What defines…true pain and suffering? Was it the greatest amount of abuse our body can take and feel to the point of begging for death? Or was it the greatest amount of mental abuse that our minds could take until the brink of insanity? Both aren’t right in my opinion. True pain and suffering differ for each person. Fortunately, few would see themselves through it and unfortunately, I have experienced what could be considered my own true pain and suffering. Pain was the sensation that our mind consciously tried to avoid, whether small or big, but as part of our life, it will be with us until the day we die. - Eric Angelo
Play this as the second opening theme
“So, everything is under control. We just have to accompany the ponies to the police station and give testimony of what happened. We also apparently need to talk with the manager of the train-line. But besides that, we’re all good”
Eric was currently knee deep in a conversation with a shiny Scizor, who also happens to be the former champion of Hoenn. He had arrived not two minutes ago, and stated he was there to check on him after he and Alex had run off on them.
So far, what Steven said had been a shower of relief, even if he didn’t show it.
Without Steven noticing, he glanced his way momentarily.“.....I guess he really is a champion. So far, he’s been there to help like any champion would....but.” Eric sighed with eyes close when he remembered his screw up. “.....was he somehow....ticked off with me? .....only one way to find out.”
“....Steven….”
That did the trick, his voice had gained Steven’s attention. “Yes, Eric?”
It was now or never for the Hydreigon. “....about earlier....sorry I screwed up.” Eric admitted, head looking downward miserably. “I really shouldn’t have...I didn’t really know what that ring did. If I had known….I should stop now, I’ll probably just try to think of some bad excuse.”
The former champion was seemingly deep in thought, then he turned those steely eyes at his way. “You did what you had to do. You didn’t know what the ring did, but you knew Fox was involved and that she always means trouble. You did a great job back there, I wouldn’t have managed to take down Gray Hat without your help. Given, you need to work some more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’re all far from perfect, and we all make mistakes. But what’s important is that we fix those mistakes, and we try to improve, learning with every mistake. That’s the beautiful thing about errors, you can learn from them to become a better self. Like when you search a cave system for the first time, you’ll most likely end up in dead ends or natural deadly traps, but that’s part of the job, to find those and avoid going through them again. So don’t beat yourself up for a mistake even I could have made”
Hearing that was another burden lifted off his shoulder, enough to let out one of his rare smiles. “.....you’re right. I shouldn’t sulk like that.”
“Great, anyways, now that the ponies in the train are all good, and the crew agreed to help with Gray Hat, I believe we’re going to go our separate ways soon. It’s been a pleasure, Eric Angelo.” With finality in his tone, Steven nodded once before turning to exit the cart.
But Eric couldn’t let him go just like that, not until he says one thing once he sees the opportunity. “.....hey, Steven…”
Once more, the champion was brought to a halt and turned to face Eric. “Yes?”
“.....here goes nothing.” He took a few silent deep breaths before speaking.
“…Do you mind if I challenge you to a battle, in the event should we meet again? I always wanted to challenge champions, both ex and current ones.”
“I’m afraid that, I…” Eric noticed the hesitant tone, expecting the worst. But Steven wasn’t done. “Can’t say no to that. After seeing your Volcarona in action, I’m sure it will be an interesting fight. But first, I’d need to reunite with my team, as Layton is the only one I’ve encountered so far. So if we ever meet again, I’d be glad to have a battle with you.” He smiled before continuing his way, but not without leaving noticeable trail of sparkles distinctive of a shiny Pokémon.
The cart Eric was in went silent, before he left a confident smile on his face. “....glad to hear that.”
“...after all....fighting champions....was one of my goals....but not at the moment.” With a sigh, he moved to join his companions on the other cart.
“Eric....is this really the city?” Alex body was shaking like a boat in the middle of a typhoon once the sight of such many ponies registered in his brain. Fortunately, a pair of arm was there to calm him and held him close.
“....I think it is.” Eric raised an eyebrow as he exited the train car, digesting the sight before him as he held the shaking Volcarona close to his chest. “....so...this is the capital city of Equestria?”
It was white, white as far as the eye can see. Almost every single building in sight was either marble or brick walls painted white to match it’s surroundings with the occasional gold lining. Ponies, mostly unicorns were milling around in their tuxedos or dresses of variety of colors. Although the most peculiar thing that caught Eric’s eye were most that stuck their noses up in the air.
Before he could question such an action, Dawn explained. “Yeah, Canterlot.” The mare stepped before Eric and presented the sight before him. “Where most nobles reside.”
“....so it seems that I was right, they are nobles. With the way the stuck up their noses like that....most of them are....obnoxious.” The Hydreigon muttered.
An obnoxious yawn came from behind Eric, revealed to be Dominus who stepped up beside him. “What’s next, dude?”
The former human took a simple glance to his left. “....hmmm?”
“I’m sure as heck know we’re not going to stand here all the time. So, where’s next?” The Braviary leaned his head forward beside Eric in anticipation.
It didn’t take him much to make a decision, once he took the location into heart with a single glance. “....we should go over there first.” He said out loud.
Not getting what he meant, Dawn scratched her head. “Uhhh....what?”
