Back on the road we'd taken a lot of twists and turns, travelled through forests, over mountains and overseas but this place just set me on edge. We were walking through a canyon with steep cliffs either side of us, only thing was there were loads of rocks set at the edge, threatening to fall at any moment.
"Hey guys, look at those boulders. They could come crashing down at any second." Misty worried as if reading my mind.
"Misty's right, I think we'd better hurry through here and fast!" Brock agreed so we all started to run. We got no further than a couple of steps ahead when a sudden gale force wind blew through the canyon, stopping us in our tracks as it blew dust and small stones into our faces which we guarded with our arms whilst trying to keep from being pushed backwards.
The sudden crunch of rock made us all look up to see the rocks falling from above, disturbed by the wind and my heart gave a jolt of fear as they loomed closer, falling quickly down to the exact spot we were standing frozen in place.
But then out of nowhere I heard a growl and something ploughed into me, sweeping me up and I was then surrounded by warmth and thick fur which I clung to with one hand and the egg case with the other, keeping it tucked securely into me as I struggled to hang on. What's going on? What's happening?
Taking a deep breath I opened my eyes and blinked when I found myself riding on an Arcanine, its powerful body carrying us out from under the rocks and through the raging wind without even placing a paw wrong. Wow! This is awesome! With a laugh I swung my leg around and sat upright, leaning forwards slightly to gain my balance then looked back at Brock as he clung to the satchel strap that was wound around the Arcanine's body. So it's not a wild one, that's kind of a shame. I'd love an Arcanine!
Ahead I saw two more Arcanine only this time, they carried passengers that weren't my friends. A girl and a younger boy, both of whom rode the Arcanine with precision and skill. We raced out of the canyon until the Arcanine halted with a bark, stopping short so that the others could jump off.
Our Arcanine sat down and Brock fell off into a heap on the ground but I swung down easily, walking to the Arcanine's face with a smile. "Thank you so much Arcanine! You really saved our lives back there." I praised before beginning to scratch the spot behind its ear where it instantly began to wag its tail and leaned into my touch.
"Hey, you're pretty good with Arcanine. Usually it doesn't let any stranger pet it like that." The girl said to me so I gave a shy smile.
"Well, I've been taught how to treat all kinds of Pokémon with special massages and I even spent time with a gym leader who specialised in fire types. He showed me how to take care of any fire Pokémon and one of his favourites was the Arcanine. I learned a lot." I explained, giving one last scratch before walking over to the others. "Thanks for helping us out."
"Yeah, you saved us back there." Ash said to them as the boy leaned back against his Arcanine, tucking his hands behind his head.
"We're just happy you're all okay." The girl told us warmly.
"Yeah good thing we were passing by when we did." The boy agreed.
"My name's Ramona and this little guy's my little brother Kegan." Ramona introduced and the little sweetie gave a little bow to Misty, his eyes shining slightly in admiration.
"Kegan at your service miss." Aw that's just adorable. I think he's got a little crush on Misty!
"It's very nice to meet both of you. My name is Misty." She introduced as Togepi chirped in her arms. I was stood next to her so I went next.
"I'm Ruby. Ruby Bates." I nodded my head to them in greeting before Ash introduced himself.
"And I'm Ash Ketchum." However Brock wasn't all too focused on the introductions.
"And I'm in heaven!" He proclaimed then skipped forwards over to Ramona then grabbed one of her hands, holding it close to his face as he gazed up at her with that goofy smile and voice. "It's absolutely miraculous that a Pokémon as powerful as an Arcanine is like honey in hands as dainty and delicate as these are!" He declared and I sighed with a shake of my head. How does he come up with all this? Does he plan every speech out or just goes with the flow? Suddenly he dropped to his knees and practically grovelled before her. "Oh Ramona, I'll do whatever you command just like Arcanine, I'm putty in your hands!"
Misty saw sense and strode forwards, grabbing Brock by the ear and lifted him up to his feet with an unimpressed look on her face. "You may be putty to her but you're nutty to me." She told him before leading him away as he winced.
"Ow! Not the ear!" Ash took this moment of distraction to get a closer look at the Arcanine, looking at them with awe and fascination.
"Wow this is cool! I've never seen an Arcanine up close like this before."
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed as Ash flipped open Dexter to look at the information registered about Arcanine.
"Arcanine, a legendary Pokémon, the evolved form of Growlithe. Arcanine is well known for its bravery and fierce loyalty. Growlithe evolved into Arcanine through use of a Fire Stone." Dexter explained as Ash and I both listened.
