Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 10: Finta
Samuel Oak waited impatiently at the Emergency Room in Viridian City Medical Center. The woman next to him, Joann Brown, Guardian of Fara Knight, sat in silence. Both had met two days previously after receiving the news about Fara.
Sam recalled the horrible call he had received from Roan about the attack. The young man had been distressed at the situation and his responsibility of it. It had taken all of his patience to keep from verbally tearing the Ranger apart after he had gotten the details.
While the Researcher inside of Oak had been intrigued at the thought of a wild Raichu the more rational human side had been furious for the boy forcing Fara into trying to catch a Pikachu. He should have left her alone. As a Ranger he should have known better than to pressure a new trainer into something she obviously didn't want.
The resulting attack may have been an accident but it was a situation that the girl should have never been put into. Roan had gotten overconfident with Fara's mature attitude and forgotten she was an inexperienced ten year old girl.
But he had and now Fara was hurt. Sam had made sure to talk to the boy's superiors. Roan was looking at a serious disciplinary hearing at minimum. Now, however, Oak had to focus on the soon to arrive trainer.
A bell ringing at the Emergency Department entrance announced a new arrival. John Davis was at the door with an older plump woman Oak recognized as Mrs. Packard. Both had stress throughout their features and after spotting Oak approached. He sighed at the furious glint in John's eye. The man was as protective as a mother Fearow when it came to those who got close to him. Roan McClain better hope he never met the Avian Breeder.
John stopped in front of the Researcher. "Have you heard anything yet? Is she here?"
Oak shook his head. "Fara's air evac hasn't arrived yet. We received notice they met Ranger Jessica at Fara's camp site an hour ago. The Air Nurse and Medic are probably doing a thorough evaluation before transport. From what the Ranger said Fara is doing better but is still unable to move without a good deal of pain."
John ran through his hair in obvious irritation. "I can't believe she was attacked by a Raichu of all things. I haven't ever heard about one in Viridian."
Oak frowned. "I agree. The last report of a wild one was at a Power Plant 25 years ago. The fact that there is one in Viridian and has been there for some time is worrying. New trainers couldn't handle one and I'm worried the news of one being spotted will tempt them into doing something stupid."
John looked up. "What's the Ranger's response?"
Oak looked at him. "They are waiting on me to do some investigation before doing anything other then cordoning off the area. I know Ranger Jessica will be staying close until I get there."
He paused before continuing. "Fara was able to get some very sensitive information before the attack. From what I saw in the pictures and her notes Jessica sent me there might have been a Raichu in the area for as long as the Pikachu lived there."
John questioned him. "What do you mean?"
"Fara was invited to the den by a nesting mother. When she got in there she met the Raichu and was given something." Oak looked around before gesturing the man closer.
"The pokemon gave her two Thunder Stones."
John moved back in shock before narrowing his gaze on Oak. "You're joking right?"
Sam shook his head. "I wish but its fact. I think that, based on the age of the den, that there is a small Thunder Stone Reservoir. Ranger McClain said the Raichu indicated to there only being one Raichu at a time."
He chuckled a bit. "Do you know the last time someone was able to visit a wild Pikachu den site?"
John shook his head.
"Never John, Pikachu are very picky creatures and dislike strangers. How Fara got their approval is mystery."
John noted the tone. "You're worried about something else.'
The Researcher sighed. "Yes, I am. Do you know the last time an Evolutionary Stone Reservoir was found? A century ago; I'm worried some League officials or Arceus forbid, the clans, might think about removing the Pikachu and Raichu to get at it. Viridian Forest might be decimated by the encroachment and mining."
Nothing was said at that statement. John just looked to the silent Mrs. Packard before gesturing to a seat. The woman smiled slightly before taking it.
The group of four waited several more hours before a middle aged Doctor approached them. He was tall with salt and pepper hair. His lab coat covered a simple polo shirt and slacks.
"Joann Brown." He asked.
Joann, a middle aged woman with long dark hair rose quickly. "Yes"
The doctor gestured for her to follow him. "I'm Doctor Richards. If you and your group want to follow me I can take you to Fara's room. She resting now but she can have visitors."
A sigh of relief fell from the group as they eagerly got up to follow. The Doctor led them to an elevator. "She's on the third floor in the children's ward. When we get there we'll talk about what's going on."
