thanks to Kirlia, along with some snacks, a few Potions, and her trusty Pokédex. She thanked Kirlia with a gentle hug when she was dressed again, which the Pokémon delightedly returned, before returning to Cyndaquil's room.

"Don't worry, Cyndaquil. I'll be right here when you wake up," Graisey whispered, kissing him gently on the snout. Munna sighed softly, releasing another cloud. It was her cue to leave.

Outside the PokéCenter, Kaiy waited patiently.

As Graisey approached, Kaiy gestured towards a peculiar sight across the cobblestone street: a wooden wagon, crafted from polished cherry wood. Unlike typical wagons, it had no traditional wheels. Instead, large spherical orbs made from oak wood were fixed to the wagon.

"Behold, our ride," Kaiy said with a smile, guiding Graisey towards the wagon. "It's a Linoone-drawn wagon, a local specialty here in Cherrygrove City."

Graisey's eyes widened with curiosity as she inspected the wagon. Two Linoone stood proudly harnessed to the front, their sleek forms adorned with decorative harnesses that jingled softly with each step. The Linoone's tails twitched with excitement, eager to begin their journey.

"Wow, it's beautiful," Graisey remarked, running her hand along the smooth wood. "I've never seen anything like it."

"It's quite popular here," Kaiy explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "Now, hop on in."

With Kaiy's assistance, Graisey settled into the wagon's plush seats, marveling at the comfortable cushions that lined it. Jolteon jumped up beside her, settling down with a contented sigh.

The wagon driver, a friend of Kaiy’s grandparents, with weathered hands and a broad smile, greeted them warmly. "Hop on in, young Trainers," he said cheerfully, holding open the door of the wagon.

As Kaiy settled in beside her, Graisey couldn't contain her curiosity about the Ranger.

"So, Kaiy," she began tentatively, "have you always lived in Cherrygrove?"

Kaiy shook his head. "No, actually, I grew up in the Kanto region," he replied, glancing out at the bustling streets of Cherrygrove City. "What about you? Where's home?"

Graisey hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm from Olivine City," she said finally. "I grew up in the Pokémon Nursery there.”

Kaiy raised an eyebrow with interest. "The Pokémon Nursery? That must have been exciting. What was it like?"

Graisey smiled warmly, reminiscing about her childhood surrounded by Pokémon. "It was amazing," she began, her voice filled with nostalgia. "The Nursery took care of all sorts of newborn Pokémon. I learned so much about caring for baby Pokémon from mom and dad, they run the place."

As the conversation flowed, the Linoone-drawn wagon rolled smoothly through the streets of Cherrygrove City. Pidgey fluttered overhead, their cheerful chirps filling the air, while Growlithe played joyfully in a nearby park. The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of berries and fresh flowers.

As they approached the outskirts of Cherrygrove City, the wagon slowed to a stop at the gate leading to Kaiy's grandparents' farm. The wooden gate swung open with a creak, revealing a winding path lined with lush greenery and colorful Apricorn trees.

"We're here," Kaiy announced with a smile, stepping out of the wagon. Jolteon bounded ahead, eager to explore the familiar surroundings. "Welcome to the Apricorn farm."

Graisey followed suit, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as she took in the tranquil surroundings. The scent of Apricorns mixed with the earthy aroma of the farm, creating a comforting atmosphere.

"Thank you for arranging this," Graisey said gratefully to Kaiy, her gaze lingering on the wagon and the Linoone. "It's really something."

Kaiy shrugged modestly. "Just part of the charm of Cherrygrove," he replied. "Now, let's get settled in. My grandparents will be thrilled to have us."