"So that's how Growlithe turns into an Arcanine." Ash stated before frowning slightly in thought. "You know…I think I saw a Fire Stone someplace." He mused and I nodded my head.
"I have one or two, remember Ash? And also we saw loads of evolution stones back in Stone Town with the four Eevee brothers." I reminded him but then I felt hot breath being blown on the back of my head so I turned to see the Arcanine who had carried me to safety standing right behind me. "Huh?" Arcanine gave a bark then lay down before me, stretching out its head and began to nuzzle into me with its warm fur.
"Would you look at that. Arcanine really likes you Ruby. You must be some trainer." Ramona said to me as Kegan brought out a bag from the satchel attached to his Arcanine.
"I have some Fire Stones in here Ash, take a look." He offered and the four of us all looked inside to see a rather large amount of Fire Stones gathered together.
"There must be dozens of them in there." Ash said with an impressed tone.
"How did you get all those Fire Stones Kegan? Did you win them or trade for them?" Misty asked him gently but Kegan shook his head.
"They don't belong to me Misty, these Fire Stones are the prizes they're going to give to the winners at the big competition." He explained and Ash's head lifted slightly with interest.
"Competition?" I thought that might get Ash's interest peaked.
"Yeah, they're having a fire Pokémon tournament on the other side of these mountains tomorrow." He informed us and I hummed in thought. Fire Pokémon competition, now that sounds like fun! Maybe I should enter with Charizard? It would be good experience and he hasn't had a proper battle in a while.
"That makes sense, they're a perfect prize for a fire Pokémon contest." Misty agreed with a smile as we all faced the brother and sister.
"You see my brother and I have a delivery business so we transport all kinds of cargo from town to town and village to village using our Arcanine." Ramona explained and I turned to the Arcanine who still elected to rest close to me, giving a broad smile which it returned.
"That sounds like an exciting job! Climbing steep mountains, crossing swift surging rivers…outrunning tumbling boulders!" Brock got a little carried away with his excitement, over enthused by the thought of it all but I did agree, it sounds like a pretty amazing life and you get to spend all your time with the Arcanine, which is great in itself.
"Brock's right, it must be pretty interesting." Ash said to Kegan and Ramona who both nodded their heads.
"Maybe we could travel together, where are you guys headed for?" Ramona asked and instantly I lifted my head.
"We're all going to Olivine City so that Ash and I can challenge the gym leader there." I told them. "You see, we're both entered in the Johto league." Kegan instantly grinned and turned to his sister.
"Olivine City is in the same direction we're going. Ramona, we could get them there a whole lot faster!" Kegan said hopefully and I bit my lip in hope as well. I'd love to ride the Arcanine again, would she let us?
"You're right." She nodded her head in agreement. "That is, as long as you don't mind riding on one of the Arcanine." She said to us but I merely laughed.
"Are you kidding? I thought you'd never ask!" The Arcanine laying down next to me leaped to its feet then began to nudge at me, making me giggle as I turned and leaped up onto its back. "You got it buddy! Let's get this wagon rolling!"
"Awesome! Hey Kegan, can Pikachu and I ride with you and your Arcanine? It looks fast." Ash asked and Kegan laughed as he climbed onto his Arcanine. "Sure! Climb on Ash."
"Well Misty, you can ride with me and Brock, you'll be perfectly safe on our other Arcanine. Just hold on tight to Ruby and you won't fall off." Ramona said as she jumped onto her own Arcanine then held out a hand to help Misty get on too. "Ruby, don't worry about a thing, let Arcanine just follow us and you won't get into any trouble."
"No problem Ramona." I told her confidently. "This is going to be a blast! Right Arcanine?" Arcanine barked in agreement so I giggled then wove my fingers into its bushy and warm fur having zipped the egg into my bag to keep it safe.
"You all ready?" Ramona called over her shoulder as she took the lead.
"You bet!" We all called back but Brock wasn't too sure.
"I think I need to strap myself in." He whined but it was too late.
"Okay then let's go!" Arcanine suddenly powered forwards and I laughed aloud, feeling myself jerk backwards slightly before I adjusted to the speed and leaned forwards, keeping my balance as Brock yelled from behind, hanging onto my waist for dear life as his legs flew off Arcanine's back, unable to keep his seat.
I felt the rush of wind and it almost seemed like we were flying, in fact even more so when the Arcanine jumped and soared through the air, covering as much distance as it would have by continuing to run.