“.....we should go to this CEO first. Best we get it done first, then we can go to the hospital later. My dad won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.” Without any further words, Eric move to lead the way once more.
“....after all, it’s best to get all things not related to dad’s finished as soon as possible. I don’t want anything else to rise up and get in the way for us.” He whispered to himself.
Although, Dawn’s protest brought him to a halt. “Wait, wait, wait, hold one there. If we’re going to find the CEO or this building you mentioned, then I should ask around...for.....directions?“ Before Dawn could finish whatever she was about to say, her three-headed friend pointed to something behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see what her friend meant.
The building is a blue, tall four story building, a sign with a cartoon-looking train logo speeding like a bullet accompanied by an inscription underneath which reads, ‘We take you from anywhere to everywhere in no time’
“Well, there’s the building, dude. Never imagined didn’t take as long as I thought.” Dominus rubbed his head at the absurdity of it.
Dawn meanwhile was baffled. “Uhhhh....yeah, that.” She didn’t know what else she could say.
“.....well,” Eric floated over Dawn, before flicking his head toward the direction of the building. “We should go.”
“Right behind you, dude.” Dominus talons click clacked across the floor to join up with his friend, grabbing the still baffled Dawn along the way.
The offices inside was a maze of cubicles for the entirety of the first three floors, coupled with birds coming and going with letters and workers trotting around either carrying paperwork or folder with files inside.
And now, the four was watching the door labeled CEO with trepidation as they sat on the available seats.
It wasn’t long before the secretary who was sitting behind the desk beside the door came up to the four. “Sir?”
Eric looked up to see a regular white earth pony mare in front of him. “....yeah?”
“Mister Express Route is ready to see you, sir.”
With a sigh, the Hydreigon floated up and toward the doorway. Eric glanced over his shoulder toward his companions. “....wait for me, this won’t take a while.”
Alex tried to do his best in an attempt to sink to the floor with all the ponies walking around. “....okay.”
Dawn and Dominus nodded with a smile on their faces.
Eric replied with a simple nod before crossing into the office itself where he spotted an old blue pegasus sitting behind the table, looking expectantly at his newest guess. His office had a classical look, with many detailed furniture in the walls. There was a big leather sofa behind a carefully carved wooden desk, on it, a blue pegasus colt ordered some papers.
The office descended into silence when the door shut on itself. The former human decided to take the initiative. “....you wanted to see me?”
“....wait...can he even understand me? I don’t exactly have a spell to translate.” Eric frowned. “For all I know I might sound-”
“I can understand you, Mister Angelo.” The pony replied with a grin.
The former human expected the worst to happen, but not this time. Express Route seems to be your regular CEO. “....I see, that makes things a lot easier. Can you please tell me why have you called me here, Mr. Route?” Eric opted to go straight to the point. He had one other thing to worry about now.
The pegasus chuckled at the Pokémon’s simple, yet straightforward words, “Well Mister Angelo. I already exchanged some words with Mister Stone, regarding the destruction of one of my trains. Thieves, explosions, illegal ancient artifacts. Quite the chaotic adventure you had, don’t you think?”
The Hydreigon’s eyes slightly narrowed at the mention of the former champion. “...I take it Steven was summoned here as well?”
“Indeed. You know, we need both your testimonies due to legal procedures, a pain in the flank if I say so myself. But has to be done. So please, if you will”
The Pokémon nodded. “...certainly.”
Eric done his best to explain what happened in his part of the whole fiasco. Starting from how he got onto the train the first place, to his third encounter with Fox and meeting a former champion. It all ended when he explained the same thing he thought the former champion had explained to the Pegasus before.
“....that’s all there is to it. Part of that mess was because of my fault…..I’m willing to take responsibility for it if you want?” Through all of this, Eric had maintained a neutral face, not really caring which decision the old stallion will pick.
The stallion looked at him with a face of confusion, “Well, the way I see it, and according to Mister Stone. If there’s one to blame, is Mister Gray Hat. You did what you had to do. Why would you take responsibility for saving the lives of dozens?”
“....I’m just that kind of person that’s all.” The Hydreigon replied. “If it’s a mess I’ve made, then I’ll take responsibility for it. No one else should.”
The Stallion downed his head, and began laughing, the laugh becoming louder and louder. “I can’t believe it, my boy! Just as I told Mr. Stone, If I’ve learned something in all my years living in Canterlot, it’s that whenever a hero saves the day, there’s destruction. You, Mister Angelo, you are a hero. You saved my train, the destruction is just part of the job!”
A momentary silence descended onto the office. Eric shakes his head. “....I’m no hero, never will be, Mr. Route, I’m just doing what someone else would do in my position.”
“Not many would risk their life, taking on a power drunk unicorn wearing an ancient artifact. You saved lives, didn’t you?”
Already, Eric got a hint on where this is going, yet he decided to play along. “....A few times before, yeah. Mr. Route, I’ll change my statement, I’m only doing what’s right. I’m no hero, never will be.”
The stallion nodded, a wide smile on his face, “My friend. You will never be a hero in the future, because you already ARE a hero. You saved lives, fought evil, sided with other heroes. Did you know that Steven Stone and his partner are known as the ‘Heroes of Tall Tale’? You are not a regular being in this wide world, you’re a hero.”
