Gazing out across the breeze filled field I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to enjoy the hot sun and the cooling wind from the turbines we had just passed. It was quite peaceful up here and the grass smelled fresh and clean.
"Hey guys, how about we stop here and let the Pokémon out for some fresh air?" Brock suggested and Ash was instantly on it.
"Okay! Come on out everybody!" His Pokémon appeared one by one, last of all Chikorita who immediately ran up to Ash and jumped into his arms to rub her head against his face as he laughed. "I'm glad to see you too Chikorita but that tickles!" He told her with a smile as I threw all my Pokéballs up into the air.
"Everyone, it's play time!" I said cheerfully and my Pokémon all appeared too. Charizard instantly yawned and lay down on the ground for a nap, bathing in the hot sun as Vaporeon began to play with the others, spinning around and around with Togepi on her back until she was dizzy, making me giggle.
"Scyther!" Scyther nudged me gently so I looked up at him then smiled. He nudged my head one more time before leaping over to sit on a rock where he then lifted one of his blades to his mouth and began to play a whistling tune which Jigglypuff instantly began to sing to, dancing around at the base of the rock.
Pidgeot soared overhead with Pikachu on her back alongside Noctowl and I watched them fly higher as we all settled down for some rest. "Who wants a picnic lunch?" Brock asked as he began to pull out supplies and Misty's hand darted up into the air.
"I do! I do!" She called and I nodded my head as well.
"That sounds like a great idea." I told Brock.
"I'll go get some firewood with Pikachu. Hey Pika-huh?" Ash stopped short when he saw Pikachu curled up and sleeping next to Cyndaquil, grabbing a few winks after playing so much with all the Pokémon. "Guess I'd better let him rest, he must be tired. What do you say Chikorita? Wanna come help me?" He asked and Chikorita nuzzled against him.
"Chika-Chika Chikori!" She nodded her head so he stood up and began to go off in search of some firewood.
"I'll come too." I decided. "And I'll keep an eye out for any berries or fruit too." I added, following after Ash but then I felt someone tap my shoulder. "Huh?" Turning around I looked down to see my Bulbasaur following me.
"Bulbasaur! Saur!" He said with a smile so I beamed back.
"Hey Bulbasaur, do you want to come help me?" I questioned and Bulbasaur nodded his head.
"Bulba."
"Okay then, let's go catch up with Ash." I said with a gesture of my hand before jogging on ahead with Bulbasaur at my side and the egg in my arms. "Ash wait up! We're coming too!" I called and Ash stopped, turning back to smile.
"Hey Ruby, hey Bulbasaur." He gave a wave as we caught up. "Come on, let's go get that firewood!"
"Chika!" Chikorita agreed then walked close to Ash's heels. I gave a knowing smile as Chikorita gazed up at Ash adoringly. I gave a little chuckle and a shake of my head before looking up and scanning the area for any supplies.
"Hey what's that?" Ash asked as we passed a couple of turbines and I looked to see a small building with the front door wide open and the lock beside it scratched apart. I wonder what happened there. "Well the door's open." Ash noted as he walked inside. "Hello?!"
"Ash! You can't just walk in, that might be private property!" I hissed after him but he continued walking. "Oh great." I groaned before racing on inside after him with Bulbasaur running at my side. "Ash! We shouldn't be in here." I said to him as I stepped inside but the moment I did so I heard something bang behind me and I practically leaped out of my skin, jumping away from the sound before whipping around to see that the door had sealed itself shut.
"Guess the wind must have blown the door shut." Ash noted as he walked over and I shot him a dark look before whacking the back of his head lightly.
"You think?" Ash tried to pull and push it open but either way, it wouldn't budge. "Here, let me help." Together we tried to shove our weight against it but the door remained firmly in place, not budging an inch.
"Oh no, the door won't open!" Ash began to panic and hammered his fists into its surface. "Help! Somebody open the door!"
"Calm down Ash, let me try again." I said, pulling him smoothly out the way before striking it with my foot. The rebound tingled up my foot and leg, making me flinch before giving a howl of pain. "Ow! Ow that hurt! Who reinforces their doors these days? That's just stupid!" I cried out as I clutched my foot and hopped about, still feeling the pain shoot up my leg.
"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur called with worry so I shook it off and took a deep breath, pressing my eyes shut before giving a slightly forced smile.
