We'd all trained hard for this moment, especially my Pokémon but now, it was the final moment. The Hoenn Grand Festival was fully underway and soon, it would be my turn for my single performance. They'd changed up the rules of the festival this year, so we first had a single performance round which would determine whether or not we go through, and then onto double performances before the battle rounds. I was slightly nervous as I was going to do something I had never done before.
The stage looked amazing. It was surrounded by water for any aquatic Pokémon as we'd already seen several Milotic. It seemed to be the Pokémon favourite for contests, though none of them really stood out like Robert's had used to. Unfortunately I wouldn't get my rematch with him this year as he was competing in Sinnoh, but I was determined to beat him one day.
Taking a deep breath as my name was called out, I stepped out onto the stage. I wore my signature red neckerchief however my hat seemed to have sadly disappeared in the ensuing battle that had almost destroyed Ecruteak City, but I rationalised that a hat was not as important as the lives of Pokémon and people.
I was given a warm welcome and I was once again surprised to see I had my own fan squad sitting in the front row, people I had never met before but they all screamed for me, so I gave them a special salute which made them go even crazier. Smiling, I drew out my Pokéball then tossed it up into the air. "Charizard! It's show time!" In the crowd, I sensed all my friends gasp in surprise. I hadn't mentioned I was using Charizard for my appeals, but I wanted to go for a different approach than just making my Pokémon stand out with beauty.
Charizard appeared with a roar, flapping his large wings and there was a thunderclap of sound, making everyone ooh in response. "Now buddy, Flamethrower around yourself!" Charizard instantly began to spin in the air, surrounding himself in a cloak of flames before he dove straight down and plunged into the water, making everyone gasp and the judges became impressed that Charizard could withstand the element.
My good friend shot back out, extending his wings and spun around again, sending out a spray of water which glittered like pearls as they showered the audience, making them all laugh as Charizard let out another roar. "Now it's time for the climax move, Charizard! Use Dragon Rage and Giga Impact!" With a mighty flap of his wings, Charizard soared into the air with speed then dove down again. His eyes glowed white and he released a fireball of golden flames which then turned into a golden dragon head which roared, opening its jaws as the purplish light of Giga Impact combined with the gold flames, creating a powerful comet like appearance as Charizard threatened to plunge back into the water.
Everyone stood up in their seats, holding their breath as I closed my eyes, making the situation even tenser. I didn't need to see in order to know when to speak, as we'd worked on our timing to our fault. "Now Charizard." With one last extra fiery blast of Flamethrower through the dragon's mouth, Charizard blasted the water into a huge surf that shot upward and cocooned around him before with a strike of his wings, the moves disappeared and he was surrounded by golden flames which burned brightly mixed with the drizzle of water droplets, enhancing the trim figure of his body as he growled softly, lowering himself back down onto the stage where we both swept a bow, the crowds going crazy.
You have no idea how much bribing I had to do to get Charizard on that stage. I now owe him a lifetime supply of fire cookies and lava lumps though secretly, I think he enjoyed and was just pretending he didn't to maintain his tough reputation. "Thanks Charizard, I owe you one." I told him lovingly, throwing my arms around him and he rolled his eyes before slathering his tongue up my face, making me laugh as I was awarded full points.
Smiling broadly I left the stage, Charizard safely tucked away in his Pokéball as I ran back to the waiting room. Dawn and May had already been and we were all pretty confident that we'd gone through, so we sat and waited together, watching the other contestants to get an idea of the opposition and who would be our greatest rivals for the Ribbon Cup.
When the results came through, the three of us made it into the top band, making us all smile and relax a little. "Well, now it's the doubles. You got any more surprises for us Ruby?" May asked and I chuckled before shaking my head.
"No, I'm going with Gardevoir and Gallade. I've been planning this for a while now and I'm pretty sure it'll help them come to terms with a few things themselves." I said cryptically, making May and Dawn frown at one another before they laughed.
