FFFFFF I'M SO SORRY!

So, I owe you all an explanation, fist off all. So, you see... I was NOT in the mood to write for a while, and then, well... I was actually socially busy for once in my life. For the past few days, I've been out gallivanting with my friends.

So, I'll try to give more a heads up next time I go and leave this for a week. You guys have been so good to me... You deserve at least that. ;n;

Also, sorry for errors. They're always there... but they may be a tad worse this time around, my having been a little less thorough for the sake of getting this up as fast as I could.

I slowly came to my senses; my eyes slowly prying open as I tilted my head slowly to look around my room.

It was a mess. Plates, cups and cans were everywhere, the furniture that had been set out this far having had been shoved everywhere. Then, to top it off; my two best friends; Karen and Melissa were sleeping on top of me; Karen laying on top of my stomach and Melissa across my legs.

I sighed as I slowly made my away out from under the two, happy the both were extremely heavy sleepers. You see; we called Karen 'Jaws' in the morning. Enough said. Then Melissa, well. If you woke her up too early, she had a tenancy to be whiny and a little grumpy. Not anything near as bad as Karen, but it was nice to avoid it if possible. Will would see to it that I suffered if he had to put up with that all day. I knew it.

Smiling as I miraculously made my way out from under the two and hopped off the bed, I trudged similar as to how I thought a zombie might down the halls and down the stairs, finding Steven passed out on the couch.

I smiled, my cheeks heating up a bit. It was hard to comprehend that I was actually with him. The de facto Champion and son of one of the most wealthy people in this region was interested in me! It wasn't like any of the above much mattered to me, but it made me feel all the more special that someone who could pick almost anyone they wanted to would go for me.

Deciding to leave him be, I quickly made my way to a bowl my mom kept the bananas in, picking one up and beginning to eat. As I did that, I filled up the kettle and plugged it in while I took out a cup, throwing a tea bag inside. I hated coffee, but I was the same way any coffee addict was about their coffee with my tea. Especially with the knowledge that I got to make my own today just the way I liked it. Then, to top it off, my mother had this amazing cream that tasted like hazelnuts.

In a few minutes, I sat at the kitchen table, drinking my tea and eating a chocolate chip muffin I'd gone and found, after I finished the banana. I was surprised to see it was still pretty early; 6:30, though it was no surprise to know that my father was already out at his gym, judging my the absence of his shoes at the door.

Just then, Absol came sauntering into the kitchen, making its way over to me and eying the half eaten muffing with the cutest look I'd ever seen it wear. I narrowed my eyes at it, but it only went on to further the act by putting one of its large paw on my lap, saying its name in a light tone while eying me with a look so sweet it almost sparkled.

I gave in, lowering the pastry down it its level. "Oh, fine you mooch. Here." I spoke.

In only moments, the food was gone. Absol went to go on and walk about some more, but I stood up and caught up to it, smiling. "Don't you go and think I'm letting you go that easily." I spoke. "You and I are going for a walk. My mom... The softie. She's probably being spoiling you rotten. I don't want you to get fat."

It gave me an incredulous look, but I eyed it with an expression that let it know it wasn't getting out of this one with a cute look. It huffed as it followed me out the door after I got my shoes on. Yes; I realize I hadn't gotten dressed, but it was still dark out and I was already wearing my clothes from last night; having been to lazy to change. However; I'd been wise enough to tie my hair up into a ponytail. So, I looked like a mess, but you couldn't see it through the darkness, thank god.

…

After wandering around for about an hour, I decided I'd honestly seen all there was to see. I'd strolled down the lake a little bit; a Barboach coming out just long enough to try and spray me. Luck being on my side of the coin this time, however, it missed, jumping back into the water so soon as it realized this. I had no idea what it was trying to accomplish in aiming at me, but with my good mood, I decided to let it go. What could I do anyways? Have Milotic hunt it down?

After this, Sableye had come on and found me, tagging along with me and Absol as it scampered to my right side, opposite to Absol. Absol didn't want it anywhere near it after the birthday hat incident. This being so, I presumed the mischievous Darkness Pokemon had something to do with the hat that had been placed in Absol's head.

