Humming happily I walked back to the lab with the next set of Pokéballs to put them back, Bulbasaur helping me by using his vines to hold an armful of them as well. "Bulbasaur." He said to me so I smiled.
"You're doing great, just wait a minute whilst I put everyone back where they should be." I told him then set to work. Once they were all done I knelt down and gave him a special Poké treat I had discovered he adored. "There, job well done I think."
It was a couple of weeks since I got back with the G-S ball and so far, we've had zero luck trying to open it. Professor Oak couldn't even get readings from inside and he was beginning to think it might just be something of a huge trick but I urged him to keep trying as I for one knew that there was something inside. I remember how he'd looked at me strangely and asked me how I knew.
"Because professor," I had said. "I can sense it. Don't ask me how, it's just another weird thing I can do but I know there's a Pokémon inside that ball." So after that, he'd not questioned me again. As for the research on the sewer samples he'd got quite far with his work. He'd even published a paper on it and it had taken the world by storm though when the reporters had come for an interview, he'd somehow managed to drag me into it and told everyone how I was the one to find and capture Bulbasaur and bring back the samples.
I'd hightailed out of there as quickly as possible, though my parents were so proud that I'd been on TV. Shaking my head I brought myself back to the present. "Okay Bulbasaur, chores are all done so let's get to training!" I cheered then raced outside. "Everyone, come on out! It's time for some training!" Everyone appeared and began to chatter, excited for what ideas I had planned for today.
I went over to the sack of rocks I had made up earlier and dragged them over, grunting all the way before holding the rope up to Pidgeotto. "Okay Pidgeotto, I want you to lift these heavy rocks up into the air and hold them for a minute. After that start using Gust to build up your wing strength so we can start learning Razor Wind, okay?" I asked and she nodded her head, grabbing onto the rope.
"Pidgeo!" With that she waited, wings ready as I looked at my watch.
"Ready…set…go!" I called as the second hand reached the twelve. Pidgeotto leaped up into the air then started to lift the rocks though they were pretty heavy and even she had a little trouble at first before she got the rhythm. "Charizard, push ups let's go! No wings to help you this time, we're working on your arm muscles." I directed so he dropped down and started work. "You three come with me." I called and walked over to a big space where I held up several items. Hoops and Frisbees. Kneeling down I smiled to them. "Alright, today we're going to be working on your accuracy. Dratini, I want you to practice that Ice Beam and Eevee, we're going to work on your Shadow Ball, okay?" I said to them and they nodded. "You've got to take it in turns to hit the Frisbees when I throw them, so get ready."
Lifting my head I looked over to Pidgeotto and called out. "Pidgeotto! Use Gust now!" I directed so she began to increase the power to her wing beats, flapping to gain extra lift. Turning back I smiled to Bulbasaur. "For you I want you to try and shoot Razor Leaf through the hoops okay? You all ready?" I asked, taking my large supplies of tools then prepared to throw.
"Vee!"
"Saur!"
"Driii!" They all answered with a nod so I smiled.
"Okay then, let's go! Eevee you first!" I tossed up the Frisbee and she instantly started up a Shadow Ball, letting it grow in her mouth as I threw it away and watched it fly. She directed it after the Frisbee and managed to clip it. "That's good Eevee, don't be afraid to let it go a little sooner. You're holding onto it a little too long." I said to her. "Dratini, you're up next!"
So we practiced for the rest of the afternoon, incorporating fun into the training so that we could bond as well as train. I moved from practice to practice, working with each of my Pokémon until finally, a called it a night and gave them all a well-deserved rub down and groom.
Once they were fed and had drank a little I gave them all a health check, ensuring they were all in top condition before returning them to their Pokéballs. "You guys were all amazing today, thank you for your hard work." I said to them. "Love you all, have a good rest!" Once they were all settled nicely on my belt I turned around to head back home.
I stopped by Mrs Ketchum's house first, bringing some flowers with me. I'd taken it upon myself to visit her as often as I could since Ash was gone as it gave her extra company as well as Mr Mime and I know she worried about him, so it had turned into a habit that every Sunday evening I would go around her house for dinner and we would talk about things that might be worrying us or about anything that took our fancy.
When I knocked on the door, however, Mrs Ketchum wasn't her usual bright smiles and greetings. "Oh thank goodness you're here! Come inside Ruby, maybe you can get some sense out of him." I blinked in confusion as she pulled me inside with a surprisingly strong arm.
"Huh? Who?" She pulled me into the kitchen and when I saw who was sat at the table eating soup, I realised who. "Brock! What are you doing here, I thought you were with Professor…" Mrs Ketchum's hand clamped down over my mouth, cutting me off so she whispered in my ear.
"Don't mention her name, he goes all cold and closed if you do." I frowned then nodded my head, turning to Brock who was smiling at me.
"Ruby! It's good to see you again so soon! You're looking great, where's Eevee?"
"She's in her Pokéball." I answered, shaking my head slightly. "Wait, how did you get here?"
"I walked over him on the road." Mrs Ketchum answered. "I was just coming back from the market with things for supper when I walked over something strange, so when Mimey and I investigated, we found Brock collapsed on the road." She explained. "I brought him back and gave him some food, but whenever I try to talk to him about what happened, he goes all strange." I looked over at Brock who was finishing up his food so I stepped forwards.
"Hey Brock, do you want to talk about what happened? How come you're back in our neck of the woods?"
"I don't want to talk about it." He growled simply, going slightly dark before smiling. "Let's talk about something else. How about you? What have you been doing recently?" I smiled to Mrs Ketchum and took a seat at the table.
