Chapter Forty-Five: Choosing a Treatment Plan

The Dream Eater sat quietly and gracefully beside the old doctor, exuding the allure of a mature woman. She calmly observed the glances exchanged between Tang Yi and Ralts, then suddenly smiled gently.

“What we call the syndrome is, for the most part, psychological in nature. If a trainer can help guide and adjust their partner’s emotions, it can greatly alleviate the symptoms—just like what you’re doing now. This is very good indeed.”

Ralts was not so young as to understand nothing, and upon hearing these words, fell into a brief, surprised silence.

The old doctor added kindly, “The Dream Eater is right. In most cases, this condition can resolve itself. This child probably isn’t very talkative, is she?”

Tang Yi nodded, affectionately ruffling Ralts’s hair. This time, the girl didn’t pull away. “Yes, Doctor, Ralts is a bit shy.”

“That explains it,” the doctor replied. “With more reserved and introverted Pokémon, the symptoms do tend to be stronger and last longer.”

“So, for cases as pronounced as Ralts’s, is it impossible for the syndrome to resolve on its own? Does she need medication?” Tang Yi asked, having done some research online before coming here.

“In theory, medication is the most direct way to relieve the symptoms. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. Although these medicines aren’t harmful, they are still chemical compounds. During this transitional period, a young Pokémon’s body has yet to fully develop, and whether medication could have potential side effects remains inconclusive in the medical community.”

Tang Yi asked skeptically, “Is there any other way? We can’t just sit by and do nothing, can we?”

Since the symptoms were considered severe, he knew they couldn’t just wait for them to pass as with milder cases—otherwise, some psychological aftereffects might remain.

The old doctor looked at Tang Yi. “Of course, it can’t be ignored. I can give Ralts a course of hypnotherapy. Although it’s slower than medication, it’s very safe and more thorough. There are no other side effects to worry about. Of course, this is just my suggestion. As her trainer, the final decision rests with you.”

Tang Yi pondered for a moment, then looked at Ralts, who was gazing back at him. “Which way would you prefer?”

Ralts blinked her large red eyes. “I’m not sure. I’ll do whatever you think is best.” Perhaps the Dream Eater’s words had calmed her earlier anger.

“Will the hypnotherapy require several sessions?” Tang Yi continued.

“Usually two or three are enough, sometimes four or five, depending on the results. Each session should be spaced two to three days apart. If you start today, you can come back again at the weekend.”

“How much does each session cost? Or do you charge for the whole course?” Tang Yi, ever forward-thinking, asked in detail. The old doctor understood his meaning and couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, young man. My Dream Eater carries out the hypnosis, so there’s no extra charge. You only need to register for my consultation each time.”

Tang Yi felt a surge of respect.

This was a truly responsible doctor. According to his online research, it was common for doctors to simply prescribe medication and be done with it. Hypnosis was more complicated and time-consuming, while prescribing medication was quick and straightforward.

“I choose hypnotherapy,” Tang Yi said, looking again to Ralts for her agreement.

Ralts didn’t fully understand, but seeing her usually nonchalant trainer looking so respectful, she instinctively chose to trust him. “I’m fine with it.”

Tang Yi turned to the old doctor. “Then I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“Let’s not waste time, then. We’ll begin the first session now,” the old doctor said, rising with the Dream Eater. They led Ralts to the treatment room, letting the two Pokémon girls inside while stopping Tang Yi at the door.

“Why are you going in?”

“Uh? Can’t I?”

“The hypnotherapy session should not be disturbed.”

“I promise I won’t say a word.”

“That’s not enough. The patient may speak their innermost thoughts during hypnosis. To ensure their privacy, even as Ralts’s trainer, you can’t go in. That’s my principle as a doctor.”

Hearing that she might be guided to reveal her innermost thoughts, Ralts jumped slightly, glaring at Tang Yi.

Tang Yi could only withdraw, somewhat dejected.

The door to the treatment room closed; even the doctor stayed outside. Only the old doctor and Tang Yi remained in the consultation room. The doctor clearly had no intention of seeing other patients until the session was over, which actually made Tang Yi a little embarrassed. “Are we holding you up?”

“Not at all. The session will only take about ten minutes,” the old man replied, slowly refilling his teacup and pouring a fresh cup for Tang Yi.

“Thank you.”

Tang Yi realized that the old man could easily have just prescribed him some medicine and sent him away. After all, that was a common treatment for developmental stagnation syndrome, and waiting half an hour for a two-minute consultation was the norm in most hospitals.

If one wanted to think maliciously, with only the Dream Eater and Ralts inside, and the Dream Eater being much stronger and more experienced, Ralts would have no ability to resist if anything untoward happened—such as the Dream Eater using her skill to eat dreams for purposes beyond treatment.

But, faced with such a kind and sincere old man, Tang Yi was certain these suspicions were groundless. To entertain such doubts would be an insult to the doctor’s integrity.

“You’re a good kid,” the old man said, sipping his tea. “A good person.”

Another “good person” card earned.

“A lot of people say that! Am I really so rare a good person?” Tang Yi joked, then, realizing he wasn’t talking to Gu Qingyue, chuckled awkwardly.

The old doctor nodded in agreement. “Developmental stagnation syndrome is something every Pokémon girl goes through. Every year, many trainers bring their partners for treatment. But very few choose hypnotherapy; most prefer to take some medication home.”

Tang Yi considered this. “I’ve seen a lot of people online saying they just use the medication, and no one mentions side effects.” He wasn’t doubting, just genuinely curious, since he didn’t know much about Pokémon medicine.