I awoke before morning, when it was still dark, when someone nudged at me gently. "Hmm?" I mumbled then looked up.

"Bulbasaur!" Ash's Bulbasaur prodded me again with his vines and I blinked before sitting up.

"Bulbasaur? What's the matter?" I asked it and it turned to point with one of the vines towards the road then to one of my Pokéballs. "Huh?" I lifted one up, the one that held Charmander then clicked it. The lid flipped open, revealing it to be empty. "Oh no! Quick, show me where he went!" I gasped and leaped to my feet, grabbing the belt and clipping it on. "Hurry Bulbasaur!"

"Bulbasaur!" He nodded then took off at a run. I didn't disturb the others because there was no need, Charmander couldn't have gotten too far as he was fairly small but also, Bulbasaur was quite alert so would have noticed pretty much straight away that he was gone.

"Pika?" Pikachu awoke then looked up, blinking as I jogged past with Bulbasaur. "Chu!" He leaped after us, springing onto Squirtle's Pokéball who quivered then opened, the sleepy Pokémon rubbing his eyes before looking to see what was going on.

"Squirtle!" He yelped then ran after us, hands raised high. Pikachu fell into stride beside me and I looked down.

"You coming with me Pikachu?" I asked and he nodded his head.

"Pikachu!" He affirmed so I smiled then looked back to Squirtle.

"Come on! We have to catch him before the others wake up. Pidgeotto go!" She flew out of her Pokéball then chirped in the early morning breeze, looking to the east where the sun was beginning to rise. "Pidgeotto, find Charmander! He's disappeared." I said to her. "Once you have him, bring him back to us." She nodded her head then flew off, though it was still pretty dark. I was hoping that Charmander's tail flame would be the giveaway for Pidgeotto to find him.

"Char! Charmander!"

"Huh?" I looked behind and saw Ash's Charmander running to catch up, making me stop to look and watch. "You're all coming to help me get Charmander back?" I questioned and they nodded their heads, chorusing their names. "That's…that's really nice of you all. I know you don't like him very much, but it means a lot to me that you want to help." I told them, kneeling down then stroked them all in turn. "I know that he's difficult and isn't very nice at times, but you see he really misses his family back home. He knows he doesn't fit in here and although he's never met his parents, I think he wants to go back to them anyway. So when he comes back, could I ask you all a favour?" They tilted their heads up at me.

"Saur?"

"Chu?" I smiled then tickled Pikachu's belly, making him chime out and clutch his stomach with a smile. "Chuuuu!"

"Would you be a little more patient with him? Try and feel a little more welcome? I think he feels a little like an outcast, which is why he acts the way he does. He doesn't think he fits in and I can't prove to him alone that he's wrong, I'm going to need all of your help. Could you do that? For me?"

"Squirtle." Squirtle nodded his head then looked to the others. Charmander pondered for a moment, not totally convinced but after Pikachu and Bulbasaur nodded their heads with soft assurances, he sighed then nodded his head too.

"Charmander."

"Thank you, you're all such great Pokémon." I smiled to them then looked up when I heard Pidgeotto's wings, signalling her return. The sun had risen quite a bit now so everything was brighter and I instantly saw that something was wrong. "Pidgeotto? Where's Charmander? Couldn't you find him?" I asked and she nodded her head.

"Pidgeo! Pidgeo, Pidgeotto!" She flapped her wings quickly and desperately, constantly looking at us and towards the east. "Pidgeotto!"

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped forwards to face me and I looked at him. He made pointed to Ash's Charmander then to himself as he picked up a stick and pretended to poke Charmander, who was also trying to warm me of something. "Pikachu! Chu! Chu! Pika Pika!" Pikachu cried out as he pretended to throw something at Charmander and I gasped.

"Someone's hurting my Charmander?" I realised and Pikachu nodded.

"Pika Pi!" Rage burned in me and fire danced before my eyes.

"Alright Pidgeotto, show me the way!" I shouted then grabbed Squirtle and Charmander, letting them cling onto my shoulder and bag before setting off at a run, Pikachu and Bulbasaur keeping up with me as Pidgeotto lead the way off road and through a cluster of trees.

Sunlight spilled down through the trees, hitting every dew drop as nature began to open her sleepy eyes, glinting in their depths but I ignored the beautiful scene before me to follow Pidgeotto, who swerved elegantly through the trees, angulating herself to miss every branch and tree trunk before pulling up short.

