Jubilife Village was bigger than he expected.
Much bigger.
Rather than several small huts like the Diamond Settlement, this place had many large wooden buildings, with a giant brick one dominating the skyline. There was even a tall wooden wall surrounding the settlement.
Adaman told him the village had only been built two years ago. In Snowflake's opinion, the size of this place for only a two year existence seemed excessive.
"This place is big."
"Yeah, you aren't kidding." Adaman agreed. The small covered wagon they sat in came to a halt outside the gate, the Survey Corp escort leaving them to talk to the guards.
He was told the cart belonged to the Ginkgo Guild, and their leader had been kind enough to loan it to them. He was pretty sure the man's name was Volo, though he hadn't met him yet.
"So, where are we going exactly?" Snowflake questioned.
"That big building. It's called Galaxy Hall."
Oh.
"But don't worry! You'll be on the first floor." Adaman reassured, rubbing his Leafeon's ear.
That really didn't help Snowflake feel any better about it.
Their escort returned while the guards opened the village gate, leading the Rabidash pulling the cart inside.
Lifting up the bonnet corner, Snowflake could see the many shops lining a river, a waterwheel, and many people watching their entrance.
He shut the flap before they noticed him.
"Eeee?" Caboose pawed at Snowflake's hand.
… okay, he'd let her see. It wasn't so bad if they saw an Eevee instead. He didn't want too many eyes on him just yet.
"Look, Caboose. We have reached the terminal." He let her crawl on his lap and opened the flap again, just enough for her to peek outside.
"… what's a terminal?" Adaman questioned.
Snowflake blinked.
Had he said terminal?
Why had he called this place a terminal?
…
What does 'terminal' even mean?
"…. I don't know?" He scratched Caboose's neck, genuinely baffled.
The answer had to be in his head somewhere.
He thought about it while being carried inside, set up in a bed closest to the window, and introduced to the other members of the Medical Corp.
Nothing.
It bothered him, but he didn't have more time to dwell on it. Not with his first visitor.
He thought Adaman had warned him of the colorful people that called this village home, but nothing could have prepared him for the funny looking man in a lab coat and poofy hat.
Professor Laventon liked to talk.
A lot.
"Fascinating! I can't believe a third person fell from the sky!" He was babbling a mile a minute, getting way too close for comfort. "A third traveler from the sky rift! Whatever could it mean? Did you come with a strange looking device?"
"Uhhhh…. I don't know?"
"Hmmm. Can you tell me anything about your life before arriving here?" Laventon continued, barely acknowledging Snowflake's answer. "What year was it? Where are you from? Did you know Akari or Ingo prior to coming here?"
"… no. I don't know. I also don't know. No and no."
"Uh, Professor? Maybe you should ease up on the questioning." Adaman was trying to warn him of the three Medical Corp ladies staring daggers into his back.
"I need to get as much written down as quickly as possible! Who knows how this data could- Wait, you don't know where you're from…?" Realization hit all at once. "Don't tell me you also suffer from amnesia?" The disappointment in the Professor's voice was obvious.
"You are getting verrrrry close." Snowflake's smile didn't reach his eyes. He was three seconds away from shoving this guy to the ground, if nobody did anything before that.
"The answer is yes." Adaman finished, right as Pesselle and an elderly woman grabbed Laventon by the shoulder's, one on each side.
"Professor." Pesselle growled, sounding especially agitated. "What did I tell you about letting our new patient rest?"
Leventon started to look really sweaty all of a sudden. Perhaps he should take off that warm looking hat? Though, with the ladies dragging him out of the medical bay, he didn't have the hands to do it.
Adaman laughed awkwardly. "Well, hopefully you'll get a chance to settle now that-"
"Knock knock!" Both men turned, seeing a blonde with a large backpack and one eye hidden by long bangs.
"Hey Volo." Adaman nodded in greeting. "I didn't think you'd be here today."
"The shipment showed up a few days earlier than expected. It's being carted into the village as we speak," Volo turned his attention to the patient, an odd grin on his face. "So, this is the new Skyfaller I've heard so much about?"
