Hospital

So...

You are here because you have a toothache. Right, Epinel?

Just... a slight pain.

Coach made a fuss and forced me to come.

Oh, is that so?

They always come in different sizes...

Really?

So, this swollen cheek you are experiencing is because

you are popping bubbles inside your mouth?

!!

My, did you just shiver?

No, I just got an itch.

Oh, is that true?

So it doesn't matter if I poke it again?

It doesn't hurt...

It doesn't...

Errrrr...

...

How does it feel now? Still doesn't hurt?

Epinel.

A Nikke in pain is a serious problem.

...

If we leave it alone,

you might have to ask your boss to make a new set of teeth for you in the future.

!!

They will use that as an excuse and force you to take all kinds of medications...

Are you okay with that?

It...

hurts...

Hehe. Compared to bothering your boss, it's better to listen to me. Don't you agree?

So give up chewing bubble gum!

!!!

Because some of your teeth are decayed, Epinel.

You chew too much bubble gum.

I'm a Nikke! How is that possible? How could my teeth decay just by chewing bubble gum?

Whoa, are you questioning a doctor's diagnosis?

I guess I just have to tell your boss...

??

For... for how long?

When can I chew bubble gum again?

Is bubble gum that important to you?

It's not that...

...

...

Very well.

I made something just in case it was necessary. I think they can help you.

This is...

It's treatment bubble gum called "Hyvaa Hyvaa"

Hyvaa... Hyvaa?

It's not tasty, but you have to chew these instead of regular ones. Understand?

Got it.

You are free to go.

See you next week.

Well... I could have done that.

But that's boring, isn't it?

Don't tell me you don't want to see Epinel's cute reaction, Commander.

Hehe. Then don't forget to bring me more cute patients next time.

Ah, Commander, what brings you to the hospital?

What troubles you?

Hehe, I see.

I'm not busy now, so...

Senpai! We got an emergency patient!

?!

Emergency patient? Who is...

...

So it's an "emergency" patient, not a critical patient.

A Pilgrim...

We found her fainted in front of the Command Center.

Were there any witnesses on the way to the hospital?

No.

I see.

First, I can't see any sign of wounds or fractures.

You have done well, Pepper.

Bring her to the innermost ward.

Shouldn't we contact the authorities first?

No need.

This Nikke patient, you know her, right, Commander?

Thanks for telling me the truth.

You got a little nervous when you saw that patient's face.

Hehe. You are a nice guardian, Commander.

It's important to protect patients' privacy.

Hehe. You are a nice guardian, Commander.

It doesn't matter if the patient is a Pilgrim or not, nor your relationship with her, Commander.

What matters is she needs treatment.

For the same reason, you brought her to the hospital first instead of reporting to the authorities. Isn't that right, Pepper?

I...

We are doctors.

...

Yes, ma'am! I will bring her to the ward!

Thanks, Pepper.

I need to check on her. Please wait here, guardian.

I'm not sure if it's because her parts hadn't been examined for a long time, but she seemed to have suffered a malfunction.

We couldn't replace her parts, but we managed to clean them.

So don't you worry!

Ah... me?

I'm fine, for sure!

I just got... so impressed by senpai.

Whenever I get confused, she points me in the right direction...

Oh dear, it feels so embarrassing.

I must work harder to learn from her!

Hehe, thanks for your concern, Commander.

Just like I said, you are a good guardian, Commander.

Ah, about that, senpai...

No, it's up to you to decide.

Me?

Sure, you brought the patient here.

I will respect your choice no matter what it is.

I-I...

...

I won't contact them.

In principle, we need to contact the authorities as soon as we discover a Pilgrim.

But today, we are just patients and doctors.

Isn't that right, guardian? Hehe.

Hehe. It looks like we have come to a conclusion!

The patient will wake up soon, can you watch over her in the ward before that, guardian?

Eh... there's really no need for that.

Just say something to encourage her.

Ah, it looks like she woke up earlier than I thought.

