In the life of anyone, there are some humiliating moments. Nobody can be a hero or be dignified all the time, and it isn't necessary to add that very few consider themselves heroes in the moment of visiting the dentist.
Lawrence Krauthammer knew this.
He was a man used to have a very high opinion of his own person. He was Lawrence Krauthammer, superior to most mortals in many things, and in that moment he was unable to feel superior to anyone. His self-esteem was below zero. Now he just was a coward sitting in the chair of the dentist.
Mr. Mason finished his ablutions while he talked with professional politeness.
-It has been hot lately, hasn't it? –Mr. Mason took the feared tools for the dental job. Lawrence Krauthammer took a deep breath.
-Okay, are you comfy? Are you ready? –Krauthammer replied grimly that he was perfectly fine. He grasped the chair and opened his mouth. The dentist asked if something hurt and, as clear as he could talk with his mouth opened and some instruments scratching his teeth, he replied that it was just a routine visit. Maybe Mr. Mason won't notice that tooth that provoked pain…maybe, but Mr. Mason was a good dentist. He hit every tooth, mumbling and commenting the flaws in Krauthammer's teeth.
Mr. Mason stopped his examination. -"I'm doomed" –Krauthammer thought.
-Here is something. Wouldn't you feel pain? How strange you didn't! –he continued his examination. –There isn't a lot of work here. Just a general cleaning and caries on a tooth. Relax.
Krauthammer tried to relax, but his fear didn't let him. Mr. Mason was a professional, and finished the cleaning quickly. While he got all the necessary tools to cure the caries, he started to talk. –Today I have got to do everything. Miss Knocker is away today. Do you remember Ms. Knocker? –Krauthammer nodded, without knowing who his dentist was talking about. Mr. Mason continued his small speech. –She had to leave to take care of her aunt, if it were in any other day, I wouldn't have minded. But today…I have many important clients. I'm waiting for Hamilton Bell! –Mason pronounced the name proudly.
Hamilton Bell! The kind of man that made the world spin! Not the Champion, not the Elite Fours, not the Gym Leaders. Just Hamilton Bell. A man unknown for most of the public, just a name that appeared every once in a while in the news. An ordinary man that was the boss of the most important industry of Kanto. An immensely rich man that obeyed the habitants of the Indigo Plateau, and never gave a speech in his life, yet had an immense power and influence in the region. Mr. Mason kept his proud tone. –It is unconceivable that he could buy anything or anyone, as he is like you or me.- Krauthammer was offended by this statement. Mr. Mason was a good dentist, but there were other good dentists on Saffron City. However, there was only one Lawrence Krauthammer in all the regions.
-Agatha, from the Elite Four, is close to her retirement, and Mr. Bell is the main candidate to be the newest member of the Elite Four. He is an excellent Flying-type trainer. Of course, a Sinnohan like you…
-Ima nat fram sinuh, ima fram johto –Krauthammer tried to say.
-Shut up! The cavity must be completely dry. And he kept injecting hot air. Then he continued: -I didn't think you were from Johto. I have heard that Lance is an amazing champion. Okay, I think this is ready. Close your mouth…no pain, right? We're done.
Krauthammer stood up, feeling free.
-Goodbye, Mr. Krauthammer. I hope you don't find any killer in my house.
Krauthammer replied with a smile: -When I was down there, everyone seemed like a criminal. Maybe now it'll be different!
-I was wondering, would you like to have a Pokémon battle later?
-Sure. Just for fun, I'm going to fight Red, but I don't have the eight Kanto badges. Getting them will be a piece of cake, and I was planning to fly to Cerulean City now. Let's battle tomorrow.
They arranged their battle. Krauthammer happily descended the stairs. He saw once again the gentleman he had encountered when he first arrived. Now he seemed like a good man, useful for Kanto. Krauthammer curiously entered the waiting room again. The man that had arrived when Mr. Mason called him was still there, reading. He still looked like he wanted to kill somebody, but wasn't a criminal. Undoubtedly, he later would be happy and his expression would change.
The Pawniard that was training in the entrance opened the door and a man entered. Krauthammer had seen him before in the TV. Hamilton Bell. He was a pretty imposing man. The richest man in Kanto, yet he had to visit the dentist like anyone. Krauthammer cleaned his glasses before exiting the building. A car had stopped in front, and an attractive ankle had stepped out of it. It would have been beautiful, if it weren't for the newly acquired shoes, shiny and clean. The lady stepped out, and a jewel that was incrusted on the shoe fell down. Krauthammer picked it up and gave it to the woman. She smiled, and let her purse fall too. She definitely wasn't attractive. Krauthammer picked up the purse, just to be polite.
She entered the building, and Krauthammer let his Flygon out.-It is nice to be out of that confined space. - Loyalty commented. –I'll have to agree! It does feel good to get out of a confined space! –Krauthammer said cheerfully. Loyalty just looked at him quizzically.
-No, Loyalty, I'm not drunk. I'm done with my dentist for another six months. It feels good. Now what are we waiting for, Cerulean City is our next stop!