The gentle waves rolled playfully against the boat, its broad side never wavering at their frolicking. I smiled and inhaled deeply, drawing in the salty air as I looked up to the wide open blue sky, painted clouds thick and fluffy and brilliant white.

Pidgeotto flew overhead, flapping her wings as she glided on the thermals before swooping around, making me smile softly as she trilled aloud then dove back to the deck, landing on the railings next to me then turned her head, giving a soft little tweet and I rubbed her head, chuckling slightly before giving a sad sigh.

"It's nearly time. Soon Charizard will be leaving to search for his family." Pidgeotto made a soft, comforting noise and rubbed into me, offering me solace and sympathy. "And just when we've finally overcome our differences."

Pidgeotto continued to rub her head into me and Eevee gave a soft whine and licked my cheek, making me giggle slightly. "It's alright, we'll always be friends. Myabe we'll see him again someday." I suggested and Eevee beamed up at me.

"Vee! Vee!" Hugging her close with a smile I then stroked Pidgeotto's head one last time before letting her back into her Pokéball before heading back to the others. Misty gave a wistful sigh as she held Togepi, all of us looking out across the ocean.

"I can't wait until we get to Cinnabar, I hear it's meant to be really beautiful." She said and Brock nodded his head.

"It's got an awesome volcano. Best of all, its Pokémon Research Laboratory is one of the best in the world. Pokémon trainers from all over come to learn the latest Pokémon techniques." Which is precisely where I need to head first to take the Old Amber so that they can start their research and try to revive it. However if it does turn out to be an Aerodactyl then I hope it isn't as hungry as the last one we encountered. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.

"I'm heading straight for the Cinnabar Gym and my next badge!" Ash declared excitedly and I smiled to him.

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed, sitting on Ash's head.

"Don't worry girls." A recognisible voice said in an abnoxious tone which instantly made me groan and slump over. Gary stupid Oaks. "You'll all get a chance to take a picture with me." Suddenly he turned then smirked when he saw us. "Hey look! Who let these losers on the boat?"

"Gary? You're going to Cinnabar Island?" Ash asked in shock as I turned my back pointedly, Eevee blinking up at me.

"Vee?" She crawled out of my arms and sat on my shoulder, looking curiously over to Gary as he continued to smirk in that annoying way. "Vee!" Suddenly she leaped off and I turned, watching in surprise as she ran over to Gary.

"Hey Eevee! Where are you going?" I took a step after her but stopped when she sat down in front of Gary, blinking up at him adorably. Gary gave a quiet laugh then stooped down, lifting her up and she licked his face and instantly all the girls around him squealed.

"Oh it's so cute!"

"I want one, can I hold it?"

"Gary get us all a Pokémon like that!"

"Can we keep it?" Instantly I growled, storming over as the girls began to snatch at Eevee, making her ears go flat against her head as she whined fearfully, trying to wriggle free as they stroked and clawed at her fur, Gary struggling to keep a hold of her.

"Let my Eevee go!" I snapped loudly, grabbing Eevee and easily pulling her free and the little fluffball instantly hid herself in my neckerchief and I cuddled her closely, assuring her she was alright but then I was surrounded by those girls, all trying to get closer to see Eevee.

"Can it do tricks?"

"Oh please let me hold it, I won't run away with it I swear!"

"Let us dress it up! It'll look so cute!" Getting irritated I stepped back towards Ash but directed my anger towards Gary.

"Can you please get your fan squad under control?" He smirked then lifted a hand.

"Girls, girls, let them have some space. Get too close and you might get infected with their lameness disease." Instantly they scuttled back with pathetic squeals of fright, pulling out hand sanatisers and began to clean their hands so I shot a look at Gary.

"You're unbelievable. Can't you just be nice and say 'hi'?" I questioned as Ash and the other two drew back, sensing that I would soon need some room to explode unless something happened to calm me down pretty quickly.

"Well I would, but I have a flawless image to uphold. I can't be seen hanging around with losers like you." He arched an eyebrow and I could tell he was pleased with himself, even though his eyes were covered by some ridiculous sunglasses.

"Ugh, you're such a brute!" I growled then turned around, making to walk away but Gary called after me.

"Running away? It's because you know I'm right, isn't it?" I stopped, growling and tensing my body to try and keep myself from walking over to him and hitting him on the head or at least throwing him overboard, but I kept my cool, taking a deep breath before continuing to walk away. I hated how he riled me up so easily, I'll have to work on keeping my temper.

Ash meanwhile was looking out at all the people on the boat with worry, biting his lip and sweating slightly. "There sure are a lot of people on this boat and I bet they're all Pokémon trainers." They didn't look like trainers to me, more like tourists. Was Cinnabar Island really such a popular destination?

"Trainers? You don't have a clue as usual." Gary said from behind us, lounging in the sun.

"Pokémon trainers haven't gone to Cinnabar Island since my grandfather's days as a Pokémon trainer." He informed us smugly, his girls fluttering about him as they grinned and giggled. "These people are all tourists, Cinnabar Island is a resort."

"Wargh! A resort?!" Ash yelled, leaping in surprise so that Pikachu actually fell off his head with a yelp.

"Pika Pi!" Instantly I knelt down and picked Pikachu up, fussing over him.

"Oh poor Pikachu, did you hurt yourself?" I asked him and instantly Pikachu began to relax as I rubbed his cheek in the spot which helped him relax most.