Well it's a good thing she's healthy again!

Well.

It looks like the patient has paid for her treatment. Now it's the time to welcome new patients.

And, please accept the thing she used as payment for us, Commander.

Pepper, shall we go?

Yes, senpai.

At the very least, you'll have to stay in the hospital overnight.

Now Commander, who is the doctor here?

You've been pushing yourself too hard lately.

I'll put you on an IV drip, and I want you to take it easy, understand?

I'll need a caregiver to keep tabs on... Um, I mean look after you.

As for me, I have to move on to my next patient.

I've already instructed the nearest Nikke in the vicinity to come to the hospital.

Don't even think about running off. What you need is some rest!

Well, I'm not sure. The emergency button here simply calls for the nearest Nikke, so I can't say who it'll be.

Now be good and rest up!

Pssh... Haha...

My goodness, what happened? Let me guess: you're so feeble that you got sick.

That would happen to a weakling like you.

I got summoned here by the hospital, duh!

There I was minding my own business, and this thing suddenly went off.

So, here I am! At your service, hehe!

I just wanted to check if you are better recently, so I decided to come for a visit. Guess what, I saw someone go into this hospital.

And I wondered who that guy was and why they were so puny that they even needed to come to the hospital.

And to my surprise, it was you, Imposter!

Hee hee...

Anyway, I'll be responsible for looking after you.

So...

what exactly do I need to do?

I've never really done this before.

You really want me to leave?

Hee hee.

Then say it nicer. Say, "Oh great and powerful Noah, I hereby permit you to leave the hospital."

Now why on earth would I do that?

I can't leave a poor sap like you here alone, bedridden and unable to move without assistance.

Pssh... you could at least play along...

I'm not leaving until you say something.

Water?

Sure.

Here, drink up.

Oooh, too slow!

Hee hee.

Aw c'mon, you're no fun. I came all the way here, and you're just going to sleep?

...

HEY!

... You're actually sick, aren't you?

Then... you shouldn't... um...

You ought to... er...

*Sigh*

You're finally awake!

You're looking much better now.

You sure did. Slept like a baby too.

Whoever the Nikke was who came to take care of you did a great job.

Your IV is all finished, and you've got some shut-eye, so you won't have to spend the night here after all.

But I still want you to come back for a follow-up, you hear?

What's wrong? Did you have a scary nightmare?

Hehe. Okay, I will.

Say, "Ahhhh..."

Aahhhhhh...

...

What's wrong, Jackal?

...

If you don't open your mouth, I can't see your teeth.

...

?

...

Hmm... what to do...

Should we administer some medication that will get her to open her mouth?

!!

Or perhaps a shot could achieve the same effect?

!!!!

Or better yet, some medication, followed by a shot.

!!!!!!!!

Mary, I believe the patient is becoming agitated.

Haha, is that right?

Well, if she refuses to open her mouth, then I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to help.

Jackal.

What are you so afraid of?

...

We're just going to take a look first.

If, once I do that, I determine there's something wrong, I'll only proceed with your consent.

I won't do anything you won't agree to.

...!

I promise.

So go ahead and open up for me, will you?

Say, "Ahhhh..."

...

... Ah...

A little wider.

Ahhhhhh...

Oh my. What is this?

There's something stuck in her molar.

Is this... a metal shard?

What in the world...?

I need to remove this at once.

No!

??

I'm scared that it'll hurt!

Jackal, it won't hurt. I'm just taking it out.

No!!

...

I just remembered something that Poli told me.

Apparently, someone ripped apart the lock to one of the jail cells,

and she intends to capture the culprit by searching for someone with metal shards stuck in their teeth.

...

As a matter of fact, I believe she's stopping by the hospital in about a minute or so.

!!

Oh, I think she may have arrived a little earlier than expected. Those might be her footsteps.

Ta-take it out, hurry! Hurryhurryhurryhurry!

...

Did you get it?

Yes, it's out.

Then I'm outta here!

...

