The next thing I was aware of was bubbles popping in my face. "Huh?" I blinked, startled slightly by the burst of moisture which splattered my skin then blinked myself awake, opening my eyes to find myself looking at a Wartortle. "Hey! It's you!" I smiled, making everyone jerk awake at my sudden volume change.

"Vee?" Eevee lifted her head and looked at the Wartortle who beamed at me.

"Wartortle!" It waved its arms up in the air then turned to face its trainer, who instantly made my smile drop.

"Oh, it's you." Groaning I sat up, Pidgeotto ruffling her feathers before turning to look at Gary who was leaning against the fence with his arms folded across his chest, watching me quietly with a little smirk on his lips.

"So you're finally awake. Couldn't find anywhere more comfortable to sleep than that bench?" He questioned snobbishly so I glared at him, hugging Dratini and Eevee to me protectively.

"Yes, I just felt the need for a walk, so I came out here but must have fallen asleep." I retorted, standing up but I instantly groaned, going all light headed and fell right back down again. Gary made to move forwards but stopped himself when he saw I had managed to fall back into a sitting position.

"So the earthquake didn't wake you?" I blinked up at him in confusion.

"There was an earthquake?" Had I really slept through it? Or was Gary just pulling on my strings? However he nodded his head.

"There was a disturbance with the volcano, everyone thought it was going to erupt but nothing happened, so people are just saying it must have been an earthquake." He informed me but then I felt a soft tug on my shirt so I looked down at the Wartortle.

"Wartortle, Tortle Tort!" I smiled down at him.

"I know, I must have been really tired to have slept through it." I agreed with him. Suddenly Pidgeotto lifted her head, tensing beside me as her head twitched from side to side, listening for something. "Pidgeotto? What's the matter?" I asked her and she flapped her wings, lifting herself up into the sky.

"Pidgeo!" She waited for me to get the message, listening to me intently.

"Okay I'm coming, show me what's wrong." I called up to her, standing up and put Dratini and Eevee onto my shoulders before grabbing Gary's wrist. "Come on! Let's go see what she's heard!" Gary yelped as I dragged him forwards, running after Pidgeotto as she flew down the path of the cliff.

After a moment I let go of Gary's wrist, satisfied that he and Wartortle were following. "Where are we going?" He asked, puffing slightly at the fast pace I put him through.

"I don't know, but Pidgeotto seems worried about something." Sure enough Pidgeotto was flying pretty fast, darting this way and that as she followed what she could hear.

"Vee!" Eevee stood up straight on my shoulder, her ears twitching towards the sound of a Pokémon calling out in distress, my own hearing managing to pick it up now.

"Can you hear that?" I asked, looking back over my shoulder and Gary nodded his head. Pidgeotto suddenly stopped and I saw a young woman with bright yellow hair standing at the cliff edge, leaning over as she called out with worry.

"Don't worry Belle, I'll get you up somehow!" She cried out then looked up when she heard us coming. "Oh! Please help me! My Bellsprout is down there, I can't get her back up!" I gripped the railings and looked over the side with Gary, seeing a Bellsprout gripping onto a small root that jutted out of the earth by its twin leafs hands, scrabbling with its roots to try and get back up. The woman sobbed, clutching her hands to her heart. "My brave little Belle tried to get my handbag after I dropped it! Please, you have to get her back for me, I don't care about anything else!"

"Don't worry, we'll get Belle back for you." I smiled to her. "Just remain calm, if you panic then your Pokémon will pick up on your emotions. The best you can do for it now is to try and give it encouragement and calm it down." Turning to Gary as the woman sucked in a deep breath to calm herself down. "Pidgeotto can't get there, it's too shrouded with tree branches. How about your Fearow? It has a longer neck and might be able to reach."

"I don't have it with me." He admitted, scratching his head as he blushed. "I swapped it out for a different Pokémon so I could train it up." I frowned in thought, looking over again at the Bellsprout as it began to lose grip.

"Vee! Vee Vee!" Eevee called down, Dratini sat on her back.

"Driiiii!" The woman leaned over the side and put on her best smile.

"It's alright now Belle, you see? There are two lovely young trainers here to help us. Everything is going to be alright." The Bellsprout stopped struggling and I watched with fascination at the trust between trainer and Pokémon as Belle looked up at the woman with sparkly eyes.

"Bellsprout, Bellsprout."

"Okay, if you tell Belle to use Vine Whip, we can catch the vines and pull it up." I suggested but the woman shook her head.

"My little Belle is still very young, she doesn't know how to use Vine Whip!" Oh great, just typical. "No!" She suddenly shrieked, gripping onto the railings as Belle lost grip with one of its leaves. "No Belle! Hold on Belle!" Back in panic mode, the woman had to be pulled back by Gary to keep her from falling over the edge. Swallowing I thought quickly.

"Pidgeotto, get ready to catch!" I yelled up then gripped the railings with one hand and swung myself over in a fluid motion.

"Ruby!" Gary called, lunging forwards to try and catch me but I was already skidding down the steep slope as if I were surfing. Eevee and Dratini called in fear, sticking their heads over as I continued downwards, branches scratching at my arms but I knocked them out the way.

"Belle, let go and jump!" I directed to the Bellsprout, who looked up at me with wide eyes. "Jump!" It still remained frozen in shock. "You have to jump!" But as I reached it, its little leaf lost grip of the root and it tumbled downwards.

The woman above screamed but I dived forwards, hands streatching towards the Bellsprout as it cried out in fear, tumbling over its head but thankfully its light frame meant that the wind carried it easily.

