Author's Note:
Here it is, and before we begin got a TL:DR for those who skipped last chapter. Max & Wally hung out, witnessed some battles before partaking in one themselves. With Walley's departure resulting in confusing feelings for Max. Serena had a birthday and took Ash to the showcase ball to celebrate. Drew cheated on May with Lisia at said ball and tried to gaslight not only May but also Serena into keeping her mouth shut. With the main rival for today's contest making a surprise appearance at the end of the chapter which brings us to this chapter. Now I do want to make something clear, simply because a lot of people were concerned about Max last chapter (mainly guest reviewers) I wanted to explain that he already had romantic tendencies (remember his crush on Serena?) and Wally is around his age, I would say only a couple months apart, which is similar to the age gap between Ash & Serena in this series. It's time for May's second shot at a fourth ribbon and her best rival has returned. Don't fight me on this, Harley is her best rival just for the sheer entertainment value. This is obviously going to carry on from the last chapter and better explore May's aftermath. We also get to see a shiny in this chapter and I made this particular Pokémon shiny because it's one of my favourite shinnies. Going back to playing emerald as a kid this was the first shiny, I found & caught, in full odds. On a side note, am I the only one who thinks shiny hunting ruins shiny Pokémon? I'm getting off topic. I just wanted to pay homage to my own first shiny in the series. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter Sixty-Three: Lilycove Contest: Harley Rides Again
May smiled as she watched her six Pokémon across the battlefields outside of the Pokémon centre. The stary night sky covered them as streetlights offered limited lights over the streets. The brightest source being from the centre behind them. Closing her eyes, she let the cool breeze blow over her skin as the rustling of the trees which decorated the streets echoed. Relaxing in the ambiance, she opened her eyes to focus on her team of six.
Beautifly and Bulbasaur were working on a performance mixing together the differing powders to make a colourful display. While her other four Pokémon faced off in a double battle format, on one side was Mightyena and Mawile while Spoink and Combusken were facing them.
To her side she saw Serena stood with a smile on her face. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she gave the smallest nod. Hiding her own smile, she turned to the fields and stepped forward, gathering all six of her teams attention.
"Alright guys." Her team stopped and moved in closer. She cast a glance over the top of them into the dark unknown before crouching down into the crowd of Pokémon. "So, tomorrow is the big day. I know your still new Bulbasaur but with Beautifly beside you, I know you'll do great. Spoink, Combusken, I hope you're ready for the battle round. Remember Spoink, you keep your distance and support Combusken as he takes the fight in."
She smiled as the six Pokémon nodded in agreement, her eyes continued to dart from her team to the overview of the dark surrounding area. A hand landed on her shoulder, and she turned to see Serena stood over her with a calm smile. Trying to match her relaxation, she stood back up.
"Okay, he's gone." Serena informed. "Why not confront Harley about watching your training?"
"Because he doesn't know that I know." She smiled. "And now he'll be ready to face Spoink and Combusken in the battle round."
The honey-blonde girl smirked as the dots connected for her. Looking in her eyes, she saw the clogs turning. Glancing to the side, she noticed Mightyena walking up and she subconsciously stroked his fur, which has become a bit of a soother for her.
"So do I get any idea about who you'll be using?" she asked.
"It's not the two pairs we just discussed." She smiled. "This time when I face Harley, he won't know what hit him."
"You sure this is just about Harley and the Verdanturf contest?" she asked.
"Don't you remember the story he played for the audience?" she asked, frowning, and tightening her fists.
"I do and it was a dirty win." She reassured, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But I also know we haven't talked about Drew since-"
"Don't," she growled, turning to the side.
"May." She sighed. "I can't begin to think about what you're going through, but you need to talk about it. Get it out in the open."
"Why do I?" she asked.
"Because if you don't get it out then it'll remain in you," she replied, "and negative stuff is like poison for the body. If you wanna scream or shout or whatever then I'm here to listen."
"I don't want to," she muttered, "I just want to win my fourth ribbon tomorrow and set off once more from this place."
"Just know that the offer is always open," she replied, "but you should be heading off to bed then. If you wanna win, then you'll need to be on your A-game. There's more than just Harley competing tomorrow."
Nodding in agreement, she watched the honey-blonde girl set off back into the centre. Watching her disappear inside the building, she felt the tear trickle down her cheek. She always said she couldn't return Brendan's feelings because if it turned bad then it would hurt too much... but after feeling Drew's betrayal, she couldn't deny the pain regardless. She opened herself fully to him and it turns out he didn't do the same in return.
A soft nudge on her hand and she saw Mightyena pushing in with his head. Offering her fully evolved dark type a small smile, she turned and recalled every other member of her team. Walking into the building with her bite Pokémon, she set off for her room.
The next morning, she found herself stood in the lobby of the contest hall. While it's only been about a week since the showcase, it's been one of the longest weeks of May's life. With a deep breath, she tried not to focus on the crowds of people filling the large building. This is arguably the biggest stadium she's performed in, but Slateport might give it some competition in that regard.
Regaining her composure, she turned to her friends and smiled as each of them wished her good luck. Taking a device off her belt, she turned to the honey-blonde girl and held it out in an open palm. "She wanted to watch and get a feel for contests. Would you mind?"
"Of course not." She smiled.
Taking the device out of her hand, she bid them goodbye once more. As she walked towards the backstage, she couldn't help but notice the interwind hands between Ash and Serena. Shaking her head, she focused on the path ahead. While they haven't changed anything in their behaviour, she couldn't help the anger bubbling up in her veins. The thought of herself walking beside Drew, hand in hand plastered the front of her head.
Blinking rapidly. She moved to an attached corridor and rested against the wall.
The image switched to one of Shauna and the Rustboro contest. She was horrible to her... questioned her integrity and motives... all because she took one person's word over another... and she tried to make something happen between Minun and his Plusle just because of their relationship.
Slipping down to the ground, she curled her legs up and sobbed into her knees. The cold floor and wall matching her feelings in the moment.
