The Ties that Bind

Chapter 21 - Dip Into Your Memories

"You're...you're Juliet's brother?" Mary repeated shakily. Matthew nodded slowly, flinching upon feeling the glares from Vanquil and Tessu that were stabbing in his chest. He closed his eyes and breathed heavily through his nose.

So...she must have told them. And, could he blame her? He was an awful older brother and there was never a day that went by where he didn't beat himself up for not doing more, for not reaching out, when Juliet needed a support system the most. He couldn't forget how shocked and angry he was when he heard that their parents had given up on her and their relatives in Lavaridge Town ended up taking her in. Bless their hearts for doing so, but he should have done more too. If he didn't follow his parents orders to become a doctor let alone succeed at it, would he have been in a similar place as his sister?

No. This wasn't about him. He already had enough of that growing up. The praise and attention he received growing up wasn't worth it if it meant his sister had to suffer in the process. Matthew wasn't expecting any forgiveness or redemption from Juliet or her friends.

He just wanted to help. And he was going to fight for his sister's life and well-being – something he should have done a long time ago.

"With all due respect, especially as a fellow doctor, I can't allow you in because we don't know the cause of-" The doctor began, before a gut wrenching scream rang through the air, followed by nurses and doctors frantically trying to restrain Juliet's thrashing body.

"Did we apply a sedative?!"

"We did already and there's no point in applying another dose when she's already unconscious!"

"Hurry! Gather the restraints!"

"Munna! Musharna, wait!" Dr. Fennel called after the two dream eater Pokemon, who charged into the unit and began to suck in what looked to be dark mist from Juliet's body. Gradually, her body began to settle as more mist got absorbed from her, making the nurses and doctors breathe a sigh of relief. Munna and Musharna pulled away, looking rather fatigued and stressed from the rather...unappetizing meal.

"Wha...What was that?" Sonia blinked.

"I'm so sorry about that! Munna and Musharna can smell dreams and nightmares from far away and normally they don't go for the latter!" Dr. Fennel caressed both Pokemon soothingly. "But, in this case, they must have done it because they could tell that Juliet is in danger. May I take a look at her?"

"U-Um-"

"Now's not the time to get hung over protocol - we're here to save a young woman's life, right?"

The doctor finally stepped aside, letting her through to the ICU to inspect Juliet's body more closely. Her body was glistening with sweat, and though her body wasn't squirming out of control, her eyebrows were knitted together, like she was in constant pain. But there were no visible injuries or wounds on her body, except for the minor cuts she had on her face. Fennel looked to Munna and Musharna again, who nodded at her in confirmation.

"I strongly believe that Juliet is trapped in an inescapable nightmare, so please, let me handle this."

"Are you sure? I mean, I've never heard of a case of that happening before-"

"Well, I have. I'm not a dream researcher and scientist for nothing! Matthew, your assistance please-"

"Right away-"

"Hang on, I don't feel comfortable with this. A least not comfortable with him." Vanquil hissed.

"I know what you're thinking, and I don't blame you at all if you hate me. Our parents treated her so unfairly and I...I didn't do anything. I'm not looking for pity or forgiveness, but if I have the power to help her, then I'm going to use it." Matthew explained with conviction before dismissing the other doctors in the room to begin the dream diagnostics with Dr. Fennel. Dr. Fennel healed up both Munna and Musharna before turning to the group that were gathered outside of the ICU.