"I am Snowflake." He didn't say anything else, not eager to meet anyone new after Laventon. Thankfully this one didn't ask a million questions.
"I just wanted to say welcome to Hisui, and I hope you enjoy your time here," he motioned to some men carrying around boxes in the hallway. "And don't worry. Our most recent shipment is all supplies for the Medical Corps. Very fancy stuff here."
"… thanks?" Snowflake grinned, unsure what the heck Volo was talking about. It's not like he was in charge of the department or anything.
"Of course!" He shut his eyes and smiled, that smile a salesman gives to their clients. "And remember for when you're better. The Ginkgo Guild always provides the best foods, supplies and services you could ever-"
"VOLO!" Pesselle's voice rang out from down the hallway.
"And that's my que to leave! Farewell!" The blonde was out of sight before Snowflake could blink.
…
"Wow, he's fast."
"You have no idea." Adaman sighed.
Other people were starting to gather now, peering through the doors trying to get a good look at the man responsible for the uproar that was currently the Medical Corps.
Man Eater's surviving victim.
Caboose jumped to the floor and snarled, none of the onlookers deterred by her attempts. Leafeon joined in right after, finally catching the attention of a few spectators. It still wasn't enough to make them leave.
"Do you people mind?" Adaman stood up and pulled a privacy curtain between Snowflake and the rubberneckers. "Go on, nothing to see here! Go about your business!" Snowflake couldn't tell what was happening anymore, only seeing Caboose rush under the curtain to snuggle again in bed. He stroked her slowly, taking deep breaths.
"YOU HEARD THE MAN! LEAVE!" Pesselle finally returned, loud shouting accompanied by the sounds of feet clearing the halls. She made it back into the room with the other ladies, slamming both doors into the sick bay.
"Don't worry, sir. Nobody else should bother you today." Pesselle panted. She was clearly still irritated, not that Snowflake could blame her.
"Your dedication to patient satisfaction is appreciated!" Snowflake started to smile, freezing when Pesselle's eyes narrowed. "Sorry! N-no emoting! Got it!"
"My threat to sew your mouth shut still stands." The doctor growled.
"I'm sorry!"
"You'd better be!"
Adaman suddenly realized the time, jumping out of his chair. "Hate to leave you like this, Snowflake, but I've got an important meeting with Commander Kamado. Will you be alright by yourself?"
Snowflake wanted to yell at him for suggesting it. Grab his pant leg and force him to sit back down. He didn't want to be alone with the scary women.
But Adaman was already standing too far away to reach.
Damn.
"Of course. Please come back soon!" He soluted, watching Adaman book it out the door and slam it shut behind him
One of the elderly ladies, Pana, if he remembered correctly, smiled at his antics. She stood up and started carrying things over to the nightstand by Snowflake's bed.
"Um… t-the people here are interesting." Snowflake murmured nervously, a bit frightened of this woman already.
She was one of the yelling ones.
"Don't worry, I just need to do a bandage change and see how you're recovering. Is that alright?"
"O-okay." Snowflake watched her grab some fresh wrappings, towels, medicine, and a bowl of clean water. She was gentle, much more so than Pesselle. And with how good the lighting was he could actually see his own wounds better.
His chest and shoulders were covered in stitches. Sewn together like a patch quilt. Pink irritated skin, some healing back together while other sections still looked inflamed. There were even areas missing skin entirely, Pana peeling away dying tissue from the wounds with a pair of tweezers and flushed them out after with whatever disinfectant she was using.
It stung pretty badly.
It made him nervous about what his neck and face looked like. Nobody ever gave him a mirror, and he was scared to ask for one.
"Hey, Pesselle." Pana asked.
"Yes?" She came over, Pana turning Snowflake's head this way and that.
It was weird. Some part of his face could feel her fingers. Some sensations were too intense, while other sections were numb to it. His nerves were inconsistent with what they could detect.
Would that be permanent?
"There are still several open gashes. What are you planning for these?"