"You're hard to read Ruby, I can see why Gary likes you so much." Instantly I panicked.
"He does not! That's completely ridiculous, Gary Oak does not like me!" The two of them giggled, enjoying my uncomfortableness so I growled at them. Wow, I'm turning into Charizard. May went first with her doubles, using Skitty and Blaziken she kept everyone on the edge of their seats with Skitty's Assist then turning the move that came out into a combination with Blaziken. She completely nailed it.
"Now that takes talent, May doesn't even know what move will come out of Assist, right?" Dawn questioned and I nodded my head.
"Right. That's part of May's style, she likes to keep everybody guessing." Dawn was up next with Mamoswine and Pachirisu, performing her ice chandelier perfectly and the crowd loved it, going crazy when they saw the impressive fusion of ice and electricity. Straight after Dawn it was my turn, so as she came off stage she gave me a quick hug and smile.
"Good luck! No need to worry, you'll handle this easily." She said to me before skipping off, making me chuckle before I stepped out on stage. I'd arranged with the lighting guy for a special display, so when I stepped on the lights all dimmed into complete blackness and everyone began to murmur in confusion.
Without saying a word I let out my two Pokémon then reached back for my flute, flexing my fingers as Gardevoir began to twirl around. "Misty Terrain Gardevoir, if you please." I said to her and she bowed her head before beginning to dance around Gallade, forming a pinkish mist that sparkled slightly around their feet. "Now Moonblast, Gallade use Magical Leaf." The two began to create small orbs and glowing leaves that then decorated the stage, filling it with mysterious light as I then pressed the key stone around my neck. "Gallade, mega evolve." I'd checked with the receptionist and all items were allowed, so mega stones were pulled into that category.
Gallade began to change shape as he glowed, making everyone gasp as his head became like a helmet with a curving horn, the blades on his arms growing longer and wider and a cloak sprouted from his shoulders, sweeping across the floor as his body became white instead of green. As Gardevoir stared at him open mouthed, I sensed her almost completely fall for him. We hadn't practiced this part in rehearsals, so it was a bit of a surprise for her.
As I began to play the flute in a lilting sweet melody, Gallade bowed to Gardevoir then offered her his hand, which she took with a blush as he gently pulled her closer then began to waltz with her in time with the music. I'd taught them how to waltz with the help of my mom and dad, so they were now pros at it.
Gallade swept a rather flustered Gardevoir across the stage as everyone sat in silence, awed by the display of beauty and serenity, my music filling their ears as Gardevoir gazed deeply into Gallade's eyes. The two used Psychic and they lifted off the stage, floating in the air as Gallade spun Gardevoir around and she extended her arm before spinning lightly back into his chest, turning her head to look up at him as they danced with her back flush against his chest. I have to admire my own cunning. She's completely in love with him now.
The two could look at nothing other than one another, and when the music ended they leaned forwards and rested their heads against one another, embracing gently as they lowered themselves back to the ground, twirling as they did so before finally, the last note finished as they touched the ground. The stadium suddenly erupted with applause and whistling, startling Gardevoir closer to Gallade who put out an arm to protect her before they relaxed.
"You guys looked beautiful." I complimented as Gallade turned back to his former self with a flash. "Absolutely perfect."
"Gardevoir…" She said to me with a rosy blush on her face as Gallade bowed his head. I returned them both then bowed to the judges, thanking them for their time before turning and leaving the stage for the next contestant. Drawing in a deep breath I then exhaled, flexing my fingers as I tried to shake off the shivers those two had given me.
The first day of the Grand Festival was over, so now I could relax for a while until tomorrow when the battle rounds start. I was excited but also a little nervous. I'd seen that awful Sophia perform with her Ninetales and she was still pretty good. "So, they still let losers like you compete?" Speak of the devil…
"They must do." I answered simply, turning around to see her leaning against the wall. For once she wasn't wearing her ridiculously girly pink frilled frock. She was wearing a gold toga instead, with a gold ivy clasp at her shoulder which wrapped around her upper arm in an elaborate pattern. I was slightly envious, I'll admit. "They let you enter, after all." Her eyes narrowed viciously as she scoffed.
