AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 33 Evergrande Conference Preliminary Rounds Pt 2
Steven stood before the monitor above the locker room he was in. He watches the current Preliminary Round Battle that was outside on the Battlefield.
He was impressed by all of the Battles he'd seen. There were a lot of skilled trainers who trained their Pokemon well,
Just seeing each Battle has made Steven excited for his Battle, "Yo, Steven!" Steven turns around, seeing Brawly walking over to him.
"Brawly, I just saw your Battle. I gotta say that was an intense Battle." Steven commented on his friend's match from one match ago.
The Sky-blue haired trainer grins, placing both his hands on his side. "Thanks bra, Mila was tough but nothing we can handle!" Brawly stated, including Machamp in his statement.
Steven chuckles before looking back at the match on the screen. "Who knew waiting for your match can be nerve wreaking," The young trainer commented on the wait for his match in the Preliminary.
Brawly looked at the current match on the screen, "Dude, don't worry. I'm sure after this match is going to be your match," The Fighting-type trainer commented, knowing it'll be Steven's turn.
"Still, the wait is making me anxious, Brawly," Steven commented,
"Hey, Stevie, you got nothing to worry about." The Sky-blue haired trainer stated, "You trained your butt off back at the Trainer School. If you asked me, you're already near Champion level."
Steven smirks, hearing his friend's comment. "Only if Wallace was here, then he'll say otherwise."
"You two do share some form of rivalry. Though not the traditional sense but still a rivalry." Brawly commented on their rivalry whenever they got into the moment.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Brawls." The Steel-blue haired trainer responded to his friend's comment.
"…What an amazing match! This has been the most exciting Conference we have had so far!" The Commentator announced, ready to call for the next trainers who are competing in the next Round.
Soon a Pokemon League Staff entered through the Stadium's Battlefield entrance. "Steven and Glen, you're up." She called out to the trainers next to Battle.
A young boy with light brown-haired trainer with his fringe covering his left eye stood near the locker. He wore a blue sweater jacket and blue shorts. He wore black leggings that reached below the knee cap and blue shoes. He walks over to the entrance of the Battlefield, nodding to Steven.
Steven nodded back and looks at Brawly, seeing the face whenever he is right. "Yeah…don't ever give me that smug look you're making again." He sighs,
Brawly shrugs, playing with his best friend. "I have no idea what you mean, Dude." He still retains the cocky expression on his face.
Steven gave a small laugh before heading to the Battlefield's entrance. He raised his hand to Brawly as he walks to the door,
Brawly raised his hand, high-fiving his friend as he leaves for the Battlefield, "Show them who's the best, Bro." He wished his friend the best of luck.
"I intend to," Steven smirks, walking over to the Battlefield. "See you in the Qualifying Rounds,"
"See you there too," Brawly chuckles,
At the audience Helena looks around her, waiting for the next match to unfold and for Flannery to return from the snack bar. "Where's Flannery with the food? It's been at least fifteen minutes since the previous match." Helena asked, feeling a bit hungry.
"I'm sure that Flannery was caught up with the long lines down there," Roxanne said, seeing many people leaving for the snack bar.
"Still, the next match will start soon," Helena stated, seeing the people who left their seats are returning from getting their snacks.
Kirila blinks, looking around at the people and other Pokemon in the audience. Then she noticed Flannery bringing over a bag of snacks for them. "Kirlia, Kirl." The Emotions Pokemon patted her trainer's arm, gaining her attention.,
Both Roxanne and Helena looked at where Kirlia was pointing to. "Flannery," Helena greeted her friend back.
"Yeah, yeah, I know but the line was so long." Flannery sat on her seat, handing out the snacks to her friends. "But I did get you both of your favorites,"
The red-haired girl gives a cookie with a single black square on it. "Lava Cookies for Roxy, and some Pokepuffs for Helena." Flannery handed each snack to her respected friend.
Helena receives her puffs, smiling at her red-haired friend. "Thank you, Flannery," She took out one piece of Pokepuffs and handed it to her Partner. "Here you are, Kirlia."
"Kirlia," The Duel-type happily grabs the Pokepuff, munching on it.
Helena giggled, watching her Pokemon eat the Pokepuff. She ponders, looking at the other two Pokeballs on her belt. "Mmm, I should probably buy some more Pokepuffs for everyone later," She said to herself.