Something nudged her and she glanced up, but her eyes were blurry. Wiping them with her arm, she caught sight of Mightyena out of his Pokéball. His ears and eyes both dropped as he looked down. Slowly nudging her side some more, as if silently asking how she was.
Her frail lips managed a weak smile before dropping. This seemed to be enough to receive a lick on the cheek which brought the smile back stronger.
Wobbling slightly as she tried to stand back up, she used the wall for support. Her pure dark type moved to the side and her hand subconsciously reached for his head and ran through his tough fur. Occasionally, she'd brush and neaten up his look, but his playful and rough nature meant it wouldn't stay prim for long. The thought of him looking like a stylised show dog brought a stronger smile as a small giggle escaped her lips.
"Yena?" He tilted his head to the side whilst looking up with wide eyes.
"It's nothing..." She shook her head, unable to stop the giggles intensifying with his puppy-growlithe eyes. "I-I'm just being silly."
It was probably her imagination, but he seemed to shrug, and they just continued on in silence until reaching one of the waiting rooms. It was filled with trainers, who each seemed to have a Pokémon out. Some were brushing, or just chatting with them. She couldn't really be bothered to focus on any imparticular and silently made her way through the room, grabbing an empty seat as Mightyena sat in front of her, lying on his belly.
Sighing, the television screen mounted on the wall drew her attention. The screen played the opening title sequence used on every Hoenn contest. It cut to a shot of the audience as the camera spun around to the stage where Vivian stood with a single spotlight.
"Ladies, gentlemen and Pokémon of all species. Our lovely Lilycove contest is about to begin!" Vivian announced. "We have a wide selection of coordinator's from all over, who have come to compete for this. The Lilycove ribbon."
The ribbon in question was mainly dark purple fabric but with lighter indigo linings around the edge. A bright red pin held it together in the centre.
"A coordinator needs to earn five ribbons in order to compete in the Grand festival, where they'll compete to earn the title of top coordinator." She continued, with the crowd cheering in the background. "And deciding who'll make it through will be the work of our judges. Head of the contest committee is Mr Contesta."
A light appeared overhead, revealing the older man from the Slateport contest, in the usual red blazer, "I look forward to see what the seaside city has to offer."
"Next we have the president of the Pokémon fan club," she continued. With another light appearing over the middle seat, revealing the guy in the usual navy-blue suit, with a massive smile on his face. "Mr Sukizo."
"I'm sure our competitors will all be remarkable." He beamed.
"And finally, a special guest because she was in the area!" Vivian announced as the last seat lit up to reveal none-other than Phoebe. "Hoenn's princess of the paranormal, the ghost type specialist Phoebe Fuyou!"
"It's an honour to be here." She stood and bowed to the roaring crowd.
She couldn't help but smile at the sight of the Alolan-native sat back down. From what she heard from Max, she is the most social of Hoenn's elite four and does more special appearances like this than any other member. Just the idea she'll get to compete in front of someone like her.
"Now help me give a warm welcome to our first coordinator competing today!" Vivian announced. "From Slateport city it's Harley Hayden!"
Looking up to the screen she found Harley on the stage with two Pokéballs in hand. The field opened up to a wide pool area with several small platforms floating in the centre. While she knew it was an option for those wanting a water-based performance, she wondered who Harley would be using. Her question soon answered as the two Pokémon flashed onto the field, one diving under the water and out of sight. So, she focused on the one on the platform.
A familiar looking canine stood on all four legs. The body was mainly navy-blue if not black with a spiky, golden mane on the head and tufts of matching fur on the haunches, and around the front feet. His mane stuck straight up and had three points, brushed into perfect condition. A pointed snout stuck out of the face, but his jaw remained closed with frozen blue eyes which seemed to spark with electricity. Each paw had three claws. While the navy-blue, spike-like tail was bent at an angel. Pulling out her Pokédex, she tried to remember when she saw this Pokémon before:
Manectric, The discharge Pokémon. The final evolved form of Electrike. Manectric can be found beneath unnatural thunderclouds. People say it can run at the same speed as lightning striking. If under attack, they summon lightning storms to help fend their own territory
"I-it's a different colour," she gasped, putting the device down.
Despite the time which passed, the electric type hadn't moved a single muscle. The camera zoomed up to look directly into his eyes and she couldn't help but hold her breath. Even if just on the screen, it still felt like he was staring at her, daring some sort of movement.
The camera pulled back and revealed a dark cloud forming over the stage. Bolts of yellow lighting illuminated the stage by striking down all over the field.
Although the unrelenting stare from his Pokémon meant she couldn't tear her eyes away. Harley seemed to specialise in demanding attention on the stage.
A splash of water had his second Pokémon jump out. Performing leaps over the stage and through the lightning storm. She tried to get a good look at the second Pokémon. On he third leap, it landed right above Manectric, standing on two whiskers which attached to the face.
She gasped at the sight of the completely new species to her. Which seemed to be a fish-shaped Pokémon with a dark blue top and yellow underbelly. With the mouth open, she couldn't help but gasp at the size, emphasised by the large, light-blue lips which had two smaller, blue whiskers growing out from the lower ones. The two golden whiskers which were acting as legs were sticking out of his cheeks, with a marking on his forehead of the same colour which resembled the letter 'W'. A light blue dorsal-fin had a pattern of three spots arranged in a triangle, while the horizontal tail-fin lacked them. His pectoral-fins matched the main body colour. She used her device once more to scan the Pokémon:
Whiscash, The whiskers Pokémon. The final evolved form of Barboach. Strikes its caudal fin against the swamp bed to shake the ground and startle its prey. It will then swallow the fleeing prey whole. People mistook this behaviour as the cause of earthquakes
A massive bolt of lightning shot down and striked the whiskers Pokémon on the head. His body became illuminated by the shock as it travelled through his body. Although the discharge Pokémon remained unmoving despite the commotion above him.
The camera focused in on Whiscash's face. His eyes were narrowed, and lips dropped in a frown. With a deep breath, he let out a demanding roar.
