I stood at the grand entrance to the stadium, looking around with a sigh as Eevee played with Togepi and Pikachu. "I really wish you could stay." Ash said to me sadly and I turned to face him.

"Hey, me too Ash, but apparently its total havoc back at Professor Oak's research lab and he needs a hand to get things straightened out again whilst he's here supporting you. I know you want your friends here to support you, and believe me, I'd like nothing better than to stay here and help you kick butt, but those Pokémon need someone with more experience to look after them than the dweebs Professor Oak hired whilst he's away." I said to him so I stepped forwards and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you'll do great Ash, you've got greatness simply written all over you, but you've got to remember, you won't go anywhere without your Pokémon, so take good care of them." With that I pulled him in for a tight hug.

"I know Ruby." He assured me, holding on extra tight as I smiled.

"And another thing, something I've learned whilst on my solo journey." I said, pulling away and turned up to look at the sky. "No matter how far you go, or how far you fall behind, it's all about the memories you create by being where you are and how you created other memories by getting there. That's the most important thing about being a Pokémon trainer, learning to grow through experience and gaining invaluable times with your friends and Pokémon." Ash blinked at me, surprised by my words.

"Wow Ruby, I've never thought about that." I winked at him.

"Which is why you still need your good friend Ruby Bates, now say 'cheese'!" I called and pulled him to me, winking at the camera as Ash laughed and smiled as I caught another photo.

"We can't get you away from that thing!" He joked as I snapped another of Pikachu, Eevee and Togepi playing.

"Nope and you never will." I vowed, giving an extra bright smile. "I'll be rooting for you Ash, I promise. Misty and Brock will take good care of you whilst I'm gone, so don't worry." I turned to the two of them and gave them both hugs as well, snapping photos as they smiled. "We'll see each other again really soon, we'll be back in Pallet Town before you know it. Come on, one last group photo!"

"I can take it for you." Professor Oak said as he walked up with Mrs Ketchum. "Here, let me take that for you." He took my camera and I instantly slung an arm around Ash's shoulders, making him laugh as I winked and pulled a victory sign with my hand as Togepi danced in Misty's arms, Pikachu leaping up onto Ash's head and Eevee found my shoulder. We stood for the photo before finally, it was time to go. I had to catch this bus or I'll miss my flight back to Pallet Town.

"Well, goodbye everyone." I said, giving one last round of hugs. "And Ash, one last thing."

"I know, I know, don't do anything stupid." He laughed, punching me on the shoulder and I punched him back.

"Wrong you dufus! Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's the only way you'll perfect your technique. And if you lose, then so what? You'll come back even stronger next time around! Though I know you'll do your absolute best." Giving a final wave I shouldered my bag and took my camera back from Professor Oak. "Goodbye all! Don't worry about the Pokémon professor, I'll make sure they're all okay!"

"Thank you so much Ruby! I needed this break!" He called back before I dived onto the bus with Eevee, showed the driver my ticket then raced to the back of the bus, plastering my hands to the window with Eevee at my side. I saw Pikachu bounding forwards towards the bus before he stopped and stood up.

"Pika Pika!" He called, waving in goodbye and Eevee called back as well, closing her eyes and beaming brightly as she said farewell to her best friend.

"Well Eevee, another long trip home. I'm just sorry we didn't get here sooner to see more of Ash's amazing battles." I sighed, flopping down in the seat as the bus pulled away and rounded the corner. "Stupid blimp getting cancelled."

"Excuse me, is anyone sitting there?" Someone asked and I looked up to see a young boy standing in front of me with a nervous blush on his face.

"No, you're welcome to take it." I said, picking Eevee up so he could have the window seat. "Hi, I'm Ruby."

"I'm Timmy, are you friends with Ash Ketchum?" He asked and I nodded my head.

"Sure am. I've known him since we were in nursery." I explained. "I'm Ruby from Pallet Town and Ash and I set out on our journey together on the same day."

"Wow! That's so great! I'm going to go on a journey real soon too!" Timmy exclaimed so I smiled at him.

"That's so great! Tell me all about what you want to be when you grow up and all the Pokémon you'd like to catch, I'd really like to hear." So we talked for hours, from the bus to the blimp about Pokémon, listening to all his aspirations to become a gym leader one day specialising in flying type Pokémon so I showed him Pidgeotto, who he absolutely adored.

The journey passed a lot faster with Timmy for company, so when I alighted in Pallet Town's small air port, I was almost surprised to be there. "Bye Ruby! Thanks for all your great stories!" Timmy called out as I left the blimp. "I'll come battle you one day, I promise!"

