HEY guys :V Yes I'm still alive. Sorry for the super late update and I really tried to update the day I posted the An but sadly, school and laziness hunkered me down so again. SORRY. Anyways I got a bit rusty after not writing for months so bear with me on this one if you find any spelling or grammar mistakes. Feel free to pm me if you do find any as that will be a great help. In any case, thanks for continually supporting my story :D.
"Where is it? Where is it? WHERE IS IT!?" shouted an agitated Ash as he ran towards a medium sized water fountain, jumping on top of the outside stone ledge around it. The action caused him an odd look from the people and Pokémon around the area. Swinging his head from side to side, he tried to get a better picture of his surroundings.
Around the fountain was an open space for people and Pokémon to interact, beyond that, the fountain was surrounded by large two story foot structures supporting European-esque look, untouched by the modernising age which has the comfort to the trainer. Santalune city was smaller compared to Lumiose City but trying to find a Pokémon Center was still quite hard, unlike Lumiose which heavily focused on commercialism, Santalune opted for a more cultural and a hushed environment compared to the never sleeping city. This wasn't a problem for the native Kantonian. He wasn't used to clamorous cities with a lot of people like Lumiose, being born in Pallet town which was secluded and further away from the main hotspots of the Kanto region like the big city of Saffron which was home to Sliph Co. or Celadon, the most populated city in Kanto. He was used to living in a quiet atmosphere provided by Pallet town and its forest, although some Pokémon would cause a bit of noise, it wasn't too loud that it was disturbing anyone.
Pikachu hopped on top of Ash's head also looking for a certain building they've been dying to find as his eyes darted from left to right. He was rather doing well considering he got a light treatment from Clemont back in the forest. Rayquaza, on the other hand, was still affected by the beating he took from Team Rocket a few days ago. Clemont couldn't treat him because he didn't exactly know how to treat Rayquaza, using a potion might've been an option but he dismissed the idea saying it might cause a bad reaction. Rayquaza simply slumped down on Ash's left shoulder, too tired to even fly.
They were soon followed by a panting Clemont, who tried as he might, couldn't keep up to the energetic Ash and a red-faced Bonnie, embarrassed by Ash's action.
"Big brother, we really need to work on your stamina," Bonnie said disappointedly with a sigh escaping her lips. Clemont couldn't retort, too tired from running and simply collapsed to the ground.
"Dede…" Dedenne said jumping down from Bonnie's hand to look at the tired Scientist.
The little blonde girl could only put a hand on her head. Why was her brother so physically frail? Switching her attention to Ash, who was still on his spot on the fountain? She stomped over to the trainer, with an irritated look on her face.
"Get down from there Ash and keep your voice down, you're embarrassing us!" berated Bonnie to the raven-haired trainer while gesturing to the crowd around them.
Ash stopped his search and looked at Clemont's sister. "I can't help it!" Throwing both hands in the air. "I've been itching to get my first badge and it's been a while since I battled." Their conflict with Team Rocket might've given him a gauge on Rayquaza's level of power, but he wanted to test it on a powerful Gym leader. What's not the perfect time to use him for his first official Kalos Gym battle, a declaration to Kalos that Ash Ketchum's rough-and-ready for Kalos.
"Pi-ka" Squeaked Pikachu agreeing with his trainer.
"Didn't you battle Team Rocket?" Bonnie crossed her arms under her chest as she looked at the trainer. "And were almost beaten to a pulp?" continued Bonnie"
"But that was days ago!" Ash retorted. "And I didn't even know any of Rayquaza's moves back then"
"And who's fault was that" Bonnie continued with a raised eyebrow. "We had all the time, before stepping in that forest for you to find out that thing's" pointing at Rayquaza, who was too tired to look. "moves" she finished.
"Well… um… " Ash tried to say a comeback but couldn't think of any but quickly shut her mouth. Pikachu patted his trainer on the shoulder trying to at least, comfort his trainer. Being beaten by a minor in an argument was damaging to one's pride as Pikachu thought. Ash looked at the stares he was getting and slowly went down the fountain with a defeated look.
Scratching the back of his head. "I guess you're right," he said silently. He didn't want any more of the attention falling down on him.