Manectric seemed to reply with his own cry and blue sparks jumped off his body. Shooting straight up, the two opposing charges fighting over Whiscash's body.
"What a way to incorporate a ground types immunity into the show!" Vivian announced.
Pushing up through the whiskers, the water ground type went flying, performing several spins in the air. Blobs of brown mud spraying out in all directions.
As if military trained, Manectric sternly jumped across the platforms. Avoiding each mud bomb as they rained down, colouring the pool brown.
Whischash dived down into the pool and disappeared once more. Even the lightning strikes slowed, leaving an eerie silence over the entire stadium. A blast of water shot up from behind the canine and narrowly missed his mane as he remained rigid in his stance.
Waves of blue electricity surrounded the hydro pump. Lighting it up in both directions as it struck the black cloud from the start.
A fire of electricity spread over the clouds, allowing the stage lights through once more. While also setting the water on a sort of electrical fire.
Leaping into the air, both Pokémon flew to centre stage from opposite directions. Spinning around, Manectric sparked with electricity as Whischash let out a large icy breath. It seemed to strike the lightening ball and deflect downwards.
Freezing the entire field, sparkles of electricity reflected off the next display. Both Pokémon landed on the now frozen field and stood tall with Harley between.
"And finished." He bowed to the crowd.
A couple clasps creeped in until it a loud applause pleased the end of their performance. His two Pokémon moving directly beside him as the pool area closed up once more. With a spotlight on the three of them, the crowd quickly quietened down as the host made her way back to his side.
"Harley and his Pokémon certainly know how to make an impression!" Vivian announced. "So, let's see what our judges thought!"
"Both Pokémon remained on point and disciplined throughout!" Mr Contesta praised, "along with not relying on the shininess of a Pokémon to get away with a subpar performance. A good example of a trainer who put the work in before competing!"
"It was remarkable!" Mr Sukizo added, with his regular bright smile.
"While both Pokémon seemed scary, they were also very health," Nurse Joy added, "and certainly seemed to enjoy themselves."
She released a breath and collapsed into her seat as the teen left the stage. She caught a glance at the next coordinator but quickly lost focus as she turned to Mightyena, whose head rested on her lap. Offering a small smile, she stroked his fur in a comforting manner.
"What'cha think hun?"
She let out a low breath with her down-turned head. A sneaky side glance confirmed all she needed as she saw the green-spiky trousers belonging to the flamboyant rival. Rolling her eyes, she forced a smile onto her face and turned to face him.
"You did great, Harley," she beamed, "both Manectric and Whiscash were in total sync and worked well together."
"Those two are just lil dolls," he gushed, "I couldn't be prouder of them."
"Calling May Maple for the stage." A stage worker poked her head into the room.
"Guess that's my cue," she told the purple haired teen. Standing up, she smiled at her pure dark type and recalled him into the device. Clipping it back to her belt, she turned and made her way out into the corridor. Her mind filled up with the image of Drew but shaking her head, she forced her focus on Harley.
While she hated to admit it, he certainly had a massive style and mastered it. Each of his Pokémon seemed to incorporate the creepy and eerie atmosphere with their combinations only amplifying it. Not even Serena seemed to have a style in which she mastered, switching between them depending on her performance and the Pokémon being used. While she wants nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his face, it won't be easy.
Following the worker through the backstage corridors, she tightened her fist... she'll be sure to give it one hell of a try.
Serena smiled as she watched the boy with a Spinda do a sort of spinning dance. She hated to be critical but given the large number of competitors today, a simplistic appeals round isn't likely to put him through, but she could certainly see them both enjoying it.
Glancing down to her lap, May's grass poison type sat comfortably with sparkling wide eyes... although she's sure that's from the stage lights.
"So how do you like the appeals performance's, Bulbasaur?" she asked through her ESP.
"They're amazing," she replied, "I never knew Pokémon could use moves like this. Father tried to teach me, but he was only interested in combat scenario's."
"Well, there is a battle round too," she explained, "but it's more focused on showing off then actual fighting."
"Really?" she asked.
"Do you think you might enjoy that sort of thing?" she asked.
"I don't know, maybe," she mentally shrugged, "it might be because of how my dad was but regular battling just seemed... boring."
"You sound just like May did when we first met her." She chuckled. "It's funny actually. After a while, both Pokémon and trainer start to take after one another but it seems you two are already well on the way."
"Is that a bad thing?" she asked.
"No Bulbasaur," she replied, "it's-"
"Now help me welcome our next budding coordinator to the appeals stage, she's already made a name for herself by winning three ribbons throughout the Hoenn region!" Vivian cut her off. "From Petalburg city it's May Maple!"
She cut off their mental connection to focus on the stage. A single spotlight followed the brunette as she ran onto the stage with two Pokéballs in hand, leaping to the centre she spun and released her two Pokémon. Landing on one knee, she had both Beautifly and Spoink appear next to her.
"Orbital powder!" May announced.
Beautifly took off with Spoink bouncing forward. Releasing a golden powder over the stage, her bug flying type seemed to sparkle under the stage lights.
A wave of ESP escaped her pure psychic type and trapped the sun spore. Creating a ring of the powder, it spun around bounce Pokémon.
Her first caught Pokémon swooped down over the stage and under the ring. Using a swift string shot to attach to his back, she held the unevolved Pokémon close and took off with him in tow. The golden ring orbiting around both of them as they flew around the stage.
After performing an aerial dance, they rocketed up and sent the ring flying. A multicoloured beam of ESP followed and struck the paralyzing move.
The combination erupted with a golden rainbow raining down over the two performers. May smiled as she held her arms up for the roar of applause.
"Now show them some sharp shooting." She beamed.
Rapid fire, Spoink sent multiple shadow balls out all over the stage. Seemingly no rhyme or pattern to the ghost types projectiles.
Extending her proboscis, a slim string shot fire out. One by one she used the string bullet to pierce the shadow balls and implode them over the stage.
"And finish with Psy-Buzz!" She announced.