"I'll look forward to it Timmy, good luck!" I called back then turned to face my hometown. It felt good to be home and I breathed in a deep gulp of fresh, homely air then exhaled softly. Suddenly Eevee's ears pricked up and she gasped, hearing and smelling something as she sniffed the air then darted forwards.

"Vee! Eevee!"

"Hey wait! Don't run off Eevee! I don't want to lose you!" I called out, instantly taking off after her as she dodged through the numerous pairs of feet then race through the barrier out into the car park. "Eevee wait!" Once I had squeezed my way past a rather large woman and a bony man, I raced after her, backpack anchored on so I could pick up the pace, but when I got outside I couldn't see her anywhere. Panic, cold cruel panic settled in on me. "Eevee!" I yelled, scanning the ground until I heard a laugh.

"Looking for something Rubes?" A shiver went down my spine and my right cheek flared up from where it had been kissed by the same guy who now leaned against a taxi with Eevee in his arms. He was feeding her special Pokémon food and was scratching her ears gently, looking down though I knew he had spotted me.

"Eevee! Thank goodness you're alright!" I gasped and ran forwards, letting her leap into my arms to hold her close. "Please don't run off like that again, you really scared me." She gave me a sad and sorry face, pressing a paw to my cheek so I smiled. "It's okay, so long as you're safe then that's all that matters." Taking a deep breath I slowly looked up at Gary. "Hi Gary, what're you doing here?"

"I'm here to pick you up, your parents asked me to since they're a little busy at the moment." I frowned suspiciously.

"Doing what?" I questioned but Gary gave a little shrug.

"Like I asked. Come on, you look tired and worse for wear. You could do with some sleep." I'll say, I'm beat…hey! Gary just insulted me!

"I'm fine." I quipped, lifting my head a little higher. "Thank you." But I got into the taxi without further argument, climbing in and buckling up with Eevee safely on my lap as I ran my fingers through the tufty fur around her neck. "I think you need a wash little miss, your coat is getting a little dusty." I said to her and she beamed.

"Vee!" Just the mention of baths got Eevee excited, she loved them. "Vee Vee!" Suddenly she leaped from my lap onto Gary's making him blink but give a slight smile as she twirled around then leaped back onto me again, using us both as spring boards.

"Eevee, that's not good manners." I scolded her as I caught her middair, turning her to face me. "Using people as springboards is not very polite, is it? We've been through this." I paused. "Several times." She pulled an adorable face so I sighed and made her settle down as the taxi pulled off and I leaned against the window, unable to deny that my eyes were beginning to close. Just a few short minutes and I'll be back at home…home…safe and warm…

"Rubes, wake up!" Gary jolted me awake and I yelped loudly, jerking Eevee off my lap and she flew through the air. "Eevee!" I tried to quickly grab her but Gary beat me to it, letting her fall directly into his arms and she blinked before turning a grateful look up at him.

"Vee!"

"No problem Eves." He said as he rolled his eyes. "You have to be more careful Rubes, you almost lost yourself a Pokémon." Growling I practically fell out of the cab and glared at him.

"Well, maybe you shouldn't wake people up so suddenly! It's not very nice you know!"

"Oh please, you were snoring so loudly I doubted even a hurricane would have woken you up. I had to do something." He answered with a smug look before gesturing. "Come on, you'd better get inside." Instantly I tensed, going stiff with irritation and anger as Gary strutted down my driveway towards my house as if he owned the place, still carrying my Eevee.

"You get back here Gary Oak, I'm not through with you yet!" Gary ignored me, reaching up to ring the doorbell then stepped back. After a moment he sighed.

"Aren't you going to come to your own door?" Realising I was still rooted to the spot I growled and grumbled under my breath before stomping forwards. I pulled Eevee back from him and let her sit on my head on top of my hat, letting her practice her balancing which was another pass time she enjoyed as I heard a stampede of Tauros come through from the other side of the door.

Either that or it was my mom. I'm thinking I liked my chances better with the Tauros. The door was flung open with so much force I could have sworn I heard it crack. "Darlings!" Mom shrieked then grabbed us both up into her powerful crushing arms, making us both lose our breath as she crushed our ribs.

"Hey Mrs Bates, great to see you." Gary grunted as I struggled to even form words. Eevee dangled precariously off the top of my head, struggling to get back up from mom's suddenly grab so I struggled to get free.

"Mom, we need to breathe!" I gasped and she finally let us go. I dropped to the ground, exhausted form the ordeal and as I fell she grabbed Eevee.

