11- Second contest! Nerves blooming?

Hikari woke up the next morning, she was kinda tired and didn't want to get up, so she rolled around in bed trying to go back to sleep, but she was still curious about the contest…

She blinked a bit upon opening her eyes so they would get used to… *The sunlight from the window? But why is the window open?* She opened her eyes completely and yawned as she sat up on the bed's edge -…Morning- She mumbled getting up and stretching a bit. Shinji was next to the window looking outside, a towel in his damp hair and his dark purple shirt hanging on his shoulder, he didn't really reply but Hikari didn't mind either way –Ummm Shinji, I wanted to tell you… I found out that there would be a contest today here in Catallia and I was wondering…- The girl started –Can we stay?

The boy sighed –Well, seeing how Violet city is near, and I haven't rained that Donphan yet, I guess yes- He said, tough sounded more to himself tan to her, taking off the towel from his head and putting on his shirt, Hikari's face immediately light up.

-Really? – She asked with sparkling eyes, she thought she'd had to convince him and everything!

-Yeah it's fine.

-Great! Flora and I need to start practicing right away!- She said excited.

-Aren't you supposed to sign up for it first? – The purple-haired boy asked as he put on his jacked and picked his poké balls.

-Ahhhh! It's true! I hope there's still chaaaaance!- She exclaimed and rushed in to the bathroom, exiting again in less than 5 minutes all ready and dressed, picked up her poké balls and ran towards the pokémon center lobby. Shinji shook his head and exited too, closing the door after himself.

-Nurse Joy, I found out about the contest here in Catallia just yesterday and I wanted to know… is there still any chance of signing up? – She asked, praying to Arceus that she could enter.

-You're on luck- The nurse said, which made her eyes shine in happiness –Inscriptions close today at 10am on point and it's still 7:15.

-7:15?!- She looked at her pokétch surprised –Geez, why did I wake up so early?

The nurse just giggled at her –Well… allow me your contest pass- The girl handed it over and she started typing on the computer next to her –I suggest you go eat something for breakfast and then you can practice a bit- She advised as she processes the info –All done, here you go- She handed back Hikari her pass.

-Thank you very much nurse Joy.


After taking a breakfast (alone, because Shinji was nowhere to be found) and go pick up the egg so it didn't stay "alone" in the room, Hikari went to the training fields, it was 9 am and the contest started at 2 or 3 pm so he still had some time. As it was usual by now, Amy was taking care of the egg, with Riri besides her seemingly having taken an interest on it. The other pokémon were observing from the benches while Flora was in the center of the field.

-Alright Flora, this will be your first contest- Hikari said, crouching in front of the leaf pokémon, who looked at her attentively –I'm sure you can show off marvelously but remember, winning isn't the only thing that matters, but having fun and enjoying yourself- She explained –So… are you ready?- She asked standing up.

-Chiko!

-Then let's startwitht he practice, first use your razor leaf and shoot them with your bullet seed!- She ordered pointing to the field.

-Chiiiiko!- Flora spun her leaf around, tossing a bunch of the to the air –Chikooo!- Immediately she shot small yellow seeds from her mouth, hitting all the leaves and creating rain of sparkles.

-Wow Flora, very well!- The coordinator exclaimed impressed and proud –You really practiced with Shinji, I'll need to thank him when I see him- She smiled, Flora smiled too happy to show her new abilities –How about we try…


After getting back to the pokémon center Hikari called her mom to tell her about her second contest. She met up with Shinji at lunch time and, once more, put him in "charge" of her pokémon and the yellow pokémon egg. After a god lunch she went to take a shower and blow-dry her hair to get ready with her dress and her new amberite earrings. Just a few minutes before Haruka had called her too, so she also took the chance to tell her about the contest. Hikari and her pokémon kept giving support to Flora, who was very eager about her debut and now there were just 15 minutes to go before the contest started.


-Welcome everyone is time for the show to begin! Mimian exclaimed in the middle of the stage –We've reunited here to see a magnificent display of coordinators and pokémon that will surely give us a show, and, what better place than the beautiful and flowery town of Catallia?!- The public started clapping and cheering in the small open-roof stadium.


-Here we go Glameow, Umbreon. Hikari's second contest in Johto, she told me she'd use her new Chikorita- Ayako said sitting comfortably at the sofa in her living. Her loyal cat pokémon lying by her side with her partner Umbreon sitting straight at the floor.

-Meow!

-Ombi!


-Haha, as usual Mimian is making things lively, I hope Hikari does well- May said excitedly watching the TV from the lobby of a pokémon center with her Glaceon on her lap, Shuu was next to her drinking lemonade.


-Naturally we couldn't start without first introducing our judges- Mimian said, making a gesture to the judge's booth with her arm –First we have the always-present Mr. Contesta!

-As always, ready to see the beautiful pokémon.

-The president of the pokémon Fan Club, Our dear Mr. Sukizo!

-Of course, we also want to see the marvelous combinations.

-And of course, our lovely nurse Joy from Catallia!

