"Here we go! Get ready!" Gary exclaimed, bouncing on his heels in anticipation.

"Yeah, I know!" Goh yelled back, already focused on the task ahead.

Suddenly, a girl wearing a pink jacket, white fingerless gloves, and a woolly hat slid in front of the four boys, her presence commanding attention. "Articuno, no!" she exclaimed firmly. "You know better!"

Ash blinked in surprise. "Excuse m-"

The girl turned slightly, just enough for the boys to see her eyes, which were narrowed with annoyance.

"Did you just talk back?" she shot at Ash, her tone challenging.

Ash quickly put his hands up in a placating gesture. "Now, now..."

The girl huffed, turning her attention back to the majestic Ice-type Pokémon. "You should be grateful I love you, Ash, or I would've done something to you."

Before Ash could ask who she was, he noticed the intricate embroidery on her gloves-a Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Pikachu with Charmander.

His eyes widened in recognition. "Wisty?!"

The girl didn't flinch at his exclamation. "Oh, good. You know who I am," she replied coolly.

Then, with a determined look, she cracked her neck. "Frostbite, you shouldn't be here! Molteace has been looking for you!"

Articuno screeched in protest, its icy feathers ruffling with agitation.

Wisty took a few cautious steps toward the legendary Pokémon. "Come on," she said softly, her voice almost soothing. "Can't we be reasonable here? It's... it's winter, Frosty. You need to go."

Articuno let out another screech, more insistent this time.

"I'm sorry," Wisty continued, maintaining her calm demeanor. "But you can't raid battle with them. Your body will be used up, and you won't have the power to go to the mountains. And we all know you legendary Pokémon don't go into Poké Balls. We all know that."

Gary raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What's going on?"

Goh rubbed his eyes, trying to make sense of the situation. "It looks like she's... talking with them?"

Horace shook his head in disbelief. "Not talking. Convincing. She's convincing her Articuno!"

Everyone gasped, their surprise palpable, but Wisty turned to Ash with a smirk. "See, Ash? You should take lessons from this guy. He's smart."

Ash, caught off guard, blinked at her. "Wait, you think I need lessons?"

Wisty rolled her eyes playfully. "Not just about being smart, but about understanding Pokémon. You've got the heart, but sometimes you need a little finesse, you know?"

Ash opened his mouth to respond but quickly shut it, his brow furrowing in thought. Maybe she had a point.

Articuno shifted, clearly torn between staying and leaving, its icy breath forming small clouds in the chilly air.

Wisty crouched down, her eyes softening. "Frostbite, please. You have to think about your well-being. This isn't just a game for you."

Ash watched in awe as Wisty continued to communicate with the legendary Pokémon, her voice gentle yet firm. There was a connection between them that he had never fully appreciated before.

Finally, Articuno tilted its head, almost considering her words, its fierce gaze softening.

With a sigh, Wisty smiled slightly, "That's it. You know what's best for you. Let's go back to the mountains where you can rest."

Articuno let out a softer cry, a sound that almost resembled a reluctant agreement, before it took off into the sky, leaving a trail of shimmering snowflakes in its wake.

As the last remnants of Articuno disappeared into the distance, Gary shook his head in disbelief. "Wow... that was impressive."

Goh nodded, still in awe. "You really know how to handle Pokémon, Wisty."

Wisty shrugged, a playful grin on her face. "Just doing what I can. It's all about understanding them."

Ash, still processing everything, looked at her with newfound respect. "Yeah, maybe I should pay more attention to that."

Wisty gave him a teasing look. "Maybe you should. And while you're at it, keep an eye on your own Pokémon. They might just need a little love too."