With Ash and I registered for the Johto Silver Conference, we now had three months to work on improving our strategies, training hard with our Pokémon and also, do a little more travelling. Hey, we want to get to Mt Silver in plenty of time, right?

However with Larvitar still hardening whenever Brock or Misty tried to interact with him, it seemed that we still had a long way to go with helping get over its fears. Ash had taken to carrying Larvitar around in his backpack, and got protective whenever Misty or Brock set it off with a Screech. It seemed only Ash and I were the ones Larvitar trusted, aside from Pikachu and Latias of course.

I had taken to doing therapy sessions with Larvitar, connecting with him every night and just talking to him through emotions, helping him to see that there was nothing to be afraid of and showing him again and again how strong he had been in protecting himself and Latias against Team Rocket with his Ancient Power attack.

As well as the therapy, Ash took Latias out exploring whenever we stopped, taking him to see new things despite me saying that he was being too clingy and protective of Larvitar, who now hardly ever went more than a foot away from Ash but Ash always argued that it was still scared and needed him. Quite a few times we'd storm off in opposite directions after such an argument.

He just doesn't understand. If Larvitar becomes too dependant on Ash, then he'll never fully develop his own courage and belief. He'll never be able to return back to his mother on Mt Silver. Stupid Ash Ketchum.

However today was one of the good days, where not one argument had taken place and we were eating our favourite sandwiches, Pikachu and Larvitar munching on their Pokémon food. "Is that good Larvitar? It looks great?" Misty asked softly but Larvitar instantly ceased up, making Misty sigh in disappointment and stand up. "Well, guess it still doesn't like me." She said sadly so I gave her a smile.

"Larvitar doesn't hate you. He's just still nervous around other people. You know, he refers to you as 'the pretty' one." I told her before taking another bite out of my sandwich.

"Really?" She asked and I nodded my head.

"Sure. He likes the colour of your hair. He thinks it's warm like the sun." I explained. "He told me so only yesterday." Misty have me a sharp look.

"Are you just trying to make me feel better? How do you know Larvitar said all that?" I tapped my head.

"Aura. I've been working on it. Sometimes the emotions come through as words and thoughts, it takes real connection and concentration with Pokémon who resist like Larvitar does, but I'm getting better at it. I can do it with Latias almost effortlessly." I said with a smile.

"That's so awesome!" Ash laughed. "Did you talk to Professor Oak about it?" I paused then shook my head.

"No. I'm not planning on it. He always tries to hold me back, as if he's the one who's scared of what I can do. So I'm just going to try figure it out on my own."

"We'll help you Ruby. You don't have to do it all by yourself." Brock said. "Right guys?"

"Yeah!" Both Misty and Ash chorused but before I could thank them, the bushes began to rustle behind Ash, drawing my attention, as well as everyone else's. What's that?

"What is that?" Ash asked as he stood up and just then, two yellow ears popped up, shaped like twin rectangles. "Whoa, is that a Pokémon?" Suddenly the rest of the Pokémon popped up, revealing thick arms, a rounded yellow body with black strips.

"Hey look, it's an Elekid!" Brock told us so I pulled out Dexter to see what he had to say.

"Elekid, the electric Pokémon. Elekid is the pre-evolved form of Electabuzz, it generates electricity by spinning its arms." Dexter said as the Elekid strolled forwards then snatched the food from Larvitar's hands, lifted it up then dropped it into his mouth as we all gasped.

"Wait! You give that back, it belongs to Larvitar!" Misty said angrily down at the Elekid. Pikachu, disliking the treatment of the new baby of the family, instantly leaped forwards with an unimpressed, stormy expression.

"Pi Pika!" At the challenge Elekid began to swing its arms around and around in fast motion and Pikachu charged himself up before the both of them sending out their attacks. Unfortunately, one certain genius decided to get in the way.

"Hey you guys, stop!" With a double hit of Thunderbolt, Ash collapsed to the ground. "Bad idea…"

"Way to go genius." I rolled my eyes then looked at the Elekid who began patting Larvitar pretty hard on the back. "Hey, be careful!" I said, reaching out to pick Larvitar up but when a net shot out and snatched both Elekid and Larvitar up, I whipped my hand back. "Hey!"