I had expected to see Gardevoir minding its own business as well, though halfway through my stroll I remembered my mother saying something along the lines of it being out at Professor Birch's laboratory to make sure its arm was well looked after.

Finished looking around the small town, even having passed by the path to route 101 where Ninetales and I had out first battle and past the small field where I'd 'caught' it, I walked back to my house; both Dark Pokemon still by my side.

It being 7:30; it really wasn't a surprise to see my mother up now, at the kitchen table with a glass of coffee. She was one again watching a showing of one of my contests.

Noticing me, she looked up and smiled. "Ah! Alice. You know a few things about being a coordinator now, me always talking about it." She began, motioning for the television. "What do you say? Does this Red have style, or what?" She asked.

I was surprised, but kept this hidden. Looking at the screen, I shrugged. "Oh, I don't know... Maybe they could be a little bore sublime in their appeals and battles. You know; Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee...?" I spoke, critiquing myself as I went along with the lie. It was true though – maybe I needed to make my appeals a little more showy.

She laughed. "Maybe... But I think part of their style is that tomboyish style of theirs." She admitted.

I laughed along. "Maybe..."

My mother perked up once more. "Alice... I was wondering..." She began, turning to me. "You see – a few of us old things here got together and organized a small contest here." She spoke. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what she was about to say, but remained quiet. "Would you join in? It'll be a petite crowd, and a face like yours there would do wonders for publicity." She spoke.

I frowned. "Mom, I'd love to... But... The thought of getting on stage makes me want to cry." I reminded her.

"Well then, maybe Red would put on a show for us...?" She asked coyly, smiling cleverly as she took a sip of her coffee. The sly old coot.

I narrowed my eyes. "How many people have you told?" I asked, my voice hushed.

She chucked. "None if you sign in." It was funny, hearing my mother blackmail others. She seemed pretty innocent at first, but she had a mischievous side that surfaced every now and again. When she was a teen, she was actually pretty bad sometimes. Something she was really embarrassed about when brought up by my dad.

I sighed, defeated. "Fine, fine. You win." I admitted. "Who'll be judging? I doubt Contesta is coming down here." I said, going to the fridge and taking out a can of diet cola, opening it and quickly drinking its contents.

She giggled. "Well, Joy from Oldale, Mr. Stone and Mrs. Birch." She began. "And we've actually gotten out little contest recognized by Contesta the Pokemon Contest director. We'll be handing out a legit ribbon to the winner." She spoke.

"Okay." I agreed. "What about you? Are you entering?" I asked.

She shone a smile all too similar to my own. "With Altaria. We've been practicing too, so watch it, kiddo." She warned. "Mom may have sagged and wrinkled over the years, but her Pokemon are still up to snuff." She went on. I could tell that she was really looking forwards to this. And, with her Pokemon in their forties, she'd prove to be quite the challenge if I had to fight them. I knew for a fact that her Altiaria's Sky Attack wasn't anything to be messed with. If it wasn't for that insane Slaking dad had, she'd probably pull a win over him.

"Well, then. I'm off to dad's gym to see if I can pry a badge out from his hands." I began, heading for the door. "Wish me luck."

She smiled and waved. "Luck."

…

I sighed, happy to have made it to my father's gym. It was a really nice one, looking at its design for the first time. Much like a fighting dojo, actually. Fitting, I suppose. I really did think some days that he seemed more like a fighting type user than a Normal typed.

Walking in, I quickly ran my strategy through my head. I'd have to be quick, decisive and powerful. No playing around. I'd also have to give him as little time to read me as possible; giving me the advantage because I'd seen him battle before. I'd have to be extremely careful of Slaking, especially. That thing could make waste of a car like nothing if it wanted.

My father, training with his Vigeroth stopped and looked at me, smiling. "Ah! I always knew the day would come." He started. "So, I take it you're here to challenge me?" He asked.

I smiled. "No – I'm here for a badge." I spoke in a determined, though friendly tone. I took out Metang's ball; specially colored and readied myself on my side of the stadium.

