20 Years ago Red defeated Team Rocket and became the Pokémon League Champion restoring peace and order in the Kanto region. Things stayed that way for awhile... until he died


Chapter 1: A Boy From Pallet Town

?: Yawwwwwwwwn. What time is it?

The teenage boy rolled over and looked at his Pidgey alarm clock - it read 11:37am. The boy sat up and stretched high and wide popping his back in several places. He looked out his window and could see the sun shining off of the Cinnabar Sea. Countless Pidgeotto and Pidgey flew across the horizon. He let out another louder yawn.

Voice from Downstairs: (Yelling) Ryder? Are you finally awake?

Ryder: (Yelling Back) Be down in a second, Noni!

Ryder slowly got to his feet and let out a heavy sigh. Today was his 16th birthday, and yet here he was still living with his Noni in Pallet Town. Other kids, his age and younger, had started Pokémon journeys. And yet he had not. At one point he wanted to. But he felt too much guilt leaving Noni behind. She was all alone - no husband, no children, just him. He was an orphan and couldn't remember the early years of his life. The only thing he knew was that Noni took him home and raised him like her own. And he couldn't just leave her.

Footsteps creaked up the stairs and into Ryder's room. Noni appeared in Ryder's doorway, a sweet, sly smile wiped over her face. She had kind eyes and long silver hair tied into a ponytail.

Noni: I thought you were maybe going to try and sleep through your entire birthday.

Ryder: I wish... (He said only half-joking)

Small footsteps slowly pattered up the stairs behind Noni and into Ryder's room.

Noni: Here's another sleepy one as well (She said with a laugh)

From behind her leg an old, round Pikachu waddled into the room. His yellow fur had faded with age. He slowly made his way toward the carpet, let out a big stretch, and then curled up on the floor.

Pikachu: Chuuuuuuu.

Ryder and Noni both laughed. She put her hand on Ryder's shoulder and looked at him sincerely.

Noni: Happy Birthday, Ryder. (She said softly)

Ryder: Thanks, Noni.


Downstairs at the breakfast table, Ryder chomped away at his food. Noni was quietly washing dishes.

Noni: So Ryder, any special plans for your birthday? (She turned around and looked in his direction) I was thinking that you should go visit Professor Oak's lab - maybe they have some more beginner Pokemon to give away to kids wanting to become trainers.

Ryder looked down at the table and continued to eat his food.

Ryder: (Meekly) You know I'm not interested in that, Noni - being a trainer isn't for everyone. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore. And I have my paper route. Without me, how would people get their PokeNews?

Noni laughed and shook her head, and went back to her dishes.

Noni: I'm sure they'd find a way. (She said politely)

Ryder paused and looked at his dirty plate and put his fork down.

Pikachu: Chuuuuuuu. (Pikachu murmured from under the table with patient eyes looking at Ryder)

Ryder carefully took his plate and slid it under the table for Pikachu. Pikachu quickly cleaned off whatever scraps were left. Ryder smiled and gave the old Pikachu a pat on his fat yellow head. Ryder looked up, then looked out the window getting lost in a thought. When Noni spoke, it brought
him out of his trance.

Noni: Ryder... You know you don't have to worry about me.

Ryder: I... I... (Noni interrupted)

Noni: No, listen. I knew the time would come where you would grow up and go out to see the Pokemon world. (She seemed sincere)

Ryder: But... (Noni interrupted him again)

Noni: No, no buts. (She paused) You're a sweet boy Ryder, and I know it's just me and you here.

Pikachu: Chuuuuuu. (Pikachu groaned from under the table, with a full belly)

Noni: (Laughing) And of course Pikachu too. (She collects herself and gets serious once again) But there's only so much for you here in little old Pallet Town. And I can feel deep inside that there are bigger things out there for you.

Ryder's eyes dropped to the floor, but Noni brought his chin back up with her hand. She looked at him with deep eyes.

Noni: And I think you've felt that too. (Noni nods her head as she looks on)

Ryder stared back into Noni's eyes and felt sad, but he collected himself too. He sniffled, and then nodded back at Noni with a small grin.

Ryder: I guess I can go to the Lab and see how I feel.

It's quiet for a moment, and then Ryder stands up from the table and squeezes Noni tight.

Ryder: Thank you. (He said quietly)


After breakfast, Ryder changed his clothes and headed back down the stairs. He had on a pair of black shorts with his favorite red jacket. He laced up his running shoes and reached for the door.

Ryder: Oh! Almost forgot.

