(A/N: Okay, I made a little mistake last chapter, even though I ended up changing it. I accidentally put AdvanceShipping when I meant ContestShipping. Yeah, I'm not that twisted, but hopefully that clears everything up.)

Chapter 4: Jubilife City Under Attack

After about two hours, May and Drew still found themselves walking near in the forest area of Sinnoh. "Uh Drew, shouldn't we have gotten to the city by now?" May asked.

"I thought we would be there by now," Drew said. "Maybe we're just a little off from where we're supposed to be."

May closed her eyes as she clenched her fists, trying to keep her from shaking. She then grabbed Drew by the collar, fire in her eyes. "ARE YOU SAYING WE'RE LOST!?" she yelled right into his face.

"Well... possibly," Drew said, suddenly scared by May's reaction.

May then let go of him and fell to her knees, feeling defeated. "Now we're never going to make it to the concert," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "And I only needed one more ribbon for the Grand Festival."

Drew watched her crying and suddenly felt ashamed. If he had known where to go, they would've already been registered. He then knelt beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. "May, I'm sorry," he said. "This is all my fault, and if we aren't able to make it to the concert, then I'll make it up to you then."

May smiled, while wiping away her tears. "Oh Drew, don't worry about it," she said, taking his hand into hers. "I'm sorry that I lashed out like that. Besides, I'm sure there are plenty of other contests back in Johto."

"True," Drew said, both of them standing up, their hands still interlocked, but neither one of them really noticed. "So what are we going to do then if we don't make it?"

"Well, we may not be able to participate, but we can still watch it. That way we could learn each person's strategies," May said with a wink.

Drew laughed. "I like the way you think, May," he said. They then continued walking. "So, you think Ash and his friends will be there as well?"

May smiled. "I wouldn't doubt it. I'd like to see how Dawn is since we last battled."

"Oh yeah, I remember that battle, at the Wallace Cup. Too bad Dawn got the slight upper hand," Drew said jokingly.

"Very funny," May said sarcastically. "I won't let your words get to me this time, Drew. I've changed a lot since I left Kanto."

"You have," Drew said. "Seems like we've become equals now. I mean, you have beaten me a couple of times now."

"Yeah, and you've beaten me a couple of times as well," May said. "We both need one more ribbon for the festival."

"Luckily the festival isn't for another month and a half," Drew said. "Then I would think we would be in trouble then."

(A/N: Alright, I was planning on doing this later, but change of plans I guess. Anyway, I kind of hate finding songs that go well with a certain scene but the title doesn't match up at all. Oh well, the song I have here is called "The Afternoon Streets," from KH2. Oh yeah, for those who haven't read my other stories, the * shows where to play the song, I guess I should've explained that before but oh well.)

Soon, it was starting to get dark and the two found a spot to make camp. Once they were able to get a fire going, they ate silently. It wasn't until afterward when they were sitting on the ground next to each other by the fire.

*"You know, Drew, I never properly thanked you from before," May said, blushing slightly.

"Oh," Drew said, who started blushing as well. "Don't worry, it's fine. I was just protecting you thats all."

"Oh, so you think I couldn't protect myself?" May said, smiling.

"No, I know you could've handled it. I was just... doing what all guys should do," Drew said.

"And what would that be?" May said, making him go on.

"Well, I would always protect my friends... and the ones I love," Drew said.

May looked down, blushing even redder. "Is there something you're trying to tell me Drew?" she asked, looking back at him. She then realized how close they were now.

"Perhaps," Drew said. He looked into her eyes as he drew in closer. "Is there something you're trying to tell me?"

"Yes..." May said, drawing in closer and then their lips met. Drew put his hands on her face as she put her arms around his neck. Their kissing then became more intense as Drew inserted his tongue into May's mouth, surprising her at first, but she quickly responded by doing the same.

After about another minute, they broke the kiss and looked at each other while gasping for breath. "I guess we just became more than rivals, huh?" Drew said.

"Yep, I guess you're right," May said as she placed her head on Drew's shoulder. Drew then proceeded to put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him.

"May, no matter what happens, I'll always look after you, always," Drew said.

"I know you will," May said, as Drew kissed her on the forehead, and they stared into the fire that kept them warm for the night.

(A/N: Just so everyone knows, there's a bit of a time difference between these two scenes so now this scene takes place earlier in the day.)