My hands snagged its body and I pulled it close, tucking myself in then called out. "Now Pidgeotto!" Talons dug into my backpack and powerful wings flapped, lifting us up into the air as the ground had rushed to us.

"Bellsprout?" I looked down at the little grass Pokémon and smiled.

"I got you." I assured it then looked up at Pidgeotto as she carried us back to the cliff. "Nice catch Pidgeotto." You see? Those games weren't all for nothing. Pidgeotto soared through the sky and swept back down to the path, letting me go to drop back down and I held out the Bellsprout as the woman raced forwards.

"Oh thank you! Thank you so much! Belle I'm so glad you're safe!"

"Bellsprout." It chirped then lifted one of its root legs to reveal a small purple purse which made the woman laugh.

"You clever girl." I smiled, lifting my arm and holding it at an angle for Pidgeotto to land there so that I could fuss over her for a moment.

"Good job." I winked at her as Eevee came running over to me, Dratini on her back.

"Vee! Vee! Vee!"

"Driiiii!" I laughed, kneeling down and holding out my other hand to pet them both, assuring them I was okay.

"Were you worried about me? You shouldn't have been, you know I do crazy things all the time." I teased and Eevee head butt me to tell me off.

"Vee!" Laughing still I tickled her chin and belly as she rolled over, kicking up her legs as Dratini rubbed against my leg, making me giggle and stroke her too to let her know I appreciated her concern. Pidgeotto flew off my arm and hopped to the ground, chirping softly as Wartortle came toddling over the flung his arms around me.

"Oh! Why thank you Wartortle. It's to know that some people care." I shot a pointed look to Gary who rolled his eyes.

"I knew you had it all under control." He answered simply, waving his hand dismissively as the woman approached us.

"I can't thank you kids enough. Belle means everything to me. Here, you two deserve a reward." I frowned.

"No, no that's not necessary, thank you, we just wanted to help. Besides. He didn't do anything." The woman giggled as she fished out two necklaces, though they were both exactly the same. They had extremely fine chains and they had a tiny water droplet gem, which almost glowed in the light as she smiled.

"These are Mystic Waters, they boost the attack of water type Pokémon. I got these for my birthday last month by my evil step cousins, so you'd honestly be doing me a favour taking them away. I only really like grass type Pokémon so I have no use for these." She winked at me. "You'll find great use for them, I'm sure." I took mine hesitantly, admiring it in silence before turning a broad smile to the woman.

"Thank you so much." I said to her. "They're beautiful."

"Yeah, thanks a lot." Gary said with a nod of his head then looked down at Wartortle who looked at the Mystic Water then turned his head away snottily.

"Wartortle." I giggled and shook my head.

"Not your style, huh?" I quiried as the Bellsprout flapped its leaf hands and called out to us.

"Bellsprout! Bellsprout! Bellsprout!" Smiling I watched as Eevee bounced around him, Dratini circling around and around them both also, her voice echoing softly as they all played and Pidgeotto watched them all calmly, making sure none got too close to the edge of the cliff. I carefully placed the Mystic Water into my bag, glancing to Eevee as I put it next to the Water Stone. Maybe one day, if she wanted to.

"Well, I should really be on my way, I have a train to catch!" The woman laughed, picking up her Bellsprout. "Buh bye now! Take care you two, you make such an adorable couple!" She called back over her shoulder as she walked away. Instantly we both pretended to vomit, turning away from one another.

"Gross!" I shivered in disgust at the thought. Shooting a look at Gary I picked up two of the Pokéballs. "Come on guys, time to return. We'll play later I promise, I saw a park on the way up here we can check out." I said to them and Dratini bounced up into the air, smiling excitedly as she returned to her Pokéball.

"Pidgeo!" Pidgeotto nodded her noble head then disappeared into her Pokéball too, leaving me to scoop up Eevee and settle her on my shoulder.

"Okay Wartortle, return." Gary said and the Wartortle waved at me one last time before he too went back to have a rest. I glared at Gary for a moment before turning away.

"See you around Gary." I said as I began to hike back up the mountain to the Riddle Inn.

"Don't fall off any more cliffs. I might not be around to save you next time!" He called back but I ignored him, continuing the climb so that I could get back and get some sleep in a proper bed like I so desperately needed. My back was aching and my neck wasn't doing much better either.

When I got inside, however, I was surprised to find everyone already up. Was it already that late in the morning? "Ruby!" Ash yelled, bounding over with Pikachu on his shoulder. "You'll never guess what, I got my Volcano Badge!" I blinked as a little badge was shoved into my face, making my eyes cross as I tried to see it properly.

"Oh!" I blinked, staring at it then frowned. "How?" Misty and Brock stepped forwards, smiling casually.

"Well Team Rocket turned up to try and capture Magmar by shooting freeze blasting rockets all over the volcano chamber, which then caused the chamber to start collapsing." Brock began to explain as Ash danced around the room. "The lava started to rise through the cracks but then Blaine's Magmar started to throw in rocks to try block up the lava flow." He then explained about how all the Pokémon had worked together, including Ash's Charizard to stop the lava and then he told me about the battle.

"Wow, that's pretty neat Ash." I said to him with a smile. "Congratulations." Suddenly he stopped and turned around to face me, a guilty look on his features as he hung his head and pulled his cap down to hide his eyes.

"Ruby, I'm really sorry about what I said yesterday." He told me sincerely and I looked at him has he slowly lifted his eyes to meet mine. "What I did was wrong and I'll make it up to you, I promise. Please forgive me?" I paused, thinking for a moment before glancing up to Eevee.

"Vee!" She beamed, nodding her head so I gave a short laugh.