"Well, I've been helping out at the lab as a volunteer for Professor Oak in looking after the Pokémon. Recently I went to Trovipolis City where there had been strange things happening and people were convinced there was a monster in the sewer so they asked Professor Oak for help, so he sent me." I explained then smiled. "It turned out to be a large Bulbasaur using Vine Whip to grab food as it had been abandoned by the mayor when they were both younger because he couldn't get Bulbasaur to evolve."
"That's awful!" Brock said then clenched his fists. "Some people have no respect for Pokémon."
"No, it was really horrible to learn the truth but everything is fine now! The mayor wasn't re-elected and Bulbasaur is the newest member of my team." I smiled as Mrs Ketchum gave me some of her special herb surprise soup which I instantly dug into.
"That's great Ruby, you're really starting to build up your team." He said to me and I nodded my head.
"I know, I'm so excited. I've been training really hard these last two months to get back into shape. We're stronger and closer than ever, working on all our skills and strengthening our weaknesses. I've been teaching Pidgeotto how to use Razor Wind and Charizard how to use Inferno." I explained. "And Bulbasaur is now working on Solar Beam whilst Dratini and Eevee just like to play around, but when they get down to work they're super strong too."
"Sounds like you've been working really hard." Brock commented with a smile as Mrs Ketchum sat down with us, putting my flowers into a vase and set them in the middle of the table.
"Oh she is. Ruby's been so sweet, visiting me all the time and keeping me company whilst Ash is away." Mrs Ketchum said as she began to eat some soup too, Mr Mime joining us at the table with soup of his own. "She's even been working with Mr Mime on his skills as well. He's learned how to master his Confusion and Psychic attacks. It's a real help around the house, especially in the kitchen!" Mrs Ketchum giggled before eating a little of her soup.
"Have you contacted your family recently Brock? How are the kids?" I asked and he smiled.
"They're all doing great. Forrest is keeping an eye on my parents for me whilst I'm out and about, though I think the little ones are really doing the parenting." He smiled, finishing his soup then picked up the plates. "Here Mrs Ketchum, I'll do the dishes for you." And that's how it started.
Once Brock was done with the dishes Brock just couldn't stop. He swept and polished the floors, stitched up the curtains where they had been torn, polished every surface, rooted up the garden, tended to the flowers and did all the washing.
Mrs Ketchum and I began to worry about him as every day there would be arguments between him and Mr Mime over the chores so I suggested Brock lend a hand at the Pokémon lab. I brought him with me and he helped me with the cleaning, the Pokémon and even helped me train by battling with me in the empty field not too far away.
"Wow Ruby, you've grown really strong." Brock said to me as he returned Onix to his Pokéball. I beamed and stepped forwards to Dratini who was panting for breath but otherwise okay.
"Thanks Brock. Hey Dratini, that was great! You've really got that Aqua Tail down." I smiled to her and picked her up with pride. "You're just so amazing!"
"Driii!" She cheered happily and wound her way down my arm then settled on my neck, nuzzling my face as I laughed.
"Come on, how about we head back?" Brock suggested, placing his hands on his hips. "It's my day to do the dishes at Mrs Ketchum's after all." I sighed and lowered my head.
"Brock, you really need to take some time to wind down. This isn't fair what you're doing to yourself. You're going to become ill!" He shook his head with a bright smile.
"Nah, I'm fine! I'm just waiting for Ash to come back, which is today! Right?" I nodded my head, giving up. There was no point fighting a loss cause and Brock was as stubborn as a rock. Returning Dratini to her Pokéball I walked back with him to the road before splitting ways.
"See you later Brock! Make sure you bring Ash around when he gets back!" I called after him then hurried to get back to the lab. To make things more interesting I took the scenic route, leaping off a hill and skidded down on a piece of old driftwood I had set up earlier, whooping as I sled down the slope as if I were surfing.
Beaming from ear to ear I leaped off at the bottom and ran up the road, heading over to the lab then opened the door. "Professor Oak I'm back!" I called and he appeared holding the egg.
"Ah there you are! How was the training?" He asked me, letting me take the egg from him so I could keep it warm and give it a cuddle.
"It was great thanks, Brock's a really tough opponent and Onix wasn't letting up today." I said with a smile, pulling out a cloth and began to gently polish the egg. "How is it doing?"
"Not so good today. The levels are weak again so I thought it a good idea to take it outside for some proper warmth and good company. It seems to always pick up when you and other Pokémon are around so maybe you should go on and take a break for today. You've been working so hard, I'm very proud of you." I smiled and nodded my head.
"Okay then Professor, thanks a lot." I said then moved carefully forwards to go out to the backyard. I tilted my hat a little further back and sighed, feeling the egg against warm up against my skin. I had changed my wardrobe since I last saw Ash and the others, deciding for a different look.
I now wore dark blue camouflage cargo pants, a black shirt and my red bandanna over my head, pinning my hair down as I tied it at the base of my head in a ponytail. I still wore my gloves and of course the red neckerchief. There was no way I was taking off the neckerchief. It was very different from my old kid look but hey, I liked it. An eleven year old can splurge on a little fashion. Though come to think of it, I'll be twelve soon. Scary.
So I lay down on the grassy bank and curled up on my side with the egg, looking at it longingly. "I just hope you'll be okay." I murmured to it softly. "As long as you're healthy then don't worry about how long you take to hatch. You just focus on growing strong okay?" I told it then began to hum a soft melody.
Before I knew it I had Pokémon crowding around me to listen in, including Nidoran, Butterfree, Ash's Kingler, his whole herd of Tauros and even Snorlax had come to listen in. I giggled when I realised that I'd brought quite a lot of Pokémon to a standstill and were now resting around me, helping to keep the egg warm and incubated so I sat up and leaned against Snorlax's large belly.
