"Mega-Ventures of Remnant"
Chapter 26: Present 16 – The Beautiful Pokémon
With Jaune and Ruby heading to Lapis Ruins as their adventure and meeting Ozpin's archaeologist friend, Allison Church, Jaune and Ruby head to Roseus City for their next journey. Ruby goes on a quest to find the fifth Gym Badge.
Roseus City, 2:06pm
Enter Roseus City
While Roseus City was normal for the most part, its gym certainly was not. Where most gyms were either in normal buildings or stadiums, Roseus City's gym was inside a castle. Ruby had heard that the gym leader was fond of Fairy type Pokémon, but didn't think they would go so far as to have a castle built to serve as their gym.
She also didn't think there would be a problem getting in, so it was quite a shock to see the front gate closed with a sign that simply said 'Come Back Later.'
"Are you kidding me?" said Ruby. "They didn't even leave a way to contact them!"
"I'm sure the Pokémon Center has information," said Jaune.
"HEY!" shouted Ruby. "IS ANYONE IN THERE?" The only noise in response was the wind blowing through the gates. Ruby fought the urge to bang her head against the wall. "The last thing I need is to be wasting time in a city without a gym leader. Hopefully we can find out what's going on at the Pokémon Center."
Ruby and Jaune headed to the Pokémon Center. Along the way they noticed a large crowd gathering under a marquee that read "Master Contests Week." Roseus City not only had a unique looking gym, they were also famous for their contest hall where some of the best contest trainers competed in, and this week was dedicated to the highest ranked contests.
"Oh hey, they have a contest hall!" said Ruby. "Since we have to wait for that gym leader to return, we should catch one of the contests they hold here!"
"No thanks," said Jaune. "I hate Pokémon Contests. It's literally a competition to judge Pokémon based on how they look on the outside."
"Sure it's a little vain, but it does take quite a lot of skill to reach the higher rankings. Maybe you should try to enter a contest."
"I would rather go back to being a gym leader than ever participate in one."
Roseus City Park, 2:09pm
The News Flash: Contest Champion
As they walked through the crowd, Ruby noticed a news team waiting outside of the doors reporting on what was happening.
"It's pandemonium here outside the Roseus Contest Hall where we wait for the appearance of the man people call the Contest Champion, Scarlet David! The young man once again won another Master Rank Contest, retaining his perfect winning record! It seems like only a matter of time before he wins the final Master Rank Contest to be held tomorrow, once again resulting in another five-for-five sweep!"
"This Scarlet guy sounds like a superstar," said Ruby. "I want to see who he is!"
"Do we have to?" asked Jaune. "I thought you said we couldn't be wasting time."
"Well yeah, but...no, you're right. I'm here for a badge, not for sightseeing."
Ruby left the crowd and headed to the Pokémon Center as planned.
Roseus City Pokémon Center, 2:11pm
Spiteful Loss
In the PC section of the Pokémon Center sat a very frustrated ginger. She was scrolling through her Pokémon and their various stats, trying to figure out how she was bested yet again.
"I can't believe he somehow beat me AGAIN!" thought the ginger. "It's like no matter how much I plan, he's always one step ahead! I have to find a Pokémon that can best him in tomorrow's Cute Contest!"
The ginger scrolled through her list of Pokémon, but didn't think any of them were good enough to compete at the Master Rank level. Sure they had won contests before, but for some reason she can never obtain a win in the Master Rankings, especially since her arch-nemesis was always competing - and winning - as well. She was going to need to do some serious work in a short amount of time if she wanted to get one of her Pokémon ready to compete tomorrow. She got up from the PC and headed to the Poké Mart next door.
Roseus Poké-Mart, 2:13pm
Poffin Load
"Can I help you?" asked the cashier.
"Do you have any sweet poffins?" asked the ginger.
"How much do you need?"
The ginger took out her wallet and slammed down her credit card. "All of them."
Roseus City Pokémon Center Entrance, 2:12pm
Finding the Gym Leader
Meanwhile, Ruby and Jaune entered the Pokémon Center and went to the information desk.
"Excuse me, do you have any contact information for the gym leader of this city?" asked Ruby.
"Only for the gym itself," said the clerk.
"Do you where the gym leader might be right now? The gym is closed and I really need to setup a battle."
"I wouldn't have any idea."
Ruby groaned. Looks like Roseus City was going to end up being a dead end for her. "Thanks for your help anyway."
"Now what do we do?" asked Jaune.
"We stay the night and leave for the next town. Meantime, might as well get some shopping done." Ruby picked up Eevee and held her up to her chest. "I heard they sell poffins here. Want one Eevee?"
"[Yay!]" said Eevee, happy to receive any special treat from Ruby.
Ruby was about to enter through the automatic door leading to the Poké Mart when the door opened from the other side. The person at the door was carrying large crates that impaired her vision, and judging by the way she was wobbling, was carrying more than was humanly possible. Ruby tried to step aside to avoid bumping into her, but the person wound up tripping over Ruby's foot and went crashing to the floor along with their crates, spilling the contents onto the floor.
2:14pm
Meeting the Ginger
"Oh no!" said Ruby, putting Eevee down to help the customer up. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay," said the ginger. "Totally my fault. Actually, I'm sure it was my arch-enemy's fault."
"Um...arch-enemy?"
Jaune ran over to help pick up the dropped items, and noticed how there were a lot of poffins from those crates.
"This is a lot of poffins," said Jaune. "Like, more than any person needs really."
"This almost looks like the store's entire stock," said Ruby.
"That's because it is," said the ginger. "I need every edge I can get for the upcoming contest tomorrow!"
"You seriously need this amount of poffins?"
"I do if I want to win at the Master Rank!"
Ruby and Jaune picked up the loose poffins and put them back in the crates. The ginger took out one to give to Ruby.
"Thanks for the help. As a token of my appreciation, have one on the house!"