Roxanne bites down her Lava Cookie, looking at her black-haired friend. "You should, I'm sure both Dratini and Hatenna will appreciate it." She then looks at Kirila, still munching on her Pokepuff, "Look at Kirlia for an example,"
"Thanks, Roxy." Helena smiles, appreciating her advice,
Flannery took a bite from her candy bar, "Say, I know we have a few more matches in the Preliminary Rounds. But did Steven finish his match when I was out at the snack bar?" She asked her two friends.
Helena shook her head, answering her question. "No, I believe that-"
"Thank you for waiting," The Commentator came back "We're at the Second to last match in the Preliminary Rounds." He announced,
"Our next match, a young man hailing from Rustboro City, Steven!" The Commentator introduced the Steel-blue haired boy, entering the Battlefield.
The girls saw that Steven had a change of clothes too. He wore a simple white button-down shirt with a purple necktie. Over it was a black denim jacket, a purple belt, black dress pants, and black shoes with purple soles. On his shoulder was the same band he wore as he did for the Gym Challenges, #376.
"Steven changed clothes too," Helena noticed the new set of clothes he was wearing. She then noticed the stock pin on the jacket, shining in the light. "Wait, is that-"
Flannery chuckles, turning to Helena with a smile. "If the guys changed their clothes, then we should do the same." The red-haired girl stated.
Roxanne chuckles, finding that idea fun to play with. "I'm down with shopping in Evergrande City later," The brunette said,
Helena nodded, feeling like it was time for a new sense of style. "Seems fun, plus I can shop for Pokepuffs for my Pokemon." She smiles, agreeing with the plan later.
"Coming from across the sea in the Kanto Region, Glen!" A light brown-haired trainer with his fringe covering his left eye entered from the other end of the Battlefield. He wore a blue sweater jacket and blue shorts. He wore black leggings that reached below the knee cap and blue shoes. He has a band on his shoulder with the number, #102.
The Referee stood on the stand and raised his hand, "Each trainer will use one Pokemon each," He announced. "The Battle will be over when either side's Pokemon is unable to Battle!"
Glen smirks, tossing his Pokeball in his hand. "Nidoking, prepare for Battle!" He tossed his Pokeball at the field, releasing a large purple bipedal Pokemon with a large horn on his forehead.
Nidoking roars, showing off his powerful cry and strength.
Steven held his Pokeball to the side, "Aggron, come on out!" He propels his arm, tossing his Pokeball onto the field.
The Pokeball released a large armored bipedal with two horns protruding from his head. "Aggron!" The Iron Armor Pokemon roars, ready to battle.
The Referee raised his hand, "Battle…" He swiftly lowers it, "Begin!"
Steven/ Aggron vs Glen/ Nidoking
(Insert Decisive Battle! Steven - Pokémon Masters EX)
Glen held out his hand, taking the first move. "Nidoking, start off with a Brick Break!" He cried out.
The Drill Pokemon roared, stomping over to Aggron as he pulls back his fist and took an orange hue.
"Aggron, defend with a Fire Punch!" Steven ordered his Partner.
"Agg!" The Iron Armor Pokemon pulls back his arm, igniting it with flames.
The Duel-type rushed at the charging Nidoking as both their Punches collided.
Both were propelled back to their trainers, Aggron shook off the Normal-type move as did Nidoking.
Steven looks at his Partner, "Aggron, you all right?"
Aggron eyed his trainer and nodded in response. "Aggron!"
The young trainer smirks, holding out his hand. "Then retaliate with Rock Tomb!"
Aggron cried as the field burst, revealing four huge rocks originating from the Battlefield. He motions his body, hurling them at the Poison/Ground-type Pokemon.
Glen knew that there was no way to dodge all of the Rocks without taking damage. "Use Iron Tail to knock them away!" He quickly responded.
Nidoking huffs as his tail took on a metallic coat. Once the Rock Tomb was at striking distance, The Duel-type turned around and slashed through the rocks.
Steven had a thought cross his mind, "Aggron, continue using Rock Tomb," He calmly stated.
"Agg?" Aggron confusingly asked before ultimately following his direction. The Duel-type continued using Rock Tomb, creating a bombardment of Rocks at Nidoking.
Back in the audience, many people were confused by the unique Battle style,
"What is Steven doing? Doesn't he know that Nidoking will just use Iron Tail to destroy those, Rocks?" Flannery questions her friend's strategery during his match.
Roxanne munched on her Lava Cookie, "I think Steven has something in plan," The brunette assumes that's what Steven was planning.
