Scene 9: Orphan
Word spreads of the poachers. That this "Team Rocket" beat Marowak to death and orphaned the little Cubone. It's been a few days, but no one has heard from these thugs in a while. The town is down from hearing the story. Lyrik hasn't spoken a word since the incident and baby Cubone hasn't moved from his perch on the windowsill. Days pass. Cubone is still depressed, but at least Lyrik is up and moving around again. Mr. Fuji tries to make light conversation, but she doesn't respond. Late at night, Mr. Fuji rolls over in his bed. He can hear Lyrik whimpering in her sleep. Perhaps another nightmare about Team Rocket and Marowak. He can see Cubone sleeping against the window from his bed. As he looks at the poor dear, Mr. Fuji gets an idea.
The following morning, Mr. Fuji explains his plans to Lyrik. He's going to turn their home into a sort of orphanage. "We'll call it the Pokémon House." He explains to her that they'll take in any and all orphaned Pokémon from the wild who need a home. The poachers have done lots of damage and he wants to help them. There's something about the way he speaks that gets Lyrik a little happy, though she doesn't quite understand. They start work immediately. As the little home begins its transformation, the villagers take notice.
Many help in their project, putting the playpens together and restoring the young Pokémon to full health. A girl, older than Lyrik named Reina is the first to strike up the volunteer program. Several townsfolk join in to help the Pokémon. With the townsfolk coming all together, Lyrik is starting to feel the tug of a smile. But every time she looks over to little Cubone she remembers what Team Rocket did, becoming angry.
Mr. Fuji announces the official opening of the Pokémon House to his fellow townspeople. They're all cheering and whooping in celebration. Inside, Lyrik is sitting with Cubone. She's in a chair beside Cubone at the window. After several long and silent minutes, she finally tries to coax the little guy.
"You know… I talked to Gramps. I didn't really understand what an 'orphan' was. And why were you and these other Pokémon 'orphans' now… but I think I get it… just a little bit." Mr. Fuji enters the house and notices the two of them sitting there. She doesn't notice him.
"Grampa Fuji explained that an orphan is someone who's parents are gone. That you won't get to see them ever again…" Cubone's head turns just slightly at her words. She looks to the other Pokémon in the room- a Mankey, Sandshrew, and Raticate. All orphaned because of Team Rocket.
"They're all like you, Cubone. And like me…" Cubone turns fully around to look at her. She looks up sadly at him, "My Mamma and Papa may still be alive, but they're gone too." Lyrik shrugs, "I guess that kinda makes me an orphan also." A tear trickles down Cubone's face. He starts bawling. Lyrik picks him up off the windowsill and lets him cry his eyes out. It saddens Mr. Fuji to hear those words coming from his Granddaughter. But at least Cubone's starting to feel a little better. Looking around the room at what all they managed to do makes him slightly happier. At least he could do this… but could he possibly do more..?