J watched with confusion as Cynthia handed her a pair of sunglasses. They helped with the terribly bright light, but she didn't quite understand why only this person bothered with any kindness towards her. She felt her lips curve into a smile. It didn't matter. She'd come, and that made her so very, very happy. The woman radiated a glow of kindness and power that seemed almost addictive. No one else had that kind of aura. No one else showed her such kindness. Cynthia's visits were the highlight of the long days filled with pain, physical therapy, and endless tests. She hated this place, but she liked Cynthia. She was so bright and warm, just like the sun. J longed for that warmth. She talked with Cynthia about nonsense things, her mind still a jumble of confused half-memories, and Cynthia patiently listened to the nonsensical chatter and held a conversation as best she could. It was a happy time for both of them.
Cynthia allowed J to talk to her as much as she wanted to, even if what she was saying didn't exactly make sense. The woman was so genuinely happy to see her it was almost painful. The lingering fear that J might regain her memories seemed more and more impossible the more she continued to create a "new" self. But there was still something not quite right. She had tried to bring her Togekiss in to show J, maybe bring her a bit of joy, but Togekiss had absolutely refused to enter the room. There were no Chansey or Blissey around either. Pokemon, even Pokemon who didn't know of how awful she had been, would not go near J. Cynthia was extremely confused and a little frustrated as she tried to figure it out. But J's cheerfulness eased the awful frustration in her gut as she let her mind drift away into nonsense babblings about random things. One thing J kept talking about, Cynthia noticed, was they sky. How pretty it was, how it changed colors, how lovely the stars were. It was sweet that she loved it so much. Maybe there was some kind of memory of riding on her Salamence attached to it? Oh well. It didn't matter now.
The next day, J was to be discharged from the hospital and plans were arranged to place her in a convalescent home. Cynthia arrived extra early to try and make sure the trip went smoothly. And when she arrived, just as she had feared, police and doctors were furiously arguing about what to do with her, leaving J, in brand new clothes and the same butterfly-patterned sunglassses, looking frightened and unsure. When Cynthia approached her she reached out a small, thin hand and grabbed hold of her arm, desperate for that familiar warm aura. "What's going on?" She whispered, clearly afraid. Cynthia was angry. After so long of J being forced to recreate everything about herself with no assistance whatsoever, no one had even bothered to realize that J was no longer a threat, that maybe if she was treated with kindness she might give it right back? She shouted at the squabbling people, telling them that there was no reason for this and the only thing that they were accomplishing was causing more confusion. Cowed, they retreated, and Cynthia was left to wait for the transport bus with J, who had been placed in a wheelchair. "It's alright now J." She said softly. "They're going to take you to a new, much nicer place." J looked considerably less afraid as they boarded the small bus and went on their way. She didn't even mind the fact that she was handcuffed to the rail, though Cynthia's blood boiled at the nonsensical cruelty. She simply stared out the window in awe of the world passing by, especially the Pokemon. She did not remember any of their names, but she appeared to remember what they were, at least. Of course, how could anyone forget Pokemon of all things?
One long bus ride later, and both women had arrived at the convalescent home. It was a lovely place, set in a valley with Pokemon all over the place. But, yet again, none would go near J. Cynthia took her mind off the disappointment by changing the subject as the arrangements were settled. "So, J, now that you're here to start a new life, I think you need a new name. How about Livie? It's a name that means "Jay" like the bird Pokemon. Do you like it?" Surprised, J nodded. "Yes, I like it. It sounds nice." Cynthia smiled. "Then it's settled. From now on, you are Livie." The grey-haired woman gave a dazzling smile. "Thank you." Cynthia could not hold back her own smile, adoring the happiness something as simple as a proper name had given someone.
The woman who had been newly blessed with the name Livie was taken to a medium-sized room, with pale blue walls, a carefully made-up bed, and a desk with a lamp, some paper, and a few pencils. There was a ceiling fan/light powered by two switches on the wall, and a large window with an armchair next to it that let the sunlight come streaming in. There was a plain bathroom with a mirror and a shower, but there was nothing else in the room. Livie didn't mind, she was glad just to be out of the hospital. She rose from her wheelchair and sat in the armchair by the window, looking outside at the rich life surrounding her. It was so very, very lovely. The nurse left, so that only Cynthia was with her. Livie smiled at her. "It's so lovely. I like this place very much." She said. Cynthia returned the smile. "I'm glad. It's late now, why don't you get some sleep?" Livie agreed with that suggestion, changing into brand new nightclothes and snuggling up under the warm blankets. She quickly fell asleep.
Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief to see Livie sleeping. The day had gone extremely well and she couldn't be happier. She looked the woman over. Her hair was longer now, reaching past her shoulders. Coupled with the peaceful and innocent expression on her face, she was almost unrecognizable as Pokémon Hunter J. It was unsettling yet relieving at the same time. Cynthia decided that she too needed sleep, and booked a room in the nearest hotel. By now she had long since accepted that she wasn't leaving J- no, Livie, behind any time soon. Sleep came quickly, and before she knew it, it was morning again. She got out of bed and stretched, getting dressed and going to see Livie. She stopped by a store and bought a visor similar to the one Livie had worn before, to replace the ridiculous sunglasses. When she arrived, Livie was sitting in the armchair staring at a flock of Butterfree with a sad expression on her face. This changed when she saw Cynthia. Her smile was the most wonderful thing Cynthia could have ever hoped for.
Livie hadn't slept very well the night before. The same memories of the large Pokemon that she so longed for seemed to torment her. She wanted whatever the creature was back, but she knew that would never happen. Pokémon hated her anyway. This place had Pokémon all over the place and not a one would come anywhere near her. She didn't understand. When Cynthia arrived, the sadness suddenly vanished, especially when she was given her new visor. It fit well and was more comfortable than the sunglasses. She thanked Cynthia sincerely, a fluttering lightness beginning to swirl around in her chest. She really, really liked this gorgeous woman who always supported her. She wanted her to stay by her side forever.
