When I awoke, I was lying on hard rocky ground which was quite warm, though very uncomfortable. Groaning I blinked myself properly awake and looked up, finding myself to be in a small cave near its mouth, where the sunrise was set over the glittering ocean in a perfect picture of peace and tranquillity.

There was nothing and no one about, only rocks that built the mountain…or rather…volcano. An active volcano. "Holy Krabby!" I yelped, leaping backwards as a spit of molten lava fell down out of the mouth of the volcano and plunged into the ocean, making it sizzle and hiss. "Oh no, this is not good. This is bad. Like, I'm in big trouble with mom bad!" I panicked, looking around as my heart began to pound. "Okay, okay keep calm Ruby, this is not the end of the world, just use your head." But for once, I got nothing.

I had no Pokémon, no supplies and was still wearing my swimsuit and tie on skirt! Oh wait, I still have my belt with a few spare Pokéballs, but there don't seem to be any Pokémon around here! Shaking my head I stepped out the cave and looked around, seeing numerous others however nothing stirred. Looking out to the ocean, I sucked in a deep breath.

"HELP!" I bellowed, hoping that it may carry and get someone's attention. "SOMEBODY HELP ME!" However when I heard the beat of wings, I instantly knew that shouting had been a bad idea. The Areodactyl that had kidnapped me cried out and landed in front of me, glaring as I stumbled backwards.

With a lash of its tail it pushed me back inside, making me gasp in fear and instantly run to retreat back into the cave. "S-s-stay back!" I ordered, pressing my back into the back wall of the cave. "I mean it! I'll Kung-Fu and Karate Chop you if you come any closer!" I told it, getting my fear under control. "You don't scare me."

The Areodactyl snorted then opened its large jaws to let out a horrendous roar, surrounding me in the smell of fish and bad breath. When it was over I sank to the ground, completely washed out and wide eyed. "Okay…you win." Huffing haughtily the Areodactyl sat down then folded its wings, curling up to have a nap.

Watching it carefully I waited, glancing to the tail that lay across the entrance. Swallowing nervously I glanced to the sunrise then settled, sitting upright so that I wouldn't fall asleep. If I can just get to the top of the mountain, maybe I could signall a helicopter or something.

First, this dino fossil needs to fall asleep. I waited and watched, listening to its breathing but as I watched, I started to think. How had I been so sensitive to its emotions back on Cinnabar Island? It was so…weird. It was like we were connected or something. This was something I would definitely have to ask Professor Oak about.

But how long does it take this Areodactyl to go to sleep?! It keeps on opening one eye to check on me, so I huddled closer into the shadows and avoided all contact. Why was it not eating me? Not that I'm compalinging, I'm just a little confused.

"Why am I here?" I asked and the Areodactyl lifted its head as I sighed. "Why did you bring me here?" It answered with a low huff, shifting to get more comfortable before lowering its head back down. "Were you…just trying to protect me?" I asked and he nodded his head. "Oh…" I trailed off, blinking in surprise. So Areodactyl had just wanted to protect me from what he perceived as a threat. That's really sweet.

"Areodactyl, you need to take me back. Please." I said, standing up and approaching without fear. I knelt down beside his head, resting a hand and began to knead my fingers into the skin, making him sigh softly and give a little smile. "If you'd just stay calm and let me handle things, I promise nothing will hurt you." Taking a deep breath I sighed then continued. "But I have a friend who is really hurt and I need to make sure they're alright as well as my other friends. If you come with me I can introduce you." I offered but Areodactyl shook his head. "Please? I'm really worried about Pidgeotto."

Areodactyl snorted then lifted a wing, pushing me back from him forcibly and I tripped, falling onto my rear. "Hey! That wasn't nice." I growled but he ignored me. "Fine. Be like that." I grunted, turning and folding my arms.

However after a few minutes, I could hear Areodactyl snoring. Turning slowly back around I waited a few more minutes to make sure he was asleep before beginning to crawl forwards. I kept as quiet as possible, gradually rising to my feet as I reached Areodactyl's tail.

Suddenly it shifted and I froze in place, one leg lifted up ready to step over it. It rose up then flopped down again, a low grunt coming from Areodactyl so I quickly hopped over then went for the entrance. The moment I got outside I started to climb, grabbing onto rocks to hoist myself up.

Sucking in a deep breath I leaped for a new ledge then continued to scramble, flinching every time a stone tumbled back down, clicking every time it hit antoher rock. "This has to be one of the crazier things I've done." I grunted to myself as I pulled myself up higher. "I just wish the others were here too, it's more fun that way." I muttered, shaking my head. "Get a grip Ruby." Scolding myself I pulled myself up the last stretch then collapsed at the top. "Ugh…I need to get back into shape. I think I need more serious training." I groaned to myself before opening my eyes and looking around.