Norman smiled. "Now you're talking my language." He spoke, determination evident in him too as he went to his side of the arena. "Jodie!"

At once, a girl with long, black hair tied back came to the referee's ares, wearing a red track suit. "Alright! Three on three battle. First one with all Pokemon unusable loses. Plus, only the challenger can switch out." She began. "Everything clear?"

Both of us nodded.

"Then go!"

At once, I threw Metang's ball into the air, revealing the dual typed Steel/Psychic type. It let out an odd mechanical cry as it floated in midair, awaiting a command.

My father, already having his Pokemon out started. "Alright Vigeroth! Use Faint Attack!" He began.

At once, the Normal Pokemon came rushing at Metang in a zigzag pattern, going on to outright disappear. Then, reappearing, it came from the left and swung at Metang, knocking it back some.

This was good. Now, it was in close range, unable to use Faint Attack effectively. This meant it's only other really good move was Slash. This in mind, I began. "Alright! Metal Claw!"

Metang quickly shook off the attack and slammed its arm into Vigeroth, sending it a couple feet. However, it remained standing, seeming undaunted by the obvious damage having been done. I had to give the crazy thing that much – it knew how to take a hit with stride.

"Alright! Attack with Slash!" Boomed my dad. He seemed to have gotten into the battle pretty quickly.

"And you. Ice Punch!" I countered.

The two Pokemon rushed at each other and began exchanging blows with one and other. My father and I stayed silent while watching the two battle in a manner similar to that of a fist fight, taking swigs at each other and blocking swings from the other. However, in spite of both parties efforts... Metang had an advantage which became clearer and clearer by the second; it taking the Slash attacks like they were nothing, while my father's Vigeroth was clearly beginning to struggle.

Both Pokemon, after an intense fight separated from on and other, staring each other down. Vigeroth panted heavily, while Metang seemed to have changed its overall posture to a tired, sluggish one. If it were actually capable of breathing, I'm sure it would appear just as tired as Vigeroth.

After an intense calm, the Vigor Pokemon predictably fell to the ground, defeated.

The judge spoke. "Vigeroth is unable to battle. Metang is the victor if this round!" She declared, lifting a flag to my side of the field.

My father returned that and raised a brow. "Well, you've come a long way." He commented, taking out a ball. "But... I should expect no less from my own daughter and that Metang there, should I?" She asked, throwing the ball up into the air; revealing a Linloone.

I smiled. "Is that the same as I saw Wally use to catch Ralts?"

He nodded. "Yes – let's see you get around this. You've never seen Linloone battle before."

"Alright then. We'll just see." I began. "Now Metang, let's start this off with a blast of Confusion!" I shouted.

Metang spoke its own name in an electronic voice as it fired a small ray of transparent, multicolored energy at the Pokemon, though it easily dodged. I'd read that it was quickly before, though... Just its build suggested so. I just needed to get the pace started for the battle, and this seemed like a nice move.

"Now! Use Headbutt!"

At once, the mammalian Pokemon came in for a strong attack, rushing with speed that was impressive even for it. Regardless, I would take it down if it was the last thing I did. "Alright. Give it a boost your way with Confusion, then hammer it down with the strongest Metal Claw you can muster." I spoke, smiling deviously.

My father barked for Linloone to avoid, but the pace having already started, it continued rushing at Metang until it hit the Iron Claw Pokemon's fist, sending it into the ceiling, then falling to the floor once more, unmoving.

My father seemed astonished by this win, returning the fainted Pokemon with a near blank look. However, he quickly shed this and eyed me with determination that let me know this wouldn't be a clean cut battle on my part. "That was impressive, getting through the first so easily, but I still have one more..." He spoke, taking out a ball. I took a nervous breath. A good portion of the reason I started this off so strong was to make sure I had everything in me possible for Slaking. This was going to get messy, fast.

Before I knew it, the Lazy Pokemon was out, lolling about as though we were talking casually. Regardless, I knew it had it in it to take down foes exponentially larger.

