Chapter 28

Zapdos took Amber, Surge and Pikachu back to the abandoned power plant off Cerulean City. Ash and Pikachu followed behind on Charizard.

Surge looked down at the ground below them, then back up at Zapdos. He still couldn't believe he was flying through the skies of Kanto on the legendary bird of thunder! Amber turned to face her mentor and they exchanged smiles. This truly was a lifetime experience.

Touching down outside the weathered looking building and making their way through the long overgrown grass, the group pulled open the doors and stepped inside.

Amber gasped. The power plant wasn't exactly a palace before but now it was an outright disaster zone. Broken machine debris and glass littered the floor. Team Rocket had really done a number on the place. Amber growled softly to herself. Team Rocket ...

The wild Raichu who lived there peered out observing the approaching party. She instantly recognised the red headed girl - her friend - and the pokémon that was with her, Zapdos!

Their redhead friend had brought their protector Zapdos back to them!

Raichu bounded out of hiding, the wild pikachu following her lead. Amber's face lit up seeing her poké-friends again, they circled the girl and all chatted up to her excitedly.

"Rai rai!" "Pika pika pikachu!"

"Hey! It's great to see you all again!" Amber beamed. "How are you?" She knelt down to get at the pokémon's level.

Amber's pikachu jumped off his trainers' shoulder, greeting his fellow pokémon species with familiar greetings.

"I'm glad none of you were harmed by Team Rocket. You all must have been so scared." Amber placed her hands gently on the electric pokémon's heads.

"Rai rai! Raichuuu raiiiiiii"

"Pika pikachu!"

Ash, Pikachu and Surge smiled warmly, all having a soft spot at the sight before them.

Zapdos squawked, interrupting the reunion and began to lead the way through the dark building, emitting it's own flash technique to light up the way.

The group soon found themselves back in the central control area, the place where Amber had encountered Electrode and Voltorb. Amber looked around sadly, the remnants of Zapdos most recent struggle against Team Rocket very apparent by the thoroughly trashed room.

"Oh Zapdos ... what you must have been through ..." Amber commented sadly.

Ash placed a hand on his daughters shoulder. "It's ok, it's over now."

The young electric trainer walked over to the platform she'd stood on months before. The massive control server still stood tall, though barely. Big chunks were now missing from it's casing, dead wires and circuitry now fully exposed.

Zapdos stood before the teenager and gave her an encouraging look. Amber instinctively placed one of her hands flat against the scorched machinery, closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against it. Her mind went hazy and then faded to black as a memory began to emerge.

What is this? A vision? Just like the last time I was here …

Amber let the flashback take hold.

***Flashback 12 years ago***

Team Rocket members burst into the room. The released many pokémon and began to attack Zapdos. The electric legend fended off at the attacks easily to begin with.

Being in the confined area the onslaught of attacks started to get a bit much for all the pokémon in the central control room but Team Rocket pushed on, relentless in achieving their mission even at the expense of their own.

Zapdos needed a plan, but what?

The legendary pokémon let out a multitude of cries that echoed throughout the building.

"What's it doing?!" "Who cares, it's guard is down!" "Come on! We've got it on the ropes! Keep attacking!"

The native electric pokémon that called the building home began to pour into the control centre - Raichu and the pikachu, magnemite, magneton, electabuzz, Electrode and it's voltorb. Zapdos spread out it's mighty wings and began to communicate with it's fellow electric pokémon.

The wild pokémon fought back to protect Zapdos, but Team Rocket came prepared with type-advantaged pokémon. A lot of the wild pokémon fell to the villains onslaught. It wasn't long before only Zapdos, Raichu, Electrode and the voltorb remained.

Raichu was thrown back against the wall, the result of a strong Sky Uppercut attack from a high level Gligar.

"Ha That'll teach you to stay out of Team Rocket's way. Rat." The gligar's Rocket trainer chortled.

Zapdos cried out, it's friends were getting hurt and couldn't battle much longer.

Electrode rolled into the middle of the fray and began to glow. It executed a very powerful explosion attack. The explosion blew out all the machinery in the control room and in the blinding light, Zapdos saw it's opportunity. It squawked loudly and made it's escape.