With a gasp for breath I looked down to see the cliff diverge into a road below, but then beneath that was flat ground where Charmander stood, looking around him fearfully as several people stood around him, clustering close and laughing.

One of them threw a stone and it hit Charmander in the head, knocking him down and a blazing inferno burst free from within me. "You leave my Pokémon alone!" I bellowed. "You hear me? Leave him ALONE!" Jumping forwards I skid down the cliff, determination written on my face as I looked down and put my hands on my hips and faced the group.

They were all grownups, but they looked like mean characters. They wore metal rings in their ears and studs in their noses as well as ripped jeans and leather jackets. "Who're you kid?" One of them asked, tossing his Pokéball up and down before smirking. "It's not clever to get mixed up in our business."

"Beating up a Pokémon is not business, it's bullying!" I shouted back. "And he's mine! So you better hand him over before I get real angry." They all blinked at one another before laughing. I growled at their laughter. Did they think I was kidding? Oh I'll show them, I'll show them not to mess with me. I am not my mother's daughter for nothing!

"You? You're just a little kitten. Go home for some milk little girl, or we'll send you back with a real lesson burned into your memory." The leader smirked then threw his Pokéball. "Go Dodrio!" The others all smirked then drew out their own Pokémon too. There was a total six of them, so six Pokémon came out.

There was a Poliwrath, Primeape, a Graveller, Weepinbell and finally, an Onix which towered over everyone. Uh oh, this was not good. I looked down to Charmander in the centre of the ring of Pokémon, who all glared down at him.

"That little lizard thought it would be funny to try and burn us, so we're going to teach it a lesson first. Then you and your precious Pokémon will be next." The leader said to me then looked as the Pokémon all closed in. Clenching my jaw I closed my eyes, feeling my fury rise up before it burst out of me in a loud roar.

"Pokémon go! Thundershock, Vine Whip, Water Gun, Flamethrower and Gust!" I yelled and the Pokémon at my side all growled and fired themselves up for battle. "Pidgeotto, create some space, blow everyone back from Charmander!" I directed and she soared forwards with a battle cry.

"Pidgeo!"

"Pikachu, use your Thundershock on Dodrio, Vine Whip on Poliwrath, Water Gun on Onix and Charmander, direct your Flamethrower at Weepinbell!" Suddenly several streams of attacks burst forwards as Pidgeotto dived down in the middle of the fray then blasted a large space then landed over Charmander, shielding him with her wings.

Pikachu sprang forwards then tensed up as he summoned a Thundershock. "Pika…CHUUUUU!" It hit the Dodiro and sent it flying backwards, groaning as it hit the earth then remained down for the moment.

"Drio…" It groaned, the three heads tangled in one another.

"Bulbasaur!" The little dinosaur Pokémon shot its vines out at the Poliwrath as it leaped for Pikachu, whose ears had twitched towards it. The whips slapped across the Poliwrath's face, causing good damage then the vines wrapped around its body, securing it down.

Charmander leaped off the rock also, tucking itself up then a stream of fire shot out towards the Weepinbell and it only just managed to get out the way. The Onix slammed its tail down on the ground, trying to hit Squirtle but the quirky little Pokéman tucked up into its shell and spun, avoiding the blow then spread out again, shooting a jet of water at its face, making it rear back and groan loudly. The men all cried out in fear and tried to order their Pokémon, but most of them were either under attack or immobilised.

"Bulbasaur, leach seed on that Poliwrath then on the Onix, Squirtle, hit it again with Water Gun!" I shouted directions as I remained on the rise, keeping watch over everything. Suddenly the Primeape leaped forwards and used Mega Punch on Pikachu, throwing him backwards. "Pikachu!" I yelled in fear. "Pidgeotto help him out then use Twister!" Pidgeotto rose up in the air with one flap then dove down, narrowing her eyes as Primape tried to go for another blow against Pikachu who gasped.

"Pi?"

"Primeape!" The Pokémon yelled and I watched with worry as the blow came closer and closer. Then without warning Pidgeotto zoomed between them, snatching Pikachu away then banked back around and used Twister, trapping Primeape in a spiralling vortex.

"Alright!" I cheered as Ash's Charmander took out the Weepinbell and the Onix collapsed, finally finished by both Squirtle and Bulbasaur.