Clemont who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally stood up having regained his breath. "I hate to say this" he spoke up with a bit of tiredness, causing the group to look at him. "But Bonnie's right, your Pokémons aren't really fit to fight at the moment," he said as he made his way to the group patting off some dirt from his blue jumpsuit. "Visiting a Pokémon Center might be a good idea for now"
Ash knew this, he wasn't really planning to battle Viola right off the bat. He just wanted to meet her considering she was Alexa's sister and was curious about her Gym's speciality in terms of Pokémon type. He also wanted to get Rayquaza treated as soon as they meet Alexa's sister.
"We should probably rest a day or two, after what happened in the forest. I think we deserve a little break and stock up in supplies" informed Clemont to which Bonnie was squealing in delight.
"Hear that Dedenne?" She asked the orange mouse while picking him up "We get to go sightseeing around the city!" she said happily causing Dedenne to squeak in excitement.
"Nene!"
"Different new Pokémons we could see!"
"Nene!"
"Exploring different shops to our heart's content!"
"Nene!"
"Rare flowers only found in-"
Suddenly her attention was stolen by a Furfrou and its trainer passing by. "OOH a Furfrou and her trainer look like a keeper," Bonnie said, eyes sparkling as she planned to make her move on the unsuspecting trainer. Followed by a squeaking Dedenne who was trying to catch up to Bonnie.
Ash, Clemont and Pikachu all sweat dropped at Bonnie's childish action and antics.
"Heart of a child, but the mouth of an adult," Ash grumbled under his breath.
"Pikachu pika," said his best friend trying to defend Bonnie a bit.
"You're only saying that because she gives you back massage Pikachu." Ash retorted in a bored tone to which the Pokémon shrugged.
Ash ignored the yellow Pokémon. "Think she's going to be okay?" Turning to the scientist who was slightly worried and nervous about Bonnie, knowing all too well what her little sister capable of. Especially when it came to girls.
"I think she'll be… alright. As long as she doesn't make a scene" Clemont said nervously, his statement turning more into a question. He noticed the Furfrou slightly growling at Bonnie who was getting to touchy-touchy with its trainer.
His instincts suddenly kicked in when he saw Bonnie kneeling down while grasping the trainer's right hand. The latter was surprised by this and could only smile awkwardly at the young blonde. Quickly turning to Ash "Maybe not" as he hurriedly scampered off to Bonnie to diffuse the situation. "Bonnie! How many times do I have to tell you to cut that out" as his voice got fainter by the distance.
Ash sighed. "This is gonna be a long three days." Giving a final glance at Clemont who ceased Bonnie's matchmaking attempt before she became Furfrou chow while repeating a mantra of apologies to the Furfrou's owner who was blushing like crazy by Bonnie's proposal. He turned his head to the road. His new task, to locate a Pokémon Center.
Alexa's sister would have to wait. Rayquaza was still badly hurt from the encounter with Team Rocket. Finding a Pokémon Center was his top priority at the moment.
"Alright Pikachu let's go find-"he was cut off by the sound of a camera flashing.
The trainer turned to the source of the sound and saw a blonde girl wearing sleeveless shirt and greyish- green cropped pants with lots of pockets and a white belt, down to her feet she was wearing brown ankle boots with laces that match her trousers and a matching sweatband on her left wrist.
"Red hat, blue jacket and a Pikachu. Bingo, I've finally found you!" said the girl causing Ash to stare at her.
"huh?"
Viola ignored it and tried to do a bit of teasing on the young trainer. "So you're the cutie that my sister's been telling me about," Viola said Winking at the Raven-haired trainer.
The statement caused an immediate reaction on Pikachu and Ash, freezing them to the ground as both of them look at Viola like she uttered a forbidden scripture from the Holy book of 'things not to say to a random person in public that might cause misunderstanding'. While Rayquaza, living outside of Earth's atmosphere had no clue about human intercommunication, looked back and forth at Pikachu and Ash. Was something wrong?
"Ra?" he tried, but to no avail. He then looked at the Blonde woman. Something she said turned his trainer into a living statue. Carefully studying her, there wasn't anything out of the blue about her.
Viola giggled and moved towards the trainer. "You should've seen the look on your face"
Ash and Pikachu didn't budge and continued to stare at her. While Rayquaza eyed her wearily.
Viola continued giggling as she stopped in front of the trainer. "I was just teasing you by the way," she said poking the trainer on the cheeks. "I never thought I'd get that kind of reaction from you" giving another brief laugh.