"We're taking these two with us!" Meowth gloated as we all called out for Larvitar.

"So say goodbye!" Jessie trilled.

"Yes, goodbye and good riddance!" James agreed as the balloon began to make its escape.

"Not so fast, Bayleef! Let's go!" Ash called and picked out his trusted Bayleef who appeared with a hearty call.

"Bay!"

"Razor Leaf attack!" Ash directed and Bayleef instantly swung her head around, shooting out a fast volley of leaves which struck against the net but bounced off, not even making a scratch no matter how many times she hammered away at it.

"Looks like your Razor Leaf needs to be sharpened." Jessie smirked as I growled. I'll wipe that look off her face real soon, you wait and see!

"Weezing use Smokescreen, now!"

"Pidgeot, blow it away!" I called, tossing my Pokéball up into the air then covered my mouth with my arm as the smoke covered us, making me cough and choke on the sick fumes but then Pidgeot's trill caught my attention as she beat the air with powerful wing flaps, chasing away the smoke but with the wind, the balloon sailed away with the help of its rocket boosters as well.

"No! Larvitar! Larvitar come back!" Ash began to panic, trembling slightly with worry. "What do we do? I don't know what to do! Poor Larvitar, it's going to be so scared without me there. We have to find them! What should we-YOW!" He yelled as I thumped him on the back of the head with my fist.

"Cool it genius! We go look for them, that's what!" I yelled at him as he groaned on the ground. "Now, get up and follow me, we go this way! Pidgeot, you take the skies and see if you can spot them!" I called ahead and she nodded.

"Pidgeo!" With that we began our search. Stupid Team Rocket, always ruining everything. We walked a little way before I stopped and placed my hands on my hips, turning back to the others.

"We'll wait here to see if Pidgeot comes back with anything." I said as Ash sighed, resting a hand on Bayleef's neck.

"I hope that Larvitar isn't getting too scared." He said with worry.

"It was just starting to get used to us and then Team Rocket shows up." Misty agreed bitterly.

"I know. Now I bet it'll be just as shy and afraid as when it first hatched." Brock said.

"You never know, some time away from us might be exactly what Larvitar needs." I suggested with a shrug, making everyone look at me in confusion, though Ash looked angry.

"How can you say that? Larvitar is only a baby!" I nodded my head simply and pursed my lips.

"True, but baby's grow up Ash. Or at least they're meant to, but you're not letting that happen. You like having Larvitar all to yourself the way it is, you like to care for him and feel important but that's not how raising Pokémon works. You've got to let a Pokémon grow and explore new things on its own, learn how to make the right decisions on its own without you there to influence them. I think some time away from you with that tough looking Elekid will help Larvitar, at least we know Elekid will keep an eye on him for us." I finished just as we saw the bushes begin to rustle. "Huh?"

"What's that?" Ash asked just before a tall and green Pokémon appeared.

"Mega." It said, blinking once before walking over to us, a large pink and white flower around its neck.

"Bay." Bayleef greeted.

"Mega Mega." The Meganium answered as it looked down at us. Wow, I never realised how big Meganium were before now. They're huge!

"What Pokémon is this?" Misty asked in astonishment as Brock and I answered together.

"It's a Meganium!"

"Meganium, the herb Pokémon. Meganium have the ability to restore fully dried out plants and bring them back to life with its breath." Ash's Dexter informed us as the Meganium continued to blink at us simply.

"Wow! I've never seen one before!" Ash said with interest.

"I never realised they were so big!"

"Me neither." I agreed.

"Meganium, there you are! Now where's Elekid…" A familiar voice called out and Casey walked into view, completely oblivious to our presence until she looked around. Then she smiled brightly and gasped.

"Casey!" Ash greeted with a laugh.

"Well if it isn't Ash, Ruby, Misty and Brock! How are you guys?" She asked as she stood beside the Meganium, which was easily twice her height.

"We're doing fine Casey. Now is this your Meganium?" Brock asked her and she nodded her head proudly and excitedly.

"Uh huh. After it evolved from a Bayleef, my Meganium has become my best batter and the pride of my whole team!" She told us all.

"That's so cool Casey." Misty said to her as she turned to face Ash directly.