Helena watches as the Iron Armor continued to bombard Nidoking with Rock Tomb. Her eyes then saw how tired Nidoking was starting to look.
"I think I know what Steven's strategy is," Helena commented, seeing what Aggron was doing.
"Kirlia?" Kirlia looks up at Helena, curious about what she means.
Glen noticed that Nidoking was tired from using Iron Tail to deflect the Rock Tomb. "Stay strong, Nidoking!" He cried out to his Partner.
Steven smiles, seeing his strategy is working. "Aggron, go in with a Heavy Slam!" He quickly picked up to the opening.
"Aggron!" Aggron roars, a metallic aura engulfing his body.
The Duel-type rushed forward, straight for the Drill Pokemon.
"High Horsepower now!" Glen ordered his Pokemon, hoping with two strong attacks will deflect the full damage.
Nidoking roars, preparing to charge at the incoming Duel-type Pokemon. He lunged forward, leaving a trail of dust from where he stood.
Both Pokemon clashed with each other like the last time. As before, upon the collision, a dust cloud appeared.
The Rotom Drones circled the Battlefield, trying to get a clear image of the outcome. Soon the dust cloud subsided, revealing both Pokemon still standing.
"Alright, Nidoking!" Glen cheered, seeing his Pokemon standing on his feet. "Let's finish this Iron Tail!"
Nidoking roars, once again his tail took on a metallic coating and charges at Aggron.
"Grab Nidoking's tail, Aggron!"
"Aggron!" Nidoking turned his body, swinging his tail at Aggron. Aggron quickly grabs hold of his Iron Tail before swinging it around.
Aggron tossed Nidoking back on his side of the Battlefield. "Now that's what I'm talking about, Aggron!" Steven cheered, happy that his risky plan worked. "Now, let's keep it up by using Smart Strike!"
Aggron roars, his two horns glowing as they enlarge past his snout. "Aggron!" He stampeded, rushing at Nidoking.
"Nidoking, quick use Brick Break to stop Aggron!" Glen quickly retaliated against Aggron's attack.
Nidoking's fist glowed an orange hue and went for Aggron.
Aggron quickly dodges it before striking Nidoking in the chest. The blow was powerful, that it left Nidoking stunned,
"Nidoking!" Glen panicked, seeing that attack was able to render Nidoking disabled for a short time.
"Let's finish this, Aggron!" Steven held out his hand, seeing the window for victory. "Heavy Slam!" He smiles,
"Aggron!" Aggron's body took the metallic hue as before and grabs onto the Drill Pokemon. He tackled him to the ground.
Aggron got up, standing on top of his opponent.
The Referee approached the two Pokemon and saw Nidoking with spirals in his eyes. He raised his hand to Steven's side, "Nidoking is unable to Battle, the victor is Aggron!" He announced, (End Song)
The crowd cheered for the winner of the match.
Helena joined in with the cheering, ecstatic about Steven's victory. She saw Steven pump his fist in the air before leaping onto the Battlefield.
She watched as he ran over to Aggron who was also coming over to him. Helena giggled, seeing the happy face he was expressing.
"Steven is very excited, he even went on the field to hug Aggron," Roxanne commented,
Helena giggled, watching Steven and Aggron. "Yeah, it's cute." She smiles, seeing their happy faces and the widest smiles on his face.
Flannery raised an eyebrow, leaning next to her black-haired friend. "Ohoho? What is this now?"
Helena blinks, turning to her red-haired friend. Her cheeks flushed red, realizing what she just said. "O-Oh, I didn't mean it like that, Flannery. I meant to say that both Aggron and Steven are cute-"
"Oh? So you think that Steven is cute when he's with his Pokemon?" Flannery pushed further with her teasing.
"N-No, I'm just saying when he hugged Aggron-"
"So, it's when he does something unexpected?" Roxanne eyes the blushing trainer, hearing Flannery teasing her.
Helena slumps back, knowing that no matter what she says now that they'll just tease her more.
Kirlia sighs, sensing her trainer's embarrassment. "Kirlia,"
Helena grumbles, hearing both Flannery and Roxanne teasing her. Her Emerald eyes looked back at the Battlefield where Steven was waving at the crowds.
Steven blinks and turns at Helena in the audience.