"Chuuuu!" Giggling Pikachu nuzzled into my cheek then jumped up onto my shoulder, standing there and placing a hand on the brim of my hat to keep steady as Eevee gave a soft sound then sat on my other shoulder, the two Pokémon having a quick, whispered conversation before Pikachu glared at Gary.

"I earned so many badges already I'm taking a break to work on my tan." Gary boasted and I arched an eyebrow at him. As his girls chorused, holding their hands against their cheeks as they smiled prettily.

"He's so cool!"

"Wow Gary, no one could ever call you vain." Brock and Misty giggled at my swipe at him and Gary shot me a glare but didn't bother answering me.

"A real trainer never takes a break, so whilst you're tanning I'll be at the gym winning a badge!" In answer Gary didn't even open his eyes as he replied to Ash's determined expression.

"Cinnabar Island dosen't even have a gym." Giggling his cheerleaders all spoke up.

"Gary knows it all."

"What do you mean?" Ash said with a crestfallen face, upset shining in his eyes. "It's got to have a gym!"

"Well you can believe what you want to but you'll see for yourself. You're wasting your time." Ash growled under his breath, glaring at Gary as he muttered to himself in a determined voice.

"We'll see whose wasting time."

"Pikachu." Pikachu agreed with an electrifying glare at Gary.

"Vee!" Eevee shifted on my shoulder but in doing so grabbed the attention of all the girls and then most of the tourists. Suddenly I had cameras flashing in front of me, peoples squealing as they tried to reach out for her.

"Oh it's so cute, where did you get it? Can I buy it from you?" Horrified I began to stumble backwards, alarmed as people began to crowd around me, still taking photos.

"Mommy I want one. I want one NOW!"

"Please let me hold it, I want to feel its soft fur." They crowded closer and closer then began to push and shove, jolsting one another to get closer. What was all the fuss over? I know Eevee's cute but it didn't mean they had to swarm around her.

"Hey give Ruby some space!" Ash called, trying to pull people back and Brock and Misty joined in.

"Yeah leave her alone!" Misty elbowed her way forwards, trying to reach me as I hugged Eevee and Pikachu to me, trying to break free myself. "Ruby!" Suddenly someone was shoved forwards with particular force and slammed into me, making me yelp and trip over my own feet.

I hit the railing and it dug into my back but then the force was so great that I continued to tilt, my weight being thrown backwards until finally, I slipped over the edge. "Ash!" I yelled in fear, striking the water after only a second of falling.

The cold rushed through me and I flinched but instantly began to kick my legs, rising up to the surface to breathe in fresh air. "Pikachu!" I called, seeing the little electric Pokémon struggling against the rather playful and choppy waves. "Eevee!"

"Vee! Vee! Vee!"

"Ruby!" Brock called but I was already swimming towards the Pokémon. "Hang on Ruby!" Brock yelled again then flung a life ring over the side. I spat out a mouthful of water as I reached Eevee first, lifting her out of the water as she paddled and struggled to keep afloat with her thick fur so I put her on my back.

"It's okay, I've got you now." I smiled to her and she shivered from the cold, keeping close to me as Pikachu and I swam to one another.

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu called and I reached out to him, pulling him close as he looked up at me with wide brown eyes. "Pika Pi, Pikachu!"

"I know, it sucks to be wet again." I agreed then put him on my back also. "But it's okay, I know how to swim now so we won't drown." The people on the boat were gasping and pointing as I swam expertly, my smooth strokes cutting through the waves until one hit me full on and knocked me off course, pulling me back out to sea. Uh oh, this wasn't good.

"Ruby!" Ash yelled and tried to leap over the side but Brock held him back. "Pikachu! Don't worry I'm coming buddy!"

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu answered, still clinging onto my backpack and hugged Eevee, keeping her steady for me as I began to battle against the current. The boat continued to move further away, despite Misty having run to inform the captain what had happened and no doubt order him to do something about it.

Shaking hair out of my face I clamped my mouth shut as I was rocked with the waves, trying not to swallow anything before surging forwards once more. We were getting close to shore now, I could probably swim onto the beach and meet the guys at the port just as easily as trying to go after the boat which was beginning to dock.

Why was it always me getting knocked into the water? Next time, I'm going to drag someone else with me. See how they like it. "Squirtle!" I blinked as a blue head suddenly rose up from the water and beamed at me. "Squirtle Squirtle!"

"Wartortle!" I gasped as another Pokémon suddenly appeared, looking at me before blowing a series of bubbles into my face. Hey! Its Gary's evolved Squirtle! I laughed aloud as suddenly Seadra appeared and I smiled to them all.

"Hey guys! Have you come to rescue us?" I asked and they all nodded their heads.

"Squirtle." Ash's Squirtle came forwards and swam around me, making sure I was oaky as Seadra nuzzled close, bubbles popping in its mouth as I tickled its belly.

"Okay then, Squirtle if you can carry Pikachu and Seadra, will you look after Eevee for me?" Both Pokémon instantly nodded their heads and moved around, letting either Pokémon jump onto their backs.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu beamed, looking over to me with a wide open mouth in a happy expression as he stood on Squirtle's back. Eevee splashed into the water happily, kicking her paws then slipped her front ones over Seadra's shoulders, gripping on as it began to circle around us, making her squeal in excitement, Squirtle chasing after them. "Pika Pi!"

"Vee! Vee!"

