Chapter 9.4
The Pokémon Center dominated the main crossroads, its glass doors reflecting the midday sun. Ravina had hurried past it twice during her earlier trip without entering, but today Nostus's instructions made avoidance impossible. Cinder needed a proper baseline examination before they ventured deeper into Johto, and her new Trainer Card required network registration.
Automatic doors hissed open, releasing a wave of cool air that carried the distinct scent of antiseptic and something vaguely like mint. The interior surprised her—brighter, more organized than she'd imagined, with trainers waiting on benches while their Pokémon rested beside them in various states of recovery. Farther back, a Chansey maneuvered a cart loaded with folded towels with practiced efficiency.
Ravina approached the reception counter, Cinder trotting faithfully at her heels. "Hi. I'm a newly registered trainer and I was told I needed to..."
The nurse looked up from her terminal, and her words died mid-sentence. Ravina froze too. Cinder looked between them, head tilted in confusion at the sudden silence.
"...April?"
April stared, recognition dawning in her eyes. "...Ravina."
The silence stretched, thick with unspoken history. Ravina slowly leaned across the counter, voice low with disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
April looked down at her pale pink medical uniform as if noticing it for the first time. "Working."
"In Johto."
"Yes."
"At a Pokémon Center."
April glanced around the building with deadpan humor. "That would explain the Pokémon."
Ravina narrowed her eyes. "You know what I mean."
"I generally don't."
"That is a lie."
April's expression remained impressively neutral despite the accusation. Cinder, growing restless, placed his front paws against the counter and stared at the unfamiliar woman. April noticed him immediately, her professional demeanor shifting instantly. "And who's this?"
Ravina looked suspiciously at her. "Don't distract me."
"I'm a nurse."
"April."
April crouched slightly behind the counter, her voice softening as she addressed the Pokémon. "Cyndaquil. Male. Young. Recently evolved, I see."
Cinder sniffed toward her cautiously. April extended two fingers in a gesture of trust. He touched his nose to them after a moment's hesitation. "Good temperament. Responsive to new stimuli."
Ravina folded her arms, her suspicious expression unwavering. "You're absolutely distracting me."
"Yes."
"...Fine."
April produced a handheld scanner with practiced efficiency. "Trainer Card."
Ravina handed it over, watching as April slid it through the reader with a quick, practiced motion.
The terminal chimed, displaying information in crisp blue letters:
TRAINER: RAVINA SHALES
REGISTERED PARTNER: CYNDAQUIL
April's eyes moved from the screen back to Ravina, a hint of amusement breaking through her professional facade. "You actually did it."
"Why does everyone sound surprised?"
"I've met you."
"That is extremely rude."
April handed the card back with a small smile. "Examination room three. Let's see what trouble you've gotten into already."
- - - - -
Chapter 9.5
Cinder's unease with the examination table manifested immediately through his tense posture and flattened ears.
He endured April's ocular examination with minimal fuss, though his whiskers twitched nervously. The dental inspection earned him a low growl, but he complied. When April reached for his paws, however, Cinder recoiled, shooting Ravina a wounded glance that clearly accused her of betrayal.
"She's examining you," Ravina murmured, scratching behind his ears.
Cinder grumbled in response. "I know what she's doing, but I don't have to like it."
April looked toward Ravina. "Training regimen?"
"Daily sessions this week. Focus on movement and coordination."
"Battles?"
"Two encounters prior to this week."
April's systematic examination continued until her fingers gently probed Cinder's rear leg. He shifted uncomfortably, and April's professional expression sharpened with interest.
Ravina's smile vanished. "What is it?"
"He's guarding this leg slightly."
Ravina crouched beside the table. "I noticed him favoring it during yesterday's training."
April met her gaze. "Good observation."
Ravina blinked. "That's exactly what my mother said."
"Your mother is occasionally correct about training matters."
"I'll be sure to share your opinion with her."
"I'll categorically deny it."
April carefully flexed the leg again. "Nothing alarming. Muscle fatigue. Likely from overcompensation during movement drills."
"So he's okay?"
"He's in excellent health overall."
Ravina's shoulders relaxed noticeably. "I'll keep training moderate for the next few days. Rest him when he indicates fatigue."
Cinder chirped in agreement as April turned her attention back to him. "Or when he doesn't indicate fatigue."
Ravina grinned. "Oh, I'm definitely going to like having you here."
Cinder looked deeply offended at the implication.
April made several rapid notes on her tablet. "Weight optimal. Hydration excellent. Coat condition healthy. Flame response?"
Ravina looked toward Cinder. "Show her, Fireball."
His back ignited immediately as April observed the flames for several seconds. "Stable output."
Cinder puffed with pride until April extinguished his ego with one clinical observation. "Average intensity for his developmental stage."
His flames faltered noticeably. And Ravina had to physically cover her mouth to stifle her laughter.
April continued typing without looking up. "Baseline assessment complete."
- - - - -
Chapter 9.6
Twenty minutes of clicking and signatures sealed their official registration. Ravina's Trainer Card connected to the regional network, Cinder's medical records attached, emergency permissions set. Nostus appeared as primary contact—no doubt April's doing.
Ravina stared at the confirmation screen. "That's it?"
"That's it."
"No Form J-14?"
April looked genuinely confused. "No."
Ravina almost wept with relief, then remembered. "April."
April's fingers froze above the keyboard. "...Yes?"
"Is Briget in Johto?"
The hesitation lasted barely a second, but Ravina caught it. "You hesitated!"
"I did not."
"You absolutely did."
April returned to her terminal. "Your appointment is complete."
"April."
"You have a long walk ahead."
"April."
"Route 30 becomes substantially less populated north of the old collector's cottage."
Ravina leaned closer across the counter, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "Is Briget here?"
April sighed, the sound barely audible over the Center's background hum. "That depends how broadly you're defining here."
Ravina's magenta eyes widened as her ears slowly lowered. "That is possibly the worst answer you could have given me."
"I've been practicing."
"Where is she?"
"You'll find out."
"No." Ravina's response was immediate, firm.
April looked up from her terminal, a flicker of amusement in her amber eyes. "No?"
"I don't want mysterious Briget foreshadowing."
"That sounds like a personal problem."
"April." The name was a warning.
The nurse's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Safe travels, Ravina."
Ravina stared another few seconds, her gaze unwavering. Then pointed two fingers toward her own eyes and back toward April. "I am watching you."
April glanced down at the small Fire-type beside Ravina. "Is she always like this?"
Cinder chirped in agreement, earning himself a betrayed look from his trainer.
"Traitor."