"Hello Eevee my little sweetheart, come on inside, there's hot food waiting for you all! Come on Ruby, up you get, you can sleep when you're dead!" Mom trilled and I groaned inwardly as she grabbed my by my pack and pulled my inside but then she reached back and grabbed Gary too. "You too honey, come on in!" Gary was yanked inside with considerably force and he yelled as he spun into me, our heads knocking and we both yelped in pain, grabbing our wounded sores before shooting each other a glare.

"Who's clumsy now?" I sneered slightly and he shot me a dark look as mom hit the warpath.

"Come my darlings! I've got a three course meal of all desserts for you both! A celebration for Ruby coming home!" I smiled as I stood up, reclaiming Eevee before she could be squeezed to death by mom's over enthused hugging and came into the kitchen to look at the wide spread of food on the table. Even Gary looked impressed.

"Wow mom, this looks amazing!" I said and instantly dived into the ice cream.

"I'd better get going, I wouldn't want to impose on you Mrs Bates…" Gary said sweetly but mom wouldn't hear another word.

"Oh pish posh, I insist! Try some of my brownies, their homemade!" She said happily before beginning to dance around the kitchen. When her back was turned I quickly placed a hand to the side of my mouth and whispered.

"Don't try anything homemade." I warned him and he blinked before nodding, giving a secret smile before sitting down. Mom did most of the talking, chattering away and I just about managed to get the information on dad's location, which was at the Pokémon Lab so that's where I headed with Gary the moment I could get away.

"Wow, your mom can talk for the world." Gary said rather wearily as we made our way over.

"I know. I'm sorry about that but she means well. There's nother a dull moment with my mom around." I said proudly then looked ahead. "Look! There it is!" I suddenly called, looking up ahead to Professor Oak's lab so I took off at a run, racing ahead of Gary with an excited laugh before letting myself in the back.

The daylight was still bright and warm so I put Eevee down and head into the grounds where Pokémon filled the brim. It was utter havoc. Pokémon fought over food and with other, exchanging blows and arguing over the last sunny spots with the smaller Pokémon usually getting pushed out. The ponds and lake were full of Pokémon ramming one another and some of them were battlilng against the land Pokémon as they tried to have a drink whilst three guys raced around completely confused and lost as to what to do.

"Wow. And I thought the Pokémon League was a battlefield." I said blankly as Gary slowly caught up with me. Looks like we couldn't have come a moment too soon.

"I left them with clear instructions. Obviously they couldn't even get that right." Gary grumbled, shaking his head then sighed. "Now look at all this mess." Picking up my hand I pressed my fingers to my lips and gave the loudest whilstle possible, making everyone flinch and quieten down and look at me with blinking eyes.

"What on earth is going on?" I demanded, placing my hands on my hips and walked forwards as Eevee put on a similar expression as me, narrow eyed and critical. "This is not how I expect you Pokémon to behave, I'm very disappointed in all of you!" Most of the Pokémon hung their heads and made apologetic noises so I shook my head. "Now all of you, I want you to sit where you are and do not move!" I commanded then turned to the helpers. "Why did you let them all out at once? Can't you see that there simply is not enough land for all these Pokémon to play and move around on when they're all there trying to get the best spots?"

"We thought it would make feeding time a lot faster if we could just get it all over and done with." One of them answered. "So we just let them all out." I clapped a hand to my face. Obviously these guys didn't have great sense.

"Vee." Eevee scolded firmly then jumped up onto the table where a pile of Pokéballs lay. Well, we had better start getting the Pokémon back into order.

"Alright, here's what we're going to do. We'll put most of the Pokémon back in their Pokéballs and return them to where they're supposed to be on the shelves then go from there." Gary nodded his head and picked up a Pokéball and together, we set to work.

Whilst the boys returned Pokémon I got Pidgeotto and Eevee to help me make peace with everyone and Dratini dived down into the ponds and lake to cool everything down there before we began the feeding rota. I patched up any injuries and made sure everyone was okay after such a gruelling fight and finally, way after sunset, everything was once again back in order.

I flopped down on the ground with a groan, shattered and exhausted all at once. Eevee jumped on my back and began to paw at me, telling me to get up but even raise my head. All I managed was some sort of pathetic groan. "Vee? Vee, Vee Vee!"

"Pidgeo!" Pidgeotto landed next to me then began to peck at my head, trying to get me up as well as Dratini smoothly glided under my arm and tried to lift me up that way.

"Come on guys, I'm too tired to go home to bed. Can't I just sleep here?"