"I'm okay." I choked a little breathlessly as Ash returned to hammering his fists against the door.
"Misty! Brock! Pikachu! Get us out of here!" I don't think they would be able to hear us, we're too far away unless Pikachu was awake. He seemed to have the most sensitive hearing out of all of us so there might be a chance he would hear Ash shouting.
"Can someone open this door?! Someone open up!" I helped with the yelling and both Chikorita and Bulbasaur helped until we heard Brock call from the other side.
"Ash, Ruby, are you both okay?" He asked and I sighed with relief as I heard Pikachu call out too.
"Pika Pi?"
"We're fine, just please get us out of here." However Brock only replied with bad news.
"That's not going to be easy. It's an electric lock and it looks fried." Oh great. Bad luck is back on the menu. Could this get any worse? I heard Misty and Brock murmur about something on the other side until Brock called a little louder. "I'm going to call the electric company and see if they can help. Hey you two, sit tight and I'm going to go get you some help!"
"Thanks Brock!" I called back before sighing with relief and slumping down to the ground. "Well, help's on the way." I said as Bulbasaur climbed into my arms alongside the egg.
"All we can do is sit around and wait." Ash said a little despondently but then Chikorita caught out attention.
"Chika! Chika Chika!" She was pointing to a spot on the map that hung on the wall with the layout of the entire building and floors, her vine tapping what looked to be a red block. Ash and I walked over to check it out, scanning over the layout as Ash blinked.
"A floor plan! Let's see…ah! It looks like there's a control room three floors down." He noted so I nodded my head.
"Maybe we can find an exit that way. There's got to be another door out of here and if we can unlock it from this side, then we can get back to the others faster than if we were waiting around for some electrician to turn up." I said to him before looking down at Bulbasaur. "You up for it Bulbasaur?" I asked and he nodded his head.
"Bulba!"
"You too Chikorita, you ready?" Ash asked and Chikorita gave a battle ready expression.
"Chika." She agreed so I head over to the stairs first.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's check it out." We went down the stairs together, our Pokémon a couple of steps ahead of us but they stopped at the bottom and waited for us as we descended. No sooner had we stepped off the stairs we were faced with a hoard of Magnemite, all glaring at us and I yelped. "This doesn't look good…" I managed before they struck at us with their Thundershock all at once and we leaped out of the way with a yell.
"What are all those Magnemite doing here?" Ash asked as we ran for it, looking back over our shoulders but the Magnemite cut us off in front, staring us down before sending another electric attack at us.
"Chika!" Chikorita sprang forwards and began to whip her leaf around at top speed, deflecting the attack smartly.
"Yeah! Way to go Chikorita!" Both Ash and I called before Bulbasaur wrapped his vine around my wrist and tugged me towards an empty hall, trying to lead us away.
"Bulbasaur!"
"Great thinking Bulbasaur, come on Ash, let's go!" Just then there were Thundershock attacks from both sides, one of them hitting my leg and I yelped from the shock before racing away with a panic stricken face.
"We've got to get away from those things!" Ash whined as we ran.
"For the record, I blame you for this genius!" I accused but didn't stop running. We kept on going straight, completely losing our way until we found ourselves at a dead end, blocked off by the Magnemite who faced us down.
"Our only chance to get away is to battle our way out! Ruby you with me?" Ash asked and I hardened my face with a smirk.
"Ready." I nodded before turning to face the Magnemite. "Okay Bulbasaur, get ready."
"You too Chikorita." Both Pokémon sprang forwards and faced the Magnemite without fear as Ash and I both called in the same voice. "Razor Leaf!" Both Bulbasaur and Chikorita fired their shots, knocking out the Magnemite one by one but every time they did, another just took its place. "Oh no, the more of them we knock out the more that keep on showing up." Ash said as I swallowed slowly, trying to think.
Just then a Magneton appeared, making us all gasp as it began to glow at its three eyes. I think that's a Thunderbolt attack, we're in trouble! "Chikorita!" Ash called as Chikorita stood in the way of the attack.
"Bulbasaur!" I darted forwards and swept him off the ground as Ash caught Chikorita in a roll, shielding her from the attack which blasted down at us and missed by inches, though I could practically feel the crackling electricity. "Ash, we've got to get out of here!" I called as I stood.
"Chika!" Chikorita pointed to the shutter behind us to reveal it had been blasted open by the Magneton, accidentally providing us with an escape route.