The room descended into another silence while Eric resisted the urge to rub his head after getting a glimpse of what the old stallion see in him. “......if you say so, Mr. Route.”
“Quite the humble one, aren’t you? Cheer up my friend, being serious and stoic will only take you to stress and ultimately to madness!” Express Route took a yellow envelope from his desk.
Seeing the yellow envelope, Eric had already gotten an idea why a CEO would summon him to a personal meeting. “....is that the real reason why you’ve summoned me? Not just for a statement?”
“Heroes deserve to be rewarded, don’t they?” he chuckled, before taking a small, cardboard golden ticket from it.
The former human raised an eyebrow at the sight of a ticket. “....I take it that’s not a normal ticket given out?”
“It isn’t my friend. Its a Golden Ticket, I usually give it to close friends and family, but this is a special case. You present it in any station, and you’ll be able to board any train anywhere for free, as long as it is on Equestrian grounds.”
While Eric was glad for the reward, he felt he had imposed upon the CEO. “.....you’ve given me too much credit. I don’t deserve a reward really. As I said before, I’m only doing what’s right.”
“And that exactly deserves a reward, Mister Angelo. I won’t take no for an answer, I believe that may be of use for you.”
That last statement held some form of bite in it. Denying a reward even when said giver insisted on it would seems impolite. Eric had made his decision. “....alright, if you won’t take no for an answer, I guess I’ll take it.” He closed the distance and reached out toward the special ticket.
“Wonderful. My friend, I’m afraid that I have business to attend, I’d like to have a longer conversation but it’s not possible as of now. Besides, I believe you have some business yourself in this wonderful city.”
The Hydreigon nodded as he took the ticket from the stallion’s hoof. “....I am, it’s important for us to deal with it right now.”
He went over the ticket one more time to get a good look at it. Seeing nothing that requires immediate attention, Eric looked up again. “....what about the crime lord? Gray Hat? Is he being put in a trial?”
“Your testimony is more than enough, both yours and Mister Stone’s. We’ll deal with it ourselves, don’t worry, the legal system here is not that strict, we have unicorns in charge of finding out if someone’s innocent or not. Quite the wonderful world isn’t it?”
Wonderful is not the word Eric would describe upon the world as he sees it, but saying otherwise would risk offending the stallion. “...it is, Mr. Route.”
Then he resumed the flow of the original conversation. “....is there anything else that needs to be addressed?”
“....I see. Alright, if there isn’t anything else, then I bid you good bye. Thanks for the hospitality, Mr. Route.“ With a grateful nod, the Hydreigon turned to head toward the door.
Looking at VIP-like ticket, Eric frowned at the thought of given a reward when there is nothing special about what he does. “....I’m never a hero.”
However, beneath all of that, the feeling of being praised instead of being labeled a monster was….enlightening. To be called a hero, instead of something akin to that of a …..criminal, just like what the cop had said to him a few days ago.
“.....hmmm, the first time I’ve ever been rewarded for something like this…..somehow it felt...good. The world tends to give everyone unexpected surprises, whether it is good or bad depends on how lucky we are. In the meantime….” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. In the darkness, he could see the face of the one he seek. “....I’ll be right there.”
Opening his eyes, he crossed the doorway which opened toward his waiting companion on the other side.
All three Pokemon and one mare exited the building and out of the station proper. Early in the morning, ponies piled up the streets one after another, almost giving no room for the weary.
“We’re going to the hospital now?” Dominus folded his wings in a manner similar to a pair of crossed arms.
With all is said and done about the CEO trouble, his mind was focused on his father. “.....yeah, we should find the hospital mentioned in the paper.”
“Alright, I’ll go ask around for the place.” She moved to stop a passing pony, but she halted herself at the last second when she forgot a crucial information. “Wait, wait, wait, was the name of the hospi-“
Fortunately, Eric answered for her. “Saint Celestial Hospital.” He offered without so much as a glance. “....it’s on the paper that mentioned, my supposed dad?”
“....yeah, that.” Dawn couldn’t believe she had forgotten that, but resolved. “Right, wait here while I ask around for a bit.”
Eric simply answered with a nod.
“Sure thing, Dawn, we won’t be going nowhere.” Dominus let out a reassuring grin that looks cute than cool.
Such a thing was not missed by Dawn, who let out her own amused chuckle. “Alright, be right back, you three.” She instantly lost herself in the flood of ponies seeking works.
And so, for the second time that day they had waited for the next pieces to fall. The only the sounds of inaudible conversations and the sound hoof falls was there to accompany them as they wait for their pony companion to return from her task.
During that time, Dominus’ mind was racing about the prospect of meeting his friend’s father for the first time. Not only that, he was a human, which means he also had a partner Pokemon if his three-headed friend’s Salamence partner was of any indication.
He took glances at Eric who does his best to imitate a statue, not once moving his gaze from the flood of ponies. His mind was racing with questions, what was he like? What is his Pokemon form? With each questions formed, he took a glance to his right at Eric. Unlike Dawn, however, he is not one to let curiosity get the better of him so he decided to put back into his mind.