"Squirtle Squirt!"

"Sea! Dra, Dra!" Giggling I swam towards Wartortle, rubbing his face then tickled his chin, making it laugh then burp a few bubbles at me, only making me laugh further.

"And can I ride with you? Is that okay?" I asked and Wartortle nodded his head.

"Tortle!" Grinning I gripped onto his firm shell then looked to the others.

"Okay guys! Let's surf these waves!" I cheered then suddenly, I was yanked forwards by a swift speeding Wartortle. I gave a whoop from the thrill, beaming as the waves split and surfed either side of me, Pikachu and Eevee enjoying the ride as much as I was.

"Pikachuuuuu!" We all swept easily through the water, riding out the waves until we hit the beach where I crawled onto shore, slumping slightly as my wet clothes dragged me down. However once I felt a little more energised I stood and picked Seadra out of the water, tickling its belly and it squealed at me as I smiled then made sure everyone was okay.

"Pikachu, Eevee? Are you both alright?" I asked, kneeling down in the sand and checked for injuries.

"Pika Pika!"

"Vee!" They both reassured me so I stood, still holding Seadra in my arms.

"Well then, we'd better go find the others. Thanks for helping us you three, you're real heroes."

"Squirtle Squirt." Squirtle shrugged but looked pretty pleased with himself whilst Wartortle mearly stepped closer and hugged my leg, smiling gently as it rubbed its cheek into me. I giggled then reached down, scratching his head.

"Come on, let's go!" I said to them brightly and together we made our way towards the docks where it was easy enough to spot the guys, as they were looking out across the beach away from the throng of tourists.

"Ruby!" Brock called, noticing me first and the three of them ran to me. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, thanks for sending me some help." I told them though I then let my smile drop. "Though I swear the ocean has something against me." Misty gave a little laugh but then everyone was looking behind me, Ash folding his arms and glaring slightly indignantly. With a sigh I turned around and faced Gary.

He looked at me carefully, glancing me over before nodding his head, satisfied that I was okay. Gary lifted two Pokéballs calling his Pokémon back. "Good job guys." He said, pulling Seadra from my arms and Wartortle from my side before he looked up at me.

I turned my head, clenching my jaw tightly as I threw away my pride. "Thanks Gary." I sensed him step closer and I looked to see him move close to me and his arms slipped around me. I blinked at him then felt a heavy but warm towel be pulled around my shoulders, wrapping me up warmly and he gave me a private wink.

"Try be a little less clumsy next time Rubes." He said aloud for the benefit of his reputation but I somehow didn't find his comment affected me. I gave a little smile as he drew away then chuckled quietly, stretching my smile as I closed my eyes into the expression.

When I opened them again Gary was already turning and walking away with his several lady friends. "Hey, that was pretty nice of Gary." Misty said as I turned to face them, pulling the towel closer around me. "I guess he's not really that bad."

"Don't be fooled, it won't last." I said to her as I stooped down then began to rub dry Pikachu and Eevee, ruffling their fur with a part of the large towel until I pulled back, giggling as their fur stood out on end. Eevee shook her fur out until it was flat and neat, jumping into my arms and licked my cheek.

"Vee!" I caught her easily, smiling as I hugged her close to me.

"Pikachu." Pikachu sighed then shook out his body, flattening his hands over his stomach then pressed his ruffled hair at the top of his head down before climbing up to Ash's shoulder.

"Glad you're okay Pikachu. Shall we go find the gym now?" Ash suggested and Pikachu nodded his head.

"Pika Pika!" He said quickly as I continued to hug Eevee, enveloping her in the towel. We turned together towards the island city, walking off the pier to see the streets full of stalls, streamers of flags spread overhead as people danced and greeted the tourists, offering them necklaces of flowers. Everyone sighed in disappointment.

"Maybe Gary was right." Ash admitted unwillingly, glancing up to Pikachu who was once again riding on his head.

"This place is a tourist trap." Misty looked towards the souvenir stalls then shook her head, arms curled softly around Togepi who trilled in agreement.

"Well, might as well look around." Brock said and they all moved forwards.

"This stinks. I thought this was supposed to be one of the toughest training places anywhere around." I grumbled as I walked past a stall of mini volcanoes for sale. "Why did tourists have to come along and ruin everything?" Though no one answered, they all secretly agreed.

"No sign of a Pokémon Gym but there sure are a lot of tourists around. There are so many nice islands, I wonder why this one became so popular." Brock wondered aloud and I was about to answer when we stopped short, blinking at a tall man with round purple glasses, a red shirt and long hair.

"The answer is a riddle. What do tourists think is hot and cool?" Everyone blinked up at him in confusion and again I was going to answer when Ash suddenly beamed.

"I know the answer!" I turned to look at him, knowing that this was probably not going to make any sense at all. "If you lie down in an open refrigerator and wrapped yourself in an electric blanket, you'll be hot and cool at the same time! Right?" He looked up hopefull and I just deadpanned him before smacking his head.

"No genius. The answer is hot springs." I told him and Misty smiled softly in agreement.

"Hot springs are pretty hot and tourists think they're cool." She explained and the hippie guy lifted a finger towards the sky.

"That's right! See kids, because of the volcano, there are lots of hot springs here on Cinnabar Island, and every year more and more tourists come to visit them. Now they've even taken over Cinnabar Island. Trainers don't come anymore." Suddenly he dropped to his knees and cried up to the sky dramatically, making everyone take a step back from him. "Tourists! They've ruined the island!"