"No." Gary answered. "So come on, I'll walk you back." He grabbed my arms and hauled me to my feet, slinging one arm around his neck to help support me. "You should call your Pokémon back now."

"Right. Return you two, thanks for such a great job." I said and returned Pidgeotto and Dratini to their Pokéballs. "Come on Eevee, we need a good long rest." She nodded her head in agreement and jumped up onto my shoulder, settling down there for rest as Gary helped me with the walk home. "Thanks for walking with me Gary."

"Don't be so flattered, my house is only three doors away from you so it's not like I'm going out of my way or anything." He defended but I was too tired to even argue with him. I lifted my head to look up at the full moon and sighed, wondering if Ash was doing okay. Gary was silent for a while, head slightly bowed and I could tell he was deep in thought.

"Gary?" He glanced at me to signal he was listening. "Are you upset about your loss?" He gave a sharp grump which instantly assured me that he was.

"No. That girl was just lucky I wasn't feeling my best that day." He answered quickly and sharply so I sighed.

"There's nothing wrong with simply admitting defeat, Gary. Sometimes it makes a better person out of us if we do." I said then stepped away from him towards my door. "You can't let this little bump in the road set you back, you've got talent as a trainer and I know you're going to do great things someday." I stopped at my door and turned around to face him, tilting my hat further back so I could see him properly in the moonlight. "If you ever need to talk, you've got a friend over here who'll always listen."

He blinked in surprise as I gave a little wave then opened my door to step inside. I paused in closing the door, looking up to see him contemplating what I just said before he gave a small huff, flicked his hair then set out home. With a small smile and a touch of red to my cheeks, I closed the door.

Ash is coming home, Ash is coming home, Ash is coming home and there's still SO MUCH TO DO! I need to clean up the lab, decorate the backyard, start cooking up some more delicacies, make sure the Pokémon all look their best, get the tables set up and GARY ISN'T HERE TO HELP ME! Stupid Gary.

Okay Rubes, calm down, calm down, this is all totally possible. Shaking my head I continued to brush through Eevee's fur, making sure it was extra shiny for this afternoon. Pidgeotto was already helping put up some decorations outside with Charizard's assistance and all the other Pokémon had been polished, groomed, fed and were now happily relaxing in the warm sun.

"Okay, next job is to set up tables and pools." I paused for thought then looked out among the Pokémon who were helping me out today. "Hey Machoke, Primape, Graveller, think you could lend me a hand?" I called out and they all lifted their heads.

"Machoke?" Gary's Machoke walked over with his buddies and beamed at me. "Machoke!"

"Could you help me put up the tables please? It'll be a big help and I'm not strong enough to lift them all on my own." I asked and they all nodded their heads.

"Primape!"

"Graveller!" I led them over to the tables I had somehow managed to roll uphill and they three of them took two each and lifted them up as easily as if they were feathers. I slumped instantly, put out by the realisation that I had rolled those tables up a hill for nothing when I could have just sensibly asked for help. Dang it.

Walking back I picked up the tablecloths and smiled as the strong Pokémon put up the tables for me and let me direct them as to where I wanted them situated. "Alright, thanks you guys! You can have a break now." I smiled and waved as they pulled back, going towards their favourite sunny spot to kick back and relax a little.

I flung out the cloths, put down a centre piece to keep them from blowing away in the wind. The balloons were all tied down and arranged around the inside of the lab and the fencing so I started with arranging food, setting Pidgeotto and Charizard and guard duty as Eevee helped to carry things out. "Thanks you guys, I couldn't have done this without you." I said to them with an exhausted sigh. "People should be turning up any minute now to surprise Ash so I want you all on your best behaviour. Charizard, that means no Flamethrower on anyone, okay? No matter how irritating they get." I warned and Charizaard growled but nodded his head.

Dratini lifted her head out of the water of the pool I had blown up and called to me happily, splashing around as I finished another one in case Misty let Goldeen out for a splash around. "Hey there cutie, is that fun?" I asked and before she could answer, Eevee had jumped in too. "Eevee! Your nice shiny coat is all wet now!" I complained but she merely splashed around further, happily spraying Dratini with water and the two of them started to play so I left them to it.

People from the town started to come into the lab and I showed them through, some of them bringing extra food so I helped either put it out on the table or kept it in the kitchen so that we didn't overcrowd the tables.

Mom and dad arrived around three, both of them beaming proudly as they looked around at my handiwork. "Excellent job honey! Did you do it all by yourself?" Mom asked as she snacked on some rice balls.

