The Golden Throne

Chapter 10: The stranger from the north

Sunlight filtered into the room from the half open window shutters. Half-awake, Hilbert heard the melody of Chatot singing somewhere outside. He opened his eyes a bit, vision still blurry but he could see a white ceiling above him. The smell of strong disinfectant teased his nostrils. The cold air of air-conditioning pricked his skin. A woman was arranging some materials a few feet from him, humming a relaxing tune. She had violet hair and was wearing a nurse's outfit. Helping her was a Chansey. Hilbert wanted to call out to her but he winced in pain when he tried to inhale.

"Oh you're finally awake," the woman announced excitedly.

"Where am I?" Hilbert looked around. He was in a small white room, lying on a bed and with an I.V attached to his arm. He tried to get up.

"A hospi-" the pain from Hilbert's ribs made him stop mid-sentence. Hilbert winced again.

"Yes dear, you're in a hospital. Don't move too much. You've been through a lot and your wounds are still healing," she said in a gentle voice.

Hilbert looked at the woman for a while then slumped back into his bed. Based on the woman's accent, he knew he was still far from home. "I'm not in Unova am I?"

"Oh no. You're in the Odaran Empire now. Errion City to be exact," she smiled with a nod. "But not for long, I hear someone from Unova will be picking you up in a few days time. I hope you enjoy your stay while you're here."

Odaran Empire... the words echoed in Hilbert's mind. So he was finally here. "What happened to Ramon? And where's my Pokemon?" Hilbert asked anxiously. The memory of the arena was still vivid in his mind.

"Oh I'm not supposed to know anything about him. But as for your Pokemon and your belongings, they're right there on the desk," the nurse pointed to a desk against the wall. "Do you want me to get them for you?"

"Yes please," Hilbert replied. More than ever, he wanted to see his Pokemon again. The nurse took his Pokebelt and handed it to Hilbert. "They've been so brave. Especially your Emboar. He had such terrible wounds but after two days of treatment we've finally healed him. Now he's bursting with energy like a newly hatched Tepig," she giggled.

"Whoa, Two day- Ack!" Hilbert felt a stinging pain again.

"Ah-ah-ah, don't move too much!" The nurse advised Hilbert again.

Hilbert made a strained face and nodded wordlessly. "Two days? How long have I been here?" He said with a whisper now.

"You've been unconscious for four days now. According to the world news you've supposedly drowned in a tragic storm not too long ago. You have no idea how much of a stir you've caused when they found you alive in that cave. I heard a news crew from your homeland is on their way here to interview you about your survival."

Great, I just woke up and already reporters want to smother me to death, Hilbert thought.

"Your friend Looker has been waiting for you to wake up ever since you were brought here. He's downstairs. I'll get him for you," the nurse was about to walk out of the room.

"Wait! Nurse. I almost forgot, I haven't gotten your name," Hilbert called out before she left.

"Nurse Bliss at your service," she nodded.

"Well, thank you Nurse Bliss,"

"Always a pleasure," she giggled. Then she left the room to find Looker.

While waiting for Looker to arrive, Hilbert took his Pokebelt into his hands and held it tightly, never wanting to let go. He was glad to see all of his Pokemon again. His traumatic experience in the arena has thought him to appreciate his team even more. He looked at the Pokeballs one by one until he finally reached the empty sixth ball. His eyes began to water as he lamented his loss.