"I know what you all want. How about a song?" I pulled out my little pipe flute and began to play a song. The smooth, relaxing music fell over the Pokémon and they all sighed happily, relaxing further as the egg sat in my lap, bathing in the sun and I slowly began to sense a greater degree of life rising from within.
I played several songs, keeping everyone entertained as the Pokémon all moved around. The Tauros didn't rest for long, shooting off to go stampeding around the place but I was kept company by several different Pokémon who all rotated in keeping close to me, helping to protect and help the egg.
Snorlax moved off to go and eat more food but I continued to play, realising that the music was helping the Pokémon inside the egg to focus and grow stronger. As the sun began to sink, I heard someone coming closer.
"What is that sound? It's beautiful." Hey, that's Tracey!
"Oh that's just Ruby playing for the Pokémon. They really like her music and she says it helps the egg too." Professor Oak explained so I continued to play, finishing the song before getting up.
"Alright guys, I think that's enough for today." I said with a smile, reaching out and rubbing the head of a male Nidoran. "I'll come back tomorrow, okay?" I questioned and they all shot off.
"Hey there's Snorlax!" I heard Ash call so I turned around and head over to the big guy as he picked apples off the tree, holding the egg to my chest carefully. Ash and the others raced around as I approached, smiling up at Snorlax. "Snorlax!" Ash called but before Snorlax could register it was Ash, he'd fallen over backwards and fallen asleep. "Same old Snorlax."
"When it's snoring, it's happy." I chuckled.
"Well it should be, I spent an entire hour grooming him to perfection this morning." I told them both, winking to Ash as I came to a stop behind them. "How've you been Tracey? Ash?"
"We've been great, it's good to be home." Ash said but Tracey was already distracted.
"Whoa! What are they?" Ash just laughed, lifting his head as he looked at the distant dust cloud.
"Those are all my Tauros!" He answered as the professor came up and stood behind us.
"Tauros hate being crammed in their Pokéballs, they prefer wide open spaces." He explained and Ash twisted his cap to sit it straight before picking up a Pokéball.
"Go Tauros!" He called and his Tauros joined the herd, racing along and kicking up the dust as they hurtled on ahead.
"You must have enough Tauros to start your own private stampede." Tracey stated in awe and Ash rubbed his head with a smile.
"Yup."
"Hey Ruby, is that the egg you're holding?" Misty asked as she and Brock joined us too and I turned to her, letting her see.
"Yeah this is it. I've been helping to take care of it and keep it healthy." I said then looked up at the professor. "It's a lot stronger now, stronger than I've felt it before so I think things are starting to get better."
"That's great news Ruby. Well done." He praised resting a hand on my shoulder and smiled down at me. Brock leaped forwards and tried to take the egg away with a bright smile.
"I'd better take care of it now, after all I am an expert at this sort of thing having helped hatch Togepi." Before he could even lay a hand on my egg I had gripped his wrist in a deadly grip and flung him over my head, throwing him into the pond to join Kingler.
"How many times have I told you Brock? Don't touch the egg!" I yelled after him then wrapped the egg safely in my arms again. "It's okay little one, I'm not gonna let anything happen to you." I vowed, smiling as I pressed my cheek to it.
"Uh…what just happened?" Ash asked as Misty and Tracey also stared.
"Ruby's a little protective over the egg. You see, she has an amazing connection with it, she's able to read it's life force." Professor Oak explained as Brock bounced back and joined us again. "The only other person she lets handle that egg is me and even then she'll watch me like a hawk." I blushed, looking down slightly.
"I'm sorry, it's just this egg means a lot to me. I really want to help it recover from its shock in the storm and it's taking a long time to do that." I explained, looking to Brock. "Sorry about that Brock, you kind of startled me."
"It's okay, I should have known not to just leap in like that." He said with good humour. Misty sighed happily, breathing in the fresh air then looked around.
"They all look like they're happy and healthy don't they, Ash?" Misty said and he nodded his head.
"Sure do." Professor Oak smiled, putting his hands on his waist as he drew himself up with pride.
"Well don't forget they're staying with a world class Pokémon expert." He reminded everyone and we all smiled though I winked and held up two fingers in a victory sign.
"And his amazingly talented not to mention beautiful assistant." I added though not too seriously. I wasn't too sure about the amazing bit. Or the talented. Or the beautiful for that matter. Meh, who cares? I love Pokémon and that's all that matters. Professor Oak looked up and over Tracey's shoulder to see his sketches so I moved closer for a quick peek, however I was shocked at how amazingly good the drawings were.
"Your drawings look interesting." Professor Oak said to him as Tracey took a step back, now lost for words as he stared up at his idol.
"You really think so?" He asked then smiled. "Well actually I picked out my best sketches and even though they may not be that good I was wondering if I could take a look at some of them." He questioned and Professor Oak nodded his head.
"I'd be happy to look at whatever you've brought." He said and Tracey practically fainted by overwhelmed relief and joy.
"Oh, hey Tracey? Are you okay?" I asked him and he leaped up.
"Yeah I'm fine! Sorry, it's just such an honour to meet you Professor Oak." Tracey said then blushed. "And I can't believe you're going to review my work!" I smiled and placed one hand on his shoulder.
"How about we go inside and I'll get us all a cup of tea?" I suggested. "Come on, this way!" I led them to the lounge cheerfully, carrying the egg as I went. I showed everyone into the lounge then made cups of tea for everyone, only having to ask Tracey what he wanted as I knew everyone else's preference off by heart.
"Hey Ruby, where's Eevee? How come I haven't seen her around?" Ash asked as Professor Oak began to look through Tracey's portfolio.
