Hello people over here on this archive :) If you do not know me then hi! I'm AsianBunny, and this is the first time I've ever attempted a Pokémon story, but it's my seventh story overall. At first I thought writing a romance for a show I watched when I was a kid, and thought had nothing to do with relationships, was weird, but I've grown to like Contestshipping and other couples. I also had no idea what Shipping even was until like I actually looked on Google. I Google everything XD
But anyway, this story was something that came to me, but I used the title of a manga I am reading at the moment because it seemed fitting. The first chapter is a bit uneventful, but I hope people will continue reading this :)
Here are the Keys to my story
a};~-~;~-~-~ = Time skip
~-~-~;~-~-~ = Start and end of flash backs
{~X~} = Swap locations
Bold = Emphasis on words
Italics = Speaking their thoughts to themselves
Shippings: [Main] Conestshipping, Oldrivalshipping, Questshipping [Secondary] Ikarishipping, Pokéshipping
Disclaimer: This will be the one and only time I say this throughout the entire story, I don't own anything
Hope you enjoy :)
Chapter One: Golden Chances
May's POV
There was this flower…
It was crimson red and had smooth petals that looked as if they were made of velvet…
Even from a distance its aroma was so sweet and intoxicatingly beautiful…
All I wanted was to get a closer look…
But this flower…
Used its thorns to cut through my skin, making my hands the exact same colour…
It would never let me get close to it…
No matter how hard I tried…
a};~-~;~-~-~
No one's POV
"May, have you got everything honey?"
A woman with caramel brown hair asked her daughter that was standing before her on the outer side of the doorway that led to the sunny world outside their quaint little house in Petalburg City.
The younger version of the woman smiled sweetly as she adjusted the pack around her waist, which had practically everything she'd need for the next couple of months surprisingly. "Yes Mom I have. You triple checked it yourself." She laughed a little, and was soon joined by Caroline, but her mother's giggle had a hint of melancholy in it as she stared at the girl with meaningful amethyst eyes.
It was hard letting her sixteen year old daughter off on her own without the guidance she gave her as a child, but it was probably a parental thing. Caroline knew that May wanted to travel by herself for a while now, and sometime before she gradually accepted to letting her do so. Now that it was actually happening, it was tearing the woman apart inside.
"Well I guess we won't see you for a while…" She began blissfully, tears prickling the corners of her eyes. May orbs widened slightly, taken aback for a moment at her mother's sudden reaction. But her expression softened into a sympathetic smile. She had told her six weeks prior to her journey she was leaving. However the mocha brown haired girl thought Caroline would have better prepared for her departure.
"Mom, I'm going for only a couple of months, not forever. I'll be back before you know it." May placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it tightly, suddenly having the feeling of staying. But it went as quickly as it came for no longer than a millisecond before embracing her mother in a tight hug. "I'll miss you so much, and Dad…" The brunette paused. There was a spark of sadness in her sapphire blue eyes as they closed halfway. But May soon dismissed the thought and held Caroline at arm's length with another bright smile. "But I think Max will be fine without me. He'll be able to handle my leaving the most maturely out of you all." She giggled lightly, trying to make good out of the situation, and her Mother was glad for that. "I think he will be… Now, remember to call us immediately when you get to LaRousse City okay." Caroline pushed a stray lock out of her daughters face as she flattened the sides of her hair as if admiring May's beauty in more perspective than she had before. The older woman tilted her head to the side and smiled. In return the brunette did too.
Caroline placed a kiss on her forehead before hesitating to let her go. May skipped a few paces, stopping at her gate. She turned back to wave her hand high up in the air, the last gesture of a goodbye before she trailed along the dirt road, leading her to the city that hopefully will grant her the Ribbon she desperately needed.
May's POV
I was actually doing it.
I was leaving home on my own, well not permanently, but it was definitely something I was afraid of… but in a good way.
I was heading to LaRousse City because they were having a special, one time contest there. With have a Ribbon that is equivalent to five. I could actually enter the Grand Festival with this one Ribbon and not have to compete in other cities!