Ryder ran back upstairs and returned with a black and red hat. He pulled it down tightly over his messy black hair and then turned it around so it faced backward. He opened the door and took a big step into the front yard. The grass swayed in front of him as a cool, ocean breeze blew by.

Pallet Town had grown in the past years, although compared to other places maybe not as much. While they weren't industrialzing or modernizing, many young families were moving in. It seemed that the peaceful seaside town was the perfect place to start a life. New homes popped up all around town as it continued to expand - and still standing at the center of it all was Oak Laboratory.

Ryder approached the large metal doors of the lab, but hesitated at the last second.

Ryder: This is stupid. (He said under his breath)

A long time ago, he had dreams of becoming a Pokemon trainer. But he gave up those dreams to live a quiet life in Pallet Town. After Noni's speech though, he wasn't sure how to feel. As he turned to walk away, the doors flew open. A young trainer burst out onto the grass holding his Bulbasaur proudly above his
head.

Bulbasaur: Bulba! Bulba! (Bulbasaur said gleaming with joy as the sunlight covered him)

As the boy took off for somewhere else, a soft voice spoke through the closing doors.

?: Ryder? Is that you?

The door closed, but then opened back up quickly. Standing in the doorway was a young, beautiful girl just about the age of Ryder. She was wearing a white lab coat and had long brown hair. She smiled and blushed at Ryder standing there awkwardly.

Ryder: Uhhh... Hiya Rose! (Ryder awkwardly laughed)

Rose: Were you coming to the Lab to see me? (She smiled and joked back)

Ryder: Ehh... No... I mean Yes. Well actually... (Ryder struggled for words)

Rose: I'm just kidding Ryder, come on in.

Ryder had known Rose from school. She was always kind and sweet, but Ryder's personality never let anyone get too close so they were friends from a distnace. He had been to the Lab before, but it was a very long time ago. The ceilings were high and the machines were big. Several assistants in white coats scurried by holding clipboards and beakers. Different Pokemon were scattered around the lab, some being used in tests while others were there to help out. Ryder looked on with wide eyes, and then remembered Rose was standing there. He regained his focus and turned toward Rose.

Ryder: Sooooo... (Rose interrupted)

Rose: So I'm guessing you're here to see my mom? Follow me.

Rose lead Ryder through the busy Lab and into a small cluttered office in the back. Inside, every inch of the walls were covered - chalkboards with notes scribbled illegibly, bookshelves with pages sticking out, fancy certificates, and pictures of family and Pokemon. On a big oak desk sat stacks of papers and files. On the front of the desk was a name plate that read "DAISY OAK". A woman's head poked out from behind the stacks.

Professor Daisy Oak: What is it Rose - I'm in the middle of something? (She sounded tired)

Rose: Sorry, Mom. There's someone here to see you.

Professor Oak stood up and adjusted her glasses. When she saw who it was, she smiled and touched her cheek.

Professor Daisy Oak: Oh my. Hello Ryder! I haven't seen you in a minute. How are you? How is Noni?

Ryder: I'm doing okay - nothing new. And Noni is doing well too. She's actually the reason I'm here today.

Professor Daisy Oak: Oh? (Curious) And why is that?

Ryder: Well with it being my 16th birthday today, she thought...

Rose: Wait, you didn't mention it was your birthday?! (Rose interrupted loudly)

Ryder: Ehh sorry. (He said sheepishly) I guess I forgot to mention.

Professor Oak crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at her daughter, smirking slightly. Rose noticed the look, and quickly became embarassed.

Rose: Sorry - I guess I'll let you two talk. (She glanced at Ryder) I'll see you later Ryder. (She blushed)

Professor Oak followed her daughter out the door. Ryder turned to once again admire all the Pokémon research on the walls. His eyes stopped on a picture frame behind the Professor's desk. He picked it up carefully to take a closer look. In the picture was a young woman who looked a lot like the Professor along with a young man that looked like it could be her brother. In between both of them was an older man who looked familiar.

Professor Daisy Oak: Admiring the picture? (She asked, startling Ryder into almost dropping the frame. She closed the door behind her)

Ryder: Is this...? (She interrupted)

Professor Daisy Oak: Me and my brother Blue... when we were a lot younger of course. (She chuckled) And the man in the middle is the original Professor Oak. The man who started it all. My Grandpa Sam.

She took the picture out of Ryder's hands and put it safely back in it's spot.

Professor Daisy Oak: Some of my best memories are from when me and Blue would come visit him at this lab. It's what made me fall in love with Pokémon. (Ryder could hear the nostalgia in her voice) When Blue became the Viridian Gym Leader it was the proudest I had ever seen my Grandpa. (She looked out the window) That is until the day he handed over the Pokemon Lab to me (She turned back with a big grin) Now all I can hope is that I can continue to make him proud.