A general nod of agreement was shared with the group. After the elevator they walked down a colorful hallway. After passing a nursing station the Doctor spoke. "She's in Room 312 right now."
The aforementioned room was in front of them. Mrs. Packard picked up her pace and entered first followed by Joann and the men.
Upon entrance Oak saw that Fara was in a bed sleeping quietly. An IV and various vital sign devices were connected to her. At the foot of her bed was her new pokemon Poocheyena and a Pichu. Her starter was on a perch close to the head of the bed. His dark eyes glared at the group with warning.
Mrs. Packard ignored them and went to take one of Fara's hands. Tears slipped from the woman's eyes before she looked up to the Doctor. "How is she?"
The man smiled. "Fara is doing well right now. We have her on some medications for pain and an antibiotic because of some burns but that's all besides monitoring. The electrical attack is causing some lingering muscle spasms but her organs and cognitive functions are good. We have to wait until she is more comfortable to test for nerve damage. Honestly, considering it was a Raichu attack, we were presently surprised to find so little damage. I think the fact she was lying on the ground when the attack hit saved her life. The attack was also relatively weak and she was grounded so the electricity was able to dissipate into the earth."
He smiled at the girl. "After some testing to rule out nerve damage we should be able to get a good idea on a discharge date."
John snorted. "Got to give it to the runt, she's tougher than she looks."
Snorting, Oak couldn't help but nod his head in agreement with the rest.
Awareness came to Fara in slow stages. First was her hearing. She noticed a constant beeping in the back round. Occasional sounds of rustling clothes and feathers along with whispers penetrated the beeping monotony.
The sounds where followed with her sense of smell and touch. She was lying on a bed that smelled faintly of bleach. Soft warm weights lay beside her feet and moved gently with the rhythm of breathing. Sometimes a hand would grasp hers, others she felt something gently pulling at her hair.
All of this was experienced in a haze that kept her vision black and body still. The time she spent in it was endless and short all at once. But eventually the haze disappeared and she was able to move a bit. It was, unknown to her, two days later that she woke up.
The dimming light in the bedside window indicated it was nearing sunset. Fara felt more than saw the two small forms at the end of the bed. Her vision was still blurry but the sleepy whine she heard told her one of the blurs was Poocheyena. Looking up again she saw her starter in a perch beside her, His head was tucked under a wing in sleep.
Further investigation of the room and equipment confirmed she was in a hospital bed. Looking to her left she saw a corded object clasped to the bedding. A few minutes of groggy thought gave her the name, a call button.
Fara debated but reached to press the red button at the top. She needed to know what was going on. A slight pressure and she heard a distant ringing outside the hall while a light lit above the door. Almost immediately she heard hurried foot steps come down towards her room. The sound woke her starter as well.
Abruptly the little bird's head was out of its resting spot and looking down at her. Struggling to raise her hand to reach the bird she whispered a croaking "Hey". Pidgey was on the bed instantly cooing gently. Thankful for his closer proximity she gently rubbed his chest. The worry in his eyes broke her heart.
Their quiet reunion was interrupted then. A man, in red scrubs and with dark blond hair, walked in. Seeing her conscious state he smiled and approached her.
"Well hello there, my names Josh. I'm your nurse tonight." He reached out to gently grab her left wrist. He continued to speak while checking her pulse. "Do you know where you are?"
"Hospital"
The Nurse smiled. "Yep, we're at Viridian Medical Center, do you know why you're here?"
Trying to swallow Fara spoke "Raichu?"
Nurse Josh nodded again. "Yes, I heard you had an unfortunate meeting with one. You were hit by an electric attack. You've been here sleeping the last couple of days. The doc had you on some muscle relaxer's and pain meds. They helped your muscles but tend to knocked people out hard."
Reaching out to a remote like device he picked it up and spoke to her. "I'm going to lift your torso up a bit. I want to check your respiration and heart out before Doc Richards gets here. He wanted to check on you as soon as you woke up."
Without waiting for a reply he pressed a button and the top half of the bed moved. Pidgey, who stood at the top, was forced back to his perch with the movement. He puffed up at the man but waited. Fara couldn't but silently wonder at the pokemon's patience. A week ago he would have attempted pecking the man for his audacity.