"Hey this isn't fair!" One of the men yelled. "You're using multiple Pokémon at the same time! That's cheating!" I leaped off the rise then landed with a grunt but quickly stood up.

"You were about to beat up my Charmander with six Pokémon, I think the odds were very fair, don't you?" I challenged then ran to Charmander as the others all crowded around too. "Charmander! Are you okay?" I worried, lifting him up into my arms. "Please tell me you're alright!"

"Char…" He looked up at me with watery eyes, though they were sparkling slightly. He smiled then touched my face, gently rubbing my cheek and I smiled to him before hugging him closer.

"I've got you now, it's going to be alright." I promised him softly then looked around as the other men started calling back their Pokémon. Now they stood before me, looking seriously angry but I wasn't afraid.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu crackled with electricity as he stood in front of us, ready to battle again.

"If you think you're so tough, then you won't mind one more challenge." The leader smirked then arched an eyebrow. "Go Machamp!" My eyes widened in horror as the fighting type Pokémon was let out and instantly it shouted proudly, clenching the fingers on all four hands.

"Machamp!" This means trouble.

"Machamp, using its heavy muscles, it throws powerful punches that can send the victim clear over the horizon." Oh gee, that makes me feel way better. Thanks Dexter. Swallowing slightly I looked down to Charmander who was shivering slightly in my arms.

"So little girl, which of your brave Pokémon will face my champion fighter? This is a proper match, so you're only allowed to use one at a time. If it fails then I get all of your Pokémon." He told me and I glared at him.

"Not all of them are my Pokémon, some of them belong to my friends. They're just here because we noticed Charmander had gone missing so we went looking. You can't make me battle and I definitely would never agree to those terms!" I shouted back to him and he smirked.

"Too much of a baby, I see. Fine. We'll pummel your Pokémon anyway and finish you off in the process. How does that sound?" I gasped and turned around to face the others.

"Run for it!"

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed with a yelp, racing off as I grabbed Squirtle, who was the slowest of us all and Pidgeotto grabbed Ash's Charmander. We ran away back towards the cliff to find the road, but when a large rocky rail slammed into the ground in front of us, I cried aloud and we all stopped, looking to the Onix who towered even taller than the last one!

"Ha, nice try kid." The Onix's trainer smirked. "But you're not going anywhere. Bind them up!" Onix began to curl its tail around us all and I gasped, looking to the others as Pidgeotto flew around us, calling out with worry. Seeing no other option, I hugged Charmander one last time then shouted.

"Alright! I'll battle you!" Someone snapped their fingers and Onix's tail let us go, though he blocked off our escape still. Panting heavily I licked my lips then looked down to the others, who all looked drained from the tight squeeze. I touched Pikachu's head to get his attention. "Hey little buddy, could you all look after Charmander for me? I'll only be a moment." I promised him and he nodded.

"Pikachu." He nudged my hand then held onto Charmander as I put him down.

"Char…!" He tried to get up but the others held him down, trying to soothe him as I stood up.

"Alright Pidgeotto, let's go!" I called and she flapped her wings with an angry call of agreement. With Pidgeotto, at least I'll have the type, experience and speed advantage. I stepped forwards and faced Machamp, who crackled all of his knuckles as its trainer laughed.

"You will never forget this battle, little girl, I promise you. Remember my name, it's Emile of the Black Fang Gang. I hope it will give you nightmares forever after." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You're sick and twisted, that's what you are! I'm gonna pound you so hard you'll never even want to have kids of your own! Pidgeotto, let's kick things off with Twister!" I shouted and she flew forwards.

"Machamp, use Karate Chop!"

"Watch out Pidgeotto, fly high to avoid being hit!" I called and she instantly banked higher as Machamp lunged forwards, aiming to land a blow. Pidgeotto got out of the way in time then whipped up a Twister, wrapping up Machamp who flinched from the attack, draining some of its energy. "Keep it up Pidgeotto! Now use Peck!" She dove down and Emile then smirked.

"Machamp, use Smack Down!" My eyes widened in horror. Smack Down was a rock type move, which would be super effective against Pidgeotto! Before I could even call out an order, Machamp had leaped up into the air and was facing Pidgeotto, who startled in surprised.