"Thank you," said Ruby. Eevee immediately jumped up and grabbed the poffin to feast on. "I'm Ruby."
"I'm Nora! So what brings you to town?"
2:16pm
Enter Nora Valkyrie
"I was going to compete for a badge, but the leader is Arceus knows where. So are you one of those contest enthusiasts?"
"Enthusiast is too light of a word! I love competing in contests about as much as I love battling, and I LOVE battles!" Nora grabbed one of her Poké Balls and held it close to Ruby. "Feel like going for a quick match?"
"Um, no thanks!" said Ruby, kind of startled by this trainer's enthusiasm. "I'm saving my Pokémon's strength for the gym battles. So tell me more about this Master Rank Contest."
"Well, as the name implies, Master Rank is the highest rank of contests. Winning at that rank proves that you are ultimately the best of the best; it's the equivalent of winning the Pokémon League Championship!"
"I'm not sure I'd go that far. I mean to win the championship you have to fight gym leaders and the Elite Four, and contests you just have to show up and-"
"Are you saying contests don't require effort?" yelled Nora, suddenly going from happy to angry in a millisecond. Ruby was frightened by this trainer's wild mood swings.
"No, not at all!" said Ruby.
"Good!" said Nora, going back to being happy. "Because trust me, it takes a LOT of effort to stand a chance in the Master Rankings, especially when you have to deal with my arch-nemesis!"
"Who is this nemesis exactly?"
2:18pm
Enter Nora's Rival, Scarlet David
Right on cue, the doors of the Pokémon Center opened and in walked Nora's rival, being followed by a couple of paparazzi taking pictures of him. The boy had dark red hair growing out of one side of his head, and wore a jacket hanging over his shoulders. This was the boy known as Scarlet David, Nora's rival and master of contests.
"Okay, that's enough pictures for now," said Scarlet. "Wait, maybe just one more!" Scarlet turned to the paparazzi and struck a pose. The paparazzi took as many pictures as they could before leaving.
"Who's that?" asked Ruby.
"Scarlet David," growled Nora. "That's my rival!"
"You really don't like that guy. What exactly is the beef between you two?"
"He and I are always competing in the same contests, and no matter how hard I train, he beats me every single time! There's nothing I'd love more than to finally take that pompous pretty-boy down a peg!"
The way Nora talked about Scarlet made it sound like he was the equivalent of Weiss, and if he was anything like her, Ruby would understand why Nora hated him so much. Scarlet went up to the nurse and asked for one of his Pokémon.
"Looks like he's asking for his Pokémon!" said Nora. "I bet it's for the Pokémon he's going to use for tomorrow's contest! This is perfect; I can find out what he's planning ahead of time! Quick, everyone hide!"
Nora crouched behind her crates of poffins in order to not be seen. Ruby and Jaune didn't understand what Nora was doing, but hid behind her crates as well; the nurse returned with Scarlet's Pokémon.
"Thank you madam," said Scarlet. Scarlet opened his Poké Ball and out came a Pokémon that looked like a giant pink egg with wings.
"Blissey!" cheered the Pokémon.
"How's my cutey feeling?" asked Scarlet, taking out a brush and combing Blissey's hair. "All healthy and ready to win tomorrow's contest?"
"Blissey!" happily replied Blissey.
"We'll see about that. Time for our stretches!" Scarlet and Blissey's routine consisted of stretching their arms up and down, then lifting each of their legs as high as they could, then doing a little spin before extending their arms out in a pose. "Arms up, arms down! Touch the sky, touch your toes! Lift your left, now the other, turn around, and pose! Repeat!" Scarlet and Blissey continued their exercise, staying perfectly synced all the way. Jaune was even starting to hum Scarlet's exercise song.
"You know, he doesn't seem that bad of a guy," said Ruby.
"That's because you haven't actually talked to him yet," said Nora. "I'm telling you, the moment he opens his mouth, you'll quickly learn why he's such a jerk!"
After Scarlet and Blissey finished their exercise routine, Scarlet took out a berry and fed it to Blissey. "That was marvelous Blissey! Tomorrow's contest should be a cakewalk for you!"
Scarlet and Blissey were walking out of the Pokémon Center when Scarlet suddenly stepped on something and made a loud squish sound. Scarlet looked down and saw his boot covered in pink goop from one of the poffins Nora dropped.
"Oh my! It seems somebody left a poffin on the floor. What kind of ill-mannered rascal leaves their litter lying about?"
"Try watching where you're going next time!" yelled Nora. Ruby was dumbfounded as to why Nora decided to yell when she wanted them to hide. Scarlet turned to see Nora and sighed.
2:21pm
A Bitter Rivalry: Nora and Scarlet
"Of course. I should have known this was the work of the uncouth Nora Valkyrie. Still bitter about today's loss I assume?"
"Just you wait Scarlet! Tomorrow will be the day I finally defeat you! Then we'll see who's bitter about losing!"
While Nora started to laugh maniacally, Ruby went up to Scarlet to apologize.
"Hi, I'm Ruby," said Ruby. "Sorry about the poffin."
"Now now, accidents do happen," said Scarlet, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the poffin off his boot. "Then again, who knows what was an accident or not with that nutty bat."
"Who are you calling nutty, you pretentious snob?" replied Nora.
"What else do you call someone who..." Scarlet suddenly stopped when he noticed an Eevee standing next to Nora. "Excuse me, whose Pokémon is that?"
"That would be me," said Ruby.
2:24pm
Ruby meets Scarlet
"Would you mind if I examined your Pokémon for a moment?"
"Um...okay?"
Scarlet went over to observe Eevee up close. He took out a magnifying glass and got a closer look at Eevee's tail and fur, then took one of Eevee's legs and gently squeezed it to feel her muscles.
"I must say, your Eevee is simply adorable!" said Scarlet. "Nicely groomed tail, excellent toned legs, and a well-trimmed coat of fur. Have you thought about entering her into a Pokémon Contest?"