For miles around there were clear open skies and loads of islands with volcanic activity, however none seemed to have any civilaisation at all. This is very not good. Taking in a deep breath I tried to stay calm, though at this point it was becoming pretty difficult. I couldn't see anyone or anything, wich meant I would have to just wait for someone to come by searching for me.

"Well, might as well sit down and make yourself comfortable Ruby. There's nothing else for you to do." I said to myself and sat down on a rock, scanning the horizon to look for any boats or aircraft. There would be people looking for me, so it shouldn't take forever, I mean, hundreds of people saw me being carried away by an Areodactyl, so I'm pretty sure they'd know to come looking for me. At least now I know how Ash felt when he was almost eaten by that Areodactyl back in Granpa Canyon.

Good times. Lifting my head I suddenly realised that there was no hat to shield my eyes. "Agh! Where's my hat?!" I shrieked, leaping up but then I clamped my hands over my mouth. "Oops." Suddenly a roar sounded from below, a rather grouchy, hungry and angry roar. Areodactyl was awake. Let's get out of here!

Picking up the speed I raced for the other side of the mountain, planning on descending the other side and hiding but then a huge shape cut in front of me, wings beating angrilyl against the air as I looked up into the furious face of Areodactyl.

He roared again and I could not help but scream, falling backwards as I held out my hands to protect myself. "Stay away!" But then I heard another set of wings and a different roar, only this time it was one I knew all too well.

A large shadow shot down from the clouds and through the plume of smoke from the volcano's mouth, plummeting down to slam directly into Areodactyl's side and threw him off course so that he crumbled into the rocks.

"Charizard!" I yelled with joy, leaping to my feet and ran to my first Pokémon as he landed and lowered his head to me, instantly closing his eyes and rubbed his head into me as I flung my arms around him. "You came back for me!" I began to cry, tears welling up in my eyes as I sniffed. "Did you sense I was in danger?" Charizard nodded his head then slathered his tongue all up my front, making me giggle but my joy was quickly cut short as Areodactyl came screeching back at us at full speed, eyes narrowed and locked on this new threat. "Charizard, fly up and use Flamethrower!" I yelled, pointing to the sky and Charizard instantly flew upwards.

He soared around in an arc then let lose a pretty awesome Flamethrower, hitting Areodactyl directly but it flew through the flames and up to hit Charizard in the gut, knocking him out of the sky as I gasped. "No! Charizard level out, spread your wings to glide down and give yourself time to recover." Charizard instantly spread out his wings, letting himself glide as he shook his head, growling angrily as he recovered himself once more. "Alright! Now use Rage!" I stood back and watched as a fire lit in Charizard's eyes, his body beginning to glow slightly red as his Rage attack began to build.

Aerodactyl charged at Charizard, tucking in his wings but Charizard dodged out the way and quickly turned on Areodactyl, slamming into him and threw him off course. "Hurry and hit him again before he recovers, move him this way!" I called as I picked up a spare Pokéball ready to throw at Areodactyl.

Charizard slammed into Areodactyl, flying to move his position each time so that Areodactyl couldn't have time to recover and strike back. "That's it, you're doing great Charizard, make this the last one! Give it all you've got!" I called and Charizard roared in agreement, spinning back over his head to gain momentum before ramming into Aerodactyl one last time.

Areodactyl roared as he tumbled down, completely worn out from Charizard's hammering. "Alright! Pokéball go!" I yelled, kicking up a leg then bowled the ball forwards, letting it shoot towards the falling Pokémon and when it struck, it sucked Areodactyl right in. "Woah!" Lunging forwards I grabbed the Pokéball as it tumbled out of the sky, landing flat on my belly but when I felt the smooth Pokéball touch my fingers I gripped it tightly and didn't let go.

It wriggled in my grip, juttering slightly as the red light flashed. Charizard landed beside me, ready to attack in case Areodactyl escaped. However after a few moments, the Pokéball went still and the red light disappeared.

"Alright! We caught Areodactyl!" I yelled triumphantly, scrambling to my feet and flung my arms around Charizard's neck. "I'm so happy to see you! I missed you so much Charizard!" I said, burying my face into him as his head pressed into my back. "Thank you for coming for me, but how did you find me? Did you track our scent?" Charizard grunted and nodded his head against me. I held onto him tighter, not wanting to let him go but when I did, I put on a bright smile. "So did you find your family?" Charizard nodded his head. "And you're happy where you are? Do they take good care of you? Have you been remembering to wash after battles?" I fussed then began to circle him, making sure that he was okay. "Oh you've bruised yourself a little here!" I worried, touching his leg. "Don't worry, we'll get some stuff that right away when we get back." I assured him, putting the Pokéball on my belt as I giggled and began to scratch at his back.