"Well-" Ash started while rubbing the back of his head "Who are you anyways?" It wasn't out of the norm that random people would approach him, but this was a whole new kind of random. Most of the people he met didn't introduce them with "you're the cutie" apart from Melody who gave him a kiss on the cheeks. Blushing as he remembered the feeling of getting kissed by a girl.
Viola noticed the red tint and inwardly smirked. "That's not important right now" She then locked arms with Ash causing the trainer to fidget in nervousness.
"Relax, I don't bite. I'm just here because I heard a certain trainer was making a scene in one of the districts."
Pikachu inwardly laughed at his trainer's ordeal while Rayquaza…. Well, Rayquaza was still confused.
"That would probably be me" Ash scratched the back of his head whose face finally recovered from an extreme case of blush overdose.
"So I see. And Judging from you and your Pikachu's little seen on the fountain" the statement Ash to duck his head under his Jacket from embarrassment. "You're not from around here are you?" Ash looked at the blonde and nodded.
"Right. My name's Ash and these are my two buddies Pikachu and-" Ash paused, thinking of a name to hide Rayquaza's true identity. "- Quaza and those" Pointing at the arguing Clemont and Bonnie "are my friends. Me and Pikachu came all the way from Kanto to challenge the Gym leaders and enter the Kalos league" he ended with a smile.
"Pika.." Pikachu silently whispered to Ash to which the trainer ignored.
Viola cocked an eyebrow to the trainer. "Kanto huh," she said "You're quite far away from home. What made you want to enter the Kalos league?" Viola already knew why thanks to her sister, she just wanted to hear it from the boy himself.
Rayquaza sensing that Ash was about to declare his dream again, positioned himself on top of the Trainer's head causing said trainer to chuckle.
Ash felt a built up of energy inside him as he briefly detached himself from Viola. He looked at the blonde and grinned as he started to share his dream.
"It's my dream to become a Pokémon master!" clenching his fist as his heart burned up in Vigour. "And our dream-" gesturing to Rayquaza, who started hovering on top of Ash's head, and Pikachu who mimicked his trainer.
"-to become the best of the best. With new Pokémon and a new region, there's bound to be more and harder challenges. Entering the Kalos League will show us how far we've come and how close we are to our dream! " he pumped his fist up to which Pikachu copied "Pika" while Rayquaza roared in agreement. Although hurt, he was enthusiastic when it came to declaring the goal Ash shared to him. "
Viola stared at the trainer and felt the surge of energy that Ash radiated. She couldn't help but admire the boy. She could feel the drive and passion from his declaration. The honesty and resolve for his goal consumed her like the fire that brightly burned blinding anyone who looked at the trainer. 'So this is what Alexa's been talking about' She smiled raising her camera and taking another snapshot of Ash.
The trainer sheepishly rubbed the back of his head while Rayquaza stared at the camera with new found wonder.
"You have one big dream Ash, with that kind of attitude I'm sure you'll eventually reach it," she said. His declaration fuelled her the shutterbug inside her as she looked forward to battling the trainer. He did say he wanted to challenge the Santalune city Gym leader. She'll make sure to give Ash a picture of a battle he won't forget.
"And it's nice to see your Pokémon shares the same passion as you. With them by your side, you'll surely surpass any challenges ahead of you. Like a photo, all the elements blend with each to create the perfect shot" Viola raised both her hands his index and thumb finger shaped into a frame.
Ash nodded, taking in what Viola said. "So how bout you umm-"
"Viola. The name's Viola" she interrupted.
"Viola. Do you know anything about Santalune city?" Ash asked, Having a guide would help his search for the Pokémon Center.
Viola puffed and looked at the trainer with a confident smile "You're looking at none other than Santalune city's professional bug-type photographer extraordinaire! Of course, I know about Santalune city. From every street, corner, to the trees, the vibrant flowers that screams of a perfect shot. I know Santalune like the back of my hand!"
Ash and Pikachu stared in awe, while Rayquaza was new to the concept of photo and photographer and was curious about it. "Wow… That's so cool! Could you show me some of them?"
Viola smiled from ear to ear seeing Ash's eagerness to see her masterpieces.