"Thanks, but not really. I'm more focused on getting into the Pokémon League."
"No reason you can't do both! I have no doubt that with the right moves; this Eevee can easily win a Cute Contest."
Eevee turned and blushed at Scarlet complimenting her. Hearing Scarlet claim Eevee can win a contest, Nora suddenly came up with a plan to finally beat Scarlet.
"Is that so?" said Nora. "Well guess what? We're going to enter Eevee into tomorrow's contest!"
"Wait, what?" asked Ruby.
"Eevee?" said Eevee, confused as to what Nora was claiming.
"Now wait a minute," said Scarlet. "As cute as that Eevee is, it still has a long way to go before it can compete on a Master Rank level."
"Sounds like someone who's scared of losing their perfect record!" exclaimed Nora.
2:27pm
Annoyance + Permittance
"Nora, I have no doubt I may one day perhaps lose my perfect record, but I sincerely doubt it will be at the hands of a loudmouth like you."
"Who are you calling loudmouth, you arrogant jerk?"
"You're right; loudmouth is too kind of a word, you ogreish scalawag!"
"Time out!" said Ruby. "First of all, I think everyone here needs to calm down. Secondly, I never agreed to enter Eevee into a contest on your behalf."
"Please Ruby!" said Nora. "Can I borrow your Eevee just for tomorrow?"
"If I had the time I would help, but tomorrow I have to leave to find a city with a gym leader since this one's absent. So unless you know where I can find the gym leader-"
"I know exactly where the gym leader is!" interrupted Nora.
"You do?"
"I really do! Have your Eevee help me win the contest tomorrow and I can get you set up to face the gym leader!"
"In that case, all we need now is Eevee's permission. Do you want to compete in a contest Eevee?"
"[Yep!]" said Eevee, nodding in approval.
"Then it's settled!" said Nora. "Our Eevee is going to out-cute your Blissey!"
"Very well Nora," said Scarlet. "If you want to simply give away another victory to me, I won't stop you. Come along Blissey, let's go over our egg routine one more time." Scarlet and Blissey left the Pokémon Center, with Nora making faces behind their backs.
"Are you sure we should be helping her?" whispered Jaune.
"I know she's a bit hyperactive," replied Ruby, "but it if helps me find the gym leader, I'm willing to put up with it for at least a day."
"All right!" said Nora. "We have a lot of work ahead of us and not much time to waste! The first thing we need to do is find an outfit for Eevee to wear! Something that says she's cute but dignified!"
"How is dressing up a Pokémon dignified?" asked Jaune.
"Just roll with it," said Ruby.
Roseus City: Streets, 2:30pm
Low-Profile Sneaking
While that trio was at the Pokémon Center, another familiar trio arrived in Roseus City: Roman Torchwick and the two cohorts he was now forced to get along with. They all wore hoodies and sunglasses to disguise themselves from the public.
"If my hunch is correct," said Emerald, "the brats should be in this city by now. Odds are they'll be at the city's gym getting a league badge; it'll be the perfect time to observe what they're capable of."
"So remind me why we have to sneak around in these stupid disguises and observe these brats rather than just confront them already?" asked Mercury.
"Because the last time we tried to confront them, we lost! Besides, you should know that in order to take down a threat, you first need to analyze their weaknesses. For someone who claims to be a mercenary, you're not very good at the basics."
"Because I never needed to do any of this boring stuff to get the job done! I go in, beat people up, and take their stuff, done. Would have been able to do that already if I wasn't saddled with you and the screw-up."
"Well if I didn't have to be saddled with you and the screw-up, we would have dealt with these brats already!"
"And if I didn't have to be saddled with you two squabblers," said Torchwick, "I would have peace of mind!"
The three of them were about to go at each other's throats until they noticed their arguing was attracting the attention of some of the people in public. They quickly calmed down and tried to avert their gazes elsewhere.
"We're keeping a low profile until we know exactly what we're dealing with," said Emerald. "Now let's head to the center to find out where the gym is, and be sure to keep an eye out in case they show up."
"You mean like right now?" asked Mercury, pointing down the block. The trio looked down the block and noticed Ruby and Jaune walking by.
"Quick, turn around and pretend you don't see them!"
Roseus City Shop, 2:34pm
Dress Choices
The trio turned and stared into the window of a nearby shop as Ruby and her friends walked right past the White Fang. As they walked past, the White Fang overheard their conversation.
"We'll dress Eevee up like a baby!" said Nora. "People love babies!"
"You are not putting Eevee in a diaper," said Ruby. Eevee quickly nodded in agreement.
"How about a wedding dress?" asked Nora. "Nothing says cute like a blushing bride!"
"Aren't wedding dresses really expensive though?" asked Jaune.
"You're right, bad idea! I say we hit the toy store and find inspirational cute things! This way!" Nora pointed in the opposite direction and headed towards the way they just came, causing Jaune to sigh.
"You sure signing up for this contest was a good idea?" asked Jaune.
"It'll be fine," said Ruby. "Besides, the dressing up part kind of sounds like fun."
As soon as the trio was out of sight, the White Fang discussed what they overheard.
2:35pm
Overhearing Conversation
"They're competing in a contest," said Mercury. "Wonder what this contest could be about?"
"Whatever it is, we'll need to see it ourselves," said Emerald.
"I wouldn't bother," said Torchwick. "I've heard about these 'contests;' they're just glorified beauty pageants. Whatever little red is up to, it's not going to be important."
"If they weren't so important, why would she decide to enter one then? There has to be more to this contest than we think!"
"I think you're taking this too seriously."
"For once he's right," said Mercury. "Do we really have to go see one of these things just because the kid is involved?"
"On second thought," said Emerald, "we shouldn't just see this contest...I should enter it myself!"
"Okay," said Torchwick, "first of all, what about the whole keeping a low profile argument you just made?"