Well, that was amusing. Should we move onto the next patient?

Yes, ma'am.

I'm sure... must... concerned.

What... I do?

Oh, Trainer!

Commander? What brings you to the hospital?

You came to see me?

Are you hurt?

Me? How did you know I was here?

You don't have psychic abilities, do you?!

Ah, I see.

I was asking Mary for advice on how not to be afraid of hospitals.

A few days from now, Max and other puppers are coming in for a checkup.

The only thing is, they keeps freaking out whenever I so much as mention the word "hospital".

Only yesterday, I said it while talking with Nero,

and she ran for cover as soon as he heard it.

So I came to ask Mary for some advice.

Sure, but Mary is still a doctor.

Not yet. We just started discussing it.

Do you have any suggestions, Commander?

I doubt doggos would appreciate being blindfolded.

Besides, not being able to see would only make them more nervous.

It makes sense on paper, but

the instant I take out the cage, they just tear it to shreds.

Sounds to me like our only option is repetitive training.

We need to get them to develop positive memories of hospitals.

Precisely. Dogs tend to associate hospitals with bad memories, so they naturally don't want to return.

So, how about every time you come to the hospital, you give them a treat or some kind of reward?

That way, they'll start to associate going to the hospital with positive feelings.

We do the same thing with children who are reluctant about hospital visits.

At first, they cry and protest about how they don't want to come, but once we show them a fun cartoon or give them some candy,

they don't mind coming to the hospital so much.

But I don't have time to take doggos to the vet every day.

How about using our hospital?

Come by this way whenever you're taking him for a walk.

Slowly break him into it by letting him smell the hospital and get used to its atmosphere.

Are you sure I can do that?

It's okay as long as you don't let them run wild in the hospital rooms.

Hmm...

Kind of like a trial run!

Are you sure?

Actually, I just took Max for a walk, and he is already waiting outside...

All right!

Let's give it a shot!

Sounds good.

*Whine*

*Whine* *Whine*

C'mon, Max! Just a few steps. Go over to Mary, and I'll give you a treat.

... *Whine*

Oh, what a handsome boy you are! Come here, Max.

*Ruff ruff*

Max!

*Ruff ruff ruff*

Max, come back! I'll give you some tasty kibble later, I promise!

I'm sorry! I've got to go catch Max!

Sure. The hospital is always open, so feel free to drop by later if you need any help.

Yes! Thank you!

Max! Come back!

Hmm...

I suppose hospitals can be scary for animals as well as humans.

Oh, really?

Well, since you're here, why don't we do an examination?

Hasn't it been a while since your last physical?

Let's get started then! I'll be with you in a moment.

Teacher,

I get that my teeth aren't in the greatest shape after all those sweets I ate,

but taking me to the hospital really isn't necessary.

You're not even my home teacher,

and I don't even think he would go to these lengths.

It's not that.

They just hurt for a tiny little moment last night.

I had a good night's sleep, and they're much better now. Honestly.

...

I'm in my Junior year.

I can handle these kinds of things myself.

You can go home now. You don't have to...

Meow!

Sorry, we didn't scare you, did we?

Biscuit asked me to give Nero a physical,

but I didn't count on her being this terrified of the hospital.

Ding-dong.

Nero, please come to room number 1.

Nero, we've got to go inside.

...

I don't want to.

Holy moly...

What's gotten into people these days?

It's her turn, but she's refusing to go in.

I really don't know what's gotten into people these days.

Rei, have you no shame?

Have a heart!

Quiet down, you two.

If I were the one in charge, I wouldn't let her get away with this kind of thing.

You've got to crack the whip if people don't listen to you. Especially if they're younger.

Otherwise, you'll have spoiled kids running around in public places throwing tantrums, and no one wants that.

Huh? Why would I?

I don't know her from Adam.

Strawberry candy?!

Where? From who?

...

Hmm...

Just so you know, I'm not doing this solely for the candy.

I just can't stand seeing people running amok.