"A staircase!" Ash saw so he leaped to his feet. "Come on guys, let's go!" We raced through the small gap and down the stairs, not stopping until we were sure the Magnemite hadn't followed. "Well that was a pretty close call." Ash sighed as he began to relax but I remained on edge.
"What were all those Pokémon doing here anyway?" I questioned. "Are they trying to protect something down here?"
"Who cares? At least they're not after us anymore." Ash answered so I let it slide, though it still bothered me. "Now come on, the control room is down one more level." Ash said before rushing off ahead.
"Ash wait, don't get lost!" I yelped and quickly hurried after him. We found ourselves entering a large room with air vents lifted up from the ground, blowing cool air into the room and I shivered. "It's cold in here." I said quietly, looking around me with worry.
"Just another floor down and we'll be out in the sunlight again, don't you worry Ruby." Ash said to me gently then placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me a little closer to him. "Here, we'll keep each other warm!" He smiled before continuing to walk and pulled me along with him. I blinked in surprise, going a little stiff with his arm around me but I didn't argue. "Wonder how we get downstairs." Ash said as he looked around.
"I don't know, maybe we took a wrong turn?" I suggested as we walked together. Suddenly an Electrode blocked our path ahead, cutting us off and glared at us angrily.
"Oh great, this time it's an Electrode!" Ash grumped as Chikorita lowered her head, preparing to charge but Ash looked down at her. "Hold on Chikorita, don't get it excited. We'll just find another way down." Ash said to her.
"Uh…Ash?" I tapped him on the shoulder. "You might want to rethink that strategy." I told him and he looked as three other Electrode appeared, blocking us in effectively. "Any suggestions?"
"Uh…you talk to them?" I shot him a look.
"No way, look what happened to me last time I tried to do that. I am not doing that again." I vowed but then an Electrode rolled towards us, gliding over the floors at top speed. "Vine Whip Bulbasaur, go!" I directed and Bulbasaur instantly shot out his vines at the Electrode, slapping them against it but without any effect. It dove straight for us so we all leaped back with a yelp, watching as it turned then began to glow. Wait, Electrode can't evolve further, so that must mean…it's using Self-Destruct!
"The Electrode are gonna explode! Come on, we better run for it!" Before I knew what was happening Ash had grabbed my hand and yanked me backwards, dragging me at a run away from the Electrode as it exploded and the others all chased after us as we yelled.
We left that room pronto, running down the corridor and took a sharp turn as one of the Electrode appeared in front of us and self-destructed as well. "These things are everywhere!" Ash noted as we ran, him still pulling me along.
"Well maybe next time you'll think before walking into a highly secure facility!" I answered back, checking to make sure Bulbasaur was keeping up. He was moving quickly but I could see him beginning to pant for breath and sweat slightly from all the running. He wasn't a young Pokémon and this panic must be affecting him. "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip on me and climb on!" I called and instantly he latched onto my hand which I held out to him, letting him then jump up and pull himself onto my back where he held on and I carried him.
"Quick, in here!" Ash flung open a door and I shot through with Chikorita at my heels and Ash instantly slammed the door shut. "That was close. I can't take much more of this." He said, placing a hand on his chest as I breathed heavily, heart pumping fast.
"You okay Bulbasaur?" I asked with a glance back and he nodded his head, vines wrapped under my arms to keep himself supported.
"Bulba." He assured me so I smiled and reached back with one hand to rub his head.
"Good. That's good." I breathed deeply before turning on Ash. "Okay genius, now what?"
"We go down the stairs, obviously." Ash said as he walked towards the staircase I had failed to notice. "Just one more flight and we're in the control room, what else could happen now?" Don't jinx it genius. You owe me big time after all this.
So I followed Ash down the stairs and through another set of complicated corridors. "The map said it was around here somewhere." Ash said slowly as he searched for a door that hopefully led to the control room. "Hey!" Ash suddenly called excitedly so I turned to see what he'd spotted. "An Electabuzz!" And so things go downhill from here.
"Electabuzz, the electric Pokémon. Electabuzz is the evolved form of Elekid with powerful electric currents constantly coursing through its body, Electabuzz appears to glow." Dexter informed us as the Electabuzz prowled closer to us with a mean looking attitude. Not good.
The sparks on its antenna suddenly glowed and struck out with an electric attack, forcing us to leap backwards out of the way. "So you're going to hassle us too huh? Okay Chikorita, get ready to battle!" Ash said and Chikorita instantly leaped forwards.