I sighed. "Alright. Lets get thing rolling with a Metal Claw!" I shouted.

"Use Crush Claw!" Countered my father.

I may have just whitened when he said this. He'd usually saved it for more intense moments in a battle, though it appeared as though he wanted to be done with my Steel/Psychic type as quickly as he could be, it having already posed so much a problem for him.

And done they were. In one mighty, single swoop, Slaking had slammed both its fists into Metang, cratering it into the ground. It went on and became still like Linloone had.

"Metang is unable to battle! Slaking wins the round!" Called the referee.

I brought it back to its ball. "Oh, Metang. You did beautifully. Please, rest." I spoke, taking out my next ball. "Now Cacnea, let's show them up!"

Cacnea arrived on the field in a white flash... Though it seemed to have different ideas than fighting, having casually waddled from its position on the field and to me; wrapping its arms around my leg. I winced and let out a grunt, grabbing the Cactus Pokemon in between thorns and prying it off, putting it down a little before me and ushering it off into the field.

My dad chuckled. "Well, you're going a good job. I mean, they certainly like you."

I narrowed my eyes. "Cacnea, use Leech Seed." I ordered, pointing at the tremendous, lazy Pokemon.

Cacnea gladly did so, throwing forth some seeds, though the attack would be short lived. Norman, smiling issued his next attack. "Now! Hyper Beam!"

I stared, wide eyed as a flash of intense, white light blew the incoming seeds into nothing, hitting Cacnea and sending it hurdling to the back of the gym, cratered much like Metang had been. The difference in power between the two... It was unbelievable.

"Cacnea is unable to battle! Slaking wins the round!" Called the referee. Now things were getting tense. Both of us had but one Pokemon left, each at full health.

I clenched my teeth as I pulled out another ball, throwing it onto the field and revealing Ninetales in a flash of white light. Milotic might have been a good powerhouse... But with its speed, it would never dodge the attacks thrown at it. Ninetales just might.

"Alright! Crush Claw!" Declared my father.

"Block with Iron Tail as best you can!"

At once, the large Pokemon got up and charged at Ninetales. However, Ninetales charged right back, the two attacks meeting with quite a force. Both sent each other back a couple feet, where they eyed each other carefully.

"Okay, then. Hyper Beam!"

"Dodge and use Heat Wave while its busy recharging!"

At once, a beam of intense energy was fired at Ninetales, missing by inches as it ran to the side, blasting the Lazy Pokemon with a stream of fire and scorching wind. While doing this, I scowled inwardly. If I could only use Hypnosis, I could end this... But it would be crazy to send Ninetales in there that close to Slaking. I could only imagine the damage a close up Hyper Beam or a hard Crush Claw would do.

The flames from Ninetales having enveloped Slaking and a portion of the field, we were unaware of an approaching Hyper Beam, catching Ninetales off guard and hitting a couple of its tails. It let out an enraged growling sound as it let out flames near white into Slaking, knocking it back into the fire. The gym was getting pretty hot pretty fast, and soon fans similar to the ones used in Lavaridge City Gym were activated.

The crackling of the fire muffling my father's voice, I had no way to tell that the tank-like Pokemon was coming out from the flames, and when I did, it was too late to call out a counter. Instead, the Pokemon brought its fist into Ninetales's hip, sending it spinning back.

I sighed. There was no way Dad's Pokemon could survive another attack. "Alright! Heat Wave one more! With everything you can muster!"

Ninetales stood there for a moment, as though brewing up the most intense flames it could before shooting a solid jet of white flames forth from its mouth, engulfing Slaking in an instant. Then, seeming to hold a grudge for having had its tails hit by Hyper Beam, Ninetales continued its assault, running at the Slaking which fumbled about clumsily as it burned by repeatedly using Iron Tail to bash it around.

A few minutes of this did it. Letting out a final cry, Slaking fell to its knees, then onto its stomach, defeated. Having gone through the battle, it was honestly like watching the defeat of a cheesy, oversized monster in some old film.