"Oh she's in her Pokéball having a rest. We were training a lot this morning so she's earned it." I said as I brought the tray over, glancing over to the egg that I had settled on a cushion. "Everyone help yourself to the cookies, I made them myself." I said and Ash instantly dived in.
"Alright!" He grabbed two with each hand and chomped down on them, chewing for a moment before his eyes went wide.
"What? Aren't they any good?" I asked with worry but then his eyes turned glassy and sparkly.
"They're so good!" He said and I sighed with relief. "I didn't know you could cook Ruby." I chuckled.
"Well I couldn't before but since Brock got back and my parents are away visiting relatives, he's been teaching me how to cook all kinds of meals for myself." I glanced over and lowered my voice. "It was another way to help distract him from thinking about you know who." Ash blinked then laughed.
"Oh you mean Professor Ivy!" He said and both Misty and I flinched as Brock groaned then hugged his knees in the corner, practically turning blue. I lifted my hand and smacked Ash on the back of the head, jerking him forwards.
"Way to go genius." I said to him dryly and he rubbed his sore spot as Pikachu rolled his eyes. When I had the egg back in my lap Pikachu bounced over and sniffed it curiously before looking up at me.
"Pika Pika?"
"Uh huh, it's going to take a while yet I think." I told him. "But don't worry. It'll hatch one day and I'm sure you two will be best of friends." I said and Pikachu smiled.
"Chuuu!"
"Uh excuse me, Ruby?" Tracey asked so I looked up at him. "I was just wondering, did I hear you say you have an Eevee?" He asked and I nodded my head.
"That's right." He beamed.
"Oh that's great! I was wondering, would it be alright if I sketched you with your Pokémon? Or just your Pokémon. Or just you…I mean uh…" Nodding my head as I smiled I assured him it was okay.
"Sure. So long as you give me a copy. I think your drawings are beautiful." I said and he blushed slightly.
"Gee, thanks a lot Ruby. That's nice of you." He then sat there like a stiff board, shaking slightly with nerves so Misty decided to help distract him.
"You know, Ruby also has a Dratini." She said and Tracey almost dropped his tea.
"Wah…! No way!" He said and this time I blushed as I nodded my head. "I've been searching for a Dratini to draw ever since I can remember! Could I sketch your Dratini too? Please?"
"Of course, Dratini and Eevee are best friends so I'm sure they'd be happy to let you sketch them, though you'd be hard pushed to get them to sit still. You might have to wait until they've fallen asleep before you could try to capture them on paper." I explained to him.
A comfortable silence settled over us as I sipped my tea and nibbled on a biscuit and I found they were indeed very good. Looks like Brock's lessons really paid off. Tracey shivered as if he was frozen solid, clenching his fingers together as he put on a brave face. "It's a good thing I'm not nervous." He whispered though I wasn't convinced. It was only when he began to shake so much that he jostled the sofa and made Misty spill some of her tea and Ash lifted his up to avoid it being affected.
"Hey Tracey! Take it easy!" He called as Misty lifted up her cup too.
"Your sketches are fine now just stop worrying and relax okay?" She complained and I giggled quietly, making Pikachu lift his head as he heard the commotion.
"Pika?"
"It's okay Pikachu, you can go back to your nap." I told him and he yawned, turning over and curled a little closer to the egg in my lap, helping me to keep it warm. We relaxed for a few seconds more until I felt the ground begin to tremble and everyone started at the sudden movement.
"What was that?" Ash demanded as he stood up and Brock looked out the window.
"Something's surrounding the whole place!" He yelled and I leaped to my feet, carrying Pikachu and the egg with me. It was like we were surrounded by a massive cocoon or tent, cutting off most of the sunlight though some still shone through.
"Come on let's go find out!" I called, letting Pikachu jump up to my shoulder as I raced outside with the egg safely in my grip. We all got outside and looked around though none of us had a clue what was going on.
"What's this thing supposed to be?" Ash asked as Professor Brock looked around.
"Looks like a circus." Suddenly I could hear laughter and we all turned to find none other than Team Rocket balancing on a trapeze, dressed up like circus people.
"Prepare for trouble and the greatest act yet." Oh? Have they changed the motto! Great! Let's have a listen.
"Better make that double because we don't use a net." James answered as the three of them balanced on unicycles.
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all people's within our nation." Hang on, this was now just sounding familiar. You mean they only bothered to change the first two lines? What a let-down.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above." James answered Jessie as they performed before us, using whips, parasols and a very scary costume get up for James. I don't think any man should wear clothes that tight. Thankfully there was a quick change before the next part.
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of lightning."
"Surrender now 'cause these clown suits are frightening."
"Meowth that's right!" I glared at Ash as he clapped with appreciation for the act so I smacked him on the back of the head.
"You're not supposed to clap, genius! They're here to steal all our Pokémon!" I reminded him and he blinked.
"Oh yeah, right! What are you doing here?" Ash asked and I slapped a hand to my face. Give me a break, didn't I just tell him?
"We thought Pallet Town could use a little…excitement." Jessie informed us as she flicked her nails under her gloves, looking at us maliciously.
"And what's more exciting than a circus?" James agreed so I stepped forwards and clenched my fist.
"How about a butt whupping? That's pretty exciting, don't you think?" Brock smiled as he looked up at the trapeze.
"Wow, I wonder if they'll have a side show?" He asked and Ash and I both shot him dark, stormy looks.
"No, just three freaks!" He answered so I carefully clapped my hands with the egg still in my arms.
"Now that, I will applaud." Jessie leaned forwards with a frown, musing at Brock.
"Not that I actually care but how come the big twerp's in town?" She asked and Meowth frowned too.