We ran all day until finally we stopped in the afternoon for a rest, some good tea and food. I jumped off of Arcanine still with bundles of energy, unable to control my laughter as I spun around. "That was so much fun! And guys, I've had an amazing idea!" I declared as Brock fell down to the ground beside me, groaning in pain.
"What's that Ruby?" Misty asked as she too dismounted.
"When I get my sanctuary up and running, I'm going to have Arcanine help patrol the grounds to protect all the Pokémon and help me get to any trouble fast if I can't fly there. It'll be awesome!" I said whilst patting Arcanine's soft fur.
"That's a great idea!" Misty beamed as Ramona got down from her Arcanine.
"Pokémon sanctuary?" She queried so Ash explained as I was a little too busy fussing over the Arcanine, rubbing its belly as it rolled onto its back.
"You see, Ruby has a dream to one day open a sanctuary for Pokémon that have been abandoned or need special help. She wants to protect them and help them either find new trainers or new homes to live safely. Amazing, right?"
"You bet. That's such a wonderful idea. Have you had any thoughts about where you're going to set up?" Ramona asked me, walking over and handed me a brush without even needed to ask. I took it and began to work through Arcanine's fur carefully, grooming it to perfection.
"I'm thinking about the one sanctuary back in Kanto, my home region however I would like to extend to other regions as well, plus I'll need centres all across the place so that people could bring in Pokémon for any special treatment, for example if a Pokémon is afraid of humans then that's what I'll be there for, to help them get over that fear but sometimes, us humans need help as well, so I'll be there to help them as well." I said as Ramona listened with interest. "You see, some people just don't understand how important Pokémon are and will mistreat them without a second thought."
I paused in my work to turn and let out Bulbasaur and Vaporeon, kneeling down to greet them as they both sprang into my arms with a cheer, instantly licking and tickling me to show their affection as I laughed. "These two Pokémon were ones I rescued. Bulbasaur had been abandoned by his trainer and left in a sewer for over thirty years, and this Vaporeon was being bullied and hurt by her trainer when it was just a little Eevee, I found her being left in a forest by the trainer all alone." I explained to Ramona who knelt down and held out her hand to Bulbasaur who blinked then went over to her, letting her rub his head and he instantly smiled.
"Bulbasaur." He wrapped his vines around her arms to hold onto her and she chuckled before giving a sad sigh.
"That's just awful. I had no idea people really did such things to their Pokémon." She said and I nodded my head.
"It happens all the time and I want to put a stop to it. My Pokémon Sanctuary is something I'm going to work hard for and no one is going to stop me. I'll find somewhere I can put Pokémon to rest and recover, and even stay if they want to. All I want is for them to be safe, so that's what I'm going to do." I told her confidently as Kegan walked over.
"That's pretty amazing you know. Hey Ramona, can we help somehow? I want to be part of something like that." He asked, crouching down and stroked Vaporeon's back as she sat in my lap, enjoying my attention as Bulbasaur found a new friend in Ramona.
"Sure but I don't know how. We're so busy with our delivery service." Kegan thought for a moment before suddenly lifting his head.
"I got it! We can tell all our customers about your great idea Ruby, that way we can help get you sponsors and, if we ever find any abandoned Pokémon, we'll take them straight to a Pokémon Centre and tell you, so you can then help find it a new home."
"That's a great idea Kegan, that would really help Ruby start up her plan." Brock said, finally pulling himself together as he set up the tea. "If you can start practicing how you help Pokémon Ruby, you'll be able to learn how to best help Pokémon and your dreams will start to come true." He was right, it would be amazing if people did start to hear about my plan, but how would I make mine different to any other rehoming centre for Pokémon? Apart from the fact mine will be better and focused on the Pokémon instead of the money. Oh well, I'll come to that bridge when it needs crossing.
"Thanks guys, you all are so great to me." I said with a smile before turning to my Pokémon. "Okay guys, back in your Pokéballs. I think Ramona would like to keep her arm." Bulbasaur turned a cheerful expression to me before I returned them both then continued to groom Arcanine.
I groomed Arcanine until its coat was shiny and smooth, making it look ten times as magnificent as it lifted its head proudly. "There. You look fantastic Arcanine, if I do say so myself." I added as I stepped back to admire Arcanine's freshly groomed coat. Arcanine barked then licked my face with a wet tongue, making me giggle before I managed to wriggle away. "Stop that! That tickles!" I laughed then looked around to see Ash climbing up onto Kegan's Arcanine. "Hey what's going on?" I questioned but then I suddenly felt a muzzle scoop me up from underneath and I was tossed into the air with a yell before landing on Arcanine's back. "Hey! What's going on?" I yelped as Arcanine suddenly surged forwards. "Wow! Stop Arcanine! I'm not your cargo!"
