miniworth | [video]

[ The feed turns on and there is one very upset Plusle. He'd been so excited - so excited! - about returning to Goldenrod and he and Rom and everyone can have fun! But this isn't the time for that anymore, because Goldenrod is the city of sleep for Rem's trainer and his best friend.

He whines, chorused by a small group of Pokémon huddled near a quieter Arcanine. ] Pluus.

[ More sad whining as he turns where he's standing, searching for his trainer. As the camera pans, it becomes clear that the feed is from inside Goldenrod's Pokémon Center, in one of the private wards. Has anybody noticed that - boy - these kids are here a lot? Because they are, and see? There's Miles, standing by the bed. He looks like he's fussing with one of Ken's Pokémon, trying to calm it down, but it's totally not happening it seems. Eventually he settles for letting it curl on the bed as he turns to Remus and takes the camera. ]

I've already heard of a few instances of this happening across Johto. It seems to be different from the week-long comas that were common back in the winter, since he woke up soon after. Does anyone know anything about it?

... Ken is.. acting strange. [ If he could be considered acting at all. He pauses before clicking off the feed. ]

[ Private Audio to Kisa ]

... The room is on the first floor. I thought you might want to visit him.

[ Private Audio to Mitsuru ]

He's not responding at all. I'll try to take care of him - Nurse Joy as well, but she's really busy - but I'm not su--

[ but he's hanging up before he can finish his own sentence. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Are you sure?

.... Hey, are you in Goldenrod right now?

[ He nods ] I'm at the Pokémon Center.

I'm out training right now, but I'm just south of Goldenrod... on Route 34. If you want some company I can...

My friend is being unresponsive. He's conscious, but he won't answer me or react to anything.

... I'm taking care of him. I'd like to see you.. but I won't be much company.

Sounds like a bad situation.

I understand. If you need to talk though, or... or need me to bring you something to eat, just tell me. I'll be in a town for a while still too, so you can visit me and we can talk or... whatever. You know.

We just got here so--

[ Cue some stomachs growling a little, especially from the Pokémon ]

Oh. Okay.

Just give me... half an hour?

T-thank you.. [ He really is hungry. Ken collapsed before the two even reached the hotel, much less food. ]

No problem!

... Miles-kun?

[ Miles tried to clean up the room while he was waiting. Putting their bags into one corner, taking the Pokémon scattered across the room in tired lumps and sitting them all by Pess. They're all hungry, and there are a lot of them - with Ken unresponsive, Miles is going to be taking care of all twelve that're there.

He's already worn out, especially by the time Misaki gets there, and he rubs his eyes before he opens the door. ] Misaki.

Miles-kun, you look completely worn out.

I brought riceballs and trail mix and lemonade and water. And I can go out and get more if it's needed. And... and...

I just haven't been sleeping much.. [ He and Ken had a fight in Ecruteak, and no chance to make up before Ken got soulsucked. Peace of mind? None. He pats Misaki's shoulder. ]

I'm okay, and-- thank you.

You should probably sleep now... but I guess that might be hard, being worried about your friend.

Heh, no problem.

You seem to have gotten taller... just a little.

I don't really want to sleep. [ Every time something happens to Ken, there are nightmares ;; ] I'll be fine.

[ He shrugs at Misaki's last comment, though. ] I might have. Ken isn't so taller than me anymore.

If you say so...

Heh, just give it some more time. You'll get bigger... maybe even taller than him.

[ Oh God Misaki. ;A;

And Miles can't help it--he latches back onto Misaki. He's not going to cry in front of him or admit to how exhausted or sad or worried or scared he is, but he just needs something to hold onto. ]

Thank you for coming..

S'no problem. Really. I need to get Fly. So I can be with you anytime you just need someone around.

I'll be okay. [ He holds on for only a second or two, pressing his face into Misaki's shirt and pulling away. He keeps his head down. ] There are other people who'll need you, so you should go to them first.

Oh, I don't know about that.

Actually, it seems like all my good friends seem to be ahead of me all the time. But they also seem to bunch together.

Like who? [ Miles has yet to be surprised by how he's never been alone during his entire stay in Johto. There were a few hours where he was on his own last November, but Phoenix soon arrived and after that, he and Ken were never apart. Even after they fought they were back to being stuck together not even two days later. ]

I'm sure they'll be glad to see you.

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video → action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]