Once Ash and Dawn got back to the Pokemon Center, they saw that Brock had already woken up. "I figured you two would get up earlier to train," Brock said, meeting them in the cafeteria.

"Well, Buizel and Buneary weren't the only ones who got some training in," Dawn said, smiling.

"Yeah, yeah, very funny," Ash said, trying to hide back a smile. "So, what are the plans for today?"

"Well, I know sometime you two might want to get in some last-minute training before tomorrow," Brock said, "But other than that, I don't think there really are any plans."

"Well, we could always go around and check to see if there's anything going on," Dawn suggested.

"Good idea," Ash said.

They then left the Pokemon Center and went through the city. Soon, they noticed three familiar trainers. "Alright Luxray, use Iron Tail!" John said.

"Use Zen Headbutt, Rampardos!" Trey said.

The two Pokemon connected in the middle of the field and were both blown back, seeing as they were equally matched. However, neither of them seemed to take any damage.

"What do you say Trey, that enough for now?" John said.

"Yeah, I think we'll work more on training later on," Trey said, as they both called back their Pokemon.

"Oh hey Ash," John said. "Sorry that you just missed the show."

"Hey John," Ash said. "Getting in some training I see."

"Yep," John said. "We need to be as fully prepared as we can be for tomorrow."

"Hey Dawn," Trey said, walking up to her. "What do you think of my Rampardos?"

"Oh, hey Trey," Dawn said. "Your Rampardos sure looks strong. I can see it's going to be tough to beat."

"Oh, you're too kind Dawn," Trey said. "But you're going to be a strong opponent as well." He then put an arm around her. "Imagine us in the final round. Dawn and Trey, both from Twinleaf Town, going at it. It'll be the match of the year. My Rampardos against your... um...?"

"Ambipom," Dawn said, smiling sheepishly while a sweatdrop appeared on her head.

"Right," Trey said. "My Rampardos against your incredible Ambipom. All from Twinleaf Town would die to see us battle against each other!"

Then suddenly, John walked and grabbed Trey by the ear, dragging him back. "Alright lover boy, how about you wait until we actually start the contest?"

The three of them laughed at this. Ash remembered the same kind of thing happening with May when he was traveling with her, but even then and now, it still didn't bother him. "Wait, so where's Cole?"

John chuckled. "He's over by the fountain with Magmortar." And just like he said, Cole and his Pokemon were at the fountain, both sitting cross-legged on the ground and had their eyes closed. "They're meditating, you see," John explained. "A couple of weeks ago Cole read this article stating that meditating helps strengthen the bond between a trainer and his Pokemon."

"Meditating, huh?" Brock said. "I would've thought trainers who were specified with Psychic Pokemon only did that."

"Nah, Cole thinks that you can communicate with any type of Pokemon between minds," Trey said. "Personally, John and I have full trust in our Pokemon, which strengthens our bond."

"That's the same for me and my Pokemon, right Pikachu?" Ash said, looking at his faithful companion.

"Pikapi," Pikachu said.

"Yeah," Dawn said. "The reason for my success is the bond I share for all my Pokemon."

"Piplup!" Piplup said, pumping a fist.

"Hey, it's always nice to find a new technique," Cole said, he and Magmortar walking up to them. "Just remember, if thats the technique you all use, that can either give me an advantage or disadvantage."

"I guess we'll just have to see once we all get past the first round," John said.

"How exactly is this Contest set up?" Brock said.

"From what we've heard, there'll be about sixty-four trainers, split up into four brackets," Trey said. "After the appeal round, half of the trainers move on, and then it becomes regular contest battles, going from thirty-two, to sixteen, eight, until the final four and then the final round. In other words, it's going to be at least a two-day contest."

"Wow, sixty-four to thirty-two," Dawn said. "That means you have a fifty-fifty chance of making it through."

"Hey," Ash said, putting a hand on Dawn's shoulder. "As long as you perform well, you won't have a problem making it through. Besides, that technique you're using should please the judges."

Dawn could feel her cheeks starting to glow red as he had placed his hand on her arm, but she quickly smiled and said, "You're right Ash. No need to worry."

"Hey, since we're all here, why don't you three come check out where we live?" John said.

"You three aren't staying at the Pokemon Center?" Brock said.