"Technically you're the one on the wanted list; most of the rangers don't even know who I am, so I should be just fine."
"Second of all, if you entered one of these stupid contests, you'd rank at the very bottom."
"You think I'm not capable of winning some absurd beauty pageant?"
"I don't think so; I know so."
"Watch me! I'll enter my Weavile into whatever competition they have and win it easily!"
"Are you serious?" asked Mercury. "We really have to go to one of these things?"
"The boss wants us to track down that trainer at all times! I'm going to enter this contest and stop little red from winning!"
Contest Private Studio; 2:38pm
Contest Practice
After finally finding the outfit Nora wanted for Eevee, they went to Nora's private studio to start training for the contest. Nora and Ruby sat in the makeshift audience section while Jaune was on stage pretending to be a judge.
"Now the key to winning these contests is to come up with the right moves to impress the judges!" said Nora. "After looking over the moves of Eevee and Blissey, I believe I've come up with the perfect set of moves to win us that ribbon!"
"Are you sure?" asked Ruby.
"I'm positive! Okay Jaune, start the introduction!"
Jaune pulled out his index cards with his script. "We will now begin the appeal portion of our contest. Our first contestant is Nora's Eevee."
"That's your cue, Eevee!" Eevee ran out from the side of the room onto the stage.
"Oh my, what a lovely Eevee," said Jaune, still reading from the cards. "I wonder what awesome move Eevee will perform first?"
"Now Eevee, show me some Tail Whip!"
Eevee turned around and performed her Tail Whip, waving her tail back and forth in a mesmerizing fashion. Ruby started to applaud for Eevee.
"My, that Tail Whip looks so cute," said Jaune. "What a great start-"
"CUT!" interrupted Nora. "I change my mind! That Tail Whip is simply not going to do!"
"Why not?" said Ruby. "I thought it looked just fine."
"Just fine is okay if you're competing on the amateur circuit! Tail Whip is too dull! Any Pokémon can perform that technique! We need to go with something more unique, like say...Baby-Doll Eyes! All right, start over from the beginning!"
Eevee left the stage as everyone got back into place.
"Our first contestant is Nora's Eevee," said Jaune again. Eevee ran out onto the stage like before. "Oh my, what a lovely-"
"CUT!" interrupted Nora again.
"What's wrong now?" asked Ruby.
"We can't be running out to the stage like that! Remember, this is the CUTE Contest we're participating in! Eevee, you have to be walking delicately so the audience knows you're trying to be cute!"
"But aren't the judges supposed to be the ones to determine that?" asked Jaune.
"In Pokémon Contests, EVERYONE is a judge! Everyone will be looking at you and reacting to your every move!"
"So do I have to still be up here or-"
"Places everyone!" Eevee rolled her eyes and went back to her initial position.
"Here's Nora's Eevee," said Jaune. This time Eevee skipped lightly onto the stage, earning Nora's approval so far. "What will Eevee's first move be?"
"Eevee, show off your Baby-Doll Eyes!" commanded Nora. Eevee turned to Jaune and used her Baby-Doll Eyes.
"My that Tail Whip...I mean, Baby-Doll Eyes look cute?"
"YES!" shouted Nora. "That was perfect Eevee! Let's take a quick meal break and then work on our entire routine!" Nora brought out a big bowl of poffins to feed to Eevee. Eevee was about to dive in and start eating when Ruby suddenly grabbed the bowl away from her.
2:41pm
Feeding with Poffins + Sheen Increase
"Should Eevee really be eating so many poffins?" asked Ruby. "This amount of sweets can't be good for her."
"We can't take any chances. We need to boost her sheen as much as possible."
"What good is 'sheen' and all this other stuff if Eevee is sick to her stomach the next day? I'll let her have a few, but that's it."
"But Ruby, if Eevee doesn't have the right amount of sheen, we won't be able to win! And if I don't win, you won't be able to face this city's gym leader!"
"Gym leader or not, Eevee is still my Pokémon and I'm not going to let you upset her diet just to win a contest."
"Fine; I'll give Eevee just a couple poffins. But we're not leaving here until our routine is perfect!"
"Deal," said Ruby. Ruby took out a few poffins and handed them to Eevee. They spent the rest of the night doing their routine over and over until Nora believed they finally had the right moves to win against Scarlet and Blissey.
25 minutes later…
Roseus Contest Hall, 3:06pm
Overview: The Contest Hall
The contest hall was quickly filling up with spectators wanting to see if Scarlet would be able to make it five for five once again. Scarlet had obtained such popularity amongst the contest crowd that his appearances this week caused tickets to see the show instantly sell out, for a lot of people wanted to be there the day the champion finally lost.
"I've never seen so many people gather for something like this," said Ruby. "It's almost like watching a Pokémon Championship match!"
"For us contest enthusiasts," said Nora, "every Master Rank contest is like a championship match, especially when that presumptuous jerk Scarlet is involved! But today is the day when Nora Valkyrie finally one-ups her long-time nemesis! To the registration booth!"
Roseus Contest Hall Registration Booth, 3:09pm
Nora and Ruby meet Scarlet
Nora and Ruby headed to the registration booth, where Scarlet was already registering with Blissey by his side.
"Hello ladies," said Scarlet. "Still going with your Eevee to win?"
"You darn right we are!" said Nora, heading to the booth and signing all the necessary paperwork. While Nora was busy, Scarlet went up to Ruby.
"As much as I doubt your chances, I still wish you the best of luck in today's contest. May the cutest Pokémon win!"
"Likewise," replied Ruby, shaking Scarlet's hand. Blissey and Eevee nodded to each other as a sign of good will as well.
Roseus Contest Hall – Registration Desk, 3:11pm
Registration
As the three of them went to the dressing rooms for the contestants, Emerald and her still disguised cohorts arrived at the booth to sign up for the contest.