"Of course not mom, my Pokémon helped me." I answered, lifting a hand and patted Charizard so that he stood a little taller with pride. "I couldn't have got it all done without them." Pidgeotto swooped down and landed on a perch, chirping softly to dad who instantly walked over to her.

"Hey there, I see your wing is all better." He noted, rubbing her head softly as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the attention. "Thank you for looking after our little girl, you've done a grand job Pidgeotto." She ruffled her feathers in agreement and I winked at her as the guests chatted to themselves.

"Hola! We're here!" Voices chirped brightly and I blinked in confusion. I don't recognise those voices, who were they? I walked out back to see two people setting up a food stall and I frowned slightly.

"Hello there, are you here for the party?"

"But of course!" The lady trilled brightly, smiling prettily at me as she jumped forwards. "Only the best for the hero of Pallet Town! We've got all kinds of good grub cooking on our stand and for today only, it's absolutely all free!" Free? Really?

"Well that's really kind of you, thank you so much." I smiled and gave a respectful bow. "I'm sure we'd all love to have you here, so on behalf of everyone, welcome to the party!"

"Glad to be here." She winked then darted back to work. I turned when I heard Eevee calling for me so I looked up to see Ash and the others had arrived.

"Oh! Thanks Eevee!" I smiled then raced forwards to find Ash nervously facing everyone with a drink of juice in his hand, putting on a brave smile as he gave an opening speech.

"Uh I'm very happy to be back home and to everybody who supported me throughout the Pokémon League, I just want to say thank you very much!" He bowed and Pikachu piped in, holding his own drink.

"Pikachu."

"And thanks to Ash for representing us so well." Professor Oak added, standing next to Ash with a drink of his own before Mrs Ketchum also made her own thanks.

"And we all owe Professor Oak a huge thank you for hosting us here today. Now, let's start the party!" Music to my ears, let's eat! Before I could shoot off, however, Professor Oak stepped forwards and lifted his drink.

"First, let's salute Ash for finishing in the top sixteen in the Pokémon League and doing Pallet Town proud! Hip-hip, hooray!" We all chorused together and I lifted the drink I had just poured myself to salute before draining it. Wow, party planning is thirsty work. I made my way over to Misty and Brock as they stood together, observing Ash as he clincked glasses with Pikachu.

Brock instantly dived in for some grub so I did the same, choosing my favourites and chowing down as I could hear my mom talking loudly to a group of her friends, the lot of them almost overpowering all the other guests in the garden. "Pallet Town really knows how to throw a party." Brock said as he chewed on some chicken then once he had swallowed, grabbed another bite. "The food is delicious!"

"Hey guys, we shouldn't be the only ones celebrating, we should let our Pokémon join the party too!" I smiled and lifted my arm as I heard Pidgeotto fly towards me, letting her land on my arm as Ash approached too.

"Good idea, we couldn't have gone to the Pokémon League without them!" Ash said and Brock put down his food, wiping his hands off on his shirt.

"You're right! Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, it's time to come out and chow down!" He called and Misty picked up her Pokéballs too.

"Goldeen, Staryu, Psyduck, you're invited too!" She said then spun around elegantly to let them out. "Go!"

"Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto, join the party!" Ash called and one by one the Pokémon appeared, jumping around with excitement as they lifted their noses up to sniff the air. Ash picked up his last Pokéball and began to throw it forwards. "Chairza-!" Instantly the three of us latched onto him, restraining him in place with fear.

"Think about this Ash!" Misty warned as she held onto his leg.

"I don't think that letting Charizard out is such a great idea Ash." Brock agreed as I gripped his head and gave a little shake.

"You want to think this through Einstein?" Ash paused for thought, thinking it through before giving a nervous laugh.

"I'll invite Charizard to the next party." Phew, that was a close one. I pulled over the two paddling pools I had inflated and smiled as Goldeen bounced in as Misty spread her hands and sang out.

"Okay everybody, time to dig in!" They all moved off to find food of their own but I stayed with Dratini and Eevee as they played in the pool, laughing as they tumbled together and got completely soaked through, though I don't think either of them minded.

"Ash must be really proud." Brock noted as I stood up.

"I think he's grown up a lot since being in the Pokémon League." Misty agreed then looked at us both. "Don't you?"

"I don't know ,this is Ash we're talking about." I reasoned then gestured to him with a pointed look as he ran off towards the food stalls. "For example…"

"Let's eat fast so we can eat some more!" He called and I smirked slightly. Bingo, there you go. I began to eat as well, selecting all my favourites and sometimes caugh some moments on camera, like how the Pokémon used Onix's large body to slide down for fun or how Professor Oak smiled as he talked about Pokémon with some of the kids who were here.