As the bright light faded and the dust cleared the Team Rocket members looked around in panic.

"No! Where's Zapdos?!" "It's escaped!" "Argh we were so close!" "The Boss is gonna kill us!"

The voltorb followed their leaders example and all rallied around the intruders and one by one began to glow.

"Volllltorb"

The ball pokémon all unleashed their own explosion attacks. The Team Rocket members were blown right out of the plant and into the air.

"Argh we were so close!" "The Boss is gonna kill us!" "Damn 'dem Voltorb!"

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

As the aftermath of the numerous explosions ceased, Raichu looked on sadly at the carnage around her, the exploding machinery had resulted in small fires the large main server - the heart of the power plant - was dead. The humans had invaded her home, hurt her friends, who lay about unmoving and chased away their protector. The electric mouse pokémon looked up at the blown ceiling ... Zapdos.

Zapdos flew across Kanto at top speed. A rolling, roaring storm lying wake in it's path, spreading across the country. It lifted it's beak into the air as a voice entered it's head.

"Zapdos, our kin are in danger, you must seek out help. The help of the chosen one."

Zapdos continued to fly, guided by the voice in it's head it travelled to Pallet Town.

Zapdos returned to the power plant. It made it's way through the dark abandoned building back to its roosting spot above the main control centre, it's home damaged from the attack from Team Rocket at their attempt to capture it. The once pristine machinery now charred and broken. But still this was home.

However it was now a home the humans knew about …

I looked upon all of its fallen friends. The Legendary Pokémon of Thunder spread it's wings and unleashed a powerful electric attack, charging up and restoring all the fallen electric wild pokémon to health.

With it's last action, Zapdos retreated itself into the shadows, concealing itself in the rafters above, no longer appearing to it's fellow electric friends for fear of the humans attempts on it's capture once more.

Electrode and the Voltorb took it upon themselves to become the new protectors of the power plant.

Voltorb took their places, concealing themselves perfectly in the surroundings. When a stranger entered the power plant and approached, the balls would roll out and explode on contact. These surprise attacks became the ultimate deterrent.

Electrode itself lay in wait at the control room for any humans who dared make it so far into the building ...

Electrode and the voltorb flourished as defenders and for a number of years the pokémon of the power plant lived in peace, mostly undisturbed aside from the odd experienced trainer out to complete their pokédex.

The mighty electric ball pokémon rocked back and forth surrounding the area. Their numbers over the years grew and grew, as did their confidence and ego. It soon didn't matter what crossed their path, human or pokémon, trained or wild, they would react with the same vigour. As the voltorb numbers continued to grow, other species numbers from the plant began to diminish. Magnemite, Raichu and the pikachu all submitted, their strength no match for their new dictators. With their legendary protector now absent, this was not the home it used to be ...

***End***

"Electrode and the voltorb were protecting the Power Plant …" Amber opened her eyes. And I took them all away, leaving Zapdos and the others wide open for Team Rocket … It's my fault.

The trainer looked up at Zapdos; her eyes filled with determination. "But I know how to make it right!" She turned to Lt Surge. "Surge is it possible to get in touch with the guys at the Vermillion Gym to get all the Voltorb back here?"

"Uh, all of 'em? Well, sure but look at this place, I doubt there's a transport system that'll work." Surge beckoned to the destroyed surroundings. "It's gonna take some time…"

"Leave that to me!" Amber pulled out her pokégear. She scrolled down her contacts, not taking long to find the name she needed.

BILL

Bill was on the scene in record time and began setting up his equipment. Having the opportunity to see the legendary bird of Thunder up close was more than enough incentive for the researcher, he was more than eager to oblige the young trainers request after all she'd done for him.

The aging man wiped his sweating brow and placed his tools on the floor having finished tightening the last fitting on his make-shift transporter model. "Ok, I mean it's a very basic model given the time constraints, but it should be adequate for your needs."

Amber, Ash and Surge all sweat dropped whilst looking at the marvel of the machine the legendary poke-fanatic had constructed in such a short amount of time.