"Sure why not!" She eagerly replied. She suddenly saw Rayquaza which peaked her interest at the moment. She hasn't seen any Pokémon like this before. Considering she's a Gym leader and the Pokédex was pretty much hammered into her mind, courtesy of her eldest sis, this could be a recent new Pokémon.
Rummaging her Pocket to grab her Pokédex. Viola pointed the device towards the Green Pokémon. The Pokédex made a few beeping sound and scanned Rayquaza. After a few seconds, she was surprised by the result.
'Scanning complete'- No information found.
'No info found huh' she thought, re-pocketing the Pokédex. She'll ask Professor Sycamore about this later.
"Quaza was it? I haven't seen any Pokémon like it." She studied the dragon as it moved closer to her examining her camera. "You're really intrigued about this aren't you" the dragon nodded. "Well, this is a camera" holding up the device. "We use this to capture photos like so" she snapped a picture of Rayquaza to which the dragon jolted back in surprise. "So you can treasure memories and keep them to look back in the future" she finished, showing the small screen on the camera revealing a picture of Rayquaza.
The dragon eyes widened in surprise and marvelled at the camera, she called the thing as it showed his face on it. He hovered next to Viola captivated by the photo like he was staring at his own reflection causing the blonde photographer to giggle.
"We found him in the woods near Lumiose City looking exactly like that but much worse. Professor Sycamore treated him and after that. Quaza decided to join us on our trip. A few days ago an evil organisation called Team Rocket tried to steal our Pokémon so Quaza decide taught them not to mess with us. Which ended up in a fight leaving him badly hurt." Ash half lied. Pikachu understood why Ash wanted to keep Rayquaza's secret. It might cause unwarranted attention
Viola nodded and her face showed sympathy for the dragon after learning that he's been through a lot. "To go up against an organisation like that. Rayquaza must be a powerful to have fought them off"
Ash nodded "He might be small, but he's no pushover that's for sure" not bothering to mention Rayquaza size related powers.
'The fewer people who know the better' he thought.
"Quite fascinating, do you know anything about him?" Viola asked as she took another photo of the dragon. To which Rayquaza was happy to allow.
Ash shook his head. "No Pokédex entries about him" She'd probably try and use a Pokédex on Rayquaza anyways, might as well tell her Rayquaza was an undiscovered.
"An unknown Pokémon huh.." She might have a word with other Gym leaders about this. Rayquaza content with the new knowledge flew back to Ash's shoulder.
"Anyways, you were looking for a Pokémon Center right. Well look no further!" she exclaimed. "There's one near us, it's only a few blocks away"
Ash thanked Viola for her assistance and asked if he could do anything to repay her.
Viola shook her head. "It's okay, I'm just happy to help a trainer like you. Your declaration also fuelled my dream of getting the perfect shot!" She said with excitement. "I'm also willing to show you the way to the Gym after Rayquaza gets treated"
Ash beamed at the blonde. "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome." She said. Turning to Clemont and Bonnie. "Should we get your friends?" she asked.
Ash waved a hand "They'll be fine. Besides, does it look like they're going to be done soon?"
Viola tilted her head to the right to get a view of the two siblings behind Ash. She thought for a moment and shook her head.
" By the time they're done I'd probably have my fifth badge" he joked. "And I really need to get Rayquaza to a Pokécenter Asap"
To which Viola nodded "If this becomes a norm, you might not make it in time for the league" she sweatdropped, leading the way to the Pokémon Center.
"I hope not" Ash grimaced.
"Pika" Pikachu agreed.
Rayquaza roared softly as he went back to Ash's shoulder, he didn't know what the league was, but it seemed important to his trainer. He'd ask Pikachu about that later.
Serena sighed in satisfaction as she took another sip from her cup. The taste of Mocha sending shivers throughout her body, savouring every ounce of the beverage as it went down her system.
"Fen!" squealed her fox companion on top of the table who was happily eating from a small bowl.
Reaching to the Pokemon "Do you like it Fennekin?" said Serena, stroking the fox's fur. The yellow strands of hair playfully covering the trainer's hand, the soft texture left a delighted feeling to the trainer.
"Fennekin" agreed on the Pokemon, licking her lips, cleaning out some traces of Poke food on her mouth.
