Bella's time in Kanto is coming to a close. Hopefully, she will go out with a bang. The most exciting time in the Kanto region will be coming up soon. Now to earn her next badge. I will also say this: I'm a fast typer. This will be her hardest battle yet…

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Pokemon franchise.

CLAIMER: However, I do own my characters.

Please enjoy, no flames, but I will accept constructive criticism.

Chapter 19: Inside the Fire

"Marrying for love maybe risky,

But it is so honest that God can't help

But smile on it."

-Josh Billings

Days past as Charizard soared over the hot desert. We took a break to camp out by night, and then traveled by day. Soon, the lush fields and mountainous regions began to appear. Cerulean City passed beneath us, then Mt. Moon, then Pewter City, and soon Viridian Forest. Viridian City was next. I remembered the Gym there, but I decided to save that for last. We soared over Route One and eventually over my hometown: Pallet Town. Eventually, we were forced to drop by the port that was several miles away from Pallet. My starter was worn out, so I recalled him and decided to take a boat. I paid money to get on and quickly headed for the boat. I stopped when I noticed a familiar pokemon. I climbed down the edge of the water and found an injured white water-type pokemon. Ut was a Seel.

"It's injured." I gasped. I grabbed a pokeball and tapped the hurt pokemon. The ball clicked immediately, and I sped onto the boat. I'll take it to a Pokemon Center. I waited for the boat to set sail before taking a quick tour around the boat. It was not as fancy as the St. Anne, but it was better than most boats I had seen. There were a lot of people on the boat; I guessed that they were trainers. I enjoyed the feel of the wind in my hair and the smell of the saltwater as we sailed to Cinnabar Island. I was relieved to find a mini Pokemon Center on the boat; there I healed my injured and tired pokemon. Nurse Joy promised me that Seel would recover nicely. Once they were OK, I went ahead and released a few of them. Espeon ran outside and curled up, soaking in the delicious rays of sunlight. Pikachu climbed onto my shoulder so that he could see everything from a higher view. Larvitar refused to come out, seeing as he disliked water. Seel was ecstatic about being able to swim in the pool.

Growlithe ran off to go run around and enjoy the exercise. Charizard was too big to be on the boat. I went to the pool and splashed some water at Seel; she laughed and attempted to do the same to me. I dodged, luckily. "Enjoying your time?" a familiar voice asked. I looked up and found Gary Oak lounging on a white chair, smirking down at me. I grinned when I saw him. He was wearing a pair of bright red shorty-shorts and a baggy pink t-shirt that buttoned closed with blue palm trees on it.

"Looking a little fruity today, aren't we Gary?" I said teasingly. He blushed, "Coming out of the closet?"

"No!" he spat back. He laid back and grinned, "I'm going to take a break from training in Cinnabar Island. And there is nothing wrong with a boy wearing pink."

"Yeah!" Gary's cheerleaders agreed in annoyingly, high-pitched voices.

I rolled my eyes, "Oh yes. Because only real men wear pink," I replied sarcastically. I paused when he said 'taking a break', "Your wasting your time."

"I already have enough badges," he yawned, "More than enough, really."

I stood up and stretched my arms above my head, "Whatever, Fruitcake."

He glared at me, "Stop calling me that!"

"Guys don't wear shorty-shorts anymore. But girls do," I said teasingly, "Is this a message, Little Gary?"

"No!" he barked. His anger was replaced with a grin, "Or do I need to use your own weakness against you?"

I glared at him, "You wouldn't!"

"I would." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"I bet all of them are pokemon trainers." Both of us turned to see a familiar face. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu were not far off.

Gary laughed, "Trainers? Man Ash, your as clueless as ever," Ash is on this boat? I wondered. "Pokemon trainers haven't been to Cinnabar Island since my grandfather's days as a trainer. These people are all tourists."

"What!?" Ash and I cried simultaneously.

He chuckled, "'Sides, I don't need anymore badges. I need to work on my tan for the summer."

His cheerleaders smiled, "He's so cool!"

I looked at them, "Aren't you girls a little old for Gary? Or does he have a thing for old hags now?" They all glared at me; Gary looked neutral to the situation. I think he agreed with me.

"Oh yeah? Well a real trainer never takes a break!" Ash said with confidence, "So while your tanning, I'll be getting my next badge!"

"Cinnabar Island doesn't even have a Gym." Gary smirked as he spoke.