-I'm sure this contest will be filled with great talent.

-Now stay on your seats because we're starting the first round here in the scenario- She said moving aside and next to the judges.


-It's starting, hope you're ready Flora- Hikari mumbled to the poké ball with confidence.

-Well well, if it isn't the girl from yesterday, what a miracle that you could enter the contest- Said the same light-brown haired girl from the day before approaching, the same one that had even told her about the contest in the first place. She had a light summer dress in yellow and dark-green hues up to her knees and wore her hair just like the day before in a side ponytail with a red flower.

-Well… yeah, the sign ups were until 10 am today – Hikari replied, trying to ignore the rude tone in her comment.

-Too bad your luck has run out, that ribbon will be mine- She said with a proud smirk.

Hikari breathed in and sighed trying not to get frustrated –We'll see about tat on the battlefield- She replied in the same manner –And my name is Hikari, I hate it when people forget it so remember it well.

-Well Hikari, my name is Akemi and I hope you're ready for a real challenge.

-Don't worry; I'll see you in the second round, to defeat you.

-Akemi, you're next!- A young man announced from the hallways that lead to the scenario.

-See you later, hope you're watching- She parted with a hand gesture, Hikari huffed.


-Let's go now my beautiful Bellossom- The flower pokémon appeared from the poké ball, surrounded by purple petals –Use your combination, magical leaf and sunny day!- She quickly ordered pointing to the sky. Bellossom raised her tiny arms and shoot up a bunch of different colored leaves to the sky and then evoked a sunny day, the result was a wave of sparkles in different colors, raining down beautifully and shinning under the sun –Now let's start our presentation!- She called out with a smile, her Bellossom and her started dancing together just like how Hikari had seen the day before, making the same movements at the same time in synchronization. After a few twirls and jumps both pokémon and trainer finished together with a pose and bowed down to the audience.

-That was a synchronized floral dance!- Mimian exclaimed as the public cheered on.


-I admit that was pretty good, but we'll show them we can do better- Hikari told herself.


-And here we go with our last coordinator, Hikari!- The blue-haired girl entered the stage with a running start and tossed the poké ball at the center.

-Charm up Flora!- After a light flash, the poké ball revealed a bunch of pink petals and Flora in the middle, the Chikorita was covering her face behind her head leaf and suddenly flipped it back with style, however when she opened her eyes and smiled all the public cheered and clapped at the cute pokémon but Flora, upon seeing so many people staring at her, stood petrified on the spot, her smile immediately disappeared and her eyes widened.

-¿C-chi…?

-Now let's begin showing your new aim, razonr leaf and bullet seed!- Hikari called out with a smile.

Flora simply stayed there petrified, looking at all the audience, then she started moving and looking everywhere frantically, she looked at the judges and Mimian staring at her confused since she wasn't doing any attack. Finally she ran up to Hikari - Chikoooooo!- She hide behind the girl's legs, covered herself with her leaf and started crying, Hikari looked at her with a mixture of worry and shock and immediately felt a pang of guilt…

Hikari crouched down and picked the Chikorita in her arms –Flora… are you ok?

-Koriiiii!- She hid her face and kept crying.

-I-Is everything ok?- Mimian asked getting closer, the audience started a generalized mumble.

-Y-yeah-Hikari answered unsure, lowering her gaze –Flora…. She's very shy and afraid of strange pokémon and people, I should have known something like this would happen… we weren't ready it's my fault- She explained as she calmed the Chikorita petting her. She had certainly not prepared her for this, how could she overlook her pokémon's comfortableness? –I'm sorry but I'll be forfeiting the contest- She declared and after that she ran back to the changing rooms with Flora still in her arms. Mimian just looked after her leaving, a bit surprised and sad, the public fell silent.

-She was pretty harsh on herself, these things can happen, we need to remember that every pokémon is different and stage fright I something we can all have- Mr. Contesta stated seriously.

-Poor Chikorita- Mr. Sukizo said.

-Chikorita are usually very timid pokémon, this is natural, but with some more training and trust she can overcome it- Nurse Joy mentioned.

-Alright… please let's continue with the show!- Mimian announced trying to get back the excitement on the contest.


-Poor Chikorita… Hikari should have trained more that point is she knew she was that shy, a pokémon that hasn't overcome its stage fright cannot give a good presentation- Ayako stated seriously. Hikari could be her daughter, but she recognized the blame fell n the coordinator on cases like this. Apart from the fact that this showed coordinator and pokémon weren't well synchronized after all.

-Miaa…

-Ombi!


-But what happened?! She looked so confident!- Haruka exclaimed surprised, suddenly standing up as Glaceon jumped down from her lap-Poor Hikari she had to forfeit the contest, it was her chance at a second ribbon.

-Yes Haruka- Shuu mentioned –But she'll have more chances, now she should practice more with Flora.

-I think she felt sadder about Flora than for having turned down a possible second ribbon though, I hope she doesn't blame herself.