"Is the Pokémon gym still here? I have to earn the volcano badge." Ash asked and the man stiffened in place, listening to him.

"I heard that the gym leader is a guy called Blaine." Misty piped up and the guy stood up, looking at us all intently.

"His gym, is right where you put your glasses." Ash scratched his head, desperately trying to work it out and I could imagine his cogs turning in his head.

"Glasses…"

"Hmm, that's a tricky one." Brock said slowly but Misty and I answered together though in different tones. I replied a little more flatly then she did.

"In front of your eyes?"

"Right again! Blaine's gym is right in front of your eyes." He announced then pointed towards a crumbling shack, wooden beams hammered to the fence in a cross to make a vauge attempt at keeping people out. Everyone gasped in surprise, even Eevee and Pikachu called out in shock at the shabby gym they were running here.

"That's it?" Brock exclaimed.

"It's a wreck." Misty agreed as we all looked at it with wide eyes.

"Blaine got tired of battling tourists who cared more about postcards and T-shirts than about Pokémon, that's when he abandoned the gym."

"But I'm not some stupid tourist!" Ash yelled desperately, turning towards the man. "I'm a real trainer! I came all the way out to this island just so I could battle for my volcano badge!" Unfased by Ash's yelling the guy turned a blank look towards him.

"I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place my friend." He reached into his back pocket then handed Ash a business card. "Here's my card. If you need anything." He said kindly and we all leaned closer to have a look.

"The Big Riddle Inn." Ash read aloud and Misty frowned.

"An inn? How could you run an inn then blame tourists for ruining the island? That doesn't make any sense to me." But when Brock looked up, the weird hippie guy had disappeared completely from view.

"He's gone!"

"Huh?" But sure enough he was nowhere in sight. That's kind of creepy.

"I wonder how he disappeared like that!" Brock asked and I smirked.

"Maybe he's really a ghost." But at my suggestion, everyone shuddered. Our run in with ghosts recently hasn't been of great experience. Perhaps we'd better not mention it again. Turning around we head back into town, heading towards the research lab.

"Well even if it's full of tourists we ought to check out that lab." Ash said aloud and Brock agreed.

"It can't be that bad." But my face dropped in disappointment, my voice dropping a few tones as I looked out at the hundreds of stalls selling Pokémon research based souvenirs.

"Wanna bet?" I challenged and everyone looked.

"Huh? Hey! It's just a bunch of souvenir stands!" Brock rubbed his head, looking around him in disappointment.

"Looks like the research lab is just another tourist attraction." Suddenly Ash's belly rumbled and we all looked at him as he blushed and laughed guiltily.

"Whoops, looks like all this disappointment is making me hungry." Misty then smiled.

"We should call it a day. Why don't we check out the Pokémon centre?" Misty suggested and everyone nodded their head in agreement but I stepped back towards the lab.

"I've got to go in. A scientist in Pewter gave me something a while ago to bring here to the lab, I'd better hand it over. I'll catch up with you guys in a while, it shouldn't take long." I promised them and they all smiled at me.

"No problem Ruby, we'll meet you at the Pokémon Center!" Ash called and waved as I turned and headed towards the lab.

"Vee?"

"I know, it's stupid. All these tourists coming here, I bet they scared away most of the Pokémon that used to live around here too." I sighed, shaking my head. The doors slid open to admit me and I walked up to the desk where a lady sat manning the phones and typing frantically on the computer. "Hello can I help you?" She asked in a rather bored tone so I simply shot her a look then drew out the Old Amber.

"My name is Ruby Bates, I've been asked to deliver this relic to the lab in Cinnabar and here I am." I told her firmly and she gasped. Leaping out of her chair she hammered her fist on a button and called down the microphone.

"Professor! Professor Dawson! She's here with the Old Amber!" A panicked and elated voice practically yelled back and I flinched away from the loud sound, Eevee whimpering too as she flattened her ears.

"What are you waiting for then? Send her up!" The woman now smiled to me, handing back the Old Amber.

"Please, take the lift up to the seventh floor. Thank you for being so quick in your journey here." She smiled at me and I nodded my head, smiling back before heading towards the elevator which pinged and its doors slid open to admit me just as I reached it. I pressed the button for the seventh floor, rising up until finally, the doors slid open.

A hand darted inside and dragged me out before clasping my hand and shaking it vigorously. "It's so good to see you, I can't tell you how excited we are to see if our genius invention truly works, and on Old Amber no less! This really is a moment to be remembered in history, the day we revive a prehistoric Pokémon!" All the while I could feel my brain rattling inside my head at the fierce shaking of my hand.

Once he let go I gave a dizzy smile at the scientist, whose receeding hairline showed the baldness at the top of his head and the shininess of his skin. "Glad to help. Here you are." I handed over the Old Amber and the scientist instantly squealed.

"Follow me!" He ran to a desk and leaped over, though he then skidded to a halt and turned to face me, glasses slightly askrew. "Just wait here, I'll start things up." He then disappeared behind a door, closing it firmly and I waited, looking down at Eevee who blinked up at me.

"Vee?" I smiled then put her on the desk to slide out of the towel, turning it around so that the dry side now rested against my still damp clothes, wrapping myself up again then picked up Eevee. Suddenly there was a whirring of sound and lights began to dance behind the door, bright white with flashes of red.