So don't get it twisted. Anyway, sit back and learn.

Hey.

...

You can't be acting like this in public.

All I want to do is leave this place.

You can't do that. Diesel brought you all the way here, so the doctor would see you.

You acting like this is being disrespectful towards her.

...

I never asked for a physical.

Never once was I consulted

during this process.

How is that being respectful towards me?

You've got it all wrong.

Diesel and Biscuit are doing this because they care about you.

I know that.

But still, there's a line they shouldn't cross.

From what I can see, you seem really into sweets, yes?

Imagine if Scoops forbade you from eating any candy for an entire year,

but said it was "for your own good".

Uh...

...

Teacher.

When she puts it that way, it kinda makes sense.

!

!!

That's it!

You better listen up.

What is it now?

You just asked me how I'd feel if I couldn't have any sweets for an entire year.

Uh-huh.

Well, I've thought about it, and that's totally different from this current situation.

A physical only lasts for a little while.

You grin and bear it for an hour or two, and then it's all over. How can you compare that with a year of no candy?

If I were you, I'd just get it over with so I could go home.

...

I know what I don't like.

Everyone around me knows how much cats hate this sort of thing, so why would they force it on me?

You're being a real crybaby about this whole thing, you know that?

!!

You think you're better than me? How about you go a few hours without eating candy?

Fine!

You think I won't be able to do it?

To be honest, a year or two ago, I might not have been able to. But I'm in my third year now.

So this is a piece of cake!

...

Are you sure about that?

Cross my heart.

...

Ding-dong.

Nero, please come to room number 1.

Now hurry up and get your butt in there.

The ding-dong lady is calling you.

...

Whoa, you actually convinced her?

That's incredible!

What can I say? I'm good.

Now, about that strawberry candy I was promised...

Seriously?

Are you already going to break your promise?

!!

I'd love to give you some,

but I do, I feel Nero will hop right back into that cupboard.

Sorry, we'll have to take a rain check on the sweets. I'll give you one next time I see you.

...

*Sob*

Teacher...

This is so unfair!

How can I go on when there's such injustice in the world?

I worked so hard to get that candy...

Coach, are you back with us?

Are you all right, Commander?

Phew...

Thank goodness you're okay!

How busy are you that you've got to sleep on a park bench?

I found you zonked out and couldn't get you to wake up, so I brought you to the Hospital.

Not only are you suffering from over-exhaustion, but malnutrition as well.

If Bay hadn't found you by sheer happenstance, things could have ended really badly for you!

Don't mention it.

Anyway, you seem better now, so I better get going.

Just a moment, Bay!

How's that sprained leg of yours coming along?

Er...

Hmm? Why do you look so nervous?

Did you not take any rest like I told you to?

... Nope.

We've got a competition coming up soon, and I can't miss practice since I'm the squad leader.

...

You may be a Nikke, but that doesn't exempt you from having to tend to any injuries you sustain.

If you try to rush through the recovery process,

your brain might misinterpret injuries as something normal.

You could end up suffering from chronic pain!

Chronic pain...?

I feel much better now, honestly.

Sounds to me like you're trying to brush this off...

but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

...

Um, Pepper?

Yes?

Er... it's just that...

It's okay. Take your time and talk to me slowly.

I wanted to ask for a friend.

The chronic pain that you're talking about...

What do you do

if you get an injury that never heals?

Is there absolutely no chance of her leg improving?

Not necessarily.

It has gotten better as she has practiced.

Hmm...

If that's the case...

...

I would still say she ought to take things slow.

!!

Even if there's only a 1% chance of it healing,

even if she won't recover fully,

I would say that's more than enough motivation to try and get better.

Don't you think so, Commander?

...

The next time you run into this friend of yours,

tell her that she can make it through this.

You're a cheerleader, after all,

so you'd do a better job motivating her than me.

You've got to motivate yourself.

... Okay, I'll tell them that.

All right!

Well, I've got a consultation scheduled, so I better get going.

You can leave once your IV is finished, Commander.