"Just keep the skin clean and debrided. I would like to start shrinking these holes once more skin grows in. There wasn't enough at the time."
Their conversation was making Snowflake feel sick. He did NOT want to hear the scary medical stuff of what they were planning.
Especially when they started probing around his blind eye. That got him to pull backs
"Did that hurt?"
"Yes. Please don't touch it."
Pesselle moved her finger around his face, Snowflake having no clue where it was.
"I don't think he'll get vision back in that eye."
"Would removal be the next best thing?" Pana questioned.
"P-please don't cut it out." He begged.
Pana just gave him a sympathetic look.
"We won't make that decision right away, but if it continues to hurt it may be the best option."
Snowflake whimpered. He REALLY wished he would have stayed in the Diamond Settlement.
Maybe he could use Caboose as a distraction and drag himself along the floor until he found Adaman?
Pana ignored his distress.
"You're healing. Not as quickly as I'd like, but given how dirty the wounds were I'm not surprised that infections still linger. You're very lucky to still be alive." She wrung out the bloody rag she gave him a "bath" with, though he still felt disgusting.
A proper bath would be nice.
After everything was bandaged up again, she cleaned up and moved so Pesselle could take over.
"I do believe we should begin working on physical therapy. Your hip looks to be healed enough to walk on, so I'd like to start strength training."
"Okay!" Yes, anything that wasn't talking about his eye would be great!
"To start off, we'll work on your arm. It will be necessary for when we move onto walking."
"How do I do that?"
She stood up and grabbed a brick from a wooden box, handing it to him. "You should start by lifting this with your good hand." Pesselle demonstrated the motions, Snowflake doing his best to mimic her.
One rep.
Two reps.
Three reps.
It started to get really difficult on the fourth.
By the time he got to lift six, he was completely out of breath and trembling.
He hadn't realized how heavy bricks were, or how winded he'd get only after a few reps.
"Good." Pesselle nodded in approval. "Keep doing those three times a day to start. Until your muscles feel like giving out."
"T-this is hard…" Snowflake panted. "You m-made it look easy."
"It will get easier with time. I'll be monitoring your progress daily, so don't disappoint me." She said it with a wink, though Snowflake was vaguely picking up on a potential threat. It was hard telling when she seemed so pleasant the whole time.
Why were these women so scary?
"Yes ma'am!"
Snowflake was very uncomfortable. If he wanted to get better though, he'd need to follow her instructions.
He wanted to go back to Diamond Clan.
He wanted to see Melli and Adaman every day again.
He wanted his independence!
It was going to be a long road, but he had a goal in mind. Snowflake was getting out of here as soon as possible.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Adaman, Melli and Rei approached Jubilife Village, the kid quickly separating from them as soon as he could.
"Dang Melli, I figured after all these weeks together you two would somewhat get along." Adaman sighed, not liking how this was going. Ingo and Akari worked together just fine, yet Melli couldn't even pretend to get along with Rei.
It was frustrating.
"I really need you to try here. You're the only Diamond Clan Warden that's struggling so much with their assigned help. It looks bad on us."
"Maybe YOU can scout with him next time, and see how difficult it is to work with such a rude brat." Melli crossed his arms and huffed, his Skuntank placing himself between the two humans when tensions started rising. Adaman's Leafeon was following behind them, more tired than anything.
"Where did THAT come from?" Adaman stopped in his tracks.
Melli had to stop too, clearly annoyed. He'd been this way for several days, but the Diamond leader had no idea why.
"I am just trying to be more honest, and I HONESTLY can't stand working with that boy."
"He can be straightforward, but he's a good kid. Would getting someone else assigned to you help?"
"Maybe just assign me to be on my own like I usually am." There was something else said, but it was too muffled to hear.
"Come on Melli. You've been acting off since Snowflake was sent to Jubilife," Adaman tried to keep his voice steady. "I can't tell what's wrong if you won't talk about it."
Melli's eyes narrowed. "Well, maybe you should be better about taking your own advice and then I'll consider listening."