Unfortunately for him, Eric had found out the extent of his curiosity when he fixed a gaze to the Braviary. “.....is there a problem, Dominus?”
Said Braviary blanched when he was caught red-handed. “I-I, no, not me.” He let out an innocent whistle.
Unfortunately, the fact he tried too hard was enough of an indicator for Eric. “....if you have some troubles just ask, we’ll help.”
The tiny Volcarona on Eric’s chest softly nodded. “I, uh, I mean, we would be happy to help.”
“Whoa, not that, dude. I don’t have problem, just some questions that’s been nagging me and all. Nah, don’t let me bother you, though.”
Eric had connected the dots soon, but just decided to play the innocent card again. “....questions?”
“Dude, what I mean is, I’m not going to ask some questions like my partner did, you know? Notice that Dawn tends to blurt out the words she was curious about?” His friend nodded. “The answer’s there, Eric. Not going to get you mad like a rabid Houndoom.” Now Dominus waited for his reaction.
Unsurprisingly, his face didn’t betray his hidden emotions. “.....it’s not that I’m angry. Uncomfortable was the better word for it....but that shouldn’t stop you from asking some questions. If you want to know, then ask, this is a free world after all.”
Now Dominus had to approve his point, after all, who’s to stop anyone from talking? “Well, sorry about it anyway.”
“...no need to be sorry. If you have some questions then ask away, like I said, this is a free world. No one was going to sue you for merely asking questions. But that depends on the person, anyway.” Eric motioned for him to ask away.
“Well,” With the excitement gone, Dominus recited the one question he had thought up minutes ago. “What’s your old man like?”
Eric knew what he meant, but he decided to play along. “....hmmm?”
“Your old man, what was he like? You know, personality, handsome or not, and all that.” Once he realizes what he had said, he chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head. “Forget what I just said at the last.”
And he did, instead focusing on the former. “.....he is....possibly the laziest person you’ll ever meet.”
Dominus expected a lot of things from Eric’s father, but that wasn’t one of them. “Huh?”
“It is true,” Alex cut in. “Mr. Angelo was always kind of, uhm, relaxed when not doing...anything?” He glanced up to Eric for confirmation, to which he nodded in return.
“Eh, for real?” Dominus wanted to make sure these two were not trying to fill his head with tricks. Seeing the look on Eric’s face told him it was anything, but a trick. “Wait, is he really lazy?”
A simple nod gave him the answer.
All Dominus could do at the moment was let his jaw hang agape. “Dude,” He whacked his head once just to make sure he was hearing things straight. “Lazy was the last thing I expected you to say about your old man. No offense, there.”
Eric sighed. “.....it’s not a problem, I know it was unbelievable, but.....he is like that. But lucky enough, being an adult forced him to curb his relaxation many times over and over again to take care of the family. I’m grateful for that.”
Dominus grinned in appreciation, it seems his friend’s dad was not as bad as he thought. “Now that, is a perfect old man right there.”
The Hydreigon nodded his head at the praise before continuing. “....anyway, as to answer the rest of your question. He is quite the good guy, if a little silent back in his youth, you can say that my tendency of being silent stems from him. He is, like all trainers are supposed to be, good with Pokemon.”
“Sounds like the perfect old man to me as far as I’m concerned. Some would kill for that kind of dad, you know?”
“If you say so....” Alex murmured in agreement as he clutched close to Eric. “I hope that Mr. Angelo is alright. I can’t...uhm, stand it.”
“....me too, Alex.” Eric’s mind couldn’t help, but let the image of a certain human and Alakazam to appear once more, causing him to clutch the moth tighter. “....me too.”
An immediate trot was not missed by Eric’s ear. Glancing upward, he found Dawn was approaching them, visibly smiling with a small springs to her steps.
Eric was not about to let disappoint her by beating around the bush. “.....Dawn, you found what we needed?”
“Yeah, I got it. A noble said that the hospital was in the worker’s district a few blocks away from the noble’s district. It’s not far.” Dawn turned around to point at the flowing river of ponies in front of them. “All we have to do is follow the crowd for a few minutes, turn right when I say so.”
The news had lighten the load on Eric’s shoulder, even if his face didn’t show it. “....wasn’t that far away. It seems that luck was on our side....for now anyway.” He muttered.
“Then what are we waiting for, dude?” Dominus’s feather bristled with anticipation.
“.....alright.” Eric nodded before turning to Dawn. “....let’s go, Dawn can you lead the way?”
“Sure, just follow me closely.”
The four lost themselves into the flow of ponies, Dawn leading the way toward their destination : Saint Celestial Hospital.
Travelling to their destinations was not as easy as they thought. This is the wee morning, which means rush hour was there to obstruct their easy path toward the hospital. It wasn’t helping that some of the ponies were still getting used to the fact that there are some kind of three-headed hydra-like Pokemon among the crowd and gaped.
Eric paid them no heed toward the glances made his way. Dawn, however, wasn’t so lucky. Her being in the spotlight didn’t do her mood any favor, but this time Dominus was there to help her lessen her nervousness.