"I thought you were staying back on Valencia Island with that Professor Ivy." Somehow Brock managed to go blue all the way up on the trapeze, hiding up there with the parasol as he sulked.
"Don't mention that name!"
"He took my parasol!" James complained so Jessie and Meowth both leaped up into the air.
"Now we're taking something, we're taking every Pokémon in the place!"
"Why not make this easy and just hand them over?" Jessie suggested but Ash shook his head.
"No way! I choose you, Bulba…"
"Muk! Muk!" Muk said as he moved over towards us. Ash paused and looked over at him in surprise.
"What is it Muk?" He asked then pointed ahead towards Jessie. "Okay go!" Muk surged forwards as Jessie took up the challenge.
"I choose Lickitung!" However Muk went straight past Lickitung and dived straight onto Jessie, making her scream with disgust.
"Urgh what are you doing? Get off me! I'm not a Pokémon go battle Lickitung not me!" She wailed, flapping her arms to try and get free as Professor Oak rubbed the back of his head.
"That Muk loves people and he's not too fussed over who." Professor Oak mused and I arched an eyebrow at the scene.
"You'd think he'd have better sense to choose a little more wisely." I said as Meowth folded his arms and shook his head.
"Slobbering all over Jessie, that's just revolting."
"For which one?" James queried before sending out his own Pokémon. "Go Victreebel!" Instantly James was swallowed by his Pokémon and I blinked in confusion and surprise, wondering what on earth was going on between those two. Meowth sighed, shaking his head weakly.
"He's in over his head." I giggled slightly, unable to keep from finding all this amusing, especially when Muk abandoned Jessie and jumped in on the action, squashing James who complained at the attention he was receiving.
"Razor Leaf Victreebel, now!" He ordered so Victreebel leaped back and attacked Muk but the leaves merely stuck into his body then popped out without doing any sort of damage. "Razor Leaf…just didn't cut it." James said with shock before recovering himself. "Victreebel get in there and get stuck on Muk!" He directed so Victreebel jumped forwards and anchored itself on Muk. "Good, now use your Poison Powder."
"Poison Gas!" Ash countered as Muk started to get sucked up by Victreebel. I watched with an arched eyebrow, a little confused as the two both released their attacks without anything happening. However after a few moments, with Victreebel blown up like a balloon, the grass type Pokémon leaped off and swayed with hurt. Since Muk was a poison type, the Poison Powder obviously just didn't work as well.
"Lickitung! Go slobber it so we can clobber it!" Jessie yelled and Lickitung dove in, extending its tongue then began to smother it all over Muk, who just blinked down at Lickitung without even swaying from the attack. Instead he just tried to hug it instead.
"Oh no! Muk likes it!" Jessie and James yelled.
"Team Rocket's going to have to be a lot grosser than that." Ash declared victoriously as the rest of us watched at their failure.
"Looks like Muk's got them licked." Professor Oak laughed as Tracey gazed up at him admiringly.
"You're a great Pokémon trainer too Professor Oak." He told him and I smiled.
"Well, someone certainly has a hero don't they?" I teased gently then looked back as James stood upright.
"Alright Victreebel, Sleep Powder on Muk!" Victreebel made this horrible screeching sound and a pale blue powder poured out of its spout, smothering Muk who began to grow drowsy, eyes slowly closing until finally he was asleep.
"It's working!" Ash called out, unsure of what to do next.
"Quick Ash, switch to another Pokémon!" Misty called and he nodded his head.
"Right, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, I choose you!" Ash called as he went for his Pokéballs but Meowth cut him off, leaping up into the air.
"Not so fast twerp, we've still got our secret weapon, this is more than a three winged circus." He declared and suddenly Jessie and James appeared and threw several rings in the air. I gasped and ducked under one, dodged another then looked around me to find everyone else caught in a hoop.
Suddenly I felt something snap around my arms and chest, making me yelp and I almost dropped the egg however I somehow managed to keep it gripped to me as I fell down backwards. "Perfect!" Meowth declared with joy as he stepped up. "We won a nice little game of ring toss and now we get to pick every top shelf Pokémon as our prize."
As I struggled I curled up my knees to cradle the egg, grunting as I tried to break free as Team Rocket laughed. "Ha ha, I bet you'd like to let out some more Pokémon right about now!" Jessie crowed.
"Unfortunately you seem to be a little tied up at the moment." James agreed and I groaned, rolling my eyes as I turned over and glared at them.
"Enough with the puns! Please make it stop!" They all chuckled, enjoying watching our struggle.
"Well in that case, we'll just help ourselves!" Meowth crowed as a large pipe flew down from the top of tent.
"With this super suction vacuum, we'll clean you out." Jessie said and the machine started to suck in intense amounts of air, breaking the windows in the lab and began to suck all the Pokéballs from inside.
"No!" I called out, staring as the Pokéballs began to fly through the air.
"They're taking all the Pokéballs!" Misty yelled and I looked to see Pikachu struggling against the suction so I quickly rolled over, egg still in my grip and anchored my feet onto Pikachu.
"Hold on Pikachu, I got you!" Just then sketches began to fly over my head and I looked up with wide eyes. Oh no! Not Tracey's artwork!
"My sketches!" I heard him cry out and I clenched my eyes shut, struggling to keep both Pikachu and the egg close to me.
"Okay kid, time to spill the beans. How come you came back?" Meowth demanded to know but Brock looked away.
"I'll never tell!"
"Maybe it's because you did something real embarrassing in front of that Professor Ivy." Meowth suggest but of course at the mention of the name, Brock grew cold and closed up, finding his way away from us to whimper in despair.
