Joseph gestured for Sato and Mark to step back while he slowly approached Chansey.
Meanwhile, his right hand began to glow with the soft green light -Viridian Power-, an energy wild Pokémon found nearly impossible to resist.
Especially one like Chansey, known for its compassion and desire to care for others!
"Chansey!"
At first wary, Chansey's small eyes lit up with sparkling stars as it sensed the Viridian Power, its expression turning into pure admiration.
Joseph gave a smile, slowly reaching his hand toward Chansey. The pink Pokémon tilted its head curiously, then cautiously extended its tiny arm.
As their hands met, the Viridian Power flowed from Joseph to Chansey. Its eyes closed in bliss, and its stubby wings, like tiny ears, fluttered with joy.
"Chansey~ Chansey!"
At some point, Joseph had already stopped releasing the Viridian Power, but Chansey remained close, affectionately nuzzling up to him.
"Chansey, will you become my partner and walk this path with me?"
Joseph gently stroked Chansey's smooth head, speaking softly.
Chansey nodded decisively… but as if suddenly remembering something, tugged Joseph's hand and then turned and ran off into the forest without looking back.
"I'll go see what's up!"
Joseph called back and quickly followed Chansey.
"Did he get rejected?" Mark asked bluntly, his brain unwilling to entertain more complex interpretations.
"We'll know when we see it."
Sato didn't bother explaining.
Clearly, Chansey had unfinished business. That head tilt hadn't been for nothing.
Following Chansey, they quickly arrived at a deeper patch of grass; but at this point, the pink Pokémon stopped and hesitated, hiding behind Joseph and eyeing Sato and Mark nervously.
It was obvious, Chansey had only formed a bond with Joseph. As for the other two, all it remembered was being surrounded by them in a threatening manner.
"They're my friends. I promise they won't do anything bad." Joseph said seriously, reassuring Chansey.
After a brief pause, Chansey nodded and allowed them to continue following.
Just a few minutes later, Sato and Mark finally understood what had made Chansey so wary.
After pushing through shoulder-high grass, a crescent-shaped lake came into view. And the density and variety of Pokémon living here left both Sato and Mark stunned!
Magikarp, Goldeen, and Poliwhirl were common enough. But there were also tons of Staryu and Wooper.
The shock came when they spotted two different wild starter Pokémon populations: Totodile and Squirtle!
Not just one or two… entire family groups of both starters!
And around the lake, countless Grass- and Bug-type Pokémon also lived peacefully. Among them were Chikorita and Bulbasaur.
With just a glance, Sato struggled to name any Water-, Grass-, or Bug-types from Kanto or Johto that weren't present here.
"It's beautiful!"
Mark didn't observe as closely as Sato. He just felt like the air was fresher than ever!
But his loud exclamation startled the nearby Pokémon, who all turned and fled or hid with heightened caution.
Sato and Joseph exchanged a silent glance. If there had been any aggressive Pokémon around, they'd probably have charged at them by now to drive them off.
"Chansey~ Chansey!"
Chansey puffed out its cheeks and scolded Sato and Mark, pointing at them in frustration.
Of course, hiding behind Joseph while doing so didn't help with the intimidation factor.
Mark was oblivious, and Sato didn't show emotion on his face, so neither of them reacted. This only made Chansey huff harder and storm off in the other direction.
And that's when the three of them finally realized what Chansey had brought them here for.
Chansey began walking around the lake, scanning the area. Soon, a small Rattata crept up cautiously.
Chansey clearly recognized it, immediately and expertly using Heal Pulse upon the little Rattata.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out the little Rattata had several minor wounds. Under the effects of Heal Pulse, it recovered quickly.
Chansey, like a gentle older sister from the neighborhood, softly patted the Rattata's head and then spoke to it kindly and sincerely for a moment.
The Rattata nodded obediently, nuzzled Chansey affectionately, then darted off into the tall grass and vanished.
After Rattata broke the ice, a second Pokémon appeared, then a third, and more after that, each seeking Chansey's help.
And Chansey patiently treated every single one, one by one. From the way they interacted, it was clear they were all very familiar with her.
Sato also noticed a particularly strange phenomenon. Many Pokémon that would normally be natural enemies in the wild seemed to set aside their instincts and coexist peacefully around the lake.
Pidgeotto and Spearow flocks no longer fought. Heracross and Pinsir didn't glare at each other in hostility.
Even the notoriously aggressive and territorial Beedrill lined up quietly, showing not a hint of their usual dominance.
Gradually, the Pokémon noticed that Sato and the others weren't doing anything suspicious, and they all came out of hiding.
The crowd grew larger and larger. Chansey's forehead began to sweat, but she continued treating them all patiently.
"I'll help you!"
Joseph suddenly appeared beside Chansey, releasing Kirlia, Madame Florges, Wigglytuff, and Gogoat. All of them looking ready to assist.
"Chansey!"
Chansey flapped her little arms happily and gave a cheerful shake.
At first, no Pokémon dared approach Joseph's team. But the moment he revealed his Viridian Power, Joseph quickly became even more popular than Chansey herself.
"Woah Joseph, you're amazing!"
Mark stared wide-eyed at the scene and eagerly stepped forward to try helping as well.
Within three minutes, Gogoat had "politely" tied him up with vines and handed him a bottle of Gogoat's Grass Milk as consolation.
Aside from having good luck, Sato honestly hadn't seen any other strengths in Mark.
Thinking it over, Sato released the only support-capable Pokémon he had: Umbreon.
Not that he really wanted to help; he just figured it was a great chance for Umbreon to gain some support experience!
Judging by the sheer number of Pokémon here, it didn't look like Joseph and Chansey would be done anytime soon. Sato decided to take a walk around the lake by himself.
Mark wasn't wrong, this place was truly beautiful. The abundance of Pokémon was one reason, but the lake's crystal-clear water and the shimmering ripples caused by a gentle breeze added to its charm.
The only downside was that every time Sato approached, the wild Pokémon scattered as if fleeing from a predator.
If Viridian Power naturally drew Pokémon in, then Dark Energy probably did the opposite; perhaps only Dark-type Pokémon would willingly approach Sato.
"Awoo!"
Sure enough, a small Houndour came trotting up, happily rubbing against Sato with a clueless, curious look on its face.