If I win that is…
I sighed as I stared down at the road, hearing nothing but the tossing gravel with every step I took, and staring at only my shadow following every move I made.
I felt kind of guilty.
Not for leaving. Well maybe a little, but I was competing in this for the wrong reasons… Were they wrong? I like coordinating as much as the next person, but what I really needed was… the prize money.
After becoming a Top Coordinator the winner receives a whole lot of cash, along with that trophy, the prestigious Ribbon Cup. And I needed that money because Dad… was very sick… and he was getting worse with every day that has passed. No one knows what he was diagnosed with, not even Nurse Joy. Even though her specialty was with Pokémon, she did have a lot of expertise in humans, but apparently not enough to cure my Father.
I exhaled another exasperated sigh, feeling already drained even though I had been walking for no less than half an hour. I had debated with myself about the topic for a while, and this was the only conclusion I could come up with. Mom had enough to take care of with the gym and all, since she was a Trainer so she had to take Dad's place as the leader for the time being. And opting out Max was obvious because he was too young to work.
So that left me.
I had to get a lot of money in a short amount of time, so this contest was my only chance to help my Father.
I just hope I can…
a};~-~;~-~-~
Oh, my, Arceus…
LaRousse City was amazing! And I'm still on the bullet train looking at it from afar. It was an island surrounded entirely by crystal clear waters, and from what I've heard, is one of the most modernised cities in all of Hoenn.
As I peered through the glass windows examining the vast amounts of windmills that probably powered the city, my eyes were being blinded by the bright sun that shone today, but I didn't mind. I placed my left hand over them so I could divert the rays away from blocking my vision. I was so mesmerised I hadn't realised that we already stopped at the station.
I made my way off the train and down the escalator along with the other passengers, but found myself lost the second my feet touched the ground floor. Where was I supposed to go? I wondered. I think I came less prepared than I had originally thought.
I breathed deeply to try to keep calm. LaRousse was huge yes, but I just need the directory or something to find my way to the Contest Hall.
Trying to locate the said map, I headed towards the exit so I could get further into the city. But upon bumping into a welcome robot, it spontaneously took my picture and handed me my apparent 'passport'. It said I could use it for shopping and such.
As it handed me the official looking plastic card, I frowned upon my ID. I do not photograph well when I'm surprised. I figured stuffing it in my back pocket as I exited out through the automatic doors, only to be swift away to my right, slipping and landed straight on my face.
I rubbed my head as I sat up, only to realise that the sidewalks were moving. There were various red and green coloured platforms that were going a little too fast for my liking. I got up and tried to steady myself, but ended up falling back down again. "This is a lot harder than I thought." I said to myself, not caring if anyone heard me, but apparently somebody did.
"You're never going to get anywhere like that."
Someone passing by in the opposite platform said to me. I was too busy trying to get up to realise I was being lifted into the air. I looked up and saw an Electivire picking me up by the collar of my top. It gently lifted me down on another sidewalk beside someone.
When I glanced upwards I saw the electric Pokémon return to its owner as a red light flashed before me back into its ball. It went from that sphere, to a hand to a face of a boy with spiky auburn brown hair.
His eyes were closed as a sort of smirk tugged at his lips, which kind of put me off for some reason. Nonetheless I was finally able to stand on my two feet. I wobbled a bit, but didn't fall this time. "T-thanks…" I muttered, still concentrating on my balance.
I heard him chuckle under his breath as he minimised his Poké Ball and placed it into his jean pocket. "Sure, no need to thank me. I just couldn't continue watching you look like a fool." I immediately forgot about standing up straight and concentrated on him. "What's that supposed to mean?" I yelled, not realising I was standing perfectly well when I was not paying attention to the moving sidewalk.
"You're an out of town kid right?" He asked, but I momentarily paused to answer as I took in his comment referring me as a kid. "Yeah…" I answered in a softer tone, more confused than angry now. He just shrugged and jumped off the platform onto the concrete part that was set in front of the train station I just came out of.