"Maaaachaaaamp!" Machamp slammed his lower fists down onto Pidgeotto, who cried out from the hit them tumbled down, breaking the Twister.

"No! Pidgeotto!" I cried out and ran forwards, hardly hearing the others as they called out.

"Pikachu! Pika!" I leaped up then extended my arms, catching Pidgeotto before she could be seriously injured. She smacked into me and I grunted, though by breaking her fall I saved her from breaking any bones.

"Pidgeotto? Are you okay?" I whispered to her softly and she looked at me briefly before nodding her head.

"Pidgeo…" She chirped softly then rubbed my face with her beak.

"Okay. Do you still have some fight left or shall we withdraw? I don't want you getting hurt, Pidgeotto. You mean too much to me." In answer she got up and flexed her wings, though she stumbled slightly. Looking up to the Machamp, who had a grin as sickening as its trainer, I took a deep breath. "Okay Pidgeotto, let's try again!" I called out as confidently as I could and she flapped her wings, taking off into the air again. "Use Sand-Attack!"

Instantly she kicked up a plume of sand, throwing it in Machamp's face and he growled in irritation, closing his eyes as he lost sight of Pidgeotto. "Great! Now use…" But Pidgeotto had already dived. The edges of her wing glowed a reddish colour and she slammed into Machamp, knocking him backwards as she soared upwards into the sky again.

"Pidgeo!" She cheered, narrowing her eyes in concentration.

"You learned Wing Attack?" I blinked then beamed. "Brilliant! Fly into the sun Pidgeotto! Now that its higher, we can use it to blind Machamp. Use Wing Attack again!" She dove downwards and I saw Emile growl.

"You useless Pokémon! Grab that bird and use Vital Throw!" Machamp turned but before he could even shield his eyes from the light, Pidgeotto had struck him back with her wing, slamming into him and he groaned.

"Yes Pidgeotto! Keep hitting him like that, now use Quick Attack to get an extra hit in!" I shouted up to her.

"Vital Throw! I said Vital Throw!" Emile bellowed and Machamp turned around, trying to find Pidgeotto but she kept on hitting out of nowhere, using her speed to strike him out before he could even move. "Ugh, concentrate you idiot!" Emile roared, steam practically pouring out of his ears as the team behind me began to cheer.

"Pika Pika!"

"Bulbasaur!"

"Char! Char! Char!"

"Squirtle!" Pidgeotto called out in answer then shot upwards, twisting with her wings tucked in before spreading them out elegantly, looking down to Machamp who was on his knees. I smirked then clenched one fist threw the other directed to Machamp. "Finish this off Pidgeotto! Use Wing Attack one last time!"

"Pidgeo!" She called out then took a steep dive, aiming directly for Machamp. I watched with anticipation, eyes widening the closer she got, but then it all went wrong. Machamp suddenly sprung upwards and tackled Pidgeotto, knocking the wind from her then gripped her wing to spin her around.

"No!" I screamed in fear, taking a step forwards but one of the men grabbed my arms and pinned them behind my back. "Don't! Please!"

"Finish it Machamp." Emile smirked, smoothing back his purple hair with satisfaction. Machamp lifted Pidgeotto up into the air then as he landed, slammed her into the ground. I felt pain rip through me and I cried out at the brutal torture.

Pidgeotto twitched then went still, though I could still see the rise and fall of her chest, signalling she was still alive. Thank goodness. "Now Machamp…rip off its wings." Emile instructed and I gasped as Machamp smirked.

"Machamp." He nodded then gripped onto Pidgeotto.

"No!" I yelled then stamped my foot onto my captor, forcing him to let me go then stepped forwards to spring up and twist, swinging my foot across his face then as I landed, drew out Pidgeotto's Pokéball. "Return!" Before any damage could be done, she was dematerialised and shot back into the Pokéball. "You did wonderfully." I whispered to her then yelled in anger as I was captured again. "Let me go! Let me go before I beat you all up to little specks!"

"You've got some spirit for just a kid." Emile told me, smirking still. "Now, are we going to have some real fun? Machamp, select your next victim." Machamp started forwards but then something darted forwards then stood before the towering Pokémon.

"Charmander!" Charmander, not Ash's, my Charmander, faced Machamp with seemingly no fear, its tail flickering brightly as he tensed its body ready to battle.