"Own advice?" His mind went blank at the statement. "What advice?"
"You know what advice I'm talking about," Melli crossed his arms, only to get more agitated by Adaman's silence. "You forgot? You seriously forgot?"
"A reminder would be nice."
"… if you'll excuse me, I'll be off NOT neglecting my friendships!" Melli marched towards Galaxy Hall, Adaman still baffled at whatever that was.
"…. He'll cool off eventually." The Diamond leader shrugged. There was only so much he could do when people wouldn't talk to him. He had enough responsibilities keeping everyone in the Settlement safe and happy, and that's not even mentioning his attempts to make peace with Pearl Clan and the Galaxy Team.
Speaking of the Pearl Clan.
"Irida." Adaman nodded at the Pearl Clan leader currently approaching him. She looked over at the angry man storming past her, attention turning back to Adaman.
"Did you say something to your Warden?" She was giving Adaman a suspicious look.
"I honestly don't know what I did." He shrugged. "I hope he'll calm down and actually give me an explanation at some point. In the meantime, we have that meeting with Kamado."
"Of course. It's always meetings every time we come here," Irida moaned. "It would be nice to get some food or something after one of these. Just to stretch our legs out a bit."
"If you need a change of pace, I can introduce you to Snowflake. After the meeting, of course."
"You mean the newest Skyfallen? I heard he was relocated here. Don't tell me he got tired of listening to your grand speeches about time?"
"Of course not. He loves me." Adaman waved off the comment. "The Galaxy Team could provide better treatment here. I'm hoping he'll be up on his feet in no time with their help."
"Do you think he'll join the Galaxy Team like Akari did? When he's better, at least. I imagine he'll have to earn his keep at some point if he stays, given how strict Cyllene is."
"I hope not. I want to offer him a place in the Diamond Clan."
"Are you sure that's best?" Irida pondered. "With the amount of time it'll take for him to recover, I'd almost expect you to say you're wasting time on this."
"Hey, I don't waste my time. I INVEST my time, and I think it will be worth it." Adaman grinned. "Think of it this way. The Galaxy Team has a Skyfallen in their Survey Corps, and you guys have one who's a freaky strong trainer. Not gonna lie, I feel like the Diamond Clan is being left out." He said so teasingly. "Who knows? Maybe Snowflake is a crazy strong Pokémon trainer too."
Irida rolled her eyes.
"As if Sinnoh would send so many people with such connections to Pokémon."
"We were two for two for a while. Makes sense we'd get a third trainer. Besides, you haven't seen the crazy stuff I've already caught him doing."
"What could he possibly get up to trapped in bed most of the-"
"Hold on!" Adaman threw his arm in Irida's path, much to her irritation.
"Adaman! What in Sinnoh's name was that for?"
"Shhhh! Watch." He snickered, pointing to the canteen just up the streat. A little Eevee was spinning around Beni's legs, tail whipping back and forth while giving the biggest baby-doll eyes imaginable.
"Awww~ Hello little fella. One sec." Beni stepped inside the wooden building, coming out with a potato mochi. "Here you go, girl. Do be careful out there."
Eevee trilled gratefully, taking the mochi in her mouth and rushing back towards Galaxy Hall.
"That's Caboose."
"The Eevee?"
"Yes, Caboose is the Eevee. She is Snowflake's companion, and they make all sorts of trouble together." The Diamond Clan leader pulled Irida towards the front door, Caboose scratching at it wanting entry.
"I can get that for you, little lady." Adaman twisted the latch pushing the way open.
"Eeeeeeeeev!" The Eevee rushed up to Adaman's leg, rubbing against it in greeting. Potato mochi still in its mouth uneaten.
"Hello Caboose. How's your human doing?"
"Eee! Eeeev!" The little Pokémon chortled back.
"Awww, she's so precious… Caboose, was it?" Irida looked at Adaman quizzically.
The Diamond leader shrugged.
"Yep, Caboose. Don't ask me what it means, but it's what he chose."