Charizard stretched up and growled happily, rolling over onto his back so that I could rub his belly, giggling as I pressed my face into his warm skin. "I really missed you Charizard." I murmured, settling against him as I sat down on the ground. "It felt really strange without you."

In answer Charizard rolled onto his side and curled around me, lifting a wing up to shield me from the glaring sun, gazing up at me with loving eyes as I smiled then kissed his face. "And I'll continue to miss you when you leave again." I said to him, running my hand over his snout. "But as long as you're happy then that's good enough for me."

Nodding his head Charizard climbed to his feet then lowered down a wing, letting me spring up to settle on his back. "Alright, let's take to the skies Charizard! Take me back to Cinnnabar Island!" I pointed upwards and with a loud roar, Charizard leaped up into the air, sailing off the cliff then dove down, skimming the rocks as we hurtled towards the ocean and I lifted my hands up, calling out as if I were on a rollarcoaster. "Woah!"

At the last moment before we hit the water, Charizard flapped his wings and lifted us up, pulling the two of us back up into the sky and he soared forwards, heading north. I laughed and punched the air, much too ecstatic to behave sensibly so I stood up on Charizard's back as if I were surfing, calling out and whooping at every opportunity.

Charizard took me on the ride of my life, rising up above the clouds and diving straight down, looping and swerving until I was exhausted from the excitement. Stretched out on Charizard's back I gazed up at the clouds, inhaling deeply as time flew away. No pun intended.

When Charizard turned back and gave me a warning roar so I turned and looked down, seeing that Cinnabar Island was coming up. "Wow, you fly pretty fast." I said then turned around. "Alright, let's go!" I cheered, smiling as I turned around and hung onto Charizard as he roared then dove down.

The wind whipped through my hair, pulling it free from the ponytail I had been wearing it in and I had to close my eyes against the backlash of wind. My sking began to tingle from the cold, making my shiver but in no time at all, he had spread out his wings and was spiralling elegantly back down towards the Pokémon lab.

"Hey look! What's that?" Someone shouted out and pointed upwards as Charizard continued his descent.

"Isn't that the girl who got kidnapped by an Areodactyl?"

"Look! Look!" Lifting a hand I rubbed Charizard's neck, looking down as people began to gather.

"Easy now Charizard, let's not frighten everybody again." I said to him and he nodded his head in agreement, pulling himself up to slowly descend, flapping his wings to gradually land down on the ground.

"It's her! She's back!" People began to gather around, everyone trying to pull me off but a roar of a motorcycle and everyone stepped back as Officer Jenny raced forwards on her motorcycle.

"Alright everybody, let's step back, give them some space!" She yelled, leaping off her bike and raced over to Charizard and I as I carefully slipped down off his back then began to fuss over him, rubbing his head to thank him. "Are you alright? Where did the Areodactyl go?" Jenny asked me as I grinned, picking up its Pokéball.

"Its right here Officer Jenny!" I declared, showing it to her and everyone gasped, instantly backing away from the Pokéball with the apparently dangerous Areodactyl. "My Charizard here found us on a ring of islands south from here and he helped me capture Areodactyl, who only flew away because it felt threatened." I explained, though whilst doing so I was trying to stifle a yawn. "It carried me away because it wanted to protect me, that's all. Areodactyl just wanted to get me away from what it saw as a threat."

"Well, we'd better get you checked out by a doctor to make sure you're not hurt then you can get some rest, you look exhausted." Jenny told me with a smile but as people and the press came closer, lights flashing in my eyes, Charizard roared loudly and stomped his foot, creating a large space as he curled his tail around me and positioned his wing over my head in an attempt to shield me, but I merely laughed and pushed him away.

"Easy now Charizard, I know you're just trying to protect me too, you big softie." I said, hugging him tightly and he softened instantly, rubbing his nose into my hair as I noticed Blaine approaching us, hands behind his back. He wasn't wearing his hippie costume today, just his ordinary gym attire and he looked first at me then my Charizard.

"So, this is your Charizard is it?" He questioned and I nodded my head proudly.

"Yeah, I raised him from a Charmander. He's one of my best friends." I proclaimed proudly as Blaine began to inspect him.

"He's quite impressive." Blaine answered, lifting Charizard's wing to scrutinise it closely before moving to his tail and claws. "You have done an excellent job raising it."

"Thank you, but Charizard was always impressive. I just spruced him up a little. Isn't that right Charizard?" I said and he nodded his head with a growl of agreement, still pressing his face into mine. I smiled and rubbed his cheek, closing my eyes to lean into him when I heard someone calling out my name.

