Chapter 3: Awake

Ryder's eyes slowly opened to a familiar sight - the ceiling in his bedroom. He blinked a couple times to make sure he was awake. Had it all been a dream? Ryder tried to sit up but a pain shot through his entire left side. This was the first time he noticed the bandages on his shoulder... and hands... and head. It definitely was not a dream. Ryder looked around the room. The shattered glass from his window had been cleaned up and the window was boarded. In the corner of the room, the makeshift bed was still there but the egg shell seemed to be gone. Ryder tried to piece everything together but had trouble concentrating.

Ryder: Noni? (Ryder managed to faintly squeak out. He swallowed hard and tried again.) Noni! (He yelled. Downstairs he heard the sound of dishes crashing and feet hurrying up the stairs. Noni appeared in his doorway in a huff)

Noni: Ryder? Oh my goodness I was so worried about you. (She ran up and hugged Ryder tightly)

Ryder: OWWW! OWWW! Noni, you're hurting me.

Noni: Oh gosh, I am so sorry. (Laughing and embarrassed) I'm just so glad you're awake!

Ryder carefully scratched his head and smiled weakly as he coughed.

Ryder: Yeah... (coughs) me too. But what... what happened?

Noni: Well... (Noni paused for a second) I obviously couldn't go back to bed when you ran off the other night. So I... (Ryder interrupted)

Ryder: Wait. The other night? (Confused) How long have I been out?!

Noni: Only a couple days... (She didn't want to make it seem like a big deal) You were hurt pretty bad so the Professor gave you some medicine that helped you sleep for a few days while you healed! I was worried but the Professor assured me you would wake up feeling much better.

Ryder looked down at his bandages and sat quietly.

Ryder: The last thing... the last thing I remembered was the Beedrill circling overhead. And then I closed my eyes for a second. And then I was back in bed. (Ryder paused and thought about it again) A couple days? (He felt disoriented)

Noni: As I was saying... (she started back up again) You had been gone for awhile, and I couldn't sleep, so I was in your room cleaning up the glass and Pikachu was asleep on your bed. And then out of nowhere there was this droning sound getting louder and louder. And I didn't know where it was coming from. So I looked out the window, and there you were, on the ground next to the house. (She started to get choked up) And those Pokemon were circling over your head... and I was so scared... (A tear rolled down her cheek)

Ryder looked at Noni from his bed. He felt terrible that he worried her so much. This was why he had given up his Pokemon dreams. If something happened to him, Noni would be left to deal with it all alone.

Ryder: I'm so sorry, Noni. (He said quietly. He felt a heavy guilt weighing on himself)

Noni sniffled and collected herself. From behind her, Pikachu waddled into the room. Upon seeing Ryder, his cheeks sparked cheerfully with electricity as he hopped onto the bed and into Ryder's arms.

Pikachu: Pika! Pika!

Noni: (Wiping her eyes) When I saw those Beedrill surrounding you I didn't know what to do... but thankfully Pikachu did.

Ryder: What... (Ryder looked at Noni confused) Pikachu? (Now Ryder looked at Pikachu. The fluffy yellow Pokémon stared back with kind eyes. He stuck his little tongue out and licked a tear as it went down Ryder's face)

Noni: (Laughing while still tearing up) I screamed out to you as the Beedrill closed in. And at the last second, Pikachu sprung up to the window and let out a shocking Thunderbolt attack.

Ryder remembered the bright yellow flash he saw before he passed out. It must have been Pikachu! Ryder couldn't believe Pikachu still had it in him.

Ryder: I didn't think...

Ryder stopped himself and just stared at Pikachu. For as long as Ryder lived with Noni, Pikachu was just a house pet. He never saw him battle or even show any signs of aggression. And yet Pikachu saved him?

Noni: It's been a long time since I've seen Pikachu do that. In fact, Pikachu hasn't done that since... (Noni stopped in the middle of her sentence too. She turned her head away from Ryder and faced the door. She stared off for a second, and then turned her head back smiling through her own pain) It's been awhile.

Ryder looked at Noni and could see the pain on her face, yet he didn't know why. This woman had raised him from a young child, and never had a bad day. She was the kindest and most generous person he had ever met. And yet, it seemed there was still a lot about her that he didn't know.

Noni: (Collecting herself once again) After that, I called the Professor immediately. She ran over with a few of her assistants, and they carried you inside and took you to your bed and immediately started treating you. The poison had spread, and so they had to act fast with the antidote or else... (She swallowed) Or else it could have been fatal.

Ryder looked off to an empty space in his room. He was mad at himself for being so reckless. He had no plan and just took off in the middle of the night. And for what? For Scyther?... then his eyes got big.

Ryder: Scyther... (He said to himself, shocked that he had forgotten about the Pokémon) Where's Scyther?! Is he OK?!

Noni insisted that Ryder stayed in bed, but he refused to listen. He slowly got up and gritted his teeth in pain and he stood on his legs for the first time in days. He was weak, but nothing was going to stop him from seeing Scyther. He limped his way out of the room and went down the stairs one step at a time.

