Painful Recovery

Ow, fucking shit that hurts! Michael thought as he woke up, his whole body was searing with pain. He could hear a heart monitor beside him as he opened his eyes. He noticed a few things. First, Liz was in the bed to his right, a Gardevoir he slowly recognized as Alicia was sleeping in a chair between the two beds, and there were countless bouquets of flowers in the room. The biggest one of them had a to/from tag big enough for Michael to read. The Maple Family? How did they…? He sighed with a smile as he realized they probably watched ONBS to keep up with Alicia.

The last thing he noticed was his skin. It was almost all red and blistered, with a mix of burning pain and freezing cold radiating through his body. The only exception was his left arm, which seemed to be unharmed on his hand and shoulder.

It took him a second to realize there was a problem. He couldn't see the Snag Machine anywhere. His panic must have caught Alicia's notice, since she woke up almost immediately. Michael calm down, she said firmly. It's safe.

"What do you mean? Where is it?" Michael asked.

Alicia pointed to the nightstand beside Michael. Your family is here. I told Dr. Krane about what happened, and he took the Snag Machines from both you and Liz. He didn't say why, he just did.

Michael heard what she'd said, but he almost blanched when she said their families were here. "Did Jovi see me?"

Not yet. Your mother did, though… Alicia saw Michael wince. She's terrified of Cipher too. I think I even heard her start arguing with Dr. Krane and Dr. Hanz about letting you and Liz continue this fight.

"I see…" Michael said. "They're still here?"

I told them I'd let them know when you woke up, Alicia said. Should I tell them now?

Michael nodded. Not twenty seconds later, the door to their room opened, and Michael saw his mother coming in. While she normally looked put together and professional, Michael saw that her eyes were red from tears, and she looked haggard, with her hair falling out of her bun. When she saw Michael awake, she immediately rushed to him and gently hugged her son tightly, kissing his cheek.

"I'm sorry I made you worry, Mom," Michael said, knowing what she was thinking.

Lily let her son go, shaking her head. "Don't be sorry. I saw what happened on ONBS. I'm proud of you for saving this city," she said with a gentle smile. "But…seeing you like this…" she started to cry a bit more.

"Mom?" Michael asked, realizing there was more to his mother's emotions.

"It reminds me too much of your father…"Lily said with tears falling.

"What do you mean?" Michael asked. "I know Dad was killed…but how…"

"Because Cipher was almost certainly behind it…" Lily said, making Michael go quiet. "I don't know the specifics of that night, since I wasn't there…but the news of the Purify Chamber had just been featured on ONBS, shortly after Cipher was first defeated. We had been getting threats over the phone to stop the research. When he refused…" She stopped and covered her mouth a bit. "The only person who witnessed anything was too late, and all he saw was a man dressed in expensive clothes running toward Pyrite's Under.

Michael looked surprised, having never heard that detail of what happened to his father. "I'm sorry. I promise I'll be more careful."

Lily's eyes seemed to flash with concern. "You've done enough…" she said quietly.

"What?" Michael asked.

Before Lily could explain, the door opened again, with Jovi running inside, followed by Dr. Krane and Dr. Hanz. "Big brother!" the little girl said, running to his bed, about to jump up to hug him. Luckily Lily intercepted the girl.

"Easy. You can't hug him too hard," Lily said, noticing Michael looked a bit relieved, especially since he couldn't move without serious pain. Jovi still climbed up into the bed, hugging her brother tightly, starting to cry as well.

Michael now realized just how much these injuries would affect not only him, but also his loved ones. He slowly hugged Jovi back. "I'm sorry, Jovi. I made you worry, didn't I?"

Jovi pulled back enough for Michael to see her nodding, tears in her eyes. "I thought you were going to die."

Michael's heart panged with guilt. He had been so focused on fighting Cipher that he'd made life harder for his entire family, especially for the person he was supposed to protect. Damn…what kind of older brother am I?

The kind that's working towards keeping her safe no matter the cost to yourself, Alicia said privately.

I guess, but I need to be more careful in the future…but how…?

As if waiting on cue, Dr. Krane stepped forward. "Michael, we need to talk seriously," he said. "About how to proceed with your battle with Cipher."

