Ash and the Girl (Bonus Chapter, Thanks to Reader Mingwei for the Generous Gift)

"Lisa, if I'd really come here on a mission, I would have told you, even if it was confidential: 'Sorry, I can't share the details. I hope you understand.'

"I don't think that would have hurt our friendship. So my visit has nothing to do with the Pokémon Ranger Union."

Dian answered earnestly, "Likewise, I won't ask what you're doing in Alto Mare. And as long as it doesn't go against what Pokémon Rangers stand for, you can come to me whenever you need help."

He paused. "But I wouldn't recommend taking on work outside your duties as Nurse Joy. It doesn't suit you."

"Besides... you actually left Blissey alone at the Pokémon Center. Honestly, I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Dian hesitated, then said what he was really thinking. "Are you sure she'll be all right?"

"Ah! She'll be fine. Nobody goes to the Pokémon Center for free meals anymore."

Lisa's expression relaxed again, and she smiled.

Dian nodded, trying not to think about how many victims it had taken to reach that point.

Tap, tap, tap.

Suddenly, a brown-haired girl hurried in and ran straight toward Ben Gray. At the same time, a figure on the second floor quickly ducked out of sight.

"Kanon?"

Ben Gray frowned. He had spotted the girl from afar and knew she wasn't Kanon, but Latias in human form. The real Kanon was on the Great Cathedral's second floor.

He glanced upstairs and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Kanon had hidden herself. Otherwise, he would have had to claim they were twins.

Latias rushed to Ben Gray's side, her face tense. Then she spotted Ash nearby, and her expression suddenly brightened.

Watching all this, Dian quickly scanned the Great Cathedral. Lisa beside him seemed completely unaware, while Laika and his attendant,