They were currently in a Cafè between Lumiose and Santalune city. Taking a break from walking for four hours non-stop. It took a toll, mainly her feet, on the fresh trainer. Serena wasn't used to travelling from long distance on foot. She was used to riding a Ryhorn whenever her mum decided to bring her along to one of her 'seminars' as she would say it. Although the ride can sometimes be bumpy, it beats walking by a long shot.
Serena slumped back in her seat. Gathering up her thought, her plan was to catch up to Ash in Santalune city. According to Prof. Sycamore, Ash and co. left Lumiose his lab a day after she came. Apparently, they were also heading for Santalune city for Ash's Gym battle. Armed with the knowledge, Serena decided to reunite with her long lost friend.
"Fen?" asked Fennekin.
"Nothing girl" she stated
"Nothing"
After an hour of waiting, Ash's new Pokémon finally got healed up after another rough experience thanks to Team Rocket. He was hoping that the start of his journey would be smooth cruising at the most but life had other plans for him. Not even a week after the incident in Lumiose city, Rayquaza was all beat up again. Which made him wonder. Was it actually safe to bring Rayquaza along?
Shaking the thought he continued stroking Raquaza's small slender form to which the Pokémon enjoyed. Instead of his usual position on Ash's shoulder, he was being carried by Ash with both arms like how misty carried Togepi albeit his whole body was slightly coiled like a snake.
"So now that you Pokémon are all healed up. I'm betting you're eager to challenge the Santalune Gym leader" Viola stated as she accompanied Ash outside the Pokémon Center. She wasn't going to tell Ash that she was the Gym leader. That would spoil the fun.
She giggled anticipating Ash's expression when he finds out.
'That's worth a thousand shots!' She thought.
Ash… was quite fun to talk to in her opinion. She found that anything weird is pretty much okay with Ash as if weird is part of his everyday life. It's very comforting and relaxing to talk to Ash as anything was a topic to the young trainer. His views and enthusiasm made her interested in the future of the self-proclaimed 'Pokemon Master' to which she fully supports.
"You got that right" Ash grinned at the older blonde.
"Pika-Pika!" "Ra!" Pikachu and Rayquaza simultaneously said to Ash from both shoulders. Healed up and fully rested, both Pokémon were energised and ready to go. The bruises that were previously surrounding Rayquaza was long gone and replaced with his shiny emerald scale. The same could be said with Pikachu.
Ash's eyes widened as he realises what both Pokémon are trying to say. Viola looked at Ash with a raised, he seemed to understand every bit of what they said, albeit it was only a squeak and a roar. They did say that a Pokémon and trainer's bond surpasses any language barrier, It's still odd since he only got Rayquaza a week ago from what Ash told her.
"Oh shoot, I almost forgot about Clemont and Bonnie!" As if on cue, the two blonde siblings appeared from a nearby street, looking sweaty and exhausted.
"We finally found you!" exclaimed a heavily panting Bonnie who was using the barely standing Clemont for support. Dedenne who was lying face down on her head looking exhausted too.
"Please don't run off without us again. Do you have any idea how hard it was to look for you?" said Clemont who looked far worse than Bonnie, slumping down with both hands on his knees, the exhaustion was comparable to the gravity of earth bearing down on him but ten folds. The waterfall of sweat coming out of his body was immense.
Ash waved off their complaints and shrugged.
"I thought you'd look for a Pokémon Center so I - I mean we decided to go on without you" explained Ash.
"We did! But we still couldn't find you. We asked the nurse Joy inside but that didn't help us much. She said the only thing she saw two couples, a blonde and a raven haired trainer.. well she did say he had a weird Pokémon so that could've been a clue" Bonnie paused when she realised two things. One, did Ash say we? Two, who's the blonde chick?
"…wait a minute… what do you mean by we?" she asked.
Viola waved at the newcomers with a bright smile. One thing's for sure, Ash had eccentric friends thought Viola.
"You left us to go on a date with that girl?!" said a vexed Bonnie as the plume of smokes came out of her head. But what surprised everyone was what she said after "Brother you should learn from Ash!"
Clemont collapsed on the ground from exhaustion and shock from what Bonnie said. Viola and Ash blinked at this and inwardly, slightly, incy wincy small enough to fit an atom, blushed at the thought. Pikachu was laughing his ass off on the ground. His Ash? Go out with a girl? That'd be the day he learned a ground move like Earthquake.
