Chapter 3

I awake with a jolt.

"Ralph!" I instinctively cry out, piercing the silence.

A cool sweat coats my body as I hurriedly assess my surroundings. I am relieved to find that I am lying in my own bed, surrounded by the familiar Pokémon paraphernalia that litters my room. I try and remember what happened by the lakeside. Was any of that even possible? I need to find Ralph. I'm sure he's fine but I need to make sure. Suddenly my pidgey clock strikes one which sends a surge of energy shooting through my legs and I attempt to stand. The sudden movement sends a crippling pain through my skull and I crash to the floor.

"Linda… You need to rest."

Mom, witnessing what happened puts the tray she is holding on the bedside table and rushes to my aid. Helping me back into bed she pulls my pikachu duvet up to my chin and tenderly kisses my forehead. I begin to move uneasily under the covers.

"Ralph is fine." She says as though she reads my mind. "He carried you here from the lake. Both of you were in some state… I was so worried."

I gently squeeze her hand to reassure her that I am okay. She smiles warmly.

"I'm just glad piplup was there to help."

Piplup! Where is that brave little bird? I can't believe how great it was. As my mind traces back to the fight I hear a high pitched chirp come from the end of the bed.

"Pip-lup!"

I look up just as a ball of light blue fur is diving towards me. Its eyes glisten as it sees that I'm awake. Piplup lands on my chest and begins to nuzzle close.

"She's been worried too. Wouldn't leave the room until you awoke."

Piplup nods her head and chirps again. I stroke her incredibly soft coat and she begins to sing, obviously happy to see me safe. I like this chick.

"Now, I can't just call you piplup…" I say affectionately as I eye the cute ball of fur. "How about… Pips?"

Piplup screws her face up and fiercely shakes her head.

"Yeah, I agree. Fuzzball?" I respond jokingly.

She sticks her tongue out and blows a raspberry.

"Ha! I suppose not then… I've got it. Pippa."

She tilts her head considering this option before breaking into a little happy dance. She doesn't last long before falling on her back causing the room to explode with laughter. I smile at her.

"Pippa it is then… Thanks for before."

She gazes at me and I can feel the bond strengthening between us. Mom moves around the room and offers me a cool glass of water.

"Drink." She says all motherly. "Oh, while I remember Ralph popped around to check on you. He was in a hurry as always and didn't want wake you, he thought you needed your rest. He however told me to pass this on to you… that you know what to do and to look after yourself. He seemed kind of serious for once. Then he left, quick as he came."

Ah! Ralph, please be careful. I can't stay here, I need to talk to Ralph. Then the old man's chilling words come flooding back to me.

***"My assistant will come to you in the morning."***

Crap!

"Has anyone come looking for me, except Ralph?"

I spit out whilst hurriedly getting dressed. Pain shoots through my arm as I put my t-shirt on.

"No dear, just Ralph. Why?"

I can tell from her tone that I am beginning to worry her.

"Nothing. Honestly. I blatantly lie as I lace my shoes. Even if I wanted to tell her what would I say? An old man with freezing powers ordered us to do his bidding because we used his Pokémon? I am even beginning to doubt the actual events!

"How was Ralph?" I try to change the subject.

"A little shaken up, but okay."

Okay, good. Ralph is fine. Well I don't know what I was expecting, but the last time I saw him that man was up in his face and was ordering him to obey. Ralph doesn't do well with orders I think, comforting myself a bit. I grab my favorite bag pack and hurriedly begin stuffing my essentials inside. My brain is working on overdrive.

"Mom, I need to find Ralph. I know I promised to stay her and look after you and I understand that I will be breaking this. I'm sorry to let you down but I need to do this. I love you so much. You're not pathetic, I was angry and frustrated. I shouldn't have shouted at you. You are a great mom and so strong. I am lucky to have you… and…" My eyes begin to tear as my emotional ramble continues.

She pulls me into a strong, loving embrace.

"It's okay." She responds tenderly. "I don't know what is going on, but I trust you. I love you too dear… Don't do anything dangerous and remember that I am so, so proud of you. Your father would be too."

Wiping tears from my eyes she smiles at me. I return the affection. She leaves me to finish my packing and agrees to meet me in the kitchen in ten minutes.

I head downstairs with my bag packed and Pippa hopping each step behind me. I glance around the room for nostalgia's sake, thinking back to all the great memories I've had here. I smile as I look at the wall of family photos, the TV with my Pokémon DVDs stacked beside it and the couch where mom and I would spend our evenings watching the latest talent shows. Before I can talk myself out of leaving I head to the front door, take a huge breath and prepare to exit into the warm sunlight.

"You're not leaving without saying goodbye are you?" Mum says jokingly coming out of the back room. She is holding a small package. "This came for you. Also take these poke balls and this potion with you. We don't want Pippa getting hurt now do we?" With a loving smile she pats Pippa on the head who responds with a chirp.

"Piiip"

"Thanks mom."

I jump towards her, gripping her tight. I take a deep breath, committing this moment to memory before letting go. I turn to Pippa.

"Ready?"

Pippa nods excitedly.

"Piplup!"

"Well goodbye mom. I promise to call when I can."

As I start to head she calls back.

"Take care love! I'll miss you… Remember to wash behind your ears!"

She continues to wave until I am out of sight.