"Alright you bonehead, I'll forgive you." And to prove it I smacked him on the back of his head, sending him to the floor as Pikachu leaped up and landed on my shoulder, avoiding being grounded as I laughed.

"Pika Pika!"

"Come on!" I suddenly yelped, grabbing Misty and Brock's wrist to pull them towards the door.

"What's the hurry Ruby? Where're we going?" Misty asked as Ash scrambled to leap to his feet and raced after us as I managed to pull everyone quickly out the door.

"Hey wait for me!" Ash yelled as he and Pikachu raced after us.

"Pika Pika!"

"Ruby, where are you taking us?" I turned to Brock with a bright smile, winking as I gave him a victory sign with my fingers.

"We are going to the Pokémon Research Lab for a super exclusive private tour that I managed to arrange just for us!" I revealed, practically bouncing on my feet, eager to get going as everyone's mouthsh dropped open. "So come on and let's go! The earlier we get there, the more we can see!"

All of us smiling we raced for the city and the research lab, anticipating all the amazing and interesting things we were going to learn about today. The moment we got to reception, I gave the lady our names though it was the same woman as before and she recognised me. Or at least my cool hat and red neckerchief.

"Good morning! My, you're all up early. Excited for today?" She asked as she handed out our visiting passes.

"Sure! We can't wait to see all the Pokémon you're studying here." Ash said to her, slipping his pass around his neck then looked to Pikachu. "Right Pikachu?"

"Pikachu." He nodded his head as I picked up Eevee to keep her close just in case she tries to run off. I don't want to lose her in this place, it would take forever to find her again.

"Ah! You must be the infamous Ruby." A voice said and I turned to see a handsome boy a little older than us walking forwards, smiling at me and I instantly blushed. His messy brown hair was pulled back in an attempt to tame it, blue eyes shining brightly as he smiled warmly. "Hi, I'm Kyle. My grandfather is the man you brought the Old Amber to, so I'm Kyle Dawson." I stuck out my hand and smiled with a slight blush.

"Hey, I'm Ruby. It's really nice to meet you." I said, continuing to shake his hand and completely forgetting about everyone else beside me. After a few moments Brock gave a little cough and I startled myself out of my daze, laughing awkwardly. "Oh! Right. This is Ash, Misty and Brock my friends and our Pokémon Pikachu and Eevee." I introduced, letting go of his hand to step back and introduce everyone.

"Hi, it's great to meet you." Misty smiled and waved as everyone did the same.

"Hey, do you raise lots of Pokémon here?" Ash asked as Brock said hello as well. I exhaled and shook my head despairingly at Ash's hopeful expression.

"No Ash, they only study mushrooms." I answered and he groaned, dropping to the ground.

"But I want to see Pokémon!" Thrusting out a hand I grabbed Ash by the scruff of his jacket and hoisted him back to his feet, though I began to shake him violently as I glared.

"Of course they have Pokémon here! It's a Pokémon Research Lab! Don't you have any brain up there in that thick skull of yours?" I yelled in his ear as he cried out from my forceful shoving. I then quickly dropped him, giving a small guilty laugh as Ash crashed to the floor again as I looked at Kyle. "Sorry about that. He's not too smart."

"Hey I'm plenty smart!" Ash argued back, leaping to his feet as he glared at me. Arching an eyebrow I turned my head then smirked secretly.

"So says the boy who doesn't even have his pants zipped up."

"Huh?! Wargh!" Ash spun around and quickly zipped himself up with a deep blush. Kyle arched an eyebrow then chuckled quietly, making my eyes sparkle at the sound.

"So come on, let's get this tour started!" Kyle said and he turned to lead the way, so I chased after him.

"So what kind of things do you study here?" I asked.

"Here at the Cinnabar Island Pokémon Lab we dedicate all our research to learning how Pokémon evolve and studying them and their behaviours. We also research fossilised Pokémon and study how they become the way they are, how we can revive them and how long ago they existed. It's all fascinating work and I help my grandfather look after the Pokémon." Kyle explained as he led us into an elevator.

"What types of Pokémon do you study here?" Brock questioned curiously. "And what sort of diets do you put the Pokémon on?" I sighed slowly, looking at Kyle as he talked about all the Pokémon. There were fighting types, grass types, water types, normal types, fire types and all other types you can think of. The way Kyle talked about them you can very well imagine how he seemed to live and breathe Pokémon. He loved them!

First we went to see the fighting type Pokémon, who had been moved to a different location for the time being, however the moment we entered, they all raced forwards like a stampede of Tauros and tackled us to the ground, only to lift us up into the air and paraded around with all of us up in the air.

I couldn't stop laughing, looking to Eevee as she too was lifted up though I held onto her paw as precaution. That day we spent all our time with Pokémon, learning everything there was to know about them and I scribbled thousands of notes in my little notepad, eager to get down everything Kyle said but there was still so much more to learn, I would need another notepad at this rate!

Later in the afternoon Kyle got a call from his grandfather, informing him that the process for reviving the Aerodactyl was almost complete. "He says it will take just a few more hours before the revival is complete." Kyle informed, smiling broadly and I sighed dreamily. I adore those little dimples…huh? Snap out of it Ruby! "Will you guys still be around to pick it up?"

"Unfortunately no, we'd better hurry if we want to catch our boat out of here." Misty said though she was smiling as she did so. "This has been really amazing and I loved learning about the water Pokémon, some of the things you told me I never even knew before!" Kyle nodded his head.

"We're still learning ourselves so we'll continue to observe the Pokémon but so much still remains a mystery. I can't wait to find out all I can about Pokémon, which is why I work here day and night alongside my family." A wide beam spread across his face. "It's just a shame, if you could stay another couple of days, I could show and tell you so much more." Maybe…maybe that's not such a bad idea. I need to learn as much as I can about Pokémon and I'm in the perfect place to do this. Maybe I should stay?