A few minutes later, they had exited the flow of ponies to stand before marble-walled five story building that is the destination they seek. Right on top of the double glass doors leading to its interior.
Dawn, finally free from the curious glances, now could think clearly and stated. “There it is, the hospital.”
Sure enough, the sign says for itself : The Saint Celestial Hospital. They had arrived at the place where Eric’s father is currently resting.
Without waiting for their consent, Eric had led the way now. With curious glances at each other, they shrugged and followed their former human friend inside.
The inside of the hospital was commonplace among all of them, ponies in their patients scrub, either trotting around or dragging around their IV’s around. Some are wheeling around on their wheelchairs. Nonetheless, the environment was gloomy typical to that of a hospital.
Eric’s attention became solely focused on the snow white nurse with yellow mane on the other side of the reception desk. He floated forward, still unconsciously clutching Alex close to his chest.
Once close enough, his right hand-head found it’s way to a bell and smacked it once to get the nurse’s attention.
It did, her work was interrupted as she glanced upward with a smiling face. It was gone as fast as it came when she came almost face-to-face with possibly a pupil-less hydra. Had it not for the fact, she held herself secure to the desk, she would have fallen backward on her chair.
Eric was not in such a mood for chit-chat. Just seeing the mare’s horrified expression, he decided to get to the point, for both their sakes. “...miss, can I ask for information?”
“I-I-I....” The nurse was at a loss of words.
Eric waved a head to regain her attention, then repeat. “....can I ask for information?”
Unfortunately, the nurse was still as dumbstruck as ever.
Face hiding his slight irritation, he muttered. “....sorry about this, miss.” He snapped the waving head forward and snapped close to her muzzle.
That did the trick, the sight of a head nearly closed in on her muzzle jerked her head backward reflexively, in turn also bringing her back to the real world.
He heard hoofsteps and click-clack of talons behind him, yet his attention was full on the mare. “.....alright, may I know of a patient who came here possibly eleven days ago. One Pokemon was carrying another in his arms?”
“I-I...” Then a realization struck the mare. “I-I think....I m-m-might have k-known where t-they are.” She stuttered.
Satisfied with the information, he motioned her to continue.
“H-hold o-o-on a s-second.” Without further ado, she opened the logbook the size of an arm in front of her with a solid thud.
Eric waited patiently as the mare scanned the required informations about the last few days ever since the mass exodus had happened.
“Eric.”
“....hmmm?” He glanced downward at the less-shaky Volcarona.
“Uhm, I think the miss is...finished?” He said uncertainly.
The Hydreigon turned around to face the shaky mare once more. Who had just finished, judging from the book that now had laid shut just like Alex said.
The glance made her way had not lessened her fears. But she trudged forward. “I-I may have s-s-some information about t-those Pokemon.”
Eric carefully masked his intention to hurry along and leaned forward. “....where are they?”
The nurse decided it was better to follow his wishes. “Y-you could find h-h-him at the fifth floor, r-room n-number 512, east wing, s-sir. Should I-I ask for-“
Before she could continue, Eric cut her off.“....no thanks, we’ll find our way ourselves.” He shot her down before offering a nod of thanks instead. “....thank you for the information, ma’am.” Without another word, he floated toward the hallway to the left of the desk.
The mare behind the desk couldn’t think of a better way to be grateful than to heave a sigh that the object of her fear was gone.
Dawn stepped forward to ease the mare. “Sorry if my friend was....scary.” The mare scratched her head at her poor choice of words.
“It’s n-n-not a problem, ma’am.” The nurse herself noticed her earlier stutter in her speech was almost gone, she wore a weary smile. “Although, h-he does seems....u-u-unusual for fearful looking."
“Took the words right out of my mouth, lady.” Dominus agreed. “I’d say we should go before we lost Eric. Let’s go, Dawn.”
“Uhhh....right.” She led the way toward the hallway Eric just took, not before saying her thanks. “Thanks for the help, by the way.”
“No problem, have a good day, ma’am.”
“Eric, wait up!”
Dawn’s voice was enough to halt the Hydreigon’s advance into the staircase at the end of the small hallway. He glanced over his shoulder to see that his two companions are catching up.
Once they had caught up, Dawn moved to say something, yet Dominus beat her to it. “C’mon, dude. Is not cool to leave us behind you know. You said it yourself, your old man won’t be going nowhere.”
Realizing he was once again, acting like a fanatical bloodhound upon a single objective, he sighed. “....sorry, I just wanted to find my dad as soon as possible....”
“Understandable, dude.” Dominus nodded twice. “If it was my old man, I would come running all the same. Like you do, but don’t leave us hanging either.”
“Yeah...that.” Dawn sighed at her lack of conversational talent.
“....I’ll try.” He hoped that answer was as good as any for now.
Both Dawn and Dominus fortunately decided to take that answer to heart.
No further interruptions in the way, Eric led the way into the staircase. They climbed stairs after stairs leading up to the fourth floor, patients and hospital staff passing by on occasions. Once they had headed up their twelfth staircase, in front of them was the doorway with the sign number ‘5, East Wing’.