"Ruby! Ruby you're back!"

"Kyle!" I smiled, turning to face him, lifting a hand to wave but then another shape cut through the crowds.

"Ruby!" Before I could understand what was happening Gary had run over to me and I was suddenly found in his crushing hug, arms gripping onto me tightly as his head leaned against mine. I stared straight ahead in shock, arms stiff at my side as Gary continued to hold me before slowly, he drew back, smirked, then picked up my hat off his head and dropped it on my head. My hat! He had saved it for me! "I'm glad you're alright." He said with a smile and a wink so I gave a shaky laugh, lifting a hand to straighten up my cowboy's hat.

"Yeah…." Charizard snorted, giving a distasteful look however as Kyle tried to get closer to hug me too, Charizard held out his hand and stopped Kyle right in his tracks, plastering his hand to the boy's face though his feet continued to run.

"Hey! Let me go!" Kyle ordered, trying to push against Charizard's hand as I blinked then giggled, knowing exactly what Charizard was going to do next. He pulled back his hand and let Kyle drop to the ground like a flattened pancake.

"Hey Kyle, nice of you to drop by." I said however when I heard familiar calling, my head spun around.

"Vee! Vee! Vee Vee!"

"Driiiii!"

"Pidgeo!" With a gasp I turned and ran forwards a few steps towards Gary, who smiled with one hand on his hip as Eevee leaped up onto his shoulder and sprang forwards into my arms, letting me catch her and spin around with her in my arms.

"Eevee!" Dratini then appeared, weaving between legs but quickly wound her way up my arm so I could laugh and cuddle her too. The last to come was Pidgeotto, who flew with one wing banaged, though she fought to reach me. "Pidgeotto! Oh thank goodness you're alright!" I exhaled with relief, falling to my knees and put the others down so that I could fling my arms around her and hold her carefully close. "I was so worried." I whispered, tears sliding down my cheeks as my crew huddled together, comforting one another.

Eevee plastered herself to my face, tiny tongue licking my cheek as I beamed and Dratini sat on my head, calling out with her mysterious and mystical song whilst I held onto Pidgeotto, though Charizard also lowered his head to join in the hug. As photos were snapped away, I ignored everyone and everything apart from my Pokémon, glad to have them back. It had been so strange not to have them with me, almost as if a part of me were missing and I was so happy to have them back again.

"I'll never let any of you go." I said to them. "We're a team and a family, I'll always be here for you, no matter how far away you might be." Sucking down the tears I smiled and dried my face, standing up with Pidgeotto perched on my arm which I held up to hold her since she was so big and Eevee sat on my other shoulder, Dratini coiled on my head like an ancient crown. I laughed for the cameras, turning to smile at them with Officer Jenny, the scientist Dawson and his team, some other faces I didn't know and even received a certificate of acknowledgment for my help in taming Areodactyl.

"Ruby BATES!" A terrifying voice yelled and instantly my smiled dropped, all colour draining from my face.

"M…mom?" I blundered, staring as the street literally cleared as my mother charged forwards like a wild Tauros, eyes wide, angry and red with rage as she bore down on me, dad racing behind trying to keep up.

"What on EARTH did you think you were doing? Being carted off by some MONSTER of a Pokémon and frightening the LIFE out of me?!" She bellowed and Charizard took an attack stance, ready to shoot her down with a Flamethrower but I leaped forwards and waved my spare arm.

"No! No Charizard no! This is mom, remember her?" I asked, trying to prompt his memory. "You almost burnt down her kitchen?" Suddenly he blinked then chortled to himself, smoke trickling out his nose as he folded his arms, seemingly proud of himself.

"Ruby, you are coming home this instant and you are not leaving until you can…oh what adorable Pokémon!" She squealed, clasping her hands together as she saw my Dratini and Eevee. "Oh so cute, so cuddly and beautiful! Come to mommy Bates! Yes that's right, oh it's so squishy I just want to hug it all day!" She grabbed Dratini off my head and Eevee from my shoulder to hug them, making them struggle to get free as I stood there, staring.

Mom went completely mad over Dratini and Eevee, stroking their heads, tickling their bellies but being an ex-Battle Girl, she may have been a little rough on them. "Sweetie! I'm so glad you're okay!" Dad exhaled with relief and Pidgeotto flew up onto Charizard's shoulder to let dad embrace me tightly.

"Dad!" I smiled, flinging my arms around him but hearing Charizard growl I looked around. "Don't worry Charizard, this is my dad. Remember him too? Your little Ember back in the day set his newspaper into ash." Smiling I reached out and placed my hand over his heart, feeling it thump strongly. "Besides, you're the only man in my life." I assured him and he seemed satisfied, so he nodded his head and leaned down to sniff dad, who laughed and patted his head, giving a little scratch where Charizard enjoyed it most.