That thought was stopped abruptly. The movement had woken to two pokemon at the foot of her bed. She had a handful of Poocheyena whining and kissing her face in an instant. A throat was cleared and then the pup was off of her. Looking to the Nurse she raised an eyebrow in question.
"It's been made clear to your pokemon to stay as calm and gentle with you as possible. If not they get to stay at the Pokemon Center. We're bending the rules by allowing them to stay with you as is. Your Pidgey kept escaping his ball and refused to leave your side. Doc Richards made the decision to let them stay if they listened and followed all the rules."
Fara shook head and stifled a giggle. Pidgey's facial reactions to those statements were hilarious. She could just imagine the stubborn bird having been told to play nice and him having to put his pride aside to do so. It also warmed her that he was so determined to stay by her side. Fara reached out to his perch and stroked his breast.
"Thank you Pidgey. I know it's hard to be around strangers but you behaved and stayed by my side. I'm so proud of you."
Pidgey cooed and nipped her finger gently. Fara's smile deepened at the affection. He didn't like to overtly display affection so his doing so in front of Nurse Josh told her how much he cared.
Looking towards her thighs she smiled and scratched behind Poocheyena's ear. The pup wagged his tail and began licking her arm. This boy was always affectionate and she appreciated it as much as Pidgey's quiet displays.
A slight movement farther down brought her attention to the small Pichu. He was watching her but didn't approach. She recognized him from the forest but was confused why he was in her room.
"Josh, why is Pichu here?" Fara looked to the Nurse.
The nurse frowned lightly. "Ranger Jessica said he was yours. He is isn't he?"
Fara frowned and thought hard. Her memory of the events of the attack and after was still hazy. "I don't know. I think I recall him coming back to the camp site but everything's hard to remember. I was in a lot of pain and slept most of the time. I just know I can't remember catching him at all."
The man looked at the little mouse. "We'll have Professor Oak look into your registry records then. If he's wild he will have to leave. Doc Richards only gave permission for your pokemon to stay."
Pichu apparently didn't like that because he quickly started shaking his head and clung to Fara's foot. He chattered at Fara in a pleading tone.
She groaned at that. She had a feeling the pokemon wasn't going to leave willingly. Looking back at the shaking pokemon Fara lifted a hand out to him. He jumped over Poocheyena and on to her stomach before placing a paw on her hand.
Seeing the tears in the pokemon's eyes she made a decision. "Pichu, did I catch you with a pokeball in the forest?"
Pichu shook his head slowly. Fara sighed and looked at the Nurse. "Do you have my stuff? I need a pokeball. I'm too tired to fight with Pichu so if he wants to stay then he can."
Pichu lit up at the declaration and looked towards Nurse Josh. The man was chuckling at the duo. "Yes, we put your belongings in the closet over there. But first we need to finish the check up and then we'll get the ball."
Nodding in agreement Fara laid back and went through with the Nurse's examinations. Blood pressure, heart and respiration rates were checked. She even went through a basic cognitive test. The Nurse was apparently happy with the results if his smile was anything to go by. After they were done he went over and grabbed Fara's bag from a small closet opposite of her bed.
He brought it to her and helped sifted through the haphazardly packed belongings. Once she had the ball a quiet pat with it and Pichu was captured. She quickly released Pichu and let the man beside her out her belongings away. The little effort she had used had exhausted her.
It was just as Josh finished that two more people entered the room. Once was a young woman with pony tailed Strawberry Blonde hair and brown eyes in purple scrubs. The other was a middle aged man in a lab coat. He quickly smiled when their gazes met and started speaking.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Richards, this is Stacy, and she's your CNA for the evening. We're going to have her take your pokemon out while I do my examination and talk if that's okay?"
Fara smiled. "Yes, that will be fine." Looking at her friends she gestured towards the Aide. "Go on and behave for her."
Reluctantly the pokemon followed the CNA. Focusing on the Doctor she waited.
"So from the notes Josh just gave me it looks like you vitals are all normal. I'm just going to have you do a physical evaluation of you muscle control and reflexes. The Raichu's attack caused a seizure so I want to rule out any nervous system damage."
Nodding at the man she went through the basic exercises as he requested them. It became apparent quickly that while she still had full motor control she had lost muscle mass and was weaker than she was used to. The exercises had drained her within minutes and it was sheer force of will that allowed her to finish.
