When I returned to the inn, the hippie guy informed me that the others were relaxing in the hot spring so I decided to follow. Wrapped in only a towel, with Eevee trotting at my side, I entered the ladies' side of the hot spring and joined Misty as she relaxed. "Hey Ruby, are you okay?" She asked me, sitting up slightly in the water as I stepped inside.

"I'm fine." I assured her with a soft smile as Eevee jumped over to Togepi, splashing into the water then paddled over to her with a cheerful chirp. "Just needed a moment to clear my head." I said, sinking low into the water with a sigh. Instantly the warmth soaked into my body and I relaxed, the soothing sensation coming over every strain that had knotted up inside me.

"Well I can't figure it out." Ash announced glumly and I cracked an eye open to glance over to the wall where the boys rested on the other side.

"It's where a firefighter could never win. Where could that be?" Brock recited slowly and I tried to think but I was just too tired to even try. I'll figure it out tomorrow. Misty hummed quietly, looking down into the water.

"Where could a firefighter never win? Maybe somewhere there's not enough water?" She suggested, looking to me so I opened my eyes.

"Maybe a desert?" I suggested but then looked around or Eevee.

"Togepi?" Misty stood, unable to locate her little egg Pokémon. "What are you doing Togepi?" I looked over to see Eevee standing before the little Pokémon, trying to encourage her to step back away frm the Gyarados head spout, filling the spring with hot water from the volcano. "Togepi that water is boiling, get away from there!" Misty stood and tried to go over to Topepi but the little Pokémon leaped up onto statue, obviously wanting to play on it.

Eevee jumped up with worry but I caught her mid leap, bringing her close to me. "Be careful Eevee." I said to her as Togepi began to jump up and down on it. Suddenly the statue moved, lowering down into the water and I gasped, watching as Togepi blinked, trilling in confusion as slowly, the rock behind moved across, opening up to reveal a large gaping hole. The fence cracked under the pressure of the gate, crumbling until it disappeared altogether.

Blinking in shock I then looked at the boys, who stared at Misty and I…in the baths…in our towerls…and nothing else underneath. All together we yelled loudly, clenching out eyes shut as I did so, almost dropping Eevee in the process.

Misty and I ran back inside, collecting our Pokémon as we went. We changed into our clothes then joined the boys once more after they'd dressed as well. "I wonder where this goes." Brock pondered as we all stared at the entrance.

"We should check it out." Ash decided, heading forwards eagerly then ran into the gaping mouth.

"Hey Ash, wait up!" Misty called, racing after him with Togepi in her grip and I glanced to Brock, sighed then gave a shrug.

"You two! Don't get too far ahead!" I called.

"Yeah wait up!" Brock echoed and we ran after them both. We descended down the stairs, gradually getting lower and lower into the heart of the volcano. Misty puffed up her cheeks and fanned her face, as I felt the stifling heat begin to get to me. Eevee winced, hopping from paw to paw at the hot stone ground so I picked her up to keep her from burning herself.

"Is it just me or is it getting hot down here?" Misty questioned as a bead of sweat trickled down her face.

"Oh it's getting hot alright." Brock assured us and I exhaled deeply.

"I'm guessing we're heading straight into the volcano, which means the hot lava will be heating up the air around us." I told them in a babbling tone, not really knowing what I was saying.

"Ugh Ruby please, it's too hot for any science lectures." Ash groaned but then stopped short. "Hey it's a door!" He suddenly grinned and moved forwards but I just gave a shake of my head.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." I said to him as he reached out, but hey, he was way too far ahead of me to try and stop him. It was too much effort to move quickly in this sluggish heat and besides, maybe he'll learn this time. So when Ash reached out for the handle, he yelled in pain and whipped his hand back, shaking it out as his eyes bulged.

"WARGH! It's burning hot!" He yelled and I snorted before clapping him upside the head.

"Well done genius." I said to him then looked up as the doors began to open of their own accord. Wow, it was almost as if they had their own sense of humour. Sweet! We all looked inside with slow appreciative sounds, looking at the battle ground which hovered over a pit of boiling lava, which bubbled and writhed around and the temperature would have burst a thermometer should someone bring one down here.

"Blaine's gym!" Ash gasped, stepping forwards as Brock looked around with an impressed expression.

"No firefighter could ever win in this place."

"There sure isn't enough water to put out a volcano." Misty agreed and we all jumped slightly when the lights flashed on, shining down on us and across the stadium until they shone on the hippie dude, who looked at us calmly.