-And why not?- He commented crossing his arms –If Flora didn't have enough experience and got terrified of practically everyone except her, she should have trained more and waited for another contest it's on her- Hikari simply looked at him and nodded, though she didn't look to agree as much.


All of Hikari's pokémon were sad and shocked, Torrent looked like he was just feeling sad, Amy was disappointed, Poffin was going to cry, Riri had her paws over her mouth in shock, Lux also looked sad but just looked down as if feeling powerless, Gliscor was still training while Dusk, Hiela and Ro (who was outside once again due to his size) just blinked a bit shocked but kept calm.

Shinji looked down from the screen and sighed without saying a Word, he went back to the training field –Come on… Kari would be back in a while- All his pokémon nodded and went back outside to practice, Hikari's however, stayed behind at the lobby just a bit more.


Hikari was in her room at the pokémon center, Flora was sobbing on her bed, she felt bad for having ruined things, feeling somewhat angry for the feeling of powerlessness and what her trained had been told.

"Would you look at that, you couldn't even do an actual appeal with your pokémon, and you call yourself a coordinator, someone like you shouldn't be here, you're an insult to us who do work hard and make an effort with our pokémon. And by the way, I DID get to the second round"

Flora had heard those words from the Bellossom girl, and could see how only moments later a few tears fell from Hikari's eyes. She felt useless, a useless Chikorita…

-Flora…- She called, making the pokémon look at her and stop crying for a moment -…Don't worry about what people said, I know it's my fault- She said –I should have known you'd get scared, I asked you too much, I was so excited to win that… I didn't think on you, I'm so sorry- She said as a few more tears tried to escape.

-Chiko…- Flora extended a vine and wiped away her tears –Chi chi chi! Chiko chiko!- She tried cheering the girl.

-Well… let's forget this bad moment, yes? Just… we'll practice more and use it as experience, but, neither of us is bad, ok?

-Chikori!

-Come, we need to see the others- Hikari stood up and exited the room with Chikorita trailing behind her.

-Chipa chipa!- Pachirisu looked at her approaching and pointed, all of Hikari's pokémon turned and quickly surrounded her, exclaiming and talking in their own ways.

-Hey guys, I know you saw what happened but don't worry, we're fine, no one is angry and I know I'm to blame but next time I promise I'll do better and we'll be wonderful- She explained calmly and with a smile –Now… any idea where Shinji is?- All the pokémon pointed outside –Bless for once he practices at the practice field- She went through the huge automatic doors and immediately could see Shinji ordering a rollout attack to Amber, who was fighting against Dusk, possibly training against a flying opponent. At the other side, Ro was resting as Hiela and Lux had a practice battle, separated from the group, Gliscor was practicing X-scissor against some trees.

-Now Donphan use rock to- The boy stopped upon seeing Hikari, all her pokémon after her, he sighed and turned to her.

-Ummm…. Shinji- The girl started, somewhat shyly and still sad, Flora ran up to where Ro was resting and started rubbing against him crying a bit. Ro looked at her confused not knowing well what to do, he looked at Shinji and… ah! Trainer and pokémon were in the same situation…

-I saw what happened- He commented calmly –What do you want me to say?- He added simply, Hikari looked at the ground and shrugged –You know that in these situations the blame falls on the trainer but you can't let it put you down either way- He said, trying to say something that made her feel better, he didn't want to see her crying.

-Y-you really mean it…?

-Chikorita are often shy as a species, besides, you were focusing on your goal.

-But… by wanting to win I forgot about Flora's weak point, winning isn't the only important thing!- She said the last part more to herself, angrily.

-Look, just…- *Damn, I suck at these things*

-Tor Terra!- The continent pokémon called his trainer's attention, who turned to see him rubbing his big nose against the leaf pokémon that had calmed down and now giggled, Shinji just looked at his starter as if saying "what are you doing?" while Torterra just stared back like "what did you want me to do in this situation?"

-Ro is pretty nice with Flora, I'm glad they're getting along- Hikari mentioned with a kind look. Then Ro told the small pokémon something, she nodded and ran up to Shinji's feet.

-Chiko chiko!- Flora started jumping, leaving her little paws against the boy's gray pants .

Shinji looked at her and frowned, he had never accepted his Torterra to do that as a Turtwig (or any other pokémon for the matter) but decided not to ruin the situation and picked her up, walked up to Hikari and handed her, the pokémon jumped up to the girl's shoulder, seemingly happy with her task. Hikari looked at Flora and Shinji and gave him a small hug the best she could. Shinji stood there a bit taken off guard and looked at Torterra as if saying "you had it all planned" an in response the continent pokémon simply smiled and played innocent.

Hikari stepped back and smiled somewhat amusedly, she never imagined a situation like that with him, she noticed then that all the pokémon were watching. Shinji regained composure –What are you all staring at? Keep training, tomorrow we'll have our battle at the Violet gym and the idea is to win the badge.

All the pokémon nodded and kept training, Ro got comfortable once more and a while later just fell asleep.