"No no no! – she helped me find my way in Santalune and get to the Pokémon Center we were probably at one of the stores when you two came to the Pokemon Center" Ash frantically repeated trying to disperse the growing misunderstanding.
"He's right. Ash looked kinda lost so I kinda helped him and took him on a small brief tour of the city" Viola explained.
"That's a shame… but if you think about it, it does sorta sound like a date" said a convinced but curious Bonnie
"Moving on-" Ash said trying to move the topic out of awkward waters "-This is Viola" Ash motioned with both hands to the older blonde to which she waved to Clemont and Bonnie again "She's a professional photographer and her pictures are amazing!" Ash said.
"Viola puffed her chest at the compliment "Nice to meet you two and I do take pride in my work"
"Woah- a professional Photographer? By any chance do you have any of Pokémon?" asked a very excited Bonnie forgetting the fatigue.
"As a matter of fact, they're one of my specialities," said Viola showing shots of Pokémon on her camera.
"These are amazing!" said Bonnie as she shuffled from one picture to another.
Clemont who regained his breathe stood up and also examined the photos "These pictures are breath taking! Never have I seen shots of different assortment of Pokémon like these, as if each one of them tells a different story" said Clemont.
Viola smiled, appreciating the compliments that Clemont and Bonnie gave.
"Hmm.." Clemont hummed which caught the attention of Ash "Professional photographer, blonde, from Santalune city named Viola. I think I've read her somewhere. Perhaps are you-" he was cut off by Viola.
"NO!- um what I mean is. You see I'm always getting compared to someone with the same type of photography" She explained. She wasn't going to let anyone ruin her fun…. and surprise.
"Oh.. okay then," Clemont said dropping the subject. But something was still off. He wasn't convinced.
"Anyways! Where were we? Oh yes! We were heading to the Santalune Gym" said Viola.
"You know you've helped me enough right? In fact, I'm probably wasting your time right about now" said Ash.
"Nonsense. It's just for a day and I can catch up on my project at any time" reassured Viola.
"Seriously if you have other plans I don't mind," said Ash.
"I can look up where the Gym is" pitched Clemont.
"Aww- You want to get rid of me that badly" Viola playfully pouted.
"No- no it's… uh… well, umm.." Ash, although having a bit of experience of girls thanks to the previous journey, was still confuse to what to do, but if there's one thing Dawn drilled into his head "Fine. If it's not a bother. Thanks" said a defeated Ash.
"Gladly! And you're welcome" said a cheery Viola.
Bonnie quietly tugged on Clemont motioning him to lean downwards "You sure those two aren't dating?"
Clemont glanced at the laughing Viola and sulking Ash and shrugged.
Men always lose to Women Dawn always said.
Ash and co arrived at a large building where a familiar news reporter was waiting for them at the entrance.
"Hey- That's Alexa!" Ash rushed forward greeting the journalist. Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder onto the ground to greet Alexa's
"Hello Ash" Alexa smiled. "How's Kalos been treating you so far?" she asked. It's been one and a half weeks since she parted ways with Ash. Knowing the Pokémon trainer, he's bound to have come across some adventure along the way.
"Nothing much, besides the usual Team Rocket, I made new friends" Ash replied gesturing to Clemont and Bonnie.
"Oh hello there nice to meet you two and -" she said smiling to Bonnie and Clemont then noticed her sister Viola.
Viola put a finger on her mouth signifying to keep her identity a secret for now.
Alexa understood and played along.
"Nice to meet you too Miss Alexa," Clemont said.
"Hello pretty lady you might be old but you're a- pff mhm" Clemont cut her little sister off before she could say anything that could embarrass him in front of the reporter.
Alexa blinked, surprised by Clemont's action and being called a pretty lady.
"Sorry but she has a bad habit of proposing to women we encounter," Clemont said laughing awkwardly.
Bonnie wiggled out of Clemont's grasp and glared at her brother "It's not a bad habit. I'm just looking after your future. Call it a little 'sister's intervention' " she sagely nodded to herself mimicked by Dedenne on top of her head.
Clemonts slumped forward and sighed dejectedly "I give up"
Alexa chuckled and said "Well aren't your friends a lovely bunch. But Team Rocket? They're still chasing after you even here in Kalos?" asked Alexa in surprised. She thought that after Unova Team Rocket would be nothing more than a thing of the past. But apparently not.