"All we need now is a working power source." Bill added.

"Well don't worry about that, we've got our own Pika-Power source, right?" Amber looked down at her and her Dad's pikachu and grinned.

"Pika!" The duo cried out together and hi fived.

"Excellent. Try to patch through to Vermillion now." Bill looked up at Surge.

Surge dialled out. "Dwyane, dis is Surge. Ya know all Amber's Voltorb? I need 'em transporting to the following co-ordinates, pronto. Yeah, yeah you heard me right. Yes Dwayne you heard right. All of 'em."

Amber and Ash's pikachu each held a wire and began using themselves as batteries to power up the equipment. Bill nodded checking the machine. "Brilliant, just brilliant. It's working."

"Alright Pikachu! Keep it up buddy." Ash encouraged his friend.

One by one, pokéballs appeared from the Vermillion Gym. Amber, Surge and Ash worked on releasing them back into the power plant, as Bill watched over transportation procedures. It wasn't long before the party in the power plant were overwhelmed with the red and white ball pokémon all rocking on the spot. Amber smiled, but her smile didn't last long as she pulled out two pokéballs from her belt and called out her party Voltorb and Electrode.

"Electrodeeeeeee."

Amber knelt to the evolved pokémon's level. "Electrode. I owe you an apology. I understand now, you were never out to hurt Raichu and the pokémon here, you just wanted to protect Zapdos. I took you away, away from your purpose. No wonder you would never listen to me. I acted rash and unforgivably. I still have a lot to learn about being an electric trainer …" She placed her hand on the giant ball and rubbed it gently. "I'll work my hardest to one day be worthy of a pokémon like you. But now you're free. Free to continue your purpose. Protect the place and all the pokémon here."

"Electrodeeeee." The pokémon's eyes changed expression and bumped gently against it's trainer.

"Electrode?"

"Electrodeelectrodeelectrode"

"You … you want to stay and protect me?"

"Electrode!" The pokémon closed it's eyes and rocked happily.

"Electrode …" Amber's eyes teared up. She hugged the giant ball. "I'll do my best to deserve you."

The voltorb in Amber's party rolled over to it's trainers ankle and rocked against it. "You want to stay with me too?" Amber smiled down.

"Vollltorb."

"I'm so glad." Amber beamed. "Thank you, my friends."

Her attention was now on the swarm of now wild Voltorb in front of her. "Hmm guess you guys need a strong leader, don't you?"

A voltorb rolled forwards nominating itself.

Electrode rolled forwards and studied the smaller ball before it. It turned to Amber and rocked enthusiastically, approving it's successor.

Amber looked back to Surge who nodded his head in agreement. Taking her pokémon's and mentors silent advice, the teenager dug into her utility belt and reached inside pulling out a green stone with a lightning bolt etched into it. She showed it to the voltorb, who rolled over and pressed itself against the stone with no hesitation. Everyone watched it as it began to glow and grow.

"Electrode!"

"Electrode. I'm trusting you to lead the voltorb in keeping Zapdos and all the pokémon that live here safe. Look after them all. Will you do that for me?"

"Electrode electrode electrode." The newly evolved large ball rocked back and forth.

"Thank You Electrode."

The wild Raichu and the Pikachu looked on. Amber turned to them. "I'm counting on you guys too." She turned back and addressed all the power plant pokémon present. "On all of you. From now on you must all work together and live in harmony with each other. We can learn from the past and make a better future. Will you do that?"

The pokémon of the power plant all coursed out in agreement.

"Good. Then this place will be one of peace, for all the pokémon living here. A refuge for electric types and any wild pokémon looking for sanctuary." Amber stated.

Amber's electrode and voltorb rocked on the spot in agreement. Now having closure Amber recalled the pair back into their pokéballs and put them on her belt.

Ash stepped forwards. "We'll get a clean up team in here to shift the dangerous debris, make it more habitable again and then it will be sanctioned as a protected property. It won't stop trainers entering here, but it will prevent too much human involvement in this place, plus we can corden off this section of the building. Zapdos should be able to continue living here in peace without fear of capture."