Inwardly smiling as the display got underway, she remembered the conversation about using unique combination names. It gives an air of professionalism and would certainly be noticed by the judging panel. Even if she's got stiff competition this time around due to the number of competitors, she's doing a great job of combining her two Pokémon, who seem to be working very well together.
Swirling above the stage, waves of green bug type energy radiated out from them. With the duo shinning bright at the centre.
Pink, blue and purple were soon added in, creating the image of one of those abstract pieces of art as the self-covering silver wind took on more of a star image. Holding her hand up to the display, both Pokémon lowered down, taking the display with them.
Spoink hopped off Beautifly's grip, performing a back flip and landing to May's left side as Beautifly hovered over her right side. The trio bowed to the crowd.
Thunderous applause shook the room as she moved to add in her show of support. Glancing down to the Pokémon on her lap, she got an idea and stood up with a weak pulse of ESP to help keep her steady whilst stabilising her stance. As she turned to leave, her boyfriend looked towards her.
"Where you going?" Ash asked.
"Gonna see if we can see May," she whispered, "we'll be back for the battle round."
Making her way out of the main seating area, she felt the cool corridor air hit her skin. It's hard to forget in the moment but those performance halls, whether on stage or in the audience can get incredibly warm. Making her way down to the lobby, she tried to connect her thoughts with the brunette but couldn't.
"So, whose that guy?" Bulbasaur asked, looking up to her, "the creepy one whose been watching May practise?"
"His name is Harley," she sighed, setting the grass poison type down on the floor, "May competed against him in another contest and he's good... but he also pulled a pretty nasty trick on her. I don't think it really made a difference to the outcome in that contest, but it wasn't nice."
"Is he trying to pull the same trick here?" she asked.
"He's trying something," she sighed, squatting down to look the seed Pokémon in the eye, "but I'm not entirely sure what. Originally, he tried to trick May into thinking something about a Pokémon's style when I've got the same species and we know they don't battle like that. Then she noticed him being nearby whenever they tried practising, so she made a big deal of switching around pairs every time and even re-picked her Pokémon for today's contest."
"So, what about last night?" she asked.
"We were just throwing him off one last time," she replied, "if he's gonna cheat then we'll do what we can to disrupt him."
"He doesn't sound nice," she muttered.
"No... he doesn't," she sighed, "May's had it pretty hard with rivals thinking about it."
"What do you mean?" Bulbasaur asked.
"Well... both myself and Ash have had our fair share of rivals, and some were, let's say sharp," she explained, "but we also had some who were friends first or even mentors for us. But Drew... Harley... she just seems to get one after another who-"
"Is it bad for her?" she asked.
"In a way, yes, because those rivals always seem to get under your skin. Make you start questioning everything." She paused. "But they also tend to be the most rewarding opponents to face. From Miette to Amelia, I know I got more from our rivalries than the others."
The conversation died as the two just stared at each other. Glancing around, the eerie silence blew through the lobby as her eyes darted around to avoid looking the grass poison type directly in the eye. She slowly started chewing her inner cheek.
"Is May not coming?" she asked.
"She's probably just busy," she replied, "contests can be very demanding and maybe Beautifly or Spoink need to talk after their performance... or one of the Pokémon she's using in the battle round might need to talk. It's nothing to worry about and we'll be sure to see her later."
"Alright." Bulbasaur sighed.
Feeling sorry for the grass poison type, she knew the brunette's been far more introverted since the revelation. While she knows she's deliberately ignoring her mental communication, she can't help but think it's more because of not wanting to see Serena herself more than Bulbasaur. Subconsciously stroking the seed Pokémon's head, the television planted over the main desk drew her attention, with the host stood centre stage.
"Sorry about the wait everyone but our judges have finally decided which of our coordinators will be moving onto the top four to battle it out for our elegant Verdanturf ribbon, and they are!" Vivian gesture up to the screen above her.
The first image to appear was Harley and she could only imagine the size of his head. Even if revealed in no-particular order, some don't hear that point. The second image appeared to be a girl around May's age with long blonde hair, not to different to how her's use to be. May's image was next with an older women, closer to twenty with long, straight, dark-brown hair taking up the final spot.
"And there you have it!" Vivian announced, "our final four are, Harley Hayden, Lisa Robinson, May Maple and Alexa Miles! Now let's see how our top four battles shall be facing each other!"
Happy her friend made it, she doubled down to make it back to the audience before seeing the battle match ups. While happy for her friend, a lingering thought has been eating away at the back of her mind for the last few days. Making it back to the seat, she placed May's seed Pokémon back on her seat and glanced around. Both Max and Brock were a couple rows down since they couldn't get four seats together. Smiling, she took the opportunity to place herself down on his lap, ekansing her arms around him.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"What about?" he asked, running his hand down her cheek, and putting a strand of hair behind her ear.
"That your surprise for after the showcase ball got ruined," she added, nuzzling closer into his embrace, "I really would've liked a romantic, star-light boat ride with you."
"May was hurt and you had to support her," he whispered, "and besides, it was your birthday surprise so I'm the one who should be sorry. Not you."
"Why didn't I try to cut it off with Drew before May got this involved?" she asked.
"Because it was May's choice," he shrugged.
"But-"
Her words muffled as his lips connected to hers. Savouring the buttery contact, she couldn't help but giggle as she tasted the burger which he ate during the appeals round. The thought of them sharing food like the Vulpix and Growlithe in Lady and the Tramp film is something which has crossed her mind, but she never had the chance to make it a reality. Slowly pulling back, she smiled widely and rested her forehead against his.
"You never liked Miette or even Leaf getting involved with... us... before we became... well us, right?" he asked.
"I guess not," she sighed.
"So, May probably wouldn't have either," he replied, "everyone is free to make their own mistakes and not letting them make those mistakes is cruel. Failure i the greatest teacher their is."
"Alright mister, who are you and what did you do with Ash Ketchum?" she asked.
"I got that one from Torkoal," he chuckled, "Metang lost control after... well after a pretty intense training session and once we calmed him down... he was just really upset that he lost control again."