"Whatever, do you still have my Latias? I still want it."
"You mean my Latias? Yes, she's still with me." I replied sharply, placing my hands on my hips. "Don't you have something better to do? Like curling your hair or putting on some more makeup. By the way, your lipstick has smudged. Let me get that for you." I reached out with a hand and smeared it across her face, smirking as she shrieked then leaped backwards.
"You're a freak!" She flung at me before turning around and quickly began to fix herself up.
"Yeah…don't let it upset you or you might become infected with it. Oh wait! Too late." I growled at her but then I stopped, lifting my head slightly as I sensed someone approaching from behind, someone I hadn't seen in a long time. "Paul? What are you doing here?" I asked as I turned around to see him standing there, hands in his pockets with his eyes cast downward in that familiar stance Paul always took.
"Came to congratulate you. I preferred the first round, but that's just me." He announced and a smile stretched across my face as I ran forwards and hugged him.
"It's great to see you!" He chuckled, taking his hands out of his pockets and put them around me instead. He'd grown since I'd last seen him, and he'd bulked out a fair bit too. That stomach was pure muscle. "You came all this way just to watch me compete?"
"Figured I may as well. I was in town." He excused but I just gave him a look which told him I knew he was lying. "Okay fine…I was hoping I'd find Ash here. I'd like to have a rematch against him." That's more like it. Lies taste horrible, they have a bitter and sour aftertaste.
"Sure Ash is here, I'm sure he'd be glad to have a rematch. He's got a whole new team from the Unova region." I began to tell him but then there was a light cough from behind which instantly made me scowl.
"Excuse me Ruby dear, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Sophia questioned innocently, fluttering her long lashes which were slightly clumped from all the mascara she was wearing.
"Why should I make the poor guy suffer?" I questioned and she rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I'll do it myself." She strode forwards in her tall heels but still she only came to Paul's chin as he arched an eyebrow down at her. "Hey there handsome, I'm Sophia Winthrop, contest extraordinaire and competent battler. I defeated Ruby you know, in the Johto league. It was a pitiful sight, you remember dear?" She turned to me and I clenched my fists. "You forfeited, didn't you?"
"The wellbeing of my Pokémon was at risk. Vaporeon was in no condition to battle on and Charizard was exhausted. There was no reason for me to continue." I answered stiffly though Sophia only gave that annoyingly girly laugh of hers which reached a pitch that made my ears tingle.
"Oh sure, whatever you say." She winked at me before turning back to Paul who looked a little amused by the situation. "So honey, how about you and I go for dinner somewhere? I can tell you all about me, and you can tell me all about yourself." She tried to slip her arm through his but Paul answered by carefully pulling his shoulder back out of reach then placed an arm around me instead.
"I think I'll pass. Ruby and I have things to catch up on. Like that war I heard about in Johto." He turned a look at me. "Why is it you're always falling off of things?" He asked me as he guided me around and we began to walk away.
"Hey, that was not my fault." I defended with a smirk, seeing Sophia pout out of the corner of my eye before she stomped a foot on the ground and stormed away, wailing for her daddy. Spoiled brat. "I got thrown off that building, so I didn't technically fall." Paul rolled his eyes as we walked towards the exit where everyone would be waiting for us. I completely forgot about his arm around my shoulders as I explained to him about my insane mother and her plan to dominate the world but as we walked outside, everyone turned around ready to greet me but were surprised to see Paul as well. "Hey guys! Look who I found!"
"It's Paul!" Ash blinked before grinning. "Hey Paul, long time no see! You here for a rematch?"
"That's right. A full six on six battle, and this time, I'm not losing." He answered, a small smirk at the corner of his mouth and he gave me a little nod of his head before he removed his arm and followed Ash who had called for everyone to hurry up so they could get the battle underway.
