Chapter 6
Grace said, "Right, but it was you who had Mewtwo to begin with so it was all you Scarlet." Ash looked at Mewtwo. Mewtwo said, "Are you alright Ash?" Ash replied, "Yeah I'm fine Mewtwo. I'm just a little shocked that you're here." Mewtwo nodded, "I see." Ash turned to Scarlet, but before he could speak to her Gary walked up to him. Ash was a little surprised. Then Gary said, "Ash thank goodness you're safe." Ash, still surprised, replied, "Gary? What are you doing here?" Gary responded, "Ash, are you not glad to see me?" Ash communicated, "No it's not that I'm not glad to see you. It's just your kind of the last person I'd expect to be here." Gary became very offended by that and yelled, "What was that?!" Scarlet then stepped in and scolded, "Gary calm down! Ash didn't mean to offend you, but he has a point you know." Then Gary looked at her and replied, "Actually I don't know." Scarlet rolled her eyes and responded, "You two were rivals to the core. You used to fight with him a lot when we were kids. And I gotta tell you. It was very annoying just watching you two compete over everything. I can't really remember a time when you two weren't fighting." Ash and Gary nervously chuckled and scratched the back of their heads. Scarlet continued, "So it makes since why Ash said that you were the last person he would expect to be here."
Gary thought it over for a minute and he replied, "You're right Scarlet. And I'm sorry Ash I forgot about the rivalry thing." Ash smiled and said, "Hey it's okay Gary. It seems we both grew out of it anyway." Gary agreed, "Yeah, but I think I grew out of it long before I became a trainer though." Ash asked, "What do you mean Gary?" Gary replied, "Ash when my grandfather and I saw Team Nova drag you out of your house in Pallet Town, I had this feeling of shock, horror, and disbelief. And when Scarlet screamed your name and ran after you I felt as if I had sank two feet into the ground." Ash stared at Gary surprised, "Whoa. I didn't know you felt that way Gary." Gary nodded and continued, "When I ran after your sister, I felt guilty for not helping you. I was right there and could've helped you, but I guess part of me told me not to because I was unsure of how strong Team Nova was. When I finally caught up to your sister, she was on the ground unconscious. Mewtwo was with her. Mewtwo told me that it erased her memories of you. That only made the feeling worse. When I brought her back to your house and put her to bed, I vowed to myself that I'd help Scarlet find you, but I first had to wait till she was a trainer before we could go look for you. Anyway I'm sorry for not helping you that day."
As soon as Gary finished explaining, Ash just looked at him. Ash could find the words to say to him. Scarlet then chimed in, "Gary there's nothing you could've done that would help save Ash back then. Honestly, you would've ended up like my mom, but much worse." Ash agreed, "Yeah Gary, it's okay. Even if you had helped me it wouldn't have made much of a difference." Then Grace said, "Let's talk more at my house. Team Nova is probably tracking us. First Scarlet can you check Ash for any tracking devices?" Scarlet nodded and she looked all over until she felt something on his leg. She lifted the pant leg and she said, "Found it!" She ran her finger on it and it glowed red. Then the tracking device fell off. Grace saw Scarlet pull it off. Scarlet said, "Well that was easy." She threw it away to lead Team Nova into the forest. Then she had Mewtwo teleport them to Serena's house.
They arrived at Serena's house and they went inside. Then Ash said to Scarlet, "So how did you catch Mewtwo anyway?" Scarlet had just returned Mewtwo to the ultra ball. She replied, "Well when Gary and I started our journey to look for you, Mewtwo appeared and asked me to catch it. We were both shocked, but Mewtwo gave me this ultra ball. I threw it and Mewtwo allowed itself to be caught. After I caught Mewtwo, I asked why it wanted to come with us. Mewtwo told me that you two know each other and we would need its help to free you. Turns out it was right." Ash agreed, "Yeah. Having Mewtwo there really Improved our chances against Team Nova." Everyone around them agreed with Ash. Then Serena said, "By the way, Scarlet how's your mother doing?" Ash entered, "Yeah how is mom doing Scarlet?" Scarlet replied, "Physically, she's fine. Emotionally, mom isn't doing very well." Ash tilted his head confused and said, "What do you mean by that?" Scarlet explained, "Mom has recovered from her physical injuries. But ever since the day Team Nova captured you, she hasn't been the same. She keeps blaming herself for not being able to protect us from Team Nova." Ash gasped and looked down. Scarlet then gasped, "Oh no!" Ash looked up and asked, "What's wrong Scarlet?" Scarlet replied, "I forgot to call mom and tell her that Gary and I arrived in the Kalos region!" Gary smirked, "I wondered how long it would take for you to finally remember." Scarlet turned to Gary and said, "Not funny Gary! I asked you to remind me to do that! Why didn't you remind me?!" Gary replied, "Sorry Scarlet I guess it slipped my mind as well." Then Grace offered, "You can use our video phone if you'd like." Scarlet sighed, "Thanks that would be great."
