Chapter 29.3
The Azalea Pokémon Center dwarfed the cramped temporary facility at Union Pass. A wave of relief washed over Ravina as she stepped inside.
High ceilings framed the proper waiting room, sunlight filtering through rain-streaked windows to gleam off polished floors. Beyond, a spacious treatment wing with separate rooms suggested serious medical care rather than emergency patches. Down a hall, she spotted the trainer lounge, cozy couches and steaming drink dispensers, and through glass doors, an adjoining courtyard with covered pavilions for Pokémon that needed more space than a standard recovery bed.
Her gaze drifted to the noticeboard, cluttered with neatly tacked announcements. Temporary boarding rates first, impressive how much they charged to Pokémon-sit. Day supervision, veterinary appointments, Ranger notices about route conditions. Then: Trainer work.
"Back again?"
Ravina squeezed her eyes shut.
"No."
"Yes."
She turned slowly.
April stood by the reception counter, nurse's uniform pristine, expression caught between professionalism and profound amusement. Her dark hair was pulled back tight, but her lips twitched.
Ravina's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "You're following me."
April glanced at the Center proper. "Medicine follows the sick."
"You were at Union Pass."
"Temporary rotation."
"And now you're here."
"My regular assignment."
Ravina pointed a finger. "Coincidence is statistically improbable."
April maintained her professional demeanor. "Azalea is on the main route between Violet and Goldenrod. It's a high-traffic point."
Victor materialized at Ravina's elbow. "A suspiciously convenient truth."
April's eyes flickered toward the purple gas. "And you're still contributing to her delinquency."
"She inspires criminal excellence."
April's smile nearly broke free, before Ravina interrupted. "Is Berry here?"
"No."
"Pudding?"
"No."
"Anyone else stalking my journey?"
"Not that I'm aware of." April leaned slightly over the counter. "Would you like me to check the staff scheduling for the entire Johto region?"
Ravina laughed despite herself. "Maybe later."
"Then take a number like everyone else."
The warmth in April's eyes made Ravina's chest ease. Good to see her. Too good to admit aloud.
The road-weary traveler in Ravina finally found some measure of peace behind the familiar counter of Azalea's Pokémon Center. Having someone she trusted in the service position made the unfamiliar town feel considerably less foreign.
April looked down at the sling. "And how is our mysterious little patient?" She leaned over the counter slightly.
Toni stared up at her.
WHITE.
Ravina smiled. "She remembers you."
"Good. I remember her too," April replied, maintaining her professional demeanor but with softer eyes.
April stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Eating?"
"Constantly," Ravina said with a wry smile.
"Sleeping?"
"When she's not eating."
"Getting into trouble?"
Ravina glanced down at Toni.
Toni stared back with deliberate innocence.
"Developing," Ravina amended.
"Good. Normal baby, then." April straightened to her full height. "What brings you in today?"
"Work," Ravina answered directly.
April paused. "You're applying here?"
"No. I need somewhere for the team to stay while I'm working."
April nodded professionally. "That we can arrange."
- - - - -
Chapter 29.4
The boarding discussion stretched longer than anticipated, not due to complications but April's thorough questioning. Shift durations, evening returns, special dietary needs, Toni's separation anxiety, each item drew measured inquiry. Ravina's responses grew increasingly terse.
"Yes."
"Probably."
"No."
"Sometimes."
"April."
"Answer the question."
Cinder observed from his position beside the counter, tail swishing with growing interest. April's attention shifted downward. "And you." At her acknowledgement, Cinder's head lifted proudly. "You've grown again."
His flame vents brightened noticeably before she tempered, "Not physically, necessarily. Don't get ideas." His ears dipped at the clarification, but April's smile softened the correction. "You'll help look after Toni?" Cinder's gaze drifted toward the sling where Toni's small hand emerged, waving in greeting. WARM. He moved closer without hesitation, earning April's decisive nod. "Thought so."
April's gaze shifted next to Nikola, clipboard poised. "And you?" She assessed the Mareep with professional detachment as Nikola lifted her chin, tail bulb pulsing golden light. "Self-sufficient?" The hoof stomped against polished floors with practiced precision. "Intelligent enough not to discharge near sensitive equipment?" Another, softer stomp answered. "Medical history?" April asked without looking up.
"Minimal," Ravina replied, earning an approving glance.
April's attention turned upward to where Owlbert balanced perfectly on a medical monitor. His unblinking red eyes tracked her movements. "Do you intend to spend the entire day perched on our equipment?"
He hooted once, precise and immediate.
April maintained eye contact. "I'll take that as a yes."
Victor drifted behind Ravina, purple smoke curling lazily.
April's eyes tracked him across the counter. "And you?"
Victor executed a spectral bow that sent his gaseous form swirling. "A model patient."
"No."
"A beloved family member."
"Also no."
"A humble spirit in need of sanctuary."
April looked directly at Ravina. "Is he coming to work with you?"
Ravina looked at Victor. “He should be here, I'm pretty sure the pavilion was a one off event”
April sighed, the sound barely audible in the Center's gentle hum. "Please don't cause me paperwork."
"No promises," Victor said.
"That was directed at Ravina."
"Oh."
April returned to her forms, pen scratching across paper. Ravina's smile surfaced unbidden, quickly suppressed as April's eyes flickered upward without missing a beat. "Something amusing?"
"Just appreciating efficiency," Ravina answered smoothly.
April's pen stilled. "I'll remember that when I'm billing you."
- - - - -
Chapter 29.5
The Center's day-care space exceeded Ravina's expectations. Not a cramped storage room or sterile rows of occupied Poké Balls, but an enclosed courtyard section flowing into a sheltered interior where Pokémon could move freely. Raised wooden perches caught morning light filtering through the covered sections. Soft bedding clusters lined one wall, arranged for different sizes. Shallow pools reflected water patterns across stone floors. Designated quieter spaces offered retreat for anxious or recovering guests.
April guided them through while Cinder immediately investigated the sleeping arrangements, paws testing different cushions before settling with approval. Nikola located a warm patch beneath a covered roof area where filtered sunlight created the perfect resting spot. Owlbert, true to form, bypassed all ground-level comforts and claimed the highest available perch, his crimson eyes surveying his domain.
Toni, however, demanded constant supervision. The newborn Togepi immediately toddled toward everything at once, her eggshell wobbling with purpose. Ravina intercepted her before she could attempt climbing into a water bowl twice her size.
"No."
WATER.
"Yes, and you're not climbing in there."
THERE.
"Not happening."
Toni chirruped with indignation. Cinder rose from his chosen spot, nudging her gently back toward Ravina. The Togepi's attention shifted immediately.
WARM.
Cinder sat, presenting himself with practiced patience. Toni toddled straight toward him, pressing both small hands against his cheekfur.
April observed. "She's certainly comfortable with him."
"Very," Ravina confirmed.
Cinder glanced up at her comment.
"What? You are," Ravina whispered, scratching behind his ears.
Nikola made a soft bleating sound nearby.
Ravina turned immediately. "Her favorite portable nest is definitely you."
Nikola relaxed visibly, tail bulb pulsing golden contentment.
Victor drifted closer, gaseous form swirling dramatically. "And I am?"
"Bad influence."
"A cherished title," Victor replied with spectral flourish.
April finished securing the courtyard gate latch. "If they're staying here regularly, we'll establish routines, consistent feeding times where possible, familiar rest spaces, and a staff member Toni recognizes checking in periodically."
Ravina nodded. "That sounds perfect."
April looked directly at her. "And you come back when you say you will."
Ravina blinked. "Obviously."
April held her gaze for three full seconds.
Then smiled. "Good."