Michael looked up at Dr. Krane, then to Dr. Hanz, who had just lightly woken up Liz. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Krane sighed. "During the Shadow Pokémon Incident ten years ago, Shadow Pokémon only had one attack: Shadow Rush. We assumed that there wouldn't be any others this time around, aside from similar attacks, like Shadow Blitz. We never even considered that there could be a Shadow weather-based attack, let alone one that powerful." Michael and Liz kept listening, not sure where this was going. "So…we have two options, considering what happened here."

"Whatever the options are, I want to keep fighting Cipher," Michael said.

"I do too," Liz said, looking determined. Her head had stopped hurting as much over the past few days, and she was silently grateful that modern medicine could mix so well with the use of Pokémon Healing Therapy.

"That's the thing," Krane said. "It was easy these past few weeks when battling Cipher, right?"

"A little," Michael said. "Why?"

"Because, if they've been keeping this kind of ability hidden, it stands to reason that they've been letting you think you're winning," Dr. Krane said.

"Then you understand that we need to keep getting stronger to stop them," Michael said.

"Michael, look at your body," Lily said, sounding stern, but concerned as she picked Jovi up and moved Michael's blankets. Michael's eyes went wide, seeing that his skin was red and almost looked like it was sunken in some areas. His shoulders were the worst, but his stomach was pretty bad as well. His skin almost looked like Deadpool's. It was horrifying to say the least.

"Now, I can make an addition to the Snag Machines that might help," Dr. Krane said.

"Although, I am against it," Dr. Hanz said. "I don't think this is truly your fight. We can call on Wes to get him back to Orre. He and Rui may have a family in Unova at this point, but he has the experience needed to deal with a full-strength Cipher."

Lily, didn't you say that Michael's father was likely killed by Cipher? Alicia said.

Lily flinched a bit. "Yes, I did," she said softly.

So, this is Michael's fight. It's been his fight ever since the Purify Chamber caught Cipher's attention, Alicia said. And, he and Liz have both had battles with Cipher broadcast across all of Orre. Even if they stop now, Cipher won't, Alicia said with a convincing tone. It's kind of like when the Maples were battling Team Aqua and Team Magma. They didn't intend to get involved with the two groups, but they got dragged into the conflict just because they interacted with the groups. Michael and Liz are deeper in the fight with Cipher.

Dr. Krane sighed. "You raise a good point, Alicia. Still…you didn't let me explain the options. The first is that you can press on without changing anything, likely winding up in hospital beds again. The second is the one I hope you pick: I add a metal umbrella of the same metal we used to make the snag machines."

Michael perked up. "You need to ask?" he asked with a grin. "Make the additions…if you haven't already."

"Well, the device itself has gotten the improvements. We just need to add the sensor to activate it automatically. Unless you want to make it a manual activation."

"I think the manual option would be the easiest," Liz said.

"Agreed. I don't want the sensors misreading the aura from other Shadow attacks and activating it needlessly," Michael said.

"Very well. I can add that adjustment within the next day," Dr. Krane said.

That conversation ended when the door opened, one doctor entering the room. "Oh, good morning. Glad to see that you're both awake," the first said. "We're here to discuss treatment with Mr. Orison."

Lily nodded. "Richard, mind taking Jovi outside?"

Dr. Krane nodded. "Certainly," he said, picking up Jovi, despite the girl reaching for Michael so she could stay with her brother. This wouldn't be a conversation she should hear.

Once she was out, the doctor started. "Well, I am Dr. Drake Ramoray. I specialize in dermatology surgery, and concentrate on burns," he said. "To be perfectly honest, in my years of practice, I have rarely seen such serious burns on a living patient."

Michael winced. "Is it that bad?"

Dr. Ramoray nods. "Your skin was almost entirely burned off. Had that rain continued any longer, you would not be alive right now."

Michael looked at Alicia gratefully. "So…Alicia saved my life," he said, wanting to hug the Gardevoir in thanks.

You don't have to thank me, she said. I'd never be able to face my mother if my trainer died on my watch."

Is that the only reason? Michael asked. Alicia just smiled and winked before the doctor continued.

"I can see that you've seen the damage to your skin, and, to be honest, medicine likely won't be able to treat it," he said.