"So Ash, what's up now with your Bayleef?" But then she turned to look at us, as if only just noticing it. "Uh oh, hasn't evolved. Sorry Ash." She said it as if it were a bad thing, which made me shake my head slightly but smile all the same.

"It's fine. I'm glad that Bayleef didn't evolve yet." He said, making Bayleef smile and her eyes sparkle as they looked at each other.

"Bay…" She said softly and I chuckled, rubbing her head gently.

"Well that may be fine for you but Meganium are just the best. Talk about speed! Meganium scores and inside the park home run lickety split! Your Bayleef is really better suited for the minors, triple A league." She boasted and Ash blinked in surprise.

"Well, I think Bayleef is a major leaguer." He answered and Bayleef nodded her head and nudged up against Ash proudly however Casey had already moved the conversation on.

"Well the big news is, I finally found an Elekid to catch! I've dreamed about having this Pokémon. Those stripes, those great yellow and black stripes! I know that together Elekid and I can cheer the Electabuzz all the way!" She cheered, giving a whoop as she jumped up and I chuckled.

"I see some things never change. Still a loyal Electabuzz fan." I noted to her and Casey instantly punched the air with pride.

"You bet your necktie on it! The Electabuzz are going all the way this year! They've got the best hitting and pitching!" She declared with great pride so I didn't even bother arguing. "But somewhere along the way, I lost track of that Elekid." She suddenly deflated, looking at the ground.

"We saw an Elekid." Ash dared to say and instantly Casey was right up close in his face.

"Get out of town! Where Ash?" She demanded to know, misty tears in her eyes.

"A ways back it just…popped out." He began, going stiff and rigid at the close proximity. Kind of like Larvitar I guess you could say.

"Yeah, go on!"

"Then…Team Rocket showed up and stole it." Instantly Casey hung her head.

"Not them again." She groaned before shouting up at the sky. "I can't stand Team Rocket! When I catch up to those crooks, it's going to be three strikes and you're out!" Casey yelled with a fierce determination on her face as her Meganium struck a pose beside her.

"Mega!" Suddenly I heard the rustle of wings and I looked up at the sky.

"Pidgeot! Did you find anything?" I asked and she nodded her head as she hovered above us.

"Pidgeo! Pidgeot Pidgeo!" She answered then pointed with her wing in the direction she had seen Team Rocket.

"Alright everyone, floor the gas, we're getting both Larvitar and Elekid back." I said determinedly, tilting my hat back and twisted my neckerchief around to get serious, then raced after Pidgeot as she showed us the way.

"Who's Larvitar?" Casey asked in confusion as we ran so Misty and Brock quickly explained. We came across the crash site of Team Rocket's balloon but no trace of the trio or our duo, plus the basket and rocket panels were gone. Dang it, we missed them!

"Let's keep going, Pidgeot, keep your eyes on the ground from above!" I called up to her so she flapped her wings and gained more altitude to scan a higher expanse of the woods. We hadn't been running long when a piercing, albeit very familiar Screech shook our eardrums, threatening to burst them and we instantly stopped and covered our ears.

"What is that?" Casey demanded with face tightly clenched to try and block out as much as the sound she could.

"Well. We found Larvitar." Brock grunted and we spotted a new balloon floating across the sky, carrying a net below with two Pokémon inside.

"There's my Elekid!" Casey yelled.

"Larvitar!" Ash called up and instantly Larvitar stopped, turning to smile happily down at Ash. Ah, I think we have a daddy's boy up there. Now that's just too adorable.

"Meganium, Razor Leaf let's go!" Casey called and Meganium instantly released a flurry of leaves from underneath its flower petals and they instantly cut through the net, allowing both Elekid and Larvitar to fall down to freedom.

"Pidgeot, use Air Slash!" I pointed up at the balloon and Pidgeot instantly flew up with a flurry of wings, flying straight for the Team Rocket balloon then gave a sharp flap of her wings, cutting straight through the balloon and it exploded with a large bang, sending Team Rocket flying off into the sky. "Pidgeot, catch Larvitar and Elekid!" But they were already gone from sight.

"Pidgeo!" She called down to me and flew towards a cliff where we all ran to check it out, but found no Elekid or Larvitar.

"The net's here…but the Pokémon are gone!" Casey worried.

