Lance sighed as he rested his head against the white wall in the hospital waiting room. He was grateful that he had his cape because the room was freezing. He was starting to recognize some of the reception staff and nurses in the emergency department -that couldn't be a good thing - and two of them already knew Silver by name. He pinched the bridge of his nose and suppressed another sigh. He really needed to figure out how to keep Silver out of the emergency room. Since he had taken Silver in six months ago they have been there three times. That wasn't including the countless injuries that Lance treated himself.

Silver needs to stop being so reckless.

Those words echoed over and over in Lance's mind to the point that they were almost laughable now. He knew taking Silver in wasn't going to be easy. A kid with a past like his was certain to be a challenge. But Lance hadn't cared. He didn't hesitate to take him in because he could tell under the rough exterior Silver was a good kid and a talented trainer.

If Lance could keep him out of the hospital long enough to train.

Silver had fallen into the lake inside the Dragon's Den again. The last time this happened it resulted in Lance dragging him out by his shirt before he could land on the jagged rocks. Silver had gotten away with a bruised ego and a cold. This time he wasn't so lucky. He had gone in alone and cut his arm open this time. Crobat had been the one to alert him that something was wrong. Lance had definitely panicked a little when he found a soaking-wet Silver trying to stop the bleeding with his jacket. Now here they were in the hospital while Silver got stitches. He thought back to the first time he had to bring Silver here. He chuckled darkly. Both of them had been a mess.

He and Claire had taken Silver into the Dragon's Den for the first time. They had gone alone so that Silver could get acclimated without the prying eyes of the other trainees. Lance figured it would be the best course of action given the unfortunate circumstances of Silver's arrival. He had reassured Claire that it would be fine but was proven wrong very quickly. The dragon Pokemon were able to sense Silver's unease around them. This put the adult Pokemon on alert while the younger dragons hid. Lance probably should have been more prepared for them to lash out, but again, he had foolishly told himself it would be okay. Lance had panicked and taken him to the hospital. Thankfully he escaped with a minor burn from a Flamethrower.

The second time Silver had gone to the hospital was over a fever. He had been the unfortunate victim of the flu that year. The visit wasn't really note-worthy other than Silver's insistence that he was fine. A week later he was back to training.

The third time had been the scariest of all for Lance and the one Silver remembered the least. Two broken ribs, a concussion, and a very annoyed Crobat were the results of Silver's bright idea to climb on a ledge to help a wounded Cyndaquil. At any point, Silver could have asked for Lance's help, but once again he had insisted on doing it himself.

Despite all of this, Lance didn't regret taking Silver in. The two of them had things they had to get used to. Silver had a guardian who cared about his well-being. Lance had someone who was relying on him now. Silver had to learn that he was allowed to move freely in the house as he pleased. Lance had to get used to someone else in the house. Sure Claire was there more often than not, but it wasn't the same. He could tell her to leave at any point.

Bang up job at keeping the kid safe.

Those words stung. What's worse, they came from within his own mind. He was failing as a parent and as Silver's mentor. Silver still didn't reach out to him for help. Lance woke most nights to a scream from the other room. Silver still had nightmares. One small victory for Lance was that Silver let him in the room when that happened. The first night Silver had thrown a pillow at Lance and told him to get out. It was an improvement. A small win.

At least Silver is alive.

Those words offered more comfort than the previous ones. Those came from Claire. She had been opposed to Lance taking in Silver but had given in once she saw that Lance was determined. She said it was the same look as when he challenged the Elite Four.

He's better off here than with Giovanni.

Those words made Lance feel sick. Silver was indeed the son of the crime boss. The mother was no better. It's no wonder Silver hates them so much. After what they did...but was Silver really better off with Lance than with Giovanni? Lance could barely keep the kid alive.

Of course he is!

Lance shook his head. There is no question that Silver was better off with him. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that Silver resented him somehow.

"You can come back now."

Lance looked up at the person speaking to him. It was one of the nurses who had taken Silver back previously. He wordlessly followed after her, still lost in his own thoughts swirling in turmoil. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Silver sitting on the edge of the bed attempting to put on his shoes. His wrist was in a brace. But at least he was alive. "Ready to go, kiddo?"

"Yeah. I hate it here." Silver grumbled as he hopped off the bed and stiffly walked over to Lance.

"I know you do. Let's go home." At least he was alive.