We are back people! How is everyone? That was an action packed couple of chapters was it not? I certainly hope you all enjoyed it! Satoru has the next badge! So let's keep this gravy train rolling!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon! All of its characters and content are owned by Game Freak and Nintendo

Chapter 37: Contest Preparations

Tadashi and Clarice had gone back to Fallarbor Town and had been there since after the events at Mt, Chimney. It was the day before the contest and both of them were practicing their routines. It was a little difficult for Tadashi since he wasn't really one for these things. But Clarice had gotten him into it after they had left Kalos. Delphox was out and practicing her routine. She was using her psychic powers to manipulate the flames of her Mystic Fire around her body. She was still spinning her staff.

"Not bad Tadashi, have you worked anything else your yet?"

Tadashi frowned as he watched Delphox concentrating.

"No, not yet. Gardevoir almost has her Moon Blast routine done. She just needs a little work on manipulating them and she should be fine. It's taking a lot of work," Tadashi signed, watching as Delphox's Mystic fire flickered out. She frowned cutely at this.

"I see. Well, I am sure it will all turn out just fine. You work hard on just about everything you do so this should be no different."

Tadashi smiled softly and pulled Clarice in for a kiss. She smiled into their lips embrace and pulled back slowly.

"Thanks love," Tadashi smiled.

"You're welcome," Clarice giggled.

Clarice had become a bit more friendly after starting her dating experience with Tadashi. Last week had been his eighteenth birthday, marking year number two of them being together. And boy did she make her mark on him. That, in her mind, was an appropriately celebrate a boy becoming a man. She was still as crafty and feisty as ever though, especially in battle.

Every now and again their battles would end in either a double knockout or a win for one of them. They kept each other in shape as well. This was so they wouldn't get rusty. Yes, these two lovebirds went through thick and thin and always came out on top. But, that didn't mean they did not compete with each other.

"So, we have a day before the contest begins. What shall we do beforehand?" Clarice inquired.

Tadashi thought for a moment and came to a conclusion.

"Hmm...we could always go check out what Cozmo is up to. We do still have the meteorite after all..."

"I suppose we could see what it is. I've had a look at it and it does look rather peculiar. However, can we do that after the contest? I kinda wanna go for a swim or something."

"I suppose we could. Now that I think of it...we are not too far from Lavaridge Town. If I remember correctly, they have a hot tub,"Tadashi stated.

"That sounds great!"

Tadashi didn't need to say anymore after that. Skarmory was out and Clarice was already onboard. Tadashi sighed and released Charizard. He needed a break anyway do why not? The two soared off towards Lavaridge Town to enjoy a nice relaxing hot tub experience.

X-X-X

Satoru watched as Angie leapt off the high-dive, twisting gracefully in the air before executing an rip entry dive straight down into the water, making only a slight splash. It was beautifully executed from what Satoru could tell.

"Showing off as usual Angie?" Shelly laughed, taking her place on the board.

Angie rolled her eyes at Shelly and snickered.

"Says Miss I-can-do-a-perfect-open-pike-and-turn-it-into-a-twist-before-hitting-the water," Angie teased, watching as Shelly did just that and splashed Angie.

Shelly came up and laughed.

"Oh don't give me that Miss Superman!" Shelly retorted with a smirk.

Satoru looked over at Matt who looked just as lost.

"Don't be lookin' at me!" Matt laughed heartily.

"So, Angie. Which contest Are you entering? I hear there is one in Fallabor and another starting up in Lilycove. Planning on entering one of them?"

Angie nodded as she back stroked.

"I already entered the one in Fallabor. I stopped on my way to see Satoru's Gym battle and managed to squeeze in the last spot. I just made it."

"Awesome! Got a routine prepared? It is tomorrow after all."

"I do Shelly. Lopunny and I worked on a real show stopper!"

"Can't wait to see it then!" Shelly beamed.

Angie smiled softly and then looked over at Satoru. She wanted him to be there. It was only fair. She saw his Gym battles, he could see her contests. Of course, this meant she would need to pry him away from Matt which could take some doing. She wasn't completely in charge of him, otherwise he would have no say. He was on Matt's team and that was how it was. She was still miffed at that. She brought him in so why did Matt get him? At least she got to hang out with him whenever they weren't off on missions. In all honesty, she wasn't sure why she wanted him on her team so badly. Then again...none of his actions went unnoticed.

Angie, for whatever reason, felt like she wanted to know him better. He was a mystery and getting him to say anything at times was not easy. She still had a feeling he was still warming up to everyone. He couldn't blame him though. Seeing that he was seemingly distracted, she sent a splash his way to get his attention. The water hit him in the face and he deadpanned. A smirk crossed his features as he retaliated. Shelly joined in and all the while, none of them noticed the behemoth that was Matt, making his way to the edge of the high dive. Then he cannon-balled, right in the middle of the group.

There was a very loud SPLASH!

And we are coming up on a contest! This is just for fun. I wanted to try my hand at them and so I shall. This chapter was just another laid back one showing heroes and villains goofing off. Also, poor Angie, Shelly and Satoru...Matt's monstrous cannon balls are too strong. Side note: Angie is still mad about not getting charge of Satoru. Can't have everything right? Try telling her that and see if you don't end up in a Sharpedo tank...or in a knot...anyway, more to come on Rising!