"So I guess you solved my riddle." He said and Ash suddenly frowned.

"Hey what are you doing here?" He demanded hotly and I slapped a hand to my face, groaning.

"Ash, can't you put two and two together?" I questioned and he scratched his head, thinking deeply whilst blinking stupidly.

"Uhh…" With exasperation I walloped him one so that he was floored to the ground.

"He's got to be the gym leader, Blaine." I translated simply and Blaine chuckled.

"It's not a hat but it keeps your head dry, if you wear it, it's because you've already lost it." He riddled and I looked hopefully to Ash as he picked himself up and pointed a finger upwards.

"An umbrella?" This time I dropped to the ground flat, almost crushing poor Eevee but she sprang free then turned to face me, blinking in surprise as I groaned on the ground. Was Ash really that slow?

"Vee?" Eevee licked my ear then nuzzled me up as Brock shot a look at Ash.

"An umbrella keeps your head dry but you don't wear it because you lost it." He explained and Ash gave a guilty expression with a laugh.

"Yeah I guess not." Picking Eevee up I stepped towards Misty and together, we answered the riddle at the same time.

"It's a wig!"

"What do you mean?" Ash asked so Misty explained in a cheerful voice.

"A wig isn't a hat but it keeps your head dry in the rain, and the only reason you'd wear a wig is if you've already lost your hair." Again I could imagine bells going off as Blaine lifted his finegr and triumphantly smiled to us.

"And the girls have done it again, wig is correct!" Suddenly he whipped off his glasses, false beard and hair to reveal and aging gentleman with short white hair around his head, balding at the top.

"It's a wig!" We all yelped, staring at the sudden transformation before us.

"That's right, I wear a wig because I'm really Blaine, the gym master!" He yelled across to us. Wow, his voice sure did change fast. "Now who wants to battle me three on three?"

"I will!" Ash instantly yelled back, stepping forwards.

"Careful, he must raise some awesome fire Pokémon in this volcano." Brock whispered to Ash and Misty nodded her head.

"Use your water Pokémon Ash."

"I know that." Blaine shouted across to us and we all looked up at him.

"I've already selected my first Pokémon, Ninetales go!" Suddenly a beautiful pale cream furred fox Pokémon appeared out of its Pokéball, the sweeping tails arching back so it sat elegantly before its trainer, ready to fight.

"Ninetales, the fox Pokémon." Dexter recited easily as Ash listened. "Is the evolved form of the fire Pokémon Vulpix." Ash smiled then looked up.

"I knew he'd choose a fire type. Go Squir-"

"Hold it Ash!" I called and he froze in place, turning to look at me.

"Huh?"

"You've got to think this through first. Sure, your water Pokémon Squirtle is a good choice, however his water attacks would be more effective on a more flame orientated Pokémon." I said to him diplomatically as I hugged Eevee to me. "Although Ninetales is a powerful fire type Pokémon, you'd be better off using a Pokémon that could utilise speed and evasiveness against its attacks. I think you'd be better off using Pikachu, who will be faster and still be able to do pretty decent damage with its electric attack." Ash blinked then looked down at Pikachu, who clenched his fists and smiled determinedly, red cheeks crackling with energy.

"Pika Pika." He nodded his head then walked up to Ash, waiting for his order.

"Right…okay…yeah! That's great advice Ruby, thanks! Okay Pikachu, let's go!"

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu bounded out onto the ground, holding himself proudly as he glared over to Ninetales, who sat prettily, awaiting its direction. Oh it was so beautiful, I just want to go over there and hug it!

"So you've chosen an electric type. How interesting. Let's start things off with Fire Spin!" Blaine suddenly yelled and the three of us all gasped.

"Fire Spin is Ninetales's most powerful attack!" Brock explained to us as Ninetales opened its mouth and a large plume of twisting flames flew out and head straight for Pikachu.

"Quick Pikachu, use Agility to dodge it!" Ash yelled and I exhaled as Pikachu began to glow around the edges of his fur a slight bluish colour, dashing away from the fire attack and his body dashed around the gym stadium, even circling Ninetales a few times and it struggled to keep track of little Pikachu.

"Ninetales, use Flamethrower!" Blaine called so Ash yelled to Pikachu as he stopped, standing still on all fours before Ash.