"Then…what are my options?" Michael asked.

"We could continue with simple medical treatment, like ointments. Or…we can do an experimental method. We'd need to take stem cells from your epidermal layer of skin, then use them for grafting. How this surgery usually works is a bit technical, but with Pokémon aiding the process, it will go much faster, and the chances of success will be much higher."

"I feel like there's a catch, because that all sounds too good to be true," Michael said.

"The recovery could hurt like hell," the doctor said, bluntly. "Moving more than short bursts before you're ready could cause the new skin to tear."

Michael paused for a moment. "Is that surgery something that needs to be done quickly, or can it wait?" The others in the room, including Liz and Alicia, looked at Michael with shock.

"The sooner it's done, the more effective it will be. Your skin is healing slowly, but without this surgery, you could end up permanently scarred," Dr. Ramoray said.

Michael sighed. "And how long will it take for me to be able to get out of the hospital?"

"At minimum, you'd be in here a week," Dr. Ramoray said. "But I'd recommend you take two weeks to heal before moving more than a few steps. Otherwise, you'll be in pain whenever you move, and you might tear the new skin before it can adapt."

Michael nodded. "And…if I don't do the surgery?"

"Like I said, the burns were severe. Your skin might not be able to heal at all without it," Dr. Ramoray said.

Michael nodded. "Then I'll do the surgery."

Lily gave her son's hand a light squeeze, trying to impart some comfort. Liz seemed solemn, giving Michael a look saying that she wanted to talk when they were alone.

"Alright, I will get you scheduled for tomorrow morning for that. We'll make sure you don't have food after 5, or drink after midnight," Dr. Ramoray said, marking his notes and heading to the door. "I'll see you then."

Michael was silent for a moment after the door closed, looking at his family. "Did I make the right choice?"

Lily sighed. "I don't know. You made a more difficult choice. Whether it's right…I couldn't say."

Liz seemed to just be silent. Dr. Hanz held his daughter's hand. She looked like she wanted to say something, but she would wait to say it until their parents left.

The talking that day went on for a few hours before a nurse came in. "Sorry, but visiting hours will be ending in twenty minutes."

Lily and Dr. Hanz nodded. "Guys, call us any time," Dr. Hanz said, giving Liz a kiss on the forehead. Lily did the same to Michael.

"We love you both. And we'll be here before Michael goes into surgery."

"Sounds good, love you too." Michael said with a smile.

"Love you, Dad," Liz said.

Their families left, though Jovi stayed for a second longer, holding Michael's hand. "I love you big brother," she said, hugging Michael. Then she went to Liz and hugged her. "And I love you too, big sister."

Liz blushed at how cute Jovi was being, and hugged the girl back. "We love you too, Jovi. We'll see you tomorrow morning."

Michael smiled to his sister. "I love you Jovi. Sleep well tonight." Jovi skipped to Lily's side, smiling blissfully as she took her mother's hand. Lily gave them both a wave before the door closed behind them.

Two minutes passed before Liz spoke, though it seemed like an hour to Michael.

"Are you really going to go through with this surgery?" Liz asked.

Michael sighed, knowing this was what she wanted to talk about. "Yes, I'm sure. I know I'll get hurt fighting Cipher, but…you saw my skin, Liz. I can barely move without pain."

Liz looked at him. "Still…this is an experimental procedure. It might not work…"

"I know…" Michael said. "But if I'm hurting while fighting, I won't be at my best."

"And you're aware that there isn't a guarantee that you won't feel pain later?" Liz asked, sounding concerned.

"Yes, I know…but I need to make sure nothing holds me back," he said.

"And there's nothing else to this? You're not just trying to avoid scarring, right?" Liz asked.

Michael smiled at her. "I promise it's not just for cosmetic reasons."

"Good, because I still love you even if you have scars…" Liz said.

Hey, guys…you know I'm still here, right? Alicia asked from the chair she seemed to be enjoying, feeling a bit awkward in this conversation.

"Sorry, I thought you were asleep," Michael said.

Almost, just barely awake, Alicia said tiredly.

"Then, maybe we should sleep too," Liz said.

"Right," Michael said, seeing it was almost nine at night. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Liz said happily as she laid back happily.