"You hang back Bulbasaur." I said to him as he moved to join the fight. "Let Ash handle this." I turned to watch the battle as Electabuzz came forwards with an electric fist. "Watch out you two, that's a Thunder Punch!" I warned so Ash countered quickly.
"Quick, dodge it Chikorita!" Chikorita smartly leaped backwards and the blow landed on the ground, smashing the tiles as Electabuzz missed its mark. "Great now try a Razor Leaf." Ash told Chikorita who instantly complied, sending a series of sharp spinning leaves at Electabuzz who sent a Thundershock at them, making them disintegrate in the air. Electabuzz then followed up with Swift which hit Chikorita and flung her backwards but she landed easily on her feet, still able to battle. "Stay focused Chikorita, just hold steady for its next attack!" The Thunderbolt came and Chikorita dodged quickly and easily. "Now hurry and use your Vine Whip attack!"
Chikorita smacked Electabuzz on the head with her Vine Whip, making it flinch and stumble backwards. "Now Tackle it Chikorita!" Chikorita slammed her weight into Electabuzz, forcing it to stumble back a step. "Tackle it again!" Chikorita charged forwards but Electabuzz was prepared this time, its fist clenched and crackling with energy.
"Vine Whip!" I called and pointed to Chikorita where Bulbasaur instantly leaped forwards and grabbed Chikorita, pulling her out the way so the Thunder Punch missed and Chikorita was put safely down again where she turned a smile to Bulbasaur.
"Thanks Ruby." Ash said to me as I stepped up beside him.
"Don't mention it." I answered before pointing at Electabuzz. "Now Bulbasaur, use Solar Beam!"
"Bulba! Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur gathered light into its bulb then blasted it out at Electabuzz who took the full hit and sent Electabuzz flying. "Excellent Bulbasaur, that was fast work." I praised and he nodded his head in thanks.
"Bulbasaur." As Electabuzz rose back to its feet it glared at all of us, crackling with electric all over its body before barrelling towards us again with its fist raised.
"Alright Chikorita, let's use Tackle one more time!" Ash called and I pointed ahead also.
"Bulbasaur, stop that Thunder Punch with your Vine Whip to protect Chikorita!" The both of them leaped forwards and the collision course was set, Bulbasaur using his vines to reach out and almost snagged Electabuzz's fist, but then a cage suddenly dropped down on all three of them, trapping them inside. "Bulbasaur!" I gasped in fear as he looked around, trying to figure out what had happened.
"Hey, where'd that cage come from?" Ash demanded. Just then Jessie dropped down from the air vent above, landing on top of the cage then stood with a victorious smirk.
"Ha! Prepare for trouble." She announced as James then dropped down beside her in a similar fashion.
"Make it double." He advised as both Ash and I glanced at one another then to our Pokémon as they tried to smash their way out.
"To protect the world from devastation." Jessie began and I instantly grew angry, glaring as I tipped my hat backwards and twisted my neckerchief around to focus on the next step in our plan. Maybe Chikorita and Bulbasaur could use their Razor Leaf to cut through the bars and Electabuzz could use Swift to help, or perhaps a Thunder Punch would make short work of it?
"To unite all people with in our nation." James carried on.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above." Suddenly they both leaned forwards with intense looks, their eyes boring into mine and I drew back slightly. Okay, these guys have to be insane.
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare to fight, fight, fight!" A burst of light came from behind Jessie and Wobbuffet appeared, spreading his arms up with a wide grin.
"Wob!" He finished in place of Meowth who kicked him aside with a glare.
"Quiet blobby!" I shook my head, pulling myself together as Ash took a step forwards.
"Alright you losers, let our Pokémon go!"
"And that Electabuzz too. You're not going to take any of them." I said, standing sideways on and without realising it, mirrored Ash's body stance also. Weird. I guess we've been spending too much time together.
"Sorry no can do." Jessie trilled lightly with a wave of her hand.
"Chikorita, Bulbasaur and Electabuzz belong to us now." James told us and I instantly growled under my breath. The Pokémon didn't seem to like that idea either as Chikorita and Bulbasaur both struck at the bars with their Razor Leaf and Electabuzz tried to blast it open with a Thunderbolt but nothing made an effect. Not even a scratch!