Caboose happily trotted inside the building, taking a right at Cyllene's office and heading straight for the medical bay.
"I've caught her doing that four times since Snowflake arrived, and I don't think he's asking her to get things either."
"So she's been using her charms to get the villagers to give her treats?" Irida rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "That's… a bit odd."
"Eh, Snowflake is a bit odd. They seem to balance each other out. The guy even gets along with Melli of all people. Not even Ingo can manage that, and everyone likes Ingo."
"Awww, I'm glad Melli finally has a friend. I've always worried about that guy."
Adaman shot her a questioning look. Irida shrugged.
"Based on the little I've spent around Melli, he seems lonely. Ingo noticed it too."
"Whatever 'loneliness' he feels is his own fault. It's hard to get along with someone who's constantly trying to act like they're the greatest thing since rice cakes." Adaman grumbled. "He wasn't always like this either. I don't know what changed."
"Maybe you should talk to him about it?"
The grimace on Adaman's face made his opinion very clear. "I've talked to him plenty of times. I don't know what else to say to him that will get an honest answer-"
"Irida. Adaman." Kamado greeted. Cyllene stood to his right, a stack of papers in her arms.
The two had already walked all the way to the top floor without realizing.
"We have the reports about the Luxray population counts. It's important we go over everything so we are on the same page."
"Yes, there is no time to be wasted." Adaman nodded, knowing just by the look on Irida's face that she wasn't done talking about the Melli thing.
Maybe if he got lucky, the meeting would drag on so long that she'd forget all about it.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
It took several days to complete the Luxray survey, the sun starting to lower in the west as afternoon turned to evening.
Ingo and Akari had sent their data off ahead of them, not having much energy left for hand delivery. By the time the two reached Jubilife Village, they were both ready to keel over. The man in black still had a mission, however.
He couldn't rest until his questions were answered.
"Do you want to grab some potato mochi?" Akari asked through a yawn. "I'm starving."
"Perhaps later. I still have to speak with several individuals. You can start without me."
"That's okay, I can come with you."
Ingo shook his head. "Sorry Akari, but I think your friend is waiting for you." He pointed down the street where Rei was running towards them.
"Akari! You won't believe what I saw in the Coronet Highlands! I've never seen anything like it!"
"O-okay, you can tell me after- WOAH!" Rei was dragging her off towards their usual table, not giving her time to escape. She reluctantly waved her goodbyes to her fellow Skyfallen, Ingo tilting his hat in a farewell gesture. He was glad for Akari. The girl made so many close friends here that wanted to share their time with her.
Ingo could say the same for himself, though he didn't have time to stop for frivolous chit chat.
He had a mystery to solve,
Upon entering Galaxy Hall, he learned Kamado was in an all day meeting with the Diamond and Pearl leadership. He wouldn't be available for a while yet.
That only left him one person to speak with today.
"Professor Laventon?" Ingo knocked on the doorframe to his office, the man jumping from his desk.
"I HAVEN'T TALKED TO HIM AGAIN I SWEAR!" Laventon looked absolutely terrified, until realizing who was watching. "O-oh, it's just you, Ingo. My apologies."
Ingo blinked, gesturing to the hallway. "I can come back at a later time-"
"No no! That is quite alright! Do come in!" The Professor wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief. Ingo stepped inside, tipping his hat to the Oshowatt and Owlette watching from their perches.
"Now then, what brings you here today?" Laventon's face suddenly darkened, his voice low. "Is it about Man Eater?"
"Not necessarily." Ingo held both hands behind his back. "What do you know about railroads?"
"Well, I am a Pokemon researcher first and foremost, so I am not sure how much I'll be able to help." The Professor looked at Ingo, brow raised. "What do you wish to know?"
"It's probably foolish, but I want to know what a railway terminal is."
"Oh! I can answer that easily!" Laventon smiled. "It's the end of a line of railroad tracks, often accompanied by a station."
"So what happens when the train hits the end?"
"It simply travels in reverse back to its previous station. Easy as that!"
