Chapter 1: Fall from Grace
There's a lot to be said when it comes to a person's role in life. For humans, it's one where they go to school, get an education, go to more school, get a stable job and make lots of money. Then comes the old love, marriage, then baby in the carriage. Though, for many, it's not quite that simple and for some it's even less so. One's role can be as flexible as an gold medal Olympic gymnast or as rigid as a wooden block.
For animals, creatures unaware of such trivialities as roles and merely behave in a way they were programmed through evolution and natural selection. Does a spider spin webs to catch insects or wolves hunting herds of elk consider their roles in creating a balanced ecosystem?
Of course not! They're wild animals. They have to eat to survive or feed their young. Plain and simple.
For humans, roles can change, deviate, and even alienate a person from who they truly are inside. Roles are the roadmap that outline structure in hierarchy, created by those of much higher standing to either guide the lost little lambs to greener pastures or to be butchered and their flesh and wool used to sustain other higher standing individuals. Apologies if that's too morbid or political of an image.
So, dear reader, the true question is: Are roles TRULY a necessary part of life?
Well, for the subject of this little thought experiment, his role is going to take a tremendous turn; in ways someone like him never could have predicted.
…The Dream…
The atmosphere was cold like the first snow of winter deep in the forest. A howling wind whipped about, wailing like the banshees of olden tales.
"W-Where…am I? It's so cold…", uttered a male voice, feeling as if they were floating.
Suddenly, a shimmering almost blinding golden light appear in front of them, prompting them to shield their eyes.
"Seek…thy fate, human…", an angelic voice echoed, filling the person's body with warmth. They could see the angelic figure take the form off what looked like a glowing horse with a large ring on its torso. As it leans it's oddly shaped head, towards them. The intimidating yet oddly soft glow of its crimson red eyes focused intently on the human; almost like a father looking his young.
'What…the fuck is that…', the man scarcely muttered, having no idea what to even make what he was looking at. What did it mean by 'fate'?
"Seek thy fate, human. For the good of all…', The figure repeated as an intense, warm light bath the man all over, raising up on its hind legs as thousands of tiny hands shot appeared all over the human's body, covering him head to toe, "You must…go."
"W-What do you MEAN?!", the man called out, squirming to get away from the hands.
"Go…", The figure elegantly spoke, kneeling its head beside him and then starts rapping as it rocks its head as its voice changes to 50 Cent, "Go! Go! Go! Go shawty! It's your birthday!"
At that moment, the young man's dark brown eyes shot wide open, having been woken up by the alarm clock on his phone playing 50 Cent's 'In da club' at maximum volume. He grabs his phone, silencing it as he yawns looking to the sunlight creeping from the beige curtain near his king-sized bed.
"Oof, what the hell kind of dream was that? Maybe I'm putting in too many hours at work. Eh, for what I'm paid it's worth a weird dream.", He shrugs before getting out of bed to yawn and stretch, wearing nothing but a pair of black pajama bottoms and an 'American Idiot' T-shirt.
He was fairly tall, around 6'2" and had a muscular build from his strict gym routine every day. He had dark brown complexion and short neatly cut waves in his black hair courtesy of his African American heritage. He then walks through his notably large and expensive bedroom towards the balcony and steps out, immediately greeted by the cold winter air in upstate of Queens, New York. He could see the blanket of white snow covering parts of the street, building structures, and parked vehicles.
Despite his current attire, it honestly didn't bother him much as he'd grown up in Ohio most of his life so was used to the cold, icy embrace of Mother Nature this time of year. Didn't stop others from looking at him crazy though. As he looks out over the bustling city, admiring the sunrise over the building skyline, he couldn't help but smile pridefully, ready to take on the day. And OH what a day it was to be!
He says checking out his phone calendar, going through a list of his usual routine of gym, breakfast, chores, meeting calls, and scheduled appointments, one thing immediately caught his attention.
The 'VP promotion/Christmas Shutdown Party'.
His proud smile widens, reminded that today was the most important day of his life and career as a mechanical project manager for the most prestigious engineering company in the state.