"You've done a fine job raising your Pokémon. Pidgeotto looks fantastic." Dad said to me as mom continued to fuss over my other two Pokémon. "But how are you? Any cuts? Bruises? Did that Areodactyl take a bite out of you?"

"No dad I'm fine, really. Just a little tired." I assured him. "How did you get here so fast?"

"We took a plane over the moment we got the news you had been taken, I was set and ready to go out and capture a Fearow to go looking for you." I smiled bashfully, scraping my foot on the ground.

"Aw dad, that's so sweet of you." I said to him. He had a great fear of Fearow, so it meant a lot to me that he had said that. Suddenly reporters came crowding closer, asking questions and shouting in my face for answers though Officer Jenny tried to hold them back. "Dad!"

"Ruby! Over here!" Gary yelled, speeding forwards in his red sportscar so I nodded my head.

"Charizard, go with Pidgeotto and fly up to Riddle Inn, make sure she doesn't push herself." I called up, grabbing Dratini and Eevee from mom quickly then pulled her over to the car as Officer Jenny and her other police officers made a clear way for us. "Come on!" I called, jumping over a reporter who had tried to leap into our way but had only managed to trip over his own feet.

"Hey! Can I hold your Dratini again?" Mom asked as I opened the door and ushered both her and dad inside as Charizard took off with Pidgeotto who showed him the way back up to the Big Riddle Inn.

"Later mom, for now let's get out of here!" I said, leaping into the front seat with Dratini and Eevee on my lap. "Hit the gas Gary!" He nodded his head and suddenly the car revved forwards, making mom cry out and cling onto my dad who yelled just as loudly.

"Ruby!" Mom wailed over the wind as I looked back, my hair flying on the wind. "Who's your friend?" Though her words trailed out I gave her a smile and looked to Gary who concentrated on the road.

"My friend?" I questioned and he looked over at me briefly, catching the glint in my eye as I smiled. "He's Gary Oak. Professor Oak's grandson!" I called back over my shoulder then quickly pointed. "Turn left!" He yanked the wheel and we began to speed out of the main town and drove up to the inn where I planned on asking Blaine if my parents and I could stay another night.

I directed Gary up the mountain as mom had a little lecture and rant at me, how my getting myself kidnapped by a prehistoric Pokémon was inexcuseable yet she was so happy I was alright. I still had to negotiate the terms on me not yet coming home.

"Hello Ruby. I suspected I'd be seeing you again." Blaine said with a respectful nod of his head as Gary stopped right outside the door, his hair windswept and looking pretty cool, even if I do say so myself.

"Hey, I was hoping you wouldn't mind sparing a few rooms for me and my parents for a while." I said to him. "I'm staying in town a little longer to research and study the Pokémon at the Pokémon Lab." I explained as I jumped out of the car, settling Dratini and Eevee on my shoulders. "Have Charizard and Pidgeotto arrived yet?" Blaine nodded his head with a calm smile.

"You Pidgeotto is in the hot springs. It will help heal its wing faster." With a sigh of relief I relaxed, letting all the tension go.

"Gary, Gary Oak…oh! I remember you now." Dad announced with a suddenly voice, slapping Gary on the back with a grin. "I went to school with your father, we were always in the same class!" I blinked in surprise.

"Really? I never knew that. You've never mentioned Gary's father before." Dad gave a bashful laugh.

"Well, yes, because at first we were sworn rivals and sometimes enemies." My mouth dropped open in shock, gaping slightly as Gary just stood there, looking a little uncomfortable as he shifted slightly.

"But…"

"Come on!" Mom trilled, picking both Dratini and Eevee up and carried them under her arms. "I want to test out these hot springs, chop-chop all of you! Gary dear, you'll stay for dinner? Marvellous! Hurry up now Ruby darling, I fully intend to turn this trip into a vacation!" She called happily over her shoulder as she carted my Pokémon away, dad quickly following as he eagerly wanted to dive into the hot spring as well.

"Ugh…meet my parents." I gestured with slight embarrassment to Gary and Blaine who both had cocked eyebrows, staring after my mother as her shrill laugh echoed through the inn. "So, is it okay if we stay here?"

"Sure." Blaine said. "It's not like any other trainers are around to take the other rooms." He said with a kind smile. "I'll get started on some supper. You must be starving." In answer my stomach growled loudly, making me blush.

"Oh…just a little." I smiled then stood up straight, facing Gary. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to, but thanks for the get away." I said, inclining my head towards his car.