"You're really struggling with that whole thing, huh?" she asked.
"Ups and down," he shrugged, "it actually took a lot more effort for Torkoal to push him that far, so he is improving."
"With your help I'm sure he'll get there," she smiled.
Leaning in to peck his lips a couple more times, before they could really deepen the shows of affection, the lighting changed and caused her to pull back. She turned to the stage and found the female MC stood in the centre of the field with a microphone in hand.
"Now help us welcome the competitors to the first battle of today's Lilycove contest!" Vivian announced. "On the left is Harley and on the right Lisa!"
She glanced down to the stage and noticed the two trainers walking out, with the teen-in-green waving directly to the crowd, even blowing some air kisses to them. Rolling her eyes, she wiggled slightly to get comfier on his lap and placed one hand on Ash's check, directing her lips into his.
"We've got a few minutes to kill until May's battle," she sent the mental message to him.
May stood at the bottom of the stairs as she watched the first battle. From the limiting angel, she couldn't see the full battle or even the result screen, but she had a clear view of the smug green in teen, who stood on the far side of the field. She noticed his two Pokémon being a Shuppet and Zangoose.
"And Lisa's points have been completely depleted!" Vivian announced. "Meaning our first finalist is none other than Harley Hayden! We'll take a couple minutes to restore the field before continuing with the second top-four battle to see who'll be facing him in today's competition!"
She frowned as the boy walked over to his opponents side of the field, giving her a friendly handshake. Both of his Pokémon by his side. After the brief interaction, he made his way down to the exit where she stood. Frowning, she picked this one specifically to avoid him from interacting.
"Hey Hun!" He greeted as she forced a smile onto her face. "Hope you make it through too."
"Same." She clenched her jaw. "You did a great job."
"Oh, you're too sweet, May-kins," he gushed, "it was all down to these two little dolls, really."
She cast a glance over the two Pokémon, and she couldn't help but notice the eye of his Zangoose twitch in anger. It was certainly weird seeing one who seemed to have more of the personality of Ash's Seviper but guess that's just what's she familiar too and every Pokémon is different.
"So, what about you, hun?" he asked, snapping her back to reality. "Your appeals performance was fabuloso. I remember seeing that lil bulba of yours and I thought for sure you'd use that little cutie pie."
"It was the plan but last night she got stage fright," she lied, "so I was able to switch last minute. But we passed through so-"
"Well, I hope the little doll will be alright," he replied.
"And now folks, it's time we move onto the second top four battle for today's contest!" Vivian announced, "both of these coordinators are well known in the circuit, going for their fourth and third ribbon respectfully! First from Petalburg city we have May Maple! And from Slateport city we have Alexa Miles!"
Making her way up the stairs and away from the teen in green, she stepped out onto the field. Her eyes narrowed across the field as she saw the smug, older coordinator stood. One arm crossed over her chest and her opposing elbow resting on her hand, which raised up to rest her head. Seeing the obvious wealth this coordinator has only reminded her of a certain boy whose father owned a particular freight company.
"This will be a two-on-two double contest battle between May and Alexa!" Vivian explained, "for those of you who don't already know, a contest battle is one where the aim is to show off your own Pokémon whilst battling! Our judges will be removing points as applicable until either side hits zero! Of course, they could also win through running out the five-minute time limit, in which case the coordinator with the most points remaining shall win or if either side has both Pokémon declared unable to continue! So, let's see who'll be battling! A quick reminder that each coordinator registered their selected Pokémon beforehand and are now unable to switch!"
Taking a deep breath, she reached to her belt and took out two devices. Gripping them tightly in her hands, she noticed the female opponent take out two devices herself. With a deep breath, she extended both arms in front of her, one Pokéball in each.
"Mightyena and Mawile!" She pressed both centre buttons, letting the two Pokémon out at once. Both materialised on the field, with Mawile performing a spin before curtsying to their opponent. While her pure dark type crouched low. His claws scrapped the floor and teeth flared as he growled, "take the stage!"
"An interesting choice combination from May as the two Pokémon seem complete opposites in terms of personality," Vivian announced. "Of course, we've seen both of these compete with May and both work to win her a ribbon but never in the same contest, so it'll be interesting to see what they have in store. Now it's time for her opponent to show off her choice of Pokémon!"
"My precious Greeny and Dot, please grace us!" She announced, holding her two devices out. Two lights shot out and she couldn't be sure she's seen either of her Pokémon before. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned the first one to materialise:
Kecleon, The Colour Swap Pokémon. Kecleon alters its body coloration to blend in with its surroundings, allowing it to sneak up on its prey unnoticed. Then it lashes out with its long, stretchy tongue to instantly ensnare the unsuspecting target
This Pokémon in question was bipedal and seemed to have reptilian qualities over the pale green body. On either side of their head were yellow frills, which were connected by lines to the yellow lips and rings around the eyes. With small ridges on the shoulders, and a red zigzag stripe around their midsection. The hands and feet had three short digits each, and even seemed to have yellow soles. While there was a long skinny tail behind, curled up in a spiral.
Her attention glanced over to the smaller of the two opponents. This time a small, bipedal Pokémon covered in blue fur. Their head was spherical with ear-like, fingerless arms on either side and a bulbous growth on the forehead. With a wide mouth with a serrated upper jaw and a pink tongue. The eyes appeared closed, each curving upward to a point in the centre. The fur over their body ended in a zigzag pattern, extending over the short legs. A long, black tail stuck out behind with a rounded, flattened tip with a white, eye-like spot. She used her Pokédex once more:
Wynaut, The Bright Pokémon. The baby pre-evolution of Wobbuffet. Wynaut can always be seen with a big, happy smile on its face. Look at its tail to determine if it is angry. When angered, this Pokémon will be slapping the ground with its tail
As she put the device away, she narrowed her eyes. Kecleon's head kept turning in stiff, twitchy movements while Wynaut stood with a smile on their face, and the tail completely still. She couldn't help but feel like these two weren't exactly battle ready, not giving off the fierce impression.