"That name…"
"Brock!" Both Ash and I yelled at him. Now is not the time to be going blue, now is the time to be thinking of ways to save ourselves, the Pokémon, the Pokéballs and… "The G-S ball!" We all called out as it flew through the air and got sucked out the pipe. "Misty! Try roll over to me and grab one of my Pokéballs!" I yelled over to her and she nodded her head, starting to roll over my way with Togepi still safely tucked in her arms.
Without warning something tore through the fabric of the tent and we all stared as bright sunlight glared through, forcing me to look away. When the tent was ripped off in the wind and my eyes had adjusted I lifted my head but before I could see who it was, I saw the Meowth collapsing down upon us…with me in the direct line of landing.
"Oh…DRATINI! PROTECT!" I screeched, still slightly tied up but my Pokéball still burst open regardless, popping off my belt and Dratini appeared, looking upwards and instantly she narrowed her eyes, concentrating deeply before pushing out a large sphere of green light that domed around me and I closed my eyes, keeping both Pikachu and the egg as close to me so that they were protected.
As the balloon collapsed around us the Pokéballs fell everywhere, exploding in a mass of dust and mess as Dratini kept up the shield, keeping us from being struck and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Well done Dratini, that was brilliant." I exhaled then looked to Pikachu who lifted his head and smiled.
"Pika!"
"Pikachu, try and chew through this for me so we can get out of here." I told him with a smile, wriggling around so he could bite into the hoop and try snap it. When I felt the restraint burst I exhaled deeply then sat up, untying him too.
"Pika Pi!" He called then jumped on me with a smile and I laughed as I caught him, glad that he was alright.
"Okay Dratini, let's go!" I called, letting her wind around my shoulders as she let go of the shield and I quickly got out of there. When I found sunlight, however, all I saw was a figure clothed in a large cloak with a Nidoqueen at his side. When he whipped off his cloak, I was shocked to see Gary there. What is he doing home?
Oh who cares, he's here to save the day! Wait, that's not a good thing, I don't need to be rescued! Taking a deep breath I fell to knees and exhaled in relief. At least everything's okay now regardless. Pikachu sprang from my shoulder and ran to Ash calling out to him. "Pika Pi!"
"Pikachu! You're okay!" He smiled and I stood up to help everyone escape from their bonds as Gary directed Nidoqueen forwards.
"Go Nidoqueen!" Gary called and the powerful Pokémon charged forwards, eyes narrowed and focused.
"Lickitung!" Jessie pointed and her little sidekick barrelled forwards, stretching out its tongue.
"Nidoqueen, grab that tongue!" Nidoqueen caught hold of the fleshy tongue, keeping it from licking her then whipped it around, sending Lickitung flying into Jessie and James as they yelled from the hit. "Nidoqueen, use your Mega Punch!" Gary then called and Nidoqueen charged towards Victreebel with a glowing fist and pummelled that flytrap into Team Rocket and sent them crashing to the ground.
"Woo! Go Nidoqueen! That's the way to do it!" I yelled happily, punching the air myself as Dratini got down from my shoulders and faced Team Rocket with a blazing anger I've never seen in her before. Well, since they'd tried to kidnap all her friends, I guess this now meant business. "Dratini, get ready with an Aqua Tail!" I called to her. "Just focus, let all your concentration gather just like we practiced." I said to her, figuring now might as well be a good time as any other to test out another new move we had been practicing. Seeing as Dratini was pumped, maybe it'll work.
Meowth was sent flying at Nidoqueen by Jessie though his Scratch attack did practically zero damage, her tough hide keeping her safe from the effect as he cried in pain. "I guess I'm not as sharp as I used to be."
"Gary! I've got the bat, send the ball!" I yelled, running into position with Dratini as I cupped my hands to my mouth. "Batter up!" He smirked and nodded his head.
"Nidoqueen, give something for Ruby to hit." He said simply and Nidoqueen gladly obliged. She flung Meowth at Team Rocket as they stood and they all flew backwards in a cluster as Dratini's tail began to glow with a bluish hue.
"Alright Dratini, Aqua Tail!" I yelled and with a mighty swing, she leaped into the air and struck the entire group of Team Rocket with an angry call and a wave of powerful water, elegantly twisting in mid air as they rose up higher and higher into the sky, flying away from the lab.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Best thing I've heard all day.
"Thanks Dratini, you were totally amazing." I said to her as she panted for breath, sweating a little. "You rest now and I'll be sure to give you a well deserved bath later." I promised, returning her to her ball as everyone praised Nidoqueen and Gary.
"Is everyone alright?" I asked, turning to face them. "Was anyone hurt?"
"No we're fine, everyone's okay." Misty assured me and I sighed with relief. Tracey collected up his sketches so I stooped down and picked one up as it was by my feet, still clutching the egg in my arms as I handed it back to him.
I walked over to the professor, eyes focused on him. "Professor? Could you hold the egg for me please?" I asked and he blinked in surprise.
"Oh…sure Ruby." He said and took it carefully from me. The moment I had my arms free I turned and flung them around Gary, jumping up to hug him. Everyone's mouths dropped wide open as I held onto Gary tightly but he merely gave a laugh and placed a hand on my back, turning his head into me.
"You okay Rubes?" He asked me as I exhaled deeply. "Scared me for a moment there, thought I'd have to come rescue you again from under that heap." I chuckled and pulled back, placing my hand on my hip.
"No way, this girl saves herself these days. Or at least trains her Pokémon to keep her safe." I shrugged as I then took the egg back, placing a hand on the top to carefully measure its life source. "Professor I think it needs to go back into the incubator now, it feels a little worried so some peace and quiet might be exactly what it needs to recover." I said to him so he nodded his head.
"Whatever you say Ruby, do you want me to take it inside or would you care to do the honours?" He asked and I smiled.