"No sweat, your Charizard just looked about ready to turn all those reporters into soot. I thought I'd step in and save the day again. As usual." I gave a huff and glared at him, turning my face away from him.

"Well, thanks." I said then stomped into the inn. Urgh! Why was he so self centred? This was totally unfair, why did he have to act so nice and caring one moment and then a complete jerk the next? It's so confusing!

Going through to the back I instantly ran over to Pidgeotto who was in a bath support, keeping her upright and above the waterline but she relaxed in the hot water, chirping quietly though she awoke when she heard me running to her. "Pidgeotto! How do you feel?" I asked, stroking her long feathered head.

"Pidgeo!" She assured me so I sighed with relief.

"Well I'm glad. You were super brave and I can't thank you enough for helping to stop Areodactyl. Look, he's right here." I said, showing her the Pokéball. "We'll take him back to the lab tomorrow and begin work on introducing him into new society and searching for a new trainer or habitat for him, depending on what he wants. I'll need all of your help to make sure he's on his best behaviour, but I want you to just rest and not move a muscle until you're completely better, okay?" I babbled and she chirped happily, rubbing her face into mine so I smiled then turned to Charizard who was watching me calmly.

Glancing over into the water I gave a little chuckle, seeing mom playing with Dratini and Eevee very happily as dad relaxed with a cocktail, so I stepped forwards and placed my arms as far as they would go around Charizard's belly. "I guess you should be going now." I whispered, giving a little sniff as tears began to rise to my eyes. "Thank you for coming back for me, I'll never forget it."

Charizard gave a low growling roar, lowering his head and began to nuge me, pressing his face into my side and rubbed to show affection, which only made me want to cry more. "Go on. You need to start flying now before it gets too dark." I told him, pushing back and stepping away but Charizard tried to follow. "I said go! It's what you wanted, to be free and you finally have it! Go on and go home! Your family must be worried about you, wondering if you're lost or hurt and all alone…"

Blaine entered the back and looked straight over to me and my Charizard as I turned my back, unable to look at him as it was making it harder to be able to let him go as he continued to try and get my attention. "Charizard, it was hard enough saying goodbye to you once. Please don't make me do it again. Just go!" By now everyone was watching, keeping quiet and I even saw Gary hovering behind Blaine, carrying some food trays but when he saw the tear strains, he blinked in surprise.

With a firm shove from Charizard I stumbled a step forwards but as I did so, my vision flashed with blue and I felt a surge of insistence tear through me on the brink of rage. "Oh! Ruby!" Mom began to wade forwards but I shook my head, clearing my mind.

"I'm fine mom." I said quietly then turned around to Charizard who began to stomp his feet, growling and roaring, making Eevee and Dratini whimper and draw back behind my mom. "Charizard I don't understand! Why aren't you flying away?"

"Maybe because he wants to stay." Blaine suggested from where he stood, making me look to him in shock.

"Stay?" I questioned then turned to look up at Charizard. "Is that true? You want to stay?" Charizard stopped his tantrum and nodded his head, lowering it back down to me and instinctively, I reached out to touch it. Instantly everything turned blue and bright images flashed before my mind.

I saw a version of myself surrounded by harsh light, though it lit my smile and made my eyes sparkle as Charmander looked up at me in confusion but instantly made an attachment to the girl it first saw, instantly knowing that this girl was something special.

Next I saw all the times we had played together, the times I had swung Charmander around in one of his good moods and how I had tickled his belly, which had made his inner fire glow. I then saw all the battles, both ones we failed and succeeded in but especially the fight against the Machamp, where I was filled with anger and determination, making Charmander's body change to grow stronger and turned up the heat of the fight.

More times of us together flashed before my eyes, each eye contact, each smile and laugh. I watched my Charizard grow to love me, and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever experienced as I could feel everything he had felt, recognise each thought that had passed through his mind as he watched me fall down into the darkness as he rose higher, making his rage and desperation reach a peak that once again made his body change to grow even more powerful than before.

Then it was the star and moonlit flight with all my Pokémon, my laughter filling Charizard's ears and he clung to the sound, as he knew it would be one of his favourite memories of me. The pictures continued until finally, Charizard was flying towards a solitary island where flocks of Charizard lived.

He flew down and was instantly met by a slim Charizard with long lashes, a very beautiful creature who instantly hugged her smaller son. Charizard had felt so happy, so happy it made me cry as I could also feel the love between mother and son. He had a sister and a tiny little brother only a Charmander, but he kept an eye on them and even played with them the way I had played with him, lifting them up into the air and tickling their bellies, however not long after arriving, Charizard felt a sense of foreboding.