"They can attack as much as they want but they ain't getting out of that cage." Meowth said as they all laughed with glee.
"It absorbs electric attacks and those bars are too strong to break or bend." James revealed so I took a deep breath. Okay, if attacks won't work then we'll just have to steal them back, no way am I letting them get away with my Bulbasaur.
"Have a nice day!" Jessie blew us a kiss before they suddenly ran for it, wheeling the cage away on a trolley.
"Hey! You get back here!" I yelled then bolted forwards, holding the egg securely and tried not to jostle it but I ran as fast as I could with Ash close behind. "You're not going to get away!" They ran straight for the open elevator and dove inside with the doors closing right behind them. "No!" I yelled, trying to reach the doors but I just wasn't fast enough.
"Too late, we'd better take the stairs." He said to me as I slid the egg into my bag.
"Right." I nodded my head, slinging my bag onto my back and securing it there so that I could run faster. "Don't worry Bulbasaur, I'm coming for you." I murmured to myself as I ran. We found the stairs easily enough and climbed them all without hassle, making our ascent much faster and when we reached the room where we had started, the door was wide open. "Look! The electrician must have fixed it." I said as we raced outside.
"That means Brock and Misty must be looking for us." Ash said, glancing back but we didn't stop. "But we've got to get our Pokémon back. We can't let Team Rocket win."
"You said it Ash." I agreed as we saw them heading down a cliff path. "This way!" I pointed and we ran towards the edge where it sloped down directly to the path Team Rocket were heading down. "Come on Ash, we've got to do this." I said, taking his hand and together we jumped.
Skidding down the slope I gripped onto Ash for balance as he also depended on me, our shoes kicking up dust before we finally landed in front of Team Rocket, cutting them off. We let go of one another's hand and took an intimidating step towards Team Rocket as they gasped. "It's the twerps!"
"You're not getting away, not with my Chikorita!" Ash told them protectively and I saw Chikorita beam with joy as she called out to Ash.
"Chikori!"
"And not with my Bulbasaur. So Team Rocket, you better prepare for trouble, because we intend to make it double." I called out but Jessie instantly turned into a raging tempest.
"Well, we'll just see about that! Arbok go!" Arbok appeared and I took a deep breath. It's alright, Arbok won't attack me, we're safe as long as I stand in front of Ash.
"Victreebel, I choose you!" The plant Pokémon instantly bit down on James, consuming half his body so that his legs kicked out wildly. "No not me, get them!"
"Arbok, launch a Poison Sting attack!" Jessie directed and Arbok instantly slithered forwards, opening his mouth wide but I instantly jumped out in front of Ash and flung out my hands to shield him.
"No Arbok! Stop right there!" I yelled and instantly Arbok froze in place. Arbok gave a torn look, glancing between me and Jessie who instantly screeched.
"What are you doing? Attack them already!"
"Victreebel, it's up to you! Use Razor Leaf on that twerpette!" James ordered and Victreebel instantly turned on me. The leaves stung with each hit and I shielded my face, taking the hits for both me and Ash as I remained standing in front of him.
"Ruby no!" Ash suddenly grabbed me and pulled me back, turning around and tried to shield me instead as Arbok finally caved in to Jessie's ranting and raving and attacked with Poison Sting though was careful not to hit me. Guess there's only so many times you can say no to Jessie.
"Ash, we have to think of something!" I yelled just a moment before I felt Victreebel slam into us, separating me from Ash who was instantly put into Arbok's wrap. "Ash! No!"
"Ruby watch out!" Helplessly I turned around and before I could do anything was being slapped by Victreebel's Vine Whip several times before it constricted around me, making it hard to breathe and it only got tighter from there.
"Get ready now Arbok."
"You too Victreebel." James added before they chorused together. "Attack them together!" Suddenly we were tackled at the same time and flung back in the air, landing on the ground hard and I felt the wind being knocked from my lungs, sending me into shock as I lay on my side, trembling in pain. Ash began to try and force himself up and I turned, looking to Bulbasaur who had tears in his eyes.
"Bulbasaur…" I choked then followed Ash's example and tried to get up. I got to my knees but the moment I tried to put weight on my feet they gave out and I had to plant my hands in the ground to keep from landing on my face again.
"I want…Chikorita…back." Ash said determinedly as I took a deep breath. "Chikorita!"
"Bulbasaur!" Our two Pokémon called back with loud voices and I could feel their pain and despair even without needing to be connected to them.