"Ruby! Ruby what are you doing?" Misty yelled as Arcanine began to pelt after Ash and his ride, straight for a rock.
"I'm being kidnapped!" I yelled back then pressed my eyes tightly shut.
"Don't panic, just lean the way you want to go!" Kegan called out to us so I opened my eyes to see Ash lean left, so I leaned right and sure enough, Arcanine turned right and avoided the rock.
"Phew, that was close. Now Arcanine, slow down a little bit." I told it firmly before gulping. "Please?" Arcanine gave a bark then slowed down its run a little, making it easier for me to breathe and slow down my beating heart. "Okay, that's good." I sighed with relief before I heard Ash yelling in fear.
I saw him and his Arcanine leaping up into the air over a ditch, clearing it easily with space to spare until finally they landed but Ash was thrown off, tossed up into the air then landed on the ground with a roll, groaning from being winded. "Ash!" I cried out and instantly moved Arcanine over to him, bounding over in just two leaps. "Ash are you okay?" I asked, jumping off of Arcanine's back but he was already sitting up.
"That was great!" He cheered and I sighed, shaking my head before smiling. At least he's okay. "All I need is more practice and then I'll be as good as Kegan is." Suddenly we all heard whistling, one that seemed to descend in sound so we all looked up to find a rocket blazing down from the sky and aimed right where we were standing.
"That rocket is heading right this way!" Ramona pointed so I quickly grabbed my pack with the egg in it then turned to the others.
"Well then, let's not stand here like a sitting Psyduck! Run!" We all ran from our packs, leaving them behind and just tried to run out of range of the rocket blast however when it hit the ground, it simply stood there embedded in the dirt without even exploding. Well that's a disappointing action sequence.
It seemed I spoke to soon though, because a hatch opened and a hand shot out, going into one of the satchels and pulled out the Fire Stones. Oh shocker, I wonder who the bad guys could be? "Someone's stealing the Fire Stones!" Ramona said with anger, stepping forwards with Ash at her side.
"I think I know who." He told her before a voice came from within the rocket.
"It's too late to prepare for trouble." Jessie.
"We stole the Fire Stones on the double!" James.
"To protect the world from devastation…" Yup. It's Team Rocket. But would they please stop with the stupid motto already?! It's driving me nuts!
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love…"
"To extend our reach to the stars about." They appeared by rising up from within their rocket, standing on a platform with their faces hidden behind little flaps with the Team Rocket letter on them.
"Jessie."
"James." That's it, I've had enough.
"Okay Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip to grab that bag!" I called and sent out my Pokémon, unable to stand another word of their stupid drama sequence. Bulbasaur appeared and instantly let his vines shoot forwards, aiming for the bag in Jessie's hand but then Meowth leaped out with the rubber hand and smirked.
"Take this you sewer scum!" He yelled and punched it forwards, hitting Bulbasaur right in the face.
"Agh! Bulbasaur no!" I ran over to Bulbasaur who shook out the hit, glaring up at Team Rocket as they jumped down from their little podium with a satisfied smirk whilst I ran over to Bulbasaur who seemed a little uneasy on his legs, slightly stunned by the hit. "Bulbasaur are you okay?" I asked him gently and he looked up at me.
"Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur Saur." He told me and I nodded my head with a soft smile.
"It's okay, that was a dirty Team Rocket trick."
"That's right little girl, didn't your parents ever tell you it was rude to interrupt someone when they were speaking?" Jessie said to me as I picked Bulbasaur up in my arms.
"At least I don't go around stealing things that don't belong to me!" I returned, stepping forwards. "Those Fire Stones aren't for you, give them back!"
"Oh I think you're wrong." Jessie said with a shake of her head.
"Anything we steal does in fact belong to us. So these stones are ours!" James agreed but Ash wasn't going to give up just like that.
"We'll see about that. Pikachu zap them with your Thunderbolt!" He said and Pikachu instantly began to crackle at the cheeks, charging himself up ready for a powerful electric attack. Suddenly the hand shot out again only this time it grabbed Pikachu before any of us could move. "Oh no!"
"Pikachu!" I gasped and Bulbasaur lowered his head to glare at Team Rocket.