"Alright, let's get this started. Alexa play 'That good shit!", He commanded, closing the balcony doors and curtains.
The digital assistant verbally complies, proceeding to play the 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers.
As the song plays, Kevin goes on about his usual routine of taking a hot shower, brushing his teeth, and moisturizing—can't forget to moisturize! After the shower, he goes to put on his work clothes he'd prepared the night before. It consisted of a corporate casual suit. Black pants and shoes, a gray long-sleeve with company life featuring the letter 'GMS' in embroidered blue. Kevin goes over to the kitchen, passing the wall full of family photos of himself and his parents, grandparents and cousins along with certifications in welding, project management, engineering design, awards from his company over the years and his Master's degree in mechanical engineering. All proudly displayed in his living room for most guests to observe; some might call that a display of one's ego but HE calls it a display of his tenacity.
He then goes to the kitchen to heat up the bacon, cheddar eggs, and blueberry pancakes. He tended to cook in bulk to save time.
Besides his wall of his accomplishments, there was one white-framed—nearly crafted to look like branche—photo of him sitting right on his marble countertop. It was a photo of himself as a child with his beloved late mother embroidered b with the words 'Everything in its place and a Place for everything.'
Words he's carried with him the last ten years.
As he sat and ate, staring at the picture, he smiled inwardly.
"I'm gonna do it mom! I'm gonna make you AND dad proud!"
…
After breakfast, Kevin left his apartment to head to work in his black Mercedes-Benz, driving down the street in the bustling, snowy city. The beautiful Christmas decorations, large video billboards advertising various products and upcoming events, the sound of people talking or scrambling for last minute gifts and bells ringing from Salvation Army Santas, filled the city with ceaseless life that overwhelmed the senses.
Kevin eventually arrived at the massive building called the 'General Magistrate Systems' , an automotive system design and supply company leading the charge in the industry. Its partnerships with nearly every vehicle manufacturer in the states from Buick to Toyota has led it becoming a career goal for most fresh-out-of-college graduates and one of the quickest ways to earn a sustainable living in this city. In fact, even their lowest production position could, on average, support a family of three. After parking his vehicle, he taps the button on the elevator prompting the silver doors to open up with 'Jingle Bells Rock' playing inside. Kevin steps inside, starting to blissfully hum along with the music, then presses the button for the fifth floor.
"Wait wait, hold it!", Frantically called a familiar male voice as a red mitten stops the door. It was a tall, handsome brown haired Caucasian man dressed in a dark green jacket, red plaid scarf, green reindeer cap, thick black timberland boots, and dark green pants. He breaths lethargically, breath fogging around his agape jaw, before stepping inside sighing in relief.
Kevin smirks, opening the door for his coworker and lifelong best friend, Andy Cunningham.
"Haa, thanks man."
"Running late again, man? Think you dropped your toast from your back there.", Kevin jokes.
"Shit! My pop tart!", The man stated, realizing he lost the strawberry pastry from his mouth. Then seeing it lying on the cold hard ground as the doors closed, "Damn…"
"I swear for Lord one these days you're gonna get your hand chopped off in this thing and I'm not gonna be here to save you.", Kevin quips in a snarky tone as they ascend.
"Heh, even if I did, you'd visit me in hospital right?"
"Andy, bruh, come on? You know me. Now who else gonna be the one to laugh at yo dumbass while you in there?", Kevin cheekily remarks, hands in pockets.
"Hahaha, fuck you dude.", The man, named Andy, jested punching Kevin's shoulder arm who then punched his right back chuckling along with him.
It was a common occurrence between these two who have been close friends since middle school. Ever since he stood up to their bully, Craig Turner, whom Kevin was more than happy to introduce his face to size nine Jordans. Kevin, naturally, was the more organized and level-headed of to balance out Andy's aloof, spontaneous and borderline neurotic personality. Polar opposites that balance each other out.
"So, today's the DAY man!", Andy excitedly expressed, pumping his fists.
"I know. Believe me, it's marked my calendar since September CRAZY how fast it came."
"That's what she said."