"Leap to the side Pikachu but stay on the ground so it's easier to dodge, then follow up with Thunderbolt!" He directed and I smiled slightly, impressed with his cunning. Pikachu answered with approval then darted out the way as another smaller jet of flames streaked towards him, which he easily dodged then charged towards Ninetales, body crackling with electricity.

As the battle began to escalate in intensity I scribbled down notes on the fire type Pokémon Ninetales, noticing its graceful yet powerful movements and attacks but how unpredictable the hits were. If the target was fast enough then barely any of the fire attacks even came close to Pikachu, who suddenly leaped up into the air and tensed his little body.

"Pika…CHUUUUU!" A bolt of electricity shot out from him and struck Nintales, making it rear back and cry out from the strike but as it fell to its knees, Pikachu stopped and landed on the gorund, panting for breath.

"You'd better finish this fast." I said to Ash. "Pikachu won't last much longer out there." Ash nodded his head to me then turned back to the fight just as Blaine gave an order.

"Alright Ninetales, use Flame Charge!" Suddenly Ninetales's body lit up with flames, dancing over its body as it then ran forwards, racing towards Pikachu who gasped, staring at the bright flash of flame without even thinking about moving as it came closer and closer.

"Pikachu!" Ash yelled with worry, watching as his beloved companion was struck with the powerful hit, sending him flying across the gym high into the air. "Now! Use Thunderbolt one last time!" Ash yelled, noticing how Pikachu was still fairly orientated so the little Pokémon tensed up his body and yelled out his name, a large strike of electricity flying from him and hitting Ninetales, making it tense and crumble to the ground, going limp as its body then shimmered with fine static, signalling it was now paralysed. "Okay! Now let's finish this Pikachu before Ninetales recovers. Use Slam!" Pikachu rushed forwards, his body powering speedily before slamming into Ninetales as it tried to get up, knocked it down for the last time.

"Ninetales is unable to battle! The winner is Ash!" Brock declared and we all cheered.

"Alright, go Ash!" Misty and I cheered.

"Vee!" Eevee swished her tail and I giggled.

"You're so cute." Hugging her to me she rubbed into my chin before we both looked back to the fight where Blaine had returned his Ninetales.

"So you've beaten my first, let's see how you manage this next Pokémon. Go Rhydon!" Ash turned to Pikachu and smiled warmly as the Pokémon appeared. A massive drilling Pokémon with a horn on the end of its nose, towering tall and I gasped at its size.

"Rhydon, the evolved form of Rhyhorn. It is known as the drill Pokémon. It's large horn gives it formidable attack power." I heard Dexter say and Ash listened before kneeling down to be more of Pikachu's height, wearing a happy expression.

"You take a break buddy, that was an awesome battle!" Ash praised and Pikachu nodded his head.

"Pikachu." He ran back to Ash then climbed up to his shoulder, settling there as Ash picked up his next choice of Pokémon.

"Now it's time to fight fire with fire. Go Charizard!" Instantly I groaned. This is not going to end well. Charizard came out of his Pokéball with a roar, landing heavily on the ground. I crossed my fingers and my toes, hoping that Charizard was in a battling mood today but unfortunately, he started to yawn.

"Please Charizard I'm begging you, please battle!" However Charizard continued to ignore Ash, making us all give embarrassed faces for Ash as he dropped to the ground in defeat, Charizard scratching his neck with his foot.

"That's embarrassing." Brock muttered and Pikachu sighed in agreement, ears going flat.

"Pika…"

"Vee…"

"Toge-pi!" Togepi shook its little head as I watched Blaine give a little smirk before sending his Rhydon out for the attack.

"Rhydon, Horn Drill!" Rhydon growled lowly, its horn suddenly spinning around and it charged towards Charizard who looked perfectly at ease. Before Rhydon could even get close, Charizard lifted up into the air and flew out of the arena, landing lazily on a large slab of stone to take a nap.

"Aw give me a break Charizard!" I began to scribble down a new note in my diary, how it seems in comparison to my own Charizard and Ash's, mine seems to be more responding to my commands possibly due to the amount of playtime I factored into his life, which may then be the reason why in its final evolution stage, we were much closer. I'll need to test this theory out for future reference.

"Charizard has left the arena, Ryhdon is the winner!" This time Blaine declared and Ash grit his teeth, glaring slightly before grabbing his next Pokéball.

"Go Squirtle, I choose you!" He yelled and the cute turtle Pokémon popped out of his Pokéball, jumping to the ground then glared towards the Rhydon, unfased by its massive size. Blaine laughed, which seemed to irritate Squirtle further as it began to growl.