"I can manage. I'll start cleaning up the mess Team Rocket made as well." I said then turned to head back inside. When they thought I was out of earshot, Ash spoke.
"What was that all about?"
"Guess I'm just irresistible Ashy-boy." Gary answered so I rolled my eyes. Oh no, I won't let him get away with that. It was just a hug! It didn't mean anything, I was just really glad to see him when it looked like we were done for! Stupid boys. Who needs 'em really?
I put the egg back then picked up a broom to start cleaning up the glass. Brock came running inside so I lifted a hand. "Oh no, let me handle this chore Brock…" He gripped my hand and began to drag me back outside.
"No time for that, Gary and Ash are about to have a Pokémon battle!" He answered so I quickly picked up the pace, tossing the broom to him.
"Well come on let's go!" I called over my shoulder. "Come on Slowpoke!" Dashing outside I joined the others. "What did I miss? Is it over already?" I questioned but Misty shook her head with a smile.
"Nope, they're just getting started." She answered so I turned as Gary lifted a Pokéball.
"Maybe the best way to do this is to have each of us pick just one Pokémon and have a one on one battle to the finish." Gary said and Ash nodded his head, gritting his teeth in concentration.
"That's fine with me! I'm going to battle with Pikachu!" He decided but Gary merely smirked.
"Just as I thought. Good choice." He pulled back his arm then flung his Pokéball forwards. "I choose you!" What I saw was not what I was expecting.
"Vee?" An Eevee gazed up at everyone with an adorable expression. Hmm, looks cute but my Eevee is cuter. Her coat is much shinier and well kept than this one's.
"Eevee's so cute!" Misty breathed and Brock nodded his head though he wasn't smiling.
"Looks can be deceiving." Misty and I looked at him in confusion. "You see that shiny coat and bright eyes? Gary's raised it very well." I beg to differ, he's done well training it but with keeping it outwardly kempt and healthy, he could do a little better.
Suddenly one of my Pokéballs burst open and I gasped, looking down to find my own Eevee sitting beside me. "Vee?" She questioned then gasped when she saw Gary's Eevee. Her eyes sparkled brightly, glittering like dark jewels and she instantly leaped behind my legs to hide, suddenly becoming all shy.
"Huh? Eevee? What are you doing?" I asked, kneeling down and stroked her head. "It's not like you to be shy." I said and she shrank back a little further behind me as the other Eevee pricked up it's ears and looked over to us.
"Vee?" It took a step forwards and Eevee gasped, turning her head and jumping up into my arms to hide.
"Hey what are you doing? You're not shy are you?" I questioned and she nodded her head with a soft whine.
"Vee…Vee…"
"Aw that's so cute!" Misty sighed. "I think she's in love!" Looking down at her and considering the way she was acting I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. Eevee's never been shy of any Pokémon, no matter how big or scary looking they were. She got along with everyone but this was completely out of character.
"I think it's time we got this match started." Brock announced and walked forwards and took the job as referee. "This is a one on one Pokémon battle. Pikachu verses Eevee with no time limit." He paused. "Begin the battle now."
"Pay attention and you might learn something!" Ash yelled across to Gary. "Like how to finish in the top sixteen at the Pokémon League and win the Orange League!" Gary smirked, unfazed by Ash's attempt at a taunt.
"I'm here to battle not to talk." He replied smoothly then looked up at Ash. "What about you?"
"I'm here to beat you Gary!" He yelled back with tightly clenched fists and I blinked in surprise as Eevee turned around to watch curiously, happily tucked up in my arms.
"Wow Ash, calm down." I said softly but he was already psyched up for the battle.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Ash pointed and Pikachu darted forwards.
"Eevee! Reflect that attack now!" A small dome appeared around Eevee and even when Pikachu slammed into it, he was thrown backwards but flipped in the air and landed on his feet. I was impressed. It looked like Eevee hadn't even felt Pikachu's attack at all. This Pokémon was one tough cookie.
Eevee gasped and her eyes sparkled brightly as she gazed at the other Eevee, entranced with its strength and I giggled. "Is someone getting a crush on another Eevee?" I questioned and Eevee quickly looked away with a quick shake of the head so I giggled. "Don't worry, you're secret's safe with me."
"Pikachu!" I looked up as Ash called out his next move. "Thunderbolt attack!"
"Eevee, Double Team!" Instantly Pikachu was surrounded by Eevee, all of them glaring at him with the sort of confidence only Gary could have. Pikachu began to send bolts of lightning to strike down any Eevee he could hit but Ash quickly made to correct this bad move.
"Stop Pikachu, it's not worth wasting your electricity!"
"Eevee, Take Down attack!" Eevee came running forwards and I gasped as he hurtled straight for Pikachu.
"Pikachu Agility!" Ash called and instantly Pikachu darted out of the way, disappearing and reappearing around Eevee without staying still for more than a heartbeat. "Now use Thunder attack!" Bad idea Ash, Thunder takes too much time to be able to strike! You should have gone for Thunderbolt instead!
"Eevee, use your Skull Bash!" Gary retaliated and Eevee hurtled towards Pikachu at top speed, leaving a white trail behind him. He slammed into Pikachu who cried out from the blow and flew up into the air, bright bolts of electricity blowing out from his body until he crashed into the ground again.
"Uh! Pikachu!" I gasped and Eevee leaped out of my arms with a worried call.
"Eevee! Vee Vee!" Pikachu tried to get up though he was battered badly from the direct hit he had taken. Oh no, this looks really bad. I took a step forwards, worrying for Pikachu as he then collapsed back down.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Gary is the winner!" Brock declared and Eevee instantly darted forwards.