Scarlet talked with her mother on the phone. The others listened to the conversation. Delia said, "Well it's about time you called I've been worried sick about you!" Scarlet replied, "I'm sorry mom. I was going to call you, but Gary forgot to remind me to do it. And many events happened one after another. So I forgot in all of the confusion." Delia replied, "It's okay Scarlet. Anyway I hope Gary is treating you well and taking very good care of you like he promised." Scarlet responded, "First of all, I'm not a baby anymore. Second of all, Gary is living up to that promise yes. And third of all, do you have to treat us like we're a couple? Come on mom! You know I'm too young for that kind of thing! And just because we're close friends doesn't mean we're that close." Most of the guys and girls laughed. Dawn smirked, "Looks like you got friend zoned Gary." Everyone, including Ash, laughed. Gary sighed, "Awww man." Scarlet said, "Hold on a minute mom." She turned to her friends and said, "Can you guys keep it down please? I can't hear what my mom is saying." Dawn replied, "Sorry Scarlet, but I couldn't help myself." Scarlet turned back and said, "Can you repeat that again mom?" Delia replied, "I'm Sorry dear, but Gary was just so sweet to help me take care of you during my recovery days that I couldn't help it. Besides I worry for you a lot. It puts me at ease knowing that someone is watching out for you." Scarlet's voice toned down and she empathized, "Yeah I get it mom. Truth is I worry about you too mom." Delia began crying, "But I'm constantly worrying about Team Nova. Ever since they took Ash, I've been afraid they would come back for you and I just don't want to lose you." Scarlet quickly responded, "Mom please don't cry, you'll get me going too. And there's no reason to fear. Just enjoy the time of peace we have mom. Gary and I will watch each other's backs with our friends at our side." Delia smiled and praised, "I'm so proud of how grown up you are." Scarlet smiled and returned, "Thanks mom. And there's no need to worry. I'll be fine as long as my friends are with me. By the way, I have a surprise for you mom." Delia got excited and asked, "What is it?!" Scarlet smirked, "Come to the Kalos Region and find out." Delia got worried, "Out there I don't know..." Scarlet said, "Trust me mom it'll be worth it." Delia got confidant and nodded, "Alright I'll be there next weekend." Scarlet replied, "Great I can't wait for you to come." Delia said, "I'll see you then Scarlet. Love you." Scarlet responded, "Love you too mom. Bye." Scarlet hung up the phone and walked back to the group.
When Scarlet rejoined everyone else, she said, "I suppose you all heard everything we said huh?" Dawn replied with a smirk, "We sure did." Scarlet continued, "Great now I feel embarrassed." Serena commented, "There's no need to feel embarrassed Scarlet. I found the conversation rather sweet. Although I couldn't help laughing at Dawn's joke." Scarlet chuckled, "I will admit, I did laugh a little at Dawn's joke." Then Barry said, "So Scarlet, what's your surprise for your mom?" Serena rolled her eyes and retorted, "Seriously Barry? It's obvious that the surprise is Ash." Then Barry replied, "How do you know?" Then Cilain answered, "It's quite simple Barry. Scarlet didn't mention anything about Ash throughout her whole conversation with her mother." Scarlet responded, "Serena and Cilain are correct Barry. Ash is the surprise I'm planning for my mom." Then Drew questioned, "But why couldn't you just do it over the phone?" Scarlet replied, "It's not very practical to surprise someone on a phone. I believe in actually being present to enjoy the experience in real life." Serena agreed, "Yeah it's more fun that way." Scarlet noticed Ash was looking down with an unreadable expression. She became worried and she said, "Ash are you okay? You haven't said anything since I got off the phone." She got up and sat next to her brother. Then Ash looked at her. Ash finally said, "I don't like how mom is blaming herself for losing me to Team Nova. It so unlike her to do so." Everyone looked at Ash and sympathized with him. Shockingly Paul was the first to speak and he said, "Why is she blaming herself anyway? She doesn't have a reason to blame herself. If anyone is to blame it's Team Nova." May said, "Wow Paul, I didn't expect you to say something like that." Paul replied, "Normally I wouldn't, but this is different." Then Misty chimed in, "Different how? You're normally the aloof type." Paul continued, "You're right Misty I am the aloof type, but….. hmm how do I put this?" Grace walked in and said, "Paul is also a victim of Team Nova. They killed his parents to obtain something important. Paul was forced to move in with his older brother because that was the only family he had left." Iris gasped, "Paul I'm so sorry that happened." Paul replied, "It's not your fault. If anyone is to blame it's Team Nova." Gary commented, "I'll say. Team Nova appears to be no ordinary criminal organization. It seems that they'll go to extremes just to get what they want." Grace agreed, "You've got it exactly right Gary. Team Nova is willing to destroy anything just to get what they want. A Year ago, Team Nova attacked a little girl that Serena used to baby sit. Her name is Bonnie. The attack was so strong that Bonnie had to go to the hospital, but she fell into a coma and hasn't woken up since then." Scarlet gasped, "Oh my Goodness! How awful!" Ash cursed, "Those Cowards!" Grace continued, "But surprisingly Bonnie is still alive. She has this energy wrapped around her. The doctors say that something is effortlessly trying to keep her alive." Serena said, "I'm actually going to go visit Bonnie in a few minutes. You guys want to come?" Everyone nodded and they went to the Lumios City Hospital.