Something was wrong. Very wrong. His gut was telling him that I was in trouble and needed him, but how could he leave? How could he leave when he knew that if he did and saw me again, he'd never want to leave my side again. But after his mother comforted him, her soft brown eyes telling Charizard that he'd always have this family, but I would be a once in a lifetime chance, Charizard made his choice and flew away.

The rest was recent history, but Charizard continually showed me memories of us looking at one another, me jumping on his belly to tackle him with a hug and kissing his face before finally, everything rushed back into normal with a flash of blue.

I groaned, eyes drooping quickly as I slumped and fell to my knees with exhaustion. "Ruby!" Everyone called as Charizard drew back, looking at me in shock as I struggled to keep upright. "Ruby, are you alright?" Gary asked as he quickly knelt down and gripped my shoulders. "You did it again, just like last time. You somehow made a connection with Charizard like you did with Areodactyl." I made a soft whimpering sound, blinking to try and wake myself.

"Get her into the water, it will help bring her around." Blaine said and mom strode over, lifting me up easily and carried me into the water where Eevee and Dratini instantly swam over to me and kept close, resting their heads against my shoulder as they gave soft little sounds of concern.

Gradually the heat of the water brought my senses back to me and I blinked, taking in a deep breath before looking up at Blaine. "What just happened? It was really weird, I saw…I saw Charizard's memories." Blaine blinked in surprise but quickly hid it from his expression.

"You should eat and rest, Ruby. You must be exhausted and are beginning to hallucinate." He answered a little stiffly but something in his tone snagged at my attention, making me not want to give up just yet, however I held my tongue.

"Baby are you alright? My poor sweet darling, I'll get you some of your favourite food for dinner! There seems to be quite an impressive selection here." Mom suggested, fussing over me before kissing my head. "Now don't go anywhere, I'll be right back sweetie!" I groaned.

"Mom, stop fussing! I'm fine!" I insisted but she was already in her own little world, picking up food and piling it up on a plate for me. "Oh great. I'm going to blow up like a Snorlax if she has her way."

"Don't worry, I'll protect you." Gary said as he sat down and put his feet in the water, kicking it a little. I shot him a wry look.

"How noble." I answered then looked at his Pokéballs. "How about you let your Pokémon out to join us? They must be hungry by now." I suggested and he nodded his head.

"Good idea. Come out everyone! It's dinner time!" Suddenly I was surrounded by Pokémon as they burst out of their Pokéballs, most of them I'd never seen before. There was a Tauros and a Scyther, a Hitmonchan and a Poliwrath but two faces I did recognise. Well, sort of.

"Seadra?" I questioned, looked at the long snouted water Pokémon that gazed up at me. "Did you evolve into a Kingdra?" It nodded its head as Wartortle came shooting past, blowing bubbles at me before continuing to enjoy the water. I laughed, swatting at the bubbles then tickled Kingdra's belly before Dratini and Eevee leaped onto Poliwrath's head, beginning to play and I laughed as all the Pokémon settled down.

Charizard looked up to the sky then curled up, placing his head between me and Gary which made me laugh. "Still the jealous type are you?" I questioned. "I wonder what kind of attacks would be weak against it." Mom laughed as she came over, carrying plenty of food.

"Oh I have missed that humour of yours sweetie! Come on now, all of you eat up! We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Oh! A Hitmonchan!" Mom quickly put down all the food and ran over to the Hitmonchan who was exchanging blows with a post. "How wonderful! I used to have a Hitmonchan you know, he and my beautiful Hitmonlee where the perfect fighting duo, we used to win all our battles and even had a winning streak of thirty two battles at one point in our prime!" Mom babbled as she inspected the Hitmonchan closely.

"Mom used to be a Battle Girl." I explained to Gary whose confused expression cleared up instantly.

"Oh, that explains it." He said, folding his arms across his chest. "But my Hitmonchan isn't yet at the peak of its training. I've been working on improving its defense as it used to work too much on the offence."

"Wonderful! You obviously have a strong bond with your Pokémon, though when working with fighting Pokémon, you must ensure that the bond is tight so that your energy and strength can become one with your Pokémon's, that's how you win battles!" Mom trilled happily, dancing around with the Hitmonchan who looked very frightened for its life. I sighed and shook my head.

"I'm sorry, my mom is very enthusiastic about Pokémon." I explained as Dratini swam over to me so I smiled. "Hi! Are you hungry? Here, mom picked up some of your favourite." I fed Dratini some mango fruit, holding her cradled in one arm as Gary rubbed his Wartortle's head. He seemed deep in concentration so I didn't disturb him, merely dived underwater and began to swim with the Pokémon. It was only then both mom and dad cried out together.

"Ruby! You're swimming!" I rose up out the water and flicked back my hair, tossing them a proud smile as I laughed.