"No Charmander! It's too risky. That Machamp is far too strong!" I warned but Charmander merely continued to stare down the Machamp.

"Ha..haha…haha…HA!" Emile scorned. "That puny little lizard is going to actually challenge my Machamp? Oh this is priceless!" Wiping a fake tear from his face Emile then stretched his hand out towards Charmander. "Use Vital Throw, Machamp, give this pest a lesson it will never forget."

"Machamp!" It answered then began to race forwards, arms lifted and ready to use. Charmander looked back to me, waiting. All of a sudden it clicked, he was waiting for my direction. Waiting to listen to me. I could have cried, really I could, but things were a little pressing at the moment.

"Alright Charmander! Use Flamethrower whilst leaping up into the air! Use your smaller size to avoid that hunk of muscle!" I called out and Charmander nodded then leaped up just in time, directing his mouth downwards and shot out a plume of hot flames.

"Chaaaar!" His little voice rang and I beamed.

"Alright!" Machamp leaped back from the attack as Charmander landed in front of me, glaring stubbornly. "Okay, now use Growl, give it all you've got!" Charmander arched his back and sucked in a deep breath as Emile shouted another order, but before Machoke could move a deep bellied roar emitted from Charmander, causing it to startle backwards and loose some of its attacking power. "Now Flamethrower!"

Charmander struck with another fire attack, this time leaving Machoke with a burn though he continued forwards and used Mega Punch, which landed a hit on the small Pokémon. "Char!" I gasped, watching helplessly as the blow landed but I managed to break free and run forwards to catch him in time.

"Charmander?" He blinked blearily, looking up at me then smiled.

"Char…" Then his body flickered a different colour. Blinking I watched as he glowed bright silver.

"Charmander! You're…you're evolving?" I set him down on his feet then took a step back, watching as his body began to grow taller and a horn protruded on his head, angled backwards and his claws grew in length. "You're…a Charmeleon!" I smiled with joy as Charmeleon appeared, snapping his jaws then shouted to the sky in a much more ferocious voice than before.

"Char!" Suddenly Machamp's fist came swinging but Charmeleon sensed it, glancing back with an angry look then sprung upwards, letting Machamp hit the ground with its solid body. "Chaaaarmeleon!" He snarled then consumed Machamp in another bout of Flamethrower.

"Nice hit! Okay, now use Scratch!" I called. "Keep him down Charmeleon but be careful of his arms!" Charmeleon ignored this order, however, and his claws began to glow ever so slightly. "Hey, do you know Slash now? Even better! Let's do this!" I cheered. "Slash!" Charmeleon used Slash and Machoke groaned, trying to get up but Charmeleon landed on his back, knocking him down once more then sprang off again. "Char!"

"Get up Machamp! Use Seismic Toss!" Machamp struggled to his feet and started towards Charmeleon but I countered the order.

"Charmeleon, jump up onto those rocks then use Flamethrower one more time!" Charmeleon jumped backwards easily enough, the power in his legs carrying him high up into the air and Machamp crashed into the rocks, groaning as he sustained more damage. He sucked in a breath then blew a twisting inferno downwards, consuming Machamp one last time until finally, he clamped his mouth shut then glared downwards.

Machamp was frozen in place, charred black and a face that was pinched into place until finally, he crumbled back to the ground. "Argh! You stupid Pokémon, get up!" Emile shouted as I leaped up into the air in victory.

"Yeah! Go Charmeleon! We did it!"

"Char." He nodded his head then folded his arms across his chest proudly.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu paraded proudly until the Onix growled and they all fell silent. Folding my arms I glared at Emile.

"Now let us all go. You're just a sad bully who needs some serious discipline." Emile glared at me, going bright red in anger, his hair standing up on end before finally, he exploded.

"ARGH! Send all your Pokémon out and get them!" I gasped and instantly drew back, kneeling down and held the others to me as they crowded close, watching as several new Pokémon appeared. Charmeleon leaped down and stood in front of us protectively, glancing around. I wish Pidgeotto were well enough to fly, then I could send her for help.

Pikachu's cheeks sparked and he lowered his stance, preparing to run at a Victreebell as Charmander cuddled into me. Bulbasaur extended his whips, preparing to strike as Squirtle held onto my backpack, glancing around nervously.