"Unfortunately yes. But I'm not really surprised anymore after seeing them in 3 regions" Ash said in a bored tone. He gave up of thinking why Team Rocket kept chasing after him and Pikachu.
Alexa sweat dropped hearing Team Rocket's tenacity "Well they sure are determined you can give them that. But anyway, my sister's been waiting for you inside and from the looks of it, she's really looking forward to battling you." She turned her back from the group to look at the Gym.
Ash smiled and crossed his arm "Well Rayquaza, how bout I get you a firsthand experience of a Gym battle?" Rayquaza responded with a roar, delighted to experience what the humans called 'Gym battles'. Ash laughed at this and patted his head
"Your sister the Gym leader huh? From what I've read her name is –" Clemont commented but was stopped by a finger from Viola.
"Ah Ah Ah you'll ruin the surprise. Best see it for yourself Ash" Viola said. To which Alexa just laughed at.
Ash nodded and walked towards the building followed by Bonnie, Clemont, Viola and Alexa 'Surprise? I wonder what?'
Stepping inside he was amazed by the corridors of portraits ranging from eccentric flowers to different kinds of Pokemon. Others were a close up while some from a long shot as if depicting a scene. The shots were one of a kind, the angling position of the camera creating a tranquil effect on the shot that could pull the strings and bend your emotions. All in all, it was professionally done.
"Woww~! Pretty pictures!" said a merry Bonnie as she skipped from one portrait to another.
"Looking at these pictures just show you the time and effort it took for the shot," said Clemont, whom unlike her sister, slowly observed one picture at a time. Indulging on the masterpiece created by the photographer who took it. 'These and Viola's shots look exactly the same' Clemont thought, in terms of presentation you could say it's a carbon copy.
"Well, one thing's for sure. Whoever made these is a first rate photographer" said Ash who was deeply observing a picture of a Vivillion with Rayquaza and Pikachu on both of his shoulders.
"That particular shot was the first shot the photographer took apparently" Said Viola as she approached Ash's side.
"It was also one of the closest pictures to her heart considering it's the shot that drove her forward to reaching her dreams becoming a stepping stone to success to what she is now"
"You really know about the photographer of this pic. Are you two close friends by any chance?" asked Ash.
She continued gazing at the pic, answering ash without looking at him "You could say that"
"Well anyways, how bout you get a bonus today Ash. Since it looks like you really admire her work, how about we meet her today. Would you like that and don't worry it's my treat to you?" Said Viola who was standing next to Ash.
"I'd love too. And I think Rayquaza would love that as well" said Ash as he looked at the dragon who moved from his shoulder and was looking at other portraits.
"It's agreed then. After your battle we'll meet the photographer of these pics" she said smiling
"Speaking of battle. Where's the Gym leader? I can't have a battle without him.. or her?" said Ash wondering where the Gym leader of Santalune city is, and in his opinion, lucky to have a Gym full of photographic masterpieces.
Alexa snickered while Clemont looked as if he wanted to say something.
This only confused Ash more.
"Well you see As-"Clemont was about to say but was interrupted by Viola. It seemed like everyone wanted to interrupt each other today.
"I'm glad you ask Ash," Viola said as she stood in front of the trainer "May I formally present to you, the one and only. Number one photographer and Gym leader of Santalune city" the tone of her voice increasing although slight but noticeable enough to create a build up "Me, Viola" she finished with a bow to create a dramatic effect.
Ash stepped back from the revelation and his face did a quick three-sixty as if he was hit in the face by a brick. Confusion turned into more confusion, shock and all other emotions you could think of like finding out your professor back home has been spending too much time with your mum. Although a bit exaggerated.
Ash could only two words "wait… WHAT!?"
Well, I was kinda torn in picking to go with the anime, but it was kinda boring to me. :V I made Viola the way she is simply because I wanted to experiment and give her a different kind of personality and I have to say, this chapter was really fun to write. But if you didn't like her character then fret not, after Santalune you can say goodbye to her. Unless you want to see her in future chapters ;). Anywho, thanks to my friend for helping me with some of the thinking, proofreading and knowledge in Pokemon. Without his help, the quality of my work would be unbearable so to speak. Next chapter... will be fun to write, so watch out for that! Goodnight... er morning to everyone and thanks again for reading!