Ryder: Did he...?

Professor Daisy Oak: Retire? Yes. (She said with a laugh, helping Ryder avoid the awkward question he was about to ask) Yes, he's off somewhere tropical right now enjoying the sun and relaxing - and he's certainly earned it. (She looks around the room and throws her arms up) But the research must go on, right?

Ryder: Right. (Ryder said with a nervous laugh) Sooo...?

Professor Daisy Oak: Ahh, that's right! My apologizes. I was beginning to get lost in thoughts of the past. (She sat down and looked kindly at Ryder) What can I do for you?

Ryder: Well... (Ryder was hesitant) as I was kind of starting to say. (He thought about what Noni said that he was destined for bigger things, and his confidence came back) With this being my 16th birthday, I think I'm ready to get a Pokemon partner and go out and see the bigger world.

Professor Oak looked on amused.

Professor Daisy Oak: I wondered when this day would come.

Ryder: (Feeling embarrassed) I know I'm a little bit older than most beginning trainers. It's just... I just... with my Noni, I never... (Ryder went quiet)

Professor Oak sat quietly smiling.

Professor Daisy Oak: It's okay, Ryder. You don't have to explain it to me. (She stood up, walked over, and placed her hand on his shoulder) Everyone can start their Pokemon journey whenever they're ready. (Ryder could feel her warmth and it made him feel a lot more at ease. She removed her hand and stepped back quickly changing tones) Unfortunately, we just gave away our last starter Pokemon for the season.

Ryder felt like he had been punched in the gut. He had worked through all of these feelings and built up the courage to talk to Professor Oak about starting his journey, and then it all came crashing down.

Ryder: Ohh... (Unable to hide his disappointment)

Professor Daisy Oak: Now I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear. But the good news is in a couple of months when we breed some new Pokemon, you can be first in line to pick your partner!

After all of this, the thought of now having to wait several more months to become a Pokemon trainer seemed impossible. After the pep talk with Noni, he was ready... and now this?

Ryder: You know what... that's okay. I think maybe I was getting a little ahead of myself. (He stood up and moved toward the door) Thanks anyways.

As he reached for the door and began to open it, Professor Oak stood up and stopped him. She closed the door.

Professor Daisy Oak: Really? Waiting a couple of months is enough to make you give up this dream? (She smiled and laughed) You know if you want to be a Pokemon trainer you can't give up that fast. (She looked at Ryder and had an idea) Wait here.

Professor Oak walked out of her office and left Ryder standing in the silence once again. This time though he wasn't admiring the walls. He was deep in thought - what could it possibly be now? What felt like forever, moments later Professor Oak reappeared hiding a big smile as she stepped into the room. Without saying a word, she walked over to her desk, rummaged around, and pulled something out of a drawer. She walked back over to Ryder and held it out in front of her. Ryder's eyes locked onto the object.

Ryder: Is that... a Pokedex?!

He was overwhelmed with excitement. Professor Oak grinned back and nodded as she stuck out the Pokedex for him to grab. He took the Pokedex into his hands holding it like a newborn child. A Pokedex... just for him. But he quickly remembered that there were no partner Pokemon left for him.

Ryder: But... my Pokemon?

Professor Daisy Oak: Oh, just in case. (She said with a smile and a wink)


After thanking the Professor a thousand times, he stepped out of her office and back into the Lab. He looked down at the Pokedex in his hands and smiled proudly. Maybe he could wait a little bit longer if he had to. He clutched the Pokedex tighter and walked out the front door. Just like the Bulbasaur, now the sun shined down on him making him feel rejuvenated. He breathed in the salty air and exhaled, and then he turned for home. He was just around the corner when someone yelled out for him.

Rose: Ryder! Wait up!

Rose came running from the direction of the Pokemon Lab. She seemed to be holding something in her arms, but whatever it was was covered. Rose caught up to Ryder, but had to bend over to catch her breath.

Ryder: Rose? (Confused)

Rose: (In between breaths) Hey.. Hi... So. (She took a deep breath, collected herself, and then looked at Ryder with the biggest smile) So I talked to my mom and... (She looked down at the thing she was holding in her arms. Ryder's eyes grew bigger - was there a Pokémon under the blanket?! Rose grabbed the blanket and ripped it away for the big reveal) Happy Birthday Ryder!

In Rose's arm was a large Pokemon egg with green spots all over it. Ryder stood in disbelief.