"Thanks again for the tour, we had great fun." Ash said as he laughed. "But we better hurry, come on guys!" He turned and began to run but I stayed rooted to the spot, still deep in thought. If I stayed then I could continue my own research into Pokémon however if I did stay, that meant I'd be split up from the gang again and miss out on more adventures. What should I do?

"Ruby? Are you coming?" Misty asked and I turned to look at her, my eyes shining slightly as I smiled and shook my head.

"No, I'd better stay here so I can pick up the Areodactyl, and there's so much more I want to learn about the Pokémon here in the lab. This is a great opportunity to get some real study into the Pokémon for my future aims, I can't let this slip by me." Misty reached out a hand and grabbed Ash as he raced past, stopping him in his tracks then pulled him back over to me.

"Hey let me go! I gotta go win my last gym badge! Misty!"

"Oh button the beak and say goodbye to Ruby." Misty answered shortly, swinging him around so that he faced me and I giggled quietly.

"Huh? You're leaving." With a soft sigh I smiled and shook my head.

"No Ash, you're the one who's leaving. I'm staying here to do more research on the Pokémon." I explained to him as I put Eevee down so that I could give him a big hug. I flung my arms around his neck and held on tightly, still smiling. "But you work super hard for me okay? Remember that if you want to get your Pokémon stronger you have to train and play with them every day, and please don't do anymore stupid things whilst I'm gone, I don't think Misty will be able to handle it all by herself without me there to slap some sense into you." Ash laughed and put his arms around me, hugging me around the waist.

"I will I promise. I'll become a great trainer!" He vowed but then his face became serious. "But you will still come and see me battle in the Pokémon League won't you?" I pulled back and winked at him, sticking up my fingers in a victory sign.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Just try to keep me away Ash Ketchum!" I declared then hugged Brock.

"You take care and make sure you learn plenty. I'll be waiting to compare notes with you when you get back." Nodding my head I paused before kissing his cheek. Brock blushed bright red and gave a slow, amazed sound as he taped his forefingers together bashfully. Hey, the guy deserved a break.

"Goodbye Misty, I'll miss you." I said to her as I hugged her next. "Make sure you keep those two in order."

"Don't you worry, they'll be ship shape in no time with me watching out for them." She assured me and I giggled before I sensed Eevee beside me so I looked down. Pikachu was hugging Eevee, nuzzling into her fluffy coat as she rubbed into his sparking cheeks.

"Pika…Pika Pika…" Pikachu was saying and I smiled at the adorable scene as Togepi leaped out of Misty's arms to join the hug.

"Toge-piiii!" She trilled and Eevee tickled her with one of her ears as Pikachu did the same, making Togepi squeal with laughter. I watched them for a moment longer before Misty and Ash cleared their throats, signalling it was time to go.

"Come on you two, we have to get that boat before it leaves!" Ash smiled, kneeling down and ruffled Pikachu's head. "It's okay Pikachu, we'll see Ruby and Eevee again really soon. I promise." He assured his pal before picking him up.

"You too Togepi, we have to go now."

"Togepi?" It answered in confusion then looked down to Eevee, who was looking sadly up at them.

"It's alright Togepi, this is only temporary and for a very short while. Ruby will be back with us in no time!" With a warm smile the three of them turned and head out the door, waving as they went. "Goodbye Ruby!"

"Take care Ruby, see you soon!"

"Bye!"

"Pika Pika!" I smiled and waved at the door, almost completely forgetting that Kyle was still there right beside me. I waved frantically, Eevee running up my leg to leap up onto my shoulder, settling herself there as we watched the others disappear.

"Goodbye guys, I'll miss you!" I waved until finally, they were out of sight. Instantly I felt low and kind of empty. I really missed those guys already, yet I was certain I'll see them again at the Pokémon League, so this wasn't forever! I could really use this time to study hard and learn all I could.

"Well, if you come back tomorrow, I'll fix you up with a pass that'll let you back in without any questions." Kyle said, turning around to face me with a smile. "You can stick with me if you like as I make my rounds in the morning for the Pokémons' breakfast, would you like that?"

"Sure! I'd love it." I nodded my head eagerly and Eevee did too.

"Vee! Vee!"

"Great, I'll see you tomorrow then, be here around eight to help start with the feeding. I'll meet you here." Kyle said then waved. "You go have some fun now, there's a lot to see in Cinnabar and many beautiful viewing spots." He paused then gave me a bashful look. "Maybe I'll take you to see them at some point." I blushed lightly but smiled all the same.

"I'd really like that Kyle, thank you." I said to him then stepped outside. "See you tomorrow!" Turning I then head towards the beach.

"I think we all need some time to have a good play." I said to Eevee who nodded her head in agreement.

"Vee!"

"It's still light and quite warm, so I'll get us all ice creams as well! Let's go!" I beamed and together we ran to the beach. Since it was now later afternoon, most people seemed to have gone back to their rooms, which left plenty of space just for me and my Pokémon. "Alright, come on out you two!" I called and threw their Pokéballs forwards. "Let's have some fun!"

"Pidgeo!"

"Driiii!" Laughing as Dratini and Pidgeotto appeared I told them to wait a moment whilst I changed in a shower block. I quickly swapped my clothes for a plain black one piece and tied a skirt around my hips just to cover up a little. Once I lashed up the string I stepped outside to see my Pokémon all playing in the sand, making me laugh.