Ryder: So the Professor brought Scyther back to the Lab... have you heard anything else?

Noni shook her head.

Noni: Professor Oak gave Scyther the same medicine she gave you. He's been asleep since.

Ryder barely listened to the words she said. He just needed to see Scyther. He grabbed his hat at the bottom of the stairs and brushed off some of the dirt. He carefully put it on over the bandages on his head. As he reached for the door, Noni stopped him.

Noni: Ryder... (Ryder stopped with the door handle still in his hand. He didn't turn around to look at Noni, he just continued to stare at the door) The poison... They were able to get you the antidote faster. But by the time Professor Oak got Scyther to the lab. (She paused) There's no guarantees.

Ryder squeezed the doorhandle as hard as he could in his weakened state. He didn't look back at Noni.

Ryder: I don't care. (He said coldly)

Ryder opened the door and hobbled outside. Noni stood in the doorway and watched as he dragged himself toward the Pokemon Lab.

Rose opened the doors of the Pokemon lab and was shocked to see Ryder standing there.

Rose: Ryder?! (Confused. She hesitated a moment, and then threw her arms around him and hugged him closely) I'm so glad you're OK.

Ryder winced in pain, but her warmth felt good. For a moment, he relaxed and hugged Rose back. But then he remembered why he came. He politely pushed her off and got serious once again.

Ryder: Where's Scyther? I have to see him.

The joy on Rose's face washed away. She bit her lip nervously.

Rose: Ryder... (She paused) Scyther was in really bad shape when they brought him in. He's...

Ryder pushed past Rose and walked into the Lab, searching the surroundings furiously with his eyes. Things seemed to be more disorganized than usual - scattered papers on the ground, chairs knocked over. Towards the back of the Lab, he saw several lab assistants standing around a pod. He limped forward and was approaching the pod when Professor Oak stepped in front of him.

Professor Daisy Oak: Well look who it is! (She said with a sly smile. Ryder was not amused, and tried to step around her but she blocked his path again) I can't believe you've made a full-recovery so fast! (She joked as she poked Ryder's side causing him to cringe in pain. Ryder was seething, and Professor Oak could tell as she eyed him up and down) What are you doing here, Ryder? You should still be getting bed rest. (A more serious tone)

Ryder didn't answer as he tried to look over the Professor's shoulder to get a glimpse of the pod, but he couldn't see anything. Rose approached them cauitously from behind.

Rose: (Joining the conversation) It's Scyther, Mom. Ryder wanted to make sure he was OK.

Professor Oak gave her daughter a sweet smile. She had already known exactly why Ryder was there, but she just wanted to hear it from him. Professor Oak looked back at Ryder.

Professor Daisy Oak: Well how about this... my assistants are finishing up some tests on Scyther. Let's go talk in my office and when they're done you can see Scyther. Does that work for you?

Ryder heard her but didn't respond. He just continued to look at the pod and think about Scyther. Scyther had saved him from that first Beedrill, for seemingly no reason. And it seems as it may have ended up costing him severely.

Professor Daisy Oak: Come on, Ryder. (She grabbed Ryder's wrist and dragged him into her office)

Ryder sat in Professor Oak's office impatiently waiting for the tests to be done. He dug his nails into the chair and nervously scartched. Professor Oak poured herself a cup of herbal tea.

Professor Daisy Oak: Tea? (She held up the tea kettle, but Ryder shook his head. Professor Oak put the tea pot down, walked around her desk, and then leaned on the front of it) So... (she hesitated) what happened that night, Ryder?

Ryder looked down into his lap not wanting to answer. Thoughts and images raced through his mind, but he didn't feel like talking right now.

Professor Daisy Oak: The sooner you talk, the sooner you can see Scyther. (Ryder's attention perked up. Professor Oak studied him closely) How about we go back to the beginning. What happened after Rose gave you that egg?

Ryder took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind so he could remember everything correctly.

Ryder: Well... (He thought again long and hard, trying to remember all the details)

Ryder described everything that happened to Professor Oak, from the egg hatching to chasing Scyther into the forest, to Scyther defending him against the Beedrill. Once he started describing the events of that night, he just kept going until he finished. And everything he said Professor Oak looked on with intense interest, not interrupting once. When he was done, they both sat quietly for some time. Then Professor Oak spoke.

Professor Daisy Oak: And why do you think Scyther protected you, Ryder? (She smiled at him curiously)

This was something Ryder had already been asking himself in his head. Scyther easily could have let that Beedrill attack him, but he didn't. And how was Scyther already there when the Beedrill attacked? Was he watching him the whole time?

Ryder: I... I don't... (Ryder fumbled with his words. He didn't have a good explanation)

Professor Daisy Oak: And how about the egg? (Ryder looked at the Professor not sure what she meant) When I gave you that egg, we didn't seem to think that it would be hatching any time soon. And yet you were able to hatch it within a few hours... (She put her hand on her cheek) Why do you think that is?