The door flung open and the scientist stepped through, sighing with relief. "It's working! Oh this is so exciting…" He babbled then turned to me. "You deserve a reward for bringing the Old Amber all this way. Hmm…I know! He dashed over to a cupboard then drew out a Hidden Machine, running back over to me then pressed it into my hands. "Here, this is the HM for Fly, if you teach it to your Pokémon then you only need to tell it a town or city and if it has been there before, it'll know the way back very easily." He said and I smiled to him.

"Thank you sir, that's very kind of you." I put the HM in a pocket, planning on using it later for Pidgeotto. It might be very useful.

"No problem, it'll take a while for the machine to work, how about I ask someone to show you around?" I thought for a minute, sorely tempted to say yes but I sighed then blushed with embarrassment.

"I can't, I have to go find my friends now. But if it's alright, I know that we would all love a tour tomorrow, we're all Pokémon trainers and I'm researching them." I explained and if this man's eyes could have grown any wider, they did. "I'm looking at all Pokémon and learning how to raise and nurture them, learning how to take good care of them and how to cater to their needs. I was hoping to learn a few things here if that's alright with you."

"Yes!" He cried happily, clapping his hands then danced around though in his clumsiness he slipped on a book and fell with a crash to the ground. "Oof!"

"Oh! Are you alright?" I asked, letting Eevee leap of my arms as she rushed to the scientist then worriedly began to nuzzle at his face, trying to put his glasses back on the right way.

"Vee? Vee?" I gripped his arm and helped to him his feet as she shook out his head, blinking before laughing.

"Whoops! Clumsy me." He then coughed, clearing his throat before picking up Eevee, chuckling as he stroked her fur, making her squeal happily and kick her legs before she was handed back to me. "Such a sweet Pokémon. Anyway as I was saying, yes of course, I should love to allow you and your friends to have a look around. It's been a while since anyone but tourists have been here, they don't really care about the Pokémon. They just want to collect rare rocks from our souvenir shope." He then frowned and scratched his bristly beard that looked like it hadn't been clipped in a while. "Thoguh we do earn a huge profit from sales…anyway. Of course, you must come tomorrow any time you are ready."

"Thank you! I can't wait." I told him then shook his hand. "It was nice to meet you Professor Dawson."

"And you Ruby. Take care now, I shall arrange passes for you and your friends tomorrow, might I have their names?" I nodded then wrote down everyone's names on a piece of paper for him so that he wouldn't forget, gave one last wave then head back to the elevator.

When I stepped out I instantly rushed to the Pokémon Centre where I met the gang outside. "What's wrong?" I asked them, frowning in confusion. "Why aren't we going inside?"

"It's completely full with tourists!" Brock said with a grumble. "There's so many that people are even sleeping in the lobby, though I think we were the only ones in that entire centre who actually have Pokémon." My shoulders slumped instantly.

"We could always just camp out again." Misty suggested as we all began to walk away.

"But I was looking forward to a nice, normal bed for a change." I answered and Eevee agreed with a soft whine.

"Hey look!" Ash called, spotting a hotel. "I bet we'll get a room there!" We all instantly ran, tired and hungry and desperately in need of a bath to change out of these sea washed clothes of mine. However when we got there the woman stared at us as if we were idiots.

"You must be joking! We haven't had a room in weeks." It was the same for the next one.

"No rooms in this hotel! We're booked up for a year! Try coming back late next summer, or maybe in the fall!" And the next one.

"Sorry uh…nothing here." He had whilst looking down at us pitifully. It was the same for all of them!

"Have you tried the hotel across the street?"

"Sorry, no vacancies." We all dropped our heads and groaned. Looks like camping out was our only option. We trudged out of the last hotel, our feet weary and aching. My arms had long since been too tired to carry Eevee so she walked at my side, rubbing her fur against me, trying to coax me along with soft encouragement.

"Vee…vee…"

"I'm so hungry I could eat a Horsea." Ash moaned.

"I'm too tired to eat." Misty said, stretching back her neck as she walked with her eyes closed. "I just want a nice soft bed." Ash stopped and turned towards a hotel, groaning as the smell of food wafted out and pulled him closer enticingly.

"I've had it. Let's just find a spot to camp out."

"Hey…that smells good…" Ash's stomach rumbled loudly as he walked towards the hotel.

"Ash! We've already tried this one, it's full." Misty told him but that didn't stop him. Dreamily he walked towards the lights of the hotel, sniffing the air.

"It's not fair, they're having a banquet in there." Ash gazed longingly at the window. Suddenly his stomach grumbled even louder than before and he clutched it, trying to hide the sound but then a shadow moved from behind the screen, obviously having heard the noise. When it slid open, everyone's mouths dropped open to see Gary richly dressed in a fine kimono.

"I thought I heard something out here." He said then looked at us, smirking. "Hey look it's the sucker squad! So, what hotel are you staying out?" Ash drew himself up proudly, glaring at Gary.

"We're camping out."

"Too bad you don't have a place like this." Gary then boasted, sliding the screen further aside. "Take a look." He slid the door further open and I began to drool at the sight of so much delicious food spread out before him and his stupid cheerleading squad whilst a Hitmonlee and an Electabuzz played their instruments, dressed in kimonos. "See all the food they give you? And that's just the appetisers." Gary boasted and my belly gave a loud rumble. "Say, I've got an idea." Gary said, looking at us smugly. "I'll give you my leftovers in a doggy bag, if you spin around three times and say Pikachu!"