"Alright, let's go!" I called, turning and beginng to race down the beach, grabbing the beach ball I had inflated and flung it to Eevee as Dratini rode on her back.

"Vee!" Eevee leaped up and head butt the ball, shooting it up into the air for Pidgeotto to soar after. She smacked it with a wing back down to Eevee, so Dratini leaped up and whacked it with her tail over to me, making me laugh.

"That's great teamwork guys, let's keep this up! I'll race you to the ice cream stand!" I called then ran a little faster, urging them on. I laughed as I knocked the ball back and forth, stopping a few feet from the ice cream stand to continue the string of success we were having, none of us had dropped the ball even once. "That's it Dratini, don't let that ball escape you!" I called to her as she jumped up into the air to hit the ball up to Pidgeotto. "Use your wings to bounce the ball Pidgeotto! Get control before letting it drop back to us!" I directed and she did so, keeping the ball up by bouncing it on her wings and talons but as she let it drop back down, a harsh wind suddenly snatched it up and carried it away. "Hey! Don't let it fly away!"

"Vee!" Eevee yelped and raced after it with Pidgeotto, Dratini and I.

"Eevee, be careful! There are other people around!" I called as she leaped over a kid's sandcastle, only just missing its fragile structure. "Sorry!" I called as I raced past after the excitable Pokémon. "Eevee!" But she hurried forwards, jumping left and right to follow the flying beach ball until finally, it began to descend to the ground…only to hit someone sunbathing on the head.

"Hey!" Oh no, not Gary Oak! Anyone but him! "What's the big idea?" He demanded, sitting up and taking off his shades so I stopped running, thinking about turning and just walking away but Eevee had abandoned her chase after the ball to leap up onto Gary's bare chest and greeted him sweetly.

"Vee!" She trilled then began to lick his face, making him laugh.

"Hey there Eevee, were you the one to drop that ball on me like that?" Snorting I stepped forwards, picking up the beach ball as Dratini wound her way up my leg and climbed up to my shoulder, Pidgeotto landing on a parasol next to me.

"Well maybe if your head wasn't so big it wouldn't have struck the target." I answered simply then turned to Eevee. "Come on Eevee, I promised you all ice cream didn't I?" I said and her eyes sparkled happily.

"Vee!" She nuzzled against Gary one more time before leaping off and springing to my side. Gary gave a little humph but otherwise ignored me, putting his shades back on.

"What are you doing here anyway? Why aren't you with your loser friends?" I shot him a look, hoping he couldn't see the glare I was giving him from under those ridiculous sunglasses otherwise he may as well be turned to stone.

"I'm here to study the Pokémon at the Research Lab." I informed him snippily. "So the others have moved on so Ash can get his last badge. He won the Volcano Badge, you know." I boasted on Ash's behalf and Gary actually fell out of his chair.

"He what?!" I smirked with satisfaction, lifting my chin then began to walk away, ball resting on my hip. "Hey wait, Ruby! You mean Ash got his Volcano Badge from a run down gym without a leader? How did he do it? Where is the leader? I want to challenge him!" Shaking my head and clicking my tongue as I walked, I thought about simply not answering. "Come on Ruby, you have to tell me!" Gary practically begged, waving his arms around me as I walked up to the ice cream stall.

"Hi!" I said cheerfully and the woman smiled.

"Well hello dear! A fine day, isn't it? Are you enjoying yourself here?" She asked and I nodded my head.

"It's a beautiful island, though there are some things that just bug me." I said with a pointed look to Gary who glared then looked away. "Let's see, may I have two chocolate, one vanilla, one strawberry and one mint chocolate in a cone please?" I asked and she nodded her head.

"Of course sweetie, you just hold right there." She told me, picking up an ice cream tray and set it down as she began to fill up the ice cream cones.

"How did Ash win a badge like that? Those Pokémon must have been pushovers." Gary mused so I whipped around and prodded him in the gut, making him double over with a yelp.

"Those Pokémon were not pushovers! They were really tough and Ash nearly lost, but his Pokémon pulled through. I doubt even you would have stood a chance against Blaine had you tried, he raises some super awesome fire type Pokémon that would roast you up alive." I told him, folding my arms as Dratini wriggled in anticipation on my shoulder.

"Driiii!" She chimed and I instantly forgot my anger.

"Don't worry." I giggled, tickling her chin. "I got you vanilla, your favourite!"

"Vee?" Eevee tilted her head to the side as her ears flopped, almost making me squeal as I knelt down and stroked her fur.

"And strawberry for you too." I assured her and she did a backflip for joy.

"Vee!" Pidgeotto landed on the roof of the ice cream van, looking down hopefully as the lady finished with the last chocolate cone.

"There, I hope you enjoy them!" She smiled as I paid for them. "Make sure you keep cool and put plenty of suncream on, it may be cool because of the breeze but the sunlight is still very strong." She warned in a grandmotherly tone, making me smile.

"We will ma'am, don't you worry. Thanks again!" I waved then carried the tray over to where I had put my things. "Okay guys, gather around!" I put down the tray and picked up two of the ice creams, the mint chocolate and plain chocolate as the Pokémon helped themselves to their own ice creams. "Here." I held out the mint chocolate to Gary, who blinked in surprise.

"You got that for me?" He asked and I nodded my head, getting impatient.

"Yeah, I remember it was your favourite in pre-school. Unless your tastebuds have changed."

"No!" He quickly answered, taking the ice cream with a grateful nod. "No it's still my favourite." Gary watched as I sat down with my Pokémon, who instantly abandoned their ice cream to crowd around me and nuzzle up for a hug, making me laugh and smile brightly as I hugged them all to me.