John smiled. "Oh no. You see, my parents live here in Jubilife City, and whenever I come by I visit them. Trey and Cole end up staying over a lot."

"We're practically brothers," Trey said, grinning.

"Well sure why not?" Ash said.

The three trainers led the way, and while Ash, Dawn, and Brock thought it would be just a regular house, they were sadly. They were stunned as they were walking towards a rather large mansion located in the city.

"Wow John," Dawn said. "Your parents live here?

"Yep," Cole said. "He's a rich boy."

John chuckled hesitantly while putting his hand behind his head. "Well, I don't like to show off." Once they got to the front door, they went inside. "Mom? Are you home?" John said.

"Oh John, you brought guests!" a woman said, most likely his mother, who was coming down the stairs. The house was even bigger on the inside. "It's always nice for you to bring home more friends."

Trey and Cole both chuckled, but John glared at them. "Of course mom. This is Ash, Dawn, and Brock."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss..." Ash said.

"Just call me Diane," John's mother said.

"You're home is so beautiful," Dawn said.

"Why thank you, Dawn," Diane said. "You see, my husband works for the Poketch company, which is one of the biggest products you see nowadays. As you can see, he sure makes his pay worth there. So, will you be staying for dinner?"

"Sure!" the three of them said.

Once dinner was ready after about an hour and two, the group sat together in a gorgeous-looking dining room. "So John, I've noticed you three have yet to show the rest of your Pokemon," Ash said.

"Well, normally we would but since there's the chance we might end up battling each other, we like to keep the element of surprise," John said.

"Oh John, you've been doing that for years now," Diane said. "It wouldn't hurt just to let them see your Pokemon."

"Sorry Mom, but we feel that its a good strategy," John said. He then looked to Ash. "No offense Ash, but we don't want any of our opponents to figure out a strategy against the Pokemon we have."

Dawn then had an idea. "Oh, it's such a shame," she said. "I would've really liked to see the Pokemon I might face against." She looked directly to Trey, giving him the puppy dog look.

Trey knew he couldn't say no to Dawn and her beauty. "I'll show you mine, but only because Dawn wanted me to!"

"Why does that not surprise me?" Cole muttered.

Trey let out his Pokemon, which consisted of his Rampardos, a Prinplup, a Pichu, and a Grovyle.

"Oh wow!" Dawn said. "You have a Prinplup? That's amazing!"

"Well," Trey said, blushing, "I started off with a Piplup as well and soon before either of us knew it, he had become a Prinplup."

Prinplup and Piplup looked at each other, just staring before shaking each other's flipper. Pikachu had gone over to meet Pichu, and the two instantly became friends just like that.

"Seeing how strong your Pikachu is, Ash, I want my Pichu to be able to grow just as strong," Trey added.

"I remember when I first got Luxray, who was just a Shinx at the time," John said. "It was a little rough at first, but we both made it through many Gym battles. Speaking of which, how many do you have, Ash?"

"I have six now," Ash said.

John smiled. "Likewise," he said. "Well, looks like there might end up being some competition between the two of us."

"Competition is my game," Ash said. "What about you Cole?"

"Right now, I only have five," Cole said. "We're not always together so the numbers aren't quite even."

"So Dawn, how many Contest Ribbons do you have?" Trey asked.

"I have four, meaning if I win this, I'll be able to enter the Grand Festival," Dawn said.

"I see. Well, if I win, the same will happen for me for I have four as well," Trey said.

"So I guess that means much is on the line for both of us," Dawn said, smirking.

"Exactly, so don't expect me to go easy on you," Trey replied.

All of a sudden, the power went off. After a few seconds, the power returned due to a generator. "Uh oh," Diane said. "Looks like the power's gone out."

However, they could hear strange noises coming from outside. "What's that?" Brock said.

"I don't know, but we had better check it out," John said. He looked to his mom. "Mom, stay here, we'll take care of this."

Diane smiled as the others left the house. "He's growing up to become such a man," she thought.

Once getting outside, they saw that one of the buildings had been hit by something, as smoke was coming out of it. They then saw other trainers stroll onto the streets. "What's going on?" Dawn said.

"I don't know, but I don't like it," Ash said.

(A/N: Oof, CLIFFHANGER! I'm so horrible. Anyway, somehow I found this chapter kind of humorous, since it is Pokemon after all. Anyway, we'll find out what's going on next chapter so stay tuned.)

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