"Travels back to its previous station… the same way it came…" Ingo mumbled under his breath. A one way track from one location to another. Like the cave systems he guided travelers through. There were many dead ends, but there was still a path. No, he supposed a rail line would be a pretty clear straight line.
But why did it feel so familiar?
Darkness.
Roaring.
Electricity.
Metal.
Motion.
It was all so close, yet he couldn't put the thoughts together in a coherent picture.
He could practically HEAR it! Whipping wind, something big clanking against an uneven surface, that distinct roar ever present.
Why was this so hard?!
"Ingo?" Laventon's voice cut through the noise. The world turned from blurs back into a messy office. The Professor had a hand on Ingo's shoulder, shaking him. "You should sit down. I can get one of the Medical Corp ladies to have a look at you."
"N-no." Ingo shook his head. Everything was returning to the real world now.
He was in Hisui.
Warden of the Lady Sneasler.
Member of the Pearl Clan.
"I apologize… For a second, I thought I remembered something."
Laventon frowned. "What did you remember?"
"…. Metal and noise… like, a Pokémon's roar, but never ending…" Taking his hat off, he wiped the sweat from his brow. When had he started sweating? "It's gone now. Whatever that was, it's gone."
"I apologize. I shouldn't have tried getting your attention." Laventon sounded genuinely remorseful.
And Ingo was starting to feel a little light headed.
"… I think I'll take up your offer on that seat."
He needed a few minutes to compose himself. It's been a very long time since he experienced such an intense close call.
It was enough to knock the wind from his system.
"Of course! Here." Laventon cleared some room on the sofa for him. "I can go grab some tea. Just wait here."
Ingo took a seat with a sigh, holding his hat and rubbing his finger over the scratched button. He couldn't understand why it was so hard to remember. He'd been here for years, and yet he only recalled the smallest details of his former life.
A purple flame, and a man that looked like him.
That was everything.
Even working in Jubilife had resulted in minimal progress, though he hadn't been training with the Galaxy recruits for long before this whole Man Eater business.
Perhaps with more time battling he'd be able to remember something. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
"I hope you don't mind us having a visitor." Laventon returned with the tea, and a little Pokémon trailing behind him.
It was a small Eevee, circling around the Professor scratching at his leg.
"Come now little one. I don't have any treats for you," He smiled, putting his tray on the table and offering a cup to Ingo. "She is quite feisty Best to watch yourself around her."
"I see," Ingo set his hat on the couch and took the cup, only for the Eevee's focus to shift. She looked up at him quizzically, slowly approaching and sniffing his pant leg. "She is a curious one."
"Eeee?"
"Her name is Caboose. She's been making herself at home here since arriving."
"Caboose?" Ingo blinked. "Like…. The last train car?"
"Yes, it's certainly a funny name," Laventon laughed. "I think her owner really likes trains. Not that I've had… much of a chance to talk with him." His shoulders dropped, sipping his tea without making eye contact. He seemed disappointed.
Not that Ingo really noticed. His heart skipped a beat after hearing that name.
Caboose.
Everything seemed to revolve around trains as of late.
Setting his cup down, he scooped the Eevee into his hands and held her at eye level.
"Caboose?"
The little Pokémon looked around with her new height perspective, spotting something on the couch and wiggling a bit.
"Sorry little lady," He let her down on his lap, only for Caboose to sniff at his hat. "Please be careful with that. It's very-"
She didn't let him finish, snatching the hat off the cushion and hopping down, trotting out of the room.
"Hey!" Ingo stood up in pursuit.
"Careful! Pesselle is very protective of her medical ward!" Laventon yelled after him, though Ingo didn't really listen, or care.
He was getting his hat back no matter who he had to go through.
The Eevee took a left inside the medical bay, Ingo skidding to a halt in the doorframe.
Warden Melli was there, with a man in a chair on wheels.
"I can't believe people created something like this." Melli was examining the thing closely. "You said Volo was the one who got this thing?"