Doctor Richards was smiling though so Fara felt things were going well. After a short while he stopped her.
"It looks like everything is in working order. You'll need to spend a few weeks recuperating and build up muscle for travel but otherwise your fine. The MRI and CAT scans were clean and we tampered off the muscle relaxers a day ago with no recurrent muscle spasms so I should be able to discharge you tomorrow."
Fara wasn't listening however. Her mind had paused on the timeline of recovery she had been given. "Weeks before travel?" she muttered at the Doctor.
He noticed the tone. "I'm afraid so. Humans are funny creatures. Unlike pokemon days of inaction causes humans to lose muscle rapidly. You haven't lost enough to affect your basic daily functions like walking but traveling will take too much effort. Between the time frame when you last had a physical and now you've lost ten pounds. On a girl your size that is weight you can't afford to lose." His tone was sympathetic.
Fara didn't care though. She almost flinched at the thought of having to gain ten pounds. She had always been petite and slim. Gaining weight was hard for her despite the extra activities and protein she ate to get heavier. Her journey had almost been put on hold because of it. Size did matter when traveling and being able to put on a few pounds would help trainers with the higher activity levels and leaner times. It would be a nightmare to regain that weight.
This didn't even factor all of the berries that were wasted from her accident and her inability to get right back out and start picking again. Fara had only dried two batches of berries by the time of the attack and had left another six behind. If her calculations were right she had lost close to 400 poke dollars in profit. In addition the future weeks of inaction would make her lose whatever profit she would have gained from picking in that time.
The sudden burning in her eyes hinted tears at the sudden onslaught of fury she felt towards Ranger McClain. All of her effort wasted because he wouldn't stop pushing her to get a Pikachu. Well she had a Pichu now but she was in the hospital, going to be weeks behind her travels and have much less money than she had expected; money that she and all her pokemon would need for supplies.
A firm grip on her clenched fist shook Fara out of her thoughts; Doctor Richards was looking at her with concern. Pushing her angry thoughts away she focused on the man.
"I know this is hard Fara but focus on the here and now. I don't know what's going through your mind but I want you to understand how lucky you are. You should have died. If not for the attack being weaker than usual you would have. Stronger trainers than you have died from weaker Raichu attacks."
Fara swallowed at that. A little bit of shame welled up at the stern reminder. He was right, she was alive. How many horror stories had she heard from her teachers at school? Death was a reality trainers had to face and she had gotten her first brush with it. It was pure luck she was alive. Worrying about money should be the last thing on her mind.
Doctor Richards hand gentled and she focused back on him.
"Now I want you to eat and get some rest. Your guardian and other visitors will be back in the morning. I'll call and let them know you are awake. We'll focus on a plan of action tomorrow." He said.
Fara nodded at him and relaxed against the bed.
Nurse Josh, who had been quiet, caught her attention with a hand gesture.
"I'm going to have your dinner sent up. I'm sure you're starving."
Smiling slightly Fara silently agreed. Taking a deep breath she relaxed and lay back. Food would be good.
Sam Oak slowed his hurried pace as he approached the hospital. He had been pleased to learn of Fara's reawakening and was excited to see the child. He has so many questions.
His stay in Viridian had been split between her hospital room and preparations for his research expedition to Viridian Forest. Ranger Jessica had been sending daily reports but the information was limited. It seemed the Pikachu pack was a lot more hesitant in allowing the young woman access to their territory. Fara's insight would be a welcome respite to the lack of information.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, Oak walked through the sliding glass doors. His companions Mrs. Packard and John were close by his side. Fara's Guardian, Joann had flown back to Celadon the previous day.
Oak frowned at the thought of the woman. While a decent person, Joann wasn't what he would call parent material. It wasn't unexpected though. Joann was a lawyer first and foremost and was responsible for several dozen orphans. She was quite busy with handling the children's legal matters most days. An extended stay for her was difficult so she had handled most of the pressing matters quickly. Before she had left, Joann had seen to completing the hospital paperwork and arranging a place for Fara to rest until she was up to traveling again.
The woman was now going to start dealing with the Ranger Corp's involvement in Fara's incident. There would be hearing for Roan and Joann would be attending. Already the division had begun the process on reparations. All hospital and rehabilitation fees were to be paid by them. Lodging, food, and supplies replenishment fees would be settled once Fara was better. Joann was looking into getting Fara a financial settlement on top of those as well.