And please, for goodness' sake, don't stretch yourself too thin!

It's high time I head out as well.

I have something to do.

No, not that.

I'm done cheering other people on.

I think it's time I take some time to cheer myself on.

Thanks, Coach. See you later.

Heya, Teacher!

Hello, Teacher.

Teacher, you're here!

Thanks for coming on such short notice.

These physicals are really important for us Nikkes,

but Rei and Ein are always coming up with excuses to skip them.

I wanted to make sure they get it done this time, so that's why I asked for your help.

I can't thank you enough, Teacher.

What are you two whispering about?

Let us in on the secret!

How come we're meeting

at the hospital, anyway?

Yeah,

what's up with that?

Hold on, we're not scheduled for our physicals today, are we?

!

What?

Zwei, is that true?

... I just remembered I have homework.

Y-yeah, me too!

I'm supposed to do homework with Ein, too!

Send us a text, Teacher.

We're outta here!

Wait!

Let's make a bet!

Did I hear that right?

Did you just say something about a bet, Zwei?

Yes, I did.

You both are always bummed out when I don't join in on the bets.

I won't be sitting this one out today.

So let's make a bet.

Whoever is most diligent about getting their physical done, wins.

Seriously?

That's it?

What's the prize?

If you win, Rei, I'll help you with your homework for a month.

You won't hear me complain a single bit.

I'll help you as much as you want.

Really?

Yes.

If Ein wins, I'll go with you to karaoke for a month.

Once again, no moaning or groaning from me.

I'll even play the tambourine and sing duets.

Wow, really?

You hate karaoke, though. What's the catch?

No takebacks!

You have my word.

However, if I win,

both of you have to behave and get your next physical done properly.

Who decides the winner?

Um...

Teacher will decide that,

won't you, Teacher?

I've got this in the bag.

I'm renowned for being a hard worker!

Don't be ridiculous!

Everyone knows that upperclassmen are the most diligent!

Victory is mine!

Thank you, Teacher.

No, you did plenty.

They only agreed to meet us here

because I said you suggested it.

They love anything that involves wagers

and the prizes I mentioned are just too tempting to resist.

Um... Teacher,

can I ask you one last favor?

It's about deciding who's going to be the winner.

You have to pick me.

I don't mind helping with homework,

but karaoke... I'm not so sure.

I'm sorry for them, but you have to help me.

Oh hi,

Blossom.

Commander?

What brings you here?

It's about the little ones

she's taking care of at the hospital.

Since you're here, Commander, would you mind listening for a bit?

I didn't realize there were little ones at the hospital.

I'm surprised such a thing is allowed.

Pardon?

Oh, yes.

There aren't many of them, but they're really cute kids.

Lately though, they do seem to be having a harder time with staying in the hospital.

They're feeling pretty cooped up. Maybe because they're always stuck in their room.

After all, they can't go outside often.

Hmm... I see.

If they can't go outside, that means they can't get any direct sunlight or fresh air.

They'll gradually wither and lose their energy.

Yes, exactly.

They seem rather anxious, and some have even been reduced to tears.

It breaks my heart to see them like that...

Oh my goodness...

It's always painful to see the little ones struggling.

I get where you're coming from.

I wish I could find the time to take them outside, even for a little while.

But given the state they're in, it's not easy...

But at the same time, it pains me to leave them as they are.

I just want to see them smile again.

Is there any way I can do that?

Each child likes different activities,

so it's not that simple.

Also, some of them aren't well enough to join in.

If I were you,

I'd start by checking if you're watering them enough.

What?

What was that about water?

Water and nutrients.

They're both incredibly important for children.

Oh... Yes, of course.

They're vital for growing kids.

If they don't get their essential nutrients, the negative effects are quite pronounced.

That's why it's important to check the temperature and humidity of their rooms.

This is even more crucial due to the fact they're confined to being inside the hospital.

A good environment is essential for them to grow up healthy.

Temperature and humidity!