Ryder was at a loss for words. The Professor seemed to be implying something, but he wasn't sure what it was.

Professor Daisy Oak: Do you want to know what I think? (She paused and thought to herself for a second) I think that somehow, someway... you and Scyther are connected.

Ryder: I don't understand... What do you mean "connected"?

Professor Oak stood up and walked behind her desk. She started talking as she searched through her files.

Professor Daisy Oak: I mean that... (she flicked through a few files) sometimes a trainer and their Pokémon… (flipping through a few more) have a special connection. A-Ha! (She pulled out a file, walked over, and handed it to Ryder. Inside were several documents scribbled in notes and on top a picture of a Pokémon trainer with his Pokémon) Do you recognize that trainer?

Ryder squinted took a closer look at the picture. The trainer definitely looked familiar.

Ryder: Is that... Red? (Unsure of his answer)

Professor Daisy Oak: Yes it is. (Smiling) Red was the greatest trainer I had ever met. Born and raised right here in Pallet Town (Pausing) And what made him so strong was that he also had a special bond with his Pokémon.

Ryder looked at the trainer in the picture again. Red seemed to be just about his age, but all of the Pokémon appeared to be big and strong. Red had a serious smirk on his face. Ryder took one more look and then closed the file.

Ryder: But I don't understand... you think I'm like Red?

Professor Daisy Oak: Well... not exactly. But not every trainer has this gift either. And I do find it interesting that here you are, another boy from Pallet Town, no trainer experience, and yet you were able to track down and fight alongside a newly hatched Scyther.

Ryder looked off to the side as thoughts raced through his head. Was this all a coincedence? Or did he really have some special connection with Scyther.

Professor Daisy Oak: Scyther is OK, Ryder. (Softly)

Ryder shot up from his chair.

Ryder: He is?!

Professor Oak nodded back and smiled.

Professor Daisy Oak: Yes he is. (A big smile appeared across Ryder's face. He was relieved) Yes, Scyther was in a catatonic state this morning. And then out of nowhere he shot awake... (pausing) apparently at the same exact time you woke up in your bed.

Ryder stared at Professor Oak dumbfounded. How was any of this possible?

Professor Daisy Oak: He immediately tried to escape. And my assistants made quite a mess trying to wrangle him back. (She laughed)

Ryder sat back down in the chair trying to process everything the Professor was telling him. He was deep in thought when the Professor interrupted.

Professor Daisy Oak: Are you ready to see him?

Ryder walked nervously with the Professor out of her office and towards Scyther's pod. The Professor had said Scyther was doing better, but Ryder was still worried. Would Scyther even recognize him? As they approached, several scientists with clipboards turned and faced them smiling, including Rose. Behind them Scyther was laying still in the pod, wires and tubes connected to his body.

Professor Daisy Oak: How did the tests go?

Rose: (Looking at the clipboard) Everything seemed to check out, Professor. The last traces of Beedrill's poison has been removed from Scyther's bloodstream. All of his vitals are good. (She looked up at Ryder and smiled) He's probably still dealing with a lot of pain, but he'll make a full recovery.

Ryder stepped around the assistants and up to the pod slowly. Scyther seemed to be sleeping so peacefully. A single tear streamed down Ryder's cheek. He was so thankful to know Scyther was OK. Even though chasing after Scyther into the forest almost cost Ryder his life, he was glad he did it. He put his hand on the glass, and let out a deep breath. Scyther's eyes shot open.

Lab Assistant: Uh oh... he's awake again! (Everyone took a few steps back except for Ryder)

Scyther cried out and pushed up on the lid on the pod. He was still weak, but after a second effort he was able to get it open. He stood up and cut the cords that were still hooked to him.

Scyther: SCYYYYYYYYYTHH!

Lab Assistant: What should we do, Professor?!

Professor Daisy Oak: Shhhhhh. (She pressed her finger to her lips and signaled for everyone to be quiet, then pointed at Ryder)

Ryder was standing in front of Scyther and Scyther in front of him. Scyther had calmed down and was now staring intensely at Ryder. Ryder stared back. Their eyes scanned each other up and down. Ryder slowly raised his arm and stuck his hand out to touch Scyther. He moved closer one step at a time. Scyther watched closely. Ryder put his hand in front of Scyther. Scyther looked at it and sniffed it. It tickled causing Ryder to laugh. Scyther nudged at the hand with his head and re-positioned it to scratch behind his ears.

Scyther: Scyyyyy. (Scyther closed his eyes and tried to really enjoy the scratching)

Ryder laughed again and smiled as he looked at Scyther. He had almost completely forgot that he was still in the Lab. He turned to see everyone else. Most of them seemed to be in shock. However Professor Oak just continued to smile.

Ryder made eye contact with her. Had she been right about everything she said? As if she was reading his mind, Professor Oak nodded and winked back.