Both Ash and I clenched our fists, waving them above our heads as we tensed and growled loudly. "Not on your life! I'd die of hunger first!" Ash yelled and I continued after him.

"We'd rather eat our own sleepingbags before we spin for you!" But then our bellies grumbled again.

"Haha! You should let your stomachs do the talking." I glared at him then looked away, folding my arms across my chest as I lifted my chin proudly.

"Vee?" Eevee tilted her head to the side and looked at Pikachu questioningly and he gave a little shrug.

"Pika Pi." Pikachu nodded to Eevee and the two of them began to spin around, Eevee bouncing happily with a smile on her face as they turned three times and Pikachu opened his mouth, beginning to say the word when Ash clapped his hand over him to keep him quiet.

"No Pikachu!" Lifting him off the ground I then scooped up Eevee on her back, tickling her tummy to make her squeal and kick up with her legs happily as I chuckled. "We'll never become so desperate that we have to sink to Gary's level." Ash said to Pikachu as I hugged Eevee.

"But thank you for trying anyway. We'll find you something to eat in a moment." I promised her. Suddenly Gary was laughing, tears in his eyes from the amusment that obviously tickled him.

"Even your Pikachu feels sorry for you Ash, I've never seen anyone so pathetic."

"Have you tried a mirror?" Misty retorted and I grinned before sticking my tongue out at Gary in a childish manner.

"Let's go Ash." Brock suggested pointedly just as the door in the room slid open to reveal a plump, roung, pink fluffball.

"Ah great, that must be the entertainment." Gary said, turning around and looking at the newcomer who chirped happily at him.

"Jiggly." Suddenly we all yelled in fear.

"Wargh! It's Jigglypuff!" Clapping our hands to our ears we began to run for it, getting as far away as we could but then Togepi leaped out of Misty's bag and waddled curiously back, trilling cheerfully but Pikachu and Eevee doubled back, calling out to her.

"Vee! Vee!" Pikahcu grabbed Togepi and lifted her onto Eevee, making Togepi kick her legs with glee and grip onto Eevee's long ears as she then raced back after us as we found our way out of the city and up onto an overview where it was quiet and peaceful.

"Hey, where's Togepi?" Misty suddenly yelped, sensing her baby Pokémon was missing so I glanced back as she began to panic. "Togepi!"

"It's okay Misty, Pikachu and Eevee are keeping an eye on Togepi." I said to her, smiling as I placed my hands on my hips and watched as Eevee ran towards me, Togepi riding on her back and holding onto her ears. "You good girl Eevee, and you too Pikachu." Pikachu ran up alongside Eevee and beamed.

"Pika Pika!"

"Toge-piii!" I chuckled as Misty grabbed Togepi with a sigh of relief, hugging her close.

"Now don't scare me like that again Togepi! I don't know what I'd do if you went missing." Misty told her then snuggled her close, rocking her gently as I picked up Eevee and rubbed her head.

"Good job guys." I told them both, lifting Pikachu up then set him on my should, tickling his tummy so he squealed, gripping the tickled area.

"Chuuuuu!" Laughing I raced to join Ash and Brock who were gasping for breath, leaning against a bench for support.

"That was close." Brock said and we all groaned in agreement.

"Jigglypuff almost got us." I kind of felt bad for Jigglypuff. All it wanted to do was sing and perform to people. I know if I was trying to show someone how well I could sing, I'd be pretty annoyed if everyone kept on falling asleep during my concert. Not that I could sing, by the way. If I tried to sing, I end up sounding like a Zubat using Screech.

"Yeah but at least those guys are sleeping now." Misty moaned as everyone crashed out on the ground, to tired to even remain standing. Suddenly Brock looked up as if an idea had come to mind and he turned to look at Ash.

"Ash, what about that card that old man gave you?" Ash blinked then pulled the card out of his pocket to read the back.

"Hmm…must be directions to his hotel." He summerised and we all crowded together to read what it said.

"That's strange. 'If you look near the swing, you'll see my hands, or at least my face'." He recited the riddle and I began to think about it, frowning slightly as Ash groaned loudly.

"Aw, not another riddle!" I shot him a look then smacked him upside the head, almost knocking off his hat.

"Then leave the deep thinking to us girls, unless you want to hurt yourself." I quipped then looked to Misty who was thinking like I was. Brock turned to look at a playground, noticing the swings.

"Hey, there's a swing over there but I don't see anyone's hand or face." I looked to Misty who hummed quietly, but then it suddenly clicked.

"Hey! Maybe he means a clock!" I said, tapping my finger against my hip as I rested my hands there. "You know, a clock has hands and a face." Misty suddenly smiled.

"Of course! Look, there's a clock up there." She pointed above the swings to a house with a large clock on the side facing us, gleaming in the moonlight. Suddenly I swept Eevee up into my arms and ran up the path, turning to yell over my shoulder.

"Come on what are you waiting for?!" We all raced up the hill, struggling for breath towards the end but by the time we had reached the door, I was so relieved that I didn't even notice the stitch in my side. As we all paused to catch our breath back at the door, it flew open and the hippie guy looked down at us.

"So which one of you worked out my little riddle?" He asked and Brock turned to Misty and I.

"Ruby solved the riddle and Misty spotted the clock." He answered and the hippie grinned, making a ding dong sound of success.