"Professor?"
Oak looked to John as they waited for an elevator.
"Yes John."
"What are you thinking about? You're frowning pretty hard there."
The Researcher let out a wary sign.
"I'm just thinking. Between Fara and this research expedition I have been busy."
The Breeder grinned a little.
"Well don't think to hard. You have enough to worry about. Fara's good according to the doc so that should take one thing off your mind."
Sam smiled at the man. "I know John but I still have questions for her. The League contacted me this morning. They're pushing for information about the Pikachu Den. Since Jessica can't approach the pack I'm working with little intel and they aren't happy. I have a feeling the clans are sticking their nose into things."
John wrinkled his nose at the mention of the clans. "The stuck ups know? I thought the Rangers were supposed to keep this on the down low?"
Walking out of the elevator Sam paused in the hallway. A quick look told him it was empty.
"They probably have some spies in the Ranger Corp. The clans always have insider information. Now that they know about the stones they are probably pushing for control of the area."
He looked at John. "They're dangerous when they want to be John. I need information and soon. If I can get enough evidence I'll be able to make the area into a protected zone but I don't have that now. That's why I need to speak to Fara. The Pikachu let her into the den and while she may not know it the fact is no one has done that before. She saw things that I need to document for the League so we can turn that area into a protected habitat."
Rubbing a hand over her face John nodded at the Professor. Mrs. Packard who had been silent finally spoke up.
"You said the clans can be dangerous Professor. Will they hurt Fara?"
Oak shook his head vehemently. "No, that's one thing they won't do. I made sure that all information related to her person was classified. The clans only know a trainer was hurt. They don't know her name, age or even gender. The League has put all that information in lock down. If nothing else the League is protective of trainers. Not to mention the backlash that the clans would face if they tried something."
Mrs. Packard's tense features relaxed at that. "Thank you. I don't want Fara hurt. "
The woman then gestured towards the nursing station at the halls end. "Let's focus on Fara right now. I want to see her. We can talk about everything else later."
Nodding the men joined the woman in walking to the room. Upon reaching it they were greeted by quiet laughter. Fara was sitting up in her bed with Pichu and Poocheyena. Her starter was on his perch watching the trio interact. Fara was rubbing the canine's belly with the help of Pichu.
The pup was groaning in joy and his leg twitched periodically. Seeing the glowing smile on Fara's face relieved Oak of all worry. She looked well now that she was awake and nothing likes the pale silent form from before.
Clearing his throat he brought Fara's attention to her visitors.
Fara was packing. It had been two days since she had regained consciousness and the doctors felt she could be released. Her time at the hospital had been filled with testing and queries from Professor Oak. He, John, and Mrs. Packard had been frequent visitors.
Now she was headed for the Pokemon Center for an extended stay. Fara had been informed that the Ranger's would be paying for it along with the entire medical bill. She had been pleased to learn that her lost profits were being reimbursed as well. The news had been a welcome relief. With the funds and a free Center stay she would be set for the next few weeks.
Fara had even promised to work with John during in that time frame. The physical labor would help her in getting rehabilitated for the journey. Not to mention the man had promised some free training lessons for Pidgey.
Training, now that was one thing she was going to go all out on. Her brush with danger had awoken a desire for betterment. No longer would she put herself in danger without backup. Her painful lesson had taught her how vulnerable she really was. The gentle scolding she had received from all of her visitor's had helped further that desire.
Mrs. Packard's teary greeting two days ago had shamed Fara. Hurting the gentle woman was the last thing she wanted. So she would focus and work harder with her team. Huffing she closed her bag and looked to her team.
Like usual the two mammals were resting on the bed watching her. Pidgey was on his usual perch as well. Smiling she ran a gentle hand over Pichu's back.
"It's time to go. We'll be going to the Pokemon Center. After we get there all of you are going to have a physical."
With that she reached for her pokeballs and returned her companions. Taking a last look to verify she had all of her stuff she reached to lift her bag. A larger hand beat her to it and she screeched in surprise. Looking behind her she saw John standing near her with a smirk.
"Did you have to give me a heart attack?"
John smirked at her. "Well now you have a clue about how we felt when you got hurt."
Fara frowned at him. "You don't have to keep rubbing it in. I know I was stupid to listen to the Ranger. I am going to be more careful. So please stop."