Helena saw him looking her way, she watched him give her a bright smile. She couldn't help but smile in return,
"Another amazing Battle to witness in the Preliminary Rounds." The Commentator announced; everyone looked at the monitor, where Steven's photo moved up to the Qualifying Rounds. "This Battle has guaranteed Steven a spot in the Qualifying Rounds. He will be moving to the Preliminary Rounds."
Steven looks at the monitor above the audience, seeing his photo on the Qualifying Round. He then looked at Brawly's photo, seeing that he'll face him when the time comes. 'Only if you can see this, Wallace.'
Within the Champion's Tower, Wallace chuckles when he saw both his friends are on the Qualifying Round board. "Well, well, seems like I get to see both of them face each other in the Qualifying Rounds. Good job to the both of you,"
Later that night on the Hotel's dining floor, a celebration was held for both Brawly and Steven.
"Congratulations on making it to the Qualifying Rounds!" The girls congratulate the boys for their well deserve victories.
"You two did great! Your Battles were awesome to watch!" Flannery stated, excited for what comes next.
Helena nodded, agreeing with her red-haired friend. "Flannery's right, I have never seen an intense Battle before," She smiles at her friends. "It makes me wonder what else you two will bring in the Qualifying Rounds,"
"Thanks everyone," Steven smiles, stepping forward to answer Helena's question. "To answer your question, Helena. You have to wait and see," He placed his finger on his lip, telling her that it was a secret.
Helena giggled, finding Steven charming when he does that.
Everyone looked at each other before Brawly spoke. "Calm down, Prince Charming. We're still here, Dude." The sky-blue-haired trainer waves his hand at him.
Steven blushed, placing his hand over his mouth to hide his flushed cheeks.
Helena covered her mouth, trying to hold in her laughter. She took a deep breath before turning to the door, "I'll be back, I just need to get something I said I needed to do."
"Oh," Roxanne and Flannery knew what she was going on about. "I see, see you when you get back, Ellie." The brunette said, watching her leave the area.
"Uh…yeah, be careful." Steven coughs, now looking at Brawly and Flannery who's giving him a blank look. "What?"
After a few minutes, Helena returned with bags filled with baked goods. Everyone released their Pokemon who quickly gathered around her, including her own. They cried excitedly as Helena brought plates for everyone. "Okay, okay, just be patient please everyone." Helena giggled, placing the sweets on the ground.
Everyone watched as their Pokemon partake in the Pokepuffs that were given to them.
Helena smiles, walking over to her friends and sitting where their food was at. "Everyone must really like those Pokepuffs," She commented, sitting next to Brawly.
Brawly chuckles, leaning forward on the table. "Pokepuffs are really popular from what I heard about them, Dudette." The young Surfer said,
"Some would say people bake them to increase their bond with their Pokemon," Roxanne commented on the conversation.
Flannery took a bite of her food, looking at everyone. "Well considering that people make Pokepuffs, it's only natural that the Pokemon's friendship with people would increase," She added,
Steven looks at Helena, curious about something. "Helena, are you planning to bake some Pokepuffs on your own?" He asked the black-haired girl.
"Mmmm, well when I have some spare time, Steven." The former Witch responded to her friend, "It looks fun to make," Helena smiles.
Steven chuckles, seeing how a simple thing would bring Helena joy.
Suddenly, Helena's Rotom Phone went off, gaining her attention. "O-Oh, sorry everyone." Helena quickly picked up her Phone to prevent any more disturbance.
Helena quickly got up from her seat and went over to a private area. "Hello?" She answers her Rotom Phone.
"Helena! How are things at Evergrande City?" The former Witch's eyes widen, hearing a familiar voice.
"Hello, Professor. Everything is great, I'm having fun watching the matches at the conference. How're things at the school?" Helena answered Adam Ceder's question.
Adam chuckles from the other end of the line. "Things are good here, though I miss your involvement in my class." He honestly said, "Anyways, seems like you're doing good. Been practicing the Celestia Flute, Helena?"
Helena giggled, "Yes, I have. I'm getting good at it if I do say so myself." She answers before getting to her question. "Professor, why did you call me this late? I know it's no big deal but usually people-"
"Ah, I'm getting to that," Adam responded, clearing his throat. "Helena, you remember our conversation during Bond Week, right?" He asked, knowing she remembered their conversation.
"Yes…" Helena stood up, piquing her curiosity.
(Insert Akagami no Shirayukihime OST - CD 1 - 7 - Reconciliation: The Beginning of Two People)
Later that night, Helena sat on the balcony of their floor in her pink pajama wear; thinking of what the Professor told her. She looks at the lights of the City, contemplating to herself about the information she'd received.