"Looks like the girls come out on top again! Come in, get yourselves out of the out and in on the inn." I needed no further prompting. Eevee tucked up in my arms I stepped inside first and instantly flopped down to the ground.

"This is so nice, it smells so yummy here…like I could eat the floor…" I groaned, letting go of Eevee who bounced around happily, sniffing at all objects curiously before leaping back over to me.

"Vee! Vee!" She bounced up my back then sprawled over my head, beaming down at me then licked my cheek, making me giggle as I stood up. The hippie folded his arms neatly, looking at the four of us as we stood together, our Pokémon happily settled on one shoulder or the other.

"As a prize for solving my riddle, I'll give you kids free accommodation." Ash beamed.

"Your riddles may be dumb but your prizes are terrific!" My smiled dropped and I sent him an unimpressed look.

"I guess I'll take that as a compliment Ash." The hippie said as I slapped Ash on the back of his head as gently as I could, but hard enough to send the message.

"Way to go Ash." Suddenly our stomachs rumbled and I gave a guilty smile as Ash laughed under his breath, the hippie dude looking down at us blankly.

"Guess you want dinner too." He said and I instantly thanked Heaven for the suggestion.

"Right." Ash agreed and I literally fell on my knees and bowed before him.

"Oh thank you thank you thank you!" So when he brought out hot food, I ran to the table, lifted Eevee into my lap then practically inhaled the food, wolfing it down greedily before gulping and looking down at Eevee who was blinking up at me innocently. "Sorry Eevee, do you want some?" I asked her and she nodded her head.

"Vee!" So I smiled and slowed down, sharing with her so that she got a fair portion as well.

"Hey Misty, aren't you hungry?" Ash asked to the redhead who hadn't even touched her food.

"I'm too tired to eat." She answered so Eevee leaped up onto the table.

"Vee!" She bounced over to Misty's bowl and began to eat from it, munching happily away and Misty smiled, stroking her fur as the phone began to ring.

"Coming, I'm coming!" The hippie said cheerfully to the phone then picked it up. "Thank you for calling the Big Riddle Inn, if you'll be our guest then we'll keep you guessing." He said in a gentle, quiet voice as I continued to shovel all the food into my mouth I could. "That's awful!" He suddenly yelled and we all looked up.

"Is something wrong?" Ash asked as he turned around to face us.

"The Pokémon Lab is being attacked by a balloon!" Ash and I leaped to our feet, mouths dropping open in astonishment. There was only one group of criminals that would do such a thing. Team Rocket! Slamming my hands on the table Eevee jumped with a twitch of her ears.

"So what are we waiting for, let's go!" I yelled and scooped her up, putting her onto my back as I ran for the door.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu called and raced after me, everyone piling out as we then raced for the lab. We slid down the cliff as a shortcut, taking time out of our hasty journey but by the time we reached the lab, Team Rocket had already bagged the Pokémon and were lifting them up in a giant net.

"They're floating away!" I clenched my teeth and looked to Eevee who glared upwards at the balloon.

"Vee!"

"Well I'm about to burst their bubble!" Ash declared then flung forwards a Pokéball. "Pidgeotto, go!" he yelled and I smirked, selecting one for myself. Pidgeotto flew out with a flash of light then flapped his broad wings. "Pikachu, you and Pidgeotto go bring back all those Pokémon."

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped onto Pidgeotto's back and I unclipped one of my Pokéballs, looking down at it then to Eevee who nodded her head.

"Vee."

"Okay Charizard, I choose you!" I called and threw the Pokéball forwards, catching it again as it sprung back to me. Charizard drew himself up and roared, a spout of fire blowing from his jaw but then he lowered his head and rubbed into me, making me giggle as he blew hot air down my neck. "Charizard! There's no time for playing now, you have to focus!" I laughed, unable to stop as he tickled my side.

Charizard lifted his head back and looked at me so I sucked in a deep breath then pointed upwards. "Get ready to catch those Pokémon!" I directed and he looked up to the Team Rocket balloon. Instantly he growled, narrowing his eyes in anger then with a flap of his wings shot into the air, stretching out his long neck as Pikachu and Pidgeotto flew close.

Pikachu used a lightning attack on the balloon, shocking Meowth, Jessie and James so that the net slipped through their fingers. I gasped, holding my knuckles to my lips with worry but then Charizard swooped down and grabbed the net with both claws, flapping his strong wings and rose back up into the air so that the Pokémon didn't fall a great height. "Alright Charizard! Great catch!" I cheered. Looks like all those catching games really paid off.

Holes burst in the Team Rocket balloon and I watched with satisfaction as they began to spiral up into the air, their voices crying out in unison. "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" That was one saying I would never tire of hearing.

Beaming happily I raced forwards as Charizard landed, putting the net down first so that all the Pokémon could untangle them from the net. "Go Charizard! You were super awesome as always!" I cheered, leaping up and flinging my arms around his belly as Eevee sprung up and hugged him too.

"Vee! Vee Vee, Vee!" Charizard gave a soft growl and reached down with his head, rubbing against us gently and I reached up to hold his head, gazing into his eyes proudly. I rubbed the spot between his eyes which relaxed him most and he snorted slowly, a puff of smoke and hot air enveloping me as Eevee jumped onto his neck and hung on, trilling happily as he stood back up, tall and proud.