"Gary knows it all." The cheerleaders sang. I wanted to slap them.

My fists clenched, "It. Doesn't. Have. A. Gym?" I asked slowly. Great! Now I have to go back to Viridian, and then I need to look for another Gym. Just great! Or maybe Gary is lying…?

He nodded, "That's right."

I sighed in irritation and walked off to sit somewhere near the edge of the boat. Pikachu, Espeon, and Growlithe joined me there. Seel was playing volleyball with some tourists. "What do you guys think?" I asked, "Should we take a break?"

"Pika be." My yellow rodent nodded.

"Really?" I asked lazily. I looked at the others, "What do you two think?" They nodded. I sighed, "Okay. You win. I guess I've been pushing myself too hard." I spent the rest of the boat ride waiting to arrive at the island. Once I was there, I recalled Growlithe, Espeon, and Seel. Pikachu rode off of the boat on my shoulder. As soon as I arrived at the island, I realized that booking a room was key. I went ahead and found a nice Inn to stay at. I booked a room and then left to go check out the town. It was nice being able to kick back and relax, buying some souvenirs and just enjoying the moment for a change. Soon night fell, and I returned to the hotel. There they gave me a white kimono with a baggy red jacket to wear to dinner. I slipped it on and went to wear the food was.

The Inn was oriental style, so I was supposed to walk around without shoes. I entered the room; I would be sitting on a matt in front of the table. I sat down and made myself comfortable. My pokemon were taking a nap in our room. I sat back and admired the scenery. Two people were dressed like a Hitmonlee and an Electabuzz. They were playing some music. The door opened, and more customers filed in. I looked towards the door; my heart stopped immediately. A familiar group of preppy girls sat down around me. Don't tell me…! And then Gary Oak entered the room; he and his cheerleaders were wearing the same outfit as me. I felt sick.

"Hey there Bells," he greeted, "Looks like you've got good taste."

I looked away, "Sure. Whatever." It was not long before they began to serve us the appetizer. The table was covered in delicious food. Everyone began eating, and so did I. I was busy eating when I heard a strange noise. Gary rose from his seat and opened the doors.

"Hey! It's the Sucker Squad!" he announced. I glanced past him and found Ash and his friends. "So, what hotel you stay'in in?"

"We're camping out!" Ash replied proudly.

Gary chuckled, "Too bad you don't have a fix like this," he gestured into the room. I could tell that the others were jealous. I felt bad for them, "And this is just the appetizer!" He folded his arms over his chest and appeared thoughtful, "Say, here's an idea. I'll give you my left overs in a doggy bag if you spin around three times and say 'Pikachu'." He laughed.

"No way!" Ash shouted. His stomach growled.

"You should listen to your stomach!" the brunette smirked. Pikachu was about to give, but Ash would not let him, "Even you pokemon feel sorry for you! I've never seen something so pathetic!"

"Then you should look in a mirror!" Misty hissed.

I rolled my eyes and sighed, "Enough!" They all looked at me. I grabbed a plate of food and walked over to the others, "Here." They gratefully took it. I turned to Gary and glared at him, "You should be ashamed of yourself! Your so immature!"

I walked away from him, "Where're you going?" he asked angrily.

"I'm leaving! I refuse to stay in the same building as you." I stepped out of the door and began walking towards my room. Footsteps from behind caused me to turn around.

Gary ran up to me and stopped, "Bella!" he whined.

"No! I hate it when teenagers acted like ten-year-olds!" I tried to turn away, but he grabbed my shoulders and forced me to face him. I glared at him; that's when I noticed the bruise on his jaw. I blinked, "Where'd that come from?"

"You did that at the dig," he growled. Wow. After several days its still there? I don't know my own strength. "And if you plan to go, then take this." He moved the collar of my kimono and pressed his lips to my neck again. I froze and shivered immediately.

Get. Off. I glanced inside of my room; Charizard was starring at us, grinning. Traitor. Gary pulled away, leaving another hicky. I slapped him across the face and stopped off; he chuckled as I hid in my bedroom. I changed into my normal clothes, recalled my pokemon, packed my stuff, and then returned the extra clothes. I then left the hotel and joined Ash and his friends. "Are you sure you want to leave?" Misty asked.