Two days later, Michael woke up for the first time since his surgery, his entire body covered with bandages, with his arms and legs suspended above him enough to prevent him from moving too much. Liz was now seated beside him, no longer in her bed. It seemed that the treatments were really effective for her concussion, as she was wearing her normal attire. The purple shirt was refreshing for Michael to see again.

"H-hey," Michael said softly. Liz bolted up at the sound of his voice.

"Well, hey there sleeping beauty," she said, smiling softly. "Alicia just went out to grab some coffee from Starboks."

"She drinks coffee?" Michael asked. "Guess we really need to get to know her more."

"Well, she said she wanted a hot chocolate, and she would get me a latte."

"Did you get me anything?" Michael said jokingly.

"Well, you didn't say anything when Alicia asked," Liz joked back.

Michael laughed a bit. "So…I can barely feel anything right now…" he said.

"Want me to get the doctor?" Liz asked.

"If it's not too much trouble," Michael said in a grateful tone.

Liz left the room for a moment, returning a minute later with Dr. Ramoray in-tow.

"And he's awake. How do you feel with that surgery?" Dr. Ramoray asked with a smile.

"Hard to say," Michael said. "I can only really feel pressure from the slings."

Dr. Ramoray nodded. "Yeah, the nerve endings need a couple days to integrate into the new skin," he said. "That's why we're having you stay motionless. Aside from tearing the skin, you would also have trouble moving with your sensory nerves feeling dulled."

"Will I be getting some Pokémon healing therapy?" Michael said.

"Actually, your Gardevoir has been learning from our clinic's Pokémon. She's been insistent on helping you recover," Dr. Ramoray said.

Michael smiled. "I'll need to thank her," he said. "Remind me, how long do I need to wait until I can get out of the hospital, by the way?"

"Depending on how fast the therapy goes for you. It could be a week, or it could be two before you can move enough to be discharged," Dr. Ramoray said.

"Thank you," Michael said. "Anything I can do to make this easier?"

Dr. Ramoray chuckled. "Just rest. You have the whole region hoping for your recovery."

Michael perked up a bit. "What?"

Liz turned on the television, going to ONBS, and they saw Ancha standing by Phenac's fountain. Behind her was a massive crowd of people, all holding candles, along with a well-dressed man who had greying hair. "I'm standing here with the vigil waiting for Michael Orison to come out of the hospital. Next to me is Mayor Trest of Phenac City. Mayor, I understand that you have a message you'd like to say to Mr. Orison."

Trest nodded, a campaign button reading "Trust Trest" on his lapel. "Yes, I have a simple message," the man said. "Michael, if you're watching this, you are an inspiration to all of us in Orre. Phenac owes you a debt of gratitude that we may never be able to repay. Please get well soon. We will do all we can to help you fight Cipher until you're able."

Michael looked a bit shocked as Ancha thanked the Mayor, moving on to a group of people wearing clothes similar to what both Michael and Liz wore. "Would you all care to comment?" Ancha asked.

"Yeah, Michael and Liz are the new Wes and Rui!" one of the guys said with a cheer from the crowd. "And Cipher doesn't stand a chance!"

"Orre is basically all like that," Liz said. "You're giving people hope."

"So, the sooner I get out, the better it'll be for them," Michael said.

"No, the healthier you are when you get out, the better it will be for giving them hope," Liz said. "They can wait just a little longer. Take your time."

Michael settled into the bed again. "Got it. How long till these bandages come off again?"

"They'll be off in less than a week. Just sit tight and relax," Dr. Ramoray said.

"Okay, I can do that," Michael said.

"Well, I'm going to make my rounds. If you need anything, please call for a nurse, or me," he said, more to Liz as Michael seemed to be drifting back to sleep.

"Thank you, doctor," Liz said softly, looking at Michael with a smile. The recovery would be difficult, but Michael would pull through. She knew he would. "Dr. Krane will certainly have the Snag Machines modified by the time you're healthy."

Well, holidays are done, other than New Year's. Life is stressful still, so I apologize for being slow again.

This was a quick chapter, but next one will be longer, though there may not be any battles in the next chapter too.

I'll keep it brief with the outro in this chapter. Until next time ~ jmoul18