"Hey!" A voice yelled and I gasped. I knew that voice! I hated it, but I was never so happy to hear it. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" Gary suggested with an easy smirk, arching an eyebrow as he stood side facing on, his gang of cheerleaders just behind him. Instantly my face fell. Oh great, they're here too.

"Gary, Gary he's the one! He's so great you'll want to run!" What? Where'd they come up with that one? Still, I was glad to see him.

"Why don't you leave my friends alone, then I won't hurt you." He said and Emile laughed.

"Another spunky punk. Looks like we're getting a decent breakfast today boys, let's dig in!" My eyes widened as all attention turned to Gary.

"Gary watch out!" I called but he only winked at me. Wait a second. He winked? At ME! Ew that is weird. Onix uncurled from around us and instantly I grabbed everyone in one way or another. "Come on let's get to high ground!" I called. "Charmeleon!" He hissed then followed, bounding up the rocks then stood with us as Gary sent out a Pokémon.

"Go Nidoking!" Wow, Nidoking! That little guy I met at the restaurant sure grew up fast. A great purple beast of a Pokémon appeared then roared, glaring at all the other Pokémon who drew back slightly. "Use Earthquake." Instantly I felt the earth tremble and I fell backwards, several Pokémon landing on me also as I yelped.

A shell dug into my stomach and several paws and claws also, which made me groan. "People need to stop landing on me." I struggled to get up then looked over to see Nidoking still standing, though most of the other Pokémon had fainted. That was some power…

"Charmeleon!" I rested my hand on Charmeleon's back o stop him from joining the fight.

"No, stay here. Just in case we need to be protected." I said to him gently, though really I just didn't want him down there where he could be affected by the attack of the Nidoking. Nidoking used Venoshock on Onix and then a Rock Tomb on a Fearow, which took it out instantly. This was insane, could a Pokémon ever become that powerful? It was taking on at least eight Pokémon all by itself!

"Woah! Let's get out of here!" The gang members yelled as they retreated, returning their Pokémon before legging it out there. Gary laughed then folded his arms over his chest proudly.

"Yeah, you better run. See you later!" He waved mockingly to them then nodded to Nidoking. "Nice work, we sure showed them." Then he looked at me. I was so in shock that when I started at the sudden eye contact, my hand slipped and I tumbled forwards off the side of the road.

"Agh!" I yelped and the Pokémon all yelled.

"Pika Pi!" I felt something grip my wrist and I blinked to see Charmeleon holding onto me, eyes clenched shut as he tried to support my weight. Charmander and Pikachu gripped onto my sleeve, trying to haul me back up from this rather high vantage point I had stupidly selected.

"Agh! Help me back up! Hurry!" I panicked, giving Squirtle and Bulbasuar my other hand and they tried to pull. My feet scrambled against the cliff face, and slowly, I began to move back up. But then, as my luck goes, my foot slipped and I crashed into the side, Charmeleon lost my grip and I tumbled down. I screamed out loud, clenching my eyes tightly shut as Pikachu yelled.

"Pika!" I tumbled down and I prepared for the impact, which would seriously hurt but hopefully not kill me. Though as my luck would have it, I wouldn't be too sure. I clamped my mouth tightly shut to stop myself from screaming then braced, praying I would at least be knocked out so I couldn't feel anything.

Suddenly I felt myself land, though it wasn't the kind of landing I expected. I actually fell into someone's arms and they broke my fall almost too easily, which made me frown then slowly open my eyes. Gary looked down at me with a soft smirk, though there was also half a kind smile there too and I blinked, kind of in a daze.

No, just no. Please, kill me now. I change my mind. Dying wouldn't be such a bad idea. GARY OAK JUST CAUGHT ME IN HIS ARMS! Argh! He was never going to let me forget this, this is so embarrassing! "Ugh…thanks?" I offered then blushed deeply before scrambling to leap out of his arms.

"No problem, you're lucky I was driving by." He said to me. "We were on our way to the next city for another gym badge." He then frowned at me, noticing the empty spaces on my rucksack. "Where are yours?" I shrugged.

"I gave them back. I've decided not to be a trainer anymore." I answered then looked up as Gary's face dropped in shock. "Come on down guys! It's all safe!"

"Pika Pi!" Suddenly my eyes widened.