"Squirtle Squirt."

"Alright Squirtle, let's show them how powerful you are, use Water Gun!" Ash yelled and I sighed. Predictable. I may not be a trainer anymore but that doesn't mean I just suddenly forgot the three hundred and forty seven editions of Pokémon magazines I had practically inhaled to learn all of its contents about Pokémon and being a trainer.

In one of the articles I remember it saying that although type advantage may be effective, it's important that you balance out the experience level with your opponent. Squirtle had spunk but Ash hadn't been doing a lot of training with it, and this was some high level Pokémon Blaine was raising here.

I just hope everything turns out alright. Taking a deep breath I watched as Squirtle sucked in a deep breath then spat out a funnel of water, hitting the Rhydon in the belly and it flinched away from the attack, growling as Blaine flung his hand forwards.

"Rhydon, use Earthquake!"

"Squirtle, Rapid Spin to avoid most of the damage, then hit with Bubblebeam!" Ash called and Squirtle leaped into the air, calling out proudly with its name then tucked itself up into its shell, spinning rapidly as it shot towards Rhydon, who stomped the ground and it began to tremble, quivering as rocks around us began to split and crumble. Eevee whimpered so I turned her around to snuggle her head into my neck, keeping her comforted as I watched Squirtle hurtle towards Rhydon. "Okay, now use that Bubblebeam!" Ash shouted out and Squirtle's body appeared.

"Squirtle!" He cheered and I grinned as he blew a thick stream of bubbles at Rhydon, hitting it in the face squarely. I watched as Rhydon trembled under the attack slightly, however he got back up and answered Blaine's order.

"Horn Drill!" Rhydon charged forwards with a growl, making Squirtle blink then gasp as he was suddenly hit in the shell, tossing him backwards through the air with a cry of shock.

"Squirtle!" Ash called, jaw dropping open as Squirtle hit the ground then rocked on his shell, groaning from the powerful hit. "Squirtle are you okay? Talk to me!"

"Squirtle…" Squirtle groaned, closing his eyes and going faint so Ash returned him to his Pokéball.

"It's okay Squirtle, you did really great out there. You take a good rest." Looking up at the Rhydon Ash growled, noticing how Blaine was smirking.

"Give up little boy?" He taunted but Ash merely looked down at Pikachu.

"You ready for another round Pikachu?" Nodding his head affirmitavely, Pikachu darted forwards, springing from stone to stone to leap back into the arena.

"Pika…Pika Pi." He muttered under his breath, cheeks sparking with electricity as he faced down the Rhydon. I was a little worried. Pikachu had a type disadvantage with Rhydon, being a strong rock type Pokémon, however I saw Ash's expression, one wrought with determination and cunning. He had a plan.

"Okay Pikachu, this won't be easy but I know we can do it. Together!" Ash called forward to Pikachu who nodded his head.

"Pika Pi!" Sucking in a deep breath Ash yanked his cap around, twisting it to sit the other way on his head before pointing to the Rhydon.

"Alright! Let's kick this off with Thunderbolt!" Shaking my head I watched as Pikachu sent the electric attack forwards, hitting the Rhydon in the belly who suddenly began to laugh and scratch its belly as if it were being tickled by the attack rather than damaged by it.

"Ha! Your electric attacks won't do any damage to my Rhydon!" Blaine crowed but Ash shook his head.

"Pikachu the horn! The horn!" Pikachu blinked then looked up to the horn, staring at it before it suddenly clicked.

"Pika!" Leaping forwards Pikachu jumped into the air, rising up as his entire body crackled with energy. "Pika…CHUUUUU!" The light flashed before my eyes, so bright that I had to look away as Pikachu struck Rhydon's horn with a Thunderbolt attack, the horn acting like a lightning rod.

"Amazing, the horn is conducting Pikachu's electric attack!" Brock gasped and I made the note in my pad, shifting Eevee onto my shoulder as she watched Pikachu in awe, wriggling slightly on my shoulder in anticipation.

Rhydon dropped to the ground, finished from the powerful strike that Pikachu had landed. "Yeah! Go Ash and Pikachu!" I cheered, fist bumping the air in celebration as Ash laughed.

"Great job Pikachu!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu beamed, looking back over his shoulder to us as Blaine returned his Pokémon.