"Bulba!" Pikachu's Thunderbolt was absorbed by the rubber glove, rendering it ineffective and useless as Meowth laughed.
"Zap away Pikachu, that rubber hand absorbs electricity." I was about to call for Bulbasaur to use Razor Leaf when Ramona stepped forwards with a hard, stony expression.
"Arcanine get Pikachu out of that thing!" She ordered and her Arcanine suddenly sprang forwards, smashing into the spring of the rubber hand and smashed it to shards, letting Pikachu go flying free and Ash ran forwards with his arms outstretched.
"I got you!" He called then caught Pikachu in his arms, laughing down as Pikachu beamed.
"Pika Pi!" I chuckled, looking down at Bulbasaur with a smile which he returned. At least Pikachu is okay.
"Alright Arcanine, now use Fire Spin all together!" I watched as all three Arcanine ran forwards with their bodies alight with twisting fire, leaping up with angry growls before lunging at Team Rocket who all ducked with a cry of fear, avoiding being hit as the Arcanine flew overhead.
"We're forced to retreat for now, team." Jessie said quickly with James instantly concurring.
"It's a good thing we brought the rocket this time Jess." Meowth pointed into the air with an unfazed smirk.
"It's time we activate our high speed emergency escape system!" He crowed before the three of them ran back into their rocket through an open hatch and it began to glow brightly inside.
"What is that?" I asked nervously, taking a step back as we all watched helplessly.
"It must be something pretty unbelievable." Ash answered. We waited a second longer until Team Rocket leaped out on their escape ride with victorious laughter. A three seated bicycle.
"Yeah Ash. Unbelievable." I agreed with a dead pan face. Those guys should have their own show. They'd certainly keep the audience guessing.
"You ready to go get them?" Ramona turned to her brother who instantly nodded his head.
"Yeah!" They both ran forwards then jumped onto their Arcanine, turning to face Team Rocket as they pedalled away as fast as their legs would carry them.
"Let's go Arcanine and catch those three!" Ramona called and then all at once the Arcanine sprang forwards with even more speed than I had seen before. They sure knew how to hustle when the going gets gone. Team Rocket had better watch out, I know I wouldn't want to be facing an angry Arcanine.
"Those Arcanine sure are fast." Ash noted as we stood and watched them go.
"Yeah, their legs look like a blur!"
"They all must be using their Extreme Speed!" Misty realised so I began to run after them.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's follow them!" With Bulbasaur in my arms and the egg in my pack we all raced after the Arcanine, watching them surround Team Rocket, but after a moment or two, a parachute suddenly opened up from the back of the bike and they halted quickly, losing the Arcanine who skidded to try and stop, pressing their paws into the ground but the moment they were still, they fell into a Team Rocket hole. "Oh no!"
"Ramona!"
"Kegan!" Brock and Ash yelled as we reached the edge of the giant hole, looking down at the deeply dug trap. Wow, Team Rocket had really outdone themselves this time. This has to be one of the biggest holes I've ever seen from them.
"Are you guys all okay down there?" Misty called down and Kegan nodded his head.
"I think so."
"Don't worry, Bulbasaur will get you two out." I assured them before putting Bulbasaur on the ground. "Bulbasaur, lower me down first then lift Kegan and Ramona up." I told him and he nodded to me.
"Bulbasaur." Wrapping his vines securely around my waist he let me down and I instantly went over to Kegan and Ramona.
"Is anything hurting?" I asked but they shook their heads.
"No, we're fine. I'm worried about the Arcanine though, that was quite a fall for them." Ramona said as the Arcanine remained motionless on the ground so I gave her a warm, confident smile.
"It'll be okay. I'll make sure they're alright. You just help Kegan get out of here."
"Right." She stood up with Kegan and Bulbasaur instantly wrapped his vines around them both and lifted them out.
"Okay Arcanine, time to wake up." I said, pulling out some medicine then began to spray them. "You all took quit a fall but just a little bit of this and you'll be back on your feet in no time. We have to go after Team Rocket and get those Fire Stones back." I told them and slowly, they began to open their eyes. They blinked in surprise, looking around them before leaping to their feet and barking. "That's it, now all of you jump on out, we've got some crooks to catch!"
One by one the Arcanine leaped out but the last one stopped and nudged me to its back so I climbed on, smiling as I patted its fur. "Thanks Arcanine." It barked in reply then turned to face Ramona and Kegan who were already mounting up on their own Arcanine.
"We have to hurry, we can still catch up to them." Ramona said so I pulled out Bulbasaur's Pokéball.