"I love you guys too, now come on! Eat up before your ice cream melts, it's still pretty hot out." I encouraged so they dived back in. "Oh Eevee look at you, you're all messy!" I giggled as she lifted her head, mouth covered with pink goo and I giggled some more. "We'd better get you cleaned up later. We'll head up to the hot springs so I can bath you all, it's been a while since we've had a spruce up session, I think it'll be nice for you all to have some pampering." I babbled, completely forgetting that Gary was still there as he had sat down next to me. "This place is a resort after all, why not enjoy a little luxury too?"

"You talk a lot." Gary announced and I yelped, almost leaping out of my seat on the ground at the sudden announcement of his constant existence in my head.

"Don't interrupt me when I'm talking to my Pokémon!" I gasped for breath, recovering from the surprise. "I almost had a heart attack." He smiled at me and said nothing, which was kind of scary as now I didn't know what he was thinking, which disarmed me a little.

"Vee?" Eevee jumped towards me, putting her paws on my legs and lifted her face to my ice cream, trying to get a taste.

"Hey! You've had yours! This one is mine!" I laughed, trying to push her away but she tackled me again, laughing too as she tried to get a lick of my ice cream. "Alright! Alright you can have some, but only if you ask nicely." Instantly Eevee hopped back and sat down, turning her adorable little ice cream stained face up to me with her ears flattened back with a pleading look in he sparkling eyes.

"Vee?" Dratini moved closer too, giving me a similar look so I caved in.

"Oh alright, you can both have a taste. Here you go." I smiled and held my ice cream out to them, letting them lick away and finish it for me as Pidgeotto came closer, leaning into me and chirped as she rubbed her head against mine.

"You and your Pokémon have a really close bond." Gary noted, a little more quietly than he did last time so I turned and nodded with a proud expression.

"Of course. We're more than just partners, we're family. Isn't that right guys?" I questioned and they all cheered happily, bouncing up and down though Pidgeotto merely nodded her head nobly. "I believe that by bringing out a Pokémon's true inner personality and beauty, they can be even stronger and spirited than if there was a weak connection between us." I explained to Gary who frowned in thought. "When we're close, we think and move in very similar ways. It's gone so far as for Pidgeotto to anticipate my orders in a battle so she goes for it without me needing to tell her, which gives us the element of surprise. Plus I really love my Pokémon, there's nothing I enjoy more than just spending time with them." In answer Eevee and Dratini leaped into my arms and Pidgeotto leaned closer, putting her wing around me as I laughed, the two younger ones tickling my sides as I tickled them.

Gary watched in silence, but he was smiling and I couldn't help but smile back, though I was laughing like an idiot with the Pokémon all tickling my sides. However when someone shouted out my name, I knew instantly that something was wrong.

"Ruby! Ruby come quick!" Kyle yelled and instantly I was getting to my feet, Dratini and Eevee in my arms.

"Kyle! What's happened? Has the lab been attacked?" I asked as the frantic boy skidded to a halt before us, panting for breath.

"It's the Old Amber you brought to us, it worked! It's now an Areodactyl, only thing is, we can't capture it! It's gone completely wild and it's trashing the lab, attacking people, Pokémon, anything it can!" I gasped, eyes bulging wide open before they narrowed.

"Okay, let's go! Pidgeotto, fly ahead and get that Areodactyl's attention, try get it out of the lab if you can and up into the air!" I ordered and she nodded her head determinedly.

"Pidgeo!" She called then quickly flew off as Kyle yelped in surprise.

"What are you doing? You can't send a Pokémon ahead of you, you need to be there to order it how to battle!" I shook my head, grabbing my things quickly but I didn't bother to change.

"Pidgeotto and I have been friends for a long time, I'm confident in her abilities to fly solo for a while. Now let's get moving! Gary, are you coming?" He smiled as he pulled on his shirt.

"Right behind you Rubes." I growled at the nickname but said nothing, turning with both Dratini and Eevee on my shoulders and ran with the two boys back up to the Pokémon lab. The moment I stepped on the paving stones, however, I leaped back with a yell, grabbing my foot as it burned from the heat of the setting sun.

"Ow! Hot! Hot! Hot!" I yelled then growled, quickly grabbing my shoes to yank them on. "Stupid stones." I shook my head then ran forwards, already able to hear the prehistoric cry of the Areodactyl. As we raced down the street, however, something smashed through the window. "Oh! Pidgeotto!" I shouted in fear, stopping short as my Pokémon friend came crashing out the window, a huge dark shape right behind her.

However Pidgeotto uncurled and spread her wings, trilling loudly as she then rose up into the sky elegantly, watching as the Areodactyl then slammed into a lamppost, unable to manoeuvre as Pidgeotto could. "Alright! That's my girl." I cheered Pidgeotto as she did a loop the loop. "Okay, Pidgeotto use Wing Attack!" I called as the Areodactyl unpeeled itself from the post then flew up into the sky again, calling out in anger as people began to scream and run for cover.

Pidgeotto's wings began to glow and her speed increased, flying at the Areodactyl as it used its massive wings to smash up a cookie stand. Not fair! Looking at the Pokémon though, I instantly knew it was a very different specimen. There were pale purple marking on its wings and around its eyes and it was far larger than the Areodactyl that had kidnapped Ash. Meaner looking too.

Pidgeotto slammed into the Areogactly, wings knocking him off course as it dive bombed a group of tourists however it quickly recovered, shaking out its head then roared, turning to chase after Pidgeotto again. "Gary, Kyle, what Pokémon do you have with you?" I asked quickly, watching as Pidgeotto continued to battle the Aerodactyl, keeping it occupied as I struggled for a plan.