The fighting Pokémon all cheered, pumping the air with their fists then leaped forwards, surrounding us. I gasped then giggled as a Machoke lifted me up into the air, parading around as Charizard glared suddenly, watching carefully as I was cheered by the Pokémon and the staff from the lab at the windows.

I laughed and giggled, looking around as the Machoke then put me down and I suddenly had other Pokémon crowding around me. Smiling I lifted up a little Machop, giggling still as it cheered happily, a broad smile on its face. "It's alright, we're happy we could help, aren't we Charizard?" I said to my Pokémon who huffed then looked away. "Besides, you should thank Ash too, he's the one who sent his Pidgeotto and Pikachu to stop the balloon." Suddenly a group split off and was running towards Ash as the hippie thanked him profoundly and said something more, another riddle I think.

Ash dropped to the ground at the new riddle, complaining loudly but when the fighting type Pokémon rushed at him and hoisted him up into the air, he yelled out loudly as they began to throw him up into the air and catch him again, bringing him back over as I was once again lifted up.

I laughed, looking down at the Hitmonlee which held me up then squealed as I was thrown into the air. "Hey Ash!" I called and he looked over, though he semed a little sea sick. "Guess they're trying to say thank you!" He groaned as he was tossed up into the air again, arms and legs flailing until finally, the Pokémon put us down.

Swaying on my feet slightly I smiled, fumbling to find my footing as the Pokémon Lab researchers came running out to round up the Pokémon. The Machop hugged my legs one last time, making me smile and rub its head before it was ushered away by one of the researchers.

Charizard glared after the Pokémon then huffed again so I walked over to him. "Aw Charizard, are you jealous?" I teased and he shot me a looked before snorting again, looking away so I reached up and rubbed his belly. "Come on Charizard, don't be like that. Don't be mister grumpy." I started to rub his belly and although Charizard tried to hide it, he slowly began to crack. As I scratched at his belly at all his soft spots, making him chuckle before he fell over onto his back, Eevee yelping slightly as she leaped up then landed on his chest also, smiling and cheering as she bounced on his belly as I continued to tickle Charizard.

I laughed, falling on Charizard and rubbed both my hands into his skin before exhaling and standing up. "Alright Charizard, time for you to get some rest I think." I said, lifting my Pokéball to return him but then Charizard lifted his head, sniffing the air before getting to his feet.

His face was turned towards the volcano, his mouth open to taste the air and I froze in place, watching him carefully. Suddenly I felt a wave flush over me, a wave of feeling of yearning that wasn't my own. It was Charizard's.

How I felt this I wasn't sure, all I knew was that Charizard now wanted to go and he was perfectly capable of leaving if he wanted to. He could just fly away. However he turned to face me and I blinked before slowly putting his Pokéball back on my belt.

Tears rushed to my eyes and Eevee looked up at me with concern, sitting close to my feet and softly rubbed her face into my leg. "Vee?" Tears dropped down my face and I breathed deeply, trying to stay calm but I couldn't hold it in. Running forwards I lifted my arms and flung them around Charizard's face, holding him close to me.

"I'll never forget you Charizard." I whispered through my tears, holding onto his snout as I rubbed my brow against his. "You'll always be my first Pokémon." Charizard made a soft crooning sound looking into my eyes as I pulled back slightly to look at him before holding onto him again. "I love you."

In answer Charizard stuck out his tongue and slathered me with it, making me giggle weakly. Charizard then drew back so I stepped away to wipe my eyes clean, taking deep breaths before looking up at him, still trying to wipe my eyes but tears kept on flowing. "Go on. Go find your family." I said to him so he snorted for one last time before looking up to the sky. "It's alright Charizard."

Nodding his head he gave me one last look before rising up into the sky. He wheeled around then flew towards the volcano, the night sky swallowing him up before finally, he disappeared from sight. Lowering my head I pressed my eyes shut, feeling a large gaping feeling within me. I knew I would have to let Charizard go, but now it felt all too soon.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked around to see the hippie guy. "That was a real brave thing you did." He told me and I blinked up at him, feeling hot tears run down my cheeks as he gave a smile. "You might not be together, but that there was a friend for life. You'll see each other again." Nodding my head I put on a brave face then sucked in a deep breath.

"I think I need to go for a walk." I said and Ash stepped forwards.

"Hey Ruby, you sure you're okay? You want someone to come with you?" He asked but I shook my head.

"No, I think I need to be alone for a while." Pikachu scampered off from Ash's shoulder and leaped onto mine, nuzzling my face then looked at me with one of his ears pricked upwards, head tilted to the side.

"Pika Pika?" Giving a small smile I rubbed his head.

"It's okay Pikachu. I'll be fine." I promised, letting him nuzzle me one more time before he returned to Ash as I picked up Eevee then headed off into the streets, head bowed as I tried to pull myself out of my sadness.

Eevee snuggled against me, her soft fur soaking up my tears as I walked in the lit streets. Everything was quiet, not even a tweet of a Pidgey as I walked. It wasn't even cold, not with the heat from the hotsprings and the volcano so close by. I guess Charizard would be flying to one of the nearby islands where his family would be nesting to be reunited once more.

Although I was sad that he was gone, I guess I should be happy that he'll be reunited with his family. It's what he wanted, after all. With a soft sigh I sat down on a bench and looked up to the moon and stars, sighing softly. As long as Charizard is happy, then I guess that's all I could ask for.