I did the same and was about to ask something when he beat me to it. "The directory it just there," He said jerking his thumb over to another one of those cubed robots. This one was stacked like an upside-down triangle, and was visually showing a map to the city. "Just don't get lost and end up on the sidewalks all night." Before I could counteract his smug comment, he already took off down another path.
All I could do was scoff openly at nothing. I shook him out of my head, realising I had other things to worry about. I turned my attention to the robot. I assumed the red blinking light was where I was, but I couldn't tell where the places were as nothing was labelled.
It wasn't until the machine asked me to present my passport did I realise I could just ask where the Contest Hall was. When it scanned my card it outlined a route I could take that will get me there in time to register. I just hope I won't get lost on the moving walkways.
Dammit, maybe that guy was right. I better ask where the Pokémon Centre was too so I could check out a room…
a};~-~;~-~-~
No one's POV
In a dimly lit room equipped with the most advanced technology in the entire city, a large computer screen that had several profiles of newly arrived passengers outside of LaRousse appeared.
Come and gone as fast as they came, a boy lazily flicked through them, laying his cheek against his left hand as the other controlled the mouse pad built into the seat he was sitting on.
He exhaled a deep sigh as he took a short break from researching and tried to recollect his thoughts that at some point became a bit blurry from the amount of time he stayed couped up in that room.
But his concentration was soon broken when the automatic metal doors behind him opened with a light swoosh, presenting an auburn brunette boy around the same age. "I knew I'd find you in here," He stated predictably as he strode in until he was able to lean casually on the head of the chair his friend was sitting on. "Don't tell me you've been here all day."
"Yep he has." A girlish voice answered.
The obsidian black eyed Trainer turned to his right as he saw a long, chocolate brown haired girl hop down from the circular platform she was apparently resting on and made her way over to him. She placed a hand on her hip as she stared at the back of their green haired companion. "He hasn't left in three days. I'm seriously worried that he's turned into a zombie."
"I'm not dead you know."
The said boy stated, startling the people behind him for actually speaking.
Even though he hadn't taken his eyes from the screen, saying five words was progress to them, which made the brunette male nod as he waved his hand dismissively despite the fact his friend wasn't watching. "Sure, sure whatever you say Drew," This made the girl beside him laugh a little. "Just remember the deadline is next week. Leaf and I already got an interview so you better find one fast." He already knew that his chartreuse haired friend understood that already, he just wanted to remind him.
"Gary you should concentrate on us, after all he's going to be our rival in this competition," Leaf pointed out. "Besides…" She paused to pinch his check as the warm brunette smiled all too sweetly. "Who wouldn't love us?" The blue jade eyed girl said in a baby voice, shaking Gary's head gently from left to right.
"Can you quit the lovey-dovey crap around me?" The boy who was intently staring at the computer screen asked. Even though he couldn't see the two he wasn't able block out their cutesy talk.
Leaf giggled as she playfully wrapped her arms around Gary's neck. "It's all part of the show right?" She pointed out rhetorically, not really needing an answer from the green haired boy.
Drew just continued to fast forwards through all the people that just came in, but stopped suddenly when Gary pointed to a profile in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. "Hey I saw that girl not too long ago. She was such a klutz!" The brunette then started laughing at the girl's expense from the past memory, which made Leaf jab him in the gut with her elbow. "That's not nice," She simply said.
"But…" The chocolate brown haired girl began. "She does seem familiar. Why don't you look up on her?" Leaf suggested to her emerald eyed friend.
For a moment Drew examined the badly taken photograph of the light mocha brunette enlarged on the screen.
"May Maple, huh…"
a};~-~;~-~-~
May's POV
"Ugh…" I groaned tiringly as I plopped onto my queen sized bed in the room I checked into not too long ago.