"Okay guys, this should be enough to get us started." Ash said as he came back with two bags. Only two? I'm impressed, I'd thought he'd just bring the entire stall over for us.

"Thanks Ash." Brock smiled and we began to spread everything out among the Pokémon and ourselves. I was happy with what I already had on my plate though Charizard took one sniff and instantly dived in for some spicy wasabi noodles, picking up the entire box and chowing it down in one gulp, licking his lips with satisfaction as I giggled.

"Charizard! You should have asked first in case anyone else wanted some." I reprimanded softly then shook my head. "You big softie, what am I going to do with you?" In answer he began to lick my face, making me giggle and drop my food but Psyduck was suddenly there and he gobbled it all up in one. "Hey! Not you too." I said through laughter as Charizard continued to smother me in affection. When Brock and the Pokémon yelled out in pain, however, we all jerked back to see what was going on.

"WARGH! HOT HOT HOT!" Brock was screaming as his mouth blazed from the spicey food. "Water, water, water!"

"Okay Staryu, I think you'd better use your Water Gun attack to cool everybody down!" Misty called and Staryu leaped up into the air easily to hose everyone down with a blast of water which left everyone soaked through but much more relaxed.

"What's the matter with you guys?" Ash asked as he held some shrimp on a cocktail stick. "Aren't you tough enough to handle a little spicy food?" With that he stuffed it into his mouth and chewed it thoroughly, smiling but then his eyes watered sharply into tears before he exploded from the spice. "WAAARGH!" Huh? What's going on?

Reachign for two of the dishes I picked them up and gave them a small sniff. Instantly I retched from the smell. "Ugh, that's some hot mustard and chili sauce." I felt like vomiting at the overpowering taste so I looked up at Charizard. "Looks like you're free to take it all since you can handle the heat." I said to him and he punched the air happily then began to chomp down all he could as fast as he could.

When something flitting across the ground caught my eye I turned around and frowned at the moving bush. "Hey look." Ash said, suddenly focused on the stand as we all turned to look. Where'd that hedge come from and why was it moving?

"Prepare for trouble!" Oh no, not this again. Please, anything but that! I'd even eat all the spicy food in the country rather than listen to this again!

"Make it double." James's voice answered in a more brooding tone than Jessie's.

"Too protect the world from devestation!"

"To unite all people within our nation…" The stall began to unfold, revealing a Meowth balloon through the roof as it quickly inflated then Jessie and James appeared, taking off their disguises to smirk victoriously at us.

"To denoucnce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of-"

"Alright we get it!" I shouted. "Cut the cheese and get to the point already!" Folding my arms I stepped forwards and anchored my feet, glaring at Jessie and James as they stood facing the entire party. They were not going to ruin Ash's special day, not on my watch! Charizard stomped his foot down behind me, growling under his breath to signal he was ready to fight as Pidegotto, Dratini and Eevee all joined my side, ready for my command.

"How dare you interrupt me!" Jessie yelled at me as I arched an eyebrow, tilting my head to the side. "No one cuts in on my show and gets away with it you little twerp!"

"Yeah, these curtains don't close for anybody!" Meowth agreed, springing up from behind the stall.

"Well, it's a good thing I did. That show should have closed its curtains years ago." Steam practically blew from Jessie's ears as Ash and the others all raced forwards.

"Argh! Now I definitely won't give you my recipie for Nuclear Noodles." She teased with satisfaction.

"Or my mustard plastered meatballs." Suddenly food was flying forwards with Brock's yell of anguish reaching my ears as Misty and Ash joined in.

"It's not funny to fool around with food!"

"Yeah let's see how you like it!" Ash agreed and I giggled slightly under my breath. Still in the heat of the moment, we can defend the honour of good food and how wasted all that was. The wasabi noodles and mustard meatballs suddenly covered Jessie, James and Meowth, making me burst into laughter so I quickly picked up my camera and snapped a photo.

"That has to be one for the album." I laughed as everyone else giggled too. With the heat on their faces and in their mouths they yelled and writhed around in pain, the burning on their lips beginning to show by their redness before they finally growled at us.

"Let's get out of here." Jessie decided and they leaped into their stall converted balloon. Hang on a moment, Team Rocket never just leave without having accomplished something or taken something. What's the deal? Looking around I tried to spot Pikachu. "Say goodbye Pikachu." Jessie sneered and suddenly the hatch opened to let Pikachu drop down below, dangling on a bit of rope.