Amber beamed and nodded; she turned her head to look up at the ceiling beam the legendary was perched on. "You hear that Zapdos? The league will protect you. You can rest soundly now."

The bird lowered it's beak to Amber and offered her a bright yellow feather from it's plumage.

"For me? Thank You Zapdos."

"Squaaa" it nuzzled the girl again, cementing the promise that should she ever need it, the Legendary Kanto Bird of Thunder was at her command.

"Squuaaaaaaaaaaaaa" Zapdos unleashed it's wings and cried out before taking off and disappearing once more into the rafters of the abandoned building.

Bill sighed at the retreating shadow. "What an impressive beast. What an honour to have seen it up close. How I'd love to study it."

"Some things are best left in wholly in nature, Proff." Surge added, also in awe of seeing the legendary bird.

"Yes Lieutenant, I believe you are right." Bill agreed.

Amber turned to her father. "Dad … I'm so sorry." Amber looked down on the ground and blushed.

"Huh?" Ash looked down at Amber confused.

"It was all my fault Zapdos was exposed here, I took it's line of defence away and if I had been honest and told you about my encounters with Team Rocket, I might never have got caught and put you in that position. I guess I … I proved you were right … I wasn't ready …" Amber choked out her last sentence. "I'll come back home now."

The pokémon master closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Amber. What you showed me and the world today was nothing short of remarkable. You've grown into a fine pokémon trainer and I for one can't wait to see what you'll do next."

Amber looked up, eyes widening "Does this mean you're not going to stop my journey; I can carry on and compete in the Pokémon League?!"

Ash nodded. "You've proven yourself more than capable of looking after yourself. Amber, it was me who was wrong to keep you sheltered all those years. I should have told you about Team Rocket, about what happened in the past. If I had, you'd have known what you were up against and we would have dealt with them together sooner. Maybe it wouldn't have come to all this. But what's done is done, and like you so eloquently put it." The Pokémon Master ruffled his daughters hair "We can learn from the past and make a better future." Ash briefly paused. "I'm the one that's sorry. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

Amber hugged her father tightly burying her face in his chest. Ash put his hands on her shoulders reciprocating the embrace.

"Pikachu" Both the Ketchum Pikachu closed their eyes and chirped with approval.

Lt Surge cleared his throat, ending the father daughter moment. "Well, on that note, I think our work here is done. Now I must return to my duties at the Vermillion Gym." Surge placed a strong firm hand on Amber's shoulder. "I'm proud of ya kid. You've come a long long way since you arrived at my gym."

Amber looked up at her mentor and smiled.

"Thank You Surge."

"Only 2 more badges. Then you will face me in battle and I'll get to see what you're really made of."

Amber nodded and clenched her fists. "I won't let you down."

"Good. Then best bring you're A game kid, cause I'm not going to go easy on ya."

Surge turned to Ash and saluted. "Master Ketchum."

Ash grinned. "At ease Lieutenant." … "And Surge. Thank you. For everything."

The giant man lowered his hand and exited the building. His massive retreating form casting an impressive shadow.

Bill was next to speak up. "I better be headed back too, Surge will need transport back to the mainland." Bill turned to Amber. "If it's alright with you Amber, I'd like it very much if you'd stop by the lighthouse tomorrow. I have something that only you can help me with."

"Huh? Well sure, no problem." Amber put her hand on the back of her head, a little confused but accepting of the request al the same.

"Excellent. Then I bid you both farewell and I will see you very soon." Bill slightly bowed and also retreated.

Ash turned to his daughter and smiled. Lt Surge had been right, she really was something special. "Guess we better get going too. We'll go rendezvous with your mother and the others at the Cerulean Gym."

Amber nodded in agreement.

"Let's go Kiddo."

The Ketchum's exited the building. Both Pikachu pouncing up on their respective trainers shoulder as Ash once again released his faithful flying fire pokémon, Charizard.

Amber turned her head and gave the power plant one last longing look before climbing aboard Charizard. She gazed at the bright yellow feather held tightly in her hand before packing it safely away in her utility belt.

Goodbye Zapdos. At least for now.