"Multiple of them. From what I've been told, they are expanding the medical bay." The man in the chair answered. His head and upper body were concealed in bandages, the only hair visible looking rusty in tint.
A memory flashed in Ingo's mind. Akari had mentioned the survivor from Man Eater's attack being transported to Jubilife. With Melli present, the one who stopped the assault in Ingo's steed, it all indicated one answer.
This was the man Ingo failed.
He had no idea what to do. His legs were feeling numb all of a sudden, and heart rate quickened.
An overwhelming shame he hadn't felt since the attack had returned.
How could he even look this man in the eyes?
"… this is incredible," Melli mumbled, leaning over to examine the two larger wheels and the single small one in the back. "So the person in the chair can steer with the big wheels?"
"With both hands, yes. Unfortunately I only have one," The man grinned. "I can do circles pretty well!"
Melli laughed.
"Of course that's the first thing you'd master doing." His attention was drawn to the little Eevee rushing between the wheels. "Caboose? What do you have there?"
"Eeee!" She offered Ingo's hat to the patient, tail whipping around happily.
"Huh? Another gift?" The man took the cap in his hand, examining it closely. "You love bringing me things, don't you?"
"Eee!"
"Hey! That's Ingo's hat!" Melli exclaimed. "But why would that be here-" he spun around, seeing the Pearl Clan Warden frozen in the doorframe. "… please excuse me for a moment."
Melli marched to the door, grabbing Ingo by the arm and dragging him to a hidden nook in the hallway. "Why aren't you in the Coronet Highlands? Doing your job?!"
"Apologies, I was asked by Irida to assist with population counts in multiple areas, the most recent one being the Obsidian Fields." He tried to adjust his hat brim, only to remember his head was naked.
He wasn't sure what to do with his hands.
"I could ask you the same. I never expected to see you here."
Melli's eyes narrowed.
"I am visiting the man you didn't help."
Ah. That… kind of made sense? It didn't seem like something Melli would do though.
"Again, I apologize for the disturbance. I would just like to retrieve my hat and I'll be on my way," Ingo looked in the direction of the sick bay. He was honestly terrified of going in there. That would mean facing the victim. "I-if you could please retrieve it for me, I'll leave without further disturbance-"
"Oh no you don't!" Melli grabbed his hand before he could retreat to Laventon's office. "If you want that ratty hat back, you can ask for it yourself!"
"But-"
"No. I'm tired of people pulling these kinds of stunts, and you are not making it worse! Now go get your stupid hat back, or I'll assume you're gifting it."
Ingo was stunned.
Speechless.
Melli had said plenty of rude things before, but usually with a childish superior nature.
He was being dead serious.
And Ingo knew he was right.
This man deserved a proper apology from the one that failed him.
Even if it was hard.
"You… you are right." Ingo tried to hide his face under his hat brim, remembering he had no shield at the moment. This was going to be difficult.
"Good to see you finally see reason. Now hurry up." Melli shoved him towards the door, crossing his arms and watching.
The Diamond Warden was not taking any bull today.
Breathing deeply, Ingo stepped into the medical bay. None of the Medical Corp members were there currently. Just the man placing his hat on Caboose's head
"It looks good on you." The patient laughed.
"Eee?" Caboose was completely consumed by the fabric, the only things visible were four tiny feet and a bushy tail sticking out the back.
Ingo couldn't help but chuckle. It was very adorable. He wondered if Lady Sneasler's newborns were small enough to fit under his hat too?
Getting closer, he noticed a few more details about the injured man. His face was mostly hidden under bandages, only an eye and part of his mouth visible. At first his exposed hair looked reddish coloured, but upon closer inspection it appeared to be long dried blood that hasn't been washed out yet. He wasn't sure what the original colour should be, other than light. The man's arm was also casted and wrapped in a sling.
Ingo wondered if it would ever heal properly.
Any other injuries were hidden under baggy pants and a loose kimono shirt.
"My apologies for disturbing you." Ingo greeted, unsure how else he should approach this. Caboose perked up, the hat swinging around following her swivelling head, prompting the man to look up at him with a piercing grey eye.