"Pika Pika!" He called desperately for Ash who stared in horror.

"Pikachu!" As the balloon began to rise, Ash pointed to the sky. "Squirtle use your Water Gun attack!" Squirtle shot a jet of water up into the air but it couldn't quite reach the balloon as it was already too far up in the air. Suddenly bombs began to drop down on the party and I gasped, looking around.

"Charizard, Pidgeotto, help protect these people!" I called and Charizard instantly dived forwards, using his wings to shield a cluster of people from the bombs as Pidgeotto grabbed one child and lifted her up into the air to avoid being blasted.

"Ash we've got to do something to stop them!" Misty called over the noise and I quickly grabbed Dratini and Eevee from the ground, tucking them in close to keep them safe.

"Don't worry, Pidgeotto! You've gotta get up there and burst that balloon!" Ash directed and Pidgeotto instantly flew up into the air, racing towards the balloon. "Pidgeotto, use your Quick Attack!" Pisgeotto suddenly sped forwards with a burst and flew through the balloon, bursting it on both sides so that it collapsed and began to fall to the ground.

Without warning another balloon burst out, inflating into another Meowth head with the number two on the amulet. Okay, so maybe they planned ahead for this. Not good. Team Rocket's getting smarter, this is terrible news.

Jessie yelled for Arbok to come out and use Poison Sting which shot down Pidgeotto with one hit, making us all gasp as he tumbled down through the air. "Pidgeotto!" Ash yelled and raced forwards, leaping up to catch him before he could crash land. Alright, that's it. I've had enough of this!

"Dratini, use Water Gun on as many bombs as you can hit, Eevee, use Swift!" I called, letting them jump to the ground and they began to shoot down as many of the bombs as they could before they hit the ground. Together Misty and I ran forwards as Ash stood up with a Pokéball in hand.

"Wait a second Ash, I know we've got to stop them but that's not Charizard's Pokéball is it?" Misty asked but Ash turned a furious face on her.

"Yes it is, so what?"

"Pika Pi!" We heard Pikachu yell and my heart began to beat faster with panic, bombs exploding around us.

"Don't worry! Help's on the way Pikachu!" Ash yelled then flung the Pokéball forwards. I clapped a hand to my face, shaking it in desperation. "I choose you, Charizard!" We're doomed. Turning around I called out to my own Charizard as he protected as many as he could from any blasts, using his wings to shield them and was shooting down bombs with Flamethrower attack.

"Charizard, you get up there and burn through the rope, grab Pikachu then send Team Rocket flying!" I called to him. "Let's go!" Charizard instantly flew up into the air, batting away bombs that struck him then spiralled upwards to avoid them as Ash tried to plead with his own Charizard.

"I'm counting on you Charizard, please go and get Pikachu back for me." He begged but Chariard only turned away with a huff. When he spotted the fruit tower, however, his eyes sparkled with joy and he raced over there to grab some grub.

"Ugh…it's no use." Brock groaned, scratching his head so I turned and looked up to my own Charizard, who was struggling to even get close with all the blasts and Arbok's Poison Sting.

"Go on Charizard, I know you can do it!" I called up to him. "Use Wing Attack on those explosives!" Charizard instantly used his wing to swipe those bombs away but then one hit full in the chest, exploding with a loud bang and he was thrown backwards. "No! Charizard!" Turning with a growl I faced Ash's Charizard. "You get up there right now and help out or I swear I'll throw you into the ocean!" I threatened but as Charizard reached out for a banana, the entire table blew up from another bomb.

Charizard's face was a picture of shock which quickly turned to fury as he snarled up at Team Rocket. "Now are you going to go kick their butts?" I asked and in answer, Charizard soared up into the sky. Another rain of bombs flew down but with my Charizard distracting Arbok, Ash's Charizard flew forwards and with a clean sweep of his wing, knocked the bombs back and they struck the balloon, blasting it apart.

"We're blasting off again!" Music to my ears. I looked up with clenched fists as Pikachu dropped through the air but with a graceful dive, Ash's Charizard caught Pikachu on his back then flew back down towards the party.

"Good work Charizard! Looks like you've finally decided to obey me after all!" Ash called up but Charizard blasted a ball of fire down at Ash, turning him to…well. Ash. "Guess not…" Charizard landed on the ground and began to stomp his feet and shoot Flamethrower up into the sky, having a real tantrum but the moment my own Charizard landed, they smashed heads together and were glaring into one another's eyes, staring down at one another so I sighed.