"Name?"
"Jade Celadon," said Emerald.
"Pokémon to be entered?"
"My Weavile."
"Pardon? Did you say a Weavile?"
"You have a problem with that?" yelled Emerald. She was not in a good mood thanks to Mercury and Torchwick talking earlier about how this was a bad idea and she had no chance of winning.
"No problem at all! We just need to see your Ultra Rank ribbon."
"My what?"
"You do know you can only enter the Master Ranking by obtaining an Ultra Rank ribbon first, right?"
"Oh, of course! I just...happen...to..." Emerald was quickly trying to come up with an excuse before she got busted. Mercury and Torchwick were smiling, hoping this was their chance to not have to watch this contest.
"Actually, that won't be necessary," said one of the judges, instantly killing Mercury and Torchwick's hopes. "Just sign here and you're in."
"Really? Well thank you." Emerald signed the paperwork and headed for the dressing room.
"Why did you let her sign without the proper credentials?" asked the other judge.
"Because between Scarlet and Nora, we're lucky anyone wants to step up and participate. Remember how hard it was yesterday to find a fourth?"
"Good point."
Roseus Contest Hall: Dressing Room A, 3:14pm
Dressing Choices for Eevee
Each contestant participating in a contest had their own dressing room to dress up and model with their Pokémon in privacy. As Ruby was brushing Eevee's fur, Nora reached into her shopping bag and pulled out Eevee's costume: A Vacuo style Kindergarten uniform, consisting of a yellow-rimmed hat and a baby blue buttoned shirt, re-sized to fit Eevee.
"Now should we go with the little red backpack, or the yellow carrier bag?" asked Nora.
"I'm not sure," said Ruby. "What do you think, Eevee?"
"[There!]" said Eevee, pointing to the backpack.
"That's what I was going to choose!" said Nora. "We're like two beans in a string!"
"Don't you mean two peas in a pod?" asked Ruby.
"Peas, string beans, same thing!"
Roseus Contest Hall: Dressing Room B, 3:15pm
Training and Boredom
While Ruby and Jaune tried to make sense of Nora's idioms, Emerald was having her Weavile practice its moves. Mercury and Torchwick were standing around bored out of their minds.
"Is there any reason for us to be here?" asked Torchwick.
"If not for the boss making me work with you, no," said Emerald. Torchwick was going to reply when an announcement was being made on the loudspeaker.
"Attention participants! The Visual Competition will begin in fifteen minutes! Please have your outfits ready five minutes before curtain time!"
3:16pm
Emerald's Outfit Choices + Consequences
"We're supposed to have outfits?" asked Emerald.
"Outfits?" said Torchwick. "In a beauty pageant? Color me shocked!"
"Now is not the time for your nonsense! We need an outfit for Weavile now!" Emerald quickly looked around the room to think of stuff to give to Weavile, and noticed Torchwick still had his original outfit on. "Torchwick, I'll need your cane and hat!"
"Oh no! After all the things you've called me, you expect me to help you?"
"You either help me win this contest or I call the boss to tell her how you screwed up yet again!"
"Nice try amateur! I can tell when you're bluffing!"
"You sure about that?"
Emerald pulled out her scroll and pulled up Cinder's contact information, hovering her finger over the dial button. Torchwick started to sweat but didn't think Emerald would push the button. Since Torchwick refused to give up his stuff, Emerald pressed the button and contacted Cinder.
"Fine!" interrupted Torchwick. "Here's my hat and cane!" Emerald immediately hung up and took Torchwick's prized possessions. "Just don't get them messed up."
15 minutes later
Roseus Contest Hall: Auditorium, 3:30pm
Contest Start
All the non-contestants reported to the auditorium for the start of the contest. Ruby and Jaune sat in the front row while Mercury and Torchwick tried to hide towards the back section. The lights dimmed as the spotlights and the loud cheery music came on, exciting everyone else in the audience.
Roseus Contest Hall: Judges' Seats Corner, 3:31pm
Meet the Judges
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Pokémon, welcome to the Roseus City Pokémon Contest! Today will be the final day of our Master Rank Contests Week as we determine who is the cutest of the Cute! I'm your host, Meg Turney, and joining me for this contest today is one of Vale's Pokémon Elite Four, Peter Port!"
"It's great to be here Meg!" said Port. "What many people don't know is that outside of being an Elite Four trainer, I too have entered in my fair share of Pokémon Contests! I remember my first contest like it was yesterday! I had entered my Geodude into a Tough Contest, and also Aerodactyl into a Cool Contest, thanks to its Aerodactylite and my trusty Key Stone: 'Mega Lapel!' Everyone thought I was crazy to do so! 'What's so tough about a big rock' they would ask me. But I silenced those critics-"
"That's great Port, and I'd love to hear more, but I believe our contestants are ready to begin!"
Roseus Contest Hall: Auditorium, 3:33pm
Introduction of Contestants + Visual Competition
The lights went out as one spotlight shined on the left most side of the stage where the Pokémon would come out.
"Our first contestant is Lindsay and her Pokémon, Azurill!"
"I've heard many positive things about this trainer; let's see what she's got!"
Azurill came out wearing a bathing suit while its big tail was painted to look like a beach ball. The crowd started to cheer as Azurill bounced around on stage.
"What an adorable idea of using Azurill's big, bouncy tail!" said Meg.
"The crowd certainly approves!" noted Port.
"Our second contestant is Nora and her Pokémon, Eevee!"
"Nora is a personal favorite of mine! I have no doubt she has something spectacular planned!"
Azurill stood towards the back as Eevee made her way out on stage. She walked out in her Kindergarten uniform, then sat down and waved one paw to wave to the audience. The audiences were cheering even louder than they did for Azurill, bringing a big smile to Ruby's face.
"Nothing says cute like a traditional children's uniform!" said Meg.
"And the crowd simply adores it!" said Port. Backstage, Nora was excited to see Eevee get a good reaction.