I nodded, "Gary's annoying anyway. So you guys are camping out?" They nodded, "Where to?" Horrified expression appeared on their faces. "What?" I turned around. There was a Jigglypuff in the room. "What's wrong?" They never answered. Instead, they grabbed my hands and sprinted away from the hotel as fast as they could…

I gasped for breath after we came to a stop at a playground. "That was a close one," Ash groaned, "Jigglypuff almost got us." I decided not to ask.

"Ash," Brock looked at him, "What about that old man's card?"

Ash pulled out a card, "Maybe they're directions to his hotel?"

Brock read it aloud, "If you look near the swing, you'll see my hands. Or at least my face."

"What does that mean?" Ash asked.

"Why are riddles even the directions?" I asked.

Misty gestured to a clock, "See. Hands and the face. He means a clock."

That does make sense. A man wearing a baggy, bright red shirt and pants appeared from the dark. He wore sunglasses and a brown, long wig. "Once again, Misty discovered the answer. As a reward, you can stay here tonight."

"Woo! Your riddles might be stupid, but the prizes rock!" Ash cheered.

The man's eyebrow twitched, "I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or an insult." The old man lead us all the way to his hotel. It was nice enough; I did not waste any time passing out on the floor…

I awoke the next morning to a delicious breakfast. The old man was there, but Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu were gone. "Where'd they go?" I asked groggily.

"They left a few hours ago. Omelet?" he asked. I nodded and accepted the food.

I ate a few times before asking my question, "Do you know where the Cinnabar Gym went?"

"Hmmm…" he looked thoughtful, "How about you try: a place where a firefighter could never win."

I thought about it for a few minutes. Why can't he just tell me? A firefighter can never win…well, there's only one source on this earth powerful enough to defeat every firefighter combined. "A volcano?"

He chuckled, "Good job. Your smart like that other girl, Misty. Follow me." I collected my stuff and ran out the door. We walked all the way to the back, where the hot springs were. There was a gap in the rock wall. I followed him inside. The temperature continued to rise until I found myself standing in a stadium surrounded by lava.

I blinked, "Your kidding…your…you're the Gym Leader!" I pointed at him.

The man crossed the room and smiled. He ripped off his wig and glasses, revealing a slightly bald head and gray hair, "Yes! I am! I am Blaine Katsura, the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island! I rely on ground and fire types. And if you want to challenge me, then choose your first pokemon! Its three on three, so choose wisely." He pulled a pokeball out and tossed it into the air. A beautiful, tall fox-like creature with blonde fur, red eyes, and nine tails appeared. It was the evolved form of Vulpix: Ninetails.

I grabbed a pokeball off of my belt and tossed it up. Seel appeared on the ground and clapped her feet together.

"A water-type, how predictable!" Blaine laughed.

"Water Gun!" I called. Water spurt from Seel's mouth and at Ninetails. It dodged her attack, and used a Take Down on her. "Dodge! Another Water Gun!"

"Evade! Fire Spin!" Fire spewed from its mouth and swirled around Seel. I knew that it would not do very much damage. I was wrong. Seel was unconscious when the fire vanished.

"But…how…?" I gaped at my pokemon. I ran to her and embraced her, "Return." I recalled her into her pokeball.

"It takes knowledge and skill to be a true pokemon trainer." Blaine laughed as he recalled his Ninetails. His next pokemon was a Rhydon.

I called out Espeon, "Psychic!" Her eyes began to glow as she captured Rhydon with her mind. She lifted it up and slammed it against the ground, and then repeated the action. "Rhydon is useless against an psychic-type." I grinned.

Blaine's eyes narrowed, "Actually, your right," Once he was sure that Rhydon had enough, he recalled it. "C'mon!" His next pokemon rose from the lava. It was like red and yellow duck mixed with a dinosaur. My pokédex said that it was a Magmar. I recalled Espeon, and then summoned Charizard.

"Fire Blast!" Blaine ordered. A kanji made of fire was shot from its hands. Charizard dodged the attack.

"Slash!" He flew at Magmar and sliced one of its arms open, "Now Flamethrower!" Fire shot from his mouth. Magmar blocked the attack and attempted a Mega Punch. Charizard blocked and then used Tail Whip.

"Your Charizard is more obedient than that kid's," Blaine mused, "Obviously, they shows that you and Charizard have a strong bond. But that won't be enough. Mega Punch!"