"May has got her Mightyena and Mawile while Alexa has gone with Kecleon and Wynaut! Type wise, May has a slight advantage but only time will tell!" Vivian announced. "Five minutes on the clock and with that, let's get down to see who'll join Harley in the final battle!"
May verses Alexa Miles: Top Four
May narrowed her eyes as her dark type lept forward to the colour swap Pokémon. Kecleon seemed to disappear into thin air as he turned and ran away from her canine, but he started sniffing the ground. Not even needing to be told how he could track their sneaky opponent.
Mawile spun forward to the second opponent. Stopping just in front of them, she winked, and several hearts went flying towards Wynaut.
The hearts swirled around the pure psychic, who stood with the smiley face. Despite making direct contact, the bright Pokémon seemed unaffected.
"Guess attracts not gonna work this time, Mawile," she informed.
Dropping her head slightly, the steel fairy type quickly shook herself back into the fight. Her head shimmered in a silver colour and charged forward.
A red outline surrounded the pure psychic type. Smashing into their opponent, she was quickly blown back. Rolling across the floor from the blow, she shook her head and pushed herself up. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned the move:
Counter: The user returns any physical blows back with twice the power
Glancing up, she noticed several white balls tinted with rock type energy flying into Wynaut. A more pink outline surrounded the bright Pokémon.
Mirror Coat: The user returns any special blow back with twice the power
The ancient power rebound off in different directions. Some hit Mightyena's back and sent him flying, allowing Kecleon to disappear once more.
While others struck Mawile. She tensed up and blocked her face from the blow. She smiled seeing the minimum effect it seemed to have. She knew the steel type was a difficult one to counter but seeing it in action made her thankful for the decision to use her.
A long tongue shot out and hit Wynaut head on, who glew red. It bounced off and shot to Mawile, wrapping around the steel fairy type, who trembled.
With a massive pull, she was brought flying over the field. Smashing straight into Mightyena's back and her two Pokémon ended up in a pile.
"Mightyena! Mawile!" She cried out. "Jump rope!"
Pulling herself out of the tongue, she quickly moved away from the admitted disgusting appendage. While it tried to retract, her bite Pokémon stomped his paw down to prevent it. She gagged slightly as Mightyena picked the tongue up by biting into it and spinning his head.
When she said jump rope, she more imagined Mawile performing this part of the combination. Using the tongue as a long skipping rope.
Casting a glance to Wynaut, she stood slamming her tail rapidly but not moving otherwise. She briefly wondered what she was waiting for but ignored it.
Her steel fairy type started jumping around the rope, performing different poses. The score board showed Alexa's points dropping but she also lost a good chunk already. Seeing the colour swap Pokémon fail to break free, an idea came to mind.
"Pulling Play rough!" she shouted.
With a mighty tug, Mightyena pulled the normal type from his stance. Kecleon went flying towards Mawile without any control, while she glew pink.
The duo collided and a cloud of dust surrounded both of them. She watched with bated breath until the dust settled. Mawile stood on top of Kecleon.
"And Alexa's first Pokémon has been knocked out!" Vivian announced, with the buzzer sounding across the stage. She caught sight of a chunk of her points being removed. "With just under three minutes remaining, we'll need to see if she can make a comeback or if May will be moving onto the final!"
Her two Pokémon moved to each other's side and seemed to check on each other. Giving a nod each, they turned to their remaining opponent.
Wynaut stood in her original spot, with her regular smiley face. Although her tail continued to aggressively slam the stage floor.
Mightyena ran forward and Mawile performed a small dance. Smashing into the psychic type, who glew with a red outline.
Her dark type was sent to the side, rolling on the floor. Striking a pose, Mawile sent a wind tinted with fairy type energy across the stage.
A pink outline surrounded the bright Pokémon. Holding up against the force, the wind shot off to the side and struck Mightyena head on.
"She can repel any move... but can only do it one at a time..." she muttered.
Shaking his body, her pure dark type struggled to his feet and moved to Mawile's side. The two Pokémon seemed discuss something and looked to her for approval. Having guessed what they were discussing, she gave a nod and crossed her fingers behind her back.
Her steel fairy type charged forward, a pink outline surrounding her body. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw the red outline around Wynaut.
"Now!" she hollered.
Leaping over head, she completed avoided the psychic type. A purple ball of ghost type energy curtsy of her Mightyena followed through, hitting the opponent.
She didn't have chance use mirror coat and ended up being blown backwards into Mawile. With her counter cancelled from the blow, her deceiver Pokémon delivered the play rough as the dust cloud surrounded them once more. Once she finished, the buzzer sounded across the stadium and lights turned on.
"Both of Alexa's Pokémon are unable to battle!" Vivian announced walking onto the stage. Her two Pokémon moved over to her side. "Which means our final match up will take place after this short intermission between Harley and May so stay tuned!"
As she walked down the staircase, she found the teen in green waiting for her. His eyes narrowed and arms crossed as his foot tapped impatiently. Rolling her eyes, she continued forward and walked past but she barely took a step before a hand landed on her shoulder and forced her to face him.
"What do you think you're playing at?!" He raised his voice.
"Being a coordinator." She smirked. "You might want to try it some time."
"Why you little-" He mumbled. "Just what's gotten into you?!"
"You did," she raised her voice. "I knew from our first encounter in Lilycove you were up to no good. My friend has a Zangoose herself, so I knew how they fought but you tried to trick me again! Just like in Verdanturf."
"You're the one who tricked me by pretending to use Pokémon you weren't!" He shouted.
"Only because you was watching our training!" She stomped her foot down. "You've got no right to see who I'm using or not using!"
"Nothing in the rules says I can't and if you train in a public battlefield what're you gonna do?" he crossed his arms, turning to the side.
"I've had enough of you and your tricks!" She cut him off. "I just learnt not to trust the bad guy."
"Why I outta-"
"And we're back!" Vivian announced as both turned to the stage. "Now help me welcome our two finalists for today's Lilycove contest!"