"That was perfect Eevee!" said Nora. "Let's see Scarlet top that!"
"Our third contestant is Scarlet and his Pokémon, Blissey!" said Meg.
"What will the contest champion dazzle us with today?" asked Port.
As soon as Blissey skipped out on stage, Nora nearly flipped, and Ruby suddenly had a bad feeling about Eevee's chances. Blissey was wearing a High School Sailor Fuku.
"Oh no!" said Ruby. "He came up with a school uniform idea too?"
"And from the sound of the crowd," said Jaune, "he's doing it better."
Blissey danced around on stage like it was a cheerleader. Just about everyone in the crowd was cheering for Blissey, easily taking the lead in the visual competition.
"Blissey captures the true spirit of a cute high school student!" said Meg.
"The entire crowd is roaring with applause!" said Port.
"Finally, our fourth contestant is Jade and..." Meg stopped when she noticed the Pokémon Jade was using and whispered off-hand to Port. "Is this right? A Weavile?"
"I thought the same thing, but it's not a mistake. Perhaps she'll surprise us."
"I doubt it, but okay." Meg cleared her throat and went back on the mike. "As I was saying, our fourth contestant is Jade and her Pokémon, Weavile!"
Weavile came out wearing Torchwick's hat and cane. Weavile spun the cane around and then struck a pose pointing to the audience. What soon followed was dead silence as nobody thought what Weavile was doing would be considered cute. The other contestants were confused as to what Weavile was trying to pull off.
"A noble effort by our up-and-comer, wouldn't you say Meg?" asked Port.
"Er, yes! Noble indeed!" replied Meg.
Roseus Contest Hall: Audience Seats Section, 3:40pm
Shady Suspicion
"I guess this means neither you nor that Weavile are cute," said Mercury.
"I'm not sure if I should be happy or angry about that," remarked Torchwick.
"Hey Ruby," said Jaune, "is it me or have we seen that Weavile before?"
"You're right," said Ruby. "That hat and cane look very familiar." Ruby looked over to the side and noticed Emerald standing backstage. "Jaune, that's one of the members of the White Fang!"
"The White Fang? Why are they entering a contest?"
"Beats me, but we have to warn Nora!"
Back to Roseus Contest Hall Auditorium, 3:43pm
Introduction of Appeal Round
"That will do for our visual competition!" announced Meg. "Stay tuned as we get the stage ready for our appeal round!"
As the production crew was making changes to the set, Ruby ran backstage to talk to Nora.
Roseus Contest Hall Backstage, 3:44pm
Suspicion and Mystery
"Nora, I have to tell you something urgent!
"I know, I know!" said Nora. "Scarlet had to have been spying on us when-"
"Forget about Scarlet! Nora, that girl who said she's 'Jade Celadon' is actually a member of the White Fang!"
"A gang of Pokémon criminals in a contest? That sounds...exciting!"
"Excited is not how I would feel. When they're involved, something bad is bound to happen."
"Don't worry Ruby. If she tries anything afoul, I'll get my Pokémon to break her legs! Criminals can't run on broken legs!" Nora laughed at the thought of breaking criminal legs. Ruby and Eevee were almost terrified at Nora's proposal.
"You seem to have everything under control. I'll be in the front row just in case." Ruby sat back in the front row, now more worried for the White Fang.
Roseus Contest Hall Auditorium, 3:47pm
Appeal Round 1
With the stage now expanded for the Pokémon to show off their moves, the Pokémon took center stage as the competitors stayed towards the back where they would be giving orders.
"We're a few moments away from our Appeal Competition!" announced Meg. "Before we begin, the judges have calculated the scores based on audience approval. Currently ranked in first after receiving 99% approval is Scarlet and Blissey. In second place is Nora and Eevee, receiving 86% approval. In third place is Lindsay and Azurill, receiving 72% approval. And in last place is Jade and Weavile, receiving...well...no approval."
"Quite a gap, but I'm sure Weavile will make a great comeback!" said Port. "Nobody thought I had a chance of making a comeback when my Mareep lost its fur and didn't impress anybody during the Beautiful Contest! But my Mareep stood tall and showed the world that beauty is truly-"
"As I was saying, Weavile will get to go first in the opening round. Let's see what amazing moves this underdog is capable of!" Weavile took the center stage, ready to begin.
3:50pm
Appeal Round 2
"Weavile, start off with Hone Claws!" commanded Emerald. Weavile rubbed its claws together and sharpened them to a shiny, clean cut; the judges were impressed.
"A nice move to start things off! Next up this round is Azurill!"
"Okay Azurill, dazzle them with Water Gun!" said Lindsay. Azurill sprayed water into the air like a fountain, impressing the judges a lot.
"Azurill's really impressed the judges! Now it's Eevee's turn!"
"Eevee, show off your Sand Attack!" said Nora. Eevee turned around and kicked up a lot of the dust on stage; the judges were amazed at the way she was able to kick the dust straight up.
"Who knew that sand could look so cute? And finally, here's Blissey!"
"All right Blissey, show'em your Growl!" said Scarlet. Blissey went up and Growled in a loud yet sweetening voice that enamored the judges along with a majority of the audience.
"Oh man," said Ruby, "that Blissey is good. I hope Nora knows what she's doing."
"A great start to the competition!" announced Meg. "After the judges jot down the final scores, we'll determine the turn order for Round Two!"
The turn order was displayed on the monitor hanging above the stage; from first to last was Weavile, Blissey, Eevee, and then Azurill.
"Now Weavile, show them your Metal Claw!" Weavile slashed the air multiple times, showing off its precision and speed. As good as the move looked, the judges didn't like what they saw. Emerald could overhear some audience members question her choices, enraging her worse than she already was.
"Blissey, do the Defense Curl!" Blissey curled up its arms and legs to make it look like a perfect oval, which definitely delighted the judges.
