Our heroes continue their way to Cherrygrove City and when they arrive they first head to the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy and her Chansey greet our heroes at the door.
"How may I help you today?" Nurse Joy asks.
Rob rushes to Nurse Joy and takes her hand.
"You can help me by removing this loneness I have in my heart," Rob says.
Nurse Joy looks nervous as Stephen squints his eyes. Rick laughs as Melissa looks confused.
"Not another Brock," Lucario says.
Stephen rolls his eyes and grabs Rob's ear pulling him back.
"Not now lover boy," Stephen says.
Rick walks to Nurse Joy.
"Sorry about that but can you take care of our Pokémon while we go eat?" Rick asks.
"I sure will," Nurse Joy replies.
Our heroes give Nurse Joy their Pokémon and then head off to the dining room of the Pokémon Center to order their food after finding a table.
"So hunny can you tell me about your adventures?" Melissa asks.
"Well it all started the day I was going to become a Pokémon Trainer," Stephen replies, "My cuz, Rob, said he would travel with me and that's when he and I went to Prof Elm's so I can get my Cyndaquil. While we arrive in New Bark Town we ended up meeting Ash, Brock, and Misty and joined them in their adventure. Rob also gave me my Pikachu when it was a Pichu when I first got Cyndaquil. After this we traveled all of Johto and got all eight badges. Ash and I entered the Silver League and I won so I entered the Elite Four and become Champion out of luck I say. After that Rob and I split from Ash, Brock, and Misty but soon meet up with Brock in Kanto and then headed off to Hoenn to join Ash, May, and Max. Again Ash and I competed for all eight badges as May went for contest ribbons instead."
"In the Hoenn League, Ash and Stephen lost as May did in the Grand Festival so we headed off to Kanto and In Kanto Ash went for the Battle Frontier but Stephen decided to do the Indigo League since he already got the first two badges from Brock and Misty before we headed off to Hoenn. After Stephen lost the Indigo League we rejoined Ash and saw him become the Battle Frontier Champion and after this we all traveled to Sinnoh and yet again Ash and Stephen went for the badges as Dawn went for contest ribbons. Dawn was the first to compete and sadly lost the Grand Festival as Stephen and Ash got very close in the Sinnoh League but both lost and this is where we all split up. And now are in Johto with you," Rob states.
"So why didn't you just stay with Ash?" Melissa asks.
"My Mom told me you were finally becoming a trainer and I missed you so I came back to join you," Stephen replies.
"Aw that is so sweet of you," Melissa says.
Melissa lays her head on Stephen's shoulder as Rob and Rick smile across from the two.
"So Melissa what have you been doing when Stephen was off on his journey?" Rick asks.
"Well after Stephen left I hung out with his Mom since she was upset because her little boy went off on his journey," Melissa replies, "I helped her around the house like a daughter-in-law should do. I also researched about Pokémon before my Mom even let me become an official trainer."
"Even though I keep in touch with Mom I still miss her," Stephen admits.
"Well maybe we should go visit before we head off for Violet City," Rob states.
"That sounds like a good idea since we are close to New Bark Town," Rick says.
"Well let's get our Pokémon and supplies and then head back to New Bark Town," Melissa declares.
Our heroes finish their food, get their Pokémon, buy the supplies they'll be needing, and then head off back to New Bark Town to see Stephen's Mom. As our heroes enter Stephen's house they notice it is clean and spotless. They also notice asleep on a tan couch is Ruth Cravotta.
"Go wake her up," Stephen says to Pikachu who is on his shoulder.
Pikachu jumps off Stephen's shoulder and jumps onto Ruth. Pikachu tickles Ruth's nose with his tail. Ruth wakes up and sees Pikachu.
"It's Pikachu so then that means?" Ruth questions.
Ruth turns around with Pikachu in her arms and sees our heroes.
"You're all back!" Ruth says excitedly.
Stephen, Rob, and Rick smile and walk towards Ruth.
"So you cleaned this whole house?" Stephen asks.
"Yeah and good thing because you stopped by," Ruth replies.
"Yeah and again I'll be going on another journey because I'm joining Melissa," Stephen states.
"I knew you would," Ruth says, "So how was your journey with Rob, Ash, Brock, Misty and the other three?"
"Trust me we all had a blast traveling together and Stephen became so much stronger than when he first became Johto Champion," Rob replies.