The welcoming party all gathered in the lobby of the Cerulean City Gym to greet the two Ketchum's on their return from the nearby Power Plant. To Ash and Amber's surprise stood Delia, Cole, his girlfriend Elesa, the three sensational sisters, Gary, Elaine, The Elite Four, Gym Leaders Erica, Janine and Sabrina, Brock and Misty herself. Dusty and Forrest had stayed behind on Cinnabar Island to continue the repair work there.

They all cheered as Father, Daughter and Pikachu's entered the building.

Amber smiled shyly on entry.

"Amber!" Misty ran over and hugged her daughter tightly.

Amber went bright red, a little from embarrassment but mainly from asphyxiation.

"Let the kid breathe, Mist." Ash remarked.

Misty beamed up at her husband and reluctantly let get of her daughter. Ash wrapped his around his wife, he cleared his throat getting everyone's attention.

"Wow what a welcome. I'd just like to say congratulations and a huge well done everyone. Today marked a momentous occasion where once again our ideals and strong bonds with our pokémon, our friends, came through and we won the day against those who wish to harm that. It's been a difficult ride, but I couldn't be prouder of the people in the room today. I'm honoured to call you all my colleagues. My friends. My family. Speaking of family, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Amber." Ash turned to his youngest offspring.

Amber looked up in surprise. Was she getting recognition? Was she finally the one in the spotlight? For her own accomplishments?!

"It was your courage and unwavering determination that saved us all. This really was your victory. Say a few words Kiddo." Ash grinned.

"Well … I … Uhhh …" Amber blushed and put her hand behind her head with a smile. Not used to being the centre of attention, she was a little lost for words. "I guess I …"

"Actually, I'd like to say a few words." Cole Ketchum spoke up.

Everyone turned and looked at the young socialite, once more all eyes were on him. Amber waited on bated breath. Was her brother about to toast her and her accomplishments?! Would she finally outshine the blue-eyed boy?!

He turned towards his girlfriend of the Nimbasa Gym.

"Elesa. I know we haven't been together all that long, but the time we have been, well it's been amazing and this weekend, all that's happened it's made me realise time is precious and to seize the moment, you know? You're amazing Elesa and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." The young man got down on one knee and produced a small box containing a gorgeous white gold band with the biggest sparkling diamond protruding from its centre. "Will you marry me?"

Everyone gasped. Misty, Lily, Daisy and Violet clutched on to each other eyes wide with anticipation.

The pause was mere seconds, but time seemed to stand still till the ever-cool Nimbasa gym leader finally opened her mouth. "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you!"

Amber flumped to the floor. "You've got to be kidding me?!"

The gathering erupted as Cole slid the ring on the beautiful model's finger and the couple shared a romantic embrace.

Misty, Ash and Pikachu rushed over to embrace their son and future daughter-in-law. Misty admiring the ring, Pikachu pouncing on his new family members shoulder with approval, Elesa fully enjoying the moment with the famous electric mouse. Ash patted his son on the back in congratulations and shook his hand with a hearty grin. Daisy, Lily, Violet and Delia were in floods of tears. Gary, Brock, Elaine, the Elite Four and participating Gym Leaders all clapped in celebration. The pokémon all cried out in accepting unison.

"… But this was my moment …" Amber couldn't help but feel the twinge of bitterness. She'd been one-upped once again by her brother and as usual became invisible once more.

"Like let's celebrate everyone!" Lily popped a bottle of Champaign and let the bubbles froth over.

"I hope everyone is hungryyyy" Delia's voice almost singing from the kitchen as she zipped between the multiple frying pans on the go.

"Alright!" Everyone in the Cerulean Gym cheered and the party began.

Amber propped herself up on a stool, feeling quite the wallflower. She looked on at her friends and family enjoying the gathering and began people watching.

Ash, Misty and Brock caught up on Brocks latest travels over mouthfuls of food and what's been happening back in Kanto during the older man's absence. Also taking time to reminisce about the old days.

The Elite Four and Gym Leaders all conversed, keeping work related topics to a minimum, letting their hair down and relaxing into the jubilant atmosphere after a hard day done.