"Ash, please get your Pokémon under control."

"Yeah. Good idea. Charizard return!" Once he was safely back inside, Ash looked at it with disappointment in his eyes but smiled all the same. "Thanks for helping me get Pikachu back. I owe you one." I picked up Ash's Pidgeotto and stroked his head, letting him know I was there before standing.

"We'd better get Pidgeotto inside for treatment, he got hit pretty bad by Poison Sting." I suggested and Ash nodded, taking Pidgeotto from me to hurry him back to Professor Oak whilst I dealt with the clean up.

Once I was assured that everyone and the Pokémon were all unharmed, I began to pick things up off the ground and the Pokémon all helped whilst everyone else left the party, thanking the professor for a such a blast of a party.

Eevee helped me with the litter picking, grabbing things in her mouth then bounded over to the bin bag I was holding to drop it in. "Thanks Eevee." I said then looked up as Pidgeotto and Zubat flew closer, carrying litter in their claws so I opened up the bag and let them drop it inside.

"Hey Ruby! Guess what!" Ash called as he walked over. "We're all going to Valencia Island to get a special Pokéball from a Professor Ivy over there." He told me and I smiled as I stood up straight. "We're all going and wanted to know if you're up for another adventure too!"

"That's great Ash but I should really stay here." I said to him. "Professor Oak has already agreed to let me train as his assistant for a while so he can teach me more about Pokémon." Giving a sad face I looked down at the ground. "I'd really love to go out travelling with you guys again but Professor Oak really needs some help here since there are so many Pokémon to take care of."

"Oh." Ash blinked, his excitement suddenly all gone. "Well, okay then." I bit my lip, looking up to Misty and Brock for help.

"But I won't be here forever, you know. I'll be back on the road in no time. You can't stop these feet when they want to get moving!" I cheered, wriggling my toes. "So maybe I'll catch up to you guys when you're out there, okay?"

"Right! That'll be really great Ruby." Ash agreed. "I can't wait to get going. I hope I see lots of new and really cool Pokémon!"

"I'm sure you will Ash." Professor Oak assured him. "Just remember to bring the G-S ball back to me all in one piece."

"I will professor, don't you worry." Ash assured him then turned down to Pikachu. "Are you ready Pikachu?"

"Pika Pika!" I smiled as I watched the gang, wishing that I could go along too but I had promised to stay and help Professor Oak for a while, and I can hardly go back on a promise, right? Oh well, maybe next time around I'll be able to go with Ash and the others.

I waved them goodbye with all my Pokémon, seeing him off down the road until he was far gone out of sight. Mrs Ketchum sniffed then dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "My sweet little boy, all grown up and going out again. I miss him so much when he's gone." I blinked in surprise. I never thought about how our parents feel with us kids being gone from home so often. Maybe I should remember to call my parents more when I'm out next, that way they won't be so worried. Speaking of which, where are my parents? I haven't seen them since the party.

Oh no, did they get blown up?!

"Pidgeotto, I need you to go find my parents, could you do that for me?" Pidgeotto nodded her head then rose up into the sky to go back to the lab and check the grounds for my parents. If I knew them they'd be with all the Pokémon. "And Mrs Ketchum? Don't worry about Ash." I said to her with a confident expression. "Ash is a great Pokémon trainer and has really strong Pokémon with him as well as Misty and Brock, so he'll be perfectly safe no matter where he goes." I told her and she took a deep breath as Mr Mime began to sweep the path leading up to the house.

"I know, I just miss him sometimes." She said to me with a smile. "Well, I shouldn't keep you all. Thankk you for such a wonderful party today Ruby, you did a great job setting it all up." I smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

"There isn't a job you can't do with Pokémon to help." I beamed then turned to the professor. "So professor, we should proabably start on the dinner for the Pokémon, right?"

"Right you are Ruby, and there's all that left over party food to eat. I think we'll be very well supplied for a while yet." He joked before giving a small bow to Mrs Ketchum. "Goodnight Delia, I'll see you soon." He said politely and I smiled before following after him with my Pokémon.

Charizard rose up into the air to fly off but Dratini and Eevee remained on my shoulders, having their own whispered conversation. I paused and turned, looking back longingly down the road. I guess once you've had a taste of something, it's all you'll ever want again. I love travelling and I miss my friends. Hopefully one day soon, I'll be back out on the road with Ash, Misty and Brock. Getting into trouble and saving the day over and over again.

Thanks for reading everyone, there will be sequels, so don't worry this isn't the last you've seen of Ruby Bates!