"Helena?"
Helena was startled, she turned her head to the entrance. Steven was there standing in a simple white short sleeve shirt and navy blue shorts with sandals.
She noticed that Steven had a concerned expression on his face. "Are you all right, Helena? You didn't come back with the same expression before your Phone call." Steven asked, taking note prior to that evening.
"It's nothing to worry about Steven," Helena informed her friend, seeing he was genuinely worried about her. "Professor Ceder called and informed me of a research trip he's going on soon. It's a research trip of Pokemon and their Regional Forms,"
"Oh? I didn't expect the Professor to tell you-"
Helena smiles, "He asked me to be his Assistant/Protégé during the trip." She picked up where she left off.
Steven approached Helena, sitting down on the same bench as her. He smiled, seeing that this was a good opportunity for her to achieve her goals. "That's great news, Helena. You can finally do your research on Pokemon's extinct forms." He said, truly excited for her.
He smiles, "I take it the trip be when we get back to the school."
"Actually, the research trip is right after the Evergrande Conference." The former Witch informed the Steel-blue haired boy. "Professor Ceder will be taking a ferry to Evergrande City where we'll be taking a plane to the Kanto Region and onwards."
The young trainer blinks, looking at Helena at the information he was given. "So you won't be going back with us then?" Steven asked, getting a bit anxious about this. "H-How long?"
Helena nodded, looking up at Steven. "C-Considering that the trip is every Region…it'll take probably a few months or years depending on the research." She answered the young trainer.
"I really do want to go with Professor Ceder, I want to become a Pokemon Researcher and learn all that I can about Pokemon." The black-haired trainer stated. "But I realize that I won't be able to see you guys for a long time."
Steven remained silent; he knew that Helena's passion is to become a Researcher since the day at Professor Birch's lab. He knew that she might partake in research trips at some point, usually, the trips that Professor Ceder goes on will take a month.
But that was in the Hoenn Region, this is the Regions outside of Hoenn.
Somewhere within Steven wants Helena to refuse to go on that trip. He quite enjoys spending time with her, and he tressure his friendship with her. For her to be gone for that long…
Steven shook his head, he knew that making a selfish request like that would ruin that bond. He doesn't want that, especially when he's starting to real-
The Steel-blue haired boy took a deep breath and looked at Helena. "I think you should go on that trip Helena," Steven said,
"W-What?" Helena looks at Steven, seeing a glimpse of hurt in his eyes. "Steven,"
"This will be good for you," Steven stated, looking at the Pokemon League just a block away. "Both me and Brawly are achieving our dreams of competing in the Pokemon League where one of us could be Champion. Wallace is off performing in Contests wherever he's at, Flannery is thinking about whether or not to challenge the Battle Frontier, and Roxanne is most likely going back to school under the Headmaster's wing to become a teacher."
Steven looks back at Helena, "Everyone should be able to achieve their dreams, Helena. This applies to you too," He explains, wanting her to achieve her own dreams.
Helena smiles, and a teardrop fell from her eyes.
In a flash, Helena hugged Steven which caught him off guard.
Steven blushed furiously; his arms raised just above her. "H-He-"
"Thank you, I needed that, Steven." Helena smiles, appreciating his advice on her little conflict.
The young trainer blinks before smiling softly, he slowly lowers his arms and returns to her embrace. Both were embracing each other under the starry sky,
"You're welcome…Ellie," Steven said, feeling Helena let go of his body.
Helena smiles, looking at him. "That's the first time you called me by my nickname,"
Steven placed his hand on the nape of his neck. "R-Really? I thought I called you that sometimes at school," he said to her.
"Not really, you just called me by my full name," Helena stated, smiling at the sound of him calling her by that nickname. "I kinda like it,"
Steven chuckles, leaning back on the bench. "Then you probably might call me Stevie like everyone else." He commented.
Helena looks up, pondering that name. "Mmmm…maybe or maybe I might just call you little Stevie." She gave a mischievous look at the young trainer,
Steven's eyes widened, and his cheeks were blushing once again. "D-Did Mother tell you that when we're at Sootoplis City?" He asked a bit loudly,
"We talked a bit, getting to know each other better." The black-haired girl explains, remembering their conversation at Juan's manor.
The Steel-blue haired boy sat there in silence before laughing at the embarrassment. Helena joined in; both were laughing together at their teasing. (End song)
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.