When I finally reached the Contest Hall I was lucky enough to register before it closed a couple minutes later. Like that guy said… I had trouble getting around…
I breathed out in relief as I had finally had time to relax before the competition began tomorrow. I have already decided to use Skitty for the entire thing. But I'm kind of worried…
I mean I haven't competed in a contest in nearly two years. Right after Dad had just gotten sick…
So I guess that's why I stopped. I had other responsibilities to take care of. I wonder if I can get back the old me, the one who loved to compete just for the fun of it. I have to win this time around… no matter what…
a};~-~;~-~-~
No one's POV
"Hello! And welcome to the very first LaRousse City Pokémon Contest!"
An orange haired woman standing in the centre of the arena that had a giant Poké Ball painted in a white octagon outline declared quite energetically as she thrust her arm high up in the air, earning a wave of cheers from the crowd. "I'm your MC, Vivian Meridian, and today we'll present the prestigious LaRousse Ribbon to one very lucky Coordinator! Because this single Ribbon is equal to five! So whoever wins this can enter the Hoenn Grand Festival immediately!" More screams erupted from the fully seated audience as they became fidgety with excitement.
The host smiled at their response and continued. "Now let me introduce you to our renowned panel of judges!" Vivian then motioned her arm towards a man in a red coat sitting by the edge. "First up we have Raoul Contesta, our trusted Pokémon Contest director!" The said judge nodded in recognition and said, "I can't wait to see what talent this city will bring us."
After Mr Contesta's comment, the Hoenn MC moved on the shorter man in the middle booth. "Next we have Mr Sukizo, the president of the Pokémon fan club!" The judge had very small eyes but a kind smile. "It's remarkable to be here." He said repeating the same word he had used over the years in contests.
Lastly the curly redhead announced their last judge, a woman with lovely pink hair tied into two loops. "And last but not least, LaRousse City's very own Nurse Joy!" The kind woman smiled sweetly. She had a red cross on her white hat, proclaiming her signature colour. "I hope to see many loved and healthy Pokémon here today."
Now that the introductions were clear, Vivian turned back to the audience. "Well good luck to all you contestants, because this will be the first and final singles contest in LaRousse City!" Questionable and confused murmurs echoed throughout the stadium as the people in their seats and Coordinators in the waiting room whispered to each other.
Did Vivian mean that this is a once in a lifetime Ribbon?
Luckily the host was going to answer all their inquiries. "Because after this contest, we will be hosting a brand new competition called the Rosette Games! With a very special condition," At her last line, Vivian leaned in towards the audience with a playful grin and a wink as she pointed upwards with her index finger in an all knowing way. "From now on only lover's pairs will be able to compete for the Rose Cup! Both contestants will automatically gain the titles of Top Coordinators, without the regulations of five Ribbons or even entering the Grand Festival!"
{~X~}
Back in the waiting room, May and all the other contestants gaped openly at the television screen. The MC was still visible as the audio of a rambunctious crowd filled the speaker sets in all corners of the area.
The mocha brunette had another hope burning inside her when she realised this wasn't her final chance if she entered in the apparent Rosette Games. But it was soon disappeared when she realised she needed something to compete. Or more like someone.
May shook her head and put on a smile, as if trying to prove to herself she was fine rather than to anyone else. I need a boyfriend if I want to compete for that Rose Cup. I guess the LaRousse Ribbon really is my last hope…
{~X~}
On stage at the centre of the arena, Vivian was still explaining the rest of the Games to everyone.
"This competition is a collaboration made between Wallace, the famed Coordinator and Pokémon Master responsible for the Wallace Cup, and Fantina of the Hearthome City Gym all the way from the Sinnoh region!" Some fan girl screams could be picked out from the audience when they heard the mention of Wallace. After all he was a respected Trainer. Others were fan boy cheers for the French Trainer, now finally able to express her new battling technique through this brand new competition.
"This will be broadcasted in episodes so that everyone all over the world will know the special contestants competing for this amazing prize! But for now, without further ado, let's begin this contest!"