A hand ruffled her hair. "Sure but you're still going through boot camp kid. I obviously failed in getting you ready. Consider the next three weeks your punishment. I'm not going to be soft on you like before."
The statement froze Fara in her tracks and kept John from leaving the room.
"Easy? You call what I did before easy?"
A maniacal grin spread across the man's face. "Oh yeah, no more baby training; by the time we are done you will hate me with every fiber of your being."
Terror shot up her spine. Her time with John had been difficult. Exhaustion had claimed her on numerous occasions. She couldn't imagine harder training.
Said man suddenly shoved her forward. "Move it. We need to get your stuff to the center and your pokemon checked out. If we don't hurry you'll be late in feeding the pokemon at the Aviary. You do remember what happens when you're late there right?"
Fara bolted down the hall towards the elevator. She remembered what tardiness caused. Memories of sharp beaks and dodging aerial assaults flooded her. Never again. It had taken six months for the birds to forgive her and she couldn't deal with that catastrophe waiting to happen again.
In short order she was checked out and outside racing to the Pokemon Center. Her mentor followed closely and she tried to ignore the sadistic chuckles he made. Fortunately, there wasn't a line to the nurse's desk and Fara was checked in quickly. While her pokemon were taken to their physicals she and John put her baggage into the rented room and unpacked.
Upon a suggestion from John she switched her clothing to lighter attire; a long sleeved white shirt, brown cargo pants and her hiking boots. Once done with that she tied her hair up and wrapped it in her usual gray bandanna. Her wild brown curls were usually a tempting target to the younger residents of the aviary and a bandanna prevented their curiosity.
An overhead announcement told her the pokemon were done so she and John went to get them. Afterwards they made the trek towards his residence. While walking she was informed that her duties over the next few weeks would consist of cleaning nesting areas, prepping food, and helping John give his pokemon exercise. In addition she would be getting personal training to up her physical capabilities. The nasty smirk wore when he said that chilled her to the bone.
Later, Fara realized she had been right to worry. Her weakened state had made her chores take that much longer. Since it was dark, she had figured she would be done for the night. She was wrong.
John had been busy while she worked and had created an obstacle course that was barely visible in the setting sun light. There were several lanterns strategically placed but they provided little visibility. Turning towards her mentor she was faced with a almost demonic visage.
"Now that you've completed your chores we're going to play a little game. I call it Dodge."
Hesitantly Fara spoke. "Dodge?"
"Yes, Dodge. You see you are going to learn how to run from danger. The obstacle course is a reenactment of different escape routes that you may be forced to use in the wild. You will be hunted by my pokemon and some others that my fellow breeder colleagues were gracious enough to send on loan."
At that statement Rhapsody, the Pidgeot, a large Noctowl, a vicious looking Houndoom, and an abnormally large Persian entered the clearing. John gestured to the pokemon.
"All of these pokemon are going to hunt you while you run. You need to use the environment in front of you to dodge their attacks. Some of them like Houndoom and Persian will track you on the ground while the bird pokemon will attack from above. There are tunnels, barricades, brush barriers and trees in the obstacle course. There are even artificial ponds and a small stream. While the pokemon are expected to attack you physically and with their attacks; they won't do it in a way to permanently harm you."
Fara stumbled back a step as sweat beaded her brow. Terror was flooding her.
"Now its time to go over the rules; first you are forbidden from using your pokemon."
Fara grimaced as the weak hope she had shattered at that rule. John ignored her expression and continued.
"Next you have fifteen minutes to reach the other end of the course. If you fail within that time frame you start over and will continue to do so until you succeed. After you pass you can go home. But be aware that I don't care how little sleep you get. You will be back by six am every morning no matter how tired you are. Understood?"
Slowly she nodded her head in acceptance. John clapped his hands together cheerfully.
"Excellent. Now you have a three minute head start. By the way, it started a minute ago so you only have two minutes. I'd get going."
Frantically Fara darted off into the course. A startled yelp told John she'd fallen into one of the tunnels.
Looking over to the waiting pokemon he nodded towards the course.
"Go get her but be careful like we discussed."
In an instant the pokemon were off, leaving the man who frowned into the distance. Sighing he turned towards his cottage. Alone no one heard his whispered "Good Luck."