"They must have fallen over the cliff when the net broke." Misty gasped as I looked up at Pidgeot then gave a sharp whistle. She banked around and I jumped off the cliff edge, landing securely on her back then turned to face the others.

"I'll meet you guys down below. I'll search for them with Pidgeot from the air."

"Right." They all nodded then raced away as Pidgeot turned and began to skim the treetops, searching the area around the cliff where the net had been found until we found tracks.

"Alright Pidgeot, you know what to do." I said and she nodded her head to me.

"Pidgeo!" She chirped then flapped her wings to follow the footprints. We got a couple hundred metres when Pidgeot suddenly stopped and began to coo dreamily, turning her head to sniff the air. "Pidgeot…Pidgeo…"

"Pidgeot? What's the matter?" I asked but she didn't answer, merely turned and began to follow the smell of a soft, sweet smelling aroma that seemed to be coming from the forest. "What are you doing Pidgeot?" But she merely began to descend to the ground, eyes misty and dreamy as she followed the scent. "Maybe it's Sweet Scent? You gotta wake up Pidgeot! Snap out of it!" I yelled and Pidgeot jumped, blinking quickly then shook her head.

"Pidgeo!"

"Alright, way to go Pidgeot! Huh?" I looked down to see a Weepinbell sat on a tree stump, with Elekid, Larvitar and the gang all approaching, attracted to the Sweet Scent however before the two little Pokémon could get too close, they fell down a hole dug by Team Rocket. "No!" And as the gang all rushed up, they too fell into a hole. What is it with Team Rocket and digging holes?

"We'll be taking these two if you don't mind." Jessie crowed as she grabbed Elekid and Larvitar in a net then began to walk away, James carrying the Weepinbell in his arms. Wait, I thought he had a Victreebell.

"Go Pidgeot!" I pointed and Pidgeot dove down to the ground, tucking her wings in tight to gain speed. "Use Quick Attack!" Pidgeot soared low over the ground, spreading her wings then lifted off to spin around, smacking her wings into Team Rocket so that they flew to the ground and crumbled into a heap with a cry of shock. I guided Pidgeot around then she landed in front of Team Rocket, blocking their escape route as the others climbed out of their pitfall thanks to Meganium. "I don't think so Team Rocket. We're not going to let you get away with Larvitar and Elekid." I told them as I jumped off of Pidgeot's back then placed a hand on my hip.

"Urgh. I've just about had enough of you. Go Arbok!" Jessie called. "Use Poison Sting!"

"Dodge it and use Aerial Ace!" I countered and Pidgeot flew forwards with blinding speed, spiralling over Arbok's attack then slammed into him at top speed.

"Phanphy, use Tackle!" Ash called as he sent out Phanphy against James's new Weepinbell. Phanphy hit with a powerful force but James hit back with tears in his eyes.

"Don't you take that from them! Use Razor Leaf!"

"Dodge it and send 'em flying Phanphy!" Ash retaliated and Phanphy began to whip around its trunk, deflecting all the leaves before barrelling forwards, gaining speed to hit Weepinbell. "Use Rollout!" Phanphy jumped and tucked himself up into a tiny ball and charged towards Weepinbell.

"You use Vine Whip Weepinbell!" James cried out and Weepinbell struck Phanphy with its vine, sending Phanphy flying backwards and to the ground.

"Phanphy no!" Ash gasped as Weepinbell jumped back to James's side.

"That's the spirit Weepinbell!" James praised as Meowth smiled.

"That Weepinbell is better than any Victreebell." He crowed but then the Weepinbell began to glow bright white, shimmering prettily and everyone blinked in surprise. Wait, Weepinbell was evolving? Sure enough, when the light disappeared it had become a new Victreebell, which made James's eyes sparkle with love. "I don't believe it."

"Another Victreebell?" Jessie said questioningly, blinking in surprise but the moment the Victreebell jumped up and clamped down on her head, she screamed. "Get this thing off of me!" Suddenly something snapped into place. I get it now! Victreebell like to clamp down on people of opposite genders to show their affections! So that means James's last Victreebell had actually been a female, and this one must be a male. Looks like Jessie's in a bit of a tight spot.