This certain contest brought in so many talented Coordinators and Pokémon from all over. It was sight to see such beauty from the appeals of all types. Water, fire, grass, electric, they were all here. And in this intense battle, only one will rise victorious.
After several Coordinators passed in and out through the arena, it was finally May's turn.
She took a deep breath and got up from the bench she was sitting on as her name was called up to go next. The mocha brunette clutched her minimised Poké Ball and looked forward with a determined expression. I hope I'm not too rusty. She thought as she stepped out of the hallway and into the blinding stage of the cheering stadium.
May was hardly able to see the audience as the spotlight partially blurred her vision, but when she got used to the brightness the sapphire eyed girl managed to smile into the crowd, contrasting the very light that shone with her soft lips.
The untouched emotions of her earlier Coordinating days began to rise up inside of her. The adrenaline, the rush, it was all back. And it soon took over all her actions.
"Skitty take the stage!"
May enlarged her red and white sphere, and out emerged an energetic cat-like creature. It had a Cheshire grin and a fuzzy pink coat that made it look like it was covered in cotton candy. Overall, the crowd were in awe of its cuteness.
"Skitty, use Blizzard and twirl!" Its Coordinator commanded with a thrust of her arm in the Pokémon's direction.
And she did just that. The puffy tailed creature made its signature call as a sign that she understood. As it pointed its head upwards, she opened her mouth and soon was shooting a flurry of white snow into the air. As Skitty did this it jumped and began spinning by using the tip of its tail. It almost looked like an upside down motion of a moving skipping rope.
"What a beautiful and charming start!" The MC complemented as she drew out her hand to touch a small spot of cold ice that floated into her palm as it slowly melted from the warmth of her skin, "Using one of Skitty's very own characteristic moves!"
The audience roared as they saw the adorable act. Now it looked like there was a snow fountain in the middle of the arena, falling gently on the field in the shape of a circle.
"Now use DoubleSlap!" May ordered, this time pulling her arm back into a tight grip of her fist.
Skitty did as it was told and once again did a little jump before landing on its front paws. Its tail then did the move a total of three times, going into the shape of an asterisk.
"Just look at that movement!" Vivian marvelled. "Skitty is literally cutting the tension in the room with its tail!"
Once the remnants of the Blizzard died down and cleared the area, the eyes of hundreds were now able to see the giant snowflake planted on the ground, outstretching to all corners of the stage.
And that was the end of the performance.
At least that was what everyone thought.
"Now use Assist!"
Gasps erupted from left and right. They all knew using that move was a risk, but May prepared for it. No matter what was coming, she had already thought of each possible outcome and told her Skitty what to do. She knew it was a gamble, but the Coordinator had to put it all on the line this time around.
And what move did Skitty perform?
"It's a Silver Wind!" The orange haired woman announced in shock as her free hand was placed on her cheek.
Silver Wind, that will do just fine. The brunette thought to herself. "Now, do it Skitty!" May shouted enthusiastically. Her Pokémon knew what to do.
It jumped up high in the air like it did the first two times, only it was much taller. She performed a few front flips before facing downwards and shotting the glittering wind to the ground.
As the air pushed Skitty up higher, it brought to snow from the floor with her, spinning like a tornado. The cat-like creature made a photogenic pose in the air as the soft shimmering ice surrounded it.
The pink puffball spun gently until it reached the ground as its finishing act. The people in the stands were both cheering for the amazing appeal and at the icy delight graciously falling onto their bodies. It was like they were in an enlarged dome of a snow globe.
"Wow would you look at that," Vivian marvelled. "It's really glittering snow falling upon us. This is even more spectacular than the snow you see on Christmas!" She exclaimed, twirling in the glistening frozen water that accumulated by her feet. The sparkles of the snow were made by the combination of that Silver Wind and the remains of Skitty's Blizzard.
The two contestants, both human and Pokémon bowed proudly before glancing over at the judges panel to view their scores.
9.8
9.9
10.0
In total 29.7 points.