Ryder: What... That's for me? (He said with hesitation)

Rose: Yeah! My mom said you seemed really disappointed when she told you you'd have to wait another few months to get your first Pokemon. But then she remembered we had been incubating this mysterious egg that we found just outside Pallet Town on Route 1! She said it may not be a Pokemon just yet, but she thought if you atleast looked after it for a bit until it hatched then it could help pass the time!

Ryder: (Confused) Oh. So she just needs help hatching the egg? This won't actually be my Pokémon then... (Sounding slightly disappointed)

Rose: Well... maybe. But technically no. At this point, we're not sure exactly what kind of Pokemon egg it is! So she said once it hatches, to bring it back to the lab and then she can decide whether it's a right Pokemon fit for you or not! (Rose could sense that the reveal had been a little but of a let down) Listen. I understand that this has been a rollercoater of a day for you. But you walked into the Lab today with nothing... and now you have a Pokedex and a Pokemon egg! It's a start!

Ryder knew she was right. The thought of having his own Pokemon excited him beyond belief, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for the responsibility. Raising this egg could be a good test for what was to come!

Ryder: You're right. (He said with a soft smile. He looked into Rose's eyes) I can do this.

Rose: I know you can.

Rose carefully handed the egg to Ryder who held it in his arms. He looked down at it and in that moment felt that rush of warmth again. The egg wiggled.

Ryder: Wahhh! (Ryder screamed out as he juggled the egg out of his hands, fumbling it a couple times, before catching it and securing it in his arms)

Rose: Atleast I think you can... (Rose said with a laugh)


When Ryder got back home, the sun was starting to go down. He immediately showed Noni his new Pokedex as well as the Pokemon egg. He sat both down on the table. Pikachu sniffed the air and clumsily climbed his way up onto the table and began inspecting the egg.

Pikachu: Pika... Pika... Chuuuu? (Pikachu tapped the egg softly and the egg wiggled back and forth again)

Noni: Well whatever is in there, it certainly is lively isn't it? (She said with a chuckle. She then turned and looked at Ryder proudly. Ryder, however looked nervous in his chair) What's wrong, honey?

Ryder: (Ryder was quiet for a second) What if I can't do this?

Noni: Oh Ryder... (She said sadly)

Ryder: (Clenching his fists) What if I wasn't meant to be a Pokemon trainer?

Noni: But you are...

Ryder: (Standing up and yelling angrily) How do you know?! How do you know what I'm gonna be!? We don't even know who my parents were or if they were even trainers?! They just abandoned me and left me with you... (The way he said it hit hard in the room. Everything went quiet. Noni's face tightened as she pasued)

Noni: I did the best I could, Ryder (She said quietly. The room fell silent again. Ryder sat back down)

Ryder: (Shaking) I'm sorry, Noni.

Noni: It's okay, Ryder. (She took a deep breath) Listen. I understand why you'd be frustrated. It's hard to grow up without a mom or dad, and there was only so much I could do. (Grabbing both of his hands) But I know you're going to be a great Pokemon trainer, Ryder. (Squeezing tighter, their eyes locked and filled with tears) Because you were born to be.

The words sunk deep into Ryder. His eyes swelled up as he wrabbed his arms around Noni and buried his face in her waist. She put her hand on his head and fixed his messy hair.

Ryder: Thank you, Noni. (He squeezed her tighter) For everything.

Noni squeezed back tightly, but her eyes were focused on something outside the house. She stared at it through the window, and then closed her eyes as she squeezed Ryder one more time.


Ryder was exhausted.

Ryder: What a day. (He said as he took the egg up to his room)

He made a warm bed for the egg in the corner with blankets and pillows. He was scared that if he slept with the egg he would roll over and crush or knock it off the bed and splatter it on the floor. With it in the corner, he atleast knew it would be safe. All alone now, Ryder decided to talk to it.

Ryder: Hey there. (He started slowly) My name is Ryder. (A deep breath) And I know you're not technically my Pokemon. But I'm gonna be looking after you for a bit. (He put his hand on the egg and could feel a warmth coming from inside. He thought about what else to say) I'm really excited to meet you once you hatch. (He could feel himself getting emotional and he begins to tear up) I've been scared for so long about leaving my Noni all alone here and going out on my own. But after today... (He swallows) I think I'm ready.

Ryder tucked the egg into the blankets and rubbed it one more time.

Ryder: (To himself, quietly) I know I'm ready.

Ryder climbed into bed and faced the egg. He watched it closely as his eyes grew heavy. He thought about everything that happened that day and he smiled. Slowly, Ryder closed his eyes and fell into a deep dream.

And as Ryder's snores grew louder and louder, the egg started to wiggle.