As the crowd erupted in applause, she purposely started making her way up the steps to the stage with Harley walking beside her. She could feel his anger still radiating off him. Inwardly smirking, she made her way over to the far side of the field.
"Just like before, this final will be a two-on-two contest battle between Harley and May!" Vivian announced, "we'll have five minutes on the clock, and welcome our coordinators to reveal their pair of Pokémon for the final round!"
"Grace the crowd with your presence Shuppet and Zangoose!" Harley announced, tossing his two devices into the air.
On one of his sides the pure ghost type which she recognized as her brother's newest team member but bigger, floating back and forth with an almost hypnotic stare into her eyes. While Zangoose stood beside, snarling and slashing his claws against each other.
"Take the stage, Mightyena and Mawile!" she hollered, holding her own devices out.
Her pure dark type ended up on the side of Zangoose and crouched low, preparing to pounce. His fangs flared slightly as he let out a low growl. While Mawile spun on the spot and curtsied towards them... Shuppet replied by sticking his tongue out in a taunting manner. Tightening her fist, she felt the anger from the last few days bubble over and while Harley might not have caused most of it... he'll regret getting in her way now.
"It's time to get this battle of student and mentor underway for today's Lilycove contest!" Vivian announced, "so with five minutes on the clock, let's begin!"
May verses Harley: Final
She smiled as her bite Pokémon charged forward. Meeting the pure normal type just over on their half of the field, he used his paws, teeth, and tail in swift flurry of strikes as the cat ferret Pokémon stumbled back on the defence.
After specialised battles against Serena's Zangoose, they had this down. He was ready for any moves the normal type might pull out.
Blues balls of fire rained down over the stage as her Mawile danced around. The pure ghost type hovered overhead, trying to land the status move.
A pink outline surrounded her, and she smiled, remembering the help from Serena's Sylveon. Waves of pink fairy type energy radiated out from her.
The stage was coloured pink with a mystic haze around all Pokémon. Despite taking a will-o-wisp to the face, Mawile walked through it completely fine.
"Alright you two! Take 'em out one at a time!" Harley stomped his foot down.
Smirking, her eyes caught sight of Mightyena's, and she gave a subtle nod. He stood back and didn't try to stop Zangoose, who ran over to Mawile.
Both of Harley's Pokémon closed in on her steel fairy type, who twirled on the spot. Multiple hearts flew out and struck both of them. Each had hearts replace their eyes and stop in their tracks. A massive smile broke out over her face as the two opponents gushed over her deceiver Pokémon.
"Snap out of it you two!" Harley cried, jumping on the spot.
"And it seems May's Mawile has infatuated her two opponents!" Vivian announced. "One has to wonder how Harley plans to deal with this as his points seep away!"
"Ma Mawile!" Her tone and expression told May all she needed to know about what was said.
Zangoose's eyes twitched, and he turned up to the ghost type. With a nasty sneer, he lept at his parter. Fire balls effortlessly hit his chest but to no-avail.
Rearing his claw back, he sliced it down with ghost type energy consuming it. Knocking the pure ghost type down. Directly into Mightyena's mouth.
Biting down hard on the ghost type, he shook his head back and forth. Letting go, the ghost went flying but he pounced after. Copying the movements once more, he sent the ghost flying in another direction and he landed on the stage with swirls replacing his eyes. A loud buzzer echoed around them.
"And Harley's first Pokémon is deemed unable to battle!" Vivian announced. "It seems like he's been pushed into a corner but what has he got to change it?!"
She smirked as her two Pokémon returned to her front. While Zangoose continued to make googly eyes towards her steel fairy type.
Her eyes glanced from the score board down to see the teen-in-green's eyes light up, "close your eyes! Sense it! You know there's a Seviper nearby and it's preparing for attack! Just listen to my voice and I'll guide you!"
The normal types nose twitched and with a deep breath closed his eyes. Harley continued to call out directions, describing Mightyena's location.
His cat ferret Pokémon charged forward; claws reared back. Swiping them down, her dark type lept up and out of the way.
She tightened her fist as the teamwork took a good chunk of her points. Mightyena continued to avoid his strikes but was forced to react in the situation.
"Knight in shining armor!" She cried.
Mightyena landed on the floor and quickly dug a hole to escape the normal types assault. Spinning on a heel, he turned around, having caught onto the scent of her bite Pokémon. Cracks appeared on the ground, and he shot up in front of Mawile, who jumped onto his back.
Her duo stood in front of the normal type, who charged forward on all fours. The glint in Mightyena's eyes told her all she needed to know.
He took off with a stride of his own. Each of the fierce fighters closed in and with his last step, he pounced high into the air. Mawile jumped off his back and he landed directly behind Harley's remaining partner. His tail shimmered in metal and smashed into his back, knocking him down.
Twirling before landing, his fangs flared with electricity. Biting down hard on the nearby arm, he pulled their opponent back before he could respond.
From above her deceiver Pokémon fell. Her body shimmered in a silver metal colour with a red outline. The play-rough-iron-head combo in full effect.
Crashing onto the only remaining Pokémon, she made several powerful blows. Each one causing members of the audience to grimace.
As her dark type Pokémon let go of his grip, Harley's partner fell forward. Her two Pokémon stood over the downed normal type with the buzzer sounding.
"And with both his Pokémon unable to battle, the victors of the round are May, Mightyena and Mawile!" Vivian announced. "Now stay tuned folks as we prepare for the ribbon awarding ceremony!"
Serena smiled as she walked alongside her friends. It was the morning after May's contest victory and now they were heading to the port. Glancing to the side, she lightly chuckled as the young coordinator marvelled at her ribbon case. The four victories sat in the palms of her hands. Despite knowing the pain from her breakup was still present, it was nice seeing a happier version of her friend.
Squeezing the hand which engulfed her own, she turned ahead to see Ash's Venusaur walking ahead with Max sat on his back. His own grass type sat in his lap while his two other Pokémon floated around in some sort of game of tag. While May's Bulbasaur walked alongside, the two Pokémon in the same evolutionary line conversing among themselves.