"Chikori!"
"Bulba!" Suddenly they both began to glow, making my eyes widen in shock as I gasped.
"Something's happening!"
"They're evolving…they're evolving!" I laughed, feeling suddenly renewed. "They're evolving for us Ash!" We both watched as our Pokémon both grew bigger and into different shapes. The bulb on Bulbasaur's back sprouted a little with two leaves but Chikorita made the biggest difference. She grew larger with a longer neck, her leaf grew broader and the little buds on her neck grew out into full leaves.
Both together the light disappeared and they beamed at us. "Bay!"
"Ivysaur!" My Bulbasaur was now an Ivysaur! That's so amazing!
"Awesome!" Ash laughed for joy and Misty called out.
"Your Chikorita just evolved into a Bayleef!" Huh? When did Misty, Brock and that strange woman arrive? Oh well, guess I was distracted. I've got a new Pokémon! That means I'll have to find another charm to add to my bracelet.
"We've got a Bayleef!" Jessie gasped in amazement as James punched the air.
"That's even better than a Chikorita!"
"Let's make our getaway!" Meowth celebrated but I stepped forwards, clutching my side where it hurt but still, I didn't back down and neither did Ash.
"Not so fast. Those are still our Pokémon you've got there. Ivysaur!"
"Bayleef!" Ash responded and together we called out our attack. "Use Razor Leaf!" The two of them struck out with their Razor Leaf and together, smashed right through the bars and made James squeal in shock but I was already limping forwards to my Ivysaur.
"Ivysaur! You're alright!" I laughed with relief as I fell to my knees and flung my arms around him as he stood up on his hind legs and licked my cheeks, happy to be reunited again.
"That was great you two! You're free! Are you all okay?" Ash asked as Bayleef and the Electabuzz faced him and they both nodded their heads. "Team Rocket." Ash's face suddenly grew serious and angry and I looked also as Ivysaur spun around to face them.
"I think it's time you paid for what you've done." The new lady announced as Pikachu leaped forwards and joined the line of Pokémon as they glared at Team Rocket. "Go Electabuzz!"
"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt attack!" The double power hit shocked Team Rocket, making them cry out as they were struck. "Now let's get rid of them Bayleef. Use your Vine Whip attack!"
"Ivysaur, you help out too!" I added and Ivysaur instantly let his vines slap against Team Rocket with more power than ever before alongside Bayleef. Together they were sent flying up into the air, Pokémon and all.
"We're blasting off again!" They cried and I gave a short laugh.
"Not a moment too soon." I said before turning to Ivysaur who was running towards me. "Ivysaur! I'm so proud of you! You were amazing!" I praised and instantly held him tight as Ash turned to his Bayleef.
"You were awesome Bayleef!" He flung his arms around her with a laugh and she rubbed her head into his cheek with the brightest and widest smile I had ever seen on a Pokémon.
"Bay, Bay!" Once we were certain everyone was okay we went back to where all the Pokémon were still having their afternoon nap, seemingly unaware we had left in the first place.
"Wow, I don't think they even noticed we were gone." I said as I carried the egg in my arms again. Ivysaur gave a large yawn beside me then walked over to where Pidgeot nested with Vaporeon tucked against her feathers and he lay down for a nap, not wasting a moment to catch up on the hour he'd just lost. I giggled before looking up to the sky where Charizard was soaring overhead. "Hey Charizard! You noticed I was gone, right?" In answer he landed on the ground and gave a very angry growl, glaring down at me but I just gave him my sweetest smile. "I'm sorry, I promise I won't run off like that again but you know how it is." I gave a pointed incline of my head over at Ash who also crashed out with his Pokémon, falling asleep on the floor. "Someone has to keep Ash from getting himself killed."
Charizard sighed before lowering his head and nuzzling against me with a worried whine so I hugged him securely. "Don't worry, I'm alright." Then I noticed the firewood in his arms. "Hey! You got the wood! That's great Charizard, I knew I could rely on you." I laughed, giving him a kiss which made him blush but in return he slathered my tongue all over my face, making me squeal and giggle until Brock called for the firewood.
So we spent the rest of the afternoon lazing away, Ash using Bayleef as a comfortable pillow and she curled up around him. When it comes to Pokémon affection, I doubted there was anyone who could love Ash more than Bayleef. Except maybe Pikachu, but even then, it's a tough call.