When they arrived, Serena talked with a nurse at the front desk. Then she led her friends to Bonnie's room and outside she saw an old friend. Serena called, "Clemont!" The boy with blonde hair looked up to see Serena and he was very pleased to see her. Clemont replied, "Hi Serena it's so good to see you." When she stopped in front and got serious, she asked, "How's Bonnie?" Clemont saddened and a tear fell from his eye. He responded, "There hasn't been a change of any kind since your last visit. The doctors still can't find out where the mysterious energy is coming from." Serena looked down at the ground worried for Bonnie. Then Scarlet approached Clemont. But before she could speak, The doctor taking care of Bonnie came out. Clemont asked, "How's Bonnie doctor?" The doctor explained, "The energy that was surrounding Bonnie has suddenly stopped." Clemont gasped. The doctor continued, "But I heard a voice and it told me to allow a girl named Scarlet and a boy named Ash to see her and try to help her. It also said that friends that accompany them are welcome to witness." Scarlet and Ash looked at each other. Then Scarlet inquired, "You mean us?" The doctor looked at them and said, "Yes two are the ones the voice wants to see." Ash and Scarlet exchanged glances for a moment. Then they nodded to each other. Ash said with determination, "We'll see what we can do." The doctor nodded and led them in.
Ash and Scarlet saw the unconscious girl and were horrified at the sight of her. Scarlet observed the little girl. She found many healing internal damages, but the worst was her brain. Ash examined Bonnie's aura and he said, "Well there's no doubt about it. This girl is stronger then she looks." Then Ash picked up traces of another being that was trying to help Bonnie. Then a little green creature with a red center came out of the yellow bag and hopped onto Bonnie's hospital bed. The creature said, "I've been waiting for you." Ash recognized the creature. Ash wondered, "Are you Zygarde?" The creature replied, "I am. While that is my real name the girl you see here calls me "Squishy"." Scarlet asked, "Why risk so much just to help this girl Squishy?" Squishy answered, "Bonnie and I are close friends and she risked herself to protect me and I wish to return my gratitude to her by keeping her alive until you two got here." Scarlet said, "Well her body is healing, but the worst internal damage I'm picking up is in her brain." Squishy nodded, "Yes she hit her head quite hard when Team Nova attacked her. Scarlet do you think you can help her?" Scarlet looked at Bonnie. She placed her hand on Bonnie's forehead. She then placed her other hand over Bonnie's heart. She began getting a feel for Bonnie's strong pulse. Scarlet closed her eyes concentrating hard to focus herself and her energy. Scarlet's pulse slowed down to meet the same pace as Bonnie's pulse. She was still standing, but she was trying to reach out and connect with Bonnie. Then She connected with Bonnie. A part of her reached out to Clemont as well. Bonnie looked at the girl standing in front of her. She asked scared, "Who are you? And where am I?" Scarlet walked up to her and laid her hands on her and she replied, "Do not be afraid Bonnie. My Name is Scarlet and I'm here to help you." Bonnie felt safe around her and felt drawn to her voice and Bonnie hugged Scarlet. She continued, "You've been asleep for a very long time Bonnie." Bonnie questioned, "How long?" Scarlet answered, "Bonnie you've been asleep for a whole year." Bonnie gasped and almost panicked, but Scarlet calmed her. She continued, "Don't worry Bonnie, I'm going to help you wake up. We're in an empty place were we can share our memories."