"Nice work Bulbasaur, thanks for your help." I said to him as he returned before securing the Pokéball back on my belt. "Okay Brock, climb up and hold on. We've got some ground to cover."
"I was afraid of this." He whined but climbed on anyway, holding onto me as we all sprang forwards. The Arcanine followed the scent for as long as they could until it disappeared and we were left with nothing. No scent and no tracks to follow. I think Team Rocket might actually be getting smarter, which is a huge problem. A dangerous problem, in fact. But Brock had the even smarter idea of sending out his Golbat out and used its Supersonic to try and locate them. Oh by the way, Zubat evolved back at that lake battle when we lost the egg. I forgot to mention that.
"Team Rocket had that trap set for us from the very beginning." Ramona said as she glared at the ground. "I should have suspected it!" She said so I moved Arcanine closer to her.
"You couldn't have known, Ramona, so don't beat yourself up about it. Things like this happen and will happen again, so the best you can do is learn from the experience and be prepared for it next time." I told her before hearing Golbat click, trying to get our attention.
"I think my Golbat may be on to something." Brock said so Ash clenched a fist.
"So let's check it out." The Arcanine sprang forwards and Golbat lead us to new tracks which split up in different directions. "The bicycle tracks lead to here." Ash said, frowning slightly down at them.
"But then they must have split off and gone in different directions." Brock added, examining the tracks carefully.
"They must have done that so we'd have to split too." Ramona realised and I sighed. Yup, Team Rocket has definitely got smarter. This is bad, bad news. I can't deal with a smart Team Rocket! We'd never get the better of them again!
"This is going to make it a lot harder to find them." Misty said stiffly as Kegan stood at her side.
"I wonder which one with the Fire Stones went Ramona." He said to his sister who turned a hard, serious expression on her brother.
"We don't have time to wonder, if we want to find those stones then we're going to have to split up like they did." She answered so I jumped back up onto Arcanine's back.
"Right, so let's get going." I said then moved forwards, grabbing Brock by his pack then hauled him up behind me before taking the left route, guiding Arcanine along to follow the tracks. Ramona and Misty followed, keeping an eye out for trouble as Ash and Kegan went to the right.
We followed the tracks deeper into the woods until the Arcanine suddenly stopped and barked, signalling they had found something. "Look there!" Brock pointed and I peered around to see the Fire Stones resting on a stump dead ahead of us.
"It's the bag of Fire Stones!" Misty said happily but I frowned. If the bag was there, where was Team Rocket?
"Come on Arcanine let's get 'em!" Ramona called and both Arcanine sprang forwards but I held mine back.
"Woah there, something's not right." I said, frowning slightly. "Why would they leave the stones there like bait? Unless…" Brock suddenly clicked it too.
"Ramona stop!" Too late. They dropped down into a freshly dug hole with a cry. "Argh! Ramona!" Brock leaped off of Arcanine and raced over to the hole, dropping to his knees to call out. "Ramona! Ramona are you alright? Are you hurt?" He cried desperately as I moved Arcanine over as well but took a leap to grab the bag.
"We're fine Brock, but don't worry about me!" Misty yelled back as I opened the bag then gasped before growling and tossing it away.
"Guys! The stones aren't real! They're just ordinary rocks!" I informed them. "We have to find the others and think of something else. This plan isn't working."
"You're right Ruby. Arcanine, jump out of this hole!" The Arcanine gave a bark before leaping up, reaching with its paws and managed to cling onto the edge where its feet began to scrabble but then it dropped back down again, unable to make it. "Oh…I don't know what to do! What do we do Ruby?" I blinked. Why was she asking me?
"I'll save you Ramona!" Brock declared, racing forwards but then tripped, giving a yell as he too tumbled down the hole. Right. That's why she asked me.
"Don't anybody worry, I'm going to get you all out of there." I promised, sizing up the hole then looked around me. "Okay Brock, snap into your senses and use Geodude to smash up the hole to make room then use Onix to climb out of there, I'm going to go one ahead and try and find Team Rocket's scent, is that okay Ramona?"
"Sure, just be careful. We have to get those stones back." Ramona answered so I turned my head.
"Okay Arcanine, try and find a scent then follow it!" Arcanine nodded his head then lifted his nose upwards before barking. "You found it? Then let's go!" Arcanine sprang forwards so I bunched my fingers in its thick mane, crouching over to keep my balance and let Arcanine lead me after Team Rocket.