"Excellent strategy, you really are something of a trainer." Blaine complimented but then smirked knowingly. "But I think this next Pokémon will be too hot for even you to handle. I think you'll like it, little boy, as it turns all its opponents into ash!" Suddenly Ash gripped his head, clawing at it whilst groaning.

"Argh it's too hot for riddles!" He complained as Blaine spread his hands out.

"I choose…Magmar!" Suddenly the lava pooling around us began to writhe, bubbling as something stirred beneath it. Without warning a curtain of the hot inferno rose up, startling everyone into an awed gasp as a shadow slowly appeared from within.

It appeared when the wall of lava dropped back down, revealing a completely new Pokémon which I had never seen before, although I had a pretty good idea about what it was. "Magmar, the spitfire Pokémon. Its body is like a furnace, making Magmar a living inferno. It has been discovered only near active volcanoes." Dexter supplied, confirming my suspicions.

"Ash, Magmar is a really powerful fire type Pokémon. You need to think about this carefully." I whispered to him with worry. He turned back and gave me a thumbs up and a confident smile.

"Don't worry, Pikachu can handle anything!" He assured me then turned back. "Your Pokémon doesn't scare us, right Pikacu?"

"Pika!" He agreed, sparks jumping from the red sacks on its cheeks.

"Alright then Pikachu, let's do this! Thunderbolt!" Ash directed and Pikachu instantly darted forwards to get closer.

"Magmar, use Fire Punch!" Blaine countered and Magmar moved forwards, fist igniting with a flame which he began to launch repeatedly at Pikachu who quickly began to dodge the attacks on his approached, bounding this way and that as my heart began to quicken its pace with worry.

"You're too quick for it Pikachu!" Ash crowed but of course, he spoke way too soon. A punch grazed Pikachu's cheek, singing his fur and launching him backwards with a squeal of pain.

"Oh no!" Both Misty and I gasped, watching as Pikachu panted for breath, already exhausted from the fights before.

"Pikachu!" Ash yelled as his companion started to get up. "Are you alright?"

"Pika Pi…" Pikachu answered, shaking out his head then clenched his fists. "Pika…CHUUUU!" A powerful bolt of electricity shot towards Magmar, tunnelling through the air but Magmar lifted its arm, smirking slightly as its body radiated with a blaze, the electricity hitting the Pokémon but then disappeared.

"Amazing, Magmar is heating the air around it to a super high temperature which then refracts Pikachu electric attacks." Brock breathed in admiration as I turned to look at Pikachu.

"So Pikachu can't attack with any electric attacks, will get burned if he so much as touches Magmar and is already tired out from the last two battles. This is not good." I sumerised simply before shaking my head. "Maybe Ash should pull out now?"

"Vee." Eevee agreed, placing her paws on my hat to lift herself up and see better overe its brim.

"Magmar, use Fire Blast!" Instantly everyone gasped, eyes widening in fear.

"Fire Blast is a fire type's most powerful attack!" Brock called out and Ash instantly turned to Pikachu.

"Pikachu duck for cover!" He shouted and Pikachu hit the deck as the fire symbol shot towards him, burning bright and hot only to swallow him up completely. When the fire struck the wall of the cavern, Pikachu was gone from sight. "Pikachu!" Ash yelled and we heard his little voice calling out.

"Pika!" Pikachu dangled over the side, barely hanging on and Eevee instantly jumped down from my shoulder and leaped onto the stepping stones to get to the arena.

"No Eevee! Come back!" I yelled but she was already gone, bounding over to Pikachu who kicked and struggled, trying to pull himself back up.

"Vee! Vee! Vee!" Eevee called with each leap, jumping over to Pikachu then reached down a paw, letting Pikachu grip on as Ash and I stood rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do. "Vee…Vee!"

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu answered and slowly, he began to rise up over the side. Instantly both Ash and I sighed in relief as Pikachu stood upright then threw his arms around Eevee, hugging her as she nuzzled into his cheek.

"Ah that's so cute…" I murmured, looking at the two of them as they reunited after the terrifying accident. Suddenly Pikachu broke away abound bounded back to face Magmar, making Blaine laugh as Eevee ran back to me. I picked her up and cuddled her in my arms, glad that she was okay and praised her quietly for being so brave.

"Your Pikachu doesn't know when to give up." Suddenly Ash ran forwards, leaping onto the stones then sprung onto the arena, calling out to his Pokémon friend.

