Once I had called my parents and told them where I was going I was all set to go. We crowded outside the lab where Professor Oak placed the G-S ball into Ash's hand. "I'm giving this back to you Ash." He told him. "I need you to help me find out more about it."

"Huh?" Ash blinked in confusion. "What do you want me to do with it Professor?" He asked so the professor smiled.

"Come with me for a moment Ash and I'll show you." So whilst the professor walked back inside with Ash I went around checking all of my equipment. Everyone else sat down to have cups of tea but I wanted to make sure that I was prepared for this journey, with plenty of supplies and ensuring that my stuff hadn't been chewed through by Snorlax.

Once I was satisfied everything was in order I packed it all away then head back through to see the others. "There you are Ruby, come on we have to head back now to tell my mom!" Ash said, grabbing my hand and pulling me along. "So let's hurry!"

"Slow it down Ash, there's still plenty of daylight left in the day." I said to him with a smile. "So cool it." He laughed, jumping from foot to foot as we all head on back to the Ketchum residence.

"I'm too excited to cool down! I'm all steamed up and ready to get going!" It was true, he practically ran all the way and only then did he manage to wind down a little because he'd blown off some of his energy. He stepped inside and wiped his feet on the mat, calling out to his mother. "Hey mom!" He led us through into the living room where we found Mrs Ketchum packing Ash's bag.

"It's us!" Brock called and Misty bounced forwards.

"Hello!"

"Hey Mrs Ketchum!" I waved with a smile as she looked up from her packing to beam at us proudly.

"Well I heard everything went well." She said to us and Mr Mime grinned.

"Mime!" Ash walked forwards, looking at his back in confusion before lifting his eyes back to his mom.

"What're you doing with my backpack?" He asked her and she answered back in that bright tone she always had, making me smile serenely as I took a seat next to Pikachu.

"I'm putting in some fresh you-know-what! I was just on the phone with professor Oak so I'm packing things up for you." She said as Mr Mime handed her some rope which she neatly placed into the bag for Ash before she zipped it up and handed it to him. "Here."

"Then…you know I'm leaving?" Ash questioned with a slightly guilty look on his face but Misty smiled optimistically.

"It'll be great! In the Johto League there'll be new trainers and new Pokémon and new everything." She assured Mrs Ketchum but then Brock suddenly jerked forwards and grabbed Mrs Ketchum's hands as he cried out in a loud voice.

"But don't worry! I know you're disappointed I'm leaving but Mr Mime will be able to fill in for me." He said and Mrs Ketchum blinked from the surprise of being sprung upon like that before she smiled.

"Well I better get to work in cooking a big bon voyage dinner in honour of this joyous occasion!" She declared and Ash frowned at her.

"You don't have to be that happy."

"Aw come on Ash." Tracey smiled and both Misty and I nodded as we spoke together.

"Yeah! It'll be fun!" We both looked at one another then giggled before I stood up. "Besides, we can't set out on the road without a proper send off and lots of food in our bellies to keep us going, so Mrs Ketchum to the rescue!" Mrs Ketchum chuckled, still smiling brightly.

"And of course I'll invite Professor Oak too. Brock? Would you mind running to the market for a few things?" She asked but Brock had already raced into the kitchen, thrown on his favourite pink frilled apron and had Mrs Ketchum shopping basket in his hand.

"Mrs Ketchum your wish is my command, just say the word and I'm at your command! Huh?" Brock looked as Mr Mime skipped past him. He bolted for the door and the two of them wrestled together to get out as Brock growled.

"I'll do it! After tomorrow, she's all…yours!" The door burst open and the two of them raced out together and head towards the market.

"That's scary." Ash said as the rest of us just stared after them.

"The worst part…they forgot my shopping list." Mrs Ketchum blinked then turned to her son with a smile. "Hurry back." Ash yelped so I giggled and took the list.

"I'll go Mrs Ketchum. At least if I get the supplies they stand half a chance of returning home without being eaten first." I said notably to Ash who growled.

"Hey I could do it!" He argued but I shook my head, taking the list.

"Nuh uh! See you later! I'll be quick!" I called then raced out the door to catch up with the others. As I was running I stuffed the shopping list into my pocket, heading the back way to the market as it was faster and all downhill though it got a little off track.

I'd been running for a couple of minutes when I saw a figure up ahead. I kept on running since I wasn't able to see who it was but after a few moments, the figure turning into none other than Gary Oak. What was he still doing so close to town? I thought he left this morning.

Still running I was about to call out his name when he stopped and looked down. What was he doing? Had he dropped something? But that was when the ground gave way. "Gary!" I gasped, watching him tumble down before streaking forwards.

From the bushes Team Rocket leaped down with crowing laughter, looking down at the trap they had made, but they usually made those kind of traps for Ash so they could catch Pikachu, what are they up to now?

"Prepare for trouble you're a little slow to the chase!" Jessie crowed as she placed her hands on her hips and looked down.

"Make it double you've already lost the race." Before they could even think about carrying on with the rest of the motto, I called out.