Jodie brought up the flag to my side, smiling a bit. "Slaking is unable to battle! The challenger is the winner!"

My dad brought out Slaking's ball and called it back, congratulating it on its battle. And for good reason. It took out two of my Pokemon, and was almost through with the third.

I called back Ninetales as well. I'd walk with it to the center, but its hip... I didn't want to have it hurt itself even more. And with pride on its level, it would sooner stay quiet while a leg was being hacked off than make a fuss and be called on it. I made sure to congratulate it on its amazing feat as well.

Smiling, my dad made his way to me, being handed a small case with red satin covering; the badge in the middle. He offered it to me and I gladly took it, clenching the badge in my hands in front of me.

"Well," Began my dad. "It looks like I don't need to to worry as much as I think I do." He started. "its just... So weird, my own daughter having surpassed me." He admitted, seeming as though he were having a difficult time finding the correct words.

I giggled. "Well, it feels a little odd, having beat the man when I always thought as a child 'When I grow up, I want to be as strong as dad!' Now look, I've actually gotten there..." I trailed off, pinning the badge onto the strap of my bag with the four others. That was five. Three more to go. It was unnerving, thinking so.

"Well, why don't you and I get back to the center to heal our Pokemon?" He asked. "We can get something to eat there while we're at it."

I nodded happily. Things were good with my father, I'd earned my first badge and I was 'together' with Steven. Things seemed perfect. "Yeah, I'd like that." I spoke, following my father who'd begun the pace.

…

I woke up, aware of some busting around me. Opening my eyes, I caught eye of Alice's mom... Marianne, was it? She was collecting some of the dishes idly, handing some to a Haunter I presumed to be hers which went on to help her take them away into the kitchen. The house being open concept, made this all the easier for the two of them, Marianne taking whatever she had halfway, while Haunter took them the rest of the way.

Now I knew where Alice got her choice in Pokemon from. A Pokemon said to be from a different dimension altogether that saps the life force out of victims its stalks during the night with a single lick, leaving them to shake until their demise. This had to be worse than any of Alice's Pokemon, that was for sure. Absol, even...

Glancing at me, she smiled. "Ah! You're awake!" She spoke.

I nodded, sitting up, making sure the light blanket was still wrapped around me. The sun... Judging by it, it was only around 9:00AM. So, I hadn't overslept.

Marianne spoke up once more. "I'm sorry if I woke you, its just... I want to make sure I get this all cleaned soon. I'm having a couple friends over later, and I'd die of embarrassment if they saw my house like this!" She exclaimed. She seemed far more extroverted than Alice, that was for sure.

I waved my hands dismissively. "No, no. If anything, you did me a favor. I would have probably slept 'till two in the morning. My dad would strangle me if he caught me sleeping that late." I went on, smiling. He'd gotten back home with an Abra he'd gotten through a trade for his Shroomish with the very same Devon employee Alice met in the forest. He seemed to enjoy the quick mode of transport, and the Abra seemed to enjoy how lax my father was, letting it sleep all the time.

Alice on my mind, my cheeks were probably a bit pink. It was hard to thing that she was with me. I mean, sure... I probably had thousands of girls in Hoenn to choose from... But her, being so honest, kind and liking me for me... She was the first girl I'd ever met like that. Well... Of my general age group.

"So... Alice..." I began, my cheeks only going on to further betray me.

Her mother laughed. "Ah, yes. My daughter had good tastes. Karen told me so." She teased. "I approve so long as you make her happy, and I'm sure Norman will as well, though he's likely to give you a little bit of a hard time here and there." She admitted. "But... I'll keep it secret for a little while of you want." She spoke, smiling.

I laughed. "Uh... Thanks, I suppose." I spoke, awkward of the entire situation. "Anyways... I'm just going to go run to the center go get breakfast... I'll be back..."

She grabbed my arm and pulled me off the couch and up into the kitchen. "No you don't – I'm not letting you eat there!" She spoke, determined. "You're eating here if I have to buckle you to the chair!" She went on, seating me and beginning to make a meal.

I laughed at the energetic mother. I could get used to a family like this.