"Shut up. But for real man, they're finally gonna pick a new VP from OUR department!"
"I know, dude, I was happy when Mr. Coradine finally retired too."
"I mean…wouldn't say it like that but…"
"Aww, it's fine man! The guy's in Italy right now enjoying his pension with his new girlfriend from Rome. The guy's ballin'", Andy assured, brushing it off, "Besides, I don't know if you noticed but uh…WE'RE the only two project managers there!", Andy happily pointed out, gesturing between them.
It was indeed true that Kevin and his team tended to handle the mechanical engineering aspects of all the projects. Andy, however, was more on the business and sales side of things.
"Yeah, that's why I'm excited! If you wouldn't have told me six years ago I would be several hours away from an opportunity of a lifetime, I'd call you crazy as hell. Now, knowing it's right there at my fingertips…I don't know how to describe it.", Kevin expressed, reaching his hands out an clasping his fingers together.
"Humbling yet terrifying?"
Kevin thought for a second, "Yeah, I think that works."
Andy chuckles softly looking off a moment, "Still, six years…it's crazy since I started here eight years ago after high school in the production area. Basically worked here while in college with you."
"Yeah, time flies by man.", Kevin agreed, his mind going back to his first interview at the firm. How unbelievably nervous he was applying for a job as a sophomore in college, barely a year after moving to New York. Despite all that, he landed his first job ever as mechanical technician for this firm. The pay was decent, certainly enough to support himself back then in his old studio apartment down in Albany. It was a struggle adapting with expensive classes and just living in New York; Lord knows how many times he got called out for his Ohio accent. If it weren't for the support of his old senior coworkers down in the assembly shop, many of whom he's still close to, along with Andy he would have risen up the ladder as quickly. He was truly grateful for their, "Thanks…"
Andy raises an eyebrow, "For what?"
"Vouching for me all those years ago, getting my foot in the door. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you.", Kevin graciously expressed with a smile.
Andy looks at his friend for a moment and smiles back, "Don't worry about it man, it was mostly my dad who pulled some strings around anyway. Besides, I mostly did it for that referral bonus."
Kevin playfully scoffs, "You saying I'm worth $400 and an extra vacation day?"
"No, I'm saying you're talented enough to be worth $400. Besides, you still got half of that on your first paycheck too."
"Goddamn, two hundred dollars felt like SO much back then…"
"We were broke as shit college schmucks, what the hell did we know?", Andy shrugs nonchalantly then smirks at Kevin, "We've come a long way since then."
"Yep. Started from bottom…", Kevin remarks fist-bumping his best friend right as the silver elevator doors open. They are quickly greeted by the sight of a lively office filled with cubicles and various Christmas decorations. The sounds of people dressed in corporate casual attire chatting either with each other or with vendors and clients on telephones as Christmas music lightly plays in the background, "Now we're here…"
The pair proceeds through the lively office, greeting some of their coworkers. Most of whom they've gotten well-acquainted with over years.
"There they are! The schmucks of the hour have arrived!", Teased one of their coworkers, a bald headed fair-skin man drinking from a gray mug with Dani Davito on it while chatting with one of the female technical developers.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Ollie. Janet.", Kevin greeted with similar energy as Andy did the same.
"Yeah, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, Chinese New Year and all the other denominations they keep adding.", Ollie jokingly remarks.
"I'm guessing this makes breakfast number two for you or are ya holding off for when sweet Janet here is done doing actual work?"
"Well, look at you with the big britches and zero bitches.", Ollie quipped.
"Yeah but I'm bitchless by CHOICE you're bitchless by design. Huge difference.", Kevin quipped back, earning an annoyed frown from the s.
"Goddamn!", Andy chimed in, hyping him up as Janet chuckles.
"Yeah you know what? I'm gonna I'm gonna let that slide since it's Christmas. Good will towards men and whatever the Andy is.", Ollie remarks, gesturing up and down at him, "Seriously, what are ya the Jolly Green Jackass?"
"He looks more like a walking Christmas tree.", Another of their coworkers joked, "This ya boy Ollie?"