"Forget it Pikachu!" He said then looked down to him with his hands spread. "It's…it's not worth it. I quit! No badge is worth losing Pikachu." I smiled proudly at Ash as he forfeighted the match and picked up Pikachu into his arms, being careful of the burns there.

"I commend you on your wise decision Ash. Just in time." Blaine said then pulled out his wig and glasses, fixing them both back on. "If you had been foolish enough to continue the match then you definitely would have been disqualified as a Pokémon Trainer!" He said then began walking away. "Your Pikachu needs rest. The hot springs will help it recover from its injuries."

"Hey wait a moment hold on Blaine, where're you going? You've got to give me another chance." Ash said, making Blaine pause at the door.

"We may battle again. Someday." He answered ambiguously before leaving. Ash looked down at Pikachu as we made our way over, each of us stepping from stone to stone as he sighed.

"I'm sorry Pikachu, it's all my fault we lost." He said and Pikachu blinked at him, flattening his ears.

"Pika…."

"But I'm not leaving Cinnabar Island until I beat Blaine and Magmar and get that badge!" He declared as we got to his side.

"Alright mister, we'll focus on the badge later. Right now I need to administer this Burn Heal to Pikachu, he's pretty crispy on the edges." I said, pulling the spray out of my bag then squirted it a couple of times onto the affected areas, letting it soak in and work its magic as Pikachu sighed.

"Chuuuu…" We took him back up to the hot springs where Ash gave him a long bath, washing a special soap into his fur which was both soothing and relaxing for the tired Pokémon.

"I just don't get it, we were doing so great." Ash said suddenly, frowning in deep concentration. "First Charizard doesn't obey me and Squirtle got knocked out in one hit, what did I do wrong?" He asked, looking at the three of us.

"Well you have to remember Ash that battling is not just about type advantage." Brock said. "Experience and strategy is very important when you want to win." I nodded my head with Misty, signalling our agreement.

"Plus I think you spend more time with Pikachu than you do with any of your other Pokémon." I added and he blinked at me. "The stronger your bond with your Pokémon, the stronger they are too. The difference between your Charizard and mine is because I earned its respect and we ended up great friends." Ash gave me a dark look then looked away.

"Yeah, but your Charizard still chose to leave you didn't it?" I blinked, shocked at Ash's bitter tone and the bluntness of his words. Misty and Brock blinked in surprise, staring at him in horror.

"Ash! That was totally unfair." Misty said to Ash. "Ruby and Charizard may have parted ways but their relationship still remains strong, which is more important than anything." Ash looked down, looking ashamed of himself.

"I'm sorry Ruby, I didn't really mean it." I sucked in a deep breath then nodded my head.

"It's okay. I get it. Besides, what do I know anyway? I'm just a kid who gave up being a trainer because she couldn't keep up." Turning I walked away, Eevee blinking from her seat beside Pikachu to race after me.

"Vee! Vee!" So I picked her up and held her rather loosely in my arms and not matter how much she nuzzled and whine at me, I couldn't get Ash's words out of my head. He was right, Charizard did still choose to leave me. I guess I wasn't a good a trainer as I thought I was.

"You know Eevee, sometimes I wonder why I even stepped out of my own door." I sighed, looking down at her sadly. "As much as I hate to admit it, Gary was right. I am a loser and I gave up being a trainer because I was scared that I couldn't make it as far as I wanted to go." Shaking her head Eevee pressed a paw to my face.

"Vee Vee." Sitting down on a bench that overlooked the city of Cinnabar Island, I sighed.

"Maybe I should just go home." Suddenly two of my Pokéballs burst open and both Pidgeotto and Dratini appeared, looking up at me with large eyes. Dratini chimed softly in her magical voice then snuggled close to me, making me smile as Pidgeotto put her wing around my shoulders. I sucked in t a deep breath as Eevee curled up in my lap and nuzzled into me, both she and Dratini snuggling up together and tears rose to my eyes. They'd come out of their Pokéballs to comfort me. Choking down my tears I smiled. "Thanks guys."

"Pidgeo." Pidgeotto rubbed her head against mine, assuring me that everything was alright as Eevee and Dratini fell asleep on my lap.

"I think I need to start battling again, you guys haven't had a proper workout in a while now." I said to them softly, not wanting to disturb the cute little Pokémon in my lap. "I'll ask Ash if he wants to do some serious training, that way we can help each other out." Pidgeotto nodded her head then looked up to the sky where the stars all gleamed effortlessly.