"They hate my claw attack but swoon over that stupid egg pose?" thought Emerald.
"They think that's cute?" asked Nora. "Eevee, unleash your Baby-Doll Eyes!" Eevee went up to the judges and stared at them with her big, teary eyes. The judges and nearly everyone in the audience loved it; Emerald on the other hand wanted to throw up.
"Azurill, time for Tail Whip!" Azurill bounced off its tail and waved it slowly back and forth in the air. The audience reaction was getting higher and higher with every move performed.
3:53pm
Appeal Round 3
"At this rate, I'd say it's anybody contest!" said Port. "Time for Round 3! The first turn goes to Eevee!"
"Perfect!" said Nora. "Eevee, Charm the judges!" Eevee gave the judges a bright smile while chanting her name, ending with a big wink of one of her eyes. The audience was reaching their peak of excitement. Azurill was to go up next, but started shaking nervously from the pressure the audience's attention was giving off.
"C'mon Azurill, do your Bounce!" Azurill was about to start bouncing, but chickened out and ran back to Lindsay at the last second.
"Oh no!" said Port. "Azurill looks to have been startled! That will definitely handicap Lindsay's chances of winning. Now let's see what Blissey will do!"
"All right Blissey," said Scarlet, "time to start our fabulous egg combo! Commence Soft-Boiled!" Blissey focused her energy towards her stomach and popped out a giant egg from its egg sack. Blissey held the egg up high for everyone to see.
"Quite a feat from Blissey! Finally, it's Weavile's turn!"
"They think a giant egg is impressive?" said Emerald. "Weavile, Feint Attack!" Weavile slowly walked to the judges, then suddenly appeared in front of them and slashed the air with her claws. The judges were somewhat impressed, but their reaction was nothing compared to the earlier moves.
"Weavile still seems to be falling behind," said Port, "but we've still got two more rounds to go so it's still anybody's contest!"
After the judges finished their scoring, the turn order for round four would be Azurill, Blissey, Eevee, then Weavile.
3:57pm
Appeal Round 4
"Azurill, use Bubble!" Azurill calmed its nerves and returned to the center stage, blowing bright bubbles into the air. The judges loved the bubbles, putting Azurill back in the running. As Blissey was heading to the center stage for her move, Nora bent down to whisper to Eevee.
"If Blissey is going to do what I think she'll do, wait for my signal and use Covet, got it?" Eevee nodded in response.
"Blissey, time to show them what true cuteness looks like!" said Scarlet. "Bring forth the Egg Bomb!"
"Scarlet is about to pull off a combo move!" said Meg. "This might be what clinches his victory!"
Blissey took the egg she made from her previous move and tossed it high into the air. The audience held its breath, waiting to see what Blissey was going to do next.
"Now Eevee!" shouted Nora. As the egg was coming down, Eevee suddenly ran up the stage and jumped high, nabbing the egg in mid-air before Blissey can catch it and complete her move. Eevee landed with the egg and started to play around with it like a ball, causing the audience to erupt in cheers.
"Unbelievable!" said Port. "Eevee used Covet to nab the egg before Blissey can finish its move! The audience is going nuts for Eevee!"
"I think Eevee might actually win this!" shouted Ruby, barely able to hear herself from the audience's cheering. Even Scarlet was impressed by Eevee's move.
"The audience has reached their peak!" said Meg. "Let's see if Weavile can capitalize on this!"
"They think that was good? Weavile, Night Slash!" commanded Emerald. Weavile slashed the air, leaving a dark air trail from its claws. The audience suddenly went from cheering to moaning at seeing Weavile's move.
"Another poor choice by our struggling contestant," said Meg. Seeing everybody turn on her caused Emerald to finally lose her patience.
4:00pm
Contest Miscalculation
"This is ridiculous!" yelled Emerald. "My Weavile's moves are the best! What does it matter how flashy they're supposed to look?"
"Miss Jade," said Scarlet, "flashy moves are the entire point of contests. Surely this isn't your first time participating in one, is it not?"
"So what if it is?"
"Wait, you mean you...?"
"We're down to our final round!" said Port. "Our first Pokémon will be-"
4:02pm
Contest Interruption + Explanation
"Excuse me!" interrupted Scarlet. "I'd like to take a time out to discuss something with our misguided contestant over here!"
Everyone was confused as to why Scarlet suddenly wanted to stop, but the judges decided to grant him a minute.
"Miss Jade, do you even know the five categories that moves are broken down into?"
"What are you even talking about?"
"The different types of appeal a move can have? Tough, Cool, Cute, Clever, and Beautiful? You at least know about that, right?"
"Are you making fun of me or something?"
"So you really..." Scarlet tried to keep himself from laughing but couldn't help giggle at Emerald's response.
"What's so funny?"
"My apologies, but I've never seen anyone enter a high ranking contest without a clue about how contests work! Even the people who start out in the lower ranks have some basic knowledge of contest participation!"
"Are you calling me stupid?"
"Now now, stupid is too mean of a word. Besides, we've all made embarrassing decisions without knowing any better. How about you save yourself the trouble and drop out now?"
4:04pm
Commotion
"I've got a better idea! Weavile, Metal Claw this pretty boy's Blissey!"
Weavile ran up to Blissey and slashed her with its claws. Blissey toppled over after taking serious damage. The other trainers and Pokémon including Ruby ran up to check on Blissey as the audience was shocked by Emerald's actions.
"Miss Jade! What is the meaning of this?"
"I don't need these stupid contests, I don't need these stupid people's approval, and I certainly don't need advice from an ugly goof like you!"
Hearing Emerald's outburst caused Nora to gasp. "Oh no."
"What's wrong?" asked Ruby.
"She just called Scarlet the U word. Even I never went that far!"
Ruby looked over to Scarlet and noticed his eye twitching and teeth clenching.
"Did you...just call me...ugly?" asked Scarlet.