"Of course! If I'm going to be serious about my future with Pokémon, I had to learn how to swim! So I went to the Three Sensational Sisters for some tutoring. They're Misty's sisters, so they were more than happy to help me out. I can do all kinds of tricks!" I told them before diving under to chase my Dratini.

Once everyone was relaxed and fed, we all got ready for bed, though before I went to change, mom quickly grabbed my shoulders to spin me around and literally pushed me forwards over the ground, making my feet slide and skid. "Hurry, hurry, hurry! Mister Blaine has something to tell you!" She sang happily, bouncing excitedly from foot to foot.

"What do you mean mom? What's going on?" I asked as I was escorted to the front of the inn where Gary stood at the door, preparing to leave but he held on for a moment, turning to look at me then to Blaine who was smirking slightly with his arms folded. "Mister Blaine?"

"I was very impressed with how you handled your Pokémon when battling Areodactyl, Ruby." He began slowly, locking his intense eyes on mine. "And furthermore when you managed to capture it with the help of your Charizard, and then go on to show a powerful l connection with it. Therefore, I have decided to let you challenge me to a gym battle." My mouth dropped open.

"But…but I don't battle anymore unless I have to and I don't collect badges either. I gave back my first two because I changed my mind about becoming a Pokémon Master." Blaine nodded his head.

"True, but collecting badges is more than just tests of skill. They prove the strength of your Pokémon and the bond you have with them. Each battle brings you closer and in future, you will need badges to be able to show other people your skill and ability to use a Pokémon's strengths to its sull potential. You may have lost a little of your fighting spirit, but your Pokémon haven't." I blinked then looked to see all my Pokémon just outside.

Charizard stood tall and proud in the moonlight, eyes burning with bright flames as Pidgeotto rested on his shoulder, serene and calm though she too looked ready to fight, wings slightly spread as if preparing to fly. At Charizard's feet were Eevee and Dratini, who both wore determined expressions, gazing up at me with spirit and confidence which I haven't seen in a long time. They wanted to battle.

A spark lit in my chest, the eagerness for a tough battle and the yearning to prove myself. Yes, I may have lost the will to battle to prove myself, but my Pokémon still wanted to show me how they trusted me. Do I really think I can do it? Beat Blaine and prove to my Pokémon how much I believe in them?

"Isn't it wonderful darling?" Mom said, putting an arm around me as she beamed. "You can start collecting again and enter the Pokémon League! If you collect all the badges then Pokémon will be more willing to trust you, which will make it easier for you to handle them when you're older. Look! Your father and I even bought you this." She pulled a badge case out of her pocket and placed it in my hands, letting me flip it open to see the eight spaces of the main Kanto gyms.

My dad stepped forwards and put his arm around me also, smiling confidently. "We believe in you, honey and so do your Pokémon. You've come further than either of us ever dreamed you would go and we can see now that you're meant to go much further. So why not go all the way?" Slowly I began to smile, things finally clicking into place. They're right. I can't just give up on one dream just for another, I can still have both.

Spinning around I hugged both my parents tightly, a tear slipping down my cheek. "Thank you." I whispered and they both shrouded me in their hug, smiling and chuckling together. "I won't enter the League because that's not what I want to do right now, but I'll collect all the badges and prove I can be a great Pokémon trainer!" Spinning around I pointed to Gary with a smile. "So you'd better watch out! I'll be catching up to you very soon." He smirked.

"I look forward to the day we battle for real." He answered then stuck out his hand. "Maybe I'll come watch you tomorrow for your battle. I'd like to see how your technique has changed since Pewter City."

"You wait, we'll be hitting with a bang." I proclaimed, grabbing his hand and shaking it. "And you're not even going to know what hit you."

"Oh please, it'll take a long time before you're even close to my league. But maybe one day you might just about get there." He said, smirking again then winked, making me smirk back.

"Just you wait Gary Oaks." He nodded his head, turning to Blaine and my parents.

"Thank you for the evening and meal, it was nice to meet you all." He said, shaking all their hands and mom sighed.

"Oh you're just so charming! Why haven't you ever brought this young man home to dinner before Ruby?"

"Because he may be charming now, but he's still a snotty snob underneath." I answered and Gary gave a little grin.

"At least I'm not a clumsy klutz who falls into lakes and off of cliffs." My face dropped as my mom gasped.

"What? You fell off a cliff? What happened? I demand to know immediately Ruby!" She yelled and I shot Gary a glare.

"Thanks a lot brainless. Now get out of here before I challenge you right here and now!" He smirked then flicked his hand from his head in a sort of lazy salute as he walked back to his car, got in then drove away. Turning around, I finally faced my mother.

"Hey mom…"