"Vee! Vee Vee!" She called, gently nuzzling Pikachu then licked his cheek. "Vee?"
"Pika…" He answered so Eevee turned a glare to Gary's Eevee then leaped forwards, suddenly angry. What is it today with my Pokémon getting angry today? Was the training really beginning to toughen them up?
"Hey, I think Eevee is challenging Gary and his Eevee to a battle." Misty said and Professor Oak chuckled.
"I believe you're right Misty. Looks like she doesn't appreciate other people beating up her best friends."
"Vee." Eevee nodded her head in agreement so I knelt at her side.
"Is that right? You want to battle?" I questioned and she nodded.
"Vee Vee Vee!" Standing I clenched a fist and looked at Gary with a smirk, readying myself for a challenge.
"What do you think Gary? Still have it in you for another battle?"
"You bet we do." He answered back then looked down at Eevee. "Get ready Eevee, this is going to be a breeze." Eevee looked up at him with worry then over to my Eevee who looked just about ready to plough through him.
"Okay Eevee, let's use your sweetness to our advantage." I said then nodded to Brock. "We're ready."
"This battle is a one on one between Gary and Ruby. The battle ends when either trainer's Pokémon is unable to battle, there is no time limit. Begin!" Brock called and Ash instantly yelled.
"Go Ruby! Clobber him!"
"You betcha Ash, Eevee go! Use Tail Whip!" I called and Eevee dashed forwards, leaping up to turn. Before Gary's Eevee could even move my Eevee had stuck her tail under his chin then slowly smoothed it under, tickling him with a smirking expression that only made me laugh. "Oh boy, this is too good." I chuckled, placing my hands on my hips as Gary's Eevee blinked in surprise and actually stumbled a step forwards as Eevee jumped away from him.
"Eevee, use Tackle!"
"You use Swift Eevee!" I called back and Eevee instantly dodged around the other with a playful smile, letting out a stream of stars that struck Gary's Eevee and made it spring back in surprise before being pushed off his paws. "Now use Charm!"
Eevee pulled the most adorable face ever, tilting her head to the side as she sat there, one ear flopping downwards as her eyes sparkled and Gary's Eevee shrank back slightly, ears flattening against his skull as Eevee continued to sit there. "Eevee, use Skull Bash!"
"Oh I don't think so, Eevee, let's play!" I said to her and instantly she got my meaning. As the other Eevee raced towards her with the powerful move she leaped up and used him as a springboard, bounding into the air and she twisted around gracefully as if she were trying to catch the ball then turned herself around. "Now Quick Attack!"
"What?!" Gary yelled, staring as Eevee suddenly darted forwards with incredible speed, moving faster than a thunder strike towards Eevee as he turned around and blinked. He was flung back, crying out in pain and fell to the ground, trembling slightly but somehow managed to stand up, now glaring at Eevee. "Alright, now this is serious. Eevee, use Quick Attack then Skull Bash once you have her stunned!" Eevee darted forwards so I turned to Eevee.
"Dodge it like Bulbasaur's Vine Whip!" I called so she began to leap around the place, bounding from one spot to the other and the other couldn't keep up with her as she changed position. Soon they were simply tousling with one another, leaping back and forth like a wrestle so I thought fast.
"Eevee, use Swift!"
"You use Swift too Eevee!" Gary answered and suddenly both teams were shooting stars at the other. I bit my lip as Eevee sent out her attack but before I could tell her to jump, the counter attack had already struck.
Both Eevee were flung backwards through the air and landed heavily on the ground. After a moment, neither of them got up straight away. "Come on Eevee, I know you can do it. Just a little more." I encouraged with a smile. "You're doing so well, you've got to stand up." She tried, bless her little heart and Brock held his judgement as Gary's Pokémon was trying to stand as well, however after the attempt they both gave out.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle. This is a draw!" He decided and I sighed with relief. At least it wasn't a loss. I knelt down beside Eevee and smiled, picking her up and cradling her in my arms.
"Vee…" She moaned to me but I shook my head.
"Of course not, I'm very proud of you." I said to her, tickling her belly. "You were so amazing, you held your own and that's all that matters. There's still plenty of time for you to get stronger later." I said to her then looked up to see Gary's Eevee sitting literally right in front of me.
"Vee?" He asked then stood up on my knees, reaching out and sniffed at my Eevee curiously. "Vee Vee?"
"She's fine." I assured him, letting Eevee turn around and sit on my lap so she could get a good look at him. "That was a great battle, thank you." The Eevee flicked his tail and tilted his head to the side before dipping his head.
Eevee looked away with humility and I chuckled, shaking my head. "Now how is that the way to say hello? Come on, be polite Eevee." I told her then put her down, taking a step back so she could have her room.
Eevee dipped her head low, slinking backwards nervously but Eevee sprang after her playfully, smiling at her. "Vee Vee!"
"Vee?"
"Vee! Vee!" I giggled at their little conversation where Eevee beamed then gave a quick lick to her new friend's cheek, making him stiffen then fall over in shock to which she blushed at.
"Alright Eevee, return." Gary said and with that Eevee was gone, leaving my little Eevee looking very disappointed so Gary looked down at her. "Don't worry. You'll see him again soon." He promised so she perked up, smiling before leaping into his arms.
"Vee!" She licked his face, forcing him to smile slightly as he walked over to me.
"You've really grown strong Rubes. I'm impressed. Still, it'll take a lot more than that if you're ever going to actually defeat me." I arched an eyebrow and smirked.
"Well then, you'd better be ready with the tissues when I absolutely crush you when I do." I answered with a little wave of my fingers. "See you around Gary." With that I turned around and head back inside to get to work and cleaning things up.
