The Pokémon Center stood near the main crossroads. Ravina had passed it twice during her earlier trip without entering, but today there was no avoiding it.
Nostus had given explicit instructions. Cinder needed a proper baseline examination before they disappeared deeper into the region, and Ravina's new Trainer Card needed to be connected to the Center network.
The automatic doors opened and cool air washed over them. The interior was brighter than Ravina expected. Trainers waited on benches while Pokémon rested beside them. Somewhere farther back, a Chansey pushed a cart loaded with folded towels.
Ravina approached the reception desk. “Hi. I'm a newly registered trainer and I was told I needed to…”
The nurse looked up and stopped, as Ravina also stopped. Cinder looked between them as there was a long silence.
“…April?”
April stared at her. “…Ravina.”
Another silence as Ravina slowly leaned across the counter. “What are you doing here?”
April looked down at herself. She wore a pale pink medical uniform. “Working.”
“In Johto.”
“Yes.”
“At a Pokémon Center.”
April glanced around the building. “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. Cinder placed his front paws against the counter and stared at the unfamiliar woman and April noticed him. Her professional demeanor changed immediately. “And who's this?”
Ravina looked suspiciously at her. “Don't distract me.”
“I'm a nurse.”
“April.”
April crouched slightly behind the counter. “Cyndaquil. Male. Young.”
Cinder sniffed toward her and April extended two fingers. He cautiously touched his nose to them. “Good temperament.”
Ravina folded her arms. “You're absolutely distracting me.”
“Yes.”
“…Fine.”
April produced a scanner. “Trainer Card.”
Ravina handed it over and April slid it through the reader.
The terminal chimed.
TRAINER: RAVINA SHALES
REGISTERED PARTNER: CYNDAQUIL
April's eyes moved from the screen to Ravina. “You actually did it.”
“Why does everyone sound surprised?”
“I've met you.”
“That is extremely rude.”
April handed the card back. “Examination room three.”
Cinder disliked the examination table. That became apparent immediately.
He tolerated April checking his eyes. He tolerated having his teeth examined. He was less enthusiastic about his paws being handled and gave Ravina a betrayed look when April gently manipulated each leg.
“She's checking you.”
Cinder grumbled. “I know.”
April looked toward Ravina. “How much training?”
“Every day this week. Mostly movement drills.”
“Battles?”
“Two before that.”
April continued the examination before her fingers settled around Cinder's rear leg. He shifted at the touch and April noticed.
Ravina's smile disappeared. “What?”
“He's slightly protective of this leg.”
Ravina crouched. “I noticed him favouring it during training.”
April looked at her. “Good.”
Ravina blinked. “My mother said exactly that.”
“Your mother is occasionally correct.”
“I'm telling her you said that.”
“I'll deny it.”
April gently flexed the leg again. “Nothing concerning. Muscle fatigue. Probably from compensating during training.”
“So he's alright?”
“He's healthy.”
Ravina visibly relaxed. “Keep the next couple of days moderate. Rest him when he asks.”
Cinder chirped as April looked at him. “Or when he doesn't ask.”
Ravina grinned. “Oh, I like you.”
Cinder looked offended.
April made several notes. “Weight is good. Hydration is good. Coat healthy. Flame response?”
Ravina looked toward Cinder. “Cinder?”
His back ignited immediately as April watched the flames for several seconds. “Stable.”
Cinder looked delighted before April extinguished his ego with one sentence. “Average intensity for his age.”
His flames flickered. And Ravina had to cover her mouth.
April continued typing. “Baseline complete.”
The remaining paperwork took twenty minutes.
Ravina's Trainer Card was linked to the regional Pokémon Center network. Cinder's medical record followed it. Emergency treatment permissions were confirmed. Nostus was listed as Ravina's primary contact.
Ravina stared at the final screen. “That's it?”
“That is it.”
“No Form J-14?”
April looked confused. “No.”
Ravina almost cried, but then she remembered something. “April.”
April's hand stopped above the keyboard. “…Yes?”
“Is Briget in Johto?”
Silence, there it was. It was tiny, barely visible. but April had hesitated.
Ravina pointed. “You hesitated!”
“I did not.”
“You absolutely did.”
April returned to her computer. “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 stared. “Is Briget here?”
April sighed. “That depends how broadly you're defining here.”
Ravina's 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.”
April looked up. “No?”
“I don't want mysterious Briget foreshadowing.”
“That sounds like a personal problem.”
“April.”
The nurse almost smiled. “Safe travels, Ravina.”
Ravina stared another few seconds. Then pointed two fingers toward her own eyes and back toward April. “I am watching you.”
April looked toward Cinder. “Is she always like this?”
Cinder chirped.
“Traitor.”