"That trophy on the fireplace does show Stephen is a great trainer," Ruth states, "It takes a lot to become the Champion."
"It sure does and especially when becoming a Pokémon Master," Rick says nudging Rob.
Lucario notices it is getting dark.
"I think we should stay the night and head off to Violet City tomorrow," Lucario says.
"Smart thinking Lucario," Melissa admits.
"Well Cos is going to be gone for work so I have no problem with any of you staying," Ruth announces.
Ruth shows Rob and Rick to the guest rooms as Stephen, Melissa, Lucario, and Pikachu who is still in Ruth's arms head to Stephen's room. Soon Rob and Rick are fast asleep with Raichu lying next to Rob as Ruth is in the living room. Lucario is asleep but sitting up against a wall with Pikachu sleeping in his lap. Stephen and Melissa are dazing into each other's eyes as they lay in Stephen's bed.
"I missed you so much hunny," Melissa says.
"I missed you too," Stephen says.
"I'm glad you came back home," Melissa admits.
"Same," Stephen lies somewhat.
Stephen and Melissa soon start making out as Lucario wakes up.
"Not ever," Lucario says.
Lucario sends an Aura Sphere and knocks Stephen out of the bed.
"What was that for?" Stephen shouts.
"Get on the top bunk now," Lucario says.
Stephen grins and then gets on the top bunk and falls asleep as Melissa does too before falling asleep. Lucario stays up until he senses both Stephen and Melissa are asleep and then he returns back to sleep. In the living room of Stephen is Ruth. She has tears in her eyes.
"My baby boy is growing up so fast," Ruth says, "I want him young again."
Walking into the living room is Rob.
"What's wrong cuz?" Rob asks.
"Stephen is growing up too fast," Ruth replies.
"Yeah I know," Rob states, "It seems like yesterday I was teaching him all about Pokémon with his Uncle Tim."
"Why couldn't he stay young forever?" Ruth asks.
Ruth is crying so Rob goes to comfort her.
"Everyone has to grow up," Rob replies, "It's a part of life."
"Sadly I know," Ruth says.
"You need to get to bed because it's late cuz," Rob says.
"Right," Ruth says.
Ruth walks off to her room as Rob walks back to the guest room. Both fall asleep soon after. The next morning Stephen and Melissa wake up with Lucario and Pikachu and head off to the dining table that is full of breakfast foods that Rob and Ruth prepared. Everyone starts eating.
"I fed all your Pokémon and gave you some more supplies," Ruth states.
"Thanks Mom," Stephen says, "We need all we can get while going to Violet City."
Everyone finishes eating and after our heroes help clean and then head out the door. Everyone hugs goodbye and then our heroes head off back to Violet City. Our heroes skip over Cherrygrove City and continue onto Violet City.
"Melissa you should train your Chikorita and Oddish before you challenge Falkner of Violet City," Rob announces.
"You're right," Melissa says.
Stephen sees a couple making out. Pikachu, who is on Stephen's shoulder, squirms around.
"Yeah I know that is gross," Stephen says with a chuckle.
"Hey lover bugs!" Ricks shouts, "How about you battle my best friend?"
The two stop making out and turn around.
"Sure we'll battle them but together so she'll need a partner," the guy says.
"Fine then," Stephen says with a smirk.
Melissa and Stephen go into their positions as the couple does too.
"I'm ref," Rob says.
Rob runs to the side with his Raichu.
"Alright this will be a six-on-six battle with all people only using three Pokémon each," Rob announces, "This is the battle between Stephen and Melissa and…"
"Sarah and JJ," Sarah states.
"That's Sarah and JJ?" Melissa questions.
"When all six Pokémon on either side are unable to battle the match is over," Rob announces, "Now begin!"
Rob waves his hands.
"I'll give you a third Pokémon," Stephen states.
Stephen tosses Melissa a third Poké Ball and she catches it.
"Come on out Onix!" JJ says throwing his Poké Ball.
Onix appears before JJ.
"Come on out Hoppip!" Sarah shouts throwing her Poké Ball.
Hoppip appears before Sarah.
"Pikachu this is all you," Stephen says.
Pikachu jumps off Stephen's shoulder and into battle.
"Chikorita, I choose you!" Melissa shouts throwing her Poké Ball.
Chikorita appears as Raichu, Lucario and Rick are behind Rob watching carefully.