May sighed in relief; she was satisfied with her score. At least she knew she was safe, at least until the second round.
{~X~}
"Wow, she's good." A chocolate brown haired girl said in awe as her jade blue orbs stared intently on the Coordinator getting feedback from the judges.
"Tell me again why we're helping Drew scout for his partner?" The boy beside her asked questioningly as he lowered his eyes at the stage. Leaf shook her head from side to side as she smiled at the girl known as May, who began making her way backstage where she came from. "We're not helping him Gary," This caught the brunette's attention as he slightly glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.
"We're just seeing who we're up against. Because once this is over, we'll both know who he'll pick."
a};~-~;~-~-~
May's POV
Thirty seconds left…
"Skitty use Assist!" This time she managed an Ember, which greatly affected my opponent's, Grace, Medicham.
I made it to the finals, but I had a hard time coping. Battling was not one of my strong points. And since I've been out of the game for so long, my skills were out of shape.
"Medicham, show them your Ice Punch!" The pigtailed redhead said in a powerful tone as she pointed straight towards my Skitty. Her Pokémon cried out its call, performing what looked like to be yoga poses, before doing the actual move.
I cringed and gritted my teeth when her attack hit straight on. It took me a lot from screaming at my competitor, because watching my Pokémon fly into the ground and skid before my feet was just too hurtful. But I pulled all my anger back and thought of a way to counteract her Medicham's swift movements. "Okay Skitty, we can get through this!" I encouraged almost desperately to her. The feline type creature turned back and gave an affirmative nod with a small meow, agreeing with me.
I felt a smile grow on my face. I loved how my Pokémon would never give up until the very end, no matter who tried to get in their way.
Without wasting any more time, I turned back to the field and called my next move. "Blizzard attack Skit-!"
The timer went off.
Grace and I, as well as the entire audience, instantaneously snapped our heads towards the giant plasma screen. At that exact moment I could swear everything went silent. It felt like my heart skipped a beat when I glanced at the results. Both of our bars looked exactly alike. But there can only be one winner.
When the judges calculated who accumulated the most points and presented the image of the victor after moments of deliberation, I felt a small smile grow on my face.
I called back my Pokémon and it jumped up into my arms. I felt weak, particularly my knees, but I kept my composure so they wouldn't buckle from under me.
I closed my eyes to stop the wave of tears from flowing down my face. I swallowed a breath and hid my face from the crowd by nuzzling the back of Skitty's fur.
"I lost…"
{~X~}
No one's POV
Amongst the stands filled with hundreds of screaming fans, one certain pair of emerald green eyes scanned over the participating contestants as he leaned on the frame of one of the many entryways to the stadium, his arms folded across his chest while his lips were pressed into a thin line.
The winner of the LaRousse City Contest stood centre stage, holding her red Ribbon up victoriously. It had a thin, light pink lace lining on the edges and a gold rose charm adorned with silver leaves holding it together in the middle.
But he wasn't looking at her.
The chartreuse haired spectator was more interested in one of the Coordinators standing off to the side with the rest of the competitors who lost in the other rounds, only coming out to give one last bow as a sign of good showmanship.
His gaze seemed to be concentrating on the runner up, May. Although she had come quite close to winning, and was disappointed for her loss, she still smiled towards the audience as she held her Skitty, proud of her Pokémon that they tried their very best.
The curious boy took one last glance at the brunette before he stuffed his left hand in his pants pocket and made his way down the hallway, towards the exit of the arena.
A wave various thoughts filled his head, contemplating on his final decision.
"She'll have to do…"
I promise there's more coming, I just wonder if this plot is appealing to you guys :/ I don't want to badger you guys into reviewing, but I do want to get your opinion. So yeah, please review XD If you've read something like this before then I'm sorry. If you haven't then whohoo! Cause I got a lot of this already planned and I hope this idea is original. And if my punctuation seems weird it's because in my earlier story's I didn't use them that well, so I'm still learning XP
See you readers next time when I update ;)
XOXO AsianBunny