"I have a Spearow." Kyle offered but I shook my head.

"We'll need more firepower than that. If only…if only Charizard were here." I murmured, looking down as a pain stabbed at my chest but I quickly shoved it aside. "Okay Pidgeotto, use Fly! Ram that dino out of the sky!" I yelled and Pidgeotto instantly twisted upwards, shooting up into the clouds for cover. "Great idea Pidgeotto!" I yelled after her as sirens began to wail.

"What is going on?" Officer Jenny demanded as she rode up on her motorcycle but then she looked up. "Oh my…goodness!" She gasped, staring at the Areodactyl as it cut through the roof of some hotel with a clean swipe of its wing. "We have to get more help, I'll call for backup." Officer Jenny told us and picked up her radio. "I need support at the Pokémon Research facility, I have a rogue prehistoric Pokémon on a rampage!"

"Pidgeo!" Pidgeotto cried as she dived down from the sky, eyes narrowed in concentration as she tucked in her wings.

"Spin Pidgeotto!" I yelled and she began to spin, gaining more attack power as she aimed for the unsuspecting Areodactyl as it flew towards the food court. Pidgeotto slammed into it from above, knocking it down out of the sky and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright! Excellent hit Pidgeotto, now use Twister!"

"Vee!" Eevee cheered as Pidgeotto swerved around to come back at the Areodactly as it began to fall, however its eyes snapped open and with a giant flap of its wings, it rose back up into the air. Everyone gasped, staring in horror as the Areodactyl just came back just as strong as before.

"No…" I whispered, watching as it lunged for Pidgeotto. "Pidgeotto dive!" I yelled and Pidgeotto instantly tucked in her wings and dived down, narrowly missing the Bite from the Areodactly. More police units arrived, each of them staring upwards but Officer Jenny began to whip them into action.

"We need to subdue and capture this Pokémon! I want a net ready to fire at the target and a quick inflation landing float, we don't want to cause this Pokémon any harm!" She order swiftly and I watched as my Pidgeotto swerved and manoeuvred to keep out of Areodactyls's reach. I watched it carefully, learning how it moved. It was large and powerful but very limited with its maneuverability.

"Ready, aim, fire!" I gasped, grabbing onto the nearest thing for comfort and support, which just so happened to be Gary. "What if they hit Pidgeotto?" I whispered, turning to face him but then blinked. I was clinging onto his arm. I quickly let go and cleared my throat, stepping back but Gary placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Pidgeotto is fast, they'd struggle to catch her, even if they were aiming for her." Slightly eased, I looked up at the sky. The first net missed and so did the second, however the third caught its body, wrapping up its wings. Everyone cheered as the Areodactyl began to fall and Pidgeotto followed, watching it carefully.

Whilst everyone was celebrating, I noticed how the Areoactyl was beginning to struggle. Those wings were pretty strong, I doubt that net would hold him. "Pidgeotto, get ready with another Fly attack!" I called up to her, making several people blink in surprise at me. "Don't let it get away from you when it breaks free!"

"Pidgeo!" She called and flew up into the clouds, which were beginning to grow dark and stormy.

"Escape?" Popele began to whisper and just then, the net around the Areodactyl snapped. People screamed and ran for cover, falling to the ground as the Areodactyl flew low, swinging its tail to hit stalls and it snapped its jaws at people.

"Watch out!" Kyle yelled and pushed both Gary and I out the way just in time. I could feel the gust from under those powerful wings and the smell of its fishy breath. Gross.

"Pidgeotto hurry!" I yelled and suddenly she dived down towards the ground. Dratini and Eevee quivered on my shoulders so I drew them close to me, cuddling them in my arms as I watched Pidgeotto dive down. "It's alright, we're safe here." I assured them softly with a brave smile. "I swear, I'll never let anything hurt you." I said to them and they looked up at me with large watery eyes. "I promise I'll always protect you and keep you safe, so don't worry. We have our knight in shining feathers taking care of that nasty dragon."

"Driii!" Dratini cheered then rubbed her face into my cheek as I turned to watch Pidgeotto. She slammed into the Areodactyl who crashed into the ground due to its low altitude, causing it to roar but it lay stunned for a few moments.

"Hurry Officer Jenny, it'll get back up pretty quickly!" I called over and she nodded her head to me.

"Alright, snag that Pokémon!" She pointed and a net suddenly burst out of a cannon gun, swallowing the stunned Areodactyl and I picked up a Pokéball.

"I better go catch it before it escapes." I said, handing Dratini and Eevee over to Gary who blinked. "Hold them for a moment for me." Running forwards I raced first over to Pidgeotto who landed on the ground then collapsed. "Pidgeotto! Are you okay?" I asked, lifting her up and looking at her with worry. "You fought so bravely, I'm incredibly proud of you." I said to her. "You helped save the island!"

"Pidgeo…" She murmured and I smiled, giving a little laugh at her pleased expression before lifting her Pokéball.

"Here, I'll take you to Nurse Joy right away to get you healed up. You deserve only the best Pidgeotto!" I said but paused when I heard something snap.

"It's breaking free!" Someone yelled and there was more screaming. Whirling around I lifted Pidgeotto into my arms and faced the Areodactyl, who was glaring at Pidgeotto with unquestionable anger. With one mighty spread of its wings, it ripped open the net and stood there, glaring stormily as it breathed angrily, focussed only on us.

"Easy, take it easy now…" I said slowly and Pidgeotto instantly shot out of my arms, landing on the ground but the moment she spread her wings to try and fly, she cried out and landed flat on her belly. "Pidgeotto!" I gasped and instantly crouched over her, shielding her from the Aerodactyl who opened its jaws and began to blow things apart with its Hyper Beam attack.