"I am Snowflake!" He startled with a small smile.
Right, that was the temporary name he was given. According to Akari anyway.
"It is nice to finally make your acquaintance." Ingo bowed his head. "I… I wanted to apologize to you."
"… for what?" Snowflake blinked.
He had to pause for a moment to collect his thoughts. It was hard to put into words.
"My…. My name is Ingo. I am a Warden in the Cornete Highlands, and-"
"Oh! You are Ingo!" Snowflake's grin increased in size, though he was clearly struggling to keep it small. "I've heard so much about you!"
Ingo paused.
"…. You have?"
"Akari and Melli have shared many stories! Oh, this is your hat, yes? Melli said it was yours," He took it off Caboose's head and handed it to Ingo. "Sorry about that. Caboose has a habit of bringing me things. I don't know why though." He gestured to a nightstand by one of the beds. There was a small pebble, a strip of red fabric, a green charm, and a brick.
Why was there a brick?
"I see. She must care about you a lot."
"Eee!"
"I think so! She is a good little lady, right Caboose?"
"Eeeeee!" The small Pokémon trilled happily.
Ingo deflated, remembering what he needed to say. Putting the hat back on his head, he breathed.
"Then you know what area I am in charge of protecting, yes?" His eyes turned to the floor. "I failed to keep the Highlands safe, and you were nearly killed because of it. I know I can never apologize enough."
Snowflake's smile fell the smallest amount, though he was quick to plaster it back on.
"I-it's okay! The Great Melli helped me! So you do not need to feel bad."
"But I was supposed to protect the area! If I had been there this might never have happened!"
"It still could have? We don't know that," Snowflake shrugged with his good shoulder. "But that's okay, because I am not dead yet! But, if you realllly need to hear it, then I forgive you."
Ingo pulled the hat brim over his eyes. This stranger knew just what to say to help him feel better.
"T-thank you." He murmured. "If there is anything I can do to make up for my failure, just say so. I'll do everything in my power to help."
Snowflake hummed, eye lighting up when he noticed the orbs on Ingo's belt.
"You are a Pokémon trainer- OW!" Snowflake grabbed at his face when his smile got too wide. He was still grinning though, eye full of excitement. Everything after came out as a jumble of statements. "What Pokémon do you have?! I'd love to meet them! Oh! Would you like to battle sometime? You can make it up by battling me! I only have Caboose right now, but when I get the chance I want to help her become verrry strong!"
Ingo couldn't help a small grin. This man's energy was infectious. He'd give him that.
"Yes. I do have a good many Pokémon, and if a Pokémon battle is what you wish for, I can oblige." Grabbing a Pokeball he summoned his Gliscor, the Pokémon doing a small circle in the air before latching onto Ingo's shoulders. "This is my partner, Gliscor. He's the first Pokémon I managed to catch after coming here."
"He's so cool!" Snowflake's eye was sparkling. "Caboose. We are going to beat him and his Gliscor one day! So we need to work hard!"
"Eeee!" Caboose hopped in excitement.
"I look forward to the day you're well enough to battle." Ingo tipped his hat, happy to have it back. He turned to see Melli tapping his foot impatiently.
It was probably time to go.
"I'll take my leave so you can rest."
"It was nice meeting you!" Snowflake said cheerily. "You are a lot less weird than some of the other people here."
Ingo couldn't contain a chuckle. He was very blunt, that's for sure.
Snowflake soluted while Ingo took his leave, Melli glaring at him on the way out.
He did feel a little better having spoken with Snowflake. It would be nice to talk with him again.
As long as Melli wasn't glaring the whole time.
Slowly he shuffled back towards Laventon's office. He still had tea to finish.
XxxxxxxxxxxX
Finally, Ingo and Snowflake finally meet!
… okay, it's probably not the reunion you all were hoping for, but I know what's coming, so I'm happy with it
Ingo can't see Snowflake's face (not that he'd like what he'd see) and Snowflake is still freshly an amnesiac in a lot of physical pain.