It makes sense!

Now that I think about it, the hospital rooms do seem a bit dry.

I should check it out.

Next, what's important is conversation.

Conversation... Ah!

You mean psychological counseling?

Yes, when each of you share your thoughts with each other, you'll reach a greater mutual understanding.

You'll have a better insight into how they're feeling.

You must always lavish them with love and attention.

Little ones are very sensitive to their caregiver's reactions.

If they sense even a slight decrease in attention,

they will indeed become very sad and quite morose.

Oh dear...

I've been rather busy lately, and so I haven't been able to see the children as often as I'd like.

That might explain what's happening.

I understand.

I know your other duties keep you busy, but

you must cherish the time you spend with the little ones.

They look up to you.

Yes, I'll make sure to do that!

As a matter of fact, I'll go see them right now!

Thank you both for listening to my rants.

And for the wonderful advice too!

See you next time!

Hehe, this makes me happy.

I hope I'll have a chance one day to see the little ones at the hospital.

I'm curious what kind they are.

If the timing is right, we might even get to see them bloom.

When I do get to see them, would you like to come with me, Blossom?

Person of Interest?

Newbie?

There aren't all that many reasons to be in a hospital.

I came to get a check-up.

No, it's nothing like that.

I've just been feeling exhausted all the time,

so I'm getting checked before anything serious happens.

Me too.

If you wait until there's a problem, then it's already too late.

It's similar to inspection work.

Inspections are all about preventing major incidents before they occur.

...

Why are you staring at me like that?

Is there something on my face?

You're telling me you get exhausted? At your age?

...

I don't think age matters when it comes to exhaustion.

It's about how much work you've done.

Why would you say that, anyway?

Somehow I doubt you actually thought my age has anything to do with it.

Who's fighting?

I just said what I did because someone who should be in her prime was talking about being exhausted.

And I was merely asking her to elaborate on her statement.

Let's just say it's because of an... overly eager colleague.

Being enthusiastic is a good thing, but sometimes it can actually be a double-edged sword.

... I have a colleague who is eager to prove that she's capable.

Mind you, she's actually very capable when it matters.

I'm not trying to say she's not. She is, and that's good...

But sometimes, her eagerness ends up causing accidents,

and I'm always the one who has to clean up the mess.

Add on top of that my own workload...

and it's just really exhausting.

...!

I know someone exactly like that. She's really good at what she does, but she keeps making the wrong choices.

Sometimes, at least. She really does a great job when it counts.

I mean that, too.

She does great when she puts her mind to it.

But...

She has this habit of dropping her work to go out and meet some guy.

Or she'd suddenly throw on her maid uniform and head for the Maid Cafe.

Sometimes I have no clue what's gotten into her.

But since she's good at her job,

I always end up letting it slide, even when she messes up.

*Sigh...*

That's why I've had to put more effort into taking care of myself.

I have so much work to do.

And since I never know what's going to happen next, I just keep thinking that I can't afford to get sick,

or let anything go wrong.

You know...

...?

I totally get how you feel.

I've been where you've been, and I know all too well how much you're struggling.

So, uh...

... I'm sorry for being so cranky earlier.

I guess I was just a little touchy.

It's okay.

I'm sorry for responding so aggressively, too.

If I'd known how much you were suffering, I wouldn't have spoken in that manner.

Nah, I get it. I was the one who got all aggressive first.

Let's just call it even.

Sure. Thank you.

Are you free after your checkup?

Yeah. It's my day off.

How about we go out for a bite to eat, then?

My treat. Consider it an apology.

I'd like that, but are you sure you want to pay?

Don't worry about it.

I just feel like we've got some things in common and wanted to talk more. It's nothing big.

Okay then.

In that case, let's get a coffee after we're done. My treat.

Sounds good.

You get ready too, Newbie.

I'm sure you have some troubles of your own, right?

Since we're already at it, let's all vent about everything that's been bothering us.

That's a great idea. We can all leave together after we're done with our checkups.