Magic & Transvolution

Chapter 15: Abnormal Crime Rates.

Majestic City Arc.

The four sit on the sofa at the Pokémon Center.

Justin's elbows relax on his legs, hands beneath chin. Ada folds her arms, tapping on them: Eyes shaking at the door. Clinton stares, stroking his legs. Nickel gazes, gripping his cane.

They wait and wait, trembling.

Soon, Nurse Joy opens the door behind the counter, walking forward. "Mr. Maplethorn?" she says. The teens leap up, ushering to the counter.

"How is he?" Ada asks, Nickel and Clinton standing next to her.

"Unfortunately, we're unable to heal Ramon today. Due to his severe injuries, more so than we thought, he'll remain in the center for the next few days."

Ada looks off, clenching her fist. Dammit...

Joy bows her head. "I apologize if this upsets you."

Clinton shakes his head, waving his hand. "It's fine. As long as he's safe, we have no problem with him being here."

Joy nods. "Thank you for understanding."

One tap on Clinton's shoulder leads him to turn towards Nickel. "You don't have to worry about the Majestic Restaurant: The police department has it taken care of," Nickel says.

Clinton glares. "...I hope so."

"Yo, why did that shootout happen, anyways?" Justin asks, rubbing his head.

"It's because some thieves tried to steal the most luxurious and expensive food in Majestic: The Malamari!" The mayor's hand leans against his chest, eyes closed. "Its exquisite and rich flavor from Malamar's arm provides wonders to the tastebuds!"

Justin tilts his head. "So...that's why it's expensive?"

"Yes: It's a popular dish. So popular that even Intellicates enjoyed it!" Nickel then shrugs. "Although one time, I walked into the restaurant to purchase one and saw some Malamar couples being appalled by the dish." Nervous laughter ensues, the mayor's hand behind his head. "It...obviously isn't for everyone."

Justin stretches his arms. "Well that's a yikes, dawg."

BOOM!

Objects fly off, crashing and clashing against each other outside.

The group jumps, looking out the many windows. "What the hell—I mean, heck!?"

"What was that?" Clinton says. One car passes by with a bunch of criminals shooting behind. Several officers shoot back while driving intensely. "...Oh."

"Daaang! That's a lot of shooting," Justin mentions, hands in his pockets.

Nickel sighs, nodding. "You're right, young boy." Shakes his head. "And we just took care of another crime earlier...These crimes are getting worse and worse."

Clinton quirks a brow. "So is poverty: There's more homeless folks living here because of those crimes."

"Clinton, I understand where you're coming from." Nickel looks off to the side. "If I could end poverty, I would..."

"Then why aren't you!?"

"Because I'm more focused on the crime rates itself." Nickel lowers his head. "I'm doing the best I can at having the law enforcers and detectives solve it."

Clinton folds his arms. "And how's that turning out for you?"

"Progress, Clinton. We're making progress, at the moment."