It landed a powerful punch on Charizard's cheek, and knocked him away. "Wing Attack!" Charizard's wings began to glow white as he flew at Magmar. Magmar dodged the attack, "Slash!" He jerked around and sliced into the fire-type's side.

"Rock Throw!" Blaine called. Magmar began grabbing rocks and chucking them at Charizard. He blocked the stones, and released another Flamethrower. "Fire Blast!"

Charizard was knocked back by the attacks, but he recovered quickly, "Dragon Rage!" Charizard opened his mouth, and released a powerful ball of fire that sent Magmar spiraling into the wall. There was a loud crash as it landed, and rocks fell on it. Charizard and Magmar began exchanging blows fiercely; both determined to beat the other. The Gym was being torn apart by their battle.

"Metal Claw!"

"Block! Fire Blast!"

"Wing Attack!"

"Flamethrower!"

"Tail Whip!"

"Rock Throw!"

"Flamethrower!"

"Mega Punch!"

"Seismic Toss!"

"Fire Blast!"

The list of attacks went on and on. Soon, both of our pokemon were beginning to tire. In one more hit, Charizard would lose. "DRAGON RAGE!!!" I called desperately.

"FIRE BLAST!!!" was Blaine's command. Both of our pokemon released their attacks at once; they hit at the same time. They both stood there, shaking badly. Charizard leaned; I held my breath. But it was Magmar that fell.

Charizard turned and limped to me. I felt guilty for pushing him so hard, "You deserve a good rest, buddy. You were great out there!" I hugged his neck, and then he collapsed behind me.

"That's one tough Charizard you got there," Blaine grinned as Magmar went to hide in the lava, "I'm impressed. But now you need to defeat Ninetails." He summoned his pokemon.

I quickly called on Espeon, "Use Psychic!" She used the attack, and it only took a few minutes to knock Ninetails out. I embraced my pokemon and recalled her.

Blaine recalled Ninetails and walked to me. He handed me a red badge that was shapped like a flame, "Good job, kiddo. You've shown true skill as a trainer, I hope you make it to the Indigo Plateau."

"Thanks. I need one badge to qualify." I blasted the Volcano Badge in the case with the: Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge, Thunder Badge, Rainbow Badge, Marsh Badge, and the Soul Badge. Seven badges. I only need one more. I recalled Charizard and then said goodbye before running off to the Pokemon Center…

My pokemon enjoyed eating lunch after another fabulous victory. We were forced to stop when the island began to shake. I recalled my pokemon and quickly returned to the volcano. I was surprised to see that the inside was frozen solid. Blaine, Ash, Brock, Misty, and Pikachu were in there with Team Rocket. Suddenly, parts of the room began to explode, "What's happening!?" I cried.

"Team Rocket happened!" Brock replied.

I looked around and nodded. It was obvious. "How is it falling apart?" Ash asked.

I sighed, "You don't know much about science, do you? Team Rocket froze the walls, but its hot enough that the ice melts, and then the water seeps into the cracks. Well, from what I can see, Team Rocket kept repeating the process over and over. And now the volcano is spazing out!" Lava began to flow rapidly.

"Well what do we do!?" Misty cried.

"We need fire pokemon to throw the rocks and create a dam!" Blaine replied.

"Fire pokemon? Alright!" I grabbed two pokeballs and called on Growlithe and Charizard, "Help create a blockade!" They nodded and went to aid Magmar. They could not move fast enough, and soon the volcano would explode. Then we would all die. Ash tried his Charizard, but it refused to help. I was about to give up, when Charizard finally stepped up.

"Yes, Charizard!" Ash cheered.

Blaine smiled, "Good. Four pokemon are better than one."

Brock summoned Onix and Geodude to help, while Misty and I called in Seel, Starmie, and Staryu to keep them cool. Our pokemon began to work rapidly to save the town from a fiery death. Soon, the dam was built, and the volcano calmed. "Thanks Ash. Maybe I can give you…"

"My Volcano Badge?"

"No! You can battle me again for it, though!" Blaine shouted.

I sighed and recalled all of my pokemon but Charizard, "Your welcome you guys. But I need to go. Good luck, Ash." The raven-haired boy nodded. My starter and I left the Gym. Instead of traveling by boat, Charizard decided to fly me back to Viridian City…

And now for her last badge. Will Bella come face-to-face with Mewtwo? Find out in the next chapter. Please review and I will update soon…