It got dark pretty quickly but Arcanine continued to run, leaping off a cliff then bounded off of trees before landing safely back on the ground again. "You're doing great Arcanine, just keep going. We'll catch them." I promised. "So let's speed things up! Go Arcanine!" Arcanine powered forwards and I leaned my body to help guide him through the trees, letting him concentrate on the scent but then he suddenly lifted his head and gave a loud howl. "What is it buddy?"
Suddenly another Arcanine leaped out of the bushes and joined us, racing at our side with an answering howl. "Ash! Kegan! It's you!" I beamed, overjoyed to see them both alright.
"Ruby where's Brock? And Misty and Ramona? What happened?" Ash asked so I explained.
"They got caught in a Team Rocket supersized hole that Ramona's Arcanine couldn't jump out of because we were lured in by a bag of fake stones. They fell in then Brock fell too when he tried to rescue Ramona." I said with a serious face. "So I left them with instructions of how to get out and went on ahead to help find Team Rocket."
"Is my sister okay?" Kegan asked and I nodded my head.
"She's fine, though I think her Arcanine will need some time to rest after such a fall, I think it hurt its paw." That's when I noticed the mundane bandage on his arm. "Kegan! You got hurt! What happened? Wait, where's Pikachu?"
"Jessie tricked us. She challenged us to a battle for the stones but when we won we also fell into a hole. The stones were fake as well and Jessie grabbed Pikachu too before getting away. I hurt my arm in the fall, so Ash is leading Arcanine because I can't hang on that well." Kegan told me so I have a comforting smile.
"It'll be okay. The moment we have those stones back Brock and I will take a look. We've got plenty of first aid kit to help you get better." I promised before turning back to Arcanine. "Now Arcanine, show me just how fast you can go!"
"You too Arcanine! Let me feel the wind!" Ash called and together we sprang forwards. We raced over a mountain path and into another forest, the Arcanine following the scent until finally we stopped at a clearing. "So there you are!" Ash yelled as we spotted Team Rocket sitting with Pikachu in a cage and a large spread of devoured food before them on a blanket.
"You guys have a lot of nerve, stuffing yourselves after doing such a horrible thing!" I shouted over to them. "Now, hand over Pikachu and the Fire Stones!" Team Rocket leaped up, glaring at us.
"Twerps!"
"Arcanine, Take Down!" Kegan called and his Arcanine charged forwards but Jessie thrust her Wobbuffet in front.
"I choose you so get out there and do something!" With a final push Wobbuffet skidded forwards with a yell before glowing red around his outline, using Counter.
"Arcanine, you go too but jump over Wobbuffet then use Take Down on Team Rocket!" I directed just as Kegan's Arcanine was flung backwards from Wobbuffet's Counter, throwing back the attack. Arcanine leaped over both his friend and Wobbuffet, racing over towards Team Rocket who yelled in fear as he powered into them.
"This is so unfair!" Jessie yelled as they all flew back into the bushes, clutching the bag of Fire Stones whilst James clung onto the cage that held Pikachu. Wobbuffet gave a wail of worry then dashed off into the trees after them, faster than I could have ever thought possible and even stunned the Arcanine, who watched as it darted into the brush. I shook myself awake.
"Come on, before they get away." I said to the others with a wave of my hand and took a step to run after Team Rocket but then stopped, looking up to see their balloon lifting off from the ground with their laughter ringing in my ears.
"Nice try twerps but your plan has failed." Jessie crowed as they rose up into the air. "We've still got the Fire Stones and Pikachu."
"And there's nothing you twerps can do about it." We'll see about that James, I'm not about to let you three morons get away with Pikachu! Not on my life!
"You watch it Team Rocket, you're not getting away!" I shouted back up to them before hearing something racing towards us, grinding over the ground at a fast pace when Misty called out.
"Ash! Ruby!"
"Don't worry, leave Team Rocket to us." Brock announced as he rode on Onix's head with Misty, Ramona and her Arcanine all hitching a lift as well. Alright! The cavalry is here. Watch out Team Rocket, your little victory is about to go up in smokes.
"Arcanine, use Fire Spin attack!" Ramona called and her Arcanine raced up Onix's body, its body setting aflame and I watched with an awe filled smile as the Arcanine soared over my head and glided into the sky, snarling in anger before brushing against the balloon, setting it alight before it burst into dust and the basket suddenly dropped with Team Rocket screaming.
"Heads up Ash!" I called as Pikachu and the stones came falling from the air towards us so we both ran ahead and held out our arms, catching both with a laugh. "Alright! Victory tastes sweet." I chanted as I gave another laugh then looked over at Ash who hugged his buddy.