Meanwhile, Bonnie was showing signs that she would wake up soon. The doctor was shocked. Whatever Scarlet was doing was working. Bonnie was responding to her. Clemont was near the hospital bed on the left side along with Serena. They watched with amazement as Bonnie seemed to respond to Scarlet. They waited and watched as Scarlet continued connecting with her.
The first thing They watched was Team Nova's attack on Bonnie and her brother. Scarlet said, "You and I are a lot a like Bonnie. We both are strong willed, We both wish to protect to ones we care about most, and we were both hurt be Team Nova." Bonnie watched as the memory played out, but then she asked, "What do mean? You were hurt by Team Nova too?" Scarlet replied, "I wasn't physically hurt by them, but I was hurt by them emotionally." Scarlet showed Bonnie her memories of Team Nova hurting her mother and kidnapping her older brother. Bonnie stared with shock. Scarlet continued, "That was my third birthday. Team Nova kidnapped my bother, Ash, and planned to use him to activate a defense mechanism the was sealed up for centuries." Bonnie then said, "So we are a like in some ways." Scarlet nodded, "Bonnie do you want to see your brother?" Bonnie answered, "Yes, more than anything in the world, but I'm scared. What if Team Nova attacks me again?" Scarlet looked at Bonnie and placed her hands on her shoulders. She said, "Bonnie, Team Nova isn't here. You're safe now. This is why you haven't awakened yet. Your brain still thinks you're in danger." Bonnie questioned, "What should I do then?" Scarlet replied, "Take some deep breaths."
While Scarlet was guiding Bonnie, Bonnie's breathing began to regulate. It was a sign the Bonnie was about to wake up. Serena, Clemont, The doctor, Ash, And their friends watched intensely as Bonnie began to strengthen. Her and Scarlet's pulses went back to normal as well.
Scarlet continued to guide Bonnie, "Now release all fear." Bonnie released her fear. Then Scarlet said, "And finally when your memory of Team Nova plays in your head, let it play out. Think of the memories you'll make with your brother when you wake up. And most importantly don't give up until the very end!" Bonnie watched as Scarlet faded and the horrifying memory played through her mind, but she wasn't afraid. She let it play out and thought about the memories she would make with Clemont and soon Bonnie broke through the block that kept her asleep.
Outside of Bonnie's thoughts while she was fighting the block, green aura flowed from Scarlet onto Bonnie. The aura healed Bonnie's wounds and when it disappeared, Scarlet fainted from exhaustion. Ash caught her before she hit the ground. Then Bonnie opened her eyes and she saw Clemont. Bonnie, happy to see her bother, exclaimed, "Clemont!" She sat up quickly. Clemont through tears replied, "Bonnie!" The siblings embraced for a full five minutes. Then Serena looked around and said, "Hey has anyone seen Ash and Scarlet?" Ash answered while raising his hand up, "We're here." Scarlet woke up from fainting and the first thing she asked was, "Is Bonnie awake?" Ash replied, "She is now thanks to you. I'm so proud of you little sister." Ash helped Scarlet get to her feet. Ash also helped support her. Then Clemont said, "Thank you Ash and Scarlet. Bonnie wouldn't have made it without you two." Ash said, "Actually I didn't really do much. Scarlet took care of everything else. All I did was check Bonnie's aura." Clemont looked at Scarlet, who seemed to be extremely exhausted, which only proved Ash's point to be correct. Dawn entered the room with two glasses of water. She gave one to Bonnie and then she gave the other to Scarlet. Scarlet took the glass and said, "Thanks Dawn." Dawn replied, "No problem." Scarlet drank the water very quickly. Though Scarlet felt a little better, she felt that something was wrong. Squishy noticed that Scarlet wasn't her normal self. It noticed that she was pale when it first saw her, but now she was extremely exhausted. Ash was glad that Bonnie was doing a lot better, but his concern turned to his sister. He was trying to support her and keep her from collapsing. Bonnie saw that Ash was concerned for Scarlet. Bonnie thought Scarlet looked sick. Ash, with a worried voice, asked, "Scarlet what's wrong? Tell me." The doctor walked over and felt Scarlet's forehead. He gasped and said, "Scarlet has a fever!" Everyone soon became confused and worried. Scarlet was sick and no one knew why. They began wondering how to heal someone who had healing powers. Ash was the most worried out of everyone. He hoped his sister wouldn't end up like Bonnie. And he began to hope that she would get better because he depended on her and she depended on him. They both took care of each other and they now need each other more than ever to face the challenges ahead.