I leaped out of the way of one of the beams, gasping as I hit the ground and saw a car blow up behind where I had been standing only moments ago. "Pidgeotto!" I called as she tried to attack with Whirlwind but Areodactyl turned and with one strike of its wing, sent Pidgeotto flying. "No!" I screamed and raced forwards, lunging to catch her before she could hit the ground. "Pidgeotto?" I whispered, looking down at her quivering form. "It's alright, you've done amazingly." I said to her. "Return now and I'll take care of you." I promised as Gary and Kyle ran over.

"Ruby!" Gary grabbed my arms and lifted me up, pulling me back further out of the way as Areodactyl continued to go crazy. "You have to get out of here, I'll handle this old fossil with my Wartortle and Nidoking!" He yelled over the noise but I shook my head.

"He's just scared!" I yelled back, using my arms to shield my eyes from the blasts. "He doesn't understand where he is or what's going on, I just need to talk to him!" I explained as I pressed Pidgeotto's Pokéball into Gary's hand. "Take care of her for me!" I then turned around and ran towards the Areodactyl.

"Ruby no!" Kyle and Gary yelled as I flew forwards, dodging a Hyper Beam attack as it came dangerously close and blocked any way back to the others. Well, no changing my mind now. Somehow I could sense this Pokémon's fear, see it in its eyes. It was defensive because it felt threatened by this new world it knew nothing of, deep down in my heart I could feel it.

"Areodactyl!" I yelled over the noise and it turned to face me, spreading his huge wings and roaring at me, preparing another Hyper Beam attack. Directly at me. "I know you're afraid but it's alright! No one wants to hurt you! Just calm down!" I continued, shielding my eyes from the light but it continued to summon the energy anyway. "Listen to me, I promise I will help you! I can find you a great home to live or even a trainer to take you travelling if you want, just please stop hurting people!" It paused, ball of energy rolling in its mouth and I gave a slight sigh of relief, it looks like I've gotten through. "My name is Ruby Bates, I'm a Pokémon trainer. I'm sorry that you've been awoken from your sleep to such a frightening world, but it really isn't so bad! I promise if you just stop attacking, we can find you a new home to live and I'll look after you, you are not in danger!" I yelled as everyone watched with baited breath, staring as I faced down the Areodactyl.

Slowly I stretched out a hand and took a step forwards, eyes locked on the Areodactyl as I began to approach, hand still held out. Something was guiding me, telling me just to touch this Pokémon and then it would all be alright. Swallowing nervously I hid my fear and kept my heart steady, hearing Fraiser's voice in my head.

"They can sense your fear, girl. Don't give them that weapon against you." So I took deep, even breaths and continued to look directly into Areodactyl's eyes, taking one step at a time, letting him decide how close I got. Finally I was close enough to reach forwards and touch him, so I carefully lifted my hand higher and touched his chest.

A burst of light flashed around me and my eyes flew wide open, the breath leaving my body as I felt a wave of fear swallow me. I was terrified, what was this place? Where am I? Why are there so few trees and these tiny pink faced things all around? Where was home? Where are my flock? I'm alone, I don't like being alone, and there is danger all around!

Wait…that wasn't me, that was…that was Areodactyl! Taking a deep breath I closed my eyes and began to feel my own emotion. Calm peace washed over me and Areodactyl, sending him into a dozy state as I continued to let my feelings and emotions flow into him as they had flown into me.

What was this? I don't understand. How was I doing this? Maybe I need to speak to Professor Oak, he might have an answer. Once Areodactyl was calm, he closed his mouth and the Hyper Beam attack dispearsed, so I smiled and pulled my hand back.

Instantly the blue around us disappeared and the city around us appeared again, folding back into shape as I blinked, swaying slightly with exhaustion. "It's alright. You'll be safe with me." I told him gently, rubbing his snout as he lowered his head to me. "I'll protect you." I promised and it gave a soft growl.

"It's not attacking, hurry and capture it!" A voice suddenly yelled and I snapped my head over to an officer who pointed towards Aerodactyl and another lifted the net cannon.

"No!" I yelled, flinging myself forwards and spread my arms. "Don't! I have it under control!" I tried to tell them but the net had already been fired. Something tells me this is going to hurt. My eyes widened as the net shot towards us, only distantly hearing Gary and my Pokémon shout but then Areodactyl roared.

He flapped his wings and rose up, stopping only to grab me around the waist with one of his massive claws and together, we lifted up into the air. I cried out as the net barely missed us, feeling the rush of its passing as it wrapped around a lamppost instead. "Hey! Areodactyl! You need to put me down!" I called but it ignored me, rising up higher into the sky and suddenly I realised what it was doing. It was hightailing out of there, with me as its new play toy. "No! No put me down!" I yelled, kicking and trying to wriggle free as more nets shot into the sky but Officer Jenny's voice rang in my ears.

"Hold fire! We can't risk the civillian's safety, get a flight team out here now!"

"Ruby! Hang on Ruby!" Kyle shouted up as Areodactyl began to soar away with me.

"Ruby!"

"Driiii!"

"Vee! Vee!" I heard Gary and my two Pokémon calling out to me but no matter how loud I shouted, Areodactyl flew up into the clouds and carried me away, though I was now soaked to the bone. Shivering from the cold I gripped onto the claw, not wanting to slip now in case I fell and went splat.

Fear rolled over me, making my entire body seize up as I slowly looked up to the Areodactyl, who suddenly looked down at me with a piercing yellow glare. It let out a shrieking roar and my heart jolted, making the blood rush to my head and finally, I just gave up and gave out.