When I looked up, my eyes met with Gary's, only thing was, they were dark and stormy, glaring hotly before he quickly turned and walked after the others. Dawn and May glanced at one another before approaching me. "Ruby? Is there something you want to tell us?" I scratched my head with a guilty expression.
"I think I may have just upset Gary."
"Does Paul have a crush on you?"
"No! Well, maybe…he used to, not anymore though." I answered Dawn who squealed.
"This I so exciting! A love triangle! How adorable, I can't wait to see how this one plays out." She told me before racing after the others, Piplup in her arms. "Come on already or we'll miss half the battle!" Sighing I looked at May with a worried face.
"What do I do?"
"Well, maybe it'll give Gary the kick he needs to actually realise how much he cares for you. A little jealousy never hurt anyone." She answered and I gave a little exhale. Maybe she's right, Gary'll get over it, though I don't understand that look. He looked really angry for no reason at all. Maybe he and Paul have some sort of rivalry going on that I don't know about. Oh well, time to watch Ash get his butt kicked!
May and I raced after the others where they had taken up seats in a training ground, where Ash and Paul had already started battling. Paul had some new Pokémon with him, including a Kabutops so I assumed he had been travelling around Kanto. Probably challenging the Battle Frontier. It was a close battle, but Ash's team were pretty impressive and well trained and Paul lost again, though he didn't seem too choked up about it. In fact he even smiled. "Great battle Ash, your team is impressive." Paul complimented as he returned his Pokémon to its Pokéball. "But I hope you know I won't accept defeat, I'll be challenging you again someday."
"Can't wait for it." Ash answered, closing his hand into an excited fist as we all cheered.
"That was amazing!" Max yelled excitedly as he sprang forwards and began to flit around Paul. "How many brains have you defeated? Did you capture your Kabutops wild or did you have to revive it from a fossil into a Kabuto? Where did you get your Arcanine? Did you evolve that one too with a firestone? How…"
"Okay, question time's over." May said, dragging her little brother away by the ear as he yelped in pain.
"May! Ow that hurts!" Brock gave a little chuckle.
"Makes a change, normally it's me who gets…WOW!" He suddenly yelled then raced over to a beautiful girl who was just passing by, with bubble gum pink hair and a shocked expression on her face as Brock caught her hand. "Beautiful lady, your eyes are so bright and radiant, I don't know whether I should compare them to the serenity of the moon or the brilliance of the sun. In fact, they don't compare at all! Your eyes are by far the lovelier than either…YOW! Ow, ow, not the ear!"
"I think you've looked at her eyes too long, they seemed to have given you sunstroke." Misty announced as she dragged Brock away by the ear just as Croagunk appeared out of his Pokéball, Poison Jab ready. He blinked and watched as Misty dragged Brock away, tilting his head to the side before following after them at his own pace, croaking quietly as I chuckled.
"Nice to see you again too Croagunk." Croagunk stopped and looked at me, his cheek sacks expanding as he croaked before he blushed slightly then carried on walking. "See you later Croagunk!" I waved after him before placing my hands on my hips. "Man, it's been a while since I've seen Misty grab Brock's ear like that."
"Yeah, that sure brings back memories." Ash agreed as Pikachu jumped from his shoulder onto mine, circling around me excitedly before settling down.
"Pika Pikachu!" He said and I giggled before tickling his chin.
"I'd better get my Pokémon over to Nurse Joy, will you watch out for Pikachu for me Ruby?" Ash asked and I nodded my head.
"Sure I will, no problem genius." I assured him as Paul nodded his head.
"Me too, my Pokémon need some rest." So he went with Ash to the Pokémon centre as Katrina, May, Dawn and Misty all started a game of Frisbee whilst I sat back and relaxed on the grass with Pikachu, who was soon fast asleep. Today had been a long day and I think we could all do with an early night.