"Hey! Why don't you old people pick on someone your own size?" Instantly Jessie turned into a nightmare of nature, glaring at me as she rose up and blasted fire from her mouth in a rage.

"Old? I'm not old you're just too young!" She yelled back at me but I ignored her.

"Leave Gary alone or you'll have to deal with me." I told them, clenching my fists and preparing to fight though I heard Gary's voice come down from below.

"Ruby don't! Just get out of here, I can take care of these clowns!" I didn't budge, watching as Jessie picked up a Pokéball.

"If it's playtime you want then meet my Pokémon. Go Arbok!"

"Weezing! Join the fun!" James answered and suddenly I was faced with two angry looking Pokémon. "Weezing, Tackle attack!"

"Arbok, Poison Sting!" Jessie added and both Pokémon faced me, turning their glares down so I gulped, however neither of them moved. Huh? Why weren't they attacking me? "Arbok didn't you hear me? Attack that girl this instant! She insulted me!" Carefully I stepped forwards and licked my lips as their faces grew sad and they looked desperately back at their masters, shaking their heads.

Wait, were they refusing to attack me? Why would they do that? I thought all Pokémon were obedient to their masters no matter who they were. Unless…unless they remember what I did for them all the way back on Pokémon Island. "Arbok? Weezing?" I questioned softly, lifting up a hand and Arbok turned to face me.

He blinked once then lifted his tail, flickering it under my chin and I giggled, letting my hand press into his face so I rubbed it gently, working my fingers into the areas that would relax him whilst lifting my other hand to touch Weezing.

"No you idiots! You're not meant to make friends with her! You're meant to attack!" I looked at Jessie smugly, placing my hands on my hips.

"I wouldn't count on it, you see these guys still remember how I helped them out on the island of the giant Pokémon. I don't think they're going to attack me seeing as they still feel pretty grateful." Meowth blinked in surprise as Arbok and Weezing spoke to him.

"It's true. They say they'll happily fight the twerpette's Pokémon but not her! They like and respect her too much and they're grateful for the way she took care of 'em when we all got separated."

"Ugh! Well stop being grateful!" Jessie bellowed back and James folded his arms, pouting.

"Well that's a total bore. You're no fun at all." From behind I noticed Gary start pulling himself up and out of the trap hole so I kept Team Rocket busy.

"Maybe they just like me more than you guys." I suggested, taking a step back and prepared to run. "I am prettier after all." This did the trick, Jessie practically blew the roof.

"I don't think so twerp! Nothing can compare to the natural brilliance of this face." She scoffed after her little outburst, taking a serene breath.

"You know, seeing as we have both the twerp's friends here, we might as well capture them both to get that Pikachu and all their other Pokémon to boot." Meowth suggested to James and Jessie who smirked.

"Genius Meowth."

"I like that idea." Jessie turned to me and arched an eyebrow. "Well, looks like you and your little boyfriend will get to spend a little more time together after all." I blinked in shock, staring at her.

"He is not my boyfriend!" I yelled at her as Gary finally stood up.

"Go Nidoqueen!"

"Go Charizard!" I answered, sending him forwards. Hey, I'm feeling a little hot tempered, so why not turn up the heat? Charizard rose up and spread his wings, roaring into the sky then stomped his foot down, facing the down at Team Rocket who quivered in their boots.

"Have you…grown?" James asked politely though his voice was still laced with fear. "You look…much bigger…than usual."

"I train my Pokémon well, I'll have you know." Then smirked. "Charizard, let's give Team Rocket a warm farewell." I told him then pointed to Jessie and James. "Flamethrower."

"Nidoqueen use Hyper Beam!" I smiled to Arbok and Weezing and they nodded to me, going back to Team Rocket and let themselves back into their Pokéballs.

"Arbok! What are you doing? Get back out here and fight!" Jessie yelled but it was too late. Both Charizard and Nidoqueen let loose their attacks, powering down onto Team Rocket and the force exploded outwards, sending them shooting up into the air with wails of defeat.

"We're blasting out of here!" I chuckled, shaking my head before lifting a hand to rub Charizard's face as he lowered down to check I was okay.

"Good job Charizard." I smiled softly, leaning closer to hug his face and kiss his cheek. "You sure showed them."

"Rubes! Are you okay?" Gary asked as he ran over. "That Arbok and Weezing didn't attack you?" I shook my head, continuing to fuss over Charizard as he growled at Gary, warning him to stay a reasonable distance away from me.

"Not a scratch. Don't worry Gary, I'm fine. How about you? That looked like some fall."

"I'll be alright, it'll take more than that to take me down." I nodded my head then let go of Charizard, letting him stand up tall. Maybe I should let him fly me to the market. I'll be there and back much faster than if I ran and I've already been set back a couple of minutes. "Listen, Rubes, I was wondering…" He began slowly, lifting a hand and rubbed the back of his head the way his grandpa did whenever he couldn't think of what to say.

"No car or cheerleaders this time?" I questioned and he shook his head.