"The net!" Misty called, pointing to Larvitar and Elekid so I jumped up onto Pidgeot and she flew forwards, grabbing the net that Jessie had dropped as Team Rocket all struggled to pry Victreebell off of Jessie's head as she continued to screech and wail. She even rivalled Larvitar's Screech attack.

"Larvitar! Are you okay?" Ash asked as he pulled the net off.

"Larvitar." Larvitar answered with a nod of his head then smiled warmly as Elekid slung an arm around him.

"Bee-Bee!" It said proudly as I dismounted.

"You've been looking out for Larvitar, haven't you Elekid?" I questioned and it nodded proudly to me. "Thanks a bunch, you're a really great Pokémon!" I chuckled then looked over to Team Rocket, who had finally got Jessie out of the trap.

"That's it! Either Victreebell goes or I go. Arbok! Get this thing out of my sight!" She commanded so Arbok surged forwards and slammed into the Victreebell, sending it flying off into the air and I blinked in shock. Hey! She can't do that!

"Oh no! Not you too!" James cried, trying to reach out for the Victreebell but it was already gone from sight.

"Now, it's time to turn our attention back to Larvitar and Elekid. Arbok! Go get them!" She commanded and her faithful Pokémon surged forwards.

"Oh no you don't. Pidgeot, use Air Slash!" I countered and Pidgeot instantly began to beat the air, sending waves of harsh wind at Arbok and sent him crashing back into Jessie who then slammed into the others. "Take that." I said then stuck out my tongue for good measure.

"Meganium, Solar Beam!" Casey called and Meganium absorbed the light of the sun into its petals before shooting out a powerful beam of light at Team Rocket, which made the ground explode and Team Rocket soared up into the sky.

"Look's like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

"Woo!" I laughed, jumping up and punching the air. "Now that's a one hit knock out! Awesome strike Meganium."

"Mega!" Meganium beamed down at me but Casey was now focused on the Elekid.

"Alright Elekid, are you ready to be caught?" She asked then pointed to him as he began to charge up his electricity by spinning his arms around and around. "Meganium go! Razor Leaf!" She called as Elekid sent out a Thundershock at Meganium. "Dodge it!" Meganium smartly leaped out the way then hit Elekid with all the Razor Leaf it could muster but Elekid punched forwards and deflected them all.

"Wow! That's one powerful Thunder Punch!" Brock appreciated as Casey smirked excitedly.

"You've sure got some silky smooth moves Elekid. Meganium use Tackle attack!" Casey directed and Meganium charged forwards with alarming speed and power, slamming into Elekid and flung him back with ease. "Now, Meganium, throw your secret Solar Beam pitch!" Meganium charged up its power then let out a powerful beam of light strike at Elekid with a direct hit, the electric Pokémon unable to stop it so it just took the attack, making my eyes widen slightly. Now that's some spunk.

When the light disappeared Elekid keeled over, falling backwards and Casey instantly cheered. "Alright! Now go Pokéball!" She pitched her Pokéball and threw it at Elekid, capturing him in the Pokéball then waited as it twitched and flashed at us, making us all lean forwards with baited breath.

Finally it clicked shut and Casey squealed with immeasurable joy, racing forwards and picking up her Pokéball which contained her newly caught Elekid. "Yes! It's a grand slam! I just caught an Elekid!" Larvitar walked forwards with a sad expression and approached Casey.

"Lar." He said softly and Casey looked down at him.

"What's that Larvitar? Don't worry, Elekid is fine! Now that I have Meganium and Elekid battling on my team, we'll for sure be going all the way to the series and probably win!" She said brightly and Larvitar blinked before smiling widely.

"Lar! Larvitar." He said and nodded his head so I chuckled then lifted him up.

"Look at you, making friends and talking to people you don't know. I say we've broken through a little more of that shell of yours, and it's all thanks to Elekid." I said to him, tickling his belly and he instantly kicked out with laughter in my arms.

"You're right. I guess I was being a little too protective over Larvitar." Ash admitted, rubbing the back of his head bashfully. "I promise I'll try harder not to be so worried."

"No problem Ash, it's good for Larvitar to know that he always has you to rely on. Right Larvitar?" I questioned and Larvitar nodded his head.

"Larvitar." And with a yawn and a stretch, Larvitar curled up in my arms and went straight to sleep.