"Fuck no! You know I'm putting tonight's pool on."
"Pool?", Andy ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, it's nothing, just ignore him.", Janet tries to change the subject.
"Yeah, there's a pool going for which one of you will take the VP crown.", Another male coworker answered.
"It's really exciting to have TWO young VP candidates. It's like Hunger Games except less bloodshed and capitalism.", A female coworker remarks.
"Nah, more like Highlander. There can be only one and I'm going with the darkside. Uh, no offense Kevin.", another male apologetically says.
"None taken and wrong franchise."
"See that? That's why my money's already on Kev here.", Ollie remarks, going over and patting Kevin on the back trying to show him off which the latter felt a little uncomfortable about.
"You guys are betting on us? Who's pool is bigger so far?", Andy curiously inquires as Kevin raises an eyebrow unsure why he wants to know.
"Last time I checked…YO TONY?! What's the VP poll at now?!", Ollie called out to a guy across the room, annoying a few coworkers.
"33 Kevin and 29 Andy!
"Yeah, he's currently in the lead. My absolute stallion over here.", Ollie chuckles heartily, slapping Kevin's back who then side eyes the man not finding it nearly as amusing.
"Come on, you guys, they don't need to hear this. We should be celebrating their accomplishment in even being considered for the role at they're young age.", one of the older female coworkers, early fifties, chimes in, "Don't y'all pay them no mind."
"Thank you, Gladys, for once again being the voice of reason in this madhouse. Let's go, man.", Kevin appreciatively replies, stepping away from Ollie as Andy walks away too.
As they walk away, a female coworker whispers to Tony who then writes something down in a notepad.
"34 Kevin 28 Andy!"
"Oh! Hot streak keeps getting hotter!", Ollie excitedly stated as Janet rolled her eyes.
"I swear for Lord, almost half this department are children.", Gladys remarks, shaking her head and sipping her tea.
Further away, Kevin and Andy could be seen walking to their respective department area. Kevin quickly noticed the latter's uncertain expression.
"Hey man, just ignore them. You know they always do some shit like that every year.", Kevin tried to assure, having grown accustomed to the shenanigans of his coworkers.
"I know but…don't you think they're kinda right? There can only be one VP."
"And?"
Andy looks at him curiously, unsure what he meant, "What do you mean and? Don't you want the position?"
"Of course I do! I hope I get it! It'll be a dream come true if I DO get it. And if not…then I'll be glad you got it.", Kevin assuringly spoke, much to Andy's surprise, "In the end, the senior director has final say over the whole thing. And I say, may the best man win."
Andy pauses thinking to himself as he returns the smile. "Yeah, you're right…as usual…"
"Alright, can't keep the team waiting!"
"Hey?!", Andy stops him a moment, "Is…your Dad coming too?"
Kevin looks at him curiously, "Yeah, him, my older brother and his wife are visiting from Cleveland. Why?"
"Nothing, just curious. See ya man."
As Kevin nods a bit confused then walks away, Andy stood in the hallway a moment in deep thought before checking his phone. Specifically, the messages he received a couple days prior. He grimaces in displeasure before stuffing it away in his pocket and leaving for his department.
Further away, Kevin could be seen heading straight to his department feeling an extra pep in his step.
"Good morning, Kevin!"
Kevin, stops upon hearing a familiar, angelic voice that never failed to brighten his day. He turns around, greeted by the wonderful sight of his beautiful colleague, Christine Valle, approaching him with a usual warm smile.
Due to her Filipino heritage, she was relatively short; around 5'7". She had long, shiny black hair, green eyes, light brown skin, a beautiful, curvy figure with wide hips and perky D-cups made even more apparent by her green pants, black heels and green suit with red shirt that had an opening for cleavage. She was director of the purchasing department, the youngest they had at 29-years-old. She typically frequented his department and was known for her friendly, caring, kind and intelligent demeanor. As a result, she had the admiration of quite a few guys in the building.
Kevin was no exception. In fact, he has developed strong feelings for her ever since he first promoted up to the department. Over time, the two of them had become good acquaintances. Greeting her in the mornings was always one of the highlights of his day.