"No, I figured this time I'll do my travelling right. At least this way I'll get to battle more trainers and actually focus more on the journey rather than the end goal." I smiled proudly at him, taking a step forwards.

"That's great Gary, I'm glad you think about it like that." I told him then blushed ever so slightly. "Well, I'd better get going. I have to get some groceries for dinner tonight."

"Oh, well okay. I won't keep you." Gary said, stepping back away from me and I watched him as he shifted kind of uncomfortably. "It's just…I'm glad you're not hurt, Ruby." He told me and I blinked slightly in surprise.

"Uh…well I…really?" I babbled, unsure of how to reply. Glad I wasn't hurt? What was that supposed to mean.

"You take care now, okay?" He told me but then blinked. "Oh wait, I forgot. This is for you." He unslung his bag from his back and opened it up to pull something out, wrapped carefully in red cloth. "This was given to me by someone I met on my way back here. I figured you'd appreciate it more than I would." He answered with a dismissive shrug as I took it and carefully unwrapped it.

A wooden flute sat in my hand, one in better condition than my other one with swirling carvings cut into the side. It was very beautiful and I smiled, slinging the cloth over my shoulder and began to play a tune.

The mystical sound that vibrated out of it stunned even me as I closed my eyes and began to play, swaying slightly with the music. It was mellow and rich in tone though the pitch could rise higher and sail off into the sweetest of sounds. I was touched.

When I pulled it away from my lips I lifted my head and smiled to Gary who shrugged. "It's a Poké Flute, so depending on how you play it you can either attract or send Pokémon away from you." He said to me and I nodded my head in understanding. "My friend also said you could wake Pokémon up when they've been sent to sleep when you play the right song, so good luck figuring it all out."

"Gary it's…it's beautiful." I said to him, unable to think of what else I should say. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He said in a dismissing tone. "You just be careful out there, okay?" He said then turned around. "Later." I blinked.

"Gary wait!" I called after him, stretching out a hand and he stopped to look back, turning halfway. A slight red hue to my cheeks I smiled at him. "You take care! Don't make me come and rescue you again!" He smirked and nodded his head before turning and continuing to walk away. "Right Charizard, let's go!" I beamed, carefully wrapping up my new flute and placed it in my pack. "We need to get to the market!" Charizard nodded his head, letting me climb aboard then flew up into the air.

He stayed low for a moment, swooping forwards and with a rush of air we flew past Gary, making me laugh. "Charizard! You're just the biggest show off!" I said to him as he performed an arc in the air then turned towards the market.

I grabbed the stuff then flew back, making the time fly by faster. "Thanks for the ride Charizard, you're a real life saver." I told him as I jumped off his back with the shopping then took the two bags he'd carried for me. "You take a good rest now, you deserve it." I smiled as he rubbed my face affectionately, making me giggle before I returned him to his Pokéball.

"There you are!" Misty smiled as she opened the door. "That was fast. Did you fly on Charizard?" She asked, helping pick up some of the shopping as Tracey took the rest for me.

"Yeah, figured we'd all want to eat as soon as possible." I shrugged, smiling as I went inside with everyone else. And that was that. From then on it was total relaxation and happiness. We had dinner, talked about our exciting time ahead and even received new a Pokédex from Professor Oak which I instantly tucked away safely.

Once dinner was all finished up Brock and Mr Mime somehow managed to clean up between them and well camped out in the living room together for a sleepover. "I can't wait to meet all the new water Pokémon." Misty sighed dreamily as she stretched out on the sofa, her bed for the night and I leaned against it, checking on my mini tool case. It had been a present from dad for my eleventh birthday, complete with small scissors, flick up pen knife with tools and other useful items like a magnesium stick with igniter so I could start campfires.

"I can't wait to start training and battling again." Ash answered, turning over from his spot on the opposite sofa. "They'll be so many awesome Pokémon to see I just can't wait."

"Well, I can't wait to just get there." I answered, smiling as I put my things away. "All the places and people…it's going to be great! You sure you don't want to come with us Tracey?" I asked but he shook his head.

"No, I'd be much happier staying here to learn from Professor Oak and helping him out at the lab. With you go he'll need me to help keep things running smoothly." I smiled and nodded my head.

"Just remember to bring him cups of tea in the morning and coffee and in the afternoon, and please remind him to eat and if he doesn't, make sure you bring him something otherwise he'll forget." I told him. "And you'll keep me updated on the egg, right?" Tracey nodded his head.

"We'll take good care of it, don't worry." I worried slightly. With me gone what will happen to the egg? I'd already sat down with it and told it everything that was happening and I got the sense that it understood, however I just hoped it wouldn't fade away before I got back.

Taking a deep breath I settled down and snuggled into my sleeping bag, closing my eyes to sleep. Brock was already snoring away and one by one, we all went to sleep too, though I think Ash was the last of us to fall asleep as he was so psyched up and ready to go.

Well. New day, new adventure. Look out world, because Ruby Bates is coming your way!