Delia although not in her own home was forever the perfect host, making sure drinks and plates were topped up between the guests.

The pokémon released all ate from their own plates, enjoying the atmosphere and company of other pokémon. Ash's Pikachu and Amber's Pikachu enjoying being in each other's company especially.

Gary and Cole stood at the bar area joking around, comparing previous conquests and gossiping with the three Sensational Sisters before dealing with death glares from Elesa and Elaine, the men sweat dropping profusely whilst insisting their chat was just playful banter.

Amber looked down at her feet. She wished she was more outgoing like her brother Cole was, he seemed to fit in seamlessly wherever he went, oozing charisma. Still after the day's events she didn't really feel like being the life and soul of the party right now. She reflected on her time in the Team Rocket HQ, Zapdos, Cassidy, Butch, the revelations of the past … she hadn't really had time to process it all ...

Her thoughts turned to a green-eyed boy with brown floppy hair.

"You have to trust me." Shane grabbed her hand and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Why should I ever trust you?".

"Because! Because … I, well I …" Shane fumbled over his words.

Shane blushed deep crimson and stepped towards her. He gently cupped his crushes face and pressed his lips to hers, giving in to all his pent-up feelings.

Ambers eyes widened in surprise. She didn't reciprocate but she also didn't pull away. He parted his lips slightly, deepening the kiss. After seconds, the Rocket Agent pulled away ending the kiss, he looked down at the floor and then back up into Ambers eyes, the blush still across his face, breathing heavily and slightly sweating. Amber stayed perfectly still, shocked.

"This doesn't change anything. You're a member of Team Rocket" Amber spoke quietly, looking away from him. "I can't forgive that!" A blush across her face.

Amber grimaced.

Why does this bother me so much …

Amber continued to look at the floor lost in her thoughts. Across the room a set of steely blue eyes observed the reserved teenager's behaviour.

Amber got up and quietly slid open the screen door to the outside, slipping out and closing it behind her. She sat down the on the grass looking up at the night sky. It was a warm clear night with the stars out in full display. But her mind wasn't on the heavens above. Her mind wandered back to earlier events…

"I'm sorry Amber. I think you're amazing. I really do! You're going to go on to great things, I know it." Shane turned to the Blonde Rocket girl. "But Thea's the one really I love. Deep down I've always loved."

Amber grimaced.

I can't stop thinking about it …

Elesa pulled open the screen doors and approached the red headed teenager. It was clear Amber had something on her mind, a pensive look etched on the girl's face.

"You had quite the day today. Penny for your thoughts?" Elesa spoke softly as she joined Amber, sitting herself down on the soft grass verge next to a fellow electric trainer.

Amber looked up wide eyed, a small blush appearing. She had been so lost in thought she hadn't even registered her idol approaching.

"Elesa!" Amber squeaked. She then looked down and sweat dropped slightly. "Oh, it's nothing, stupid really."

"So stupid it distracted you from your own party?"

"You noticed?" Amber's eyes widened.

"I'm quite observant." Elesa smiled. Her facial expression and demeanour encouraging Amber to open up on what was bothering her.

"It's just … back at the Rocket Base … there was this guy … and … ugh why is this bugging me so much!"

"Ah boy drama. Of course." Elesa leaned back on her elbows and nodded.

"I don't even know if I even liked him … I mean he was Ok I guess … not really the type I'd go for." Amber looked down at her feet. "But then again … He was the first boy to ever tell me he liked me. No. The only boy to ever tell me he liked me. He stole my first kiss and then not even an hour later he went off with another girl? Ughhhh! What is wrong with me?!" Amber put her head in her hands. "I know I'm not pretty like Mom is … everyone always says how much I look like Dad, like a boy. My hair sticks out, my skin is pasty, I don't have Mum's beautiful blue eyes or Dad's jet-black hair like Cole does… my body is scrawny … I'm just the runt… but I thought I'd meet somebody … that there would be someone out there who liked me. But I guess not." The teenager sighed and looked at her idol. "I'd give anything to have what you have Elesa …"

"Oh Amber …" Elesa put her hand on the teenager's face and tilted her chin up. "I wish you saw yourself how I see you." Elesa ran a finger through a lock of Amber's hair. "These natural untamed locks of fire red hair." The gym leader's fingertips traced down Amber's cheek. "Pure porcelain skin, a bone structure to die for. You're a natural beauty just waiting to bloom. Deep chocolate eyes burning with promise, and such raw beautiful talent with electric pokémon. To be chosen by Zapdos itself to ride upon it's back. It's a dream I doubt I'll ever experience. If anyone should be envious, it's me."