"No! I didn't mean jump! WARGH!" They all landed on me, Pikachu first who cheered happily but then the rest. Squirtle showered me down with a Water Gun as Bulbasaur tickled me with his Vine Whip and Charmander and Charmeleon jumped up and down on me, though Charmeleon then hopped off and helped me sit up to throw his arms around me. "Char…"

"Oh!" I blinked in surprise then smiled happily as I hugged him back. "You were so awesome, and really brave!" I complimented and he merely hugged me tighter.

"Char…Charmeleon…"

"I know, I'm sorry too. I guess the others were right and I was spoiling you just a little too much." I answered, drawing back to look at him. "But I'm going to do better, I promise. We'll be a proper team from now on, you listen to me…and I'll listen to you too." Charmeleon nodded his head then licked my face, making me squeal and giggle.

"Your Charmeleon looks great." Gary said to me. "So why aren't you going to be a trainer anymore?" I stood up slowly, getting the others off me one by one.

"Well, I don't really think I have what it takes to get my Pokémon and myself to the big leagues. I just can't push them like you or Ash could, I mainly just want to play with them." I blushed slightly with embarrassment. "And because I've decided that I want to start a Pokémon Sanctuary Operation, where I can take care of all abandoned and hurt Pokémon properly until I can return them to the wild or find them new trainers." Gary blinked at me then smiled.

"I think that's a great idea. I bet grandpa would love it too. He'll sure help you in whatever way he can." He smirked then winked at me. "And I will too." I blinked at him then scowled, ignoring the embarrassed blush on my cheeks.

Charmander and Charmeleon locked heads, resuming their usual stare down though Charmeleon was just a little bit taller now. "Hey guys, can't you two just get along?" I planted my hands on my hips and gave them a stern look. "Save your rivalry for a later date, we've gotta get back to Ash and the others." Suddenly I found myself being scooped up by massive arms and I yelped slightly before laughing. "Hi Nidoking! You've grown up a lot since I last saw you." I noted and he smiled broadly.

"Nido! Nidoking!" He chanted then slathered his tongue all over me, making me shriek with laughter.

"No! No stop it! Haha, Nidoking that tickles! Ew!" Eventually he put me down and I stood absolutely covered in saliva. "Yuck, thanks a lot." I grinned up at him and Nidoking grinned poudly as Gary chuckled.

"He's sure taken with you. Nidoking, return." Gary summoned him back and the moment he was gone, Squirtle shot a shower of water over me, hosing me off and I shivered as the cold began to settle into my bones.

"T-t-thanks b-b-buddy." Charmander and Charmeleon looked at one another. Wait a second, I know that look. "Don't-!" Too late. They shot a gulf of fire at me and dried me off, though now I was frizzy haired, a little worse for ware and quite overheated now. "You guys are all great." I told them blankly and they rubbed their heads guiltily. I guess they were only trying to help.

"So are you all okay? They didn't hurt you, right?" Gary asked but then one of his cheerleaders called out.

"Come on Gary! Your fourth badge is waiting!" I shot her a look, annoyed by her rudeness then glared slightly at Gary who glanced back.

"We're fine. We had quite an awesome battle until you showed up, and we would have taken them all on again if you hadn't come barging in wanting to show off as usual." I lifted my chin then stepped around him. "Come on guys, we should still be in time for breakfast."

"Hey Rubes, wait!" Gary called and took a step after me but I whirled around and shouted, getting right in his face.

"My name is not Rubes! It's RUBY!" Gary blanched slightly then scowled, placing his hands on his waist before scoffing.

"Whatever. See you around. Tell Ash that he should really hurry up already, he's still lagging behind." He walked away then paused, looking back with a malicious look on his face. "I should have known you would have been the first to give up, you were just the same in school. Could never stand up for yourself to anyone and never saw anything through to the end." My mouth dropped open then I looked down with hurt. Guess he was right.

"Pikachu!" Static crackled at Pikachu's cheeks but I sighed as he went to shock Gary.

"Don't Pikachu." I turned and walked away. "He's not worth it."

"Pi?" He looked at me then raced to follow, climbing up then settled on my shoulder, poking my face. "Pikachu? Pika Pika." I gave a smile.

"I'm okay, Gary doesn't bother me. He's always been like that. I'm just tired I guess and you guys must be exhausted. We'd better get back to camp before the others assume I've run off and stolen you guys." Smiling a little brighter I began to run. "I'll race you!"