"What're they saying?" she asked.
"Bulbasaur's wondering what evolution is like," her boyfriend whispered as she leaned against his arm.
"I hope Venusaur isn't putting her off," she whispered, "I remember what his own evolution was like."
"No." Ash shook his head. "He might not be happy right now but he's encouraging her growth."
"Why isn't he happy anyway?" she asked, "I remember the argument you were having in the centre."
"We we're not having an argument." He denied.
"Only because Venusaur's too mature to scoop to that level," she giggled, "but what was it about?"
"Venusaur says something bad is gonna happen," he replied.
"Has he been talking to Absol?" she asked.
"Not that I know off," he replied, "but he said usually when he comes over and we don't have a league or something. Then the bad stuff happens. Like at Alto Mare."
"He might have a point," she giggled, "we do tend to get into trouble more often than not."
"Not you too," he groaned, dropping his head.
Pecking his cheek, she let the conversation move on as they closed into the port. Once close enough, they were sure to return the Pokémon to prevent an issue when boarding. Walking around the dock for the ferry which went direct to Mossdeep, she stopped when a familiar sight caught her eye.
Stood at the back of the cue was a familiar orange haired girl a couple years older than herself. She wore a white, sleeveless shirt with an obvious sports bra underneath which stood out due to the orange colour over white top. Much like Serena's own outfit, her midriff was on display, and she had a pair of denim-jean shorts and trainers making up her lower half. Her hair had one ponyta-tail off to the side and an Azumarill stood by her side.
"Hey! Misty!"
Said girl turned in her direction and she smiled. It didn't take them long to meet up and join the cue since they were catching the same boat. As she took in the older girls new outfit, she smiled noticing the more feminine touches and improved style. She couldn't have been sure before but now she is certain that she had just as much influence over her friend as she had on herself.
"So, spill it, Mist," Ash replied.
"What'cha ya talking about?" she laughed nervously, turning to face the cue.
"You... Weather institute... Aqua..."
"I... can't talk about it," she whispered.
"But-"
"Seriously Ash, drop it." She clenched her teeth. "Even if I wanted too, I can't... but when it's over, I promise, I'll explain everything. But for now, I just need you to trust me."
Pinching her lips together, she studied her friends face before relaxing and giving her a softer look. "Okay Misty, we'll drop it."
"Thank you, Serena," she sighed.
"So, what're you doing going to Mossdeep?" she asked.
"Actually, it's the stop just after Mossdeep," she replied, "it goes through to Slateport and that's my destination."
The conversation moved onto a more general catch up as the line began boarding. It didn't take them long set foot on the boat and for them to leave the Lilycove port. During the boarding, May and Misty decided to share a room and they split up to unpack with plans to meet back up in a couple hours.
Making it into the room, she couldn't help but notice how small it was. Glancing around, it was half the size of the room at the Pokémon and with one wardrobe to match. Her eyes looked up to see two single beds with a small bedside table and draw in-between with a lamp on it.
"Guess we'll-"
"-just need to cuddle extra close," she cut him off with a whisper. Seeing his cheeks heat up, she giggled and extended her hand out. Releasing a wave of ESP, she lifted the middle table and pushed the two beds together. Smiling at the sight, she lowered the table back down. "There, much better."
"If I have too," he whispered back, ekansing his arms around her waist and pulling her close. Smiling at his still rosy, pink cheeks, they shared a couple slow kisses as her own arms moved up and rested on his shoulders.
"Now that I've got your attention." She smirked. "I think we need to limit this sort of thing."
"What do ya mean?" he asked, every cell in his face falling.
"I mean around May, silly," she giggled, "after what happened with Drew, I know I wouldn't be happy seeing another couple so-"
"I get it," he sighed, "but it'll just mean we make the most of it when we're alone."
"Hehehe," she giggled, "do you have any self-control mister?"
"Sure," he whispered, nibling on the skin in the crook of her neck, "unless it's with you."
"We've still got to meet up with our friends, remember." She sent out a weak pulse of psychic energy to force the show of affection to stop. "And just think, the longer you wait, the better it'll be."
She couldn't help but giggle at his reaction and started to set things out around the room. Casting a glance out of the window, she saw some Wingull flying over the water and off in the distance, a large blue Pokémon leaping out of the water. Her attention was drawn back into the room as a red light shot off her belt. Absol materialised in the middle of the room. Pulling her brow together, she kneeled down in front of him, connecting their minds once more.
"What's the matter?" she asked, having a clear connection than last time.
"The upcoming event... with the prince of the sea..." he explained, "it'll take place before we reach land once more?"
"Do you know anything else?" she asked.
"Opposing forces shall fight and tear the ship apart... dragon's in the midst of fighting shall light the sky on fire..." He paused. "And you'll see a whole new side of your... mate."
"If this is just another dig at Ash-" She grumbled.
"It isn't," he growled, "I might not like your chosen partner, but I wouldn't put our mission at risk like that... you asked what I saw and so I told you."
"Surely if it's this close you'll see more," she sighed.
"The future is in constant flux... free will overpowers destiny and so the more information we have, the more it'll change the future events," he replied, "its why I can't know exactly what's going to happen... or even when precisely."
"Right, sorry," she sighed, "it's just hard knowing something will happen but not when or where."
"Think of it like time is a book and we're simple readers," he replied, "when I look to the future, I flick through to a random page and read a paragraph. Without the context of what came before or after, it's impossible to see the entire picture. I'll keep searching but I can't give you anything more right now."
The world faded to black before the light resumed, revealing herself back in the cabin with her disaster Pokémon stood in front of her. Blinking rapidly, she noticed Ash walking in from the on-suite bathroom. He stopped in his tracks, glancing between herself and Absol.
"Everything alright?" he asked.
"Absol got another vision," she replied, standing up to greet him, "whatever's going to happen... will happen on the boat."
"...why did Venusaur have to be right?" he asked after a moments pause.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...