"Ugly is too modest," replied Emerald. "You look like-"
"NOW SEE HERE!" yelled Scarlet. "I have been called many negative things over the years! Pompous, arrogant, childish, buffoonish, overrated, stupid, jealous, annoying...and I simply ignore all that! But Miss Jade, you madam have crossed the line by calling me the one thing I pride myself in being anything but! No one, AND I MEAN NO ONE, gets away with calling me UGLY! Blissey, it's time to teach this rude rapscallion a lesson!"
Blissey suddenly popped back up and got into a fighting stance. The other trainers got their Pokémon ready to fight as well.
"Bring it on!" said Emerald. "I'll teach you vapid losers what Pokémon are really meant for!"
Roseus Contest Hall: Audience Seats, 4:07pm
Torchwick and Mercury's Escape Plan
"Looks like Emerald is starting a fight," said Mercury.
"She sure is," said Torchwick.
"Should we help her out?"
"I already helped by giving her my favorite hat and cane. I'll be waiting outside."
"Right behind you."
Roseus Contest Hall Auditorium, 4:08pm
Backup against Emerald
Weavile went after Blissey again with a Night Slash; Blissey used Defense Curl to protect herself from the attack. Azurill bounced over and shot Bubbles to slow Weavile down. Weavile turned its attention to Azurill and attacked Azurill with a Night Slash, dealing a serious amount of damage that nearly knocked Azurill out.
"HA!" said Emerald. "All looks and no skill! You trainers are pathetic!"
"And you're about to be no looks!" quipped Nora. "Eevee, Sand Attack!" Eevee turned around and kicked up fine-brown sand to blind Weavile; Weavile held up its arms to block the attack ahead of time.
"Is that all you got?"
"Eevee, Baby-Doll Eyes!" Eevee was confused as to why Nora asked her to do that move. "Trust me Eevee, it'll work!" Eevee turned back to Weavile and gave it the tearful eye look. The look caused Weavile and Emerald to laugh.
"You seriously think we're going to fall for that?" asked Emerald.
"No, but it did give Blissey enough time to stock up on her Egg Bombs."
"What?" yelled Emerald, turning around and noticing Blissey holding several eggs.
"Fire away, Blissey!" commanded Scarlet. Blissey threw all her eggs at Weavile, each egg exploding on impact. Weavile could hardly defend itself from the onslaught of egg bombs and took too much damage to keep fighting. Between three trainers and the security coming out to arrest Emerald, she knew it was time to call it quits.
"I've got better things to do than waste my time fighting you!" said Emerald, recalling Weavile and making a break for the nearest exit.
4:11pm
Contest Results
After the staff came out to heal everyone's Pokémon, the judges decided to announce the winner now due to the time wasted by Emerald fighting.
"The judges have tallied up the scores!" announced Port. "In fourth place...well, in third place, Lindsay Jones and her Azurill!"
"We'll get'em next time Azurill," said Lindsay as her and Azurill bowed to the audience.
"And now, the winner of the Master Rank Cute Contest is..." Ruby and Nora were crossing their fingers, hoping to hear it was Eevee.
"Nora Valkyrie and her Eevee!"
"YES!" shouted Nora. "I did it! I finally won a Master Rank! All thanks to you Eevee!" Nora picked up Eevee and gave her several kisses on the forehead. Ruby was relieved they won, meaning they were now one step closer to finding that gym leader.
Outside Roseus Contest Hall, 4:16pm
Nora's Contest Victory
With the contest over, Nora was being interviewed by the press while holding her newly acquired ribbon.
"I'd like to thank all the members of Team Nora who have supported me for so long, this little cutey for winning me that ribbon, and my best friend Lie Ren! Ren, if you're watching this, I finally did it!"
"Indeed you have," said Scarlet, appearing beside her. "Congratulations Nora; you finally bested me in a contest. Let's hope this wasn't a one-time fluke."
"It's only a matter of time before I beat you in every other contest!" Nora went back to her interview as Scarlet went up to Ruby.
"And congratulations to you Ruby. Your Eevee is amazing in more ways than one. You should take pride in raising such a strong yet beautiful Pokémon."
"I know we were trying to win," said Ruby, "but I'm sorry about the way you had to lose."
"Sorry for what? Your Eevee won the contest fair and square. I don't hold grudges for my losses, but I'll accept that as a lesson."
"But we still had at least one more round to go. That doesn't seem fair for you to lose your perfect streak because of that."
"Perhaps, but so it goes. All good things must come to an end. I'll just have to take solace in the fact I still win the other 99% of contests I enter. In honor of this great victory, I'd like to treat you all to a round of colorful berry shakes!"
"I humbly accept!" said Nora, now finished with her interview.
"Before we go," said Ruby, "there's something we need to take care of first."
"Oh, right, the whole gym leader thing! Don't worry about it."
"Nora, we had a deal! I'd prefer we found this gym leader now instead of later."
"Well, if it's that important to you, I'll let you know who the gym leader is. The gym leader you're looking for...IS ME!"
4:22pm
Revelation: Nora's Status as "Gym Leader"
It took Ruby a few seconds to take in what Nora suddenly announced.
"Wait, YOU'RE the gym leader?" asked Ruby. "The gym leader of Roseus City?"
"Yep!" said Nora. "Sorry I didn't tell you before, but I really wanted to win my first Master Rank contest! After we go out for shakes I'll have everything ready for our battle, okay?"
"So you tricked me...and we did all this..." Ruby was too shocked to realize what just happened. Jaune patted Ruby on the back to cheer her up.
"Look on the bright side," said Jaune. "Your Eevee is the cutest Pokémon in the world."
"Thanks...I guess."
Ending: With Nora's victory over Scarlet in the Contest after Emerald fled from making a commotion over the Contest, Ruby takes on a challenge: To beat the Gym Leader Nora Valkyrie herself.