Amber sniffed. "You … you really see me like that?"

"I do. There's nothing wrong with you at all, you just haven't met the right person yet. But believe me, they are out there, just waiting to meet you. And when they do, that person will be the luckiest person alive."

"You think so?" Amber wiped her eyes.

"I know so." Elesa smiled at the girl. "... Well maybe not the luckiest" The model admired her new engagement ring, the moonlight dancing off the giant gem as it dazzled and sparkled.

Amber deadpanned.

Elesa sat with Amber a few moments longer before getting up and returning inside to her fiancé and pending in-laws, leaving the teenager alone with her thoughts for a little bit longer.

Amber looked up and watched a shooting star fly over in the night sky.

Make a wish.

Hours past, the food was eaten, the flow of drinks eased, and the party wound down. The remaining guests had all either left or retired for the night with a few night owls still up, chatting in the large dining area, mainly Misty gushing over Cole and Elesa's upcoming nuptials.

"He's only getting married, it's not like he saved the world or anything." Amber muttered bitterly under her breath.

"So, what's next for you Kiddo?" Ash turned to his daughter and asked taking a big gulp of his remaining beer and setting the glass aside.

"Well, I promised Surge he'd be my final gym battle. Pewter City isn't far from here, so I guess I'll challenge for the Boulder Badge next." Amber concluded.

"You know I think I'll visit home for a few days too, if you want, we can travel there together?" Brock spoke up.

"Really? That would be great Uncle Brock!" Amber beamed.

"It's settled then. We'll set off first thing tomorrow." Brock nodded. "Hey Gary, you'll be heading that way too, won't you? Do you want to travel with us?" Brock turned to the Viridian Gym Leader.

"Actually, I'm going to head back Viridian City now."

"Now?" Amber spoke out in surprise. "It's really late."

Gary nodded, he got up and walked over to the large screen doors pulling them open, giving the party access to the outside. "The gym and the city are going to need some major repairs before they re-open. I need to get working on it straight away. Plus, I'm going to need to up-date my research on the legendary birds."

Gary pulled out a pokéball and released his aerodactyl.

"Can't spend all my time goofing off like your Dad does" Gary remarked. Ash choked on a chicken wing in response.

Gary turned back to Amber. "And of course, prepare for our re-match squirt."

"You mean it?" Amber clenched her fists in excitement.

"Yep. I think you're ready to have another go." Gary smirked.

Amber grinned and nodded eagerly. "I'll be seeing you soon."

"I'm counting on it."

"Don't forget about my challenge Gary Oak, you owe me the first gym battle for the Earth badge!" Elaine marched up to the gym leader and grabbed his arm.

"I know, I knowww!" Gary wailed.

"I'm not letting you out of my sight!"

"Oh ho! Can't stand being away from my greatness?" Gary teased back.

"Ha whatever, I just want that Earth Badge." Elaine released Pidgeot.

"That you already have ... and more than one I might add." Gary rolled his eyes.

"What can I say? I just really like beating you." Elaine smirked.

"Humph. Confident as always."

Gary and Elaine mounted their flying pokémon.

Ash and Misty walked over to see their guests off. Ash put his arm around his wife's shoulders. The couple smiled, Gary looked back, everything that needed to be said between the old friends was in their expressions.

Gary smirked. "Smell ya later." With that he saluted, and flew off, Elaine following his lead.

"Later Gary." Ash smiled as the trainers faded into night the sky.

Amber also watching the trainers leave, smiled to herself with a newfound confidence. Just 3 more badges.