They entered into the hallway proper, wooden doors on each side marked with numbers on top and windows for visitors and patient alike to peer either in or out. But Eric’s attention was solely on the number plating, scanning for number
Dawn and Dominus reserved to just follow.
“...Eric.”
“....hmmm?”
“It’s.....uh, do you think that....Mr.Angelo might be here?” Alex couldn’t believe himself that he had actually asked that. He wanted to just disappear into the confines of his trainer’s arm.
Eric sincerely hoped that they haven’t skipped hospital for somewhere else with better equipment for treatments. “.....let’s hope so, Alex. Otherwise, we will have our work-” The former human stopped himself and turned right to face a wooden door.
Dawn had noticed, so does Alex and Dominus, but strangely they didn’t question him. The mare was curious. “Eric, what-“
Instead of answering her, he pointed at something above the door he stopped in front of. She followed his arm to gaze whatever it is he wanted her to know.
Now Dawn get why Eric had stopped, the plate numbered ‘512‘ on the door they nearly passed by on the right side of the hallway was a sight for sore eyes.
“Oh...yeah, that.” Once more, Dawn was speechless for possibly the dozenth time that day.
No further words were exchanged, Eric opened the door to reveal its interior and....something he had expected...his father.
Opening the door revealed the interior, . However, his attention was not to praise the decorations of the room, but it was on the Golduck lying on the bed and an Alakazam without his spoons wearing a chain-link necklace with a crescent-shaped silver claw at the end standing right beside the bed, eyes vigilant.
Now those eyes were diverted from the Golduck and boring straight at the Hydreigon. “Who are you?” He stated matter-of-factly, body tensing up in preparation of a fight.
His voice tells Eric what he needed to know, the question remains if the Alakazam will recognize him or not. He bet on the former. “.....Reynard.” He said simply.
“H-hey, Reynard.” The Volcarona on his chest waved one of his tiny legs to gather the Alakazam’s attention to him.
Alakazam were known to have 1000 IQ due to their brain continuously producing brain cells to support such an IQ. It didn’t take long for him to recognize the owner of both voices.
His eyes widen for a moment and disappeared as fast as it came. He bowed courteously. “Master Eric, Master Alex, it pleases us that both of you are unharmed. I had been worried since the event Lord Arceus had arranged for us.”
What he said was not missed by the Hydreigon’s sharp observation. “....both?....us?”
“Ah, yes, forgive me. I was quite overjoyed that my attention was solely on you. Putting that aside, I believe I have discovered one of Master’s Dave wayward partners seeking him in this city.” He presented the serpentine figure currently coiled up on the floor on the left side of the bed.
Alex’s eyes widened to almost the size of dinner plate. “Ah, that’s her.” He muttered softly.
The form was unmistakable, only one Milotic would come running toward the Hydreigon’s father. “.....Anna....”
Reynard nodded sagely. “Correct, it seems she had been teleported close to Canterlot. Once she heard of the news that we are currently at this establishment, she found us. Day and night, we have watched over Master Dave for news of his condition. She has yet to wake up from her last night's slumber.”
Current problem has been solved for Eric, a new one arises in the state of his father. “....about that. Was he-“
“Eric, don’t stand...I mean, float at the door, we want to get inside too.” Dawn’s curt tone reverberated throughout the room.
Understanding, Eric floated inside and away from the doorway, opening the path for his two companions to help themselves in.
“Ah, guests.” Once more, Reynard bowed as a sign of courtesy. “May I know the name of the guests that I will welcome?”
“Name’s Dominus, Dawn’s partner.” The Valiant Pokemon made sure to step closer to his partner for emphasis.
But Dawn’s baffled expression prevented her from forming a proper greeting. When she saw the picture, she had expected him to be quite fierce, especially with those scowl she had seen before. Instead, in front of her, was a downright butler-like Pokemon whose eyes was so soft you couldn’t help, but feel safe.
Noticing her usual baffled expression, Dominus rose to action. “Dawn,” He bumped her, breaking her out of whatever trance she is in. “Don’t dilly dally in front of the dude.”
Shaking her head once, Dawn took a deep breath before speaking. “Uh..yeah, sorry about that. I was really surprised for a moment there. I thought you were
“All is forgiven, madam. It is out of place, indeed, that an Alakazam would act politely, is it not?”
“Uhhh...yeah, I think so?” Dawn said uncertainly, thus allowed her habit to scratch arose once more. “But anyway, my name’s Dawn. Solar Dawn.”
“Ah, a thestral, otherwise known as bat ponies in common tongue, yes?” Reynard bowed before continuing. “It is an honor to welcome the mare and her partner who have accompanied Master Eric for so long.”
“Uh....thanks?” Dawn scratched her head, otherwise not knowing how to respond to that one.
Dominus merely facewinged.
Not wanting to wait, Eric floated forward to speak. “.....let’s get back on track. Is my dad alright? Was there an occasion he actually opened his eyes, Reynard?”
He hoped that Reynard would say something, anything that is not what he is currently thought about. However, his hope was ruined when Reynard shook his head twice. “Unfortunately, Master Eric. No such event had occurred and I had stayed by his side the entire time.”
“....I see.....that...wasn’t so surprising....after all, merely teleporting into another world and gaining the bodies of Pokemon is not going to cure a coma.” Eric couldn’t help, but whisper.
“Can I see him?”
“Of course, Master Eric. Your father needs you.” He stepped aside to let the young adult have a time with his father.
Unsurprisingly, the form that had been laid on the bed was a Golduck, just as the picture had described, but a few feet taller than a common one. Seeing him up close, Eric noted the peaceful look on his face, as if he had left this world....so far, it was half-right. Eric’s father, Dave was neither dead nor living....but in a coma.
“Mr. Angelo....” Alex couldn’t take it, he turned away. Such a sight was still too horrid for the young Volcarona.
Eric noticed one peculiarity. “....Reynard...where is the Mega Pocket Watch?” He spoke, without once turning his gaze from the Golduck.
Hearing footsteps, Eric glanced to his right to see Reynard with his back on him picking something up from the bedside table. Turning to face the Hydreigon, Eric found that the Alakazam was holding the object of his desire...a golden pocket watch with an empty round slot on the lid of the watch.
“It’s that...Mr. Angelo’s pocket watch?” Alex said uncertainly.
Hearing that, Dominus nearly leaped out of his seat once he had seen a genuine gold plated watch that could hold a Key Stone.
“Whoa....that’s so cool.” Dominus drooled.
Dawn herself was speechless, it was a rare sight to see genuine gold. “Yeah.”
“Here it is, Master Eric. Your father’s pocketwatch.” He held out an arm with the pocketwatch on it toward Eric. “Do look after it.”
The thing that his father treasure most had been handed over, who is Eric to disappoint? He picked the golden pocketwatch, inspecting every nook and cranny for signs of scratch or fake. No such luck either way.
Satisfied, the arm that held his father’s prized item once again wrapped around Alex. It wasn’t unnoticed that his friends were running on steam.
“....Reynard.”
The Alakazam’s head perked up at the call of his name. “Yes, Master Eric?”
“....can you get us beverages of any kind? There should be some in this hospital. This place does have cafeteria, right?”
Reynard remembered what he meant in a second. “Yes, if I recall, this hospital do have such an establishment for the sick.”
No words of reply was heard, instead he turned his head to look at Dawn who was sitting near the window. “...Dawn, Dominus?”
The mare waved her hoof frantically. “No, no, really, you don’t have to do it. We’re fine. I don’t want you to think that we’re having a break while your dad was there.”
“....I don’t really see that kind of problem....I think we’re all tired from the trip the night before. I think....a little tea or either coffee break would be good for refreshments. There are no law against having a break when we’re all exhausted.” Their three-headed friend said without so much as a glance their way.
In the end, Dominus answered for both of them by shrugging. “Ah, what the heck? I don’t mind. Dawn, what about you, partner?”
Dawn in the end sighed in surrender. “I guess I could do that too.”
“...so, Reynard?” Eric made a simple glance over his shoulder at Reynard.
He answered with a bow. “Understood, Master Eric, I shall return with beverages that you have requested. Please excuse me.” With a polite nod, he exited the room and shut the door as quietly as he could as he disappeared to finish his task.
The room descended into silence, nothing was there to start up anything nor do anyone want to, except Dawn.
However, her wish was granted for a conversation. “...Eric.”
“...hmmm?” He glanced down at Alex who is still in his iron grip.
“...will Mr. Angelo....be okay? I mean....I, uhm, there’s a chance, right? After all this time.” One could mistake his tone for that of an ant, but Eric heard all of it.
That was an answer Eric couldn’t provide, no matter how many times he tried to reassure himself or those around him.“....I don’t know, Alex. If this hospital had the means necessary to cure my dad, they would have do it...by now anyway. After all, patients well-being are supposed to be priority for every hospital in existence.”
“Dude, you gotta cheer up.” Dominus chimed in as he laid a wing across his shoulder out of nowhere. “If I know about old men, they can be pretty stubborn. I’m pretty sure your dad is one.”
“....now that I think about it.....dad is pretty stubborn back in his trainer days....at least that’s what he told me. Must be the main reason why he held on this far.” The thought itself was encouraging enough to warrant a soft smile.
“.....I suppose....that’s true.” Eric nodded softly, glancing at Dominus on his left with thankful eyes. “.....thanks.”
“Thank you, er, Dominus?” Alex said shyly.
“Hey, what friends are for, little guy? We help each other through and thorough.” Patting the Hydreigon once, he left to sit beside Dawn once more, who was content to just watch lest her mouth run on itself again.
With Dominus at her side again, she asked. “Dominus, you weren’t....what was the word for it? Uh...I got it...bothered with Eric’s dad?” She made a mental note to ask his name later.
“Honestly, Dawn? I think the dude’s been dealt with a lot of bad hands. No way, anyone should go through that.”
“Well....yeah.” Dawn didn’t know what to say. Sally was one thing, and that she quickly forgot, but two in a row? That only made it harder to forget.
The click of a latch, brought their attention to the door, where the familiar Alakazam who is in the process of entering the patient room. “I have returned with the beverages requested.”
True enough, within his arm was a tray holding several steaming hot cups of tea. He walked delicately as not to allow any accident or spill to happen.
Close enough to the bedside table, he put it down before turning to everyone else. “It is served, please enjoy yourself, sirs and madam.” Reinard bowed before standing vigilant beside the bed once more.
“Thank you.” Dawn nodded in thanks.
Both the mare and the eagle stepped up to the table to grab their share of tea.
Dead silence overtook the room. Eric was still on the side of the bed, unmoving, arm wrapped around Alex and within one head, clutching the golden plated pocket watch like death itself. Dawn and Dominus just sat on the available seats just below the window, waiting for anyone to break the silence.
Unfortunately, so far it was not going to happen. As no one in the room was willing to break the status quo, much to Dawn’s dismay. Once more, the silence had taken hold of her nerves.
In the end, she did anything to break it, and that is to speak her curiosity out. “Eric...”
“.....hmmm?” Eric turned his head her way.
“Can I ask something?”
Eric got a good idea what she was going to ask, as he had good grasp of her personality. Otherwise, he played along. “.....what is it?”
“What exactly did happen? To your dad, I mean.” Realizing what she said too late, she put a hoof over her mouth.
Dominus stared at Dawn like she had committed the worst crime ever known. “Dawn, I know you’re curious and all, but really, that is not cool.”
“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t meant to.” This time, Dawn cursed her big mouth.
However, Eric was not one to let that raise his temper. “....it’s not a problem, as I said before, there is nothing wrong with being curious.” Hearing closely, Eric could hear a sigh of relief. He continued. But,you’ve heard of Sally’s past. I’m going to ask you again....do you want to know?”
Dawn was about to say something, but a polite cough from Reynard caught their attention. “May I suggest something?” Seeing Eric’s nod, he continued. “What if we show them personally using my power over the minds?”
A raised eyebrow was Eric’s first reaction. “.....I don’t think they should see something like that, Reynard.”
“Understood, Master Eric. After all, it was not for the faint of heart.”
Dominus got the general gist of what they had said, Dawn, however, is not. “Wait, wait, wait, see what?”
“....what he means is that....Reynard is a Psychic-type Pokemon. He could show you what happened exactly, far more vivid and almost life-like than storytelling if you took his offer. You could see it almost accurately.” Eric explained.
Right now, the mare was scratching her head furiously.
“....in other words, allow him to modify your brain a little to receive foreign brainwaves that is not yourself in order to see what Reynard wanted you to see.”
“Let me get this straight, Reynard is...is..”
“An Alakazam, your Psychic-type truly.” Dominus offered with a roll of his eyes.
“Right...that. Anyway, if he is like Will, then he could...” Dawn struggled to get the words out.
“Get into your brain and makes us see what he wants us to see like the dude said? Pretty much, Dawn.” Dominus said offhandedly.
“I wouldn’t exactly say that, but, yeah. He’s going to use that power of his to show us what exactly happened that made Eric’s dad look that way?”
A slap of both wings voiced Dominus’s agreement. “Exactly like that, Dawn.”
Somehow....that didn’t bode well with the mare. Story telling and first hand experience are a league different after all. Ultimately, her insatiable curiosity won over. “Can you...I mean, could you…?”
“Of course, I shall prevent such a thing from happening. I assure you madam.” However, Reinard raises a finger. “But...it is fair that I shall warn you first, madam. What you are about to witness are something not for the faint of heart. I fully recommend that we took the path of story telling instead of seeing it first hand.”
Looking at each other for confirmation, Dominus shrugged.“Sounds a fine way to me, dude.”
Dawn, seeing her partner had agreed, she herself nodded. “Well.....okay.” Her voice hesitant, yet she drove onward.
She was interrupted when Reynard cut in with graveness in his voice. “Choose wisely, sir and madam. As I said before, it is not for the faint of heart.”
With the last warning registered, they yammered away at their own personal space. Eric and Reynard was waiting for them to finish their discussion. It wasn’t long before the yammer died down and into silence before they found themselves on the other end of two resolute gazes.
“We’re good to go, dude. Me and Dawn agreed to do it. We wanted to know what happened to Eric’s old man, might as well get it done now.
“Not the way I would say it, but, yeah.” Dawn agreed wholeheartedly.
Upon hearing that, the Alakazam let out a warm smile before bowing in appreciation. “I am honored to have you both as Master Eric’s companion. Truly excellent friends. But,” With a simple thought, his two signature spoons appeared in mid-air and deftly caught both. “Shall we proceed?”
Dawn and Dominus looked at each other for certainty in each other’s eyes. One look was all they needed, and that was to follow through with their desire. After all, their curiosity is insatiable, and there is only one way to quench it.
“We’ll do it.” Dawn spoke which Dominus agreed to as well by nodding.
“Very well,” Reynard shut his eyelids and released the spoon from his grip, however, instead of falling, they spun about around himself ominously. “I must warn you, if this become too much, do not hesitate to call for my name, I shall pull you both out.”
“Wait, what does that-“ Dominus got cut off when he felt as if he were wrapped by a warm blanket. Glancing at his partner revealed that she was wrapped in a Psychic glow shared by all Psychic-types.
And their entire world went black.
Play this as the second closing theme