"Pikachu, you're okay!"
"Pika Pi!" But then someone had to go and ruin it all.
"We're not giving up without a fight." Jessie declared, standing up from the bushes looking a little scruffy and untidy. "Go Arbok!" Arbok appeared with a hiss then charged straight for us, eyes on Pikachu and the stones which I instantly drew back with.
"Arcanine, Take Down attack!" Kegan suddenly called and his Arcanine powered forwards with insane speed, taking out Arbok with the one hit and flew back to Jessie and the others who all yelled in fear.
"It's coming this way!" Meowth yelled and they tried to make a break for it but Arbok landed on them regardless, making me giggle.
"Nice one Arcanine. I think that's a home run." I told it and it lifted its head proudly with a bark. I looked over to Ash to see him drop the cage and turn to Pikachu who instantly climbed onto his shoulder.
"It's good to see you Pikachu."
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu answered as I walked back over to the others but then Kegan pointed behind me.
"Look, Team Rocket's getting away!" Ash instantly turned and glared over at them, Pikachu pulling a similar expression as I too grit my teeth.
"I think those two deserve to be taught a lesson!" Ash announced and Pikachu nodded his head in agreement.
"Let 'em have it Ash." I said, lifting a clenched fist before turning. "Come on Arcanine, let's get them!" Arcanine barked with a nod of his head, letting me leap back onto his back and I instantly guided him forwards as Ash jumped onto Arcy, Kegan's own Arcanine and together we raced after them.
"Not so fast Team Rocket!" Ash called after them in a serious tone. "Arcy, Extreme Speed!"
"You too Arcanine, let's have it!" I agreed and Arcanine instantly began to blur forwards, me clinging onto the thick mane for support as we sped past Team Rocket and turned to face them with Pikachu jumping off to stand ahead, glaring heatedly.
"Pika."
"Alright Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" Ash pointed at Team Rocket and Pikachu instantly blasted them with a Thunderbolt so I gave a little smirk.
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!" I directed and Arcanine blasted a hot stream of flames at Team Rocket, which combined with Pikachu's Thunderbolt blew them into the sky with a loud boom and a large explosion of sound. They soared through the air and I shifted the stones a little closer, watching as they flew before smiling.
"We're blasting off again!" Well, at least they knew how to exit in style. I'll give them credit for that.
"Good job Arcanine. You were great." I praised, gently guiding Arcanine around and we trotted back to the others. With a laugh I tossed the Fire Stones to Ramona who caught them with a bright smile, laughing too as she opened up the bag and gazed down at her cargo.
"We did it everyone! Now, let's deliver this cargo!"
"Hold up there Ramona." I said to her as I dismounted, giving Arcanine a scratch behind the ears as I walked over to Kegan. "We'd better see to Kegan's arm first, it might be broken and I could do with some rest. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm exhausted."
"I'll have a look at that arm for you Kegan. Let me see." Brock said and together, we set to work. I helped put on a fresh, proper bandage once we were assured the bone wasn't broken but I put it in a sling as well just to make sure he didn't damage it further, making him promise me that he'd go and have it seen by a proper doctor the moment he'd finished the delivery.
We rested a while to eat and drink some water before riding off again, the Arcanine running through the night to finally arrive at our destination in the early morning, me practically asleep in Arcanine's warm fur.
Ramona and Kegan dropped off the stones and then that was that. Everything was over. I was sad to say goodbye to the Arcanine I had befriended, even more so when he gave a little whimper and nuzzled into me so that I was buried in his warm fur, but as the others began to leave, I knew it was time to go.
"I'll never forget you Arcanine. You're a great Pokémon and an even greater friend. You take care now, okay?" Arcanine gave a short bark before licking my face, making me giggle before I turned and ran to catch up with the others, taking deep breaths and closing my eyes to keep calm.
"Hey Ruby, are you okay?" Ash asked as he saw me walking with my head bowed.
"Sure Ash, why wouldn't I be?" I questioned with a shaky laugh, lifting my head and gave a smile. Looking back I paused in my walk as I saw Kegan and Ramona waving at us, their Arcanine all howling in goodbye. Taking a brave breath I smiled and waved back one last time before turning around.
Maybe one day I'll capture an Arcanine or Growlithe of my own. I'd really love it if I could, because they truly were great Pokémon, and as Dexter said, truly loyal to their trainers. Just the kind of Pokémon I'd love to have on my team.