"Morning, Christine! You're looking festive."
"Thank you! I was kinda worried I was going a little too much with the green. I was starting to feel like a jolly rancher."
"Well, you look stunning and just as sweet as one.", Kevin quipped getting a chuckle out of her.
"Hehehe, really? I think you look sweet too.", Christine politely spoke, hugging her chest making her cleavage jiggle a bit which Kevin tried his best not to notice.
"Thank you, so are you coming to the party tonight?"
"O-Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world. I can't wait to see you get crowned the new Vice of this glorified Ma and Pa shop."
"You have a way with words as always, Christine.", Kevin replies with a smile of admiration which she returns. He blushes in embarrassment before changing the subject, "I-I'm sure you have good news for me this morning?"
"Yep, just got the P.O. approved for your team. That contract will be waiting when you return from break, consider it your first job as Vice."
"Hey, I still have to be chosen, you know!"
"Well, I'm calling it. I believe in you.", Christine smiled sweetly at him, making his heart race.
"T-Thank you. Well I don't wanna keep my team waiting!"
Kevin rushes off before she could stop him making her pout in disappointment. She looks down at her cleavage wondering if she went too far this time.
Further away, Kevin was behind a corner out of sight, trying to calm his racing heart. Normally, he was fine casually talking with Christine, but she blindsided him today. He hoped he didn't stare too much. The last thing he wanted was to be labeled a creep by her of all people.
In truth, she was part of the reason he worked so hard to get to this point. The day he first met her, when he was a technician changed everything. He dedicated the last few years in college and the company to moving up the ladder so that one day he would stand beside her in the same department. However, the more he got to know her, he decided he wanted to be the best man possible. Someone who DESERVES to be with her. Someone with enough ambition to pull HER by the hand him and maybe…ask for that same hand in—
'WHOA WHOA, cool it man! You're getting ahead of yourself! At least go on a DATE first!', Kevin mentally chastises himself before taking a deep breath, 'Don't get ahead of yourself. There's a place for everything and everything has its place. Know yours for now.'
….
The rest of the day carried on as normal in the building. Kevin and his team managed to finish out all the necessary requirements and vendor contracts to get their project off the ground for next year. By the end of the shift, he, his team and the rest of the office left to get ready for the Christmas party at The Plaza hotel.
It was nighttime and freezing cold with snow lining the walkway. Kevin could be seen driving in his Benz on his way to the party. He now wore a black, tailed suit with red satin lining and red tie for the occasion. There was frost advisory and people were warned to exercise caution on the roads tonight.
He glanced at his phone seeing the messages from his brother letting him know he, his wife and their father weren't far away. They could meet him at the hotel in about ten minutes. Another message told him to meet them in the lobby, Dad wanted to get pictures together for his Facebook page.
Kevin lightly chuckles to himself, glad that his family were here to support him on this monumental day. A part of him wished his mother could see it too. She passed away before she could witness all he's accomplished up to this point.
"Come on, don't think like that. It's Christmas, you're making big career moves, you're family and friends are all with you tonight, and—"
At that moment, Kevin notices a vehicle speeding up behind him before flashing their bright lights behind him.
"And some fucker is already shitfaced.", Kevin expressed in slight annoyance, having gotten accustomed to New York drivers over the years. Even so, a driver like this would have sped past and flipped him off by now; he was still in his tail, "Yo! Go the fuck on, man!"
They were now crossing the bridge with hardly any other vehicles nearby and, at that moment, the vehicle rams into Kevin's from behind.
"Whoa! What the fuck?!", Kevin expressed in shock and panic, trying to regain control of his swerving vehicle, "HEY! HEY! WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM!?"
The mystery vehicle then rams into him again, causing Kevin's vehicle to swerve out of control, made even worse because of the ice on the road robbing him of any traction. Kevin grips the wheel tight, desperately fighting to maintain control but couldn't regain his traction. His Benz grinds against the metal railings, amber sparks and metal shrapnel flying wild before the unthinkable happens.
His vehicle flips over the railing, plummeting down to the black chilling water below.
"AHHHHHHHH!", Kevin's shrieks of terror rang out in the night before being silenced as his vehicle crashed in the freezing water with a loud, echoing splash. The shock knocking him unconscious.
As the vehicle is flooded with freezing water bursting from the ventilation and every corner, Kevin jerks back to consciousness upon feeling the ice cold water against his skin as panic quickly overtakes him.
"NO NO NO NO! FUCK!" He yelled, trying to remove his seatbelt only to find the lock mechanism was jammed. The freezing water continues to rise, now submerging up to his knees. He could feel the intense aching pain of cold water stripping him of any body heat as hypothermia begins to set in.
He pulls at the seatbelt with all his might, greeting his teeth until a blood vessel forms on forehead. He unleashed a blood curdling scream as he forced the buckle out lock, breaking the mechanism inside.
Using whatever strength he has left, he repeatedly bashes his elbow against the driver window in a desperate attempt to survive. His legs were almost completely numb and the water was now up to chest, chilling down to the bone as his strength wanes and it becomes harder and harder to breathe.
"Ack…a-AHHHHHHHH!", Kevin elicits a shrill cry, freezing bay water choking him as whatever little adrenaline he had allowed him to smack through the glass window. The shards slicing deep into his skin yet not much pain register due to the numbness. He crawls out through the window opening, ignoring the pain from the cold glass slicing his chest and arms.
His head poked up from the top of the water, allowing him one final view of the bridge he had. Lights were flashing. Yellow blinking traffic guide lights, white and blue lights from other vehicles, and flash blue and red from what looked like police cruisers. It was all he could see before his vision goes blurry and the cold overtook his body.
"He…l…p…He…lp…", Kevin chokes out barely above a whisper, the air in his lungs burning and filling with water, his body unable to move as he sinks into the dark waters.
His thoughts go back to childhood memories of his parents, his brother, his best friend Andy, pre-school thru college, his first apartment, even…his first love. Everything and anything that could possibly give him an answer to this problem.
'Is this…it?', Kevin internally spoke, feeling the last threads of life snap and he was thrown into chilling darkness.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Beep
.
.
.
Beep
.
.
.
Beep
.
.
.
.
A small, flickering golden light appears in the dark, far from Kevin's body.
Despite the distance, it was warm. So warm it almost felt like the sun's rays shining upon one's body. So warm, the cold began to fade from Kevin's body.
A voice echoes in his ear.
'Seek thy fate, human…'
.
.
.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The sound of beeping slowly stirred Kevin out of his deep slumber. His body didn't feel as numb or cold anymore.
His eyes flutter open as his vision slowly cleared. He's greeted by the sight of what appeared to be a standard hospital room. He was lying in bed with white sheets and blankets over him. There was an IV hooked up to his arm and a heart monitor beeping in the background. He raised his arm slightly, noticing the patient tag on his wrist.
It read…'Castelia City Hospital'?
'Never heard of THAT hospital.', Kevin thought.
"Ah! You're finally waking up!", a woman's voice spoke, getting his attention.
She was dressed in an oddly stereotypical nurse's outfit a white top and blue skirt with knee-high white socks, flat blue nurse shoes, and white nurse hat. Not typical attire for most nurses in New York. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, had short black hair and green eyes, and a caring smile that could melt any man's heart.
"Where am I?"
"It's ok, sir. You're safe now.", She calmly assured, walking up to his bed, "My name is Nurse Felicity and your current in Castelia City Hospital."
"Castelia…what? Is that like…in the Bronx or something?"
"Bronx?", Nurse Felicity tilted her head curiously, unsure what he meant.
"How did I even get here? Last thing I remember, I was in my way to the Christmas party and—"
At that moment, Kevin is overwhelmed by the memories of his vehicle crashing into the freezing water. The water filling his lungs as every muscle and nerve shut down. The overwhelming impending doom that filled his senses.
"NNGGH! My head!", he elicits, getting a splitting headache like hot nail driven into his temple, making him lurch forward.
"Ah! It's ok! Please don't push yourself! Your body and mind still need time to recover.", Nurse Felicity urged, gently easing him down to the bed, "You were badly dehydrated when we brought you in. You even had deep cuts on your chest and arms…", She emphasized, gesturing to the deep cut scars in his chest and elbows even though he was just noticing, "We're not sure what happened but it's fortunate your other vital signs are good."
"How long has it…"
"You've unconscious for five days now.", The nurse calmly replied as Kevin goes silent in shock, "You were very lucky. A couple of Ace Trainers found you passed out floating in an old boat near the docks. Who knows what would happen to you if you were left there."
"Yeah, guess I…wait, Ace Trainers?", Kevin pondered the unfamiliar term. Was it some new slang?
"Yes. Admittedly, it's unlikely that any really dangerous water pokemon would attack you. They tend to avoid the loud engines of the ships and boats but there's still some highly aggressive and stubborn pokemon in those waters. Hehe, luckily for you the only thing you attracted were a few curious wingull.", Nurse Felicity jokingly chuckles, trying to lighten the mood but only adds to his confusion.
"What? Water pokemon? Wingull? What are you talking abou–"
"Ah! I'm so sorry! I never asked you your name! We didn't find any driver license, insurance, Trainer license, or any other form of I.D. on you. We've…actually been calling you 'patient sigma'. Apologies, it was Dr. Faust's decision.", The nurse shook her head at the absurd name chosen by her boss.
"My name is Kevin. Kevin Jordan."
"Oh, what a lovely name!"
"Thanks. Now, can you please back up? What do you mean by 'pokemon'? What is that?", Kevin inquires, very confused.
The nurse look at him appearing even more confused, "I-I don't understand what you mean."
"I MEAN this 'pokemon' thing you keep mentioning. What a pok—"
"Au Audino.", Another voice cuts off the young man.
Much to his shock and horror, it didn't come from a human but rather some sort of bipedal pink and cream-colored chubby creature that looked like a cross between a rabbit and a sheep. It had oval-shaped blue eyes, fluffy ears, three digit fingers and toes, and a white cotton tail. It even had a white nurse's hat similar to Felicity's and carried a metal tray with fresh IV and medicine.
"Ah, Audino. Yes, he's finally awake.", Nurse Felicity nonchalantly spoke, welcoming the strange creature inside.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING?!", Kevin shouted pointing at the creature, alarming the nurse and creature.
"Mr. Jordan, it's alright! It's just Audino, she's my medical partner pokemon."
"YOU KEEP SAYIN' THAT SHIT! WHAT THE FUCK IS A POKEMON?!", Kevin shouted in panic, his monitor beeps erratically emphasizing his terror, tussling in bed as he backs against the headboard.
Nurse Felicity and Audino share a shocked and worried expression.
"Mr. Jordan, it's ok. There's nothing to be afraid of. We only want to help you.", Nurse Felicity gently to him, trying to calm him down.
"Audino. Dino Audino.", the creature mimics its human partner, not wanting him to hurt himself.
"The fuck you mean 'you don't know'?!", Kevin stated as the creature tilted its head in confusion.
"N-No, that's just her species name so–"
"Species?! There's MORE of these things?!", Kevin stated, pointing a finger at the creature who flinches in surprise.
"Yes but please calm yourself.", Nurse Felicity spoke, gently laying a hand on his arm.
"DON'T YOU FUCKIN TOUCH M–AHH!", Kevin shouts, backing away and ends up stumbling over the bed and falling to the floor, inadvertently pulling the IV and heart monitor wires off and knocking the equipment over.
"Mr. Jordan!"
"Au Audino!", the creature expressed, going up to him with a worried look.
"Get away from me!", Kevin shouted, tossing a box of napkins at the creature's face and he clumsily stumbled to his feet due to lack of circulation. He managed to throw open the door and run out as Nurse Felicity and Audino cry out trying to stop him.
Kevin frantically stumbles down the hallway in his blue hospital gown, looking around trying to find a way out. He catches the attention of the other hospital staff and patients.
However, what really drew his attention and added to his terror were the other strange creatures with some of the patients! He saw a floating green fetus monster with arms, some kind of sentient flower reef creature, even a five foot three fingered green humanoid with a red thing sticking from its chest. His mind started spiraling in profound confusion and terror, trying to process what was happening.
"Sir, is everything ok?!", a male doctor in a blue uniform approached with concern.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!", Kevin shouted, backhand slapping the man to the floor as he ran away screaming much to the others confusion.
Kevin then comes upon an elevator and begins erratically mashing the button down, "Come on! COME ON! Get me outta here!"
The elevator door open and he practically jumps inside, furiously mashing the button down.
"Mr. Jordan!", "Audino!", The nurse and the creature shouted in unison, running to the elevator to stop him with a couple other nurses and creatures besides them.
"Please, just let us explain!"
"STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU FREAKS!", Kevin shouts as the doors close shut. As the elevator descends, he grips the sides of head, hyperventilating a bit as his minds races, "What the fuck? What the fuck is going on? What the FUCK are those things?!"
'~I want to be the best, there ever was. Defeat all the rest because that's my cause. Electrode, Diglett, Nidoran, Mankey, Venusaur, Rattata—~', came the song in the elevator.
"W-What the fuck is this song?"
At that moment, the door opens and standing before him was another man dressed in regular clothes. By his side was a creature Kevin could only describe as a horror Rule 34 nightmare human with blonde hair, massive red clown lips, a dark purple face, and red dress. It reminded him of Nicki Minaj somehow but hornier. It's appearance offended somehow as well.
"Hey there bud could–"
"AHHHHHH RACIST!", Kevin shouted, running past them and leaving the pair confused.
"Oh come on! Will you people leave me alone?! I deleted that post already!" the man yelled as his Pokemon partner shrugs.
Kevin runs as fast as he could, feeling lightheaded at the vertigo finally setting in. He noticed his arm bleed where his IV was ripped out but doesn't care and keeps running. He enters the main lobby where several people, staff, and more of these creatures were waiting but stumbles past getting some curious eyes his way.
He shoved his way through a revolving out and stumbled on his knees landing hard on the sidewalk. Kevin frantically looks around at the bustling city that was very similar to his home but with several key differences. The most prominent being the creatures were EVERYWHERE!
In stores, on buses, walking the street with other people, flying above, or on a nearby construction site helping out the workers. There were even advertisements on billboards and giant LED screens similar to Time Square featuring a yellow creature with bunny ears and red mouse cheeks.
Pokemon. Everywhere he saw that word repeated on everything. Even from the mouths of fellow humans.
Kevin stammered and muttered, holding the sides of his head as he desperately grasping at straws for answers. Several people going about their business take notice of the weird and crazy man.
"What's his problem?", one guy muttered as he walked past with a giant bug with literal blades for hands by his side. Kevin dug his nails into his skull as he heard more comments like these as if HE were the crazy one.
"Mr. Jordan! Please stop!", Nurse Felicity pleaded with Audino equally worried for him.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS A POKEMON?!", Kevin shouted to the heavens, his voice echoing over the skyscraper of the busy city as various people and creatures stared at him confused.
"Mommy, why is that man like that?" a young boy asked his mother, looking at a man in a hospital gown on his knees.
"Don't look at him, sweety.", the child's mother said as she tried to get themselves away from a clearly mentally unstable man.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
WN
Sup Fam! Alright, first chapter of the new series. Thought I'd finally try my hand at a pokemon series. Feels good to branch out too.
Anyway, I'll finish the next couple chapters and, depending on how this series is received, I'll make it a regular post alongside my other stories.
I wanna thank my co-writer Sandshrewmaster as per usual and my beta for working on this with me.
I know you saw the tag Romance and yes, it's gonna be one of THOSE stories. What Pokemon do you think will be Kevin's first partner? Feel free to comment and also let me know how you feel about this beginning.
That's all for now, hug your parents